OLTL Reaches Milestone of 10,000 Episodes!

PRESS RELEASE:

An Emmy nomination for Outstanding Drama Series, Mary J. Blige and Nelly Furtado, an execution of a major character and a successful four-day musical event are all part of the drama, achievement and acclaim for ABC’s “One Life to Live” in the past year. The Emmy Award-winning drama reaches a new milestone on FRIDAY, AUGUST 17, the airing of the 10,000th episode. Beloved characters will return to Llanview to celebrate the life of character Asa Buchanan. Returning favorites include Nathan Fillion (Joey Buchanan), Dan Gauthier (Kevin Buchanan), John Loprieno (Cord Roberts), Tonja Walker (Alex Olanov) and James DePaiva (Max Holden). To mark the occasion, the NYC Mayor's Office of Film, Theatre & Broadcasting will honor the show during an on-set celebration on TUESDAY, JULY 3. Additionally, as a special “wink” to the audience, the show will reference the number 10,000 in every episode between JULY 30 and AUGUST 10.

“10,000 shows is a remarkable achievement,” said executive producer Frank Valentini, who started at “One Life to Live” in 1985 with episode 4209. “I am extremely proud to be part of a show that has been able to make such an enduring mark on popular culture.”

Agnes Nixon created “One Life to Live,” which premiered on July 15, 1968, as a half-hour show. The show has been lauded for its groundbreaking exploration of social issues, award-winning performances and innovative storylines. Along with the history-making live week in 2002, “One Life to Live” is responsible for many “firsts” in daytime television, including themes of interracial romance and gang violence, as well as problems of literacy, medical misdiagnosis, lupus and racial prejudice.

“With immense pride, I congratulate all of the talented and dedicated people over many years who are responsible for the heartwarming success of ‘One Life to Live,’” said Agnes Nixon.

Most recently “One Life to Live” produced another “first,” “Prom Night: The Musical.” The four-day musical event featured the high drama of a high school prom with a score of original songs assembled by executive producer Frank Valentini and music director Paul Glass. The stylized production included musical performances and dance numbers, and told the star-crossed love story of Starr (Kristen Alderson) and Cole (Brandon Buddy). With the success of “Prom Night: the Musical,” “One Life to Live” continues to forge its unique path in ABC’s daytime lineup as a music-focused show, having hosted an impressive list of performers including Nelly Furtado, Mary J. Blige, Jeannie Ortega, Lifehouse, Tito Puente Jr., Simply Red, Chris Botti and Erykah Badu.

Additional accomplishments include mass critical acclaim for its 1992 homophobia storyline, which captured national headlines when it introduced the character of a gay teen and culminated with the emotional display of the Names Project AIDS Memorial Quilt. In 1994 the show received equally high praise and garnered four Daytime Emmy Awards -- including one for Best Writing -- for its riveting fraternity gang rape storyline. “One Life to Live” won four Emmys again in 2000, including awards for costume design and music direction, and in 2001 it was the recipient of two Emmy Awards. Viki’s breast cancer storyline was honored with the 2000 CDC Sentinel for Health Award.

Casting News!

• Eden Riegel (Bianca Montgomery, All My Children) will be returning to the show for one day at the end of the summer, but she won't be in Pine Valley. Bianca and Kendall will be having a phone conversation, with Kendall in Pine Valley and Bianca in Paris. Her scenes are scheduled to air August 18.
• Actor, comedian and musician Alan Thicke returns to The Bold and the Beautiful reprising his role as talk-show host Rich Ginger on Monday, August 6.
• Pop/R&B singer Lil’ Keesha comes to The Bold and the Beautiful playing a Boldface Records artist and performs her new single “Heaven Knows.” Her airdate is scheduled for July 30, 2007.
• Paul Fitzgerald returns to Guiding Light as Colin to help Reva through a difficult time on Friday, June 29.

Chatting With Jason Priestley

While my print article won't appear until July 20, I just had to share some of my interview with actor Jason Priestley (of 90210 fame, of course). I got off the phone with him literally an hour ago and am still so excited, I just had to share it with you all.

Jason is co-starring in a new dramedy from Lifetime Television called Side Order of Life. I saw the pilot episode last night, and I can tell you that this one is a winner. It was so good. It had everything: humor, pathos, drama, quirkiness -- everything you could ask for in a television show.

Plus, it has friggin' Brandon Walsh!

I asked him how he felt, with the renewed interest in Beverly Hills, 90210 since its DVD release, about the fact that some people will always see him as Brandon Walsh. Like, does he ever get tired of talking about 90210 and answering questions about it?

His response: "I guess a certain amount of people still see me as that. There is no way around that. It was one of those seminal television shows that people related to strongly. It was a big part of my career. So many of the good things in my career I owe to that show. You can't bite the hand that feeds you. You also have to be respectful of people. If someone loved the show, and loved watching you on that show, that is their opinion and you shouldn't take that away from them. 'You liked watching me on the show? Well, thank you!' You know?"

I was so impressed by his realistic and mature attitude about the show. So many actors try to forget what made them famous as they move on in their careers, and they forget where they came from. He knows that doesn't define him, and he came away with lifelong friends and great memories and experience.

Also, he was especially impressed with and happy about the fact that I had seen his movie, The Fourth Angel, where he stars alongside Jeremy Irons and Forest Whitaker. It was supposed to be released in the theatres shortly after 9/11, but because a plane gets hijacked in the beginning of the movie, of course, the studio didn't see it as appropriate to release. So, the movie kinda got swept under the rug. However, it is available on DVD. I rented it from Netflix. It really is an undiscovered gem, and ya'all should check it out. This is truly a departure from Brandon Walsh, that's for sure.

In the meantime, be sure to catch Side Order of Life on Lifetime Television. It premieres Sunday, July 15 at 8 p.m.

SPOILERS for B&B, Days, Passions and Y&R!

Tomorrow on The Bold and the Beautiful
Ridge confronts Rick about his "Other Woman" in front of Phoebe.

Next Week on Days of Our Lives
* Roman admits that he is attracted to Anna.
* Belle, Philip and Claire have a family day.
* Chelsea and Nick meet Jett's fiancée Danielle.
* An argument between Tony and EJ causes Stefano to collapse.
* Everyone gathers at Bo & Hope's to celebrate the 4th of July.

Next Week on Passions
Monday, July 2
* The Blackmailer promises to bring Pretty to town if Sheridan kills Theresa.
* Rebecca tracks a lead to J.T.'s USB stick.
* Ivy lets it slip that Fox is not really ill!

Tuesday, July 3
* The Blackmailer kisses Ethan.
* Kay is stunned when she discovers Fox has been lying to her.
* Theresa thinks she is being chased through the woods.

Wednesday, July 4
* The Blackmailer fantasizes about dancing with Ethan.
* Fox blames his parents for ruining his life.
* Chad vows to win Whitney back.

This Week on The Young and the Restless
* The election results are in – who will win? Jack or Nikki?
* An injured Nick returns to Genoa City.
* Victor arrives home to see his son. Will he forgive Nikki for her indiscretion with David?
* Colleen agrees to help Kevin in his dangerous quest to find Jana, causing a rift between her and Adrian.
* Gloria schemes to prevent William from revealing her secret as a determined Maggie and Paul come closer to discovering the truth.

The Young and the Restless Hits New Milestone

PRESS RELEASE:

CBS'S "THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS" CELEBRATES WINNING 100 DAYTIME EMMY AWARDS

The Number One-Rated Series Leads Daytime Dramas In Most Daytime Emmy Wins

CBS's The Young and the Restless celebrated winning their 100th Daytime Emmy at the 34th Daytime Entertainment Emmy Awards(tm), which aired Friday, June 15th on the CBS Television Network. The series tied with Guiding Light to win Outstanding Drama Series, marking its seventh award in this category. Christian LeBlanc ("Michael Baldwin") received
his second Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor and Bryton McClure ("Devon Hamilton") won for Outstanding Younger Actor. The series also received an Emmy for Live & Direct to Tape Sound Mixing. The Young and the Restless has won more Daytime Emmys than any other daytime drama.

SPOILERS for AMC, B&B, Days, GH, OLTL, Passions and Y&R!

This helping of Spoiler Zone is larger than usual, so I hope ya'all have brought your appetites!

All My Children
Wednesday: JR sees his master plan crumble before his eyes.
Thursday: Kendall and Greenlee work together to recreate the magic they once shared.
Friday: JR’s duplicity could end up costing Adam everything.

The Bold and the Beautiful
Wednesday: Brooke and Taylor work together for Rick's sake. Rick makes a surprise appearance during Ridge's trial.

Days of Our Lives
Next Week: Lucas is uncertain if he can handle EJ being the father of Sami's baby.
Stefano accuses EJ of lying about Anna's intentions.
Kate blackmails Nick into rigging the amnio.
Max wants out of his deal with Jeremy.
Stefano corners Hope after catching her snooping in the DiMera mansion.
Belle and Philip receive their divorce papers.

General Hospital
Wednesday: Spinelli shares some troubling news with Jason.
Thursday: Tracy seals her own fate, thanks to Alan’s haunting.
Friday: Jason takes desperate measures.

One Life to Live
Wednesday: Romance is in the air as Starr’s prom comes to a close.
Thursday: Kirk promises to take Tate’s secret to the grave.
Friday: John has Marty dead to rights when he catches her in a lie.

Passions
Next Week:
Monday, June 25
Theresa professes her deep love for Ethan.
Rebecca senses there is a new man in Gwen's life.
The Blackmailer wants Sheridan to kill Theresa.

Tuesday, June 26
Kay unwittingly unleashes a pack of evil demons on Harmony!
Ethan wants nothing more to do with Gwen.
Sheridan is possessed by a demon.

Wednesday, June 27
Spike escapes from jail.
Ethan tells Theresa he's washing his hands of her.
Sheridan rips off the Blackmailer's mask.

Thursday, June 28
Theresa is knocked unconscious by a possessed Jared!
Fox is possessed and is intent on killing Miguel!
Tabitha enrolls Endora in good witch school.

Friday, June 29
Jared and Ethan fight for Theresa.
Julian threatens to send Miguel back to prison.
Whitney discovers Miles is missing.

The Young and the Restless
Sharon and Phyllis join forces to expose Nikki’s secret.
As the election draws near, an explosive revelation has drastic effects for both Jack’s and Nikki’s campaigns.
Amber continues to deceive Cane, but will she trap herself in her own dangerous lies?
An unexpected death and a hidden fortune bring Amber, Kevin and Daniel together in a secret pact.
After learning of Brad’s duplicity regarding Clear Springs, a seething Victoria seeks revenge in their divorce settlement.

General Hospital Actor Collapses in Emmy-Night Heat

John Ingle, Edward Quartermaine of General Hospital and former Mickey Horton of Days of Our Lives, collapsed Friday night on the Red Carpet before entering the Kodak Theater for the Daytime Emmy Awards. The 79-year-old actor was overwhelmed by the sweltering heat and was immediately transported to an area hospital. He was released shortly thereafter and is reportedly "doing fine."

As a resident of the hot hot hot state of Florida, I can just imagine the stifling heat on that carpet, especially when you're all decked out in a heavy tuxedo. Best wishes to you, John, and we hope you are now feeling 100 percent.

Zach Roerig Comes to Llanview

Zach Roerig, who played Casey Hughes on As the World Turns up until this spring, has been cast as Hunter on One Life to Live. Details are few, but his character will be on throughout the summer, and he will have important information about Todd for Blair.

We'll give you more info as it is made available.

SPOILERS! Week of June 18, 2007

All My Children: Greenlee is overcome with emotion after holding Spike. JR’s plan backfires.
As the World Turns: Aaron returns to Oakdale looking for Alison. Faith is shot by a BB gun.
The Bold and the Beautiful: Shane has one last message. Ridge’s jury reaches a verdict.
Days of Our Lives: Stephanie suspects Jeremy of cheating. Anna DiMera returns.
General Hospital: Sam might go too far. Jason resorts to drastic measures.
Guiding Light: Billy finds a Father’s Day card addressed to Jonathan. Jeffrey accuses Reva of kidnapping.
One Life to Live: Kirk vows to keep Tate’s secret. Fate brings Starr and Cole together.
Passions: Gwen returns to Harmony. Kay conjures up a demon elf.
The Young and the Restless: A revelation rocks both Jack and Nikki’s campaigns. Victoria and Brad’s divorce turns ugly.

Emmy Stunner: Two Shows Win for Outstanding Drama!

In an unprecedented occurrence at this year’s Daytime Emmy Awards, TWO shows won in the category of Outstanding Drama Series: Guiding Light and The Young and the Restless. The show was broadcast live from the Kodak Theater on June 15. The last time GL won the honor was in 1982 (with its only other win being in 1980), so this year’s win was a long time in coming. Y&R on the other hand has won for best drama five times previously, making this win its sixth time in the winner’s circle.

Other big winners of the night were: Outstanding Lead Actor, Christian LeBlanc (Michael Baldwin, Y&R); Outstanding Lead Actress, Maura West (Carly Tenney, ATWT); Outstanding Supporting Actor, Rick Hearst (Ric Lansing, GH); Outstanding Supporting Actress, Genie Francis (Laura Spencer, GH); Outstanding Younger Actor, Bryton McClure (Devon Hamilton, Y&R); Outstanding Younger Actress, Jennifer Landon (Gwen Norbeck, ATWT); Outstanding Writing Team, Guiding Light; Outstanding Directing Team, As the World Turns.

Another long-overdue win of the night was for fan favorite Genie Francis, who reprised her role of Laura Spencer during last year’s November Sweeps. She and longtime love Luke were remarried exactly 25 years after their first wedding, which was a lavish ceremony that was the most watched show in daytime television’s history. A visibly moved Francis stated that she was “overwhelmed” by her win, and was surprised that she had even made the ballot, considering she was on GH for only 4 weeks.