Ex-GL and AMC Star Attempts Suicide

Daniel von Bargen, perhaps best known in the soap world from Guiding Light and All My Children, was hospitalized this week after shooting himself in the head in a botched suicide attempt.

The Montgomery, Ohio, resident shot himself in the temple with a Colt 38 gun on Monday. He called Hamilton County 911 after his attempt failed.

According to the call, Von Bargen shot himself to avoid going to the hospital. After the dispatcher asked if the shooting was accidental, von Bargen responded, " No, I was supposed to go to the hospital today, didn't want to … well, I shot myself." Von Bargen is a diabetic and was supposed to have two of his toes amputated that day.

Get the full story here.

What happened on AMC?

For those who missed it, here's a brief summary of what happened on the final episode of "All My Children" last Friday. It definitely left viewers hanging, ensuring that many will watch as the soap transitions to an Internet format in January.

It was a beautiful conclusion, mostly, to a long-running, beloved soap, bringing back several old characters and reuniting them with their loved ones. Stuart (David Canary) turned out to be alive and went on to presumably live happily ever after with Marian (Jennifer Bassey). Jamie (Justin Bruening) confronted his troubled brother JR (Jacob Young), trying to get through to him. Brooke (Julia Barr) surprised Adam (also played by David Canary) by buying his mansion back for him. At a party at the mansion, Randi (Denise Vasi) announced that she might be pregnant, while Brot (JR Martinez) and Natalia (Shannon Kane) celebrated their engagement. Jack (Walt Willey) demanded that Erica (Susan Lucci) choose between him and a movie career. Tad (Michael E. Knight) gave a heartfelt speech to all his friends and family (and “AMC” fans) who have been with him over the years. Adam asked Brooke to marry him, and she said yes.

Then things quickly took a dark turn and left viewers hanging. After Jack walked out on Erica at the party, she opened the door to find JR standing there with a gun pointed at her and we see him pulling the trigger. If fans want to find out what happens next, they’ll have to watch the soap when it continues on the Internet, through production company Prospect Park, in January.

Goodbye, All My Children

[(ABC/Rick Rowell) TOP ROW: TATE BERNEY. SARAH GLENDENING, THORSTEN KAYE, MACKENZIE ALADJEM, CHRISTINA BENNETT LIND, DANIELLE PARKER, CAMERON MATHISON FRONT ROW: JAKE VAUGHN, THORSTEN KAYE, ALICIA MINSHEW, ELLAH MILLER, IAN SLATER, SUSAN LUCCI, WALT WILLEY, REBECCA BUDIG]

As if you needed the reminder, don't forget to watch ABC's final episode of All My Children. After almost 42 years, the show will no longer air on ABC. Although it will move to an online venue at Prospect Park, there is no definite start date, nor any definite info on who will return for the revamped AMC. Even La Lucci, the grand dame of AMC, has not committed one way or the other yet, but we do know, she isn't happy about ABC's decision to cancel the show.

AMC and OLTL Live on Via Prospect Park

(PRESS RELEASE)

ABC LICENSES ITS ICONIC SOAPS “ALL MY CHILDREN” AND “ONE LIFE TO LIVE

TO PROSPECT PARK

EXCLUSIVE MULTIYEAR, MULTIPLATFORM DEAL ALLOW THE SOAPS’ STORIES TO CONTINUE BEYOND THEIR FINAL AIRDATES ON ABC

BURBANK, CA – July 7, 2011 – ABC has licensed its iconic soaps, “All My Children” and “One Life to Live” to Prospect Park, it was announced today by Brian Frons, President, Daytime, Disney/ABC Television Group & Janice Marinelli, President, Disney/ABC Domestic Television and Rich Frank & Jeff Kwatinetz of Prospect Park.  The exclusive multi-year, multi-platform deal enables the soaps’ stories to continue beyond their finale dates on ABC.  ABC will broadcast its final episode of “All My Children” on Friday, September 23^rd and will air the final episode of “One Life to Live” in January, 2012.

The licensing agreement, brokered by Disney/ABC Domestic Television Group, enables Prospect Park to continue production of “All My Children” and “One Life to Live” beyond their life on ABC. Prospect Park will produce and deliver the two long-running programs to consumers via online formats and additional emerging platforms including internet enabled television sets. Under the terms of the arrangement, the programs will continue to be delivered with the same quality and in the same format and length.  Additional details of the new productions and tune-in will be forthcoming from Prospect Park. 

“We are privileged to continue the legacy of two of the greatest programs to air on daytime television, and are committed to delivering the storylines, characters and quality that audiences have come to love for over 40 years. ‘All My Children’ and ‘One Life to Live’ are television icons, and we are looking forward to providing anytime, anywhere viewing to their loyal community of millions,” said Frank and Kwatinetz. “Technology changes the way the public can and will view television shows.  Now that there are so many devices available in addition to television sets, viewers are taking advantage of watching shows wherever they are and on any number of devices.  The driving force in making the switch and attracting new audiences is to have outstanding programs that people want to watch. We believe that by continuing to produce the shows in their current hour format and with the same quality, viewers will follow the show to our new, online network.”

“‘All My Children’ and ‘One Life to Live’ are iconic pieces of television history that captivated millions of fans since their beginning over 40 years ago,” said Frons. “Each of the shows have made an indelible mark on our culture’s history and informed our consciousness in their own way.  We are so glad Prospect Park has assumed the mantel for these shows and that they will continue for the fans.” 

Marinelli continued, “From the time the shift in the daytime strategy was announced, our hope was to find a new home for these treasured shows.   We are thrilled to license them to Prospect Park so the stories of life in Pine Valley and Llanview can continue to be told for the passionate and loyal fans that enjoy watching each day.”

“I’m just so happy that ABC found a home where the legacies of ‘All My Children’ and ‘One Life to Live’ can continue.  I’m excited for their future with Prospect Park,” added Agnes Nixon, creator of both “All My Children” and “One Life to Live.”  “It takes a lot of living to make a soap opera a serial, and the wonderful teams on both shows have done just that. Together, we are a big family that keeps going, and I’m looking forward to working alongside these wonderful people as we ensure that the shows will continue with all the love and excitement we’ve always had.  I also am so happy for our loyal fans, whom we love so much, and who have been so supportive over the last 40 plus years.”

ABC Cancels AMC and OLTL

ABC announced that daytime mainstays All My Children and One Life to Live will go off the air in September and January, respectively. General Hospital will be the network's only remaining daytime drama.

The network also announced the shows' replacements, which will be The Chew and The Revolution, which are a show about food and a show about dieting.

(Read it all here.)

BREAKING NEWS - Elizabeth Taylor Has Died

(From KTLA News)

Legendary actress Elizabeth Taylor has died at the age of 79.


Taylor died early Wednesday morning of congestive heart failure at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, according to her publicist, Jamie Cadwell.


She was hospitalized in February for symptoms caused by congestive heart failure, described at the time as "an ongoing condition" by Cadwell.


Taylor, a double Oscar winner famous for her eight marriages -- twice to actor Richard Burton -- underwent heart surgery in 2009 to replace a leaky valve.

(Read the rest here.)


While she will, of course, be remembered for her magnificent performances in "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof," "Giant" and "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf," she will also be remembered by soap-opera lovers for her infamous appearance in 1981 on "General Hospital" as Helena Cassadine (she also made a cameo on "All My Children" in 1983). This was quite a coup for GH to acquire an actress of Elizabeth's caliber, and I remember the excitement around my house (and my grandmother's) as the story unfolded and Helena played a pivotal (and menacing) role in the wedding of Luke and Laura.

Elizabeth was married eight times, and she leaves behind four children and nine grandchildren.

AMC and OLTL Stars in Tulsa

ABC Daytime and SOAPnet's Soap Nation tour team up with ABC 8 to bring "All My Children's" Jacob Young and “One Life to Live’s” John-Paul Lavoisier to the Women’s Living Expo on Saturday, Feb. 12, and Sunday, Feb. 13, in Tulsa, OK. The heartthrobs, who play JR Chandler and Rex Balsom on the popular daytime dramas, will do a Q-and-A and sign autographs with fans. Young is scheduled for 1:00 PM on Saturday, and Lavoisier is scheduled for 1:00 PM on Sunday.

"All My Children" can be seen weekdays at 12:00 PM on ABC 8 and at 8:00 PM on SOAPnet. “One Life to Live” can be seen weekdays at 1:00 PM on ABC 8 and at 9:00 PM on SOAPnet.

For more information: http://www.womenslivingexpo.com/Tulsa2011/

Tulsa Women's Living Expo, presented by ABC News Channel 8, is located at Expo Square, Tulsa, OK (Expo Square is located one block west of the corner of 21st and Yale)

ABC Sneak Peek February

Beginning Monday, February 7th and running throughout the month of February (for four consecutive weeks), viewers of ABC’s three daytime dramas “All My Children,” “One Life to Live” and “General Hospital” will get the first-ever opportunity to watch a sneak peek clip of their shows on the award-winning website www.abc.com. The clips air weekdays starting at 7:00 p.m., ET/PT, before it airs on the network.

ABC Daytime and TV Land Crossover Event

(PRESS RELEASE)

ABC Daytime and TV Land have joined forces to create an unprecedented network event where characters from “All My Children” and “Hot in Cleveland” cross over to continue a storyline established on last season’s “Hot in Cleveland.” The story revolves around Wendie Malick’s character, Victoria Chase, and her industry-nemesis, Susan Lucci. The two-part “Hot in Cleveland” episodes will air on TV Land on February 16 and 23 at 10:00 p.m., ET/PT, and the “All My Children” episode will air on ABC at 1:00 p.m., ET/12:00 p.m., PT on February 24.

“All My Children’s” Emmy Award® winners Susan Lucci, Michael E. Knight and Darnell Williams will appear as themselves on “Hot in Cleveland,” and Golden Globe® winner Wendie Malick, as her “Hot in Cleveland” character Victoria Chase, will appear on “All My Children” as Gertie, a housekeeper who ends up moonlighting as a bartender at Confusion after Erica Kane fires her.

“We are thrilled Victoria Chase will join the cast of ‘All My Children’ – there are very few actresses who could pull off a dual role performance as BOTH a maid and bartender. We hope she is up to the challenge,” teased Julie Carruthers, executive producer, “All My Children.” Brian Frons, president, Daytime, Disney/ABC Television Group, joked: “There is only room for one Erica Kane in Pine Valley, and Victoria Chase will unfortunately find that out the hard way.” Frons went on to say, “This is a unique opportunity to raise awareness of both shows with similar demos, and we expect each other’s viewers to follow from one show to the next.”

“We’re so happy that Victoria Chase will finally get to show ‘All My Children’ fans why she is a soap superstar,” responds Larry W. Jones, president, TV Land. “We’re so excited to partner with ‘All My Children’ to bring to life this classic TV form when television worlds collide.”

Interview Outtakes

Most of the time when I am conducting an interview with a soap star, I have more interview material than space for printing the interview. Here are some blurbs from stars that did not make it to the print version of the interview, but were too good not to publish.

Julie Marie Berman (Lulu Spencer, “General Hospital”) on whether Dante’s feelings for her would change if he knew she had had an abortion years ago: “I think she feels like she wants to be honest about everything that’s gone on in her life, whether it’s necessary for him to know is anyone’s opinion. But in Lulu’s case, I think she wants to be completely honest with who she is and what she’s been through. This is something that is still a big thing that goes on in her head, and I don’t think she can live her life without being reminded of this. Because it has shaped who she is today, I think she wants to be honest with Dante about that episode. With that, I think she is worried that he might not look at her the same way. Even if he can accept it, I think she’s just worried that it’ll change what they have right now. Obviously if he were not to accept her for that, I think it would heartbreaking, but at the end of the day, she’ll be with someone who can accept her for the choices that she’s made in life and who she is today.”

Justin Bruening (ex-Jamie Martin, “All My Children”) on getting recognized by fans: “Sometimes you get into a little routine with something, and I remember there was a situation on ‘All My Children’ once, I was signing autographs and stuff, and you start getting used to people stopping you on the street. The second someone stops you and they’re like, ‘Hey, you’re Justin, right?’ and you’re ready to sign an autograph. That happened to me once, and it was actually someone that I went to high school with who just wanted to say hi.” 

Marnie Schulenburg (ex-Allison Stewart on “As the World Turns”) on comparing getting her start on soaps to “acting boot camp”: “It’s an incredible; it’s like a school. You learn so much. If you are lucky enough to have that opportunity, then you are truly a blessed actor. This has certain limitations, because it is very specific in its delivery and in its style. So, if you are someone who wants change or wants something different to grow from, you can either do both (‘ATWT’ and NY theater) like I was lucky enough to do. I had the freedom to do other acting stuff while I was there, but you are not always able to do that. But I loved it. I loved it for the people and for what I learned from it, but I think I’m ready to try some other venue now.”

Ken Corday (Executive Producer, “Days of Our Lives”) on how the “Days”/“Friends” tie-in came about: “It happened when Jeff Zucker was the West Coast chief programmer —it came out of his fertile mind. Brandon Tartikoff, who had trained Jeff, was always a staunch believer in the talent pool of daytime television. He said, ‘You know, Ken, from your talent pool of 30 or some odd actors that we see every day, there are usually one or two who catch our eye that we want to break out.’ Alison Sweeney is the current example. It was NBC publicity that came to us and said, ‘Wouldn’t it be fun if Drake’ — the ‘Friends’ character of Drake Ramore, who was modeled after Drake Hogestyn — ‘was the name of the character on the “Friends” version of “Days” who would be played by Joey?’ We call it cross-pollenization. It’s wonderful. It lets the primetime viewer know that NBC has respect for ‘Days of Our Lives,’ and it lets ‘Days of Our Lives’ viewers know that their favorites on primetime are watching the show.”

Interview: Catching Up With Leven Rambin

“All My Children” fans will remember Leven Rambin, who juggled the roles of half sisters Lily Montgomery and Ava Benton on the show. Now Leven plays the scatterbrained aspiring actress/model daughter of David James Elliott and Virginia Madsen on the new ABC show “Scoundrels” (airing Sunday nights at 9/8c). I caught up with her recently to discuss “AMC,” “Scoundrels” and “Grey’s Anatomy.”

Daytime Dial: Your big break was as Lily/Ava on “All My Children.” What was that experience like for you?

Leven Rambin: They taught me everything I know. I’ll always be so grateful for that opportunity and that experience. It’s a lot different than prime time or any other show that I’ve done, but I’ve definitely learned everything I know from there — from working those hours and working with those people and learning all of those lines and being those two different characters. Everything else seems kind of different and easier — the hours are also pretty grueling and demanding here on “Scoundrels” and on “Grey,” but it’s just different. I think that soaps are a really good place to start, and I’m really grateful to have been there.

DD: “AMC” is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year. That is quite an accomplishment — you must be proud to have come from that.

LR: I was so honored that they wanted me to be a part of the 40th anniversary of the soap. Some people have been watching it from the very beginning, so for people to have liked me enough to want me to be a part of a big episode like that was really cool, and I’ll always remember that.

DD: You played Eric Dane’s daughter, Sloan, on “Grey’s Anatomy.” Tell me about that experience.

LR: It was crazy being on “Grey’s Anatomy” and working with those people who are movie stars. That show is just so successful. It was definitely the most high-profile thing I’ve ever done, and it really taught me a lot. I’m just so grateful to have been there and to have learned from all of those people, and to have worked with Shonda (Rhimes) and Eric (Dane) and Ellen Pompeo. That was just the experience of a lifetime.

DD: Tell me about your new show, “Scoundrels.” Is that a fun show to work on? How is your new cast to work with?

LR: Yeah, totally. The cast is amazing, and Virginia, obviously, is a legend. She is so inspiring and so creative and so nurturing, and she really took care of all of us while we were there in Albuquerque shooting. I had a great time just talking and getting to know everyone and being a part of something like that. The material was awesome and the producers were great. It was the best time that I’ve had on a show. I’m really grateful to have been a part of it.


The show has a really awesome blend of comedy and drama and intrigue and kind of a different family dynamic than what you’re used to seeing on TV. I just thought it was kind of edgy for ABC, and I thought that the characters were so distinct and so different. I was really drawn to the writing, too. When I saw everyone together, it was perfect.

DD: Jason Priestley joined the cast, and he becomes smitten with your character, Heather. Were you excited to learn that Jason was joining the show, and what is he like to work with?

LR: He was so fun. He just came in and really embraced it, and really got the joke of the character. The character is an ’80s washed-up TV star who is now doing a reality-hosting-type show. He came in and was such a pro, and I got along with him really well.

AMC Archive Photos Available for Purchase

In honor of All My Children’s 40th anniversary, special archive photos from the series entire history will be available for purchase beginning today, June 14, at www.abcdaytimefans.com. The official All My Children photo gallery is the sole home of 40 special cast images from every year of AMC going back to the series premiere in 1970.

Captured in time, the photos depict some of AMC's most classic and endearing moments, featuring a young Erica Kane (Susan Lucci) flaunting her very first engagement right to her mother Mona (Frances Heflin). Remember when teenager Hayley Vaughan (Kelly Ripa) arrived in Pine Valley dressed in punk with black hair, and who could forget the time when Leo du Pres (Josh Duhamel) and Greenlee Smythe (Rebecca Budig) were stranded on the deserted island? All those classic moments and more are included.

AMC has created many romantic moments which are also featured including daytimes’ first location shoot in St. Croix with Erica Kane and her first husband Tom Cudahy (Richard Shoberg) on their honeymoon (above). There are also fan favorite couples including; Chuck Tyler (Richard Van Vleet) and Donna Tyler (Candice Early), Tad Martins’(Michael E. Knight) proposal to Dixie Cooney (Cady McClain), young lovers Jesse Hubbard (Darnell Williams) and Angie Baxter (Debbi Morgan) (top left), and the fairytale wedding of Maria Santos (Eva La Rue) and Edmond (John Callahan). Available sizes and pricing can be found on www.abcdaytimefans.com.

For those die-hard Erica Kane fans, Susan Lucci has also signed a limited number of photos of Erica Kane from her first month playing the legendary character from 1970. These photos (above), also available for purchase, will come with a certificate of authenticity.

Ricky Paull Goldin's TLC Project

Today, TLC announced plans to premiere SEEING VS BELIEVING, a one hour special featuring soap star Ricky Paull Goldin and his skeptic friend Jeff Gurtman as they journey across America to seek the truth behind great stories of unexplained phenomena. The one-off will premiere May 2nd at 8PM (ET/PT) only on TLC.

Ricky Paull Goldin is a well-known soap star and is the son of a prominent figure in the spiritual world. Prior to his role on “All My Children” as Jake, he could be seen on “Guiding Light” as Gus Aitoro. Ricky is a life-long ‘believer’ in the metaphysical world, but knows that not every story out there is the real deal. That’s where his skeptic friend Jeff comes in.

Jeff Gurtman, host of shows such as Travel Spies, Frugal but Fabulous and Cube Fabulous, has always been a skeptic- he needs proof before he’ll buy any theory. His analytic thinking allows him to be a perfect, rational companion for Ricky on his quest to discover the truth behind unexplained phenomena.

Armed with a journal from Ricky’s late father and a GPS, Ricky and Jeff travel in search of abnormalities, unexplained phenomena and the paranormal. Their journey across America leads them to a man who refers to himself as a Perceptionist, to Arkansas in search of the devil and finally, they land in Missouri to track down a boy who survived a tornado. Who will prevail in the quest to explain the unexplainable?

Ex-AMC Star the Latest on DWTS

All of you All My Children fans who are going through Aidan Devane withdrawals can get your fix in three weeks when Aiden Turner follows Cameron Matheson's footsteps as a competitor on this coming season of Dancing With the Stars. Season 10 begins Monday, March 22 on ABC.

Soap fans can also look forward to seeing 90210 bad girl Shannen Doherty strut her stuff as well. This news almost makes up for the fact that Kate Gosselin will be on it too.

James Mitchell, 89, of AMC Passes Away

(from the Associated Press)

James Mitchell, who for nearly three decades played gruff patriarch Palmer Cortland on the ABC soap opera "All My Children," has died, his longtime partner said Sunday night.

Mitchell died Friday at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, partner Albert Wolsky said. Mitchell had suffered from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease for years, complicated by a recent bout of pneumonia.

Mitchell appeared in more than 300 episodes of the popular soap from 1979 until a 40th anniversary episode this month. He was a regular on the show until 2008.

Mitchell enjoyed playing the icy, wealthy Palmer, who wielded power over his children and the show's fictional town of Pine Valley.

"He loved playing mean," Wolsky said. "A soap gives an actor a chance to develop something because it goes on for so long."

Born in Sacramento in 1920 and trained as a dancer, Mitchell had leading roles in the Broadway musicals "Brigadoon" and "Paint Your Wagon," and danced on stage with the American Ballet Theater.

His film credits include 1953's "The Band Wagon" with Fred Astaire, 1954's "Deep in My Heart" and 1955's "Oklahoma."

Mitchell also taught movement for actors at Yale University and Drake University, where he was awarded an honorary doctorate.

Funeral plans were pending.

Rebecca Budig Is Back!

ABC has confirmed that Rebecca Budig is returning to All My Children as Greenlee Smythe. She was presumed dead last February when Kendall ran Greenlee's motorcycle off the road. Headwriter Charles Pratt Jr. confirmed: "Greenlee didn't die but is being cared for by Nurse Gayle in Gloucester on orders from Dr. David Hayward."

ABC Fan Event

PRESS RELEASE

Bradford Anderson, Kassie DePaiva, Bobbie Eakes, Chrishell Stause, and Bree Williamson to Appear as Part of Free Pre-Concert Festivities

A Special Performance by the Divas of Daytime — Kassie DePaiva, Bobbie Eakes and Kathy Brier (pictured left)

WHAT: Free event with stars from “All My Children,” “One Life to Live” and “General Hospital” leading up to the Sara Evans concert at night. The event is open to the public and will include talent autograph signings, meet and greets, games and giveaways. Sara Evans ticket holders who attend will receive a special premium. The American Red Cross Blood Services will also be on site to collect Blood Donations

WHEN: Saturday, August 22, 2009 at Noon

WHERE: Billy Bob’s Texas in Ft. Worth, Texas

WHO: “All My Children’s” Bobbie Eakes and Chrishell Stause; “One Life to Live’s” Kassie DePaiva and Bree Williamson; and “General Hospital’s” Bradford Anderson. The DIVAS of DAYTIME (Kassie DePaiva, Bobbie Eakes and Kathy Brier) will also perform.

AMC: Such a Tease!

Ryan doesn’t buy Annie’s act.
Zach is sitting on a major secret.
David offers to make a deal with JR.

Adam remembers more about the night Stuart was killed.
Kendall agrees to go along with Zach’s plan.
Ryan realizes what Annie’s been up to.

Kendall wants to clear the air with Zach.
Zach is determined to make Annie pay for Stuart’s murder.
Scott (Adam Mayfield, pictured) advises JR to stand by Marissa.

Jake and Amanda’s latest plan hits a snag.
Frankie confronts Randi and Jesse with his suspicions.
Angie should just leave well enough alone.

Amanda’s baby goes missing.
Frankie is no match for Madison.
Angie seeks the truth from Jesse.

Some AMC Stars Might Not Make the Move to L.A.

In an interview on Regis and Kelly this morning, Susan Lucci stated that is not sure if she'll make the move to Los Angeles when AMC moves there this fall. "I love All My Children ... but I don't know what I'm going to do." She added that she will think on this decision on the vacation she is about to take.

Another actor on the fence about the move is Thorsten Kaye. He told the New York Daily News: "I'm not sure what I'm going to do. I'm not the kind of dad who wants to be 3,000 miles away from my kids." Thorsten's wife, Susan Haskell, currently works on One Life to Live which will continue to be produced in New York.

AMC and OLTL Move to New Production Facilities

(Read entire story here.)

By SHEILA MARIKAR

All My Children and One Life to Live are getting new homes — but you can still catch them at their old times.

ABC Daytime announced today that it would move production of AMC from New York to Los Angeles and that OLTL would move into AMC's former New York space, giving both shows facility upgrades and streamlined production models.

AMC's new facility is twice as large as its current one. It includes two stages, which will allow it to keep more standing sets. It will also allow the series to switch immediately from standard-definition to high-definition TV.

OLTL will enjoy similar upgrades when the show moves into AMC's old home, which is 30 percent larger than OLTL's current space.

After the show relocates in December, AMC will begin taping episodes in Los Angeles the week of Jan. 4, 2010, and will begin airing in HD in February. The move of OLTL to its new home takes place soon after AMC relocates.