Today in Soap Opera History (July 21)

1972: Victoria Wyndham debuted as Rachel on Another World.
1980: Edge of Night's Kelly had competition for Jody.
1986: As the World Turns' Nancy mourned her husband.
1987: Days of our Lives' welcomed a new Jack.

"History speaks to artists. It changes the artist's thinking and is constantly reshaping it into different and unexpected images."
― Anselm Kiefer

"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.

On this date in...

1962: Actor Les Damon died at age 54. His soap roles included Ed Palmerlee in The Edge of Night, Jim Lowell in As the World Turns, and Bruce Banning on The Guiding Light.

1965: On General Hospital, Dr. Steve Hardy (John Beradino) and Nurse Jessie Brewer (Emily McLaughlin) filled Mike Costello in on the latest developments with Angie.

Today in Soap Opera History (July 20)

1966: Dark Shadows' David was angry with his father. 1984: Guiding Light's Josh and Reva got heated in the hot tub. 1988: Days of our Lives' Salemites through Kayla a surprise shower. 2010: One Life to Live's Viki plotted to reunite David and Dorian.

"History speaks to artists. It changes the artist's thinking and is constantly reshaping it into different and unexpected images."
― Anselm Kiefer

"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.

On this date in...

1965: On General Hospital, Angie Weeks (Jana Taylor) asked Nurse Jessie Brewer (Emily McLaughlin) for advice.

1966: On Dark Shadows, David Collins (David Henesy) told Victoria Winters (Alexandra Moltke) that he hated his father, Roger (Louis Edmonds).

Denise Alexander Interview Archive (2010, 2013)

Actress and longtime soap opera star Denise Alexander was beloved by fans for her portrayal of Lesley Webber on General Hospital and Susan Hunter Martin on Days of our Lives.  

Early in her career Alexander voiced characters on multiple radio soaps before making her Broadway debut in “The Children’s Hour”. On primetime television she made appearances on classics Father Knows Best, The Twilight Zone and The Danny Kaye Show. In the early 1960s she moved to daytime TV on the CBS soap The Clear Horizon.

She joined the cast of Days of our Lives in 1966 as Susan, where she rose to stardom during her seven-year run. She left Days in 1973 and joined the cast of General Hospital as Lesley to help give the ratings-challenged ABC soap a boost. Lesley fell for Rick Webber (Chris Robinson) and became entangled in a love triangle with rival Monica Bard (Leslie Charleson). Lesley also confessed to the murder of David Hamilton, a crime her daughter Laura (Genie Francis) committed. Her acting earned Alexander a Emmy nomination in 1976 for Outstanding Actress in a Daytime Drama Series.

When storyline called for Lesley to be killed off in a car accident in 1984, fans became outraged. (Editor's Note: Alexander shared the what really happened back then, off the record).  It wasn’t until 12 years later in 1996 that it was revealed that Lesley was actually alive. In between the two soaps, Alexander appeared on NBC’s Another World as Mary McKinnon, working once again with Robinson during a portion of her three-year stint.  She last appeared on General Hospital in 2021.

Denise Alexander passed away in March at age 85, which led me to revisit the times we spoke (always by phone).  Below are my interviews with Alexander from 2010 and 2013 below.

First published in November 2010

ROGER NEWCOMB: You were involved in the industry when it was transitioning from radio to TV.
DENISE ALEXANDER: At the tail end of it. I got to do a little bit of everything.

Carolyn Hennesy Shares Holiday Plans & Memories, Will Perform with Nelson Aspen in January Show in L.A.

Hi, Serial Scoop! You guys gave me such kind coverage after the October premiere of my new cabaret offering, "A Showbiz Scrapbook" at NYC's beautiful GreenRoom 42, I wanted to alert you to its upcoming engagement at Hollywood's crazy-popular theatrical venue, Rockwell Table & Stage. As an entertainment reporter, I spend a lot of time in LA during Awards season, so I was keen to schedule this performance for Thursday, January 30...right in between my coverage of the Grammys and the Oscars.

As many of you may already know, given my own long history in daytime TV, I often welcome stars of the genre to join me onstage for special interactive performances. These have included talented folks like Anita Gillette, Shelly Burch, Ilene Kristen and Monica Horan. For January, I'm excited to tell you it will be one of my very favorite soap opera scene stealers: the lovely Emmy and Indie Series Award winning Carolyn Hennesy....known to millions of General Hospital fans as lawyer Diane Miller. I first noticed Carolyn guest starring on an episode of Reba and was smitten. She's one of the main reasons GH is on my DVR! I've gotten to learn so much about her life away from Port Charles: she's a New York Times best-selling author, passionate advocate for animals, and a trapeze artist. Now THAT is a multi-hyphenate!

From my own years in Soap Land (working at Search for Tomorrow, Another World and One Life to Live), Christmas was always a favorite time of year. It started weeks in advance for us, since we were shooting ahead...and the studio holiday parties of the 1980s were the stuff of legend! My mentor, Mary Stuart (Search for Tomorrow's Jo and Guiding Light's Meta), celebrated the season like no one I'd ever met before or since, and her influence remains forever inside me at this festive time of the year.

So in honor of the Yuletide, here's a little Q&A I had with Carolyn for you to enjoy.

What have you got planned for this holiday season?
Heading to Zurich before Christmas to see Sabrina Kern (co-star, St. Agatha) in the Swiss national musical. Then home to hibernate over the holiday with family and friends.

Today in Soap Opera History (October 23)

"The best prophet of the future is the past."
― Lord Byron

"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.

On this date in...

1978: On Another World, Rachel Cory (Victoria Wyndham) cut off Jamie's (Tim Holcomb) allowance after finding out he had married Blaine Ewing (Laura Malone).

1981: On General Hospital, the residents of Port Charles wanted Luke (Anthony Geary) and Laura (Genie Francis) to have a big wedding.

Today in Soap Opera History (October 22)

"The best prophet of the future is the past."
― Lord Byron

"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.

On this date in...

1968: On Dark Shadows, Joe Haskell (Joel Crothers) stabbed himself with a letter opener after Angelique (Lara Parker) told him that he bored her and wanted him to go.

1973: On The Doctors, Dr. Matt Powers (James Pritchett) reassured Dr. Althea Davis (Elizabeth Hubbard) while Dr. Nick Bellini (Gerald Gordon) performed surgery on her daughter, Penny.

Today in Soap Opera History (October 8)

"The best prophet of the future is the past."
― Lord Byron

"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.

On this date in...

1968: On The Doctors, Congressman Jason Randall (M. Emmet Walsh) arrived at Hope Memorial for a hospital tour with a posse of reporters, flustering Nurse Simpson (Carolee Campbell).

1969: On Dark Shadows, Count Andreas Petofi (David Selby), in Quentin's body, informed Angelique she had to follow his orders in the future. Julia (Grayson Hall) realized that Petofi (Thayer David) was really Quentin but then disappeared back to 1969.

'Serial Scoop Now': 44th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards Creative Arts Red Carpet - Part 2

Serial Scoop teamed up with We Love Soaps to cover the 44th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards. In the latest episode of Serial Scoop Now (2.18) below from the Creative Arts ceremony, check out host Jenna Stone's interviews with Danny Seo (Naturally, Danny Seo); Alexandra Goodman, Michael McShane and Armin Shimerman (Red Bird), Kevin Kliesch (Sofia the First), Gay Blackstone (Masters of Illusion), Josh Wakely (Beat Bugs), Ashlee Macropoulos (This Just In) and Christian Ganiere (The Bay, Days of our Lives).

'Serial Scoop Now': 44th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards Creative Arts Red Carpet - Part 1

Serial Scoop teamed up with We Love Soaps to cover the 44th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards. In the latest episode of Serial Scoop Now (2.17) below from the Creative Arts ceremony, check out host Jenna Stone's interviews with Chloe Lanier and Chad Duell (General Hospital); David Michaels, Senior Vice President Daytime Emmy Awards and Events; Lauren Lake (Lauren Lake's Paternity Court); Isaac Kragten, Millie Davis and Anna Cathcart (Odd Squad); and Addison Holley and Adrianna Di Liello (Annedroids).

Pre-Noms Revealed for the 44th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards

The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) today announced the Drama Performer Pre-Nominations for the 44th Annual Daytime Emmy® Awards.

The process used to determine those chosen as Pre-Nominated performers follows:

An online judging ballot containing all entrants in each of four performer categories (Lead Actor and Actress and Supporting Actor and Actress) was sent to all registered, eligible peer judges. The ballot contained a randomized order of performers in each category, regardless of their show affiliation. Judges were required to view clips online containing the work of each performer entry before selecting their top 10 performer choices in each category.

Ballots were submitted directly to Lutz & Carr, Inc., an independent accounting firm, who tabulated the results. The candidates below who received the highest number of votes now advance to the blue ribbon screening round, scheduled to begin on February 20, 2017, which will determine both nominees and recipients. Please note that this release also contains the names of the entrants for the Younger Actor and Actress categories, who will proceed directly to the Blue Ribbon Round. Nominations will be announced on Wednesday, March 22, 2017, live on “The Talk” on CBS.

Pre-nominated performers in alphabetical order in six categories follow below:

OUTSTANDING LEAD ACTRESS IN A DRAMA SERIES
Kristian Alfonso, as Hope Williams Brady Days of Our Lives, NBC
Sharon Case, as Sharon McAvoy The Young and the Restless, CBS
Melissa Claire Egan, as Chelsea Newman The Young and the Restless, CBS
Mary Beth Evans, as Kayla Brady Days of Our Lives, NBC
Nancy Lee Grahn, as Alexis Davis General Hospital, ABC
Jen Lilley, as Theresa Donovan Black Days of Our Lives, NBC
Gina Tognoni, as Phyllis Newman The Young and the Restless, CBS
Heather Tom, as Katie Logan The Bold and the Beautiful, CBS
Jess Walton, as Jill Abbott The Young and the Restless, CBS
Laura Wright, as Carly Corinthos General Hospital, ABC

OUTSTANDING LEAD ACTOR IN A DRAMA SERIES
Maurice Benard, as Sonny Corinthos General Hospital, ABC
Peter Bergman, as Jack Abbott The Young and the Restless, CBS
Scott Clifton, as Liam Spencer The Bold and the Beautiful, CBS
Billy Flynn, as Chad DiMera Days of Our Lives, NBC
Roger Howarth, as Franco General Hospital, ABC
Vincent Irizarry, as Deimos Kiriakis Days of Our Lives, NBC
Christian LeBlanc, as Michael Baldwin The Young and the Restless, CBS
John McCook, as Eric Forrester The Bold and the Beautiful, CBS
Kristoff St. John, as Neil Winters The Young and the Restless, CBS
Jason Thompson, as Billy Abbott The Young and the Restless, CBS

OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A DRAMA SERIES
Eileen Davidson, as Ashley Abbott The Young and the Restless, CBS
Judi Evans, as Adrienne Kiriakis Days of Our Lives, NBC
Stacy Haiduk, as Patty Williams The Young and the Restless, CBS
Amelia Heinle, as Victoria Newman The Young and the Restless, CBS
Elizabeth Hendrickson, as Chloe Fisher The Young and the Restless, CBS
Finola Hughes, as Anna Devane General Hospital, ABC
Anna Maria Horsford, as Vivian Avant The Bold and the Beautiful, CBS
Kate Mansi, as Abigail Deveraux Days of Our Lives, NBC
Michelle Stafford, as Nina Reeves General Hospital, ABC
Kelly Sullivan, as Sage Warner The Young and the Restless, CBS

OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A DRAMA SERIES
John Aniston, as Victor Kiriakis Days of Our Lives, NBC
Obba Babatundé, as Julius Avant The Bold and the Beautiful, CBS
Steve Burton, as Dylan McAvoy The Young and the Restless, CBS
Sean Carrigan, as Ben “Stitch” Rayburn The Young and the Restless, CBS
Chad Duell, as Michael Corinthos General Hospital, ABC
Bryton James, as Devon Hamilton The Young and the Restless, CBS
Wally Kurth, as Justin Kiriakis Days of Our Lives, NBC
Jeffrey Vincent Parise, as Carlos Rivera/Dr. Joe Rivera General Hospital, ABC
James Reynolds, as Abe Carver Days of Our Lives, NBC
Dominic Zamprogna, as Dante Falconeri General Hospital, ABC

OUTSTANDING YOUNGER ACTRESS IN A DRAMA SERIES
Lexi Ainsworth, as Kristina Corinthos Davis General Hospital, ABC
Camila Banus, as Gabi Hernandez Days of Our Lives, NBC
Reign Edwards, as Nicole Avant The Bold and the Beautiful, CBS
Hayley Erin, as Kiki Jerome General Hospital, ABC
Olivia Keegan, as Claire Brady Days of Our Lives, NBC
Hunter King, as Summer Newman The Young and the Restless, CBS
Chloe Lanier, as Nelle Hayes General Hospital, ABC
Alyvia Alyn Lind, as Faith Newman The Young and the Restless, CBS
Paige Searcy, as Jade Michaels Days of Our Lives, NBC

OUTSTANDING YOUNGER ACTOR IN A DRAMA SERIES
Jared Breeze, as Max Rayburn The Young and the Restless, CBS
Bryan Craig, as Morgan Corinthos General Hospital, ABC
Rome Flynn, as Zende Forrester Dominguez The Bold and the Beautiful, CBS
Pierson Fodé, as Thomas Forrester The Bold and the Beautiful, CBS
James Lastovic, as Joey Johnson Days of Our Lives, NBC
Kyler Pettis, as Theo Carver Days of Our Lives, NBC
Tequan Richmond, as TJ Ashford General Hospital, ABC
Anthony Turpel, as R.J. Forrester The Bold and the Beautiful, CBS

Daytime Ratings: 'Days of our Lives' Up For The Week In Women 18-49 and 18-34

The Live + Same Day daytime ratings are in for January 9-January 13, 2016. According to Nielsen, The Young and the Restless (-298,000), The Bold and the Beautiful (-290,000), General Hospital (-165,000) and Days of our Lives (-40,000) were all down for the week in total viewers.

However, Days of our Lives was up in women 18-49 (+8,000), while Y&R (+12,000), B&B (+37,000), and Days (+10,000) were up in women 18-34.

Check out a breakdown below of the daytime soap opera Nielsen ratings by category:

'General Hospital' Spoilers (January 23-January 27, 2017)

Check out the daily spoilers to find out what's happening on ABC soap opera General Hospital during the week of January 23, 2017.

Monday, January 23
Anna recovers an important memory.
Dante offers Lulu comfort.
Valentin reveals his true self.

Tuesday, January 24
Sam finds out about Alexis' secret.
Carly has trouble with Sonny's violent lifestyle.
Jordan and Curtis remember the old times.

Daytime Ratings: 'General Hospital' Up for the Week in All Major Demos

The Live + Same Day daytime ratings are in for January 2-January 6, 2016. According to Nielsen, The Bold and the Beautiful was the only soap up for the week in total viewers (+55,000), while General Hospital (+107,000) was up for the week in all major demos.

Please Note: There were preemptions on January 6 due to the Fort Lauderdale Airport shooting.

Check out a breakdown below of the daytime soap opera Nielsen ratings by category:

'General Hospital' Casting For New Role

General Hospital has put out a casting call for a recurring role that will tape during the month of March, Soap Opera Digest reports.

The character is described as a “63 to 68 years old, Caucasian male. British. A charming con man.” The show is considering “British actors and actors who can do a flawless accent.”

General Hospital airs weekdays on ABC.

'General Hospital' Spoilers (January 16-January 20, 2017)

Check out the daily spoilers to find out what's happening on ABC soap opera General Hospital during the week of January 16, 2017.

Monday, January 16
Rudge orders a hit.
Nelle rethinks her decision.
Sonny admits his sins.

Tuesday, January 17
Anna's memories get clearer.
Julian gets a threat that hits close to home.
Jordan acts against Andre's wishes.
Ned helps Olivia thought a crisis.
Sam and Jason make a deal.

Blake Berris Debuts as Spinelli Today on 'General Hospital'

Blake Berris steps in as Spinelli for Maxie & Nathan's wedding on General Hospital

Days of our Lives alum Blake Berris (ex-Nick) temporarily steps in for Bradford Anderson as Spinelli beginning today on General Hospital, and plans to mark the occasion on twitter.

Berris tweeted, "will live tweet my 1st appearance on @GeneralHospital tomorrow. excited to meet you all. #GH"

One person who is excited for Berris is the aforementioned Anderson, who replied, "Go get 'em pal!"

As previously reported, Anderson--who isn't on contract with GH-- backed out at the last minute to appear on Homeland, necessitating the surprise recast.

Welcome to General Hospital, Blake Berris! We will enjoy you for the short time we have you.

Update: Due to GH's national preemption on Friday, January 6, Berris will now first appear as Spinelli on Monday, January 16.

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RELATED:
- Bradford Anderson Explains Surprising Spinelli Recast on 'General Hospital'
- Blake Berris Replaces Bradford Anderson As Spinelli on 'General Hospital'
- 'Another World' Alum to 'General Hospital'
- Bryan Craig Wants to Know If You Think He Should Return to 'General Hospital'
- Don Harvey On Rebecca Herbst: "I Had Such a Crush on Her"
- Tonja Walker Back to 'General Hospital'? (Updated)
- First Air Date Set for Matt Cohen on 'Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders'
- Donnell Turner Isn't Interested in Curtis Fighting Jason for Sam on 'General Hospital
- 'General Hospital' Creative Team Talks the Best of 2016

Is William DeVry Going to Renew His Contract with 'General Hospital'?

William deVry

Is William deVry going to re-sign his contract with General Hospital when it comes up for renewal later this year?

The actor has five months left on his contract and he reveals in the latest issue of ABC Soaps In Depth, he isn't sure what he is going to do. "You have to cross that bridge as the world unfolds before you-- that's all you can do in daytime!"

Let's hope that deVry is the one who makes the ultimate decision and the show doesn't do it for him! I hear the show was very close to axing him the last time his contract was set to expire.

General Hospital airs weekdays on ABC

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RELATED:
- Bradford Anderson Explains Surprising Spinelli Recast on 'General Hospital'
- Blake Berris Replaces Bradford Anderson As Spinelli on 'General Hospital'
- 'Another World' Alum to 'General Hospital'
- Bryan Craig Wants to Know If You Think He Should Return to 'General Hospital'
- Don Harvey On Rebecca Herbst: "I Had Such a Crush on Her"
- Tonja Walker Back to 'General Hospital'? (Updated)
- First Air Date Set for Matt Cohen on 'Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders'
- Donnell Turner Isn't Interested in Curtis Fighting Jason for Sam on 'General Hospital
- 'General Hospital' Creative Team Talks the Best of 2016

Eden McCoy Back to 'General Hospital'

Eden McCoy: Photo by Isa Battaglin

Eden McCoy is back taping scenes as Josslyn Jacks on General Hospital. The actress tweeted,"can't wait to be back in #carlysworld next week💞😍"

McCoy began playing Carly (Laura Wright) and Jax's (Ingo Rademacher) daughter in October 2015, replacing Hannah Nordberg. She was last seen in November 2016.

General Hospital airs weekdays on ABC

Follow Serial Scoop on Twitter and Like Serial Scoop on Facebook

RELATED:
- Bradford Anderson Explains Surprising Spinelli Recast on 'General Hospital'
- Blake Berris Replaces Bradford Anderson As Spinelli on 'General Hospital'
- 'Another World' Alum to 'General Hospital'
- Bryan Craig Wants to Know If You Think He Should Return to 'General Hospital'
- Don Harvey On Rebecca Herbst: "I Had Such a Crush on Her"
- Tonja Walker Back to 'General Hospital'? (Updated)
- First Air Date Set for Matt Cohen on 'Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders'
- Donnell Turner Isn't Interested in Curtis Fighting Jason for Sam on 'General Hospital
- 'General Hospital' Creative Team Talks the Best of 2016

First Air Date Set For Tonja Walker on 'General Hospital'

Tonja Walker

Tonja Walker played Olivia Jerome on General Hospital from 1988 to 1990 and is returning to the ABC soap opera.

Although we don't know if she will be reprising her popular GH character, we do have a first air date for her.

'General Hospital' Spoilers (January 9-January 13, 2017)

Check out the daily spoilers to find out what's happening on ABC soap opera General Hospital during the week of January 9, 2017.

Monday, January 9
* Alexis' memory tricks her.
* Franco talks to Scott.
* Laura talks to Liz about her taste in men.

Tuesday, January 10
* A difficulty emerges in Jason's alliance with Curtis
* Franco and Scott work as a team.
* Ava demands answers.
* Nelle gets in too deep.