Atlanta Fan Event- A Soap Fan’s Adventure

Atlanta Fan Event - A Soap Fan’s Adventure
By Carolyn LeVine Topol

March 19, 2016: It’s day 1 of the Star Struck Fan Events, Inc. - Atlanta event. What happens when a lifelong soap opera fan gets the chance to meet seven outstanding actors? You enjoy a high that no drug could compare with!

That’s what happened this morning. The adrenaline rush, from taking a train from Connecticut to Washington, DC, then a car, with friends, the rest of the way to Atlanta, enabled me to stay up until 3:00 am Friday morning. From the moment of our arrival, the endorphins kicked in, as did the inevitable anticipatory rush of energy.

From left to right: Vincent Irizarry, Jordi Vilasuso, Marie Wilson, Guy Wilson, Eric Martsolf, Judi Evans and Bryan Datillo/credit Carolyn Topol

Once the first scheduled event begans — an intimate ‘Meet & Greet’ with actors, Bryan Datillo, Judi Evans, Vincent Irizarry, Eric Martsolf, Jordi Vilasuso, Guy Wilson, and Marie Wilson — the excitement escalates. Enjoying a private moment to chat with each actor, and get an autograph, is far more gratifying than any stage door interaction I have had, fighting crowds for a quick signature, frequently coupled with an unintentional elbow in the ribs.

The novelty of soap star events allows fans to get up close and personal with individual stars, briefly converse, and get a taste of what makes a quality performer. The added bonus is learning that these are not people who shy away from fans, but embrace them, and are genuinely grateful for their support.

Judi Evans, currently Adrienne Johnson Kiriakis on Days of Our Lives, expressed it best when she acknowledged that without the dedication of the fans, there would be no shows.

Marie Wilson, Carolyn Topol, and Judi Evans; Photo Credit Carolyn Topol

Photo opportunities are one of the perks of these events. They afford time to take multiple pictures with any, or all, of the actors in a relaxed atmosphere. Conversation is encouraged, and even a little clowning around comes into play. Think about Eric Martsolf (portrays Brady Black on Days) doing a spontaneous imitation of Hannibal Lecter — entertainment comes in a variety of ways.

Now it’s time for me to get my voice ready for the biggest challenge of all (not staying awake) — switching from talking to singing — not my forte. The night ahead promises to incorporate a whole new level of celebration, as actors will be taking the stage with a select group of fans, to sing Karaoke. All attendees will be enjoying the fun of a night club atmosphere of singing, dancing, and drinking along with the actors. Having friends with me adds a special bonus!

Although I should be tired by now—running on less than ten hours sleep over the past two nights—there isn’t a moment I feel even the slightest bit exhausted. There’s something to be said about the impact of an ongoing adrenaline rush!

Guy Wilson and Carolyn Topol: Photo Credit Carolyn Topol

Having a small group, dinner environment with one of the actors, was incredible. I had the great fortune to sit with Guy Wilson. For a such a young man, he has the intelligence and elegance to carry on conversations with a variety of people, on a variety of subjects, without missing a beat. Our discussions about his future film projects and sports were my particular favorites, especially with baseball season just a pitch away.

This special dinner, for event Sponsor-level participants, ended with a rousing game of “Guess the Stars’ Favorite Song”. The winner only had three correct matches — I wish I could say it was me, but I topped out with one.

The Cocktail Party/Karaoke Night was a blast! Due to some hotel-related issues, each fan was given coupons for two free drinks, and I’m pretty sure everyone used them. With the party started, and the music cranked up, everyone danced, chatted, and drank. Judi Evans, Marie Wilson (who plays Summer), and Eric Martsolf showed us all some serious dance moves! Vincent Irizarry’s incredible singing voice impressed everyone.

Guy Wilson and Bryan Datillo: Photo Credit Carolyn Topol

In addition, every actor remained enthusiastic and engaging. They all socialized with anyone, and everyone, who strolled, or danced, their way. As the evening progressed, fans were treated to a special “father/son” Karaoke duet of “Under the Bridge” by the Red Hot Chili Peppers, from Bryan Datillo and Guy Wilson (Lucas Horton and Will Horton).

Jordi Vilasuso, Carolyn Topol, and Vincent Irizarry; Photo Credit Carolyn Topol

As a personal added bonus, I won the final bid on a special silent auction item — soap-related, of course. I won an autograph portfolio, filled with signed photos of several All My Children stars, highlighted by Days newcomers, Jordi Vilasuso and Vincent Irizarry (Dario Hernandez and Deimos Kiriakis). It was the final highlight of a night filled with partying — and I may have even attempted a little Karaoke myself — thank goodness for liquid relaxation.


March 20, 2016: Bleary-eyed, but still raring to go, many participate in a full morning of traveling through Atlanta on a Walking Dead/Hunger Games bus tour, including site visits and anecdotes regarding both productions.

Eric Martsolf and Carolyn Topol: Photo Credit Carolyn Topol

Following the bus trip, a larger group enjoyed another wonderful meal with all the actors. Each actor sat at a different table. After a relaxing lunch, the actors dispersed, completing an organized rotation of tables, enabling everyone to have one last chance to visit with, laugh with, and enjoy photo opportunities. I now have MULTIPLE pictures with every actor at the event (there’s never enough) — not to mention, an added respect for all of them. No matter how tired they may have been as the weekend progressed, Bryan, Judi, Vincent, Eric, Jordi, Guy, and Marie gave their all to make the weekend special for all attendees.

When the event, sadly, came to its end, everyone hugged, sharing special farewell moments, with the actors and friends. Promises to stay in touch were welcome words.

To insure my promises are kept, I know I will most definitely be attending more fan events in the future!

Wally Kurth: I Have Room for 'Bold and Beautiful' if They're Interested!

Wally Kurth     Courtesy: NBC/Chris Haston

In the latest issue of Soap Opera Digest, Wally Kurth talks about his return to General Hospital as Ned Ashton, what the future holds for Justin on Days of our Lives, and his desire to work on both shows as long as he can.

The actor tells Digest about his return to GH, "I have to say, it's very nice. It really is. You know, there's not many of us left. Us old vets that can bounce back. I think it says a lot about the fans who follow the show and who are loyal to the show. The Quartermaines are a core family and there's not that many of us left. I'm very happy to step back in as one of the Quartermaine characters and try to breathe some life into the Quartermaine mansion. When I walk back onstage, as far as I'm concerned, I'm never going to leave. I told Frank [Valentini, executive producer], 'Honestly, I won't leave unless you ask me to leave because I'm here to stay as long as I possibly can.'

Kurth believes he still has a future with DAYS, "This was told to me by Gary Tomlin [former head writer/co-executive producer] in 2009 when I first reappeared after 19 years: It was actually Dena's [Higley, co-head writer] idea to bring back Justin as an attorney. They needed a lawyer on the show, and she remembered me and remembered Justin and Adrienne (Judi Evans) and she must have liked me. So the fact that Dena's there, I think, bodes well for both Justin and Adrienne. She knows those characters and I think she has an affinity for them and now that she's working with Ryan [Quan, co-head writer] I have a feeling she's going to at least get Justin and Adrienne some storyline. That's my thought and I have a feeling that's probably going to happen."

The popular actor hopes to work on both shows as much as he can, "If the audience doesn't object, and the network doesn't object, I hope to do both characters as long as I can. I don't think that the audience minds seeing Wally Kurth more than once a day. It's not like I'm front burner on both shows. The shooting schedules are so wacky. I mean, I'm off for five weeks for Days of our Lives and all the hiatuses that General Hospital has? Honestly, I have room for Bold and Beautiful if they're interested!"

'Days of our Lives' March 15 Sneak Peek: Eric and Jennifer Continue Their Descent

Eric and Jennifer Continue Their Descent. © jpistudios.com

Today on the March 15 episode of Days of our Lives, Eric (Greg Vaughan) and Jennifer (Melissa Reeves) continue their descent.

Meanwhile, Chad (Billy Flynn) and JJ (Casey Moss) keep the truth from Abigail (Kate Mansi), and Lucas (Bryan Dattilo) and Adrienne (Judi Evans) talk about the future.

Elsewhere, Summer (Marie Wilson) interrupts Theresa (Jen Lilley) and Brady (Eric Martsolf) during an important moment.

Is Freddie Smith Returning to 'Days of our Lives'?

Judi Evans & Vincent Irizarry.  Is that Freddie Smith in the background?

Days of our lives Star Vincent Irizarry (Deimos) took to twitter and posted a photo of himself with fellow DAYS Star Judi Evans (Adrienne).  Irizarry and Evans starred as Lujack and Beth on Guiding Light and became one of the most famous super couples in the 1980's.

However, in the background of this photo, is a gentleman who looks very much like former Days of Our Lives Star Freddie Smith.

'Days of our Lives' Stars Judi Evans and Wally Kurth Taken off Contract

Judi Evans and Wally Kurth

Popular performers Judi Evans (Adrienne) and Wally Kurth (Justin) have been released from their contracts on Days of our Lives. According to a new story on about.com both actors were informed yesterday they were being taken off contract once again.

Earlier this year, Evans and Kurth had been been placed back on contract after years of working without one on the show. Kurth was recurring on both Days and ABC's General Hospital (as Ned Ashton) when he signed the contract with Days.

How are you reacting to this Days fans? Will Kurth reprise his role of Ned on General Hospital? Stay Tuned!

Watch the Trailer for 'Hiker The Movie' Starring Freddie Smith

There are a lot of Days of our Lives fans missing Freddie Smith and his popular character of Sonny Kiriakis right now. While Sonny is in Paris starting a new life, Freddie Smith has been making a movie! He is starring in 'Hiker The Movie,' with his former Days co-stars Molly Burnett (Melanie), Judi Evans (Adrienne), and Spencer Neville (Derrick). Now, the movie has released its first trailer. Watch it below:

'Days of our Lives' Spoilers: Sonny's Life Hangs in the Balance After Brutal Attack

Will (Guy Wilson), Victor (John Aniston), Adrienne (Judi Evans)

Days of our Lives' Victor Kiriakis (John Aniston) had his nemesis taken out and now his family pays the price. Victor's nephew, Sonny (Freddie Smith), is brutally attacked during the week on February 2-6, leaving him in grave condition at Salem University Hospital.

Watch a new Days promo below for a sneak peek:

Flashback: Julian McMahon In 'Home And Away' And 'Another World'

Julian McMahon celebrated the 30th anniversary of Another World in 1994 with co-stars,
including Colleen Dion, Judi Evans, Barbara Berger, Robyn Griggs and Amy Carlson.

Golden Globe nominee Julian McMahon (Nip/Tuck, Charmed) has been added to the cast of Syfy's upcoming six-hour miniseries Childhood's End. McMahon will portray Rupert Boyce, an enigmatic American entrepreneur.

McMahon is well known for his roles in Charmed and the hugely successful Nip/Tuck. But do you remember his time on the Australian soap opera Home And Away or his stint on the dearly departed Another World?

Below, check out his first appearance as Ben Lucini in Home And Away and see him in action as Ian Rain in Another World.

NBC Soap Opera 'Another World' Ended 15 Years Ago Today

The final episode of NBC daytime drama Another World, set in the fictional town of Bay City, aired 15 years ago today (June 25, 1999).

Another World, created by Irna Phillips and William J. Bell, launched on May 4, 1964. At the time of its cancellation, the show was NBC's longest-running daytime drama (now surpassed by Days of our Lives).

Another World was the first soap opera to air in an hour format daily (1975) and later in a 90-minute format (1979-1980). The show reached its highest ratings and critical success in the 1970s with Paul Rauch serving as executive producer, and Harding Lemay as head writer.

Despite many producer and writer changes over the years, Another World maintained that something special--a blend of good stories, humor and class. The finale was not necessarily indicative of the show as a whole or even its final months or years, but the heart displayed by the characters was pure Another World.

As the final episode opened, Cass (Stephen Schnetzer) was abducted from his wedding to Lila by Carolyn, a gorilla he had often visited at the zoo. At first, Lila (Lisa Peluso) was enraged that everyone but she knew about her fiance's "relationship" with this primate, but soon she was concerned solely about Cass's safety.

FLASHBACK: More 'Days of Our Lives' Classic Scenes

Did you miss Days of Our Lives again today? I know I did. I am ready for life in Salem to resume.

I want more Hope (Kristian Alfonso) and Aidan (Daniel Cosgrove), Will (Guy Wilson) and Sonny (Freddy Smith) and Kate (Lauren Koslow), Sami (Alison Sweeney) and Marlena (Deidre Hall).

While we wait until Monday, take a look back at more of my favorite scenes from Days of Our Lives

Marlena, Bo (Peter Reckell), Justin (Wally Kurth), Adrienne (Judi Evans), Kim (Patsy Pease),
Shane (Charles Shaughnessy), Doug (Bill Hayes), Julie (Susan Hayes), Steve (Stephen Nichols), Kayla (Mary Beth Evans), Jack (Matthew Ashford), Jennifer (Melissa Reeves), Austin (Austin Peck), Carrie (Christie Clark), Sami, Mike (Michael T. Weiss) and April (Lisa Howard) all make appearances.

Personally, I really liked Mike and April.  I may have been the only one!

Do you have any favorite scenes? I would love to hear about them!



Marlena lashed out at Bo                             Justin sang to Adrienne

Kim and Shane renewed their vows           Doug and Julie shared their first kiss

Steve & Kayla made love for the first time  Jack learned Jennifer was a virgin

The truth about Sami was revealed.              April broke up with Mike.