EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Easton Schirra on 'Youthful Daze' and Getting Cast as a Bully

Easton Schirra

You might recognize actor Easton Schirra from his appearances in shows like General Hospital, iCarly or Zoey 101. He's currently starring as Oliver Cardin in Youthful Daze.

Serial Scoop spoke with Schirra to get his take on the character of Oliver. We also revisited his General Hospital bullying days. Read our exclusive interview below:

SERIAL SCOOP: I was looking at IMDb and, much to my surprise, I saw that you were in a couple of episodes of General Hospital as Tristan, who bullied poor Michael Corinthos.
EASTON SCHIRRA: My type is "prep school bully," it's really weird. [Laughs] I'm always playing the mean guy. And in real life I don't think that I'm mean. I'm actually pretty sensitive.

EXCLUSIVE: Nelson Aspen Dishes on His New Book "My Prime Time"

International entertainment reporter Nelson Aspen.

Nelson Aspen is one of entertainment's most charming personalities in TV, radio, print and online. He juggles regular correspondent duties for New Zealand's Good Morning and in his tenth year for Australia's #1 rated Sunrise as their Show Business Editor, bringing the latest in entertainment and pop culture to millions of viewers around the world each morning. He has also recently released a new memoir, "My Prime Time," a fun-filled, lighthearted account of embracing aging, looking after your physical and emotional well being, celebrating friendships, investing in relationships, maintaining family ties, keeping financially savvy and above all: celebrating all this good about each and every day.

Serial Scoop got the dish on "My Prime Time" from Aspen himself. Read our exclusive interview below:

SERIAL SCOOP: What inspired you to write "My Prime Time"?
NELSON ASPEN: My publisher asked me if I had any ideas for my next book and I was approaching my 50th birthday at the time and planning a blow-out celebration. It occurred to me that so many people have hang ups about so-called "Middle Age" and there I was planning parties and running marathons. I felt like I had some inspiration to give!

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Michael Park on Broadway, 'Chicago P.D.,' 'Peter Pan Live!' and Missing Maura West

Former As the World Turns co-stars Elizabeth Hubbard and Michael Park at the New York screening
of Weight. Park can next be seen on Chicago P.D. and Peter Pan Live! Photo Credit: Sue Coflin/Max Photos

Two-time Emmy winning actor Michael Park attended a screening of the upcoming comedy series Weight last night in New York City. Park's former As the World Turns co-star, Martha Byrne, stars in Weight as Claire, a woman who returns to her family after losing a hundred pounds on reality show The Weight Off. Our web series Serial Scoop Now was there to get the dish on Weight and to catch up with some of the beloved daytime stars in attendance. We chatted with Park about his Broadway success, and his upcoming appearances on NBC's Chicago, P.D. (as Asher Roslyn) and Peter Pan Live! (as Cecco).

SERIAL SCOOP: You are a big Broadway star now.
MICHAEL PARK: [Laughs] No, I'm not. That is baloney. If there were B-List Broadway stars, I would be maybe a C-List Broadway star. Star is a subjective term, right?

SERIAL SCOOP: We consider you a star so just go with it.
MICHAEL PARK: I'll accept that.

'Serial Scoop Now' #1: 'Weight' New York City VIP Party & Screening with Martha Byrne, Daryn Strauss, Elizabeth Hubbard, Michael Park & Anne Sayre

The stars of Daytime TV came out to support Martha Byrne and Daryn Strauss at a screening of
comedy series Weight in New York City. Photo Credit: Sue Coflin/Max Photos

On Wednesday, October 8, Serial Scoop Now attended the very first screening of comedy series Weight in New York City. Two-time Emmy Award-winning actress Martha Byrne (As the World Turns, Gotham, Crisis) stars as Claire, a woman who returns to her family a hundred pounds lighter after appearing for three months on a reality show. Written by WGA Award nominee Daryn Strauss (Downsized), Weight is smart, funny, dramatic and relatable, receiving loud bursts of laughter throughout the entire screening.

In our premiere episode, Serial Scoop Now host Michael Goldberg dishes with Byrne and Strauss about Weight, and catches up with Byrne's former As the World Turns co-stars, Michael Park, Anne Sayre, and Elizabeth Hubbard. Hubbard is currently winning over a whole new generation fans who are riveted by her portrayal of Dr. Althea Davis in The Doctors reruns on Retro TV.

"I'm very inspired by the things that make people act totally crazy," Strauss tells SSN. "I wrote a series called Downsized not too long ago and it was about how money makes people act crazy and desperate and do really crazy things. Weight is another one of those things. When weight is involved, people act a little nuts."

Watch below:



For more on Weight, visit weighttheseries.com.

'Serial Scoop Now' Teaser - Web Series Coming Soon!

Hear the latest dish from the tastiest personalities on TV and the Web in the upcoming web series Serial Scoop Now. Produced by New Comb Interactive, and hosted by Michael Goldberg, Serial Scoop Now premieres October 2014. Watch our latest teaser video below:

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Dylan Neal Previews the 'Cedar Cove' Season Finale

Dylan Neal. Photo Credit: Copyright 2014 Crown
Media United States, LLC/Photographer: Katie Yu

Actor Dylan Neal is a well-recognized face on television having starred in series like Pacific Palisades, Hyperion Bay and Sabrina the Teenage Witch. He has had many major recurring roles including his five-year stint on Dawson's Creek playing Pacey's brother, Doug Witter, and Dr. Ivo in the CW's breakout TV series Arrow. He had a lead role opposite Val Kilmer in the Paramount Pictures thriller, The Traveler and recently wrapped shooting a supporting role in the Universal feature Fifty Shades of Grey.

Neal plays Jack Griffith in Cedar Cove, editor of the local newspaper, admitted alcoholic, and Judge Olivia Lockhart's (Andie MacDowell) love interest.

Serial Scoop spoke with Neal about his career, and to get a preview of tonight's second season finale of Cedar Cove, airing at 8 p.m. ET/PT on Hallmark Channel. Read our exclusive interview below:

SERIAL SCOOP: Dylan, you've come a long way from your days as a male stripper on The Bold and the Beautiful.
DYLAN NEAL: Yeah. [Laughs] Well, you know it's in vogue again right with Magic Mike. Andie MacDowell is doing Magic Mike 2 so it's full circle somehow in there.

SERIAL SCOOP: Exactly. [Laughs] Do you have any favorite memories from your time on B&B?

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Billy Flynn on 'Days of our Lives' and Taking on the Role of Bad Boy Chad DiMera

Days of our Lives star Billy Flynn.

Actor Billy Flynn has taken Days of our Lives by storm since he joined the NBC daytime drama as the new Chad DiMera earlier this month. In his first three weeks, Flynn has held his own with some of Days' biggest stars--Alison Sweeney (Samantha DiMera), James Scott (EJ DiMera), Lauren Koslow (Kate Roberts) and Eileen Davidson (Kristin DiMera). Sparks have also flown between his character and Abigail Deveraux (Kate Mansi), which does not seem to bode well for Abby's blossoming romance with Ben Rogers (Robert Scott Wilson). Chad may want revenge for sins of the past but love is still in the air.

Serial Scoop spoke with Flynn this week, and the talented newcomer discussed his sex symbol status, and what it was like to come on board as the new face of Days' DiMera family. He also shared his thoughts on Chad's love life, and told us why Abigail Deveraux, and not Melanie Jonas (Molly Burnett), was the love of Chad's life. Flynn also previewed what's coming up in the weeks ahead on Days. Read our exclusive interview below:

SERIAL SCOOP: You are the hot new sex symbol on Days. What do you think is your sexiest feature?
BILLY FLYNN: I have to go with my eyes. That's what everyone else is saying it is, so I’ll go with that.

SERIAL SCOOP: I have to go deep here. If you can’t pick your eyes, what other feature would you choose?
BILLY FLYNN: [Laughs] I don't know, I guess I don't find myself sexy. A lot of people probably don’t based on the Twitter comments I've gotten.

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Patsy Pease Remembers Kimberly Brady 30 Years After Joining 'Days of our Lives' (Part 3)

Photo Credit: Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic

Serial Scoop recently caught up with actress Patsy Pease to celebrate the 30 year anniversary of her debut as Kimberly Brady on NBC daytime drama Days of Our Lives. In Part 1 she spoke about her first days on the soap and what made Kim and Shane's relationship so special. In Part 2 below, Pease shared her thoughts on the controversial Shane (Charles Shaughnessy) and Kayla (Mary Beth Evans) relationship, lost storyline opportunities, and the women who came along over the years to face off with Kimberly. In Part 3 below, she clears up why she left Days of our Lives, reveals what she's learned about herself by being a mother, and offers her take on Kim and Shane's 2010 reunion.

SERIAL SCOOP: Can you explain what led to your departure from Days of our Lives in the middle of Kimberly’s multiple personality storyline?

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Kit Williamson and John Halbach Revisit 'EastSiders' Season One (Out on DVD!) and Preview What's Ahead

Kit Williamson and John Halbach.

Season One of Indie Series Award-winning EastSiders was released this week on demand and DVD. EastSiders offers a peek into the life and friends of a gay couple in the Silver Lake neighborhood of Los Angeles. In the first season, Cal (Kit Williamson) finds out Thom (Van Hansis) has been cheating on him, and their relationship is turned upside down. Serial Scoop caught up with EastSiders creator and star Kit Williamson, along with executive producer and cast member John Halbach (who plays Ian), who revealed their favorite moments from Season One, and shared what's ahead in Season Two. Read our exclusive interview below:

SERIAL SCOOP: Are you going to to tell me what's happening in every episode in Season Two?
JOHN HALBACH: We are going to tell you everyone who has sex, everyone who dies.
KIT WILLIAMSON: A lot of people die.
JOHN HALBACH: Everyone has an evil twin.
KIT WILLIAMSON: A lot of evil twins killed. [Laughs]
SERIAL SCOOP: Yes! That's what I was hoping for. Sex! Murders! Plot Twists!
JOHN HALBACH: We're going Game of Thrones. No one is safe.

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Patsy Pease Remembers Kimberly Brady 30 Years After Joining 'Days of our Lives' (Part 2)

Photo Credit: Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic

Serial Scoop recently caught up with actress Patsy Pease to celebrate the 30 year anniversary of her debut as Kimberly Brady on NBC daytime drama Days of Our Lives. In Part 1 she spoke about her first days on the soap and what made Kim and Shane's relationship so special. In Part 2 below, Pease shares her thoughts on the controversial Shane (Charles Shaughnessy) and Kayla (Mary Beth Evans) relationship, lost storyline opportunities, and the women who came along over the years to face off with Kimberly.

SERIAL SCOOP: What did you think when Days decided to try pairing Shane with Kayla?
PATSY PEASE: This is where I am as an actor. I go in, and I know this might sound so totally clinical, I go in to work, and I don’t really care who I’m working with as long as we’re having fun and we’re being creative. I have no ego at stake, no dog in any fight. I was trained to go to work with words that have been written for me and to portray them the best way I know possible where I am at in the story. It’s not my story. If they tell me my part today is telling the story of a woman whose sister is now having an affair with her ex-husband then that’s my job today. They’ve told me. This is what your job is. I really try to keep it simple that way. I come in and do my work.

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Matt Palazzolo on the Success of Hit Web Series 'Bloomers' and What's Ahead in Season 3

Bloomers creator and star Matt Palazzolo.

Bloomers creator and star Matt Palazzolo is ready for the next chapter in the story of his Indie Series Award-winning web series to be told. He has crafted 13 new 22 minute episodes for a third season that are sure to surprise, shock and captivate Bloomer's growing audience of nearly 12 million viewers and twenty-two thousand subscribers. It's another success story for Palazzolo, who continues to make his mark, both on stage and off.

Palazzolo grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area. He moved to Los Angeles in 2002 to attend UCLA and pursue a career as an actor and filmmaker. Soon after, he originated the role of Fever, a street prostitute, in the workshop of the NAACP Award-winning musical "City Kid" and entered the world of video art, creating "Green Room," an experimental short about growing up gay in a digital world that gained international recognition. He received rave reviews for his performance in the successful indie feature film You Should Meet My Son, and starred in super hero movie Real Heroes. In addition to the entertainment industry, Palazzolo works as an LGBT activist, serves on the City of West Hollywood Lesbian & Gay Advisory Board. In 2010, he wrote and directed a PSA, "Be Counted," starring George Takei and his husband, Brad Altman, to encourage same-sex couples to fill out the Census.

With so many shining achievements over the past decade it was no surprise when Palazzolo created the hit ensemble dramedy Bloomers, a show about growing out of your twenties and surviving in Los Angeles. In addition to his writing and producing duties, Palazzolo stars as Brooke Matsumoto, a steady rock to his close circle of friends but a flawed character learning and growing after many setbacks in life and love. The cast – which also includes series regulars Fernanda Espíndola, Jay Ali, Nathan Frizzell, Holly Holstein, Kristin Barker Swati Kapila – was nominated for Best Ensemble at this year's ISAs for their phenomenal work in the show's second season, and production on Season 3 is ready to begin after a successful IndieGoGo campaign.

Serial Scoop recently caught up with Palazzolo to get his thoughts on the heartbreaking Season 2 finale, what's ahead in Season 3, and the secret to Bloomers success. Read our exclusive interview below.

SERIAL SCOOP: We should start with the end of Season 2. It was heartbreaking. How do Vaughn (Ali) and Francesca (Espíndola) come back from losing their baby?
MATT PALAZZOLO: In many ways that's what the third season is all about for Vaughan and Francesca. Season 3 has a time jump. Episode 1 begins a year after the shooting and the loss of
the baby and we find each character very much still in the midst of figuring out how to process those events. Season 3 is about acceptance and moving on – and all the painfully funny ways we try to do that.

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Patsy Pease Remembers Kimberly Brady 30 Years After Joining 'Days of our Lives' (Part 1)

Patsy Pease.  Photo Credit: Doug Benc/Getty Images

Actress Patsy Pease has appeared in daytime and primetime television and films such as Remington Steele, Trapper John, M.D. and Silk Stalkings. She made her soap opera debut playing Cissie Mitchell Sentell on Search for Tomorrow. Thirty years ago she debuted as Kimberly Brady in Days of our Lives, which became her signature role. Serial Scoop recently caught up with Ms. Pease to look back on her career. Read Part 1 of our exclusive interview below:

SERIAL SCOOP: Patsy, fans miss you so much. They really love and care about you.
PATSY PEASE: Oh dear.

SERIAL SCOOP: They really do. Why do you think Kimberly Brady, after all of these years, is so important to so many people?
PATSY PEASE: I wish I knew that, Michael. [Laughs] It still surprises me. It's something that is just a gift that you don’t know what you did to deserve it. I don’t know. I'm just so grateful. I love the relationship that I have with people that watch the show. The best thing Days has given me is the opportunity to meet a lot of other people I wouldn't have met otherwise.

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Chris L. McKenna on Playing Det. Harding on 'The Young and the Restless' and Revisiting 'One Life to Live's' Historic Coming Out Storyline (Part 1)

Chris McKenna plays Det. Mark Harding in The Young
and the Restless.

Queens, New York native Chris L. McKenna has been acting since he was a child on stage, television and in film. He landed the role of Joey Buchanan on ABC soap opera One Life to Live at age 12, and has gone on to star in numerous priemtime series including 90210, Touched by an Angel, House M.D. and Castle. He made a return to Daytime TV earlier this year to take on the role of Detective Mark Harding on CBS' The Young and the Restless. Fans instantly connected with his portrayal of the tough guy cop, and have been singing his praises on social media, wondering what is inside Harding's tough exterior and whether or not he will find love. Serial Scoop recently caught up with McKenna to get his take on the character and to revisit his involvement in One Life to Live's historic coming out storyline. Read Part 1 of our exclusive interview below:

SERIAL SCOOP: You seem to be having so much fun on the on The Young and the Restless. What has your experience been like so far?
CHRIS L. MCKENNA: It’s been criminally fun. [Laughs]

SERIAL SCOOP: [Laughs] I like that.
CHRIS L. MCKENNA: It is a great group bunch of people. It doesn't seem fair. Everybody was so welcoming, from the top down. And it's been a fun character to play. They have been giving me fun stuff to do and I get to be kind of a jerk. [Laughs]

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Mike C. Manning on His 'Youthful Daze' Character and Producing 'Kidnapped for Christ'

Photo Credit: Brian To/WENN

"People fall in love all the time and sometimes those people happen to be two girls or two guys. That’s it. Deal with it."

Mike C.Manning doesn’t mince words. He is passionate in his beliefs and that’s one of the reasons why he is making a difference in the world. He also has a great sense of humor as you will find out. In a new interview with Serial Scoop, Manning talks about playing the role of Colin on teen soap Youthful Daze, his personal reasons for becoming involved with the award-winning documentary Kidnapped for Christ, and his motivation for staying in such great shape.

SERIAL SCOOP: Hi Mike, I am a big fan of your work. In a short time, you have done so many different projects. How did you become involved with Youthful Daze?
MIKE C.MANNING: First off, thank you. One of the producers, Paul Vandervort, who also plays Brad, is a good friend of mine. One day we were surfing and he said, “I might start working on a web series that I think you’d be interested in. Want me to send it your way?” I watched the first season and saw potential for expansion in Season 2.

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Sarah Hester on 'Youthful Daze' and the Joy of Playing Bitchy Becca Malone

Sarah Hester stars in Youthful Daze.

Sarah Hester is fabulously entertaining as Becca Malone in teen soap opera Youthful Daze. Becca is the bitch you love to hate. She may flash a smile and ooze sincerity, but is simultaneously plotting behind someone's back. Moments of vulnerability are starting to appear when viewers are least expecting it, and Hester is brilliant at portraying these new facets of Becca's personality.

Serial Scoop recently had the opportunity to speak with Hester about her bitchy character, the joy of playing against type, and the hilarious sex scene she filmed with Mike C.Manning.  Read our exclusive interview below, which includes some exciting spoilers you won't find anywhere else!

SERIAL SCOOP: Sarah, you are absolutely hysterical as Becca. How did you become involved with Youthful Daze?
SARAH HESTER: Bryan James (who plays Drew, and is also the creator of the show) and I went to school together in Bakersfield at Stockdale High. We were in drama class together and fortunately, for me, we’ve stayed in touch.  He asked me to be a part of the show. I was honored and proud of him.

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Ethan Daniel Corbett on 'Youthful Daze' and Playing Tommy Dinato

Ethan Daniel Corbett plays Tommy Dinato in Youthful Daze.

Ethan Daniel Corbett is at the forefront of an exciting and groundbreaking story as Tommy Dinato on teen soap opera Youthful Daze. Tommy has entered Drew's (Bryan James, who created the series) life at just the right time. He's been romantic, caring, and loving. And Drew needs it! Serial Scoop recently had the chance to speak to Corbett about Tommy and Drew, how he was cast in Youthful Daze, and why this love story needed to be told.  Read our exclusive interview below:

SERIAL SCOOP: Hi Ethan, welcome to Youthful Daze! You've been sensational as Tommy and your story has just started! Is this your first major acting role?
ETHAN DANIEL CORBETT: Yes,this is my first major role in a TV show and I couldn’t be more excited! I have played a few small roles in other projects and when Bryan came up and asked me to be a part of Youthful Daze, I was totally stoked!

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Jessica Osgood Talks Teen Soap 'Youthful Daze'

Jessica Osgood - Photo Credit: Barry King/WireImage

Jessica Osgood is a powerhouse portraying the role of Mallorie Watson in teen soap opera Youthful Daze. Mallorie is fiercely loyal to those she cares about, and not a person you want to cross.   Serial Scoop recently had the chance to speak to Osgood about her fascinating character, what it's like to work with her on-screen love interest Ash Nair (Sean), and why we should all be watching Youthful Daze.  Read our exclusive interview below:

SERIAL SCOOP: Hi Jessica. You are great as Mallorie. How would you describe her to someone who wasn't familiar with the character?
JESSICA OSGOOD: Mallorie can be emotionally damaging to those she hates and fiercely loyal to those she loves. She has the innate ability to know exactly what to say to someone to either break them apart or build them up. She’s still forming her identity so she often acts on pure emotion rather than rationalization, but I think that’s how she’s able to keep true to herself…logical or not.

Will Kassie DePaiva Succeed as Eve Donovan on 'Days of our Lives'?

Kassie DePaiva

Emmy-nominated actress Kasssie DePaiva has been starring in soap operas since she joined the cast of CBS' Guiding Light in 1986 as Chelsea Reardon. She became a daytime superstar in 1991 when she took over the role of Blair Kramer, a character previous portrayed by an Asian actress. She stayed on the show until the end of its ABC run in 2012, continued the character on sister soap General Hospital, and reprised the role in Prospect Park's online reboot of One Life to Live in 2013. On June 18, DePaiva brings her talents to NBC's Days of our Lives in the role of Eve Donovan, a character previously played by Charlotte Ross from 1987-1991. Ross was in talks to play Eve again but the timing did not work out with her schedule so the show needed a strong actress to take the part. On paper, and based on Eve's first run in fictional Salem, the character did not seem like a logical fit for DePaiva. Was this a case of casting a "name" actor over finding just the right person? Or is DePaiva the perfect actress to play who Eve is in 2014? Fans have been discussing this since the casting was announced in January. Daytime soaps have become notorious for miscasting stars from other shows onto new series, despite the fact the character/actor combo did not pass the smell test (Maura West as Diane on The Young and the Restless comes to mind - right actor, wrong part).

Here's what we know about Eve: