Nelson Branco's Soap Opera Uncensored: 35 Read online

SOAP OPERA UNCENSORED

  Volume 02, Issue 25 (No. 35)

  BY NELSON BRANCO

  Copyright 2012 Nelson Branco

  INSIDE — Huge News: Is Victor Headed To Port Charles? Exclusive Interview: Trevor St. John — His Definitive Answer On Joining GH! Plus: What He Really Thinks Of Téa, John, and Todd Visiting Port Chuck; Victor’s “Dead” Baby! (“I Don’t Give A Shit!”) Also: Victor’s True Love (It’s a Man!); Renee Elise Goldsberry; Playing Gay in IN THE FAMILY; Starring With Kellan Lutz in TARZAN; and Being Massaged On THE CLIENT LIST. Source: Is Jason Cook’s DAYS Comeback A Done Deal Already? Is Martha Madison Next? Source: DAYS Not Recasting Bo Brady! But If They Do, Who Should Play Bo Brady on DAYS? Tech Emmys: GH Wins 5; Y&R, 3 Statues! DAYS’s Renee Jones To Continue! Why is DirecTV Tweeting About AS THE WORLD TURNS? Last Week's Reviews, Unbelievable Blind Items, and Next Week's Cheat Sheet!

  UNCENSORED MASTHEAD:

  FOUNDER/EDITOR: Nelson Branco

  EDITOR AT LARGE: Denette Wilford

  Follow Soap Opera Uncensored at: @nelliebranco or @SoapUncensored

  NOTE FROM EDITOR/FOUNDER:

  You asked — and it’s happening. For more information on subscribing to daytime’s first weekly e-zine SOAP OPERA UNCENSORED, email [email protected]

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  COMING SOON: VENICE — UNCENSORED

  To pre-order your upcoming book VENICE THE SERIES: UNCENSORED for a special price email: [email protected]. The Sapphic tome, which will be out this summer, chronicles the web soap’s meteoric rise, punctuates and analyzes its relevance in serial storytelling and its groundbreaking achievements in the online and soap opera medium. With every single Crystal Chappell interview I’ve ever conducted in one e-book — and those of her VENICE co-stars/directors — this is one must-buy keepsake in addition to episode synopses and reviews, top ten lists, fearless predictions, translated quotes, humour, and exclusive season four previews. Plus: Tributes to GUIDING LIGHT’s Otalia and new interviews! Order your copy now!

  UNCENSORED QUOTES OF THE WEEK:

  “We were both asked to stay with days ;))I resigned a while ago ;) proud to be part of wonderful family.”

  —Kristian Alfonso attempting to say she’s staying on DAYS but writing the opposite

  Translation: I can’t spell.

  Translation Part Two: Everyone’s bolting this family!

  “It’s like being a kid in a candy store.”

  —Maria Arena Bell to WELOVESOAPS.NET at the Creative Emmy Awards on helming a Bill Bell show

  Translation: Because there’s no writing involved.

  “I’d get more rest but our fans wouldn’t be too happy.”

  —Bell on whether or not daytime could work better if they aired only for six months

  Translation: I only work six months out of a year as it is!

  “Whenever I encounter actors who are lazy or sloppy, I see [James Mitchell’s face, my tutor].”

  —Y&R’s Peter Bergman in a feature interview in DIGEST about the AMC legend who taught him how to act

  Translation: Which is half the cast these days on Y&R!

  “The fact that the whole show got so many nominations is even better. It’s nice to kick butt….”

  —GH’s Maurice Benard in DIGEST on his Emmy nomination’

  Translation: … at sucking ass.

  “I could certainly do a broad stroke about who I’m not going to thank, but I don’t need to go through that list.”

  —B&B’s John McCook on his Emmy nod in DIGEST

  Translation: Like I’ll ever get the chance to give a speech at an awards show.

  “I don’t think I’ve ever been worked that hard in my life, really, than in 2011.”

  —GH’s Jonathan Jackson in DIGEST

  Translation: Turning shit into gold isn’t easy.

  TWAT BLOG

  WHY IS DIRECTV TWEETING ABOUT WORLD TURNS?

  Move over, JR Ewing: If you follow DirecTV, you know they’ve been tweeting up a storm lately asking fans which WORLD TURNS characters are their faves. UNCENSORED dug around and it would appear that P&G is entertaining a TV-movie idea. Hmmm… more soon.

  AWARDS CENTRAL

  GH Wins 5! Y&R Wins 3! At Tonight’s Creative Arts Daytime Emmy Ceremonies!

  And we’re off: The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences handed out the golden hardware for the hardest working members of daytime TV: the crew.

  Winners of the 39th Annual Daytime Entertainment Creative Arts Emmy Awards in a sold-out, grand gala for over 1,000 attendees at the Westin Bonaventure, in downtown Los Angeles.

  “The Daytime community is well and prospering as witnessed by this overwhelming turnout honoring the best in Daytime television in more than fifty categories,” said Malachy Wienges, Chairman, NATAS. “With Byron Allen hosting and so many stars here to salute those who work so hard behind the scenes, it’s a wonderful night for Daytime Television.”

  Soap actors included: Melissa Claire Egan and Vincent Irizarry of AMC, Lauren Koslow and James Scott of DAYS, Julie Marie Berman and Dominic Zamprogna of GH, Michelle Stafford and Christian LeBlanc of Y&R, Kristolyn Lloyd and John McCook of B&B, Kristen and Eddie Alderson of ONE LIFE.

  Here are the winners from the Creative Arts Emmys from the Daytime Soaps:

  Outstanding Promotional Announcement – Episodic

  General Hospital: “Brenda Wedding” & “Kidnapping”/ABC

  Mark Feldstein, Executive Producer

  Brad Roth, Executive Producer

  Jonas Morgenstein, Chief Creative Director / Executive Producer

  Scott Tucker, Executive Producer ABC Daytime

  Adam Rockmore, SVP Marketing & Promotion

  Sara Cahill, Executive Creative Director

  Outstanding Achievement in Art Direction/Set Decoration/Scenic Design For A Drama Series The Bold and the Beautiful/CBS

  Jack Forrestel, Production Designer

  Fabrice Kenwood, Art Director

  Elsa Zamparelli, Set Decorator

  Charlotte Garnell Scheide, Set Decorator

  Outstanding Achievement for a Casting Director For A Drama Series

  General Hospital/ABC

  Mark Teschner, Casting Director

  Outstanding Achievement in Costume Design For A Drama Series

  General Hospital/ABC

  Mary Iannelli, Costume Designer

  Outstanding Achievement in Hairstyling For A Drama Series

  The Bold and the Beautiful/CBS

  Michele Arvizo, Key Hairstylist

  Audrey Soto, Hairstylist

  Romaine Markus-Myers, Hairstylist

  Adriana Lucio, Hairstylist

  —tie— The Young and the Restless/CBS

  George Guzman, Hairstylist Shannon Bradberry, Hairstylist Mary Kate Welsh, Hairstylist Rachel Ross Bunch, Hairstylist Adriana Lucio, Hairstylist Regina Rodriguez, Hairstylist

  Rachel Mason Bonner, Hairstylist

  Outstanding Achievement in Lighting Direction For A Drama Series

  One Life To Live/ABC

  Bob Bessoir, Lighting Director

  Scott Devitte, Lighting Director

  Outstanding Achievement in Live & Direct To Tape Sound Mixing For A Drama Series

  All My Children/ABC

  Christopher Banninger, Production Mixer RT Smith, Post-Production Mixer Anthony Inglese, Boom Operator

  Stu Rudolph, Boom Operator

  Andy Morales, Boom Operator

  —tie— The Young and the Restless/CBS

  Tommy Persson, Production Mixer Dino Johnson, Post-Production Mixer Mark Beckle
y, Boom Operator

  Luis Godinez Sr., Boom Operator Mark Mooney, Boom Operator Denise Palm Stones, Boom Operator

  Outstanding Achievement in Makeup For A Drama Series

  Days of Our Lives/NBC

  Gail J. Hopkins, Head Makeup Artist

  Nina Wells, Makeup Artist

  Joleen Rizzo, Makeup Artist

  Glen Alen Gutierrez, Makeup Artist

  Deidre Decker, Makeup Artist

  Outstanding Achievement in Multiple Camera Editing For A Drama Series

  All My Children/ABC

  Anthony Pascarelli, Editor

  Marika Kushel, Editor

  Outstanding Achievement in Music Direction And Composition For A Drama Series

  The Young and the Restless/CBS

  Mike Dobson, Music Supervisor Bryan Harrison, Music Supervisor Jack Allocco, Composer

  David Kurtz, Composer

  Outstanding Original Song for a Drama Series

  General Hospital/ABC:Dust

  Robert Howard Hartry, Composer & Lyricist

  Benjamin West, Composer & Lyricist

  Outstanding Achievement inTechnical Direction/Electronic Camera/Video Control For A Drama Series

  General Hospital ABC

  Averill Perry, Technical Director Kevin Carr, Technical Director DJ Diomedes, Camera Operator Dale Carlson, Camera Operator Craig Camou, Camera Operator

  Dean Cosenella, Camera Operator Antonio Simone, Video Control Charles Barrett, Video Control

  Outstanding Stunt Coordination

  Days of Our Lives/NBC

  Terry James, Stunt Coordinator

  COVER STORY

  MAD MAN

  ONE LIFE superstar Trevor St. John in his most jaw-dropping interview yet!

  Where in the world is Trevor St. John, ONE LIFE’s best actor ever? Well, he’s currently in Berlin filming an animated version of TARZAN with TWILIGHT star Kellan Lutz. UNCENSORED caught up with one of our favourite stars ever via email for our third major interview to discuss his former co-stars jumping over to GH, whether or not he’s headed to Port Charles, Victor’s true love, his new critically-acclaimed film, IN THE FAMILY, and his recent stint on THE CLIENT LIST. And don’t forget to check out St. John’s endearing turn as a gay father in IN THE FAMILY— it’s earning rave reviews. Enjoy!

  How did you meet IN THE FAMILY director/writer Patrick Wang?

  I auditioned for him a few months before shooting.

  Wasn't he on ONE LIFE at one point?

  Yes. He played a doctor, I believe.

  Why should people see IN THE FAMILY?

  It's a good and touching story, very well told.

  How did you handle the kissing scenes in the film? I mean, did you fantasize about Michael Easton?

  I just approached it like any other romantic scene. It was different in as much as I've never kissed a man before. But it was the same because it was asexual like every romantic scene you do as an actor.

  After playing a dark character on ONE LIFE, how did you approach the role of an earnest father in the film? Is Cody more like you than the other roles you've played? 

  I consider all the characters I play to be like me. Todd Manning was as much me as Cody was.

  What's been the reaction to the film? You've received good reviews from VARIETY, THE NEW YORK TIMES.....

  Great reviews and enthusiastic word of mouth. People are leaving the theater in tears or their mouth agape ready to tell their friends.

  Did you know from reading the script this indie film would be a hit?

  No. I knew it was a good screenplay but I assumed its fate as a finished film would be one of total obscurity. I'm blown away by its success.

  Has your son and wife seen IN THE FAMILY? If so, what did they think?

  My son is five so he hasn't seen it. But my wife thought it was terrific.

  Would you be open to play gay again?

  Sure. All that matters to me is the quality of the writing.

  Was Victor a bit gay, at least in spirit?

  No, but his true love was a man: FBI agent Ramsey.

  Why do you think you've always been so cool with the gay community?

  I have no idea what you're talking about. Sorry.

  Are you more comfortable in the film medium or television?

  The medium is secondary to the writing for me. Right now most of the best writing is on television.

  Which actors do you admire? Directors?

  My current favourite actors are Bruce McGill and Denis O'Hare. They're wonderful actors whose names you wouldn't know but you see their faces all the time. I always fantasize about working with director Mike Leigh.

  I love Mike Leigh, too. Any plans to write and direct again?

  I've always got ideas for things floating around in my mind for screenplays. No directing plans.

  You're always in great shape... how do you keep fit? Or do you have one of those metabolisms which require little maintenance?

  I have to work very hard to keep fit. I love food and beer and wine. So it's a constant negotiation between food and exercise.

  Tell me about it, sister! Téa and Todd's baby “died” on GH recently. Thoughts?

  I didn't know they had a baby so I guess I don't give a shit.

  Where do you think Victor is right now?

  Disneyland with his family.

  Is saliva still dripping from his mouth?

  Yes. Constantly.

  Rumours keep swirling you'll be the next to make a cameo on GH; what's the latest?

  Not going to happen.

  Have you checked out your former co-stars Florencia Lozano, Roger Howarth, Michael Easton, Kristen Alderson, and Kassie DePaiva on GH?

  I haven't. But I'm sure they're doing great stuff as usual.

  Who from ONE LIFE do you keep in touch with?

  Dan Gauthier, Michael Easton, Kamar De Los Reyes, Sherri Saum, Florencia Lozano, and Kristen Alderson.

  Cole and Hope died on GH; what do you think Victor's reaction would especially since he was not a huge Cole fan?

  I think he'd go to Disneyland with his family.

  You've done relatively well, post-ONE LIFE. Do you think your soap career has helped or provided obstacles in pursuing mainstream work?

  Mostly hurt. The stigma still exists in some instances. But it has helped because I'm a better actor now. 

  Do you consider yourself a recluse or elusive?

  A little of both if those two are my only options. 

  Favourite ONE LIFE story? Acting moment? Ie. Is there one performance which sums up who you are as an actor?

  No. I don't think I've given that performance yet. But I will. 

  Who is the love of Todd's life: Téa or Blair?

  Neither. Like I said, it's Ramsey.

  What was it like working with Barbara Rhodes?

  Who's Barbara Rhodes?

  [Laughs] You’re a bad boy! And I like it! Have you stayed in touch with Renee Elise Goldsberry?

  No, I only hear about how she's doing on occasion. Reminds me I should reach out to her.

  You're in Berlin filming TARZAN. What can we expect?

  A highly realistic animated film using the latest motion capture technology.

  Have you met Kellan Lutz?

  Yes. Seems like a nice guy.

  You're playing a villain again... any worries about being typecast?

  No. But if I get typecast as a villain again, fine with me.

  Wang said he has a project, STEAK AND SCOTCH that he'd like to work with you on. Thoughts?

  I'd welcome any opportunity to work with Patrick again. It's a good script yet again.

  What was it like working with Jennifer Love Hewitt on THE CLIENT LIST?

  I really liked Jennifer. She's a pro. She approached everything with humour and lightness. 

  Briefly, how was the move from N.Y. to L.A.? Do you miss N.Y.?

  I do miss N.Y. There's no replacing it. L.A. is great and has many advantages. But my heart is
in N.Y. 

  In a word, describe the past year.

  Exciting.

  Thanks, Mr. Talent. 

  SOAPILEAKS:

  This Week’s Hottest News, Gossip, and Reviews!

  THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL, CBS/CTV — Jon Hensley Returns! Diamont Wedding Ring!

  • In a feature interview in this week’s DIGEST, newcomer Linsey Godfrey admits that she is a cancer survivor. “I just had my final five-year PET scan and it came back completely clean. I’m officially cancer-free and they technically consider me cured at this point. It’s amazing. I’m really lucky.” Wow. Godfrey was familiar with the soap world long before she joined B&B: She’s been dating Mark Hapka for two years.

  • Holden on for a hero: WORLD TURNS leading man Jon Hensley is back taping at B&B, report sources.

  • Congratulations to the meanest man on daytime (Well, at least onscreen): After making the rounds at the 52nd Annual Monte Carlo Television Festival earlier this week, Don Diamont and his fianceé Cindy Ambuehl were married on June 12 at the Chatéau de la Chevre d' in Eze, France. Guests included Jacqueline MacInnes Wood Scott Clifton, Kim Matula , Christian J. LeBlanc and Eva LaRue, who tweeted, "At the most gorgeous wedding of one of my best friends Cindy, to Don Diamont (for soap fans-Y&R).We are in the city of Eze, France- Magical!!" Congrats to the happy couple!”

  • How great was B&B’s Italian sojourn? It seems B&B is always on the move thanks to recent shoots in Mexico, Aspen and now Puglia. You’d never know soap operas were dying if you tuned into B&B, that’s for sure.

  And didn’t Katherine Kelly Lang look more beautiful than ever during the location shoot? While all the attention was focused on the increasingly annoying nuptials of Hope and Liam, it was reigning super-couple Brooke and Ridge who stole the show. I had a hunch Brooke and Ridge were the couple who’d become engaged that B&B hinted at in teasers. In one of the soaps’ most romantic proposals to date, Ridge and Brooke went on an endless olive hunt… and to Brooke’s surprise she found a gorgeous, gigantic olive-inspired ring in an olive… and Ridge asked Brooke to marry him once again. I had forgotten Brooke and Ridge weren’t legally wed, which is probably why they’ve been so happy for so long. If B&B marries Brooke and Ridge in Italy this week — and not Hope and Liam — I think it’ll be a wise choice… and not a waste of an iconic location shoot. But you know what happens when Brooke and Ridge are legally married… cue: Stephanie’s interference!

  • Shout-out to the dialogue writers of B&B! While some stories are bit too campy, the dialogue is very modern, funny and realistic. Also, kudos to B&B for always leading the charge when it comes to incorporating e-devices into their show before anyone else does. The first time I ever saw a Blackberry used on daytime was with B&B’s Ridge. During the trip to Italy, it was fun seeing the characters entertain themselves on the long, tension-filled flight by using their iPads and its photo applications. All in all, last week was one fun ride! B&B may not cure cancer, but it is entertaining — and still super-romantic when it wants to be! Bravo!

  DAYS OF OUR LIVES, NBC/GLOBAL — Another Cook in the Kitchen? No Recast for Bo Brady!

  • Brady. Shawn Brady. Ever since Jason Cook announced he was leaving GH, rumours have been circulating that he’s headed back to Salem. That would make sense since DAYS is about to lose Peter Reckell — and I hear the show is not recasting the iconic role. With Bo gone, Hope will need her son who is basically the spitting image of his father. Well, several people at the Creative Emmys attested Cook’s return is “already a done deal.”

  In this week’s DIGEST, Cook teased he’s not reprising his role “not for the summer, at least.” At a fan club luncheon, when Lauren Boles (Ciara) told Cook, “If you come back, I get a big brother,” the actor responded, “All right, I’m coming back.”

  Martha Madison tells UNCENSORED that she met with Greg Meng at the Creative Emmys so “who knows what will happen?”

  • As previously reported, Lexie dies this week but Renee Jones’s last airdate won’t be June 20 when her character perishes. Nope, Jones will continue to appear as Lexie’s loved ones as a ghost. Boo! Hmmm… maybe it was Lexie who killed Stefano!

  • Peter Reckell is finally confirming he’s leaving the soap opera that made him a daytime superstar. He tweeted today, ”DAYS has been my home, My life, for almost 30 years," he wrote. "Bo Is a character that developed From my soul, And has touched many lives, But none more than my own. I took my place in the hierarchy of the show, in the storyline, moving others aside, in the eighty's [sic]. Now others have moved into the place I once held. I have been very fortunate to have had such a long, meaningful, run. But now, with a torn heart, I have to say goodbye to the people, family, and the character that I love. You have to know this has not been easy. I do not want to give up Bo, and with luck, in the future, will be able to return to the character that I fought so hard to preserve. Thank you for being the most supportive, forgiving, loyal viewers there are. You have given me strength in difficult times. You are the reason DOOL is still standing and will continue for years to come. Thank you for all you have given me and the character I love!"

  It’ll be hard to listen to Bonnie Tyler’s “Holding Out For A Hero,” with Reckell on daytime, that’s for sure.

  • Sorry, but Schuyler Yancey as Lexie’s brother is a dud. Next, please…

  GENERAL HOSPITAL, ABC/CITY — Emmy Hospital!

  • Emmy winners Laura Wright and Roger Howarth are inspired on many levels: Not only do the two stars share off-the-charts chemistry but they also started out on ABC soaps, moved to P&G soaps and then joined GH!

  • Emmy winner Maurice Benard reveals to DIGEST he lets his wife Paula pick his Emmy reels because her choices have led to consistent nominations and one win. But this year, the actor claims he’s not writing a speech.

  • Thank God Sean Blakemore listens to his wife! The actor tells DIGEST he almost didn’t submit his name for Emmy consideration! Today, he’s one of five nominees for Outstanding Supporting Actor.

 

  THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS — Show Us The Muhney!

  • Pissed off Y&R fans may take some comfort in knowing that, according to some guy named Michael Muhney, the show gets a lot better in the next couple of months. I’ll be the judge of that! Oh, and we get more Adam Newman, which is always a good thing since the character and actor are pretty much writer-proof.

  • Look for the new opening credits to debut the week of July 4! Party at my house. Finally —something to look forward to on Y&R!

  • Did you know that after Darnell Williams left AMC he directed a few episodes at ONE LIFE before joining Y&R?

  SOAP OPERA MYSTERY HOUR

  This week’s hottest blind item

  • Which newcomer isn’t making any fans on this contentious set?

  FEARLESS PREDICTIONS

  What will happen? Who will die? UNCENSORED looks into our crystal balls to find out.

  B&B —

  • Brooke starts making Olive Smoothies.

  • Friends and family begin referring to Hope as “Hopeless.”

  • Sean Kanan signs a long-term contract with the show.

  • We actually see Dani and Karen more than once a month.

  • Felicia comes to town when she learns dykes are in the house!

  • Dayzee enrolls Marcus in junior high school.

  DAYS —

  • Carrie bores Rafe and Austin to death.

  • The sexual subtext between Will and EJ gets Sami pregnant!

  • DAYS admits that Abby and Cameron share no chemistry.

  GH —

  • Jason and Liz have sex.

  • Maxie stops screaming.

  • Erica Kane arrives in town.

  • Anna agrees to date Luke as long as he enters AA and serves time in prison.

  Y&R —

  • Tucker finally combs his hair.

  • Daniel finally takes a shower.

  • Daisy is murdered… and th
e killer is awarded a key to Genoa City.

  • Ricky comes out of the closet.

  THE IDIOT RATINGS: June 4-8

  Winner: Stefano’s “Murder” Equals Another Great Week for DAYS!