Today in Soap Opera History (January 20)

1976: Pat wanted to stop seeing Faith on Ryan's Hope.
1981: Guiding Light's Jennifer made a courtroom confession.
1986: Santa Barbara's Mason was shocked his father was well.
1995: General Hospital's Monica met 11-year-old Emily.

"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...

1936: Radio soap opera Dan Harding's Wife premiered. It ran until on NBC Radio until February 10, 1939. Isabel Randolph starred as Rhoda Harding.

1958: On The Edge of Night, Roy Benson called Fitzsimmons to tell him trouble was brewing.

1967: On Another World, Liz (Audra Lindley) encouraged Danny to take Missy and split, even though she couldn't get Fred to help her unlock the trust fund.

Today in Soap Opera History (January 20)

1976: Pat wanted to stop seeing Faith on Ryan's Hope.
1981: Guiding Light's Jennifer made a courtroom confession.
1986: Santa Barbara's Mason was shocked his father was well.
1995: General Hospital's Monica met 11-year-old Emily.

"Whoever wishes to foresee the future must consult the past; for human events ever resemble those of preceding times. This arises from the fact that they are produced by men who ever have been, and ever shall be, animated by the same passions, and thus they necessarily have the same results."
― Machiavelli

"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...

1936: Radio soap opera Dan Harding's Wife premiered. It ran until on NBC Radio until February 10, 1939. Isabel Randolph starred as Rhoda Harding.

1958: On The Edge of Night, Roy Benson called Fitzsimmons to tell him trouble was brewing.

1967: On Another World, Liz (Audra Lindley) encouraged Danny to take Missy and split, even though she couldn't get Fred to help her unlock the trust fund.

CBS Daytime Recreates Iconic 50th Anniversary Photo from 1978

CBS Daytime recently brought together 104 past and present stars to recreate the famous CBS 50th anniversary photo from 1978, including stars from the soap operas Guiding Light, As the World Turns, The Young and the Restless and The Bold and the Beautiful. The network is celebrating being #1 in the daytime ratings for 30 consecutive years.

Below is the talent lineup list in the "class photo" from left to right for each row beginning with the last row:

Row 11: (back row top) 11 1: Joshua Morrow 11 2: Sharon Case 11 3: Steve Burton 11 4: Rome Flynn 11 5: Hunter King 11 6: Daniel Goddard 11 7: Darin Brooks 11 8: Melissa Ordway 11 9: Lawrence Saint-Victor 11 10: Jason Thompson 11 11: Reign Edwards 11 12: Pierson Fodé 11 13: Melissa Claire Egan 11 14: Jacob Young 11 15: Tracey Bregman 11 16: Jacqueline MacInnes Wood

Row 10: 10 1: Christel Khalil 10 2: Rick Hearst 10 3: Kimberlin Brown 10 4: Krista Tesreau 10 5: Sean Kanan 10 6: Tonya Lee Williams 10 7: Greg Rikaart 10 8: Lesli Kay 10 9: Winsor Harmon 10 10: Amber Lancaster 10 11: Gwendolyn Osborne-Smith 10 12: James O'Halloran 10 13: Manuela Arbeláez 10 14: Rachel Reynolds 10 15: George Gray

Row 9: 9 1: Tiffany Coyne 9 2: Jonathan Mangum 9 3: Cat Gray 9 4: Constantine Maroulis 9 5: Tracy Melchior 9 6: Jennifer Gareis 9 7: Tristan Lake Leabu 9 8: Tricia Cast 9 9: Sean Carrigan 9 10: Mick Cain 9 11: Crystal Chappell 9 12: Linsey Godfrey 9 13: Karla Mosley

Row 8: 8 1: Rena Sofer 8 2: Robert Adamson 8 3: Ian Ziering 8 4: Ashley Jones 8 5: Paulo Benedeti 8 6: Michael O'Leary 8 7: Ashleigh Brewer 8 8: Aaron D. Spears 8 9: Kate Linder 8 10: Obba Babatundé 8 11: Vincent Irizarry 8 12: Amelia Heinle

Row 7: 7 1: Tamara Tunie 7 2: Christian Le Blanc 7 3: Catherine Bach 7 4: Alley Mills 7 5: Ian Buchanan 7 6: Angell Conwell 7 7: Max Ehrich 7 8: Tristan Rogers 7 9: Elizabeth Hendrickson 7 10: Kristoff St. John

Row 6: 6 1: Jess Walton 6 2: Thorsten Kaye 6 3: Camryn Grimes 6 4: Judith Chapman 6 5: Phil Morris 6 6: Fred Willard 6 7: Beth Maitland 6 8: Martha Byrne 6 9: Scott Clifton
Row 5: 5 1: Colleen Zenk 5 2: Doug Davidson 5 3: Ellen Dolan 5 4: Bryton James 5 5: Patty Weaver 5 6: Lauralee Bell 5 7: Robert Newman 5 8: Heather Tom

Row 4: 4 1: Don Diamont 4 2: Gina Tognoni 4 3: Anna Maria Horsford 4 4: Jerry Douglas 4 5: Mishael Morgan 4 6: Beth Chamberlin

Row 3: 3 1: Eileen Davidson 3 2: Melody Thomas Scott 3 3: John McCook 3 4: Aisha Tyler 3 5: Sara Gilbert 3 6: Peter Bergman

Row 2: 2 1: Monty Hall 2 2: Sharon Osbourne 2 3: Sheryl Underwood 2 4: Bob Barker

Row 1: (front row) 1 1: Wayne Brady 1 2: Katherine Kelly Lang 1 3: Eric Braeden 1 4: Julie Chen 1 5: Drew Carey Photo: Art Streiber/CBS ©2017 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved

Check out a behind the scenes video below to find out more about how the shoot came together.

Today in Soap Opera History (January 20)

1976: Pat wanted to stop seeing Faith on Ryan's Hope.
1981: Guiding Light's Jennifer made a courtroom confession.
1986: Santa Barbara's Mason was shocked his father was well.
1995: General Hospital's Monica met 11-year-old Emily.

"More and more, I tend to read history. I often find it more up to date than the daily newspapers."
― Joe Murray

"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...

1936: Radio soap opera Dan Harding's Wife premiered. It ran until on NBC Radio until February 10, 1939. Isabel Randolph starred as Rhoda Harding.

1958: On The Edge of Night, Roy Benson called Fitzsimmons to tell him trouble was brewing.

1967: On Another World, Liz (Audra Lindley) encouraged Danny to take Missy and split, even though she couldn't get Fred to help her unlock the trust fund.

'As the World Turns' and 'Guiding Light' Stars Confirmed for 'The Talk' Special on October 12

Colleen Zenk

The Talk celebrates CBS Daytime past and present on Wednesday, October 12, with actors from The Young and the Restless, The Bold and the Beautiful, As the World Turns and Guiding Light appearing.

Confirmed so far are Guiding Light's Kim Zimmer (Reva Shayne), Robert Newman (Joshua Lewis), Grant Aleksander (Phillip Spaulding) and Beth Chamberlin (Beth Raines); As the World Turns' Colleen Zenk (Barbara Ryan), Elizabeth Hubbard (Lucinda Walsh), Martha Byrne (Lily Snyder) and Ellen Dolan (Margo Hughes); The Young and the Restless' Christel Khalil (Lily Ashby), Christian LeBlanc (Michael Baldwin), Melody Thomas Scott (Nikki Newman) and Jason Thompson (Billy Abbott); and The Bold and the Beautiful's Katherine Kelly Lang (Brooke Logan), Don Diamont (Bill Spencer), Scott Clifton (Liam Spencer) and Jacqueline MacInnes Wood (Steffy Forrester Spencer).

CBS Daytime is commemorating 30 years at #1 with a variety of celebrations throughout the year, and wants its audience to join the fun. From special programming to can’t-miss events, many opportunities are planned for fans to experience even more of the series they love. Also, viewers can explore classic video moments, photo galleries and promotions on each show’s website and CBS Daytime’s social media platforms.

'Serial Scoop Now' Presents the 7th Annual Indie Series Awards Red Carpet Show, Part 1

Eric Martsolf and Jen Lilley hosted the 7th Annual Indie Series Awards ceremony on Wednesday, April 6 at the historic El Portal Theatre.

Serial Scoop Now interviewed the stars in front of and behind the camera on the red carpet of the 7th Annual Indie Series Awards on April 6. In the first of our multi-part coverage, we chat with Days of our Lives stars Jen Lilley and Eric Martsolf, the hosts of this year's ceremony; Janessa Alberre (Miss North Hollywood USA), Amber Nash, Kevin Gillese and Benjamin Scott Holst (Hart of America); Judith Avers, Melissa Malone and Frances Southwick (Or So the Story Goes); Frank Leone (In Retrospect); Kathleen Gati, Kevin Spirtas, Martha Madison, Josh Thrower, Barbara Caruso and Michael Caruso (Winterthorne); Colleen Zenk (As the World Turns); Yancy Butler (Witchblade); Jillian Clare (Ladies of the Lake); and The Bay's Patrika Darbo and Kiko Ellsworth.

Watch below.

Nominees Melissa Archer, Tristan Rogers, Melissa Claire Egan & Carolyn Hennesy Added as Presenters for 7th Annual Indie Series Awards

Former One Life to Live and Days of our Lives star Melissa Archer is
nominated for her work on Viral.

The Indie Series Awards announced today the second slate of presenters for the upcoming 7th Annual ISAs ceremony, hosted by Jen Lilley and Eric Martsolf.

The presenters, including ISA winners and nominees, are:

Melissa Archer (Viral)
Daniel Betances (BLACK)
Jillian Clare (Acting Dead)
Claire Downs (These People)
Melissa Claire Egan (Misguided)
Mary Beth Evans (The Bay)
Jeremy Glazer (These People)
Ryan Gowland (F'd)
Carolyn Hennesy (These People)
Zac Hug (These People)
Sebastian La Cause (He's With Me, Life's a Drag)
Erika Robel (Fully Engaged)
Tristan Rogers (The Bay)
Marc Sinoway (Hunting Season)
Kit Williamson (EastSiders)
Colleen Zenk (Thurston)

These presenters join the previously announced group which includes Kristos Andrews (The Southside, The Bay), Ben Baur (Hunting Season, These People), Tia Dae (Anacostia), Crista Flanagan (Club 5150), Kathleen Gati (Winterthorne), Jill Knox (Keith Broke His Leg), Martha Madison (Winterthorne), Keith Powell (Keith Broke His Leg, These People), Darcie Siciliano (He's With Me), Karrueche Tran (The Bay), Kevin Spirtas (Winterthorne) and Ian Verdun (Life's a Drag).

See all the nominees here.

The 7th Annual Indie Series Awards will be held at the historic El Portal Theatre on Wednesday, April 6 at 8 p.m. PT.

Today in Soap Opera History (January 20)

1976: Pat wanted to stop seeing Faith on Ryan's Hope.
1981: Guiding Light's Jennifer made a courtroom confession.
1986: Santa Barbara's Mason was shocked his father was well.
1995: General Hospital's Monica met 11-year-old Emily.

"The present contains nothing more than the past, and what is found in the effect is already in the cause."
― Henri Louis Bergson

"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...

1936: Radio soap opera Dan Harding's Wife premiered. It ran until on NBC Radio until February 10, 1939. Isabel Randolph starred as Rhoda Harding.

1958: On The Edge of Night, Roy Benson called Fitzsimmons to tell him trouble was brewing.

1967: On Another World, Liz (Audra Lindley) encouraged Danny to take Missy and split, even though she couldn't get Fred to help her unlock the trust fund.

'As the World Turns' Alum Colleen Zenk Mesmerizes in "Other Desert Cities"

Brenda Withers, Colleen Zenk, Peggy J. Scott, Malachy Cleary and
Davy Raphaely star in "Other Desert Cities" at Hudson Stage Company.
Photo Credit: Sue Coflin/Max Photos

Three-time Emmy Award nominee Colleen Zenk is best known for her 32-year run as Barbara Ryan on As the World Turns. From 1978 to 2010, viewers saw Barbara go from young heroine to town bitch to mother-from-hell, and many places in between. Since the iconic daytime drama ended its run five years ago, Zenk has played a number of fascinating characters on stage and screen. Her turn as Tallulah Bankhead in "Looped" was absolutely fascinating, and her portrayal of a madame in the Old West in Thurston earned her two Indie Series Award nominations. She is currently starring as Polly Wyeth in "Other Desert Cities" at Hudson Stage Company in Armonk, New York, and her performance is, once again, mesmerizing audiences.

In "Other Desert Cities," it's Christmas Eve in Palm Springs, and novelist Brooke Wyeth (Brenda Withers) is back home from new York to celebrate the holidays with her well-heeled parents, brother and aunt. The long-awaited reunion is soon set alight by a bombshell: Brooke is about publish a tell-all memoir that exposes the most painful chapter of the Wyeths' buried past, one that has impacted the lives of the entire family.

Brenda Withers, Colleen Zenk and Davy Raphaely.
Photo Credit: Sue Coflin/Max Photos

As Brooke's mother, Polly, Zenk's portrayal is at times both hilarious and heart-breaking, and she brings Jon Robin Baitz's words to life in such a riveting way that you can't take your eyes off the stage.

Rounding out the stellar cast are Malachy Cleary as Lyman Wyeth, Davy Raphaely as Trip Wyeth, and Peggy J. Scott as Silda Grauman. This must-see production of "Other Desert Cities" is directed by Dan Foster, who recently directed Zenk and Raphaely in a Nantucket production of the show.

"Other Desert Cities" runs through October 31. For tickets and more information, visit hudsonstage.com.

NEWS: Colleen Zenk, Marie Wilson, Alison Sweeney, Melissa Leo, Fall TV, 'Empire' Lawsuit

Marie Wilson is returning to Days of our Lives but in a new role
Wilson previously played Bree TJaden, a woman from Aiden's past. In early 2016, she'll return to Days as Summer, a "passionate loner who has been in and out of institutions."

Malachy Cleary, Colleen Zenk, Davy Raphaely, Peggy Scott and
Brenda Withers. Photo Credit: Rana Faure

New York Times: In a New Town, Hudson Stage Presents 'Other Desert Cities'
The play takes place in the Wyeth family’s Palm Springs, Calif., home in 2004, when the struggling writer Brooke (Brenda Withers) comes home for Christmas to reveal to her parents (Malachy Cleary and Colleen Zenk) and her younger brother (Davy Raphaely) that she has written a tell-all memoir about their darkest moment. (Her alcoholic aunt, played by Peggy J. Scott, is in on the plan.)

Days of our Lives star Ali Sweeney directs another episode of General Hospital
The next Sweeney-directed GH episode will air November 22.

The Young and the Restless casting the role of "Ilsa"
Ilsa is said to be a native of Sweeden (or perhaps Denmark or Switzerland) who was raised in the U.S. and has no accent. She is described as, "A genius child prodigy... Ilsa is pretty, but her passion for the nerdy cyber life/work has left her a tad socially awkward and a little quirky. However, Ilsa will blossom."

Is it time to kill "Fall TV"?
Writes Willa Paskin: "We're now four weeks into the network’s fall TV season. By current standards it was not a catastrophe. By real standards, it was hardly a success. Fall TV, in which dozens of shows are introduced to audiences in a matter of weeks, was once an effective and fun way to serve audiences new television shows. It is now ineffective and no fun. For reasons of structure and inertia, having to do with the development process and the selling of advertisements, it probably won’t change anytime soon."

Netflix exec: "There’s no such thing as too much TV"
Netflix content chief Ted Sarandos fired back at FX CEO John Landgraf’s assertion that we’ve reached peak TV. “There’s no such thing as too much TV,” Sarandos said today at an industry luncheon. “Unless we’re all spending more and not watching more. That’s not the case. The number of television [hours] we’re watching is growing dramatically.”

FOX gives a script with penalty commitment to Summer People
Summer People is an hourlong drama from Twisted creator Adam Milch, The Firm and Sony Pictures TV. Written and executive produced by Milch, Summer People is described as provocative drama exploring class and sexuality on a fictional version of Martha’s Vineyard, an island known for the movie stars, politicians and Wall Street power brokers who descend there every summer, disrupting the lives of the blue collar locals. The Firm's Jeff Kwatinetz and Josh Barry also executive produce.

FOX wants $10M Empire lawsuit from "gangsta pimp" tossed
Calling Empire “a modern take on Shakespeare’s King Lear,” lawyers for the network on Thursday filed a motion to dismiss the copyright infringement lawsuit Ron Newt started in April – and the network is going for the jugular.

“Plaintiff claims that the hit Fox network television series Empire is substantially similar to his Works, and asserts claims for copyright infringement and breach of implied contract,” says the October 15 motion, which calls Newt a “self-described ‘gangsta pimp’ ” whose work “include detailed descriptions of cold-blooded killings, dismemberments, and crude descriptions of Plaintiff’s sexual escapades in graphic detail that would never be shown on network television.” Newt calls his tale that of a black man rising with “his three sons from the ghetto and a life of crime into the world of the music industry.”

All My Children alum Melissa Leo to star in Showtime’s I'm Dying Up Here
The Jim Carrey-produced comedy will have Leo play a brassy comedy club owner. She’ll be joined by Sebastian Stan and Clark Duke.

Amazon acquires E!'s The Royals repeats
The streaming service has picked up reruns of the scripted drama.

Scandal took on Alessandra Stanley’s “Angry Black Woman” piece, and beautifully dismantled it
In the final few minutes of this week's episode, civil rights activist Marcus Walker, who has now joined the Olivia Pope Associates team as their PR spokesperson, is fed up with all of the coded language that has swirled around Olivia. After a reporter calls her “well-spoken”—a term often applied to “exceptional” black people that carries the implication that most of us speak in fractured Ebonics—he goes all in:

She’s usually so ‘well-spoken’ for a black woman, isn’t that what you meant? I say that because I’ve been looking at the last 72 hours of your station’s news coverage, and when you’re not suggesting Olivia Pope is an angry black woman, you’re implying she’s a homewrecker who slept her way to the top.

Nelson Aspen Thrills at Sold-Out Don't Tell Mama Show, With Special Guest Anita Gillette

Nelson Aspen and Anita Gillette at Don't Tell Mama on October 2, 2015.
Photo courtesy of Nelson Aspen

International entertainment reporter Nelson Aspen performed at Don't Tell Mama in New York City on Friday night for the first time in nearly 30 years. He brought back the music director from his '80s show, Gerry Dieffenbach, and created a fantastic night of music, comedy and showbiz scoops.

From his performances of everything from "Herb the Verb" and "Rhode Island Is Famous For You" to "I'm So Glad We Had This Time Together" and "Love Is All Around" (Theme Song from The Mary Tyler Moore Show), Aspen packed the evening with pop culture references that made the crowd cheer with laughter and joy. The audience absolutely loved singing along to "Three's Company, Too"!

Aspen's special guest was the Tony nominated Anita Gillette (Mona the mistress in Moonstruck, Tina Fey's mother in 30 Rock et al). Three decades after they met working on Search for Tomorrow, Aspen brought Gillette on stage for a story about working with Ethel Merman in "Gypsy" on Broadway, and a showstopping number that proved why she's the best cabaret performer in New York. Note: Gillette will next play Nick Offerman's mother in a Huntington Theatre Company production of "A Confederacy of Dunces" in Boston.

One of the packed room's favorite moments was when Aspen sang "You Take Me Away (to Another World)," with Dieffenbach playing Crystal Gayle to his Gary Morris during the chorus of the Another World theme song. It received extra loud cheers from the large assemblage of former Another World staffers who reunited to attend the show.

Melanie Mitchell In as Guest Star for Nelson Aspen's October 9 NYC Performance

Melanie Mitchell

"Today, the role of Colleen Zenk will be played by Melanie Mitchell." Well, not really, but busy As the World Turns fan favorite Colleen Zenk has had cancel her guest-spot at Nelson Aspen's October 9th Cabaret performance at Don't Tell Mama, and another of Nelson's fab friends will be stepping up to the plate for a star-turn.

Melanie Mitchell, with whom Nelson first worked in early 1980s musical theater (see pic), is a sought after voice over and commercial artist (you see her a thousand times a day celebrating her lower Cholesterol numbers in a Pharmaceutical ad for Crestor!) who has an extensive Off-Broadway and regional theatre resume with starring roles in shows like "Promises Promises," "The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas," "Cabaret" and "Bells Are Ringing." Her perfect soprano voice shone in popular 'girl groups' like "The Girls Next Store," "The Secrets" and as one of the original members of "The Taffetas."

Melanie Mitchell and Nelson Aspen

In addition to providing various voices on the animated hit The Simpsons, Melanie was a recurring player in David Letterman's late night comedy troupe and popped up often as a Day Player on As the World Turns and Another World, usually taunting the heroine-of-the-moment. She's much sweeter in person as audiences will discover on October 9.

Nelson's October 2 opening night show with guest star Anita Gillette is now wait-listed and a few seats are left for October 9 and 16, so hurry and make your reservations soon for these performances. Famous faces, exclusive behind the scenes stories, comedy and music are all part of the fun as Nelson reflects on 30 years as a showbiz industry insider.

Zenk, who just finished a hugely successful run as Polly in a Nantucket production of "Other Desert Cities" will continue the role in a new Hudson Stage Company production of the show from October 16-31. Buy tickets for that here.

NEWS: Michael Park, Colleen Zenk, Lexi Ainsworth, Xander Berkeley, John Stamos, Ian Somerhalder, Stephen Amell, Constantine Maroulis

Colleen Zenk, Michael Park

Longtime As the World Turns star Colleen Zenk to star in Hudson Stage Company production of "Other Desert Cities"
Zenk, who is currently playing Polly in a Nantucket production of "Other Desert Cities," will play the character again for Hudson Stage Company.

Preview Friday, Oct. 16th, opens Saturday, Oct. 17th and runs weekends only through Saturday, Oct. 31st. Evenings at 8 p.m., Matinees Sunday Oct. 18th , and Oct. 25th at 3pm (Q&A following the Oct. 25th performance) and matinee Saturday, Oct. 31st at 3 p.m.

As the World Turns alum Michael Park joins cast of Broadway's "Tuck Everlasting"
"Tuck Everlasting," the new musical based on Natalie Babbitt's novel, has announced principal casting for the Broadway production. The show will star Carolee Carmello as Mae Tuck, Andrew Keenan-Bolger as Jesse Tuck, Michael Park (Jack Snyder on ATWT) as Angus Tuck, Terrence Mann as the Man in the Yellow Suit , Fred Applegate as Constable Joe, Robert Lenzi as Miles Tuck, Michael Wartella as Hugo, Valerie Wright as Betsy Foster, and 11-year-old Sarah Charles Lewis as Winnie Foster.

Meet an Inspirational Syrian Teenager Who Trekked 20 Days in a Wheelchair Getting to Europe
How did she learn to speak English so well? “At home with my favorite TV show, Days of our Lives,” she said, beaming. "I watched it for two years.”

“I was waking up at 8 a.m. some days to watch it. That’s a great show," she said. "But they killed the main character that I loved!”

Lexi Ainsworth returns to General Hospital as Kristina today
"I was pretty shocked when I got the call," Ainsworth tells Soap Opera Digest. "It was definitely a surprise, but I was very excited." She says she's grateful for the support she's received from GH fans both before and since the announcement of her comeback. "I'm pretty overwhelmed by the amount of love they show me," she beams. "It's so heartwarming."

Stephen Amell apologizes after his Ahmed Mohamed tweet receives backlash
The Arrow star sparked anger among some of his followers when tweeted about the 14-year-old Muslim boy in Texas who was arrested after bringing a homemade clock to school. “Stereotyping Texas isn’t any better than stereotyping Ahmed. Just so we’re clear,” Amell tweeted. Because of the backlash, Amell is taking a break from social media.

The View loses two advertisers over nursing controversy
Johnson & Johnson and Eggland's Best have opted to cut ties with the ABC talk show over the controversial nurse comments made by Michelle Collins and Joy Behar.

Judge dismisses charges against The Bold and the Beautiful alum Constantine Maroulis
The former American Idol contestant had been accused of kicking his ex-girlfriend and mother of his 4-year-old daughter.

Empire's "Batshit Crazy" Behind-the-Scenes Drama
It's TV's soap opera within a soap opera, a show so big even Lucious Lyon couldn't dream it up, with an A-list guest-star roster (Chris Rock as … a cannibal?), hints of a tour, a spinoff and Lee Daniels' defense of Terrence Howard: "He ain't done nothing different than Marlon Brando or Sean Penn."

FOX's Empire and Scream Queens will premiere globally on the same day
The season two premiere and series premiere, respectively, will bow internationally within 24 hours of their stateside debuts.

Scream Queens adds Chad Michael Murray
Murray will play the older brother of Glen Powell's frat bro character.

The Walking Dead casts Xander Berkeley
The 24 alum's role on the zombie drama is being kept top-secret.

American Horror Story launching a fashion collection
Hot Topic will host the collection, which will include at least one item inspired from each season.

Buffy’s Nicholas Brendon slams Dr. Phil over their disastrous interview
"It was extremely sad that the producers decided to sensationalize and exaggerate the already-disappointing events of the past year, Brendon wrote on Facebook, adding that he didn’t like Dr. Phil’s harsh words for his mom.

Game of Thrones enlists a Downton Abbey alum to play Samwell Tarly’s dad
British actor James Faulkner, who played Downton Abbey’s Lord Sinderby is joining the HBO drama for Season 6.

NBC plans to remake Hart to Hart featuring a gay couple
A reboot of the 1979-84 ABC mystery/adventure drama starring Robert Wagner and Stefanie Powers would be made with the characters Jonathan Hart as the “by the book” attorney and Dan Hartman as a free-spirited investigator. Hart to Hart is from former CSI executive producer Carol Mendelsohn.

TNT drama Home casts Broadchurch's Andrew Buchan as male lead; Somerset alum JoBeth Williams to co-star
Home centers on the not-yet-cast Rose Altman, an accomplished designer with a successful business who is expecting a child with husband Joe (Buchan), a highly regarded prison psychologist. But her image of her perfect family is shattered when she discovers long-buried secrets that threaten to destroy the very foundation of her life.

Hollywood Gets CPR Dangerously Wrong
If you watch shows like House or Grey’s Anatomy, your idea of CPR is probably all wrong.

Ian Somerhalder's Twitter Hacked! Vampire Diaries Actor Did Not Profess His Love for Ex-Girlfriend Nina Dobrev
Somerhalder's Twitter account was hacked Tuesday around 9:45 p.m. ET. The hacker tweeted for about 20 minutes before writing, "I am so sorry," and deleting the tweets. When the hacker first revealed that the account was seized, he or she asked his followers, "who even is ian somerhalder."

One of the tweets professed his or her love for Nina Dobrev, Somerhalder's ex-girlfriend and former co-star on the hit CW series.

Alison Brie is joining Tom Hollander and Ian McShane on Downton Abbey creator’s new ITV drama
Brie will co-star on Julian Fellowes’ Doctor Thorne.

The League’s Steve Rannazzisi admits to lying about escaping the World Trade Center on 9/11
The New York Times confronted Rannazzisi on his lie this week after finding evidence that “undermined his account" of his oft-told 9/11 story. The paper notes that Rannazzisi admitted his lie “after a day of deliberation….Actually, he had been working in Midtown that day, and not for Merrill Lynch, which has no record of his employment and had no offices in either tower.”

John Stamos teaches Jimmy Kimmel the art of a sitcom opening
Watch them re-create the “dying art" below:

Nelson Aspen Reveals Guest for Second NYC Show: Colleen Zenk

Nelson Aspen and Colleen Zenk

Last week, we told you that showbiz legend Anita Gillette would be joining Nelson Aspen for the first show of his 30th Anniversary NYC Cabaret Engagement, Friday October 2nd. Now we can tell you who will be joining him onstage for the second performance, Friday October 9th: fan favorite Colleen Zenk, three-time Emmy nominee for her 32-year run as Barbara Ryan on As the World Turns.

"Like Anita, Colleen is a tremendous fan and supporter of the cabaret genre in addition to being such a commanding and glamorous performer," Aspen tells We Love Soaps. "These shows are going to be like having audiences over to my place every Friday night for a party. Only I don't have to cook!"

The always busy Zenk is currently starring in Theatre Workshop of Nantucket’s production of "Other Desert Cities," running now until September 19.

To reserve your seats for one of Nelson's upcoming shows at Don't Tell Mama in New York, call (212) 757-0788 (after 4 p.m. daily) or visit donttellmamanyc.com. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for a 7 p.m. performance. Expect to see some other familiar faces in the audience, too!

The guest for the third show on October 16 on will be announced soon.

RELATED:
- Colleen Zenk Visits @NELSON'S
- Sneak Peek: First Footage from Upcoming Janet Iacobuzio & Nelson Aspen Series Released

'As the World Turns' Alum Colleen Zenk Set to Star in Theatre Workshop of Nantucket Production of 'Other Desert Cities'

ATWT star Colleen Zenk will next take the stage in
"Other Desert Cities" in Nantucket.

Theatre Workshop of Nantucket will present "Other Desert Cities" from August 19 through September 19 at Centre Stage, and three-time Emmy-nominated actress Colleen Zenk, best known for her long-running role as villain Barbara Ryan on CBS soap opera As the World Turns, is in the cast!

The visceral drama takes place in the aftermath of Brooke Wyeth's long overdue family Christmas homecoming, where she drops a bombshell that she is publishing a memoir unearthing a heartbreaking and life-changing event left very deliberately in the past. In this 2012 Pulitzer Prize nominated play, Jon Robin Baitz spins a poignant and piercing tale of a traumatized yet resilient family carefully picking up the shattered pieces of their lives. Again.

Theatre Workshop's production will feature Katie Croyle as Brooke, John Devaney as Lyman, Davy Raphaely as Trip, and Kate Splaine as Silda. Zenk will play Polly, the role that scored Stockard Channing a Tony Award nomination in 2012.

For more information on "Other Desert Cities" or to buy tickets, visit. theatreworkshop.com.

NEWS: Amanda Peterson, Kelly Rowland, Matt Dallas, Colleen Zenk, Corbin Bleu, Adan Canto, 'Queens of Drama'

Amanda Peterson

A Year in the Life actress Amanda Peterson dead at 43
Amanda Peterson, a TV and film actress best remembered for playing the love interest of Grey’s Anatomy‘s Patrick Dempsey in 1987’s Can’t Buy Me Love, has died at age 43.

Though a cause of death has not been confirmed, Peterson’s family tells TMZ that she recently suffered from several medical issues, including pneumonia, sleep apnea and sinusitis. Her body was discovered on July 5.

Peterson’s most notable television work was as on NBC’s A Year in the Life, which started as a 1986 miniseries before being turned into a drama series the following year.

Adan Canto joins ABC primetime soap Blood and Oil as series regular, replaces Yani Gellman
Blood and Oil follows Billy (Chase Crawford) and Cody Lefever (Rebecca Rittenhouse) who dream of a new life beyond their working-class roots and move to The Bakken in North Dakota, booming after the biggest oil discovery in American history. They’re soon pitted against a ruthless tycoon who forces them to bet big and put everything on the line, including their marriage.

Canto will play AJ Menendez, and take over the role previously played by Yani Gellman (The Young and the Restless) in the pilot.

Kelly Rowland joins Season 2 of Empire
The 34-year-old R&B singer will play Lucious Lyon's mother in a flashback.

'Queens of Drama' returning for second season?
The show released a casting call for two name soap actresses of any ethnicity in their early 20s-early 60s to join Donna Mills (Madeline, GH) and the cast on Pop's "reality" series. The show is scheduled to begin filming in mid to late fall for 6-10 episodes, and the pay rate is listed at approximately $40,000.

Colleen Zenk, Corbin Bleu, Randy Brooks among best in Dayton’s 2014-15 Theater Season
Bleu (One Life to Live) was nominated as Best Leading Actor in a Play for his work in "Family Shots," while Zenk (As the World Turns) and Brooks (The Young and the Restless, Another World) were nominated for their work playing Bleu's parents.

Orange is the New Black filming fourth season in Rockland County, New York
According to reports, the hit Netflix series is already shooting episodes for season 4 at the abandoned Rockland Children's Psychiatric Center in Orangeburg.

Amazon and Netflix pass on picking up Hannibal
Executive producer Bryan Fuller tweeted the news this afternoon, adding: "We're still investigating possibilities."

Lifetime renews UnREAL for second season
Lifetime has renewed its critically acclaimed primetime serial for a 10-episode second season.

Matt Dallas and Blue Hamilton. Photo via Instagram

Kyle XY star Matt Dallas marries musician Blue Hamilton
The 32-year-old actor broke the news on Instagram with the caption, "Introducing Mr. & Mr. Dallas."

Mr. Robot gains viewers with second episode
The USA drama's second episode shot up 13% over its premiere.

Whoopi Goldberg and Raven-Symoné are still sticking up for Bill Cosby, despite his Quaaludes admission
On The View this morning, Goldberg, one of Cosby’s "most vigorous defenders," and former Cosby Show star Raven-Symoné said their minds weren’t changed by Cosby’s revelations from a 2005 deposition.

FBI raids Subway spokesman Jared Fogle's home as part of a child porn investigation
FBI investigators and Indiana State Police served warrants on Fogle early this morning. Earlier this year, the executive director of Fogle’s Jared Foundation was arrested in a child pornography case.

Sneak Peek: First Footage from Upcoming Janet Iacobuzio & Nelson Aspen Series Released

From left to right: Anne Howard, Nelson Aspen, Stephen Schnetzer,
Colleen Zenk, Ryan Brown and Anna Holbrook.

The first footage from the upcoming Janet Iacobuzio and Nelson Aspen series has been released. While the sneak peek doesn't give much away, it does give us a glance at some of the beloved soap opera stars in the cast, including Colleen Zenk (As the World Turns), Anna Holbrook (Another World), Anna Stuart (Another World, The Doctors, All My Children), David Forsyth (Another World, Search for Tomorrow), Marcia McCabe (Search for Tomorrow, One Life to Live, Another World, As the World Turns), Stephen Schnetzer (Another World, As the World Turns, Days of our Lives, One Life to Live), Alice Barrett Mitchell (Another World), Anne Howard (Another World, Days of our Lives), Denise Pence (Guiding Light) and Ryan Brown (The Young and the Restless, Guiding Light).

The cast also includes Marc McClure (Superman I, Superman II, Supergirl, Apollo 13, Back to the Future), Amy Freeze (ABC Eyewitness News) and Yvonne Goutman, the daughter of Marcia McCabe and Christopher Goutman.

Watch the sneak peek teaser below:

NEWS: Corbin Bleu, Colleen Zenk, Randy Brooks, Jeffrey Christopher Todd, James Scott, 'Dark Shadows' Binge, 'The Archers'

Corbin Bleu and Collee Zenk

Review of "Family Shots" play starring Corbin Bleu, Collen Zenk and Randy Brooks
"Overall, without resorting to flashiness or melodrama, [Bleu, One Life to Live] delivers a terrifically sharp, effortlessly magnetic performance solidifying his mature evolution as one of the most skilled actors of his generation. Zenk, a three-time Emmy nominee as villainous Barbara Ryan on As the World Turns, is a flustered, worrisome joy brilliantly conveying the nervous agitation derived from accepting and embracing the unknown. Brooks (The Young and the Restless, Another World) is basically confined to a bed throughout, but his down-to-earth presence and plain spoken insightfulness appealingly resonates."

Alec Baldwin to Write Memoir ‘Nevertheless’
Baldwin will pen the book himself and include stories about his childhood in New York, his early career as a soap opera star on The Doctors, his marriage and acrimonious divorce from actress Kim Basinger, and his second marriage to yoga instructor Hilaria Thomas in 2012.

Today in Soap Opera History (January 20)

1976: Pat wanted to stop seeing Faith on Ryan's Hope.
1981: Guiding Light's Jennifer made a courtroom confession.
1986: Santa Barbara's Mason was shocked his father was well.
1995: General Hospital's Monica met 11-year-old Emily.

"A page of history is worth a pound of logic."
― Oliver Wendell Holmes

"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...

1936: Radio soap opera Dan Harding's Wife premiered. It ran until on NBC Radio until February 10, 1939. Isabel Randolph starred as Rhoda Harding.

1958: On The Edge of Night, Roy Benson called Fitzsimmons to tell him trouble was brewing.

1967: On Another World, Liz (Audra Lindley) encouraged Danny to take Missy and split, even though she couldn't get Fred to help her unlock the trust fund.

A Snead Reunion on the Season 3 Premiere of 'Thurston'

Agnes Snead (Colleen Zenk), Edmund Snead (Walt Willey)

Indie Series Award-winning Thurston is back! In the third season premiere, Maggie (Catherine Frels) and Inolah (Autumn Morningstar Custalow Alfaro) receive a visit from The Marshal (Garry Westcott), DA Stewart (Todd Messegee) makes Pinkerton Daniels ((John C. Bailey)) a proposition, and Rosie (Susannah Wells) plots an escape. Meanwhile, the Sneads have a tense family reunion. How will Agnes (Colleen Zenk) react to seeing her husband, Edmund (Walt Willey), after so many years? Watch Thurston below: