Today in Soap Opera History (April 19)

1983: All My Children's Verla Grubbs told Phoebe about her father.
1985: Todd arrived in Salem. on Days of our Lives.
1990: Bo Brady returned to Days of our Lives.
1991: Another World's Kathleen unintentionally interrupted
Cass & Frankie's wedding.

"History speaks to artists. It changes the artist's thinking and is constantly reshaping it into d ifferent 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...

1966: On Peyton Place, Ann Howard (Susan Oliver) hired Steven Cord (James Douglas) to investigate Chris's fall from the bluff years earlier, convinced she had nothing to do with it.

Today in Soap Opera History (April 19)

1983: All My Children's Verla Grubbs told Phoebe about her father.
1985: Todd arrived in Salem. on Days of our Lives.
1990: Bo Brady returned to Days of our Lives.
1991: Another World's Kathleen unintentionally interrupted
Cass & Frankie's wedding.

"All true histories contain instruction; though, in some, the treasure may be hard to find, and when found, so trivial in quantity that the dry, shrivelled kernel scarcely compensates for the trouble of cracking the nut."
― Anne Brontë in "Agnes Grey"

"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...

1966: On Peyton Place, Ann Howard (Susan Oliver) hired Steven Cord (James Douglas) to investigate Chris's fall from the bluff years earlier, convinced she had nothing to do with it.

Today in Soap Opera History (April 19)

1983: All My Children's Verla Grubbs told Phoebe about her father.
1985: Todd arrived in Salem. on Days of our Lives.
1990: Bo Brady returned to Days of our Lives.
1991: Another World's Kathleen unintentionally interrupted
Cass & Frankie's wedding.

"All true histories contain instruction; though, in some, the treasure may be hard to find, and when found, so trivial in quantity that the dry, shrivelled kernel scarcely compensates for the trouble of cracking the nut."
― Anne Brontë in "Agnes Grey"

"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...

1966: On Peyton Place, Ann Howard (Susan Oliver) hired Steven Cord (James Douglas) to investigate Chris's fall from the bluff years earlier, convinced she had nothing to do with it.

NEWS: Deidre Hall, Mary Lynn Blanks, Kelly Ripa, Sean Blakemore, James Franco, Camila Banus, Taraji P. Henson

Mary Lynn Blanks: The Soap Opera Actress Who Captured Chuck Blazer's Heart
Vice.com has posted a fascinating excerpt involving one-time soap opera star Mary Lynn Blanks (ex-Tara Martin, All My Children; ex-Annie Stewart, As the World Turns; ex-Jenny Baylor, Loving; ex-Thelma, Another World) from the forthcoming book "AMERICAN HUCKSTER: How Chuck Blazer Got Rich From-and Sold Out-the Most Powerful Cabal in World Sports" by Mary Papenfuss and Teri Thompson. Copyright © 2016 by Mary Papenfuss and Teri Thompson. To be published on April 26, 2016 by Harper, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers.

"Mary Lynn Blanks was stunned to receive a letter out of the clear blue from long-ago lover Chuck Blazer offering sunny birthday greetings when she turned fifty. Blazer boasted in the October 2002 note that he had achieved 'most of my goals, both professional and personally.' He expressed the hope that she was enjoying a good life too."

100-year-old Days of our Lives fan meets cast members
Ann Young didn't know what to expect when 12 News sat her in front of a laptop and dialed a number on Skype. The people who answered were people she had only seen through her television set-they were members of her favorite show, Days of our Lives. Deidre Hall (Marlena Evans) was joined briefly by her co-star Kristian Alfonso (Hope Brady) to wish Ann a very happy 100th birthday. After Kristian returned to work, Ann talked with Deidre for almost 20 minutes. They talked about the show, about Ann's love for the characters and the entertainment. Deidre asked Ann what her secret to long life is.

"Oh, surround yourself with young people, and lie about your age," Ann said.

Watch the 12 News story below.

Today in Soap Opera History (April 19)

1983: All My Children's Verla Grubbs told Phoebe about her father.
1985: Todd arrived in Salem. on Days of our Lives.
1990: Bo Brady returned to Days of our Lives.
1991: Another World's Kathleen unintentionally interrupted
Cass & Frankie's wedding.

"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...

1966: On Peyton Place, Ann Howard (Susan Oliver) hired Steven Cord (James Douglas) to investigate Chris's fall from the bluff years earlier, convinced she had nothing to do with it.

NEWS: Peter Reckell, Kassie DePaiva, Jennifer Landon, James Franco, #SayTheirName

Peter Reckell

Days of our Lives star Peter Reckell: "I’m so proud of the show right now"
"That’s why I’m so proud of the show right now; that’s what they’re doing, giving the audience exactly what they want," says Reckell, who recently returned as Bo Brady. "I’m really proud of these new head writers for heading in that direction."

On Bo's relationship with Ciara: "I just want to say that [Vivian Jovanni] is amazing. That’s difficult, because I’m in love with Lauren [Boles], and to have her replaced, I got to admit, at first I was disappointed. But what they’ve done, the way they’ve handled the character and her growing up, was really cool. She’s a great mixture of the characters of Bo and Hope. I think the audience is really going to connect to their relationship, because we did get to spend a lot of time together, the two characters. She’ll be kind of carrying the mantle of Bo onward."

Kassie DePaiva says it's been a challenge to make Eve Donovan real
"Eve is a very challenging character," DePaiva says. "She's very damaged so it's been challenging to make her real."

General Hospital alum James Franco is teaching high school now
ranco, student of life, teacher of N.Y.U. and U.S.C. film students, guest starrer of soap operas, will next bestow his hard-won wisdom upon a lucky few high-schoolers. Friday night via Instagram, Franco alerted the young citizens of California that he’d be hosting an eight-part film class at Silicon Valley’s Palo Alto High School and encouraged them to join him. “Sign up NOW! 💥” he implored (sunburst emoji his).

The Young and the Restless and As the World Turns actress Jennifer Landon stars in I Spit on Your Grave 3: Vengeance Is Mine
Anchor Bay Entertainment will release the R.D. Braunsten-directed sequel into limited theaters on October 9, 2015. A DVD, Blu-ray, and VOD release will follow on October 20, 2015.

Jennifer Landon (ex-Gwen, ATWT; ex-Heather, Y&R), Doug McKeon and Gabriel Hogan co-star in this unforgiving, unmerciful, and uncut new chapter of one of the most notorious franchises in movie history.

#SayTheirName: British soap EastEnders stirs emotion with Muslim family storyline
Heartbreaking scenes of parents experiencing a stillbirth prompted viewers of British soap opera EastEnders to take to social media to praise the performances of the actors playing the fictional British Muslim family the Masoods.

After the episode was aired by the BBC, Rakhee Thakrar, who plays grief-stricken mum Shabnum Masood, took to Twitter to encourage grieving parents to share the name of their still-born child following the hashtag #SayTheirName.

Today in Soap Opera History (April 19)

1983: All My Children's Verla Grubbs told Phoebe about her father.
1985: Todd arrived in Salem. on Days of our Lives.
1990: Bo Brady returned to Days of our Lives.
1991: Another World's Kathleen unintentionally interrupted
Cass & Frankie's wedding.

"Mankind are so much the same, in all times and places, that history informs us of nothing new or strange in this particular. Its chief use is only to discover the constant and universal principles of human nature."
― David Hume

"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...

1966: On Peyton Place, Ann Howard (Susan Oliver) hired Steven Cord (James Douglas) to investigate Chris's fall from the bluff years earlier, convinced she had nothing to do with it.

Cecily Strong and 'SNL' Host James Franco's Forbidden Love

James Franco hosts Saturday Night Live with musical guest Nicki Minaj on Saturday, December 6. He did a soap-inspired promo (playing on his history with General Hospital) for his appearance alongside cast member Cecily Strong. Watch it below:

James Franco's Mother, Betsy Franco, Returning to 'General Hospital'

Betsy Franco and James Franco

General Hospital has confirmed the rumors that Betsy Franco, the real-life mother of James Franco, is returning to the show.

She will be reprising the role of Franco's adoptive mom, a nurse also named "Betsy Franco" (as well as Karen Anderson). The character debuted in 2010 and popped up briefly in 2013. Franco has been played by Roger Howarth since May 2013.

She explained her first appearance on the soap in a 2010 interview with Seventeen.

"The head writer at General Hospital saw the Funny or Die video I wrote and acted in. He told James he liked it, and they came up with the idea that I could play James' mom. I've been taking classes in stage and film at Stanford Continuing Ed for six years. I also write and act in a sketch comedy group called Suburban Squirrel and take improv classes."

RELATED:
* EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: James Franco - Choosing Projects He Believes In

Today in Soap Opera History (April 19)

1983: AMC's Verla Grubbs told Phoebe about her father.
1985: Todd arrived in Salem.  1990: Bo Brady returned to DAYS.
1991: AW's Kathleen unintentionally interrupted Cass &
Frankie's wedding.

"There is no present or future, only the past happening over and over again - now."
- Eugene O'Neill

"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...

1967: On Dark Shadows, Barnabas Collins (Jonathan Frid) spoke to the portrait of Josette, declaring that he had come home to stay.

Spike TV Agrees to Multi-Picture, First Window Film Package with Open Road Films

Former GUIDING LIGHT star Frank Grillo stars in a number of Open
Road Films movies including the upcoming HOMEFRONT with James
Franco and Jason Statham.

SPIKE TV and Open Road Films today announced that they have reached an agreement for a film package that includes the first window broadcast premiere of Open Road Films titles KILLER ELITE, THE GREY, END OF WATCH, MACHETE KILLS, and HOMEFRONT.

"These films are certain to be popular with Spike TV's audience," stated Tom Ortenberg, CEO of Open Road Films. "Kevin Kay and Tom Zappala have a keen eye for what their viewers want and we are very happy to partner with them to bring these titles to Spike TV."

"We are thrilled to partner with Open Road Films whose cache of films are sure to resonate with our broadening, gender-balanced audience," said Kevin Kay, Spike TV President.

Monday Night Ratings: MISTRESSES & UNDER THE DOME Up, James Franco Roast Watch By 3.1M

Check out a roundup of ratings reports below for Monday night, September 2nd.

From ABC:
Spiking 18% over its lead-in at 9:00 p.m. in Adults 18-49, ABC's MISTRESSES was up for the 2nd straight week with Total Viewers (+17% - 4.1 million vs. 3.5 million) and Adults 18-49 (+30% - 1.3/4 vs. 1.0/3) to deliver 12-week highs on both Nielsen measures - since 6/10/13. In fact the show earned its 2nd-highest Adult 18-49 rating ever and posted new series highs with Adults 18-34 (1.1/4) and Women 18-34 (1.7/5).

JAMES FRANCO PRESENTS Coming To Ovation Network This Fall

Ovation, America's arts network, today announced a ground-breaking partnership with renowned actor, filmmaker, author and artist James Franco to launch JAMES FRANCO PRESENTS. Hosted and executive produced by James Franco, the revolutionary original series premieres this fall, only on Ovation.

"James Franco is the ultimate artist, so partnering with James is a dream come true for Ovation," said Robert Weiss, Ovation's Chief Creative Officer. "And, since Ovation's mantra is 'art is everywhere,' James is the perfect person through whom to introduce viewers to a modern, more inclusive definition of art."

Delivering an unprecedented look at the fascinating projects and real-life adventures of Mr. Franco, JAMES FRANCO PRESENTS will document his provocative explorations of the world of art. From his gallery exhibits to his students' films, the innovative series will also provide an exclusive opportunity to hear Mr. Franco's point of view on his most-personal passion projects, most of which have not been seen by the public.

Bill Hader, Jonah Hill, Nick Kroll, Natasha Leggero, Jeff Ross & Sarah Silverman To Roast James Franco

Comedy Central unveiled today an all-star roster of Roasters who will join Roast Master Seth Rogen for the COMEDY CENTRAL ROAST OF JAMES FRANCO, which includes close friends, This Is The End co-stars and some of today's top comedians. To accommodate the growing list of celebrity Roasters and attendees, the network has moved the event tape date to Sunday, August 25 at Culver Studios. The #FrancoRoast airing will remain unchanged, premiering on Labor Day, Monday, September 2 at 10 p.m. ET/PT.

Confirmed Roasters include Bill Hader, Jonah Hill, Nick Kroll, Natasha Leggero, Jeff Ross, and Sarah Silverman. Additional Roasters and talent to be in attendance will be announced shortly.

James Franco Roast Promo: 'It Ain't Gonna Be Pretty'

Comedy Central is rolling out the red carpet for the multi-hyphenated jack-of-all-trades James Franco. THE COMEDY CENTRAL ROAST OF JAMES FRANCO (#FrancoRoast) will tape in Los Angeles this month and premiere on Labor Day. It will be executive produced by Miles Levy and Joel Gallen from Tenth Planet Productions, who also served as Executive Producer and Director of the Comedy Central Roasts Of Rosanne Barr, Charlie Sheen, and Donald Trump, as well as the Emmy-nominated Comedy Central Roast Of William Shatner.

Check out a new promo below in which former GENERAL HOSPITAL guest star Franco talks to himself (eventually kissing himself) in the mirror).

NEWS: New GENERAL HOSPITAL Novel "Maine Squeeze"; EASTENDERS Ratings Drop; Vanessa Ray Joins BLUE BLOODS

Another GENERAL HOSPITAL novel from Molly
GENERAL HOSPITAL's Molly Lansing-Davis has written a follow-up to "Love In Maine," the romance novel Connie tried to pass off on her own! "Maine Squeeze" will be released as an E-book on Tuesday, August 13, and follows the courtship of Stephanie and Jeff, the best pal and brother of "Love In Maine's" heroine, Maddie.

EASTENDERS Slumps to 4.8 Million Viewers - But BBC Says it will Rise Again
The slump put it below EMMERDALE's 5.1 million viewers on Tuesday, which it was suddenly up against when broadcast was delayed to allow coverage of Kate Middleton and Prince William introducing Prince George to the world outside St Mary's Hospital in London. One show insider told the Sun: "All the soaps are struggling at the moment."

The ratings woes follow announcements that a number of well-known past favorites would be making dramatic comebacks. Barbara Windsor is returning to Albert Square to reprise her role as the pint-sized Mitchell matriarch for a one-off appearance in the autumn. Her return to Albert Square will coincide with Samantha Womack reprising her role as baby-snatcher Ronnie Mitchell and Michael French returning as womanizer David Wicks. Executive are also planning a spectacular £1m car crash which will leave Phil Mitchell fighting for his life.

Comedy Central To Roast James Franco, Adding GENERAL HOSPITAL-Inspired 'Francophrenia' To Digital & VOD Platforms

Photo: Jim Warren

Comedy Central is rolling out the red carpet for the multi-hyphenated James Franco. The network announced today that Franco will be adding a new moniker to his ever growing list of accomplishments as this year's Roastee. The "Comedy Central Roast Of James Franco" (#FrancoRoast) will tape in Los Angeles in August and premiere on Labor Day.

"If only James Franco was a more successful, multi-hyphenated, incessant creative risk taker in different media, he'd be the perfect person to roast. Oh well... I suppose we'll just have to make do," said Kent Alterman, President, Content Development & Original Programming, Comedy Central.

Today in Soap Opera History (April 19)

On this date in...

1967: On DARK SHADOWS, Barnabas (Jonathan Frid) began speaking to the portrait of Josette.

1971: Patricia Barry debuted as Addie Williams in DAYS OF OUR LIVES.

1973: Corinne Conley made her first appearance as Phyllis Anderson on DAYS OF OUR LIVES.

1979: On ANOTHER WORLD, Sally (Julie Philips) insisted she had outgrown Bay City. Scott (Paul Tulley) told her the store would drop the charges only if she returned home.

James Franco's 'Francophrenia' Coming To The Austin Film Festival Friday, October 19

A scene captured in the film. Photo by Jim Warren

The Austin Film Festival kicked off on Thursday, October 18. The AFF has over 180 films this year that they are screening through October 25. One of the films being screened is James Franco's, Francophrenia (Or Don't Kill Me, I Know Where the Baby Is), about the GENERAL HOSPITAL location shoot at MoCA featuring his character, Franco, along with Steve Burton's Jason, and a number of other cast and crew members. Read our review from April here when the film screened at Tribeca.

This wholly unique documentary follows James Franco’s time on the set of General Hospital, utilizing a thrilling experimental style to focus on Franco’s experiences as an established movie star joining a long-running soap opera and as “Franco,” the performance artist he portrayed on the show. Franco in attendance.

Francophrenia is screening at AFF on Friday, October 19 at 7 p.m. at the Paramount Theatre both James Franco and Steve Burton will be there!

Visit aff.festivalgenius.com for more details.

NEWS ROUNDUP: Bill Roache's Drunken Family Discovery; Plus, Jake Silbermann, James Franco, J.R. Martinez

Bill Roache's drunken family discovery
CORONATION STREET legend William Roache discovered his grandfather was a violent alcoholic while filming WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE? and his mother had to be sent away from him when she was a young baby.

TV Writers Script Safe Sex 'Product Placement'
Earlier this year, RAISING HOPE's main character, who'd been a teen mom, caught a high school girl in bed with her boyfriend. "I'm gonna show you where this can lead to!" she screeched. "I'm your ghost of teen pregnancy future!"

The vignette that followed was a sort of teen pregnancy Scared Straight! And it was, in a sense, product placement from The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy.