Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos to be Honored at The Trevor Project’s TrevorLIVE New York Gala

Today, The Trevor Project announced that talk show host, actress and producer Kelly Ripa and actor and producer Mark Consuelos will jointly be honored at the organization's TrevorLIVE New York gala with the Champions Award for their continued allyship and commitment to supporting The Trevor Project’s mission to end suicide among LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and Questioning) young people. The organization will also honor EY with the 20/20 Visionary Award for the company's work supporting LGBTQ inclusion around the world and creating a sense of belonging for all EY professionals. In addition, actress, comedian and writer Nicole Byer and actor, director and digital producer Eugene Lee Yang will co-host TrevorLIVE New York, the organization’s annual star-studded signature fundraiser, on Monday, June 17 at Cipriani Wall Street in New York City. As previously announced, actress, musician, and style icon Cara Delevingne will be honored with the 2019 Hero Award.

"We're so excited to honor Kelly Ripa, Mark Consuelos and EY at this year's TrevorLIVE New York -- they remain committed allies to the LGBTQ community at a time when LGBTQ youth need more support than ever, ensuring that they know they are beautiful and deserving of love for who they are," said Amit Paley, CEO & Executive Director of The Trevor Project. "Combined with this year's creative and funny co-hosts, Nicole Byer and Eugene Lee Yang, this year's TrevorLIVE New York 2019 will help to raise visibility and support for our life-saving work on behalf of LGBTQ young people."

From Soap Operas to Stardom: Celebrities’ Journey to Success

We all know that it can be extremely challenging to break onto the Hollywood scene. Los Angeles is filled with hopeful actors waiting to make their big break — but they can’t just sit back and wait for the opportunity to come to them. The road to fame requires a lot of hard work, including work to pay the bills while you audition and fight for roles.

In fact, some of the biggest names in Hollywood today started out working odd jobs to make ends meet. Did you know that Brad Pitt worked as a fast food restaurants chicken mascot? Or that Mark Consuelos was a roadie and exotic dancer before settling into his role on All My Children?

Luckily, these stars didn’t have to work regular jobs for too long before making their way to the small-screen with roles in some of your favorite soap operas. From there, they catapulted their careers and have become some of the most well-known actors in the industry. The team at Hola looked at the journey to stardom for actors like Pitt, Consuelos and more, and their humble beginnings, their start on soap operas, and when they caught their first big break.

Today in Soap Opera History (March 30)

1970: A World Apart and The Best of Everything premiered on ABC.
Another World spinoff Somerset premiered on NBC.
Dark Shadows' Maggie found a mysterious note.

"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...

1970: Daytime soap opera A World Apart premiered on ABC. The show was created by Katherine L. Phillips, Irna Phillips' daughter, and combined Irna's own life story with examples of the generation gap. Susan Sarandon and Matthew Cowles were siblings Patrice and Chris Kahlman, adopted children of soap opera writer Better Kahlman (played by Elizabeth Lawrence and later Augusta Dabney) who had never married. A well-written family drama in the World Turns vein, it also featured Susan Sullivan, James Noble, Kathleen Maguire, Stephen Elliott, Tom Ligon and William Price. Set in Chicago, and taped in New York, its directors included Tom Donovan and Walter Gorman. Donovan also produced. It was cancelled June 25, 1971.

1970: Daytime soap opera The Best of Everything premiered on ABC. James Lipton adapted it from the Rona Jaffe novel about the woes of working girls in New York, set mainly at Key Publishing Company. The main characters were Linda Warren (Patty McCormack), April Morrison (Julie Mannix), Kim Jordan (Katherine Glass) and Barbara Lamont (Rochelle Oliver). They were tormented by their ruthless editor, Amanda Key (Gale Sondergaard), and counseled by the warm and loving Violet Jordan (Geraldine Fitzgerald). The series lasted less than six months, with the finale airing on September 25, 1970.

1970: On Another World, Russ Matthews was upset when the expensive crib his wife, Rachel (Robin Strasser), ordered arrived. She tried to gain sympathy with tears but it didn't work.

Kelly Ripa Joins 'Riverdale' as Hiram's Mistress

All My Children alum Kelly Ripa is the latest family member in the Consuelos family to join the cast of Riverdale.

On Tuesday, the Live with Kelly and Ryan host revealed to her followers that she would be starring alongside her husband Mark Consuelos on the CW drama, playing his character Hiram Lodge's mistress.

"It's a family affair," she wrote on Instagram, alongside a dimly-lit photo of herself where she sits crossed-legged in the big leather armchair and holds a whip in her hands.

"Hiram's mistress. 23 years of auditioning for a role I was born to play," she joked. "Coming soon to the @thecwriverdale"

Ripa's character, Mrs. Mulwray, is said to be described as "Confident and tough… she’s a beautiful, icy, femme fatale who gets caught up in a conspiracy that’s much bigger than she initially realized," Entertainment Tonight reported.

Mark Consuelos joined the CW’s take on the Archie comics in season 2 as mobster Hiram, the scheming father of Veronica Lodge.

This past August, it was announced that the couple's eldest child would play a younger version of his dad’s character in the third season of Riverdale, which premiered on October 10.

Entertainment Weekly reported that Michael Consuelos would appear in a flashback episode which stars KJ Apa and Lili Reinhart who would take on the roles of their on-screen parents, too.

Riverdale airs Wednesdays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on The CW.

Teen Choice Awards Winners Include Mark Consuelos, Michael B. Jordan, Gina Rodriguez, Grant Gustin

Riverdale stars Mark Consuelos and KJ Apa at the Teen Choice Awards.

The Teen Choice Awards were held Sunday at the Forum in Los Angeles. This year's event honored the best in film, television, music, sports, fashion, comedy and the internet based on more than 150 million votes cast by teens on Twitter and FOX.com.

Below is a complete list of the winners:

MOVIES

Choice Action Movie
"Avengers: Infinity War"

Choice Action Movie Actor
Robert Downey Jr. -- "Avengers: Infinity War"

Choice Action Movie Actress
Scarlett Johansson -- "Avengers: Infinity War"

Choice Sci-Fi Movie
"Black Panther"

Choice Sci-Fi Movie Actor
Chris Hemsworth -- "Thor: Ragnarok"

Choice Sci-Fi Movie Actress
Letitia Wright -- "Black Panther"

Michael Consuelos Will Play Young Hiram on Upcoming 'Riverdale' Flashback Episode

Michael Consuelos, the son of All My Children alums Mark Consuelos and Kelly Ripa, has been cast to play the high-school version of his dad in an upcoming flashback episode of Riverdale.

Entitled "The Midnight Club," the hour will be subversive take on the John Hughes classic The Breakfast Club, revealed showrunner Roberto Aguire-Saccasa last week during the Television Critics Association 2018 summer press tour in Beverly Hills.

"We are going to learn about a really, really dark secret in Riverdale that the parents have been keeping since they were in high school," he said.

The show's younger cast will be playing their on-screen parents in the episode, but some questions remained as to whom would fill in for Hiram Lodge (Mark Consuelos) and Hal Cooper, as neither of them have sons on the canvas..

Teen Hiram is the first acting gig for Michael Consuelos, currently a junior at the NYU Tisch School of the Arts.

Meanwhile, Mark Consuelos took home the award for Choice TV Villain at last night's Teen Choice Awards.

The new season of Riverdale premieres Wednesday, October 10 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on The CW.

Today in Soap Opera History (March 30)

1970: A World Apart and The Best of Everything premiered on ABC.
Another World spinoff Somerset premiered on NBC.
Dark Shadows' Maggie found a mysterious note.

"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...

1970: Daytime soap opera A World Apart premiered on ABC. The show was created by Katherine L. Phillips, Irna Phillips' daughter, and combined Irna's own life story with examples of the generation gap. Susan Sarandon and Matthew Cowles were siblings Patrice and Chris Kahlman, adopted children of soap opera writer Better Kahlman (played by Elizabeth Lawrence and later Augusta Dabney) who had never married. A well-written family drama in the World Turns vein, it also featured Susan Sullivan, James Noble, Kathleen Maguire, Stephen Elliott, Tom Ligon and William Price. Set in Chicago, and taped in New York, its directors included Tom Donovan and Walter Gorman. Donovan also produced. It was cancelled June 25, 1971.

1970: Daytime soap opera The Best of Everything premiered on ABC. James Lipton adapted it from the Rona Jaffe novel about the woes of working girls in New York, set mainly at Key Publishing Company. The main characters were Linda Warren (Patty McCormack), April Morrison (Julie Mannix), Kim Jordan (Katherine Glass) and Barbara Lamont (Rochelle Oliver). They were tormented by their ruthless editor, Amanda Key (Gale Sondergaard), and counseled by the warm and loving Violet Jordan (Geraldine Fitzgerald). The series lasted less than six months, with the finale airing on September 25, 1970.

1970: On Another World, Russ Matthews was upset when the expensive crib his wife, Rachel (Robin Strasser), ordered arrived. She tried to gain sympathy with tears but it didn't work.

'Riverdale' Sneak Peek: Saving Pop's

Season 2 of serialized CW drama Riverdale continues tonight at 8 p.m. ET/PT.

In "Chapter Fifteen: Nighthawks," with the gunman still at large and the residents of Riverdale on edge, Betty (Lili Reinhart) leads the charge to save Pop's after learning that the diner may be forced to close its doors forever.

Meanwhile, the gang becomes increasingly concerned for Archie's (KJ Apa) well being after noticing a string of unusual behavior from him. Elsewhere, Betty and Veronica (Camila Mendes) approach Cheryl (Madelaine Petsch) and Josie (Ashleigh Murray) for their help saving Pop's, while Jughead's (Cole Sprouse) attempt to find FP (Skeet Ulrich) a new lawyer may have some serious repercussions.

Finally, when a past betrayal unexpectedly comes to light, Veronica finds herself at a crossroads with Hiram (Mark Consuelos) and Hermoine (Marisol Nichols.)

Watch the episode trailer below.

'Riverdale' Returns Tonight on The CW, Mark Consuelos Joins the Cast as Hiram Lodge

I recently binge-watched the first season of The CW drama Riverdale, and loved it. The show kicks off its second season tonight at 8 p.m. ET/PT.

In "Chapter Fourteen: A Kiss Before Dying," as Fred's (Luke Perry) life hangs in the balance following the shooting at Pop's diner, Archie (KJ Apa) struggles with the emotional aftermath of what he witnessed.

Meanwhile, as Veronica (Camila Mendes) steps out of her comfort zone to support Archie, she learns that her father Hiram (All My Children alum Mark Consuelos) has arrived to Riverdale earlier than expected. Elsewhere, at Pop's diner, Pop Tate (guest star Alvin Sanders) recounts the chilling details of the shooting, which leaves Jughead (Cole Sprouse) and Betty (Lili Reinhart) questioning the gunman's true motives.

Lastly, after running into Cheryl (Madelaine Petsch) at the hospital, Betty and Kevin (Casey Cott) are surprised to learn about the fire at Thornhill.

Today in Soap Opera History (March 30)

1970: A World Apart and The Best of Everything premiered on ABC.
Another World spinoff Somerset premiered on NBC.
Dark Shadows' Maggie found a mysterious note.

"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...

1970: Daytime soap opera A World Apart premiered on ABC. The show was created by Katherine L. Phillips, Irna Phillips' daughter, and combined Irna's own life story with examples of the generation gap. Susan Sarandon and Matthew Cowles were siblings Patrice and Chris Kahlman, adopted children of soap opera writer Better Kahlman (played by Elizabeth Lawrence and later Augusta Dabney) who had never married. A well-written family drama in the World Turns vein, it also featured Susan Sullivan, James Noble, Kathleen Maguire, Stephen Elliott, Tom Ligon and William Price. Set in Chicago, and taped in New York, its directors included Tom Donovan and Walter Gorman. Donovan also produced. It was cancelled June 25, 1971.

1970: Daytime soap opera The Best of Everything premiered on ABC. James Lipton adapted it from the Rona Jaffe novel about the woes of working girls in New York, set mainly at Key Publishing Company. The main characters were Linda Warren (Patty McCormack), April Morrison (Julie Mannix), Kim Jordan (Katherine Glass) and Barbara Lamont (Rochelle Oliver). They were tormented by their ruthless editor, Amanda Key (Gale Sondergaard), and counseled by the warm and loving Violet Jordan (Geraldine Fitzgerald). The series lasted less than six months, with the finale airing on September 25, 1970.

1970: On Another World, Russ Matthews was upset when the expensive crib his wife, Rachel (Robin Strasser), ordered arrived. She tried to gain sympathy with tears but it didn't work.

Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos to Guest Star in Premiere of Pop TV's 'Nightcap'

All My Children alums Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos will
appear on the November 16 premiere of Nightcap.

The late night show goes on, as has Pop announced a renewal of its original scripted comedy Nightcap ahead of its season one premiere on Wednesday, Nov. 16, at 8 p.m. ET/PT. Pop will premiere with two back-to-back episodes featuring guest stars Sarah Jessica Parker, Kelly Ripa, Mark Consuelos and Andy Cohen in episode one, and Gwyneth Paltrow, Jim Norton and Nate Berkus in episode two.

Nightcap is a laugh-out-loud scripted comedy starring Ali Wentworth as an overworked talent booker on the fictitious late night talk show, "Nightcap with Jimmy." Each episode offers a slew of A-list celebrity guests and all of the antics that go on behind-the-scenes of a late night set.

The network has ordered 10 episodes of Nightcap for season two with Lionsgate returning as the production studio, and Ali Wentworth, Tom Brunelle and Brad Wollack continuing as executive producers.

Today in Soap Opera History (March 30)

1970: A World Apart and The Best of Everything premiered on ABC.
Another World spinoff Somerset premiered on NBC.
Dark Shadows' Maggie found a mysterious note.

"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...

1970: Daytime soap opera A World Apart premiered on ABC. The show was created by Katherine L. Phillips, Irna Phillips' daughter, and combined Irna's own life story with examples of the generation gap. Susan Sarandon and Matthew Cowles were siblings Patrice and Chris Kahlman, adopted children of soap opera writer Better Kahlman (played by Elizabeth Lawrence and later Augusta Dabney) who had never married. A well-written family drama in the World Turns vein, it also featured Susan Sullivan, James Noble, Kathleen Maguire, Stephen Elliott, Tom Ligon and William Price. Set in Chicago, and taped in New York, its directors included Tom Donovan and Walter Gorman. Donovan also produced. It was cancelled June 25, 1971.

1970: Daytime soap opera The Best of Everything premiered on ABC. James Lipton adapted it from the Rona Jaffe novel about the woes of working girls in New York, set mainly at Key Publishing Company. The main characters were Linda Warren (Patty McCormack), April Morrison (Julie Mannix), Kim Jordan (Katherine Glass) and Barbara Lamont (Rochelle Oliver). They were tormented by their ruthless editor, Amanda Key (Gale Sondergaard), and counseled by the warm and loving Violet Jordan (Geraldine Fitzgerald). The series lasted less than six months, with the finale airing on September 25, 1970.

1970: On Another World, Russ Matthews was upset when the expensive crib his wife, Rachel (Robin Strasser), ordered arrived. She tried to gain sympathy with tears but it didn't work.

NEWS: McKenzie Westmore, Kelly Ripa, Blair Underwood, Andrew Benjamin, Lucy Lawless

McKenzie Westmore fondly recalls spending her twenties as Sheridan on Passions
With kidnappings, Bollywood dance numbers and plenty of blackmail, McKenzie says she and the rest of the cast got a daily dose of "WTF" whenever they got their new scripts.

"The more controversy, the worse you could get it, we did it," she says, recalling one particular storyline that found Sheridan communicating with the ghost of Princess Diana after surviving a crash similar to the one that killed the late royal.

"I remember when the whole Princess Diana thing happened, watching it and going 'Oh my god, I just started my career and now it's over. Thats the end. I just trashed the whole memory of Princess Diana," she continues.

Looking back, Westmore says she saw the beginning of the end coming when the show began what she calls its "worst storyline ever."

"I remember when it moved to DirecTV and they were doing the storyline of Julian Crane and Dr. Eve and his penis had been cut off and she sewed it on backwards," she says with a laugh. "I remember watching this episode, as he's peeing all over the place because he couldn't control his bladder and I went 'This has got to be the worst storyline ever done, what are they doing?'"

Airbnb Offers Soap Fans The Chance To Spend A Night On Neighbours Set
As part of the 30th anniversary of its first ever broadcast, the evergreen Australian soap opera Neighbours is teaming up with Airbnb to offer a set of lucky fans the chance to spend a night on the set, which is being specially converted into a temporary hotel.

The soap’s producers have listed its studios in Melbourne on the rent-out lodging website as part of the competition, whose winners will get to spend the night in one of the on-set houses, visit all parts of the fictional Ramsay Street, and have dinner with two of the show’s actors, Alan Fletcher (Dr. Karl Kennedy) and Chris Milligan (handyman Kyle Canning), in order to get all the backstage gossip.

All My Children alum Kelly Ripa Breaks foot, husband Mark Consuelos documents
Ripa broke her foot during a dance class. Luckily, her husband and former All My Children co-star Mark Consuelos was able to make Ripa laugh during her hospital visit. "He's never in 21 years, he's never felt the need to photograph me, videotape me...when I have full hair and makeup, nothing," she said. "Yesterday, he was like Scavullo. He followed me around with a camera. He was never more alive."

Ripa added, "He loved this moment of suffering!"

Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. bringing back Blair Underwood
The former One Life to Live actor will reprise his role as Melinda May’s ex-husband in several episodes this fall.

OWN orders a megachurch drama series
Greenleaf will delve into the scandalous secrets and lies of a Memphis megachurch.

UnReal co-creator was “thrilled” that The Bachelor host called her show “terrible”
"I was so excited because I was like, ‘Oh, my God, they noticed us!’” Marti Noxon says of Chris Harrison’s comments. She adds: “In this case, it was particularly fun. I’m like a nerd. The captain of the football team is talking about me, even if he’s saying, ‘Hey, nerd!'”

Kyle Chandler brings back Friday Nights Lights' Coach Taylor for a movie theater PSA
Austin’s Alamo Drafthouse enlisted local resident Chandler to film a PSA warning moviegoers to not talk and use their cellphones while the film is playing.

MTV renews Scream for second season
“[W]e are thrilled by how our viewers have responded to the reinvention of Scream,” reads a statement from MTV EVP Mina Lefevre. “We look forward to another season filled with suspense, horror and more twists and turns.”

Emmerdale Summer Stunt Spoilers: Helicopter crashes the Dingle wedding of the year
As soon as it was revealed that this summer, Emmerdale would attempt the biggest stunt in soap history, there were many a critic who raised one eyebrow…

The world of the Great British Soap Opera boasts some of this country’s greatest small screen stunt successes – ranging from tram crashes, to train crashes, to sieges – but will next week’s episodes of Emmerdale stand head and shoulders above all the previous competition?

Lucy Lawless won't reprise Xena role, but says of a reboot: “I know that NBC wants to do it"
The Hollywood Reporter says a deal is still in place to reboot Xena: Warrior Princess, and NBC would like to have Lawless involved in some capacity. At the TV press tour, Lawless, who was promoting Ash vs. Evil Dead, said of the Xena reboot: "I'd love to see it happen, and I know that NBC wants to do it but they're just trying to find a way and a time."

Jordana Brewster joins Secrets & Lies
The As the World Turns and Dallas alum will play an attorney on Season 2 of the ABC series.

The CW moves premieres of Crazy Ex-Girlfriend and Jane the Virgin to October 12
Both shows were previously scheduled to premiere on October 19.

Andrew Benjamin joins Season 2 of American Crime
The "Hey Ya!" rapper/actor, better known as André 3000, has joined Season 2, playing an architect who’s married to Regina King. Benjamin previously worked with American Crime creator John Ridley, who directed him in the Jim Hendrix biopic All Is by My Side. "It’s fair to say American Crime might not exist were it not for our previous collaboration,” says Ridley.

NEWS: Ron Moody, Genie Francis, Mark Consuelos, 'Queer as Folk'

Genie Francis

Genie Francis staying on General Hospital after Anthony Geary's Exit Storyline
Genie Francis (Laura) reveals that she will be staying in Port Charles past co-star Anthony Geary’s (Luke) exit next month. “I’ll be there for that, but I’ll also be there for the fall,” she says. “I’m very happy about that. It looks like it will be a fun experience all the way around.” For more, pick up the new issue of Digest, on sale now.

All My Children alum Mark Consuelos joins Kingdom Season 2
Consuelos will recur as Sean Chapas, an ex-fighter and one of Alvey’s oldest friends — “a pivotal character that has the potential to forever impact the fate of the Navy St. MMA gym.”

How many TV series can your brain take?
With hundreds of scripted series to watch on TV and streaming services, some viewers are having a hard time keeping track of dozens of characters and complex story lines.

Passions alums Natalie Zea and Travis Schuldt expecting first child
Zea debuted her tiny baby bump in a plunging orange Solace London gown at Thursday's premiere of Too Late in L.A. She is due this fall.

Is Phil Daniels right: Has EastEnders run its course?
Phil Daniels, who played Kevin Wicks in the show from 2006 to 2008, thinks so.

"I'd take it off the telly if I could. I just think it's run its course," he said earlier this week. "I just feel that it is time for something different. EastEnders and Coronation Street seem a bit like the opium of the masses now. Why don't they try something else for the British public?"

Ron Moody

UK actor Ron Moody dead at 91
Oliver! brought him worldwide attention and the fame allowed him to develop a long career in TV and film, including a role in the long-running BBC soap opera EastEnders. He acted in numerous popular TV series, including The Avengers, Starsky & Hutch and Gunsmoke.

Raven-Symoné named co-host of The View
In a statement released by ABC, Raven-Symoné, called the appointment "another one of my dreams come true!"

Hulu is creating Seinfeld real-world NYC apartment
Hulu will construct a real-world version of Jerry Seinfeld’s iconic Upper West Side apartment as part of promoting the streaming service’s multimillion-dollar pickup of all nine seasons of Seinfeld, set to launch on the SVOD service June 24. Titled “Seinfeld: The Apartment,” the installation will open Wednesday, June 24, and will remain open to the public until Sunday, June 28.

Watch the dntire Queer as Folk ATX Television Festival reunion panel
The panel, moderated by The Hollywood Reporter, featured creators Ron Cowen and Daniel Lipman, as well as stars Gale Harold (Brian), Peter Paige (Emmett), Robert Gant (Ben) and Randy Harrison (Justin). The lively and insightful discussion touched on how the series approached sex scenes — and filmed them — before they figured out "cock socks" and the insane 21-page nudity rider that was required in order to participate.

Watch below:

Today in Soap Opera History (March 30)

1970: A World Apart and The Best of Everything premiered on ABC.
1970: Another World spinoff Somerset premiered on NBC.
1970: Dark Shadows' Maggie found a mysterious note.

"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...

1970: Daytime soap opera A World Apart, created by Irna Phillips' daughter, Katherine Phillips, premiered on ABC. Susan Sarandon starred as Patrice Kahlman.

Sri Rao Penned Comedy from Kelly Ripa & Mark Consuelos' Milojo Productions In Development For ABC

Deadline is reporting that a new multi-camera comedy from Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos' Milojo Productions is currently in development for ABC.

The project, will be penned by GENERAL HOSPITAL: NIGHT SHIFT head writer Sri Rao and will follow "a free-spirited single mom who's raising two kids in Brooklyn and running a small design company with three of her best friends. Things take a turn when her conservative 16-year-old son starts interning at her company, intent on transforming the family business into a global empire."

Former ALL MY CHILDREN stars Ripa and Consuelos will executive produce along with Rao for ABC Studios. The comedy will join other Milojo projects currently underway including a non-scripted project in the early stages of series production, as well as other digital projects.

RELATED:
- NBC, Electus in Development for Trio of Telenovelas Including THE BLACK WIDOW From Sri Rao

Today in Soap Opera History (March 30)

Legendary producer and director Gloria Monty died seven years ago today.

On this date in...

1970: A WORLD APART, created by Irna Phillips' daughter, Katherine Phillips, premiered on ABC.

NEWS ROUNDUP: Ricky Martin To Judge THE VOICE Australia; Felisha Terrell, Carver Twins Added To TEEN WOLF; Chad Michael Murray Joins SOUTHLAND

Ricky Martin Joins THE VOICE Australia For Season 2; Replaces Keith Urban
he announcement was made on Nine's A CURRENT AFFAIR program in Australia Thursday evening after weeks of speculation.

GENERAL HOSPITAL alum Richard Dean Anderson to play himself on DON'T TRUST THE B IN APT. 23
Anderson will cameo as himself in an upcoming episode of the ABC comedy that stars DAWSON'S CREEK alum James Van Der Beek as a skewed version of himself. The actor becomes the latest star to potentially poke fun at himself on the series, which co-stars Krysten Ritter and Dreama Walker.

FOX moves back the return of TOUCH to February 8
The show’s premiere episode is two hours long and features Kiefer Sutherland as a single father who begins a mission with his gifted son Jake (David Mazouz) to help a distraught mom (Maria Bello) locate her missing daughter. The new season also features an appearance by Lukas Haas.

DAYS alum Felisha Terrell, and DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES alums Charlie & Max Carver Among New Cast Additions On MTV’s TEEN WOLF
Charlie and Max Carver, Adelaide Kane and Felisha Terrell have landed recurring roles on the 24-episode third season of the show, based on the 1985 movie about a high school student-turned-werewolf.

NEWS ROUNDUP: Constance Towers Talks GH Short Stint; NYC Productions Resume; Brazilian Novela Finale Reached 50 Million Viewers

Constance Towers discusses her upcoming short-stint as Helena in GENERAL HOSPITAL
"I really am excited to have viewers see what Helena has up her sleeve this time around," shared Towers. "The writing is absolutely amazing for GENERAL HOSPITAL, and I hear it every day whenever I run into a viewer. It's amazing. I may only return for a short time each time, but I feel as though I've never been away. Everyone is so professional and great to work with, from the actors to the behind-the-scenes geniuses that make all of us look and feel great."

When asked how long we might get to savor Helena's scheming ways this go around, the actress would only say that she's on for a "short stint."

Hurricane Sandy: New York City to Resume Issuing Permits for Exterior Shoots
With Hurricane Sandy recovery and relief efforts ongoing, the city of New York will begin issuing permits for exterior production shoots on Monday, Nov. 5.

CASTING: Mark Consuelos Joins AMERICAN HORROR STORY

FX's AMERICAN HORROR STORY begins production on Season 2 this week, former ALL MY CHILDREN star Mark Consuelos (Mateo) has been cast as a patient named Spivey, according to a report by EW.com.

Consuelos joins previously announced cast members Jessica Lange, James Cromwell, Joseph Fiennes, Evan Peters, Sarah Paulson, Lily Rabe, Zachary Quinto, Adam Levine, Chloe Sevigny, and Lizzie Brochere in the new season, which centers around an institution for the criminally insane.