Happy 21st Birthday, Jillian Clare!

Jillian Clare's 1st birthday party

With all the talk of the Royal Baby this week, and the flashbacks to old Princess Diana clips, it really drove home the point that "time flies." And I'm not just talking about soap opera characters aging rapidly. After posting our daily "Today in Soap Opera History" column I commonly tweet phrases like "25 years ago today" or "30 years ago today" and so many readers respond having the same memories and also realizing how many years have gone by and just how much time we've dedicated to watching our stories.

On Thursday's birthday list is the young, accomplished Jillian Clare, who turns 21 years old today. It seems Jillian has packed a whole career into those 21 years. In 2003-2004 she played Abigail Deveraux in DAYS OF OUR LIVES. From 2010-2013 she produced and starred in the Indie Soap Award-winning web series MISS BEHAVE. She recently guest-starred in ABC'c SUBURGATORY and hit Canadian series CLUTCH.

It's her movie career that's about to shoot her into superstardom though with roles in The Kitchen, Freak the Freak Out, and the upcoming By God's Grace.

Join us in wishing Jillian a Happy 21st Birthday today (how old does this make me?). You can tell her yourself on Twitter (@jillianclare). And check out a brand new photo below -- she's a red head now!

Today in Soap Opera History (July 25)

On this date in...

1966: On DARK SHADOWS, Victoria (Alexandra Moltke) accused Elizabeth (Joan Bennett) of knowing something about her past.

1979: Oscar nominee Quinn Redeker debuted as Alex Marshall in DAYS OF OUR LIVES.  It wasn't long before he was dating DAYS co-star Deidre Hall (Marlena).

1980: Caryn Richman and Randy Hamilton debuted on ANOTHER WORLD as their TEXAS characters Elena and Rikki Dekker. Elena sang at Mike Marshall's funeral. TEXAS premiered on August 4th.

1984: Jermaine Jackson and Whitney Houston taped their August guest appearance at the AS THE WORLD TURNS studio in New York.

Patrika Darbo Interview: 'I Love Doing Different And Creative Things'

Patrika Darbo came back to DAYS OF OUR LIVES on March 4, and her character, Nancy Wesley, has been standing by her daughter, Chloe (Nadia Bjorlin), as she tries to steal Daniel from Jennifer. Today, We Love Soaps caught up with Darbo, who has been nominated for both a Daytime Emmy and an Indie Soap Award, to find out more about her return to DAYS and more. Read our interview below.

WE LOVE SOAPS: We missed you at the Indie Soap Awards this year.
PATRIKA DARBO: Oh, I'm so bummed I missed it. You know what's so great about it, being an older actor I missed all those younger actors creating new stuff, and all those wonderful shows. I really missed it. It was such a good time [last year] and I will do my best to be there next year.

THE SPOILER ALERT Indie Soap Awards Red Carpet Show

Hit web series THE SPOILER ALERT, hosted by Justin St. Louis, was on the red carpet at the 4th Annual Indie Soap Awards. Check out their ISA4 coverage below:



For more on THE SPOILER ALERT, visit entertainmentexperiment.com

4th Annual Indie Soap Awards Nominations Announced

4th Annual Indie Soap Awards Nominations Announced Today

- Surge of "extraordinary" shows this year; committee "inspired;" faced with "excruciating choices."

- DEVANITY and OUT WITH DAD most nominated drama series; HUSBANDS, THE BLOODY MARY SHOW,  and PRETTY most nominated comedies.

- Winners to be announced Tuesday, February 19, 2013 at legendary awards show.

New York, NY (December 17, 2012) - Could this be a turning point in the history of Television? The entire world wide web?

"After breaking all these records (to begin with, we had the most submissions ever and the most nominations ever) we faced a daunting task.  Excruciating choices.  Haggling and horse trading were at an all-time high. But the quantity of high quality made it all worthwhile.  We were definitely inspired.

"But honestly, we barely avoided fisticuffs during the final meeting! There just has never been so much carnage after reducing each category to only six nominees," said We Love Soaps founder Roger Newcomb.

"We used to argue on behalf of a potential nominee, 'it's so good, it could be on TV.'  This time, to make the cut, it had to be, 'this is excellent, it's better than anything on TV!'  It's extraordinary. I think we've passed an historic landmark for the genre.  In so many ways, the shows on this list are better than the scripted, serialized programming on network Television.  Than anything on network Television." 

Over 40 web series received at least one nomination.  Almost 100 were submitted.  To be considered, among other qualifications, shows had to be independent, scripted, professional and serialized. And, they had to broadcast at least three episodes in 2012.  In addition to general excellence in TV programming, a special premium is placed on series which follow the mission of the Awards' charity sponsor, the Indie Series Network.  Their mission is to bring quality, independently-produced TV series, with socially relevant messaging and artistic merit, to under-served audiences.

Happily, everyone who worked on one of the series that was accepted for consideration, whether nominated or not, is invited (and encouraged) to attend the enormous, star-studded, industry-only gala celebration planned for February 19, 2013 at New World Stages in New York City. All-access Guest Passes for the event (really a series of events) just went on sale - at a discount, early bird rate, for now. Series will all be able to sit together for the actual Award Presentation Ceremony as long as they reserve their assigned seats before January 5.

NOW, THE NOMINEES

DEVANITY and OUT WITH DAD led all drama series with nine nominations each.  HUSBANDS, THE BLOODY MARY SHOW and PRETTY each had nine nominations on the comedy side.

Complete list of 4th Annual Indie Soap Awards nominations:

BEST WEB SERIES (DRAMA)
DEVANITY
HITMAN 101
HUSTLING
OUT WITH DAD
THE OUTS 
RAGGED ISLE

CLUTCH Adds Jillian Clare, Tom Konkle and Katya Gardner; Will Shoot Episode in Los Angeles

Multi-award winning alt femme-fatale series CLUTCH is moving to the United States – at least for one episode. The Toronto-based production, led by creator/director Jonathan Robbins, is teaming up with Susan Bernhardt (EP/creator of the award winning teen soap MISS BEHAVE) and her production company Leonian Pictures, to produce the exciting Season Two finale in Los Angeles. But wait – there's more! The CLUTCH team has cast some familiar faces to guest star in the popular international series including Jillian Clare, Tom Konkle and Katya Gardner.

RESULTS: Indie Soap Best of the Week Poll (July 22-28, 2012); RAGGED ISLE No. 1

The results are in from the We Love Soaps Indie Soap Best of the Week poll for July 22-28, 2012. The latest episode of RAGGED ISLE's second season, "Moment of Surrender," finished on top followed by the series finale of MISS BEHAVE, and the penultimate episode of ANACOSTIA Season 3.

WATCH: MISS BEHAVE Series Finale - The Queen Arrives!

Terri Garber and Eric Martsolf in the MISS BEHAVE finale

Terri Garber makes her debut as Elzabeth "The Queen" Archer in the last part of MISS BEHAVE's three-part series finale which is now online. The chaos continues at the construction site with the unscheduled arrival of The Queen (escorted by her famous client Marcus Dunne), which escalates the drama unfolding with Billy resulting in a long, overdue rant by Tori.

The Indie Soap Award-winning series debuted in 2010 starring former DAYS OF OUR LIVES actress Jillian Clare.

See how it all ends below:

Today in Soap Opera History (July 25)

On this date in...

1966: On DARK SHADOWS, Vicki accused Liz of knowing something about her past.

1979: Oscar nominee Quinn Redeker debuted as Alex Marshall in DAYS OF OUR LIVES.  It wasn't long before he was dating DAYS co-star Deidre Hall (Marlena).

1980: Caryn Richman and Randy Hamilton debuted on ANOTHER WORLD as their TEXAS characters Elena and Rikki Dekker.  TEXAS premiered on August 4th.  Elena sang at Mike Marshall's funeral.

1984: Jermaine Jackson and Whitney Houston taped their August appearance at the AS THE WORLD TURNS studio at CBS in New York.

1986: Billy Warlock debuted as Frankie in DAYS OF OUR LIVES.

1988: On DAYS OF OUR LIVES, Steve (Stephen Nichols) and Kayla (Mary Beth Evans) were married.

RESULTS: Indie Soap Best of the Week Poll (July 15-21, 2012); MISS BEHAVE No. 1

The results are in from the We Love Soaps Indie Soap Best of the Week poll for the week of July 15-21, 2012. The second part of MISS BEHAVE's finale, "Goodbye, For Now," finished on top this week followed by 13 WITCHES and the fourth season premiere of EMPIRE.

Check out the complete results below including the Favorite Actor, Actress and Couple of the Week:

INDIE HOUSE: THURSTON, MISS BEHAVE, BAY, INN, PRETTY IN GEEK, CLINIC, HUSBANDS, BREAKING POINT, DEVANITY, CAVANAUGHS, 8 BALL, OUTS

NICE GUNS:  The Snead boys wave 'em around.

Gossip, secrets, leaks; kudos, picks, congrats - in the Indie Soap Web Series (Indies) world, this is where they live. Listen up: Kevin's Indie House.

Snead another reason to love THURSTON? I'll give you three - Harlan, Amon, and Owen Snead, the badass brothers set to double the trouble (and almost double the population) in the 19th century Kansas Ozarks frontier town. Showrunner Kathyrn O'Sullivan offers the lowdown on this virile trio:

WATCH: MISS BEHAVE Finale Continues ("Goodbye, For Now - Part 2")

The second part of Indie Soap Award-winning MISS BEHAVE's finale is now online. While Dylan is tormented by the loss of one best friend and information he needs to share with the other, Tori and Noah investigate a mysterious discovery at the new estate.

The episode stars Jillian Clare, Brett DelBuono, Michael Bolten, Trevor Nelson and Jenna Stone. Scott McKinsey directs.

“Bringing Scott on to direct was by far the best decision I could have made," says creator and executive producer Susan Bernhardt. "He's excited about indie soaps and will also be joining us on our new series, REIGN (@ReignTV on Twitter), which goes into pre-production later this summer.”

Watch the episode below:

RESULTS: Indie Soap Best of the Week Poll (July 8-14, 2012); MISS BEHAVE No. 1

The results are in from the We Love Soaps Indie Soap Best of the Week poll for the week of July 8-14, 2012, and it was one of the tightest races ever. The first part of MISS BEHAVE's finale, "Goodbye, For Now," finished on top this week followed by a new episode of RAGGED ISLE and the Season 2 finale of OUT WITH DAD.

Check out the complete show results below as well as the Favorite Actor, Actress and Couple of the Week:

INDIE HOUSE: OUT WITH DAD, PETE WINNING, HUSTLING, PIECES, MISS BEHAVE, THE EX-BOX, EMPIRE, RAGGED ISLE

LASER PIRATES:  Jason Leaver takes up swashbuckling.

Gossip, secrets, leaks; kudos, picks, congrats - in the Indie Soap Web Series (Indies) world, this is where they live. Listen up: Kevin's Indie House.

What do loony, laser-powered pirates and soulful, coming-of-age lesbians have in common? Absolutely nothing - except for Jason Leaver, Toronto's Indie icon.

WATCH: MISS BEHAVE Finale - Part 1 ("Goodbye, For Now")

Indie Soap Award-winning MISS BEHAVE is back with the first part of the show's three-part series final, "Goodbye, For Now." As Tori sets out on a new adventure, her best friend struggles with a secret that could change everything.

MISS BEHAVE stars Jillian Clare. The finale was directed by Scott McKinsey (Beverlee McKinsey's multiple Emmy-winning son!) and you'll notice DAYS OF OUR LIVES star Eric Martsolf in Part 1 as well as ISA nominee Patrika Darbo.

Part 2 will air July 19 and Part 3 on July 26. For now, watch Part 1 below:

INDIE HOUSE: DEVANITY, FUMBLING, CAVANAUGHS, EMPIRE, PROPER MANORS, THE INN, BANDWAGON, THE BAY, THURSTON, BP, BEHAVE, RAGGED ISLE

GASP: New Indie PROPER MANORS defies Utah stereotypes.

Gossip, secrets, leaks; kudos, picks, congrats - in the Indie Soap Web Series (Indies) world, this is where they live. Listen up: Kevin's Indie House.

How u doin, my Indie brothers and sisters? Did you miss me?

Kevin's Indie House wasn't "in de house" last week because Kevin was on duty for the 39th Annual Daytime Entertainment Creative Arts Emmy Awards.  Aside from a nice little LA chat with Gloria Allred (I get around) the most jazzy part of my most recent adventure on The Lesser Coast was being present for the presentation of the Emmy for the obscure (but groundbreaking) Outstanding Special Class Short Format Daytime (OSCSFD) category.

Yes, Virginia, there IS an Emmy for Indies!

WATCH: MISS BEHAVE Finale Trailer

On the second anniversary of their first episode release, Indie Soap Award-winning MISS BEHAVE released its finale trailer earlier today.

“Our finale is fun, exciting, and full of drama and surprises” said Susan Bernhardt, creator and executive producer. “We wanted the trailer to reflect some of the excitement without giving away major twists that in the end will literally shock our audience!”

MISS BEHAVE star and co-executive producer Jillian Clare added, “I truly think this is our best trailer yet – I'm so proud of it!”

The series finale stars several daytime faces including ex-DAYS OF OUR LIVES stars Jillian Clare, Patrika Darbo, Jacee Jule, and current DAYS cast member Eric Martsolf.

Watch the finale trailer below:

INDIE HOUSE: LUNCH BREAK, MISS BEHAVE, THE INN, ANACOSTIA, THE BAY, NIGHTS IN UV, OLD DOGS, THE OUTS, SUBROSAN, HUSTLING

Gossip, secrets, leaks; kudos, picks, congrats - in the Indie Soap Series (Indie) world, this is where they live. Listen up: Kevin's Indie House.

As I publish this column tonight, the cast and crew of LUNCH BREAK have gathered together at an undisclosed location in order to view their disgusting new series together, for the first time. No doubt they're wallowing in the gratuitous raunch they've created, even as you read this. Well! I hope they're proud of themselves.

GENERAL HOSPITAL Director Scott McKinsey Signs On For MISS BEHAVE Finale

As the multi-award winning series MISS BEHAVE winds down with a finale scheduled to film over Memorial Day weekend, the show aligning themselves with a dynamic duo from the soap world to bring the story to life. Daytime director Scott McKinsey, winner of several coveted directorial awards from the DGA and Daytime Emmys, will be making his New Media directorial debut as part of the  MISS BEHAVE team. 

“I'm thrilled to have Scott join our production as we head into our three part finale. I'm a huge fan of his work on GENERAL HOSPITAL plus he's a really great guy with amazing ideas” said Susan Bernhardt, creator and executive producer of the hit teen soap.

Terri Garber Signs On For Three-Part MISS BEHAVE Finale; Leads Cast Of Spin-Off

Terri Garber, best known as Ashton Main from the North and South franchise, Leslie Carrington on the popular prime time soap DYNASTY and most recently as Iris Dumbrowski on AS THE WORLD TUNRS, has joined Indie Soap Award-winning MISS BEHAVE in the coveted role of "The Queen", Tori's (Jillian Clare. ex-Abby, DAYS OF OUR LIVES) ever absent mother. The series is set to wrap this summer with a three-part finale scheduled to debut late June.

In addition, Ms. Garber will headline a spin-off, REIGN.