Jimmy Kimmel, Barbara Walters and Tyra Banks headline a slate of celebs scheduled to present at the 35th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards (June 20, 8 pm/ET on ABC).Kimmel will present the Lifetime Achievement Award to Regis Philbin, who is marking more than 40 years in television.The schedule of performers also includes numerous soap stars, including All My Children power couple Darnell Williams and Debbie Morgan, Jack Wagner of Bold and the Beautiful, and Anthony Geary of General Hospital.Montel Williams — who is ending his talk show atfer 17 years — is also scheduled to appear. — J.R. WhalenRelated:•Cameron Mathison, Sherri Shepherd to Host Daytime Emmys
read more
They set the country on fire. On November 16, 1981, General Hospital's Luke and Laura said "I Do" to a record audience of 30 million viewers. Exactly 25 years later to the day, the now-divorced soul mates will marry again. Will lightning strike twice? TV Guide caught up with five-time Emmy winner Anthony Geary, 59, and Genie Francis, 44, who is making a brief return to GH after a four-year absence, to get their take on the pressures of fame and their upcoming nuptials — the ultimate soapy sweeps stunt.
TVGuide.com: What made GH, and especially the wedding, so hot and memorable back in the '80s?Tony Geary: The soap medium had become pretty staid – it was like radio w
read more
In other sad news, legendary soap producer Gloria Monty passed away on Thursday from cancer in Rancho Mirage, Calif. She was 84. Back in 1978, Monty took over as General Hospital's executive producer when the ABC sudser's ratings were considered poor and cancellation was a very real threat. During her memorable tenure, this tough, ambitious auteur made GH No. 1 by stepping up its sluggish pace, rustling up cash to spruce up shabby sets and introducing fan-fave supercouples like Luke and Laura, Frisco and Felicia and Robert and Holly.
"Gloria Monty transformed soap-opera viewing from a housewives' pastime to the cool thing to do," says Jane Elliot (Tracy). "As I was a beneficiary of that transformation, I will be eternally grateful and will miss her terribly. I can’t wait to see what she does with heaven."
Monty produced GH from 1978-87 and again from 1991-92. Before that phenomenon, she began her care
read more
Due to Ted King's emergency throat surgery this month, General Hospital was forced to temporarily recast the role of Mafia boss Lorenzo Alcazar. King's last airdate is March 22. Port Charles star Jay Pickett — who played paramedic-turned-vampire Frank Scanlon — then steps into Lorenzo's Gucci loafers for three episodes on March 23, 24 and 27. GH viewers can expect King to reprise his role (with a noticeably raspy voice) on March 28.
It's not uncustomary for GH to recast a front-burner hunk on medical leave. Last year Chris Beetem (ex-Jordan, As the World Turns) played Nikolas while Tyler Christopher recovered from a broken arm. For the talented Pickett, this temp job was a golden opportunity.
"I got a call that Ted Ki
read more
Didja catch my cameo appearance at Dr. Tony Jones' funeral on General Hospital this week? For Daytime Emmy voters' consideration, I submit that gripping moment when I entered the chapel, solemnly walked past Anthony Geary (Luke) and found my seat in a pew. Then you saw the back of my carefully groomed head as we mourners bowed our heads in prayer. And, technically, I did have a line when we all said "Amen." Just in case you sneezed and missed me, check out this dishy photo diary of my day on the GH set!
read more
