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Posted
Aug 31 2009, 03:05 AM
by
Jeevan Brar
with no comments
The 36th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards took place last night and aired live from the Orpheum Theatre in Los Angeles on The CW.
Daytime television fans were relieved when The CW stepped in after other networks including CBS and ABC passed on airing the awards show. The CW will be entering the daytime race this upcoming season as The Tyra Banks Show moves on over to the network after airing in syndication for its past four seasons.
Here are all the soap highlights of both the pre-show and awards ceremony:
- The best thing from the red carpet had to have been Stacy Haiduk's arrival. The actress has taken on the breakthrough role of Mary Jane Benson / Patty Williams on The Young and the Restless this past year and appeared on the red carpet with the character's infamous stuffed pussy cat, Kitty.
- Susan Lucci (Erica, All My Children) was the first daytime soap start to be featured and talked briefly about the 'Daytime Gives Back: Feed the Children' project she worked on with fellow soap stars Anthony Geary (Luke, General Hospital) and Kelly Monaco (Sam, General Hospital). The relief organization delivers food, medicine, clothing and other necessities to individuals, children and families who lack those essentials due to famine, poverty, war or natural disasters.
- While no one knows when Victoria Rowell will return to Y&R as Dru, the actress did show up to the Emmy Awards...a ceremony which she has criticized in the past.
- Texas Battle (Marcus, The Bold and the Beautiful) confirmed that his character's biological father would be coming to the show. This of course, confirms to what I reported last week when Aaron D. Spears had been cast. Interesting show fact, B&B films about 8 episodes a week.
- Gina Tognoni (Dinah, Guiding Light) revealed that a special tribute would be airing during the awards show. Rather than marking Guiding Light's end as a sad thing, the cast and crew would like to celebrate its achievement.
- When Anthony Geary was introduced, the whole "Luke and Laura" phenomenon was mentioned. Interesting since Geary and the current GH regime tainted the epic supercouple in the eyes of many fans this past year/
- Lori Laughlin reminded those that she got her start in daytime; she appeared on The Edge of Night. They showed a clip of last season's 90210 finally where Laughlin teased that they could be setting up a triangle with Jennie Garth and Rob Estes's characters. This is interesting because last week Jennie Garth mentioned that she'd be against Kelly being involved in a triangle with a married couple as she's worked too hard on having Kelly become a person that women don't hate. Laughlin and Garth later presented the Outstanding Talk Show Host to The View.
- Ricky Paull Goldin (Jake, All My Children) insists that ABC was doing the "right thing" for the show by moving it to Los Angeles.
- Rick Hearst (Whip, The Bold and the Beautiful; ex-Ric, GH) said that it was great being back on B&B and the Bell family is very welcoming.
- Host Vanessa Williams kicked off the ceremony with a musical number where she incorporated herself into daytime programs as love interests for many of the soap characters (such as Ron Moss's Ridge on B&B and Anthony Geary's Luke on GH) and talk/game show hosts.
- The first award given out was for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series and was a tie! The awards went to Vincent Irrizary (David, All My Children) and Jeff Branson (Shayne, Guiding Light). Irrizary dedicated his award to his son Ash, who is fighting in Afghanistan. The actor who has also appeared on Guiding Light and most recently Y&R was happy to have worked on different shows in the same medium. He was also appreciative of the crew and production staff as "they are the heart of the medium." Irrizary also thanked AMC head writer, Charles Pratt and was honored to have been nominated with the other men in his category like his fellow cast member Jacob Young (JR). Meanwhile, Jeff Branson thanked all his family at Guiding Light and his fans.
- Speaking of Jacob Young, looks like he's taking JR's cancer storyline seriously as the actor has shaved off his hair.
- ABC got The CW to run a promo for General Hospital featuring the upcoming "Carnival" stunt storyline which promises the "death of a beloved chracter"...whom will all know will end up being Martha Byrne's short term character, Andrea Floyd.
- There wasn't much buzz around As The World Turns this year award-show wise...however moments after the ceremony had concluded, We Love Soaps (http://www.welovesoaps.net) announced that Tom Pelphrey (Jonathan, GL) would be joining World Turns in a new role. General Hospital was actively pursuing Pelphrey for the role of Dante this past year.
- The Bold and the Beautiful's Ron Moss (Ridge) and Heather Tom (Katie) awarded Cash Cab as the Outstanding Game Show. While Bindi Irwin joined General Hospital's Bradford Anderson (Spinelli) and Kirsten Storms (Maxie) in presenting the Racheal Ray Show as Outstanding Entertainment Talk Show.
- Guiding Light's Kim Zimmer (Reva aka the Slut of Springfield) and Robert Newman (Josh) presented General Hospital's Julie Marie Berman with the award for Outstanding Younger Actress in a Daytime Drama for her role as Lulu Spencer. Berman was very shocked to have won and said she shares the award with her good friend and co-star Kirsten Storms who was also nominated in the same category. The young ingenue dedicated her award to her mother.
- Tyra Banks presented some fashions of daytime which included Shelly Henning (Stephanie, DAYS), Eric Martsolf (Brady, DAYS), Rebecca Herbst (Elizabeth, GH), Tyler Christopher (Nikolas, GH), Chrishell Stause (Amanda, AMC), Ricky Paull Goldin (Jake, AMC), Christel Khalil (Lily, Y&R), Daniel Goddard (Cane, Y&R), Trent Dawson (Henry, ATWT), Ewa Da Cruz (Vienna, ATWT), Mark Lawson (Jared, OLTL), Bree Williamson (Jessica, OLTL), Texas Battle (Marcus, B&B), Jacqueline MacInnis Wood (Steffy, B&B) and Susan Lucci (Erica, AMC).
- As The World Turns' Van Hansis (Luke) and Jake Silbermann (Noah) awarded Tamara Braun (ex-Ava, Days of our Lives; ex-Reece, All My Children; ex-Carly, General Hospital) for Outstanding Supporting Actress who was also very pleasantly surprised to have won. Interesting that she has never won an Emmy for her work as Carly on General Hospital. Braun appeared on DAYS for six months in 2008.
- Days of our Lives' James Scott (EJ) and Jay Kenneth Johnson (Philip) presented One Life To Live with the Outstanding Directing Team award.
- "Does he really need to know the meaning of As The World Turns?" asks Vanessa Williams about special guest Buzz Aldrin.
- All My Children's Melissa Claire Egan (Annie) and Cameron Mathison (Ryan) presented Who Wants to be a Millionaire's Merideth Vieira with the award for Outstanding Game Show host.
- The Young and the Restless' Elizabeth Hendrickson (Chloe) and Billy Miller (Billy) present the Tyra Banks Show with the Outstanding Informative Talk Show award.
- One Life To Live's Kirsten Alderson (Starr) and Brandon Buddy (Cole) presented Darin Brooks (ex-Max, Days of our Lives) with the award for Outstanding Younger Actor in a Daytime Drama. Brooks had mentioned during the red carpet show that if he doesn't win, he'd like to see his former co-star, Blake Berris (ex-Nick) win. Brooks actually swore during his acceptance speech but the word was blanked out by The CW thanks to the 7-second time delay.
- Dr. Phil and his wife presented a montage for each daytime drama nominated for outstanding show: All My Children, The Bold and the Beautiful and Days of our Lives...interestingly, the DAYS montage left out John and Marlena (Drake Hogestyn and Deidre Hall) who were axed last year.
- Betty White introduced the Guiding Light tribute. White joked that GL debuted on radio when she was only three years old, in 1776! After her jokes, fans were treated to a nice montage which concluded with White saying that the "light may be dim, but the afterglow will live on." The final cast members of Guiding Light gathered on stage. The music from the montage featured Rihanna's "Take a Bow".
- Patrick Duffy (Stephen, B&B) presented the award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Daytime Drama series to Susan Haskell (Marty, OLTL). Haskell thanked her husband (Thorsten Kaye; Zach, AMC) and promised their children that she will do her best to get them autographs from the cast of Sesame Street.
- Susan Lucci presented the night's final acting award to Christian LeBlanc (Michael, Y&R) who took home the award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Daytime Drama series. This is LeBlanc's third win and fourth nomination. LeBlanc was greeted by his co-stars as he got up and kissed Y&R and B&B's co-creator Lee Phillip Bell before going on stage. The actor eloquently quoted a Lily Tomlin play before saying goodnight.
- The Bold and the Beautiful took home the big award -- Outstanding Daytime Drama Series. Unfortunately, the acceptance was cut off completely as the 2 hour show wrapped up.
Stay tuned to the TV Watercooler later this week for more soap scoop.
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Posted
Aug 28 2009, 01:46 PM
by
Jeevan Brar
with no comments
 -- As the World Turns has let go Austin Peck (Brad).
The actor joined the series in January 2007 as Jack’s “de-aged” brother and has
been paired romantically with Terri
Colombino’s Katie. TV Guide Canada is
reporting
that Peck was let go due to an affair he was having with one of the show’s
leading ladies. With Peck free, could DAYS ask him and Christie Clark to reprise their roles as Austin and Carrie?
-- Lesli Kay will be returning to As
the World Turns this fall as Molly Conlan McKinnon. Kay is also expected to
continue appearing on The Bold and the
Beautiful as Felicia at the same time…which is great because B&B barely
used the phenomenal Emmy winning actress. Kay originated the role of Molly on
ATWT in 1997 and left in early 2004 after she was offered the role of Lois
Cerullo on General Hospital. GH barely used to actress
and she ended up on B&B the following November. Kay also crossed over to The Young and the Restless last year as
Felicia where she flirted with Nick. Kay is married to her former ATWT co-star,
Keith Coulouris who played David
Stenbeck.
-- Dan Gauthier will briefly reprise the role of Kevin Buchanan this
fall on One Life to Live.
-- Crystal Chappell returns to Days
of our Lives on October 2nd.
 -- Aaron D. Spears is joining the cast of B&B as Justin Barber who
will be working with Bill (Don Diamont).
Judging by the actor’s race and this being B&B, let’s just assume the obvious – he’s Marcus’
father and Donna’s ex. His last name is intriguing…could he be related to the
Genoa City Barbers?
-- Speaking of the Barbers…If
you missed the exclusive interview with Y&R’s Tonya Lee Williams, here
it is.
-- Nick (Joshua Morrow) found out that he’s the
father of Sharon’s
(Sharon Case) baby this week and is
livid. Sharon
will explain to him that she lied and said that the baby was Jack’s (Peter Bergman) so that
Nick could give his complete focus on Summer’s recovery with Phyllis (Michelle Stafford). Nick will
understand her excuse but won’t forgive her completely because she should know
how much he wanted the baby girl to be his. Nick will struggle with whether or
not to tell Phyllis, is getting ready to take Summer to a treatment facility in
Switzerland…but
what he doesn’t know is that his wife already knows!
-- The 36th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards take place this
Sunday. The telecast will air on The CW (after ABC, CBS and SOAPnet passed).
Sadly, no Canadian broadcaster has been announced, so Canadians fans will have
to check out their CW affiliates on digital or satellite. You can check out a
complete list of the daytime drama nominees here.
The CW will air a pre-show from 7pm to 8pm and the ceremony will air from 8pm
to 10pm. Ugly Betty's Vanessa Williams -- who has nothing to do with daytime -- will host. There is a planned tribute for Guiding Light which will end its run next month.
Here are my
predictions:
- - I could see Jeanne
Cooper (Katherine, Y&R) taking lead actress this year. The woman
is a powerhouse. She’s also has a lot of solid material to submit from
this past year for - next year’s ceremony.
- - I think DAYS could pull a (much deserved)
surprise with Peter Reckell (Bo)
winning the lead actor category. If not him, Christian LeBlanc (Michael, Y&R) is another safe bet.
- - The supporting actress category is seriously a
toss up this year...I’m leaning towards either Julie Pinson (Janet, ATWT) or Tamara Braun (ex-Ava, DAYS).
- - For supporting actor, I could see either Van Hansis (Luke, ATWT) or Jeff Branson (Shayne, GL) take it.
- - I’m hoping Julie
Marie Berman (Lulu, GH) picks up younger actress while Blake Berris (ex-Nick, DAYS)
deserves younger actor.
- - I can definitely see Days of our Lives winning for best soap this year.
Surprisingly, this soap has never won in this category before – not even
in the 90s! I see directing going to DAYS as well while One Life to Live could get writing.
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Posted
Aug 25 2009, 04:30 PM
by
Jeevan Brar
with 1 comment(s)
 In 2000, Williams founded the ReelWorld Film Festival which recognizes the excellence and
achievement of emerging diversity in Canadian film, video and new media. A few
years later, she produced and hosted the Tonya
Lee Williams Gospel Jubilee which explored and celebrated the gospel genre
along with its African-Canadian history. Williams also directed the first
television adaption of Da Kink in My Hair
in 2004 and recently launched ReelYouth
under the ReelWorld banner where
special screenings and workshops take place in local theatres, schools and
community centers across Toronto
to create a discourse among school children in relation to topics such as
diversity and gang violence.
This fall, Williams will the join the cast of the CBC's The Border for its third season where
she'll play an agent working for the US Department of Homeland Security. The
actress took some time to discuss her upcoming role on The Border and the progress that
she sees in the Canadian television industry. The soap star also gave us some
insight on the reason behind certain stunt storylines on The Young and the Restless as well as what it would take to launch
a successful daytime soap in Canada.
Congratulations on
joining The Border. Can you tell us a
little bit about the role and when you start filming?
I'm so excited...it'll be recurring. [I play] Constance Meade. I just started
shooting last week actually. I had just left Toronto a few weeks and went to
New Mexico because I keep a place there to just chill and I had gotten there
two of three days and my agent called saying "oh you booked this part, you need
to be in Washington in two days!" I hadn't even unpacked my suitcase yet and
just got in the car and went back to the airport.
The show also films
in Washington?
That's the cool news! My character is based in Washington and for authenticity, that's
where the show really shot. We were physically in Washington. I'm standing in front of these
amazing monuments!
That must have been
quite different.
It's incredible because I had never actually had been to Washington before.
So your fans would
like to know if you'll still be on Y&R?
Yes, I'm recurring on Y&R. I love that [arrangement] and they seem to
love that. I just wanted more freedom in my life. The first fifteen years on
Y&R was completely committed to the show and I loved that but I took those
three years off because I need space and time...and rest! And now coming back and
being able to do that with the understanding from Y&R that I can do other
things has made it so much more enjoyable for me. The two jobs are not going to
be overwhelming. In fact, I'm still auditioning for other things and I'm on
hold for something else
You mentioned your
place in New Mexico, I assume you've got one
in Toronto as well...and L.A. Where would you consider your home base?
I would say my base is much more L.A. The others are important for me too. I
also have a place in Paris.
I love going there as well. I love the freedom. I remember the day I told my
mom that I had booked Y&R, this was way back in 1990, her one piece of
advice for me was "now, try and stay with this show!" And I did! I need the
freedom to know that I can go to different places and do different things. Even
where I live. I don't like staying in the same place for too long.
You were in town recently
for the launch of ReelNetworking, which will be a monthly gathering geared
towards Toronto's diverse film and television industry professionals. The first
meeting featured music video director, RT! (who has done some amazing videos
for the Neverending White Lights and Kardinal Offishall). Can you tell us more
about this project? Will you be attending every event?
I
wanted to be there for the first one to kick it off. When I'm in town, I'll go
to it but no, I won't be flying [everyone month]. I really want some of the
initiatives that I think about and create to live and breathe without me.
That's my dream now.
You grew up in Oshawa and were inducted into the
Oshawa Walk of
Fame back in 2007. The city has announced your plaque (along with other past
inductees) will be finally added to the walk after experiencing some delays. No
doubt you'll be looking forward to seeing your name on King Street, but how does it differ than
winning other awards (like an Image Award). Do you find the hometown
recognition more rewarding?
Maybe
I'll be in town! When you work in television, you don't have the audience there
[with you] so you have your nose to the grindstone and you're just tunneling
along and when anyone recognizes you in any way...[it's rewarding]. For me, it's
really a surprise that anyone's noticing what I'm doing and I don't think it's
that I'm not confident in it...it's just that there's so much content and so many
people out there [in this industry] that if you're on anyone's radar at all is
always, to me, so stunning and amazing. So honestly, any award is just a great
honor. Even if I'm nominated, I'm so honored and thrilled.
Other Canadian celebrities
seem to only mention their Canadian roots when it serves them, whereas you've
not only been proud about your roots but you actually have projects to show
from it like the film festival and the Gospel Jubilee. Did this factor into
your decision when you chose your new project (The Border)?
It
did...a little bit. I'm an actor and I love working. The kind of actors that
inspire me are the people like Michael Caine and if you ever listen to him
talk, he thinks of himself as an actor for hire. He goes "if someone gives me a
gig, I take it!" I really always wanted to move ego out of the way when I work.
I'm like a trade's person. Unless it's a role that's horrific...does no justice
for women or for black people anywhere.
I
like the variety of doing different things. I think that's why we get into this
business as actors. I've been so blessed to play a character like Olivia
Winters. I mean as a black actress, it's not often you get roles where they're
professionals and are eloquent and upstanding citizens within the community.
And then to play this [character on The
Border], which is a senior U.S. Department of Homeland Security agent...I
mean, over the last couple of years we have had the most amount of attention to
black people being in the political arena and the fact that Obama won is really
making shows look at black actors in these [senior political] roles completely
believable. I'm thrilled to be a representative in something like that. It's a
great role and I really enjoy the show. I had been watching it before. In fact,
I'm really digging a bunch of Canadian shows right now.
Which ones?
Being Erica! I think it's really
great. When I'm in Toronto,
I'll watch as many Canadian shows as I can such as Wild Horses and Heartland.
Remember two or three years ago, we were all bellyaching that there were no
dramas and now I've gotta say, I applaud all the networks. I think CBC is doing
a great job - CTV as well, with Flashpoint.
Yes, but CBS just announced that Flashpoint isn't on their fall schedule.
Aww...but
the fact that it even got on at all! You know how hard it is, even for an
American show to make it on network, for even six episodes and the fact that Flashpoint was on for what? A season and
a half? I don't know if Canadians know how huge that is. Some American shows
have a hard time even going 6 episodes and they're gone, so that's a huge
accomplishment for any show and the fact that it was a Canadian show makes me
proud. I'm very proud of being Canadian and the work that we do in Canada
and I just want to be a part of it as much as possible.
I
came to the U.S. because
there was so little opportunity for me in Canada
but what I try to preach with my festival, ReelWorld,
is that I hope Canadians stay in Canada as much as they can and
really build the business from there. That has always been my passion and
dream. But you never really want to end any opportunities anywhere, so I think
that Canadians should [still] work in the United States and the UK and wherever
else they can work but always remember that doing work at home is just that
much sweeter and richer for not just us but for our own community.
You'll actually be playing
an American on The Border.
How
funny is that though? I love that! Grace [Park] who is also on the show now is
from Vancouver
and is playing an American. Isn't that a turn? We used to have all these
Americans playing Canadians, now we have Canadians playing Americans.
Sofia Milos' character on The Border, Bianca LaGarda, character is
known for loud and proud American stereotype. How will your character differ?
Will there be any similarities?
I
have a feeling mine is a little softer. I'm Homeland Security, but in the age
of Obama. If you think of the Bush administration to the Obama administration,
the Bus administration was very much about "we're Americans and we do it better
than anyone else" and the Obama administration is much more about "let's be a
collective - our voice is important but the other voice is [also] important".
And that's what I want to bring to the character.
I'm
proud of what's been happening since the Obama administration...where he's not
swing his bat around like America is the end-all to everything, he's really
setting a new tone for America internationally which is "we want to be a team
player and were' not about bossing everybody around." My character will be
embodying a lot of that administration's view.
Do you find any
similarities or differences between Constance and Olivia?
I think I
want to be able to play this character with a touch of more humor.
I was going to mention that! You've
played Olivia for almost 20 years and she's such a serious character. Having
met you, I think that you would be great at comedy. Would you consider doing
comedy after this?
I
would actually love to do a comedy. The project that I said is in development
is actually a comedy, so we're hoping it gets picked up because I was saying to
the creator that from the age of 15 to my late 20s, I only had ever done
comedies. Then when I got on Y&R, it was my first dramatic series. Now, it
always seems to be dramatic stuff. Whenever I'm hanging with people, they're
always surprised that I'm not doing more comedy. It is my comfort zone [doing
comedy]. I find that I'm actually really nervous doing drama because it's not
my personality and I always feel like I want to do it justice and I want to
deliver it really believable.
In
the first episode that you'll see me in on The
Border, you won't see much comedy because it's serious stuff! I'm hoping
that in time, I can find those moments. I hope that she'll [Constance]
will have a lighter tone.
What will be your first
episode on The Border? Will you be
featured in the season three premiere?
Either
the second or third episode.
A lot of people credit
Y&R as your first soap role, but you were on Generations before that, can you tell us a bit more about that
project?
Generations was great but it was only on for about 3 or 4
episodes. It was a very small role to play...with Kristoff [St. John, who plays
Neil Winters on Y&R]...I think nothing happens by accident and two years
later, Kristoff and I end up on aother show where we're on for years! It
reminds us that there's a plan out there even if we're not aware of it. There's
a greater plan out there. I love doing daytime and have always really enjoyed
doing it. I love working in television. It suits my personality and I'm just an
actor who likes to work, period!
We were talking earlier
about different shows filming in Canada that American networks are
picking up. Ion airs The Border in
the States along with Durham County.
Do you think this model could be applied to daytime? Guiding Light is ending next month and ABC just announced that All My Children is moving to Los Angeles.
My god! I
know, there's so much going on! I spoke to CBC about five years ago that I
would love to be a part of them trying to put a daytime soap together. The hard
thing about daytime and especially soap operas is that you really need a lot of
money up front. And that's the difficult thing because you're talking about
doing a daily show. It's so expensive doing a weekly show. You need to know
you'll have the investment of at least three years to get it going. I remember
when Aaron Spelling did Sunset Beach,
he swung it for three years and then that show ended. And he said it was the
hardest thing he ever did...and we're talking about Aaron Spelling saying that!
So
it's not an easy thing to do, but I just think Canada is so right to do a soap
that has the mixture of a British soap and an American soap that we could find
our own voice as an "in-between". A show like Coronation Street but with a Hollywood/American feel.
I
would love to see the CBC or whoever wants to do it, grab a hold of all those
[Canadian soap] actors...like when you think of the last 20 years of soap operas,
there's got to e at least 20 Canadians that have starred. Wouldn't it be great
to bring back all those Canadian daytime soap stars? Like Gordon Thomson who
did Dynasty and then did daytime for awhile. There's so many of them. It would
be great to seek them out and find out what they are doing and lure them back
to do a show. People would watch it because lots of Canadians have been on many
different soaps and to have them all under one roof as Canadians would be
wonderful.
I really hope CBC comes
back to you with that idea!
That
would be phenomenal!
Things on Y&R are
going from one extreme to the next...what has surprised you as of late?
I
haven't had a chance to watch it lately. My life has been Toronto,
Jamaica, Barbados, New Mexico,
Washington
and back! My head is just reeling so I've been out of the loop. I'm gonna catch
up!
But I'm sure you've heard
of the stuff going on with Adam and Ashley?
He caused her to lose her baby and then cleaned up the "evidence".
Yeah
you know what...it's drama at its fittest. Sometimes we have to do extreme
things. I'm sure the show is trying to figure out ways to not only keep the
fans it has but develop new fans. There's a lot of competition out there. Not
just with other soaps, but there is so much on during the day.
I
do like the way Maria Bell thinks though. I like the way she develops story.
She has a very similar energy to [the late] Bill Bell senior [her
father-in-law]...how he thought about story. You know what was great about soap
operas in the old days? Then they could really take their time, almost in real
time, and develop a story. But the audience is way too impatient now. They
don't want real time. I think that things are bouncing around because the audience
is getting more demanding. They don't event want to wait three weeks for
something to unfold. They want it now - they want it immediate.
Like within a week, Lily
found out her husband was a fraud and that she had cancer.
Exactly!
But what better way to bring people back together?
Looks like it's working
for them!
The
man could have gotten on a boat and gone back to Australia. We had to move quickly!
We'd like to see more of
Olivia. Can you tell us what's coming up with her?
I've
been away for 8 weeks because of other projects. I did a movie in San Francisco [as well].
I'm hoping that in September they'll start using me again. The summer tends to
be the younger peoples' storyline so that's why I tend to book myself a lot of
stuff during the summer because I just assume that I'm not a part of the
younger peoples' storyline.
Well we look forward
to your debut on The Border and your
return to the Y&R.
Thanks!
The third season of The
Border will premiere this September on CBC. The Young and the Restless airs weekdays on Global and CBS. The 10th Annual ReelWorld Film Festival takes
place in Toronto
in April 2010, for more information visit www.reelworld.ca.
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Posted
Aug 24 2009, 01:50 PM
by
Jeevan Brar
with no comments
In addition to the Gossip Girl poster, The CW has also released posters of its upcoming new series The Beautiful Life: TBL...yeah, I'm not digging the whole ':tbl' addition to the title either! Here are the four posters featuring stars Ashley Madekwe, Ben Hollingsworth, Corbin Bleu and Sara Paxton. I guess Misha Barton was busy in rehab when the posters were shot.
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Posted
Aug 24 2009, 12:48 PM
by
Jeevan Brar
with no comments
The CW has released the new promo poster for the third season of Gossip Girl. They've also released a bunch of still from the season premiere which will air on September 14th.
What's up with Lil J? Did she dip her fingers in some paint?
As for the ep stills, it's nice to see Chuck and Blair together again...looks like they're scheming, which makes the reunion even better. That's Joanna Garcia as Nate's new girlfriend, Bree. Rufus is flying solo; could be because Kelly Rutherford (Lily) is on maternity leave. And no, Serena's not kissing Dan -- that's Carter Baizen (Sebastian Stan, Leighton Meester's real life boyfriend).
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Posted
Aug 14 2009, 04:47 PM
by
Jeevan Brar
with no comments
Jeff uses his “Wizard
Power” on last night’s Big Brother 11
Last night’s episode of Big
Brother 11 was probably the most anticipated of the season. Early in the
day, rumors surfaced online that CBS was worried about Chima’s threat to cuss around and go ape shit if the “wizard power”
was used, so they decided to tape what would have been the live eviction
episode early in the afternoon.
The moment Jeff
got up when Julie asked if the
person who had won the Coup d’Etat would like to use it has been the best
moment of the entire season. Unfortunately for the fans, the disliked crew (Jessie/Natalie & co.) had been calling the shots for the first half of
the season and fans were fed up so CBS put together the Coup d’Etat power which gave America’s Choice (Jeff) the power to
throw out the HoH’s (Chima) nomations and put up their own. Jeff kept his power
a secret for two whole weeks, leaving everyone (especially Jordan) jaw-dropped.
Jeff decided to save Russell and Lydia
and threw Natalie and Jessie on the block. Jessie was evicted 3-2 and fans were
so relieved.
Jessie admitted that he knew all along the power would be
used and he’d be going home. America
(and Canada)
hated him last year, so why the hell did he think they’d actually like him this
year? What was up with him ripping up his baby-blue shirt? It’s like he wore
his stupid “Look at Me” t-shirt underneath the whole time because he knew he’d
be the one going home, not Russell or Lydia.
Chima tried really hard not to blow up – it was really
amusing. I found it funny that even her grandmother has been disappointed in
her behaviour. Chima’s really done a number on Kevin…she told him who to put against each other during the HoH
competition. Anyone else think Kevin looks like a turtle? He always looks like
he’s in pain or going through a rough patch. A friend said to me in week one
that “Kevin looks like ‘everyday is a bad day’” and it is still cracking me up
to this day. I also keep flashing back to when Kevin hit the red button which
made all the viewer messages play…“I saw the red button and I HIT the bitch!”
Michele won HoH…I
hope she remains loyal to Jeff and Jordan. Chima, Lydia
and Natlalie were quite pathetic…they cried all night for Jessie. Honestly Lydia…you were
saved from the block! Chima/Nat/Lydiot’s pimping of Jessie is reminiscent of
the Cappie crap fans had to go through in BB’s sixth season. Back to Chima,
apparently she emptied out Russell’s suitcase and stole Jeff’s rosary last
night. Michele invited Jordan
to spend her first night in the HoH room with her, so hopefully she’ll stay on
the right track.
Next Thursday’s episode will be a double eviction show. I’m
hoping Chima and Natalie are sent home.
Y&R’s latest twist: Devon and
Tyra do the nasty
Okay so online chatter for The Young and the Restless is either extremely positive or
negative…I’ve been enjoying the show quite a lot the past few months but was
completely disgusted with the latest twist for the Winters clan. I could handle
Adam causing Ashley’s miscarriage and then cleaning up and burning the fetus
but there’s no way I could comprehend the show’s decision to have Devon (Bryton McClure) bang his aunt Tyra (Eva Marcille).
Up until a few months ago, Devon
thought of Tyra has his aunt…his biological aunt…as in his mother’s (much)
younger sister. The aunt that is raising his half-sister as her own. Everyone
knows I’ve never been much of a fan of Devon’s,
in fact, I keep seeing him as Laura and Eddie’s little cousin Richie on Family Matters. Devon’s been an
upstanding character and despite his hardships as a kid (growing up in foster
care, living on the streets, crunk bio-mom, loss of hearing, “dead” adopted
mom) he’s grown into a moral young man…a young man that would never bed the
woman who he had thought of his aunt…also a young man would never sleep with is
(adopted) father’s (Neil, Kristoff St.
John) girlfriend.
While Devon and the Winters
clan have a had a couple of months to process the bombshell that Tyra was never
really his aunt (thanks to Touched by an
Angel’s Della Reese
[seriously!]), fans still see Tyra as his aunt. Maybe it’s because the viewers
have seen the Winters family preach for years that when it comes to family –
blood and biology have nothing to do with it! If we can remember that, then why
can’t the writers?
Did they do this just for the ploy of having a triangle
involving a skank and a father and son? Did they really want to pull a Bold and the Beautiful stunt that badly?
And then there’s poor Roxanne (Devon’s
girlfriend) who had to witness the affair. Although she stormed in and broke up
with him the next morning, I hope it’s not the last we see of Roxanne. I’ve
enjoyed Tatyana Ali (yes, little
Ashley from The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air)…hopefully
they can find a way to keep her around.
Gossip Girl’s love child reunion
Some on-location photos of Gossip Girl were leaked online yesterday involving Rufus (Matthew Settle), Kelly Rutherford (Lily) embracing their love child Scott (played by
Chris Riggi). I’m surprised they are
already filming the reunion episode. You’d think they’d want to spread that
“The love child I just told you about, who we thought was dead is actually
alive” storyline throughout the season.
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Posted
Aug 14 2009, 10:10 AM
by
Jeevan Brar
with no comments
Devout TV Watercooler reader, Jag Gill had a chance to attend this year's San Diego Comic Con and offered to submit her very own review of the event. Here's her honest approach to the ultimate nerd fest of the year.
No Love for J-Love!
Jennifer Love Hewitt made an appearance at
this years San Diego Comic Con (S.D.C.C) to promote her show, Ghost
Whisperer. A whisper is precisely what could be heard throughout the
entire venue hall as the draw of fans to this panel was semi sparse to
say the least. Perhaps it was a contributing factor for J-Love's less
than loveable attitude throughout the entire panel. Twice, within a
twenty minute span, she went so far as to speak directly into the
microphone (during the panel) to ask if their appearance was 'almost
done'. A bold move for someone who, on more than one occasion, used the panel to pimp herself out to fans to help get her into the Twiight series. How Lisa Rinna of her. Luckily for the “size
4” actress, her co-stars Jamie Kennedy and Camryn Manheim proved
to be fan favorites providing some much needed comic relief into what
would have otherwise been a total snooze fest.
Chuck+Zach Levi+S.D.C.C = television gold
If
you didn't hear about the show Chuck on a daily basis at this years
S.D.C.C, then you weren't at S.D.C.C. From loyal fans wearing their
“nerd herd” t-shirts to the constant and growing chatter about the
show, everything Chuck was uber cool. I first heard about Chuck a few
months back [ed. note: travelling around the world can do that to you!] when TV Networks were putting some shows on the chopping
block due to budget cuts. Gossip blogs helped get the word out that
their beloved show could come to an end, causing much anger amoungst
it's fan base. Alas it was renewed for another season and all was well.
As
I geared up to see the TV Guide panel I was pleasantly surprised to
see Zachary Levi amoungst the roster of actors from different shows.
Though the TV Guide panel was a chance for 7-8 different shows to gain
exposure, it was evident that the majority of the audience was there to
see the star of the cult hit, Chuck. No matter who was speaking during
the panel, whether it was Scott Wolfe or John Cho, things seemed to
always come back to focus on everyone's favorite supervisor of the nerd
herd. Zach is funny, charismatic and above all, a regular guy, and
it's likely due to this image that people just love him and in turn
love the show. Zach was the only one from the entire TV Guide panel
whose ego wasn't too big to stick around after the panel to chit chat
with fans, sign autographs, and pose for pictures. After S.D.C.C, I
rented the entire first season of Chuck, and I am officially a mega fan!
Scott Wolfe
People best remember Scott
Wolfe from his role on Fox's Party of Five from the late 90's, but he's
now one of the stars of a remake of an 80's hit show The V. I'm not
sure how he's gonna do on this show, but it seemed rather apparent that
Scott Wolfe being seated next to Chuck star Zach Levi was the best
thing that could ever have happened to him. Most patrons of S.D.C.C
associated Scott and The V to “that guy that was sitting next to Zach
Levi”. Had that not happened, his appearance on th panel would have
been less memorable, only due to the fact that Scott is a little quiet.
Rebecca Romijn
Rebecca
Romijn was, for lack of a better word, is a total bitch. She was curt
throughout the entire panel, and acted as though she didn't want to be
there and couldn't really be bothered to answer questions properly.
Rebecca
stars as one of the four main cast members of a new prime time drama
called Easwick (based on the film, The Witches of Eastwick). It's about three women, who end up with 'witch'
powers and man is their leader. The premise of the show is closely
related to that of Charmed with a little Lipstick Jungle meets
Desperate Housewives thrown in. Romijn displayed little enthusiasm
regarding the show and her role which really didn't make me all that
interested in it either. Like others in the audience, I assumed she
was chosen to promote the show since she would be known to S.D.C.C fans
from her role as Mystique from the X-Men movies. At one point an
audience memeber even asked Rebecca about the degree of difficulty with
the costume from her role as Mystique. Her response was dismissive and
insulting to the intelligence of most Comic Con fans, as she claimed
that that role was so long ago she couldn't even remember it! She must
have forgotten she was at Comic Con, at which rate her co-star and
former Beverly Hills 90210 actress Lindsay Price would have been a better fit.
Big Bang Theory
Like
Chuck, The Big Bang Theory has been on the network chopping block a few
times. Over the last two years, TBBT has proven to become a huge fan
favorite with the line ups for their panels starting in the early hours
on the day of, and quickly expanding to 2000+ fans, of which 300 end up
not getting in. The show is about 4 'nerds', who are all friends and
work at a university in California. Despite the show's entire
cast being favorites, the big darling of S.D.C.C is none other than the
character of Sheldon played by Jim Parsons. The love for Jim is epic.
The show made two appearances on panels this year, and both times
audience member questions were directed at Jim Parsons. The most
memorable moment was when a female fan asked Jim, if he's be so kind as
to wipe his face on a towel she had brought so she could have Sheldon's
DNA for her sister who couldn't make it to the show. Jim thought it
was hilarious and brilliant and he gladly complied.
Human Target
There's
a new show out with a great ensemble cast of familiar faces: Human
Target. The show is written by Simon West (Tomb Raider, Con Air,
etc...) and directed by Jonathan E. Steinberg (Jericho). Basically the
show is based on yet another comic book series written by Len Wien (who
is part of the creative team behind the Watchmen miniseries).
The
show stars Jackie Earl Haley who is best known for his role as
Rorschach from The Watchmen movie. It'll be interesting to see his
transition from a dramatic film role to television primetime. He is so
great with fans, likes to take his time with each and every fan and was
resistent to the pushy guards around them that were trying to get fans
away from him.
Also starring is Chi McBride (he played
principle Steven Harper from Boston Public, and was on Pushing Daisies
as Emerson Cod). I had the pleasure of meeting him and he was very
flattered that I remembered him from Boston Public.
Mark Valley is known to many
fans from his soap days where he played on Jack Deveraux on Days of
our Lives...although Matthew Ashford is best known as the original and "classic" Jack. Since his departure from soap's he's appeared on many other
shows such as Jericho, CSI, Law & Order and most recently Fringe).
He's finally landed something with an amazing cast where he'll play one
of the lead roles of Christopher Chance. He is gracious to his fans
but not too keen to talk about his past soap days.
Pacey Witter can't lose
Joshua
Jackson is best known for his roles in the Mighty Ducks films and as
Pacey Witter on Dawson's Creek. He is currently one of the main stars
of the new television drama: Fringe (atleast he's the most recognizable
one). I've never seen this show, but this show was heavily promoted
and advertised at S.D.C.C. Thanks to Warner Brother's highly effective
marketing at S.D.C.C, I have developed a previously non existent
interest in seeing what it's all about. I didn't get to see the panel
for Fringe, but I was there at the signing and though I was off to the
side, looking on, taking pictures, Joshua Jackson actually ignored
security and came over to say hello, have a brief chat and take a
couple pictures with me! I'm not gonna lie, I called Pacey by accident
a few times, to which he snickered. The entire cast seems really
humble and very friendly and I hope I love it.
The Best Directors Cut Ever, eva...
One
of the hot tickets in town for S.D.C.C was for the Watchmen Panel.
Zach Snyder was not only present for the entire screening of the
directors cut, but he narrarated, LIVE! Due to an interactive
component, Zach was able to answer fan questions from around the world
and within the auditorium. One of the questions was whether Zach
liked smooth or crunchy peanut butter. After laughter subsided
throughout the theater, he answered with: crunchy. Within seconds the
shadow of a bobbing head goes running to the panel and places a bottle
of crunchy peanut butter infront of him. Everyone laughs, including
Snyder, and he makes the joke that he has no bread. Within seconds,
someone else drops off a baguette. Within 45 min's of this screening,
he had a full on buffet of peanut butter, bread, a knife, a fruit cup,
gourmet cupcakes, two juice boxes and plates on his panel desk. At one
point, proving he's just like us, he started eating it as he kept
narrarating and took the rest of the food items that the nerds had in
their napsacks home.
Vampire Themed Shows
Comic Con
gives a chance to many shows to gain exposure and garner a fan base.
One of the shows that I will definately be checking out is True Blood [ed. note: a show that the TV Watercooler has been pressuring Jag to watch since last year].
I'm not usually a fan of vampire shows or anything of the sort but due
to all the hype, it's definately a show I'm eager to check out.
Despite
the TV/film industries becoming oversaturated with vampires, I'm also
keen to check out Vampire Diaries. The Show stars Nina Dobrev who
is best known for playing Mia Jones, a young single mom on the hit
Canadian show Degrassi: The Next Generation. The show is based on a book series and feels like a cross
between Buffy and Gossip Girl [ed. note: the series is penned by Dawson's Creek creator/writer Kevin Williamson].
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Posted
Aug 12 2009, 01:14 PM
by
Jeevan Brar
with no comments
-- ABC has finally confirmed last Monday (what Daytime Confidential first reported
weeks ago) that production of All My
Children will be moving from New York City
to Los Angeles
in January. One Life to Live will
take over AMC’s studio space. Most of the cast will have until early next month
to decide whether or not they’ll be making the move. Fans have already started
wondering if some former stars could return now they the show will be based
where they are including Rebecca Budig
(ex-Greenlee), Eden Riegel (ex-Bianca)
and Tamara Braun (ex-Reese).
-- The Young and the
Restless’ Tonya Lee Williams (Olivia)
has joined the cast of CBC’s The Border.
The Canadian actress will portray the recurring role of Constance Meade, a
senior U.S. Homeland Security agent. The
Border premieres its third season this fall. US fans can catch the series
on the ION television network. Stay tuned to The TV Watercooler for a new interview with Tonya Lee Williams to get your exclusive first look at her new
character and her thoughts on the Canadian television industry and the daytime
soap genre!
-- Williams’ former on-screen husband, Shemar Moore was recently hit by a car while on his bicycle in Los Angeles and suffered a
broken leg. Y&R’s ex-Malcolm (and current Criminal Minds star) is said to be recovering well at his home.
Williams, who was out of town when the accident took place
was just as shocked as anyone when she heard the news of his accident and had
the following to say about her former co-star:
“If anyone can survive
something like that it’s him. I’ve never seen anyone in better physical shape
EVER than Shemar…he’s really an amazing athlete and I’m sorry to hear that.”
-- Alexandra Chando will be
returning to As The World Turns as
Maddie Coleman. Chando played Henry’s little sister from 2005 until 2007. Kelli Barrett assumed the role for a
few weeks this past December and January but barely made an impact. Upon
returning home, Maddie will discover that her crazy mother, Audrey, is in town
(played by GH/PC vet Lynn Herring)
and that Henry’s biological father is that evil James Stenbeck (Anthony Herrera).
-- Louise Sorel will
be returning to Days of our Lives
this fall as Viviane Alamain. Crystal
Chappel was previously announced to be returning as Carly and will be
joined by her on and off-screen husband Michael
Sabatino as Lawrence.
-- Former America’s Next Top Model contestant
and All My Children star, Yaya DaCosta (ex-Cassandra
Slater), will be stepping into the role of Nico Slater, Whilemina’s daughter on Ugly Betty.
-- Some General Hospital casting news…Steve Burton (Jason) has inked a new
deal with the show after weeks of speculation…Most fans are upset by this as it
means more of the same old mob crap. A casting call was placed last week for
what appeared to be a Sam McCall recast, however Steve Burton and Nancy Lee
Grahn (Alexis) tweeted that Kelly
Monaco isn’t going anywhere! Phew…hmmm, could the recast be for Claudia? Sarah Brown has explicitly expressed
her dissatisfaction with her character lately. Meanwhile Anthony Geary returns from his “bi-monthly” vacation on September
30th and he’s bringing Constance
Towers along as Helena Cassadine. Rumors have Laura (Genie Francis), Scott (Kin
Shriner) and Serena returning as well but under Bob Guza’s pen, fans would be less than thrilled.
-- Just a reminder that this year’s Daytime Emmy Awards will air live from L.A. on The CW on Sunday, August 30th
from 8 to 10pm. The CW will also be airing a 1-hour red carpet special that will
be hosted by Lara Spencer (The Insider) and Kevin Frazier (Entertainment
Tonight). The special will air at 7pm. No word yet on a Canadian broadcaster, but most cable companies do carry The CW.
The show will be hosted by Ugly Betty’s Vanessa
Williams.
Here’s the current list of presenters: Kristen Alderson (One Life to Live), Daytime
Emmy Nominee Bradford Anderson (General Hospital), Daytime Emmy Nominee Tyra
Banks (The Tyra Banks Show), Brandon Buddy (One Life to Live), Patrick Duffy
(The Bold and the Beautiful), Melissa Claire Egan (All My Children), Colin
Eggelsfield (Melrose Place/ex-All My Children), Jennie Garth (90210), Daytime
Emmy Nominee Anthony Geary (General Hospital), Daytime Emmy Nominee Van Hansis
(As the World Turns), Elizabeth Hendrickson (The Young and the Restless),
Daytime Emmy Nominee Bindi Irwin (Bindi the Jungle Girl), Jay Kenneth Johnson
(Days of Our Lives), Katherine Kelly Lang (The Bold and the Beautiful), Lori
Loughlin (90210/ ex-The Edge of Night), Susan Lucci (All My Children), Gilles
Marini (Dancing with the Stars), Kyle Massey (That's So Raven), Christopher
Massey (Zoey 101), Cameron Mathison (All My Children), Daytime Emmy Nominee Dr.
Phil McGraw (Dr. Phil), Robin McGraw, Billy Miller (The Young and the Restless
/ ex-All My Children), Ronn Moss (The Bold & the Beautiful), Robert Newman
(Guiding Light), Sandra Oh (Grey's Anatomy), Daytime Emmy Nominee Rachael Ray
(The Rachael Ray Show), James Scott (Days of Our Lives), Jake Silbermann (As
The World Turns), Daytime Emmy Nominee Kirsten Storms (General Hospital
/ex-Days of our Lives), Dr. Travis Stork (The Doctors), Daytime Emmy Nominee
Alex Trebek (Jeopardy), Betty White, Montel Williams and Kim Zimmer (Guiding
Light).
- Guiding Light filmed its series finale his week. The finale airs on September 18. Here's the final cast shot:
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