On Thursday, May 16, Prospect Park’s The OnLine Network announced its decision to reduce the episode order of both “All My Children” and “One Life to Live” from 168 original episodes (excluding Fridays MORE shows) each per year to just 110. “AMC” star Jill Larson (Opal Cortlandt) recently spoke out on the decision, which has fans of both soaps currently divided, on her Facebook page:
Author: Errol Lewis
On Friday, May 17 at 3:30 PM PST, “The Young and the Restless'” Angell Conwell (Leslie Michaelson) will be appearing on Black Hollywood Live.
According to a report by Deadline Hollywood, Prospect Park’s The OnLine Network has opted to reduce the yearly episode orders of both “All My Children” and “One Life to Live” from 168 to 110. In addition, new episodes of “AMC” will now be made available on Mondays and Wednesdays, while new episodes of “One Life to Live” will be available on Tuesdays and Thursdays via Hulu, Hulu Plus and iTunes. The “MORE” recap shows will continue to be provided on Fridays. The change goes into effect beginning Monday, May 20.
ABC has announced its new fall primetime schedule which includes the trimming of “Dancing with the Stars” from two nights to just one (now only on Mondays) with “Castle” remaining in its slot for the fifth year running. Tuesday nights finds the introduction of “Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D,” a spin-off series from the “Avengers” film franchise, followed by new comedies “The Goldbergs” and “Trophy Wife.” New drama “Lucky 7” replaces “Body of Proof,” which was canceled.
Just days before its upfront presentation to Madison Avenue on Tuesday, May 14, the Disney/ABC Television Group has announced that viewers of ABC programming in New York City and Philadelphia (via their WABC and WPVI affiliates) will be able to watch ABC’s Live 24/7 linear broadcast network programming online for the first time ever through the new WATCH ABC application. Viewers can access WATCH ABC online at ABC.com or by downloading the WATCH ABC app on their iOS or Kindle Fire devices. The WATCH ABC app will be available on Samsung Galaxy devices this summer.
In a statement released just a short time ago, Lee Phillip Bell, co-creator of CBS’ “The Young and the Restless” and “The Bold and the Beautiful,” said, “JEANNE COOPER: respected colleague, industry icon, woman of passion and grandeur; most important, beloved friend. She was a shining beacon. Her love was unexpendable, and was given freely to all, from fans to great celebrities. She was not jaded by success, nor impressed by wealth and fame. Her crowning glory was her family: her children Corbin, Collin and Caren and her grandchildren, whom she adored, and all of whom adored her in return. Her presence resonated in the lives of all those around her. Through her personal and professional journey, she saved hundreds, possibly thousands, from the depths of alcoholism. She embodied compassion and forgiveness. No daytime icon has ever been more influential in the lives of millions. She will be terribly missed, but her light will shine on forever. May angels guide you on your journey, dear Jeanne. I will love you forever.”
Internationally renowned actress Jeanne Cooper, who played the vibrant and tough grand dame with a heart of gold, Katherine Chancellor on “The Young and the Restless”, died on May 8, 2013 after a brief illness.
On Tuesday, May 28, CBS’ “The Young and the Restless” will air a special tribute episode honoring the life of the late Jeanne Cooper (Katherine Chancellor). Cast members, friends and family of the beloved actress will gather on set next week to shoot a celebration of the life of Cooper, who passed away this week at the age of 84. Cooper, who portrayed Katherine Chancellor for more than 39 years, was the show’s longest-running cast member.
As previously reported, Matthew Cowles is returning his dastardly evil character Billy Clyde Tuggle to “All My Children” beginning Thursday, May 16. In a newly released image from The OnLine Network, Billy Clyde is about to butt heads with Ray MacDonnell’s Dr. Joe Martin, in what appears to be a motel room.
In a growing list of popular artists appearing on or performing in episodes of “All My Children” and “One Life to Live,” including Hot Chelle Rae on today’s “AMC,” The OnLine Network has announced that multi-platinum recording artist Jason Derulo will perform on the soaps Wednesday, July 3 episode. The episode finds the artist appearing as himself singing his new single “The Other Side” after receiving an invite to perform as part of a gala event hosted by Brooke English (Julia Barr).
In a new interview with the Los Angeles Times, Susan Lucci talks about a possible return to “All My Children” as her iconic character, Erica Kane, and the possibility of hearing the character utter some expletives, which is now okay since the show is on the internet.
In a new video released today via Yahoo! TV, The OnLine Network honors the men of Llanview, Pennsylvania (“One Life to Live”) which includes shedding new light on David Vickers (as played by Tuc Watkins), introductions to Jeffrey King (Corbin Bleu), and the evolution of Bo and Clint Buchanan (Robert S. Woods and Jerry verDorn), respectively. Of course, there’s some insight into Cutter Wentworth (Josh Kelly) as well.
“Jeanne Cooper was one of a kind. No one who has ever known her would disagree with that statement. Her life force and energy were legendary. Many a time I marveled as she outlasted the rest of us on late night shoots. She was a moving, inventive, and powerful actress. She was a loving mother and grandmother. She was part warrior, part rabble rouser, part truck driver and part Diva, all wrapped up in one Great Lady. Most of all, to me, she was my friend and I loved her. For the last 26 years, hers was the face I most wanted to see when I came to work. Hers was the energy I most wanted to bounce off of on stage. Hers was the voice that kept me in stitches . And because of all that, hers is the presence I will never in my life forget,” said Jess Walton (Jill Abbott, “The Young and the Restless”) in a statement released to Soap Opera Network on the passing of co-star Jeanne Cooper (Katherine Chancellor).
As a tribute to Jeanne Cooper (Katherine Chancellor, “The Young and the Restless), who died today, MeTV will feature episodes of “Bonanza” and “The Big Valley” in which she guest starred tomorrow, Thursday, May 9 from 2:00- 4:00pm.
On today’s episode of CBS Daytime’s “The Talk,” the co-hosts paid tribute to the life of Jeanne Cooper (Katherine Chancellor, “The Young and the Restless”), who passed this morning with her daughter by her side. Sheryl Underwood, a longtime fan of “Y&R,” was working to hold back her tears while Julie Chen spoke the beautiful words in celebration of Cooper’s life.
“She was one of a kind and she held my hand for 35 years. She helped me be a better actor, husband, parent, and friend. My life was so enriched having known her. She was such a loving, kind soul. With Jeanne, there was no judgment, no rules. She loved you for you. She always had time for you and was so gracious with her love. For me, she was a personal giant, an sublime example of how to behave on planet Earth. I will miss her more than I can describe. I will say with certainty, that Heaven just got a hell of a lot more interesting! ….God’s speed, my dear friend. I love you,” said Doug Davidson (Paul Willliams, “The Young and the Restless”) in a statement released to Soap Opera Network.
In a statement released after word spread on the passing of Jeanne Cooper (Katherine Chancellor, “The Young and the Restless,”), Bradley P. Bell (executive producer, “The Bold and the Beautiful”), the son of the late William J. Bell, who co-created both “Y&R” and “B&B”) with wife Lee Phillip Bell, said, “Jeanne Cooper – A genuine person, gifted performer, good friend to all. Never before and never again. A true artist and legend. She will be missed. My thoughts and my love are with her family.”
In her final words on CBS’ “The Young and the Restless” as Katherine Chancellor (aired on Friday, May 3), Jeanne Cooper says to Jess Walton’s Jill Abbott, “I believe I can manage. Thank you, though,” when Jill asks if Katherine needs help getting up the stairs. Katherine’s final word was “Goodnight” as Jill watched her climb up the steps. Word of Cooper’s final scene came to light courtesy of “Y&R” script editor Brent Boyd on Twitter.
As word of Jeanne Cooper’s (Katherine Chancellor, “The Young and the Restless”) continues to spread, her family has released the following statement:
“The CBS Daytime family mourns the loss of our matriarch and beloved Jeanne Cooper. Her legacy will live on in our hearts forever,” read CBS Daytime’s tweet after news of Cooper’s (Katherine Chancellor, “The Young and the Restless”) passing spread through social media. Jill Farren Phelps, executive producer of “Y&R,” stated, “It is with immeasurable sadness and our deepest condolences to her family, that ‘The Young and the Restless’ mourns the loss of our beloved Jeanne Cooper.”