General Hospital News & Gossip

News for the week of 12-Sep-2005

by Carol Banks Weber

Two separate online sources confirmed (through their insider sources) that indeed, Jennifer Bransford will step down as the third Carly, with a recast in place. Karen of Wubs.net and Sage of Eye on Soaps were those sources. Rumors (see Gossip section below) as to who will replace Bransford – she last taped on September 9th – have set many fans on edge. Fans who desire a stay of exit of Bransford can sign a petition in progress, another one (until October 1), mail postcards (and here), and send heart-related items with sayings like, “Our hearts belong to Jennifer Bransford!,” “Jennifer Bransford has won our hearts!,” “You’re breaking our hearts. Save Jennifer Bransford!” – you get the idea – to ABC Daytime president B.S. Frons. His mailing address: BRIAN FRONS, President of ABC Daytime, ABC, Inc., 2300 Riverside Drive, Burbank, CA 91506. September 12th marks the end of the hearts campaign.

My condolences to Ms. Bransford and her fans; they sure did not deserve this shoddy treatment. Five lousy months. A lousier introduction. Zero preparation time to warm up to and take over the recast character. Cast mates did the best they could to help Bransford ease into the sudden, shocking transition; most of them supported, admired and liked what the actress had done with the role so far – every day, she earned her place. It’s too bad a few vocal fans kept TIIC from seeing what a rare find this woman truly was. Ever since news of this recast came out, my e-mail box has been flooded with the disappointed, saddened and upset fans who did appreciate the time and care with which Bransford took to take to her role. A faithful reader, Ben Bryant, penned a thoughtful, concise and comprehensive letter, which he mailed to Frons on September 8. I share that letter here in hopes that somehow, someone in power out there will really give it the consideration it deserves. Bryant speaks for me and countless Bransford fans:

From: Ben Bryant

To: Brian Frons

Sent: Thursday, September 08, 2005 5:47 PM

Subject: The GH Carly approach, and other thoughts...

I can't understand the decision to replace Jennifer Bransford on GH.  With the story of Carly's breakdown, I had finally embraced her in the role and have been rivited.  Admittedly, I was less than pleased to watch her play out the Michael/AJ/Faith story that seemed written to Tamara Braun's strengths (and which Braun had completed 3/4ths of), but once she started going in her "own" storyline, she became a reason to watch these last few weeks (and there are, sadly, fewer of those than ever these days on GH). 

It just seems rash to replace her!  I recall what seemed like a fan revolt when Tamara Braun took over.  I remember all the hate mail to all the soap magazines, the rumors of ultimatums by Maurice Benard, and the virtual blood on the Internet message boards as she finished out Sarah Brown's "turning Sonny into the Feds" storyline and played out the less than impressive "Angel loves Sonny" storyline.

However, after about 6 months things started to change and after the first year she was a fan favorite--six years later she was an icon.

What happened to GH putting that kind of faith in its actors and its audience?  If you are going to recast everytime an amazingly popular character like Carly's new portrayer fails to take off immediately, you might as well write Carly off altogether.

Between last minute recasts of Maxie and Felicia (and not to the good, in my opinion) and, soon, Lucas, and the introduction of vapid, screentime-sucking newbies (Jesse, Allegra), and firings of favorites (Ned) and promising recasts (Lois, and now Carly), I find it more and more difficult to watch this show. 

If you'd fire Jennifer Bransford, and Wally Kurth, and Lesli Kay, and Robyn Richards, I just feel like it's a matter of time before I hardly recognize the faces on the show anymore and why would I want to stick around for that?  Please understand how frustrating this is!

Benjamin Bryant

Age 28

The victims of Hurricane Katrina still need lots more help, so keep those monetary contributions (in honor of your favorite soap stars) coming and going to the American Red Cross (Canadian Red Cross, for the Northerners), then forward the e-mail receipts to Soap and Crissy, so they can continue to keep a running total for the soap fans’ effort. Better yet, those closest to the stricken areas in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama should just go down there to volunteer with the makeshift shelters, the churches, etc. Actor Tyler Christopher (Nikolas/ex-Connor) wanted to do his part, as well, so he’s given approval to sell these cool Bobbleheads in his likeness (except for the butt part), with some of the proceeds going toward the hurricane relief effort of the American Red Cross. Christopher and Brockton Rox announced last week that they have promised $5,000 of Bobblehead Doll sales to the international organization. “I am confident that all of my fans and all the fans of General Hospital will be more than willing to help us raise money to help those Gulf Coast families who are so desperately in need of our support. I just hope that that the sales of the dolls will help us meet and exceed our pledge.” In a personal appearance held at the Brockton, MA baseball stadium event center about two weekends ago, the Tyler Christopher Bobblehead Dolls were given to attending fans. They go for $19.95 on the Brockton Rox site. Autographed dolls up for bid at eBay.com with the starting price of $29.95. [I’d bid if it were ABC Daytime president B.S. Frons up there in a muumuu… ] The View and ABC Daytime banded together for “Operation: Soap Hope,” an effort to provide additional funds for the hurricane relief effort via the Red Cross or Points of Light. Soap stars from all three ABC Daytime soaps showed up at the studios of the talk show to man the phones during the live broadcast (eastern and central time zones only) for contributions from concerned fans. Different groups of soap stars did a different day. Premiering on Wednesday, September 7 (the operation went on till Friday, September 9) were AMC’s Susan Lucci (Erica) – who received the first call, Aiden Turner (Aidan); OLTL’s Kathy Brier (Marcie), Kamar de los Reyes (Antonio), Bree Williamson (Jess/Tess), Trevor St. John (Todd). For the Friday, September 9th show, Robert S. Woods (Bo, OLTL), Michael Easton (John, OLTL), John-Paul Lavoisier (Rex, OLTL), Lindze Letherman (Georgie), Justin Bruening (Jamie, AMC) and Alexa Havins (Babe, AMC) manned the phones for the operation (Kelly Monaco/Sam appeared as a guest star to talk about her September 20th Dancing With The Stars rematch with John O’Hurley, for charity) fundraiser. The Points of Light Foundation & Volunteer Center National Network does much to provide immediate and long-term care for disaster relief. The net proceeds of “Operation: Soap Hope” directly aided Points of Light (or the Red Cross, if the caller so chose). On the cable alternative, SoapNet, public service announcements made by several of daytime’s biggest stars – Maurice Benard (Sonny), Monaco, Kelly Ripa (ex-Hayley, AMC), Mathison and Alison Sweeney (Sami, DOOL) – began airing on September 10. Many more stars will be added to this sterling list as time goes on. The PSAs will touch on disaster preparedness and support, through the American Red Cross.

In a history-making move – literally and figuratively – the Daytime Emmys will air from the West Coast, Hollywood Kodak Theatre to be exact, on April 28, 2006, not from its usual post in the middle of Manhattan, New York. The 33rd annual ceremony will be on ABC primetime. Weeks prior to the ceremony, the list of Emmy nominees will be announced and celebrated on ABC Daytime’s talk show, The View, by the co-hosts and several daytime stars.

Hard to imagine but the relationships of Jason and Sam, and Jax and Courtney were supposed to be jeopardized amidst the surrogacy, with Sam and Nikolas expected to hook up in the aftermath – not what actually came to pass with Jax, Courtney, Nikolas, Emily, Elizabeth and Lucky… or something to that effect, according to Tyler Christopher (Nikolas, ex-Connor). He gave quite a few behind-the-scenes glimpses into his actor life for attending fans at an event at the Shaw’s Center Complex next to Campanelli Stadium in Brockton, MA last weekend. Just as Alicia Leigh Willis (Courtney) noted the fast pace with which her on-screen quickie marriage to Jax ended, so too did Christopher on Nikolas and Emily’s fizzle. If it were up to him, he’d have played out the beats of them working on their marriage first, then deal with the issue of infidelity. But then again, he balanced, in soaps, that’d might not be so appealing as the infidelity first. The actor who claimed to be lousy at line reading, nowhere near the genius of Nancy Lee Grahn (Alexis), but improving, appreciated the steadiness and manageable daily work load of a soap job compared to film or primetime. In soaps, there’s a lot more free time in between the, generally, six-hour days and three-day weekends, as well as the luxury of knowing the work schedule weeks in advance with which to prepare. (His contract doesn’t come up for renegotiation until next June, but every indication is, he’s on, because of that steadiness.) One of the GH stories he found himself riveted to in the past touched on his favorite kind to play out as an actor, the realistic, touching human drama of parents and parents-to-be dealing with the sickness of a child and the death of an unborn baby – Kristina’s stem cell save. GH, of the soaps out there, tries hard to keep its stories relevant to the human condition, Christopher said, adding that if an actor who’s been on the show for awhile (thereby, having clout) has suggestions for improvements, TPTB are more than willing to listen and apply. Last winter, the Ohio native had the rare opportunity to participate in a Steven Spielberg limited-series production for TnT called Into The West, portraying a half-Caucasian, half-Native American Jacob Jr., whose life was cut short in the midst of being pulled between the two cultures. For that behind-the-scenes tidbit, Christopher revealed cut footage of his bloody death scene, where Jacob Jr.’s horse then Jacob Jr. wound up stabbed, shot and brutalized by Native American children. Because the makers of the limited series did not wish to upset the Native American community, which had issues with depicting the brutality of children, they cut the “longer… gorier” scenes. [At some point, perhaps by Christmastime, I’ll get to the final review of the last two episodes of this limited series. Bear with me, I just plugged in the leftover DirecTV recordings from the move…]

Co-head writer Bob Guza Jr. has weird ideas about the concept of family on soaps, specifically GH. He spoke of the possibility that Anna and Robert Scorpio might make their way back to Port Charles, following Robin with, “We’re big on family on General Hospital. [SOD]” He also envisioned the long-term return (as of October 12) of Kimberly McCullough’s Robin for a lot longer than this fall’s story arc, too. An opening in McCullough’s busy schedule and perfect timing allowed for the much-anticipated return of the arguably popular character/actress. Robin’s presence will help save Jason, medically and mentally, and give Sam a break. Sam relies on Robin, despite misgivings about putting her in the same orbit as her ex-lover Jason. Sam’s portrayer Kelly Monaco glorified the upcoming Robin-enhanced storyline that capitalizes on show history, as well as McCullough, as an actress of considerable ability.

Kim McCullough (Robin) returned Kelly Monaco’s (Sam) favor, with a glorifying of her own, actress to actress, doppelganger to doppelganger. While away, McCullough kept busy with projects, but always kept GH in mind – as a fan, she TiVos, and a prospect – and continued friendships with former cast members, Tyler Christopher (Nikolas) Steve Burton (Jason), Maurice Benard (Sonny). Following a meeting with TPTB, at executive producer Jill Farren Phelps’ instigation, McCullough’s return was on. She left GH in the first place to immerse herself in other acting venues, which she has. Now that she’s back, she said she has to ready herself for the faster pace and the increased dialogue to memorize; it’s been awhile.

While most of you did barbecue with the family – I sat glued to my computer, uploading pictures of other people from a surprise birthday party for another person – Tyler Christopher (Nikolas) went to Rick Hearst’s (Ric) place for his. Hearst and his mother’s barbecue chicken rule, Christopher added.

Except for the awe-inspiring, all-American physical beauty – tall, blonde, voluptuous, yet athletic – Alicia Leigh Willis (Courtney) feels more at home as the anti-super soap star. Her comfort lies in hardcore sports, dorky goofs with co-stars and laid-back, surfer girl-type relaxation in ultra-casual gear. Others have noticed and noted that Willis exudes a non-actress aura. Like the rest of us, she treats her daytime salary with high regard, planning ahead for the future with an eye toward retirement, she tends to go overboard in one of her favorite pastimes, shopping till she drops (or till her mother cuts in with an affectionate alert), and spending time with ordinary beachy surfer dudes—far from the Hollywood crowd. She also tends to push the limit, for fun. A recent Fiji vacation with friends wound up inevitably centered around outdoor activities. Going full throttle on a Wave Runner jet ski with a friend of the male variety in back, Willis held nothing back, doing acrobatics so risky that the guy wound up fairly begging to tag along with a more safer crowd.

Another thing about Willis, she can’t stand being typecast as the dumb blonde, which she has in the past in other roles, pre-GH. That’s why she loves GH, because on occasion (sometimes, with non-sequitur frequency), she is allowed to flex her muscles and remain a strong, independent, tough chick, far from that typecast.

It’s already long been established that Kelly Monaco (Sam/ex-Ali) is loyal to the extreme. She’s stuck with her boyfriend since her teens. She plans to stick with GH for as long as her bosses will have her (thanks to her successful Dancing With The Stars debut, that’ll be a long time). And she still kept her 1987 Porsche 924 from those lean pre-actress months in L.A., years ago, when she didn’t have two nickels to rub together, she had to sustain herself on Chinese takeout, gym showers and hope, and her address was inside that car for at least two months. Her Porsche, with 90,000 miles already on it, is parked with two other, newer cars, and whenever a guest stays over, he/she has the run of the sportscar. “My children will be playing on top of that car and then driving it someday” is how long Monaco will keep it. –ABC Soaps in Depth, September 13, 2005

Inside Scott Clifton’s (Dillon) fairly new, as of a month ago, dressing room – he’d moved from Testosterone Hall with Steve Burton (Jason), Maurice Benard (Sonny), Lindze Letherman (Georgie) and the rest of the rowdy crew closer to Tony Geary’s (Luke) – is a tidier version of his older one. Look and see: tokens of his fans’ affection, lots of faux-awards to make up for the losses, a framed sample of Letherman’s still photography (“everything in my room that’s cool, Lindze got for me”), the subject—various angles of a guitar, a vase of dead flowers, c/o ABC Daytime president B.S. Frons, more gifts from fans—various collages of screen captures, a Matchbox 20 shirt and photo, nods to hygiene—Crest and Softsoap, an “I Survived the Port Charles Hotel Fire” flyer, a small TV set, Greg Vaughan (Lucky) sitting on his sofa rapping about real estate… Moving from Testosterone Hall garnered him the usual good-natured hassling from Benard and Letherman (Burton gave a thumbs-up based on the improved perks, like a window, though), but all in all, Clifton gets to be next to Geary and to learn his own lines in peace and quiet (which he couldn’t get before).

Following a sweaty workout, Greg Vaughan (Lucky) always sprays on Axe all over his toned and muscled body [Lordy Pete, is it getting’ hot in here?]. The Axe Deodorant Body Spray line, with nine fragrances to choose from, is a big recommendation from Vaughan, but a recent find.

Robin Christopher (Skye) keeps her skin porcelain-clean and near-perfect with the regular use of Origins eye cream and Nivea Visage Q-10 Enzyme Face Cream.

The long, tailored jackets Tracy tends to wear are usually tailor-made for the actress, Jane Elliot, like the emerald-green number from the July 6 and 7 episodes. Fabric for the emerald-green jacket came from leftover stock and Maki, the cutter-fitter fashioned the pattern, based on one of the actress’s favorite jackets—a common practice in her favor. GH costume supervisor Donna Hartman suggested that such tailoring can easily be applied for the everyday woman; simply take a favorite outfit and recreate it with different colors and material with the help of a skilled seamstress.

It may take a few more tries, but Scott Clifton (Dillon) will join the elite group of homeowners soon. His first try, the bid couldn’t match the countless others. Tired of moving around, living in one temporary pad after another like a roving gypsy, Clifton can’t wait to take on home improvement duties – those he can take on (the hard stuff, he’ll leave to the experts) – wall scratches and sideways nails.

Newlyweds Sandra Ferguson (Felicia), actress, and husband Allen Robinson, stunt coordinator, make time for themselves when they can—even if it means sneaking in a weekend getaway, massages included, here and there, using online deals for a spontaneous break in between her acting gigs and his stunt work, movie remake Poseidon is his latest project. When he’s on a break, oftentimes he goes for the risky adventures of his stunt work, much to her worry. “Like, he races motorcycles 160 mph and he jumps out of airplanes and crazy things like that.” –ABC Soaps in Depth, September 13, 2005

The day before Labor Day, I attended that surprise party (for a friend’s husband) that I mentioned earlier. There, I spoke with a high school fresh(wo)man about a planned shopping expedition with her mom to the outlet mall for back-to-school supplies. Silly me from the Stone Ages, I assumed she meant pencils, notebooks, erasers – stuff I bought as a kid – not designer clothing. Nowadays, back-to-school shopping usually includes backpacks, jeans and Jimmy Choos. Jennifer Bransford (Carly) is around my age, but she went for the clothes back in the day, in Larchmont, Westchester County, New York. She and her sisters went with their mom to White Plains for Bloomingdale’s. “I have memories of following my two older sisters around and wanting to get everything that they got…” Kari Wuhrer (Reese) has memories of her mom taking the clan shopping for brand new Buster Browns, among other assorted provisions, despite a tight budget. “…we’d lay [our Buster Browns] out at the foot of our beds with our new outfits the night before the first day of school. I can still remember the way they smelled…” Sydney Penny (Julia, AMC) went away from the clothes and focused on school supplies; one in particular, the blue Bic pens one year, a protractor the next – she didn’t know what the protractor did at the time but it seemed cool nonetheless. Amongst the younger set, Leven Rambin (Lily, AMC) once scored a pair of Chanel boots marked down considerably at a tag sale, from $1,200 to $150, and Alexa Havins (Babe, AMC) thought she looked hot in her fluorescent Guess makeover and sideways bangs, from head to toe (husband Justin Bruening/Jamie, AMC, joked that she looked ready for Halloween). –Soap Opera Weekly, September 13, 2005

My picks for fashion don’ts: leopard print, thongs, mini-skirts, ‘80s-retro, anything on Britney Spears. Kelly Monaco’s (Sam), anything that’s trendy. Rebecca Herbst (Elizabeth) advises women pay attention to appropriate skirt lengths depending on height. Alicia Leigh Willis (Courtney) ain’t into puka shell necklaces, said they’re out, really out if a man puts one on. AMC’s Leven Rambin (Lily) really gave this topic some thought, because she’s really into fashions herself, and came up with the tight jeans matched with the clunky, large sneakers, calling this the ultimate no-way.

When Ignacio Serricchio (Diego) puts on a show, he really puts on a show, attending to details in person, from the acting to the directing to the lighting, to the staging and the sets. He did for the play, In The Name Of Bob, written by a college friend years ago and resuscitated for an audience outside the college confines by Serricchio. The play focuses on dialogue between the actors with a single bench as a prop and the imagination for inspiration. Serricchio seemed particularly proud of the effort, part of a larger vision for his Velio Produckshions company. “The only sound we had was music in the beginning for the people to come in and sit down. That’s it.” The plays he chooses for performances will “focus more on the acting, so we could have good, good theater.” Amongst the attendees in the audience on closing night, Adrianne Leon (Brook Lynn) and Ted King (Lorenzo). –ABC Soaps in Depth, September 13, 2005

A popular musical celebrating women’s menopause, titled, appropriately enough, Menopause the Musical by playwriter Jeanie Linders, hits L.A.’s Coronet Theatre with special guest star, soap actress Jackie Zeman (Bobbie) as herself. From September 21 through 24, Zeman – who herself went through the hot flashes – appears in the show that has had women boogieing in the aisles wherever it’s played (and it’s played across the country for four years). Playwrite Linders adjusted the musical specifically for the guest appearance of Zeman during those few days. “When I first saw Menopause, I felt as if I were sharing a girls' night out with all the other ladies in the theater. The camaraderie this show inspires is pure fun, and it makes my heart feel happy to be a part of it.” –TV Guide Online, Soap News

Ignacio Serricchio (Diego) appears as a guest star on the Fox-TV primetime hit, House, September 27. He’ll be a patient.

Gonzalo Menendez menaces the townsfolk and Sonny as mob henchman, Javier Ruiz, coming soon.

Lulu, all grown up to about 15 or 16? Or is casting searching for a brand, new teen to foist upon the youth demo set? The physical description, another blonde chick, and the short personality synopsis – rebellious, struggles with identity after a complicated life – sounds like a Lulu recast. The contract role for the as-yet-unnamed female character may appear on the horizon or farther along in a few.

Gossip for the week of 12-Sep-2005

by Carol Banks Weber

File under gossip, speculation or PR, but some Carly fans are under the impression that Tamara Braun will reprise the role as GH’s first and only successful recast, with contract negotiations finalized around September 1. Furthermore, if this is to be believed, TPTB might’ve plotted to bring Braun back for weeks, maybe months, while leaving Jennifer Bransford – and her fans – in the dark.

Let me amend that. ABC Daytime did reach out to Braun and now the chance to reprise is in her court. Since she left GH in the first place because ABC Daytime has a bad habit of trying to imprison their bright young stars with lengthy, ironclad contracts that rarely allows for outside projects (see Amber Tamblyn/ex-Emily), Braun flew the coop. Had they loosened the shackles a bit, she might’ve been talked into another three, four years. And she might very well – if those precious outs are included in the contract.

If not Braun, then maybe tousled blonde beauty Laura Wright, who was just let go at GL as Cassie (heads are rolling over there, dude)? Let’s hope not.

The travesty that was the firing of Jennifer Bransford (Carly III)… At least she got a party for her trouble, cake, balloons and well wishes. According to a Soap Opera Digest insider newsletter, cast, crew and an increasing amount of fans wanted her around, but the rest of the fans out there didn’t and didn’t want to wait for any improvement, so TPTB caved. Something like that. In the same insider newsletter, it’s reported how the rest of the fans out there are eagerly awaiting the beloved return of the beloved GH icon, Robin Scorpio, to the canvas. It’s a sick, sad world IMHO when Robin’s heralded and Carly III’s denounced.

I’ve also heard some objectionable reasons why Bransford never lasted past five months, one that particularly turned my stomach (and, I’m sure, Bransford, if she heard it) allegedly from a person who should know better and who should’ve kept the official trap shut, with a lock.

The trouble with soaps lately is that nobody in power wants to give a real actress a chance, because they seem to be so hung up on youth, looks and youth demo turnover. If, indeed, this was the case with the Carly recast, what an absolute crying shame. And, I may be forced to extend my sabbatical from GH.

Speculated spoilers yet to come (or not), c/o “GH Watcher” at SoapDish: When Jax discovers a pregnant Courtney, possibly by him, possibly by Nikolas, it’ll be everything Court and Nik can do to prevent a Jax meddling… Much story for Ric is on hold until portrayer Rick Hearst finalizes his renegotiated contract later on, so he’ll be in limbo with Reese and then with Alexis for their baby’s birth… Once November comes and goes, that’s it for Reese hogging the story spotlight… Carly disappears until GH recasts her, and then, she’ll try try again with Lorenzo… Lorenzo will never be with Skye in that way… Jax does a good impression of a villain in all this surrogacy, miscarriage mess… Elizabeth’s and Jax’s unborn baby will never see the light of day; as a result of the tragedy, Elizabeth clings tighter to Lucky and Jax goes deeper inside his darker self… While Lucky tends to the mob inflammation, he and Elizabeth will cool their romantic jets until November Sweeps ebbs… Jax holds a soft spot for Emily, as chums who’ve been through a lot, and Emily will hold a soft spot for Sonny; Sonny and Emily will go from brother and sister-like, to chummy, to very chummy… However, Sonny does not impregnate Emily…

More speculated spoilers, from everywhere else: Elizabeth does miscarry, with twins… Carly disappears until TPTB recast her; while she’s gone, the Michael-custody issue arises like the flu every winter… Robin will perform saintly acts, orate a sermon or 70 on the Mount and pass on her sage advice to Jason… One female character will find herself with child, and loving it. Another female character will also find herself with child, and not loving it.

General Hospital News & Gossip, Copyright © 2005 Carol Banks Weber. No part of this page may be reproduced or transmitted in any form, by any means (electronic, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of the publisher.

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