Ice Princess's Soap Rant

Regis Philbin Tribute 1931-2020

noreply@blogger.com (Ice Princess) — Sun, 26 Jul 2020 16:08:00 +0000

Yesterday, shortly after the heartbreaking news broke that Regis Philbin had passed away on July 24, 2020 at 88, I was looking through a box of old stuff and stumbled across a paper I had written in 12th grade English class sometime in late 1992 or the first half of 1993. It was a paper about Regis's morning show with Kathie Lee Gifford, Live with Regis and Kathie Lee. I was a huge fan. One morning when I was 15, I woke up early, turned on the tv and that's what was on. I was an instant fan. They were funny and I loved the live format. I watched everyday, taping it when I couldn't watch. I think my favorite episode was the Halloween episode where Regis and Kathie Lee dressed up as each other. It was hilarious!
I didn't realize I had the paper, but thought it made a fitting tribute to Regis. The paper I wrote is as follows:

The programs on television today come in many varieties. There are comedies, adventures, dramas, fact based shows, and game shows. There also are talk shows. Most talk shows have outrageous topics and guests and all they care about is the ratings. However, there is one exception. This show is Live with Regis and Kathie Lee. It is hosted by Regis Philbin and Kathie Lee Gifford and is broadcast from New York City.
Live with Regis and Kathie Lee is refreshing. It's a wholesome show which the entire family can watch because there isn't any sex or violence but is still enjoyable. Regis and Kathie are perfectly matched and have great chemistry. Regis is witty and charming. Kathie Lee is sincere and kind. She's always there to help in a time of need. Recently, she sent clothes and toys to Florida for the hurricane victims. Regis & Kathie constantly tease each other good naturedly, which is fun to watch. Watching the show becomes a part of your daily routine. You also get to know them and they seem just like family.
Regis has a wife named Joy and two daughters, J.J. and Joanna, who both attend college. J.J. goes to Notre Dame which makes Regis proud because that's where he went. Kathie Lee is married to Frank, who's a sportscaster and ex-football player. They have a two year old son named Cody.
Live with Regis and Kathie Lee is syndicated in most of the states. It's different from other talk shows because there isn't a script and they perform in front of viewers live. In the first twenty minutes of the show Regis and Kathie Lee sit and talk about whatever they want, such as what they did the night before or events in the news. You never know what they'll talk about. Regis's favorite topic to talk about is the Notre Dame football team. While Kathie Lee likes to talk about her son. One morning she told how Cody threw lasagna at his aunt. Another time, Regis talked about his experience of having kidney stones. He even brought in the stent, which was in his side, used to vibrate and remove the stones.
After their discussion there is a trivia contest. People send in postcards which are drawn and the people are called. On the air they talk to Regis and Kathie about their daily lives. Then they are asked a question and if correct, they win a prize. Recently, video phones were used during the contest so the hosts and the caller could see each other. This was a unique idea because it has never been done before.
Each day there are a few guests who are interviewed. Some guests have been Liza Minnelli, George Burns, General Norman Schwarzkopf, Tom Selleck, Kirk Douglas, and many others. There are also special segments. These segments include cooking, fashion, new electronic devices, entertainment news, pet care, and plant tips. Stunts are also performed. A few weeks ago the shows producer, Michael Gelman, bungee jumped live.
Live with Regis and Kathie Lee is a refreshing alternative to the other talk shows. It is unique and has appeal. Live with Regis and Kathie Lee is not the best rated talk show and they haven't won any awards. However, awards and ratings are meaningless as long as the viewers are faithful and truly care. No awards can compensate for the viewer's warm feelings towards Regis and Kathie. Oprah and Donahue may have the awards but Live with Regis and Kathie Lee has the originality and family viewing which the others lack.

We will miss you Regis...

Who Is Cyrus Renault Jeff Kober General Hospital

noreply@blogger.com (Ice Princess) — Fri, 07 Feb 2020 03:09:00 +0000

Sonny has a new enemy after him name Cyrus Renault. Not much is currently known about Cyrus other than he is a drug runner currently locked up in Pentonville. He's still running his business from prison and almost took out Sonny, Carly and Michael. Laura was caught in the crossfire and is now in the hospital.
If Cyrus's portrayer looks familiar, you've probably seen him before. Cyrus is played by veteran actor Jeff Kober. Jeff portrayed Jacob Hale Jr. on Sons of Anarchy. He has also been on The Walking Dead and portrayed Dodger on China Beach back in the late 80's. He has also guest starred on shows such as Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, ER, 24, The Closer, New Girl, Supernatural, Criminal Minds, Star Trek: Voyager, and Star Trek: Enterprise. He spent time acting on Falcon Crest as Guy Stafford, NYPD Blue, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation and Walker Texas Ranger. He's also appeared in many films.
Jeff is from Billings, Montana. In addition to acting, he is also a guitarist and painter.

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Real Andrews Back to General Hospital

noreply@blogger.com (Ice Princess) — Thu, 16 Jan 2020 20:11:00 +0000

At the end of today's episode, the preview for tomorrow's episode showed Sonny asking Taggert what he's doing back in Port Charles!
Taggert was a Port Charles police officer back in the 90's. He was mentored by Sonny's step father Deke. When Deke was killed, Taggert vowed revenge on his killer, who is Sonny.
Taggert also has a Stella connection. In the July 17 episode, Stella told Curtis about an old love named Marcus Taggert and that she would love to reconnect with him. Looks like she will be getting her chance!

Update: It looks like Jordan is the one who has brought Taggert back to Port Charles. They were old partners!

Update 03/05/20: Sadly, it looks like Taggert's return was short lived.
SPOILER:

Unfortunately, Taggert was killed off. He was shot in a shootout with Cyrus's thugs while rescuing Trina, who turned out to be his daughter. Taggert later died in the hospital from a blood clot.
Such a waste to bring an old character back and then kill him off a few weeks later. Lots of missed opportunities.

UPDATE:
Looks like Taggert is still alive! He's currently offscreen, but came back long enough to interrupt Julian taking down Nelle, who then ran away.

(#ad)
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Days of Our Lives Renewed For Another Year 2020

noreply@blogger.com (Ice Princess) — Fri, 22 Nov 2019 02:30:00 +0000

Last week was very distressing for Days of Our Lives fans. Just after celebrating 54 years on air, all of the actors were let out of their contracts and taping was halted in order for the show and the network to negotiate. Luckily the show is eight months ahead of schedule, so there will still be new episodes for a while. Rumors were rampant the show might be cancelled.
Fortunately, there was great news today that Days of Our Lives has been renewed for another year until September 2021!
With only General Hospital, Bold and the Beautiful and The Young and the Restless being the only other soap operas left, and Days being the only NBC soap, cancelling Days would have left a HUGE whole that no other show would be able to take the place of.

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General Hospital Nikolas Cassadine Recast Bombshell

noreply@blogger.com (Ice Princess) — Fri, 01 Nov 2019 02:02:00 +0000

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So at the end of today's General Hospital there was a HUGE shocker! Ava's been thinking someone has been following her.
Well, she was right. A masked intruder entered her gallery. She came out with a gun and demanded he take the mask off.
She gasped as she said Nikolas! This wasn't the Tyler Christopher Nikolas we all know, unfortunately.
Nikolas is now being played by Marcus Coloma. He has appeared in several prime time roles, such as One Tree Hill, CSI, Lucifer, Major Crimes, but this is his first daytime role.
I was really rooting for Tyler to come back, especially since he's no longer on Days of Our Lives. Maybe someday, but for now at least the character is back, and the new actor is easy on the eyes!

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Days of Our Live John Clarke Passes Away

noreply@blogger.com (Ice Princess) — Fri, 25 Oct 2019 02:00:00 +0000

Some sad Days of Our Lives news for older viewers. John Clarke, who played Mickey Horton, passed away on October 16, 2019. He was 88 and passed away from complications of pneumonia.
John was on Days for 39 years. He started in 1965, leaving in 2004. He was the longest running original Days actor after Frances Reid, who played his mother Alice Horton.
Mickey was an attorney. He was the husband of Maggie Horton, way before she married Victor. Mickey was definitely Maggie's true love. Back in the 80's hayday it was Mickey and Maggie as one of Days's super couples.
After John left Days, Mickey was played by several other actors, including Richard Voigts, John Ingle who played Edward Quartermaine on General Hospital, and Kevin Dobson. None of them were Mickey like John Clarke was.
Mickey was killed off Days on January 8, 2010 after suffering a heart attack.
John Clarke will forever be Mickey Horton.

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Tyler Christopher Out Brandon Barash In Days of Our Lives

noreply@blogger.com (Ice Princess) — Fri, 22 Mar 2019 21:31:00 +0000

I was watching Days of Our Lives today and Leo was talking to a character played by Brandon Barash, who played Johnny Zacchara on General Hospital and has a daughter with Kirsten Storms. I didn't know who Brandon's character was, and then Leo called him Stefan. I was like what?, very confused. On Wednesday, Stefan was still Tyler Christopher. Turns out Tyler left Days and Brandon took over the role. Brandon's first air date was today. There's no word on why Tyler left though. Let's hope it was because of a secret storyline and he's coming back to General Hospital, fingers crossed. Good to see Brandon back on the air though. Apparently, he was out to lunch when his manager called asking if he was free to go to work at Days the next day. He said 'I think so'.

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Luke Perry 1966 - 2019 Gone Too Soon

noreply@blogger.com (Ice Princess) — Tue, 05 Mar 2019 02:46:00 +0000

Utterly devastating news that Luke Perry has passed away today at age 52. He suffered a massive stroke at his Los Angeles home last Wednesday. 911 was called. When they arrived, he was responsive and talking. However, his condition quickly deteriorated. He was taken to St. Joseph’s Hospital in Burbank, California. He never regained consciousness. At the time of his passing he was surrounded by close family and friends, including his mother, stepfather, sister, brother, 2 children, Jack and Sophie, ex-wife Minnie Sharp and fiancee Wendy Madison Bauer.
In 2015, Luke had precancerous cells removed from his colon. As a result, he was a big advocate of getting a colonoscopy.
Luke was born October 11, 1966 as Coy Luther Perry III in Mansfield Ohio and grew up in Fredericktown. After graduating from high school, Luke knew he wanted to be an actor and so moved to Los Angeles. He performed jobs such as carpentry and laying asphalt before he got his big break.
In 1985, he was in a Twisted Sister music video for Be Chrool to Your Scuel. Luke is best known for his role as Dylan McKay on Beverly Hills 90210, but he got his start on soap operas. His first role was in 1987 as Ned Bates on Loving, which is where I first watched him. He then moved on to Another World after which he landed 90210. He was in the Buffy the Vampire Slayer movie, had recurring roles on tv shows, did voice acting, made movies, was on broadway. Recently, he played Fred Andrews on Riverdale. My son started watching Riverdale and once I discovered Luke was on it, I also jumped on board with watching it. Production on Riverdale is currently on hold. Luke's last airdate will be on May 1, 2019.
Luke also has a Quentin Tarantino movie coming out this summer called Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. Leonardo DiCaprio and Brad Pitt star in it.
The day of Luke's stroke, it was announced that 90210 was being rebooted with the original cast. Luke was hoping to guest appear as his Riverdale schedule would leave time for.
So many great stories are coming out about Luke's humbleness, kindness and wisdom.
Here are a few:
Colin Hanks was on a flight from Mexico when two young children were fighting the whole trip. Towards the end of the flight, a man came out with a balloon, which immediately quieted them down. Turns out the man was Luke Perry.
Dean Cain guested on 90210 a few times. Luke introduced himself, asked how the bxxxxxx were treating him and just made sure he was comfortable. A kind gesture that Dean himself extended to those guesting on his show Lois & Clark.
Kelly Ripa had many conversation with him, none of which were about show business. It was always about his kids. He was super proud of them.
A fan who was bullied as a kid was at a meet and greet. Luke met her at a photo op and remembered here the next day at the autograph session. David Hasselhoff butted in line ahead of her. Luke made him apologize. He said her picture was really good and she was beautiful.
Luke built a fenced in area for Ian Ziering's baby when his wife was pregnant just because he thought the yard needed a fenced in area to keep the baby safe.
Maria Shriver interviewed him in 1992 when he was on 90210. A profound quote full of wisdom from the interview was:
"I want to do something with my life, you know. When my time here is up, I don’t want to look back and see that I didn’t do anything. And by that I mean I didn't have any effect on anything else. I see a lot of people that let their life happen to them, and I want to happen to my life. I don't want my life to happen to me."
Rest in peace Luke Perry....

Photo Source: http://toofab.com/2019/03/04/90210-and-riverdale-star-luke-perry-dead-at-52-after-suffering-stroke/

Kristoff St. John 1966 - 2019

noreply@blogger.com (Ice Princess) — Fri, 22 Feb 2019 22:20:00 +0000

Sadly, Kristoff St. John, who has played Neil Winters on The Young and the Restless since 1991, passed away on February 3, 2019 at 52. His death has been attributed to an alcohol overdose, official cause of death has been deferred.
His ex-wife, Mia St. John, appeared on today's episode of Dr. Oz. Apparently Kristoff was bipolar. As far as she knew, he had been taking his medication. They spoke daily.
On the outside, Kristoff appeared happy and confident, but according to her, on the inside he was lonely and would often lock himself alone in his house.
Their son Julian committed suicide in 2014 while being treated in a mental health institution. Ever since, Kristoff had blamed himself for his son's death, even though it had been determined the institution was at fault. In 2017, Kristoff was hospitalized after sending Mia a picture of himself holding a gun to his head.
The morning of his death, Kristoff called Mia around 11:00 am crying and was drinking. During that morning's phone call, Kristoff was talking about death. Mia reminded him he was afraid of dying. She became especially concerned when Kristoff said their son Julian was there, and they were going for a walk. She tried to talk him out of it, but he said it was just a walk. Mia was two hours away and didn't think she could get there soon enough, so she immediately started calling friends of his. One of whom went to his house to check on him. When the friend arrived, the door to Kristoff's house was locked, and he couldn't get in. He called Mia and she told him to break the door down, just get in any way he could. He called Kristoff's 2nd ex-wife who came with a key. They found Kristoff face down. They tried to revive him, but it was too late.
Such a sad, sad ending for a guy who brought such joy to soap opera fans.
Kristoff will be buried next to his son Julian at the Valley Oaks Memorial Park in Westlake Village, California.

After their son's death, Kristoff and Mia founded the El Saber es Poder (Knowledge is Power) Foundation to raise awareness of mental health.
Mia was 30 years sober until Kristoff's death. She has started over in her sobriety path.

UPDATE: Kristoff's autopsy results were released. Official cause of death was hypertrophic heart disease, which is a heart disease where the heart muscle becomes thick, making it difficult to pump blood. Alcohol abuse was a contributing factor.

SPOILER:
A big Y&R farewell is planned. Reports say Neil will die suddenly. Shemar Moore, Victoria Rowell and Mishael Morgan are slated to appear. Shemar will appear in character as Neil's brother Malcolm on April 25 and 26, while Victoria and Mishael will appear as themselves in a tribute on April 29.

Michael Strahan Leaving Live with Kelly and Michael in May

noreply@blogger.com (Ice Princess) — Tue, 26 Apr 2016 20:50:00 +0000

I started watching Live with Regis and Kathie Lee about 26 years ago. Back in the VCR day, if I was going to miss it, I would tape it. When Kathie Lee announced she was leaving, there were lots of auditions for her seat. Kelly Ripa was definitely the best though. She was very funny and had a great rapport with Regis. It was sad when Regis left the show. After auditioning many co-hosts, Michael Strahan, a former football player, took over. To be honest, I wasn't initially thrilled with the choice of Michael replacing 'Uncle Regis'. However, Michael has grown on me. I thought him and Kelly were pretty good together. Some reports say Michael and Kelly have not gotten along very well for a while.
Over the years, the show itself has been pretty drama free. Well, that changed last week thanks to ABC. After last Tuesday's show, Kelly was told that Michael was leaving for a full-time position at Good Morning America starting in September. She was told just minutes before the official announcement was released. After working together for four years, Kelly was pretty upset that she hadn't been told by Michael himself sooner. She was completely blindsided. She took a sick day along with her previously scheduled vacation and was not on the show until today, a week later.
Kelly and Michael were all smiles and holding hands when they appeared on today's show. Kelly stood off to the side by herself and addressed what had happened. Basically, she was taken by surprise and needed time to think things over. She felt she deserved that time after being with ABC for 26 years. This was an issue with respect in the workplace. Apparently she has received an apology and been assured that Live is a priority. Here's the link to the airing. The show carried on as normal and I thought things were back to normal. Wrong!
A statement was just released saying Michael's last day has moved up dramatically. His last air date is May 13! Enough time for May sweeps, a send off and new co-host auditions.
As for my two cents, I'm fine with Michael leaving. However Kelly should have been told before everyone else. Kelly does a fantastic job and will continue doing so no matter who her co-host is.

General Hospital's New Nurse Amy

noreply@blogger.com (Ice Princess) — Fri, 08 Apr 2016 01:21:00 +0000

General Hospital is getting a new nurse and guess what her name is? Amy! Yeah, funny since long time viewers of GH will remember another nurse named Amy, Amy Vining played by Shell Kepler. Amy was Laura Spencer's sister. Apparently new nurse Amy is a nod to the original as she resembles and will act similarly to the original Amy. She will be spunky and a gossiper, just like Amy Vining. She will be played by Risa Dorken and is set to air on May 4, 2016.
Amy Vining last appeared in September of 2002. Sadly Shell Kepler passed away on February 1, 2008 due to kidney failure. Shell lived in Portland, Oregon and was a writer and entrepreneur with a fashion line called Lacy Afternoon that was sold on the Home Shopping Network.

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General Hospital Nurses Ball 2016 Dates

noreply@blogger.com (Ice Princess) — Thu, 31 Mar 2016 01:26:00 +0000

I just read on the Soap Opera Digest website that the General Hospital Nurses' Ball for 2016 will be May 24 - 26! It will be the 12th Nurses' Ball. It is definitely my favorite time of year on General Hospital. In case you are not familiar with it, the characters put on performances to raise money for AIDS research. Some of the performances are pretty elaborate with lots of singing and dancing.There's also a lot of humor.
Some past performances:
A few times Ned, played by Wally Kurth, has performed as his alter ego Eddie Maine. In real life Wally is a singer. Characters, including Alan and Emily, performed as Wizard of Oz characters. Lucy Coe usually hosts it. She is always hilarious and has tons of outfit changes. Richard Simmons was on a year or two ago. He was pretty funny. One year Robin was onstage upset and Jason as Steve Burton came in and whisked her away. There was a Magic Milo performance. Frisco sang a few years ago. That was sooo awesome! Rick Springfield has sang. Mac was a ventriloquist. Lots of memorable performances!!!

UPDATE - 4/6/16 - Great news! - Lynn Herring is coming back to General Hospital for the 2016 Nurses' Ball! On top of that, Kimberly McCullough will also be back! Both essential to the Nurses' Ball. More General Hospital

Sarah Michelle Gellar Foodstirs Baking Kits

noreply@blogger.com (Ice Princess) — Wed, 30 Mar 2016 01:29:00 +0000

I was watching the Meredith Vieira Show today and Sarah Michelle Gellar was on as a guest. People typically know Sarah from Buffy the Vampire Slayer. However, longtime soap opera fans typically know Sarah as All My Children's Kendall.
In October 2015, Sarah co-founded a food website called Foodstirs. It's a website that sells baking kits and is geared towards kids with the idea of providing healthy, easy baking recipes with all of the needed ingredients to help connect parents and kids. I think it's a great idea. I have fond memories of baking box brownies with my grandmother when I was a kid. The kits sold at Foodstirs are much healthier than the box brownies we used to make. The majority of the box brownies sold in stores today are full of preservatives and are definitely not healthy. Foodstirs sells a box brownie mix that has no bleached flours, no artificial preservatives, no artificial colors or flavors, and non-gmo ingredients.
Prices aren't too bad considering the co-owner is a popular soap opera star. The brownie mix sells for $7.95. Shipping is free with orders over $30.
There is a monthly baking mix subscription service in which you can buy the brownie mix for $6.95.
A Baker's Club membership is also available. Each month you receive a different custom themed baking kit.
The plans are as follows:

1 month for $19.99, 23% SAVINGS, free shipping
3 months for $19.50, 24% SAVINGS, free shipping
6 months for $19.00, 26% SAVINGS, free shipping
12 months for $18.50, 28% SAVINGS, free shipping

All plans automatically renew at the monthly rate. Cancel anytime.

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Where is Brandon Routh of One Life to Live

noreply@blogger.com (Ice Princess) — Fri, 22 Jan 2016 02:33:00 +0000

I turned on the new television show DC Legends of Tomorrow and was surprised to see Brandon Routh. One Life To Live fans remember him as Seth Anderson, Natalie's boyfriend, from May 23, 2001 until April 17, 2002. He went on to play Superman in Superman Returns. He plays Ray Palmer/The Atom in DC Legends of Tomorrow, which airs on the CW Thursdays at 8:30pm EST.
In 2007, Brandon married Courtney Ford. They have a son, Leo James, born August 10, 2012.

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Secret Storms General Hospital Actresses Mannix von Zerneck Hatfield

noreply@blogger.com (Ice Princess) — Sun, 21 Apr 2013 01:45:00 +0000

In my blog post from 4/4/13, I mentioned how the actress, Danielle von Zerneck, who used to play Lou Swenson on General Hospital back in the early 80's, had recently been reunited with her long lost sister. It is a really amazing adoption story!
Danielle's mother, Julie Mannix, also an actress who appeared on General Hospital in 1972 as Heather Turner, became pregnant at a young age by a married 23 year old named Frank von Zerneck. Julie refused to sign papers to have an abortion, so her mother put her in a mental institution. After the baby girl was born, Julie gave her up for adoption. She ended up marrying Frank and becoming an actress. Frank became a television producer. Julie and Frank had two more children, Danielle and Frank Jr, who is also an actor.
Meanwhile, the baby girl was adopted and named Kathy. Kathy's adopted mother died from cancer when she was six. Her adopted father remarried. They ended up divorcing, but not before Kathy's step sister told her she was adopted.
Years later, after she was married and had children of her own, Kathy looked into finding information about her birth parents. Using information from paper work she had received years before, she turned to Google and started searching. After only fifteen minutes of searching, Kathy found her birth family! She not only found her mother, but also had the added bonus of finding her birth father Frank, sister Danielle and brother Frank. Her grandfather, Julie's father, was Daniel Pratt Mannix IV who wrote The Fox and the Hound, which later became a classic Disney movie.
Super amazing story to find each other after all those years!
Here's a link to Julie and Kathy's appearance on The Katie Show, which is where I first heard about their adoption reunion story.
Julie and Kathy co-authored a book called Secret Storms: A Mother and Daughter, Lost then Found detailing their journeys.

I was fortunate enough to be able to interview Julie and Kathy!!! Very exciting!! Below are their responses to my questions:

- What inspired you both to write this book?

While exchanging long emails and phone calls detailing the stories of our lives to each other, one of us, one day mused, “Hey, wouldn’t this make a great book?”
The letters we wrote would one day turn into chapters. All we were doing was telling each other our stories, in an attempt to show each other who we were and what we’d done in all the years we’d been apart.

- How long did it take to write the book?

We actively worked on it for almost four years.

- Did either of you encounter any challenges in writing the book?

Yes, we did. In fact, this is why writing the book took as long as it did. Often, the past, especially if it’s painful, is better left behind. But writing this book forced us to face sometimes very uncomfortable feelings. Doing so together, however, ended up being cathartic and healing.

- What were your favorite parts in the book to write?

We both loved writing the ending. Writing our epilogues made us feel like we’d come full circle and contributed to our sense of fulfillment in the relationship we’ve built together.

- In getting to know each other, are there any common interests you've discovered that you both share?

When we traveled to Paris together two years ago, we both realized something very essential that we have in common. Though we are both planners and like to know where we’re going in life, we both appreciate the here and the now above all else. We got lost often in Paris and in doing so found so much magic. It seems to be our way, who we’ve become. Our lives are not what we thought they’d be, but they’re magical nonetheless.

- If your book was ever turned into a movie, which actresses would you want to play you?

In our wildest dreams, it would be Meryl Streep as Julie and Mamie Gummer, Streep’s daughter, as Kathy.

- Besides Amazon.com, are there any other places your book is available for purchase?

Secret Storms is available at Barnes and Noble bookstores and on their website, as well as Amazon.com. The E-Book is available on Kindle, iTunes, KoboBooks and Copia (the Nook is forthcoming.) By the end of May 2013, the audio book will be available on Audible and Amazon.

- Is there a list of websites and social media links where readers can connect with you?

Twitter: @SecretStorms
Facebook: facebook.com/SecretStorms
www.secretstorms.com

Julie:
- What advice would you give to someone who’s looking for a child they gave up for adoption?

Kathy’s adoption was completely closed and for over 40 years I remained in the dark about her, despite all my efforts to find her. I left a letter for her with Catholic Charities just in case she decided to look for me, since she had more legal options than I did. The hardest thing was simply not knowing whether she was okay. Every day I thought about her, every day I prayed that she would find me. I never gave up hope. That’s the only advice I have, to not give up hope. Because anything is possible.

- In getting to know Kathy, are there any similarities between her and your other children?

Oh, yes. Kathy’s voice is very similar to Danielle’s. They have the same tilt of the head when they listen intently, they gesture the same way with their hands. They are both very passionate women. Interestingly, Kathy’s youngest daughter, Kathryn, looks very much like my son, Francis, her uncle. They have the same eyes, the same features. In fact, Kathy is so much like all of us, in one way or another, that if a stranger were to see us all in a group together, it would be impossible to pick out the sibling who was a stranger for 40 years.

- Your author page on your website says you "had running roles in three soap operas".
Your IMDB page lists General Hospital, portraying Heather Turner in 1972.
What was that character about & how long were you on the show?

I played Heather Turner on “General Hospital” for about six months. She was a husband-stealer, as sweet as pie on the outside, but as devious as they come. She was fun to play.

- What were the other soap operas you were on?

I was on “The Doctors”, then for two years on “The Secret Storm” where I played Wendy Porter, who gave her father a heart attack by having an affair with her mother’s ex-lover. After that, I was on “The Best of Everything”, based on the best-selling book by Rona Jaffe, playing April Morrison. It wasn’t until we moved to California that I started appearing in “General Hospital” in the 70s.

"The Best of Everything" with Julie, second from left, Patty McCormack, Rochelle Oliver and Kathy Glass

Kathy:
- What advice would you give to someone who’s looking for their birth parents?

First and foremost, don’t have any expectations. If you are to have a relationship, it must develop naturally and can’t be forced into existence. Just because you’re related by blood doesn’t mean your relationship will last. Trust must be earned over time and it cannot happen overnight.

- Your mother, father, sister and brother are all in the television/movie industry. Have you done any acting, or ever felt drawn to that type of work?

When I was very young, my family called me the “camera hog.” I was certainly always looking for ways to get more and more attention. It was something in my nature that craved it. Recently, as I was looking through school transcripts, it struck me that almost all of my electives were Theatre Arts, despite the fact that I was a business major.

Something changed in me, however, when I learned a handful of details about my actress birth mother. I soon began to instinctively associate acting with rejection, with being given up. From that point on I actively stayed away from and hid what may or may not have been artistic potential.

- Your mother and sister were both on soap operas. Are you a soap opera fan?

I certainly was in the 1980’s. I watched “General Hospital” and “All My Children” religiously.

- To General Hospital fans, your sister Danielle played a pretty memorable role, especially since she played opposite John Stamos.
Before you found out she was your sister, had you ever watched her on General Hospital?

For a long time, many people I knew would tell me that I looked just like Genie Francis. I would find out later that the same was always said of my sister, Danielle.

As for watching Danielle on “General Hospital”, yes. In fact, I used to schedule my college classes around that show and watched her every single day, completely oblivious to the fact that I was watching my sister.

Danielle (Lou Swenson), with John Stamos (Blackie Parrish), on "General Hospital"

Julie and Kathy, thank you very much for taking the time to answer my questions!!!

I also have a copy of Secret Storms that I am giving away to one lucky reader!!!

To enter, use the form below. Good Luck!!
Contest ends at 12:00am 05/20/2013.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Buy It Now:

Danielle von Zerneck Lou Swenson General Hospital

noreply@blogger.com (Ice Princess) — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 01:49:00 +0000

A few days ago, I had Katie Couric's show on while I was resting trying to get rid of a headache. It was a show about adoption. I wasn't really paying too much attention until I heard one of the guests say that her long lost sister used to be on General Hospital. The guests name was Kathy Hatfield. She had been given up for adoption in 1964. She ended up discovering she was adopted and found her birth parents after searching online for information. It turns out her birth mother's name was Julie Mannix von Zerneck. She was also married to Kathy's birth father Frank. Kathy also learned she had a brother and a sister, Frank and Danielle. It turns out Kathy's long lost sister Danielle von Zerneck used to play Lou on General Hospital!!! Yeah, remember Lou Swenson, she played Blackie's (played by John Stamos) love interest. She was killed and Blackie was sent to jail for her murder. Really weird, but a very interesting and amazing story.
Kathy and her mother Julie co-wrote a book about their story. It's called Secret Storms: A Mother and Daughter, Lost then Found and is available at Amazon.com. It sounds like a good read and has good reviews.
Danielle is now in the film industry and has produced a wide range of films and series. She's also on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/DvZF. Kathy and her mother can also be followed on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/SecretStorms.

Jack Wagner Returns General Hospital

noreply@blogger.com (Ice Princess) — Sat, 26 Jan 2013 02:56:00 +0000

Just read that Jack Wagner will be back on General Hospital as Frisco Jones starting February 4!!!! Here's the link: http://www.wcvb.com/news/entertainment/Jack-Wagner-returning-to-General-Hospital/-/9848582/18279746/-/i9op31/-/index.html. Not too many details other than his start date. So awesome though. I had a HUGE crush on him back in the day.
I was just reading an article in the January 28, 2013 issue of Soap Opera Digest where he said GH has called, but "there's nothing in ink or anything like that. I know it would be pretty special to work with Kristina, my ex-wife, again so we'll see what happens. I know it's around the corner here and if I go back, it would only be for a very short story arc. But I might do it just to honor that show and what it's meant to my career and the fans and to Kristina's career."
Can't wait!!!
Now if Frank & Ron could land John Stamos as Blackie...

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Prospect Park Reboot One Live to Live All My Children

noreply@blogger.com (Ice Princess) — Fri, 18 Jan 2013 02:53:00 +0000

It looks like One Life to Live and All My Children may actually be rising from the dead in true soap opera fashion! Prospect Park, the company that was going to continue those shows after their ABC finales is currently casting characters. One Life to Live actors/actresses reprising their roles for the reboot so far include Jerry verDorn as Clint, Robin Strasser as Dorian, Erika Slezak as Viki, and Robert Woods as Bo. Casting calls are out for Matthew and Destiny. There's also a casting call out for a Caucasian, 30's character named Billy. Alison Goodman has been named casting director for the reboots. She was previously casting director at GUIDING LIGHT, SUITS and THIRD WATCH. So awesome that there's finally good news for soap opera fans! More good news includes Days of Our Lives has been renewed through September 2014. General Hospital is really good these days, thanks to Frank Valentini & Ron Carlivati honoring GH's history and bringing back legacy characters such as Lucy, AJ, Anna, Duke, Robert Scorpio, Kin Shriner, Genie Francis. It's so funny watching Lucy calling John McBain a vampire named Caleb, the character Michael Easton played on Port Charles. It's really amazing how that is even possible. Michael, the original actor, played Caleb the vampire on Port Charles, went to One Live to Live and played John McBain, then crossed over to GH to continue playing John. Lucy, who was on Port Charles & GH, comes back to GH and finds all these characters/actors who used to be vampires on Port Charles and that's who she thinks they still are. Not just John McBain, but Kelly Monaco who played Livvie and Ian Buchanan who played Joshua Temple. That whole circle, with all original actors no less, is just unbelievable, and such a payoff for fans of all those shows. Only in soap operas is that possible. Think about that. It's crazy how that's even possible. GH is going to be so awesome for the Nurse's Ball and 50th anniversary shows. Lucy's back, Kin as Scottie, Genie as Laura and Jon Lindstrom as Kevin Collins, who was also on Port Charles, are all signed up to come back with even more to come. AWESOME! I can't wait!

John Ingle Dies Sean Kanan Returns General Hospital

noreply@blogger.com (Ice Princess) — Tue, 18 Sep 2012 01:39:00 +0000

Sad news for General Hospital fans: John Ingle passed away yesterday at the age of 84. He last aired a few days ago in very emotional scenes with Patrick and Emma. I'm so glad he was able to return for those scenes.
John was a recast Edward Quartermaine, taking over for David Lewis. Recasts are sometimes hard to accept, but John was a great Edward recast. I really hope GH does a great tribute to John. GH won't be the same without Edward though, but it's a role that just shouldn't be recast.
John's wife just passed away in February. They had five daughters, nine grandchildren and three great-children. RIP John Ingle...you will be greatly missed.
In other GH news, Sean Kanan is returning to General Hospital! Yeah, I was surprised at that news. It's being kept top secret what role he will be playing. A few possibilities include: AJ - who was murdered, but this is a soap; a new character; a recast Jason or another recast character. My vote would be for either AJ or Jason in order to keep the Quartermaine's alive. Whatever role Sean will be playing, his addition will be a good start to filling the hole that will be left when Steve Burton leaves. His first air date will be October 29.

Steve Burton Quits General Hospital

noreply@blogger.com (Ice Princess) — Fri, 14 Sep 2012 01:34:00 +0000

I really can't believe Steve Burton is leaving General Hospital. That is going to leave such a huge whole in the show. I wonder how they are going to fill it. He's on every day which is a bit much, but he's a character with a lot of history. According the the September 17, 2012 issue of Soap Opera Digest, Steve has been on General Hospital for 21 years. He is relocating his family to Nashville, Tennessee. The same place Scott and Melissa Reeves live. Nashville is a really nice place. I went there on vacation eight years ago. It's a great place for country music fans. Steve and Scott both play in a band called Port Chuck, so it's a good networking place for them. Hopefully after some time off, Steve can come back to GH once in a while. More General Hospital

Woodstock Music Festival

noreply@blogger.com (Ice Princess) — Mon, 20 Aug 2012 01:57:00 +0000

Infographic Provided by EquipSupply

While browsing tv channels this afternoon, I stumbled upon Woodstock airing on VH1. I've never seen the movie, but it is on my to watch someday movie list. It's a 4 hour movie, so it's pretty long. I was only able to watch the first 20 minutes, but it's definitely a movie that makes me nostalgic for my youth: tie dye, hanging out with interesting people, the relaxed scent of patchouli & marijuana wafting through the air. A simpler time, back before I had a mortgage, kids and stress. If I'd been around for Woodstock, I would have gone. It was a huge part of American music history.
Woodstock was a pretty primitive festival compared to the festivals nowadays. Today there are tons of vendors with event supplies and concession machines. You can buy all sorts of bad for you food, souvenirs, get tattoos, etc. All of that kind of detracts from the music itself.
Back in 1999, there was an attempt at remaking Woodstock in Rome, NY which is about an hour west of where I live. Up until a little over a year ago, I worked in Rome. When the Rome Woodstock was going on, I was on my way home from a work trip and passed by all the vehicles heading to the festival on the NYS Thruway. It just wasn't the same though. Times have changed and people are different now. A big fight broke out at the end of the Rome Woodstock, and there was even a fire. I think there is a Woodstock reunion every year at the site of the original Woodstock. That would be an event I would like to go to. I'm sure the crowd and atmosphere there would be more reminiscent of the original Woodstock. The original Woodstock didn't have vendors, angry people, fighting, or fires. It just had music, peace and love, and that was all it needed.

Thrall

noreply@blogger.com (Ice Princess) — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 22:16:00 +0000

Thanks to Olga Quinn

When I was growing up I never dreamed I would live in a town as small as the one I live in now, Thrall, Texas. I grew up just outside of Atlanta, Georgia. I went away to college, fell in love, and married the love of my life who happened to come from Thrall. Well this city girl quickly got used to small town living. I miss a lot of conveniences that we had in the city, but I wouldn’t give up the friends I have made here for anything. It seems like everyone that lives around us is part of one big family. That is not really the case, but it sure feels that way. We all try to look out for each other and help each other whenever we need it. We had some neighbors over for a cookout the other night. We were all cleaning up and somehow we started talking about Gexa electric rates Thrall. You never know what we will end up talking about. It turns out that everyone gets their electricity from them. I guess small town people stick together for everything.

General Hospital Bringing Back Favorites

noreply@blogger.com (Ice Princess) — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 22:56:00 +0000

Brought To By Wine.com, Purveyors of Fine Wine and Champagne

It is really sad watching the aftermath of Robin's death on General Hospital, especially with Patrick and Emma. I really hope Robin's death is fake, especially since her body was burned beyond recognition, but her jewelry was still in good shape. Maybe if Kimberly McCullough ever wants to come back, they could say her death was faked...by Faison, who is holding her captive someplace. With Robert and Anna back, resurrecting Faison would make for a great story.
Faison was a great character: with the accent, long hair, those small cigars and a glass of wine, or maybe it was brandy. He was a one of a kind character.
The new writers at General Hospital really seem to be bringing back a lot of the characters from
the 80's when General Hospital was at the top of the ratings. Robert, Anna and Holly are back. I also read that Rick Springfield/Noah Drake and Robin Mattson/Heather Webber are on their way back. I am all for it. I just hope it is enough to save General Hospital from a possible cancellation.

Walking Dead

noreply@blogger.com (Ice Princess) — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 17:17:00 +0000

Thanks for the article from Glenda Hanson

My husband has been on my case about making sure I renew our Direct TV subscription before Dexter comes back on. As if I would let us miss an episode of Dexter! That show has got to be the best thing that's ever been on television, and I don't care what the critics say Dexter hasn't jumped the shark. I just really think it's crazy that a concept this dark and twisted has worked for so many years on TV and I also think Michael C Hall is really sexy. Don't tell my husband! I never used to watch shows that were gory or about terrible topics like serial killers but at the end of the day there is something about Dexter that keeps me coming back. I think it's that they've really humanized him and that you care about him a lot as a person… It's really fun to watch a TV show and root for the guy who would be the bad guy in real life!

Kimberly McCullough Leaves General Hospital 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Ice Princess) — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 14:49:00 +0000

Yesterday was Robin Scorpio/Kimberly McCullough's last day on General Hospital. Unfortunately, she was killed in an explosion at the lab. Another legacy character killed off, a storyline created by the previous writers. I'm really hoping the new writing team of Ron Carlivati & Frank Valentini somehow bring Robin back from the dead.
It was Kimberly's choice to leave the show to pursue directing. That's all fine and good, but they really didn't need to kill Robin. Kimberly has left before and come back. She could leave now and come back in the future. Killing her off is just another nail in General Hospital's coffin.
Ron Carlivati & Frank Valentini brought back characters from the dead on One Life to Live. Robin's body hasn't been shown so far, just a yellow tarp over a body. Let's hope that body is somebody else.
Carolyn Hinsey has been leaving hints that things may not be as they seem. At the end of her column in the February 28, 2012 issue of Soap Opera Digest, she said: "By the time you read this, Frank and Ron's shows will be airing, and there will be no more treading water on GH. And don't believe everything you read about Robin's death, either...May Sweeps, is that you???"
She also had a Facebook post that said: "Today was Ron's first official day as HW of GH. He did NOT script Robin's exit. Stay tuned for the fallout and a few surprises, courtesy of the new team :)"
Let's keep our fingers crossed that Ron & Frank undo the mistake of killing off Robin Scorpio.

UPDATE: 3/27/12 - So at the end of yesterday's episode, Robin was shown alive in a hospital bed! Today, she's shown to be locked in the room. So glad Ron Carlivati & Frank Valentini reversed her death. Now the question is who has her? Speculation is Franco, but I'm still rooting for Faison. Either way, General Hospital is can't miss tv. BTW, check out getglue.com to connect with other General Hospital fans. It is a site where you check-in to whatever show you are watching. Your check-in can be updated to your facebook or twitter account. There is also a stream where you can talk with other watchers on getglue. There is a running tally of the number of check-ins for the day too. It's a good way to show how many are really watching General Hospital. Check-ins also unlock stickers for a given show. Once you unlock 20 stickers, you can get physical copies of the stickers mailed to you. Getglue.com is a great site!

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