Nearly a decade after the character was last seen in Port Charles, “General Hospital” has recast the role of Serena Baldwin, the biological daughter of Scott Baldwin (Kin Shriner) and the late Dominique Stanton (Shell Danielson), with “The Young and the Restless” alum Kelly Kruger.

According to TV Insider, Kruger begins taping at the Prospect Studios-based set of the daytime drama series in Hollywood on Monday, June 8 and will make her on-screen debut with an episode scheduled to air in July.

“I am SO excited to share that I’m not only coming back to daytime but that it’s @generalhospitalabc,” Kruger said in a post on Instagram. “I have wanted to work with [executive producer] Frank Valentini and [casting director] @markteschner for so long!!! This is the absolute perfect fit, and I can’t wait for you all to meet Serena!!!!!”

“I am excited to have Kelly Kruger join the cast of ‘General Hospital.’ She’s a terrific actor and we look forward to working with her,” said Frank Valentini in a statement.

First portrayed by Carly Schroeder from 1997-2003 on “Port Charles,” Serena is a character fans have been clamoring to see on the mothership series for decades, with their closest opportunity occurring over two episodes in 2017 that surrounded the passing of Serena’s grandfather, Lee Baldwin (the late Peter Hansen). Since then, though not appearing on screen, the character has been mentioned in passing, including in 2022, when Scott shared that he needed to handle legal matters relating to his daughter after she was arrested following an altercation with dolphin hunters.

In addition to Scott and Lucy Coe (Lynn Herring), who served as a surrogate for an ailing Dominque who was dying from an inoperable brain tumor, Serena’s connection to Port Charles grew by one in recent years with the addition of Cody Bell (Josh Kelly) to the show’s cast. Cody is the son of Dominique and Mac Scorpio (John J. York), making him Seren’s half-brother.

With more than 249,000 followers on TikTok, Kruger was named TikTok Shop’s Beauty Creator of the Year in 2025. She first made her television acting debut with the MTV series “Undressed” and followed it up with a small role in the NBC primetime drama series, “Titans,” starring Yasmine Bleeth, Casper Van Dien, Victoria Principal, Josie Davis, Ingo Rademacher, Jason George, Jack Wagner and many other soap alums. She played Mackenzie Browning on “The Young and the Restless” from 2002-2003, and made a brief return from 2018-2019. She also played the role of Eva, a forrester publicist on “The Bold and the Beautiful” for at least a dozen episodes from 2014-2021. Her other credits include roles on such shows as “Criminal Minds,” “Bones,” “Entourage,” “Happy Endings,” “The Bold Type,” and “iZombie,” among others. She most recently starred in the holiday-themed TV movies “The Art of Christmas” and “A Very Corgi Christmas.”

In real-life, the actress shares daughters Everleigh Jolie, 6, and Gemma Wynter, 4, with her ex, Darin Brooks (Wyatt Spencer, “The Bold and the Beautiful”), who also starred in the series “Blue Mountain State,” which included a two-episode appearance by Kruger.

Note: The post ‘The Young And The Restless’ Alum Kelly Kruger Joins ‘General Hospital’ As Recast Serena Baldwin: “I Am So Excited” first appeared on Soap Opera Network.

The Bold and the Beautiful Spoilers June 8-12, 2026

On “The Bold and the Beautiful,” while RJ (Brayan Nicoletti) and Dylan (Sydney Bullock) enjoy themselves at the Bikini Bar, Will (Crew Morrow) makes a romantic declaration to Electra (Laneya Grace), proclaiming “nothing and nobody” is ever coming between them again. Meanwhile, Liam (Scott Clifton) tells his brother Wyatt (Darin Brooks) that the Spencer family needs him to join their united front.

Elsewhere, Remy (Christian Weissmann) learns that Hope (Annika Noelle) is now working at Logan as a fashion designer, exclaiming that her new work highlights how much she’s leveled up. Later, Hope and Deke (Harrison Cone) host a mini in-house fashion preview.

• Elsa Esnoult returns as Fanny Greyson on Thursday, June 11.
• Christopher “Sincere” Cato returns as Alex on Friday, June 12.
• Marketa Lim, Elena Moseikina and Wendy Juel return as Logan models on Wednesday, June 10.

Note: The post The Bold And The Beautiful Must Watch Moments: Hope Takes Logan To The Next Level first appeared on Soap Opera Network.

Late Sunday, in a carousel post on Instagram, “General Hospital” star Kirsten Storms shared an update regarding the alleged break-in that occurred last year while she was away from her home in Tennessee, the recent restraining order filed against her by ex-husband Brandon Barash (ex-Stefan DiMera/ex-Jake DiMera, “Days of our Lives”; ex-Johnny Zacchara, “General Hospital”) and her status at the long-running ABC soap opera where she’s played the role of Maxie Jones since 2005.

“I’m sure some of you guys have read the stories online regarding a situation involving something my ex-husband is currently trying to claim,” said Storms, opening up publicly for the first time since reports surfaced in April that Barash had filed an emergency restraining order against her last year, claiming that she was “exhibiting concerning behavior” and that he feared for their daughter’s well-being.

According to TMZ, which first reported the news, the judge in the case granted the temporary restraining order, which included claims by Barash that Storms had been experiencing “delusions and hallucinations” in mid-2025, explaining that things later improved for a short time, only to reverse afterward.

“Because I did see one story online stating I reported the apartment break-in AFTER he filed something against me in court, I really need to address this entire issue,” continued Storms. “Not only because the records/evidence will show those stories are completely false (the break-in happened and was reported to the building and Franklin PD before he filed anything in court), but also because *it puts my safety in a dangerous position for anyone to try and shift focus away from the fact that there was a person regularly entering my residence while I was out of town for medical appts in St Louis*.”

Storms is likely referring to another TMZ report, which alleged Storms had called the police “months after ex granted protective order,” something which Storms disputes. The outlet published a third story on the matter a few days later, with a spokesperson for the Franklin Police Department in Tennessee saying, “I can confirm that there is an active investigation as it pertains to her case.”

“You can see from my previous posts that the damage to the lock on my apartment door was extensive and obvious. I took that photo in August of last year – months before Brandon filed anything in court,” said Storms in her post. “I was also speaking with the people who worked in the leasing office of the building (in person and via email), attempting to get answers on the damage to my door and wanting to know about locating building camera footage. This communication also started the first week of August.” She added, “I waited to post about the break-in on my Instagram for a few months. I had already moved out of the building and honestly, it’s been something that is difficult to accept happened pretty much as soon as I moved out here.

“Choosing to take time off from work (for my own personal reasons) was a ‘leap of faith’ kind of moment for myself. Seeking a ‘quality a life” kinda thing?'”

Move To Tennesse And What The Future Holds

“Moving to Tennessee, as a single mom who lives alone 50% of the time, with a newly discovered brain aneurysm….well, I don’t think I need to explain how upsetting this entire situation has been for me,” the soap star said of some of the things she’s been dealing with since moving to the state last summer with her daughter. “Realizing that not only was my apartment/space/privacy being violated, but this person also gained access to my WiFi and cellphone *while in my apartment* (the Franklin PD has received evidence on all of this – resulting in an investigation). I haven’t been online much because of how the circumstances have been twisted into something that it shouldn’t be. This has been a very serious thing for me to go through.” She added, “Thank you for the encouraging DM’s and good vibes being sent my way. I have no doubt this will be handled in the correct way and I will feel comfortable remaining in Tennessee.”

In an Instagram video posted in February, Storms explained that the break-in situation began last December, when someone “accessed my apartment, and they were relentlessly getting on my internet and doing stuff to my accounts.” She reported the incident to the Franklin Police and also shared details online to see if she could get assistance from someone in the cybersecurity sector. “If you could please DM me if you know someone, or like a retired police officer, somebody who specializes in this sort of thing, I would really appreciate it,” she said at the time.

As for her future at “General Hospital,” Storms did address the matter in her post on Sunday, saying, “Given what’s been going on, I can’t say I will feel comfortable heading back to Los Angeles and returning to work. This has been an eye opening experience about the downside of my profession. My daughter is my entire life, she is (and always will be) my first priority.”

Though Storms returned on-screen as Maxie Jones on “General Hospital” in February as a contract player, her name has been missing from the contract section during the show’s end credits since late March.

Note: The post Kirsten Storms Provides Update On Alleged Break-In, Temporary Restraining Order Filed By Ex & ‘General Hospital’ Status first appeared on Soap Opera Network.

Weeks before listeners are introduced to the world of “Haven Falls,” the new audio drama created by Casey S. Hutchison (“Forever and a Day”), who also executive produces and serves as head writer, comes word that veteran soap star Amelia Marshall (“All My Children,” “Passions,” et. al) has joined the show as a recast of of the Eileen Callahan character, who is described as the kind-hearted matriarch of the powerful family, though her decisions are sure to send shockwaves throughout the fictional Midwestern town of Haven Falls.

In “Haven Falls,” everyone has a secret, and loyalty is always up for sale. The story follows two warring families locked in a relentless battle for control, legacy, and survival. As the story unfolds, buried sins resurface, and alliances fracture, love becomes dangerous, truth becomes weaponized, and no one escapes unscathed.

“We are thrilled to welcome Amelia Marshall to ‘Haven Falls,'” said Hutchison in a statement. “Amelia is a tremendous talent whose work has resonated with soap audiences for years. She brings incredible presence, vulnerability, and strength to Eileen, and we cannot wait for listeners to hear what she brings to the role. I have loved reuniting with her.”

Marshall is the fourth veteran of daytime soaps to be cast on the new scripted series, following the previously announced Melissa Archer (Natalie Buchanan, “One Life to Live”; Serena Mason on “Days of our Lives”), Frank Dicopoulos (Frank Cooper, “Guiding Light”) and Jeff Branson (Jonathan Lavery, “All My Children”; Shayne Lewis, “Guiding Light”; Ronan Malloy, “The Young and the Restless”).

Distributed by Spotify for Creators, the 15-episode series, which blends the tradition of classic daytime drama with the freedom and intimacy of audio storytelling, premieres Thursday, June 25, with weekly drops across all major podcast platforms, and full episodes available on the show’s official YouTube channel.

Although Archer and Dicopoulos will be featured at the outset, Branson will make his debut in episodes releasing in July, as he replaces Nick Kretz in the role of Lucas Hale. Meanwhile, Marshall will first appear in the sixth episode of the series, releasing on Thursday, July 30.

Marshall began her television acting career in 1983, playing Miranda on “One Life to Live.” From 1989-996, she portrayed Gilly Grant on “Guiding Light” before making her way to Pine Valley as Belinda Keefer on “All My Children” from 1996-1999. Appearing in select episodes of “Lizzie McGuire,” “The District” and “Strong Medicine,” the actress would go on to star as Liz Sanbourne on “Passions” from 2001-2006. She most recently had roles as Yolanda on “The Bay” and Rhonda Jeffries in the audio drama “Forever and a Day,” which was also created and executive-produced by Hutchison.

In addition to Marshall, Archer, Dicopoulos and Branson, series regulars include fan-favorite performers from “Forever and a Day,” like Elizabeth von Isser, Kristina Sullivan, Benjamin Bryant, BJ Van Griffin, Candice Mack and Ashley Stewart, among others.

Check out a promo for the show below.

Note: The post Soap Veteran Amelia Marshall Joins Audio Drama ‘Haven Falls’ As Recast Eileen Callahan, Matriarch Of Powerful Family first appeared on Soap Opera Network.

General Hospital Spoilers June 8-12, 2026

On “General Hospital,” Portia (Brook Kerr) asks a favor of Isaiah (Sawandi Wilson) while Curtis (Donnell Turner) pursues legal representation from Alexis (Nancy Lee Grahn). Sidwell (Carlo Rota) updates “Nathan” (aka Cassius; Ryan Paevey) on matters pertaining to Britt (Kelly Thiebaud), while Cullum (Andrew Hawkes) deals with Obrecht (Kathleen Gati) to the shock of Josslyn (Eden McCoy).

Elsewhere, Trina (Tabyana Ali) questions Kai (Jens Austin Astrup) over allowing her to take the lead on a project. Meanwhile, Kristina (Kate Mansi) makes a shocking decision about her future, explaining to Lucas (Van Hansis), “A lot of people are going to be surprised by this.” Laura (Genie Francis) and Sonny (Maurice Benard) are ready to end the nightmare.

DVR ALERTS

VIDEO

Obrecht sees through Nina’s (Cynthia Watros) and Willow’s (Katelyn MacMullen) scheme to keep Drew (Cameron Mathison) from recovering, correctly noting that the former congressman has been blinking SOS to get her attention, especially given that he shows no signs of a stroke.

Check out the clip below.

Note: The post General Hospital Must Watch Moments: Kristina Reveals Her Plans For The Future first appeared on Soap Opera Network.

What follows is a breakdown of how the daytime soap operas performed during the week of May 18-22, 2026, in Total Viewers, Households, Women 18-49 rating and Women 25-54 rating, including changes compared to Last Week (LW) and Last Year (LY).

Note: Starting with the 2025-2026 television season, Nielsen ratings are based on the Live+Same Day Big Data + Panel model, with last year’s figures based on the former Live+Same Day Panel-only model (2024-2025 season).

***Please do not copy and paste the entire ratings. Thank you.***

Week of May 18-22, 2026 Summary / Rankings

Total Viewers

Households

Women 18-49 Rating

Women 25-54 Rating

Day-To-Day – Women 18-49/Women 25-54

BTG / Beyond the Gates (CBS)

B&B / The Bold and the Beautiful (CBS)

GH / General Hospital (ABC)

Y&R / The Young and the Restless (CBS)

The numbers above are calculated using Live+Same Day Big Data + Panel viewing and DVR playback, defined as 3:00 a.m.-3:00 a.m., and are courtesy of Nielsen. Ratings are the percentage of U.S. TV viewers who tuned in to a specific program.

Beginning August 31, 2020, national ratings include Out-of-Home (OOH) viewing. Previously, ratings did not include OOH viewing. Averages are based on regular telecasts.

LEGEND

Note: The post Soap Opera Ratings Report For The Week Of May 18-22, 2026 first appeared on Soap Opera Network.

“Let’s Make a Deal” marked new season highs among Women 18-49 for both of its half hours during the week of May 18-22, 2026, continuing to display impressive gains season-to-date and year-over-year.

For the week, the Wayne Brady-hosted game show, now in its 17th season, saw both half hours up +0.03 week-to-week among Women 18-49, with the second half-hour ranking third overall with a 0.29 rating and the first half-hour placing fifth (0.26 rating). Compared to the same week last year, the second half-hour was up +0.08 (0.29 rating vs. 0.21 rating) while the first half-hour was up +0.06 (0.26 rating vs. 0.20 rating). Among Women 25-54, the second half-hour was up +0.03 year-over-year (0.34 rating vs. 0.31 rating) while the first half-hour was flat. Meanwhile, among Total Viewers, the second half-hour gained +388,000 viewers year-over-year (2.603 million vs. 2.215 million) while the first half-hour was up +326.000 viewers (2.222 million vs. 1.896 million).

“TODAY with Jenna & Sheinelle” saw the largest year-over-year growth across daytime broadcast among both key sales demographics used to sell ads for the daypart, with the news program up +0.09 in both Women 18-49 (0.24 rating vs. 0.15 rating) and Women 25-54 (0.34 rating vs. 0.25 rating) over the prior performance of its predeccor, “TODAY with Jenna & Friends.” In fact, with 1.427 million viewers tuning in, the show was up +277,0000 viewers year-over-year (vs. 1.150 million) and up +91,000 viewers compared to the same week in 2024, which included its final full year as “TODAY with Hoda & Jenna.” Further, in 2026, the program outperformed the same week in 2023 by +47,000 viewers (1.427 million vs. 1.380 million).

“TODAY 3rd Hour” was the only program across daytime broadcast to see week-to-week and year-over-year growth among Women 25-54 (0.40 rating), up +0.01 and +0.04, respectively. Compared to the same week last year, the news program was up +0.03 among Women 18-49 (0.26 rating vs. 0.23 rating) and up +317,000 viewers (1.962 million vs. 1.645 million).

“General Hospital” was the only daytime broadcast series to see a year-over-year decline among Total Viewers, down 32,000 viewers (1.809 million vs. 1.841 million). Just 183,000 viewers separated the long-running soap opera and its time slot competitor, “Beyond the Gates,” in Total Viewers (1.809 million vs. 1.626 million). The ABC soap was flat year-over-year among Households (1.2 rating).

“Beyond the Gates” was up +21,000 viewers week-to-week (1.626 million vs. 1.605 million) and +85,000 year-over-year (1.626 million vs. 1.541 million), marking the show’s 16th consecutive week of year-over-year growth among Total Viewers. Compared to the same week last year, the soap opera was up +0.1 among Households (1.1 rating vs. 1.0 rating). The drama series continues to outperform the 2024 (+408,000), 2023 (+379,000), 2022 (+127,000) and 2021 (+390,000) performances of the former time slot occupant, “The Talk,” among Total Viewers.

With 3.136 million tuning in, “The Young and the Restless” continued to attract more than three million viewers for the 17th consecutive week, up +4,000 week-to-week and +240,000 year-over-year (3.136 million vs. 2.896 million). Compared to the same week in 2024, the show is up +161,000 viewers (3.136 million vs. 2.975 million). Further, the long-running soap opera was up by +0.1 in Households compared to the same week last year (2.0 rating vs. 1.9 rating).

Among Total Viewers, “The Bold and the Beautiful” was up +229,000 viewers compared to the same week last year (2.714 million vs. 2.485 million), and was also up +183,000 viewers compared to the same week in 2024 (2.714 million vs. 2.531 million). Meanwhile, among Women 18-49, the series was virtually par with its week-ago (0.20 rating vs. 0.21 rating) and year-ago performance (0.20 rating vs. 0.22 rating). The half-hour soap opera was up by +0.2 year-over-year in Households (1.8 rating vs. 1.6 rating).

Wrap-Up

What follows is a breakdown of how the daytime broadcast shows performed during the week of May 18-22, 2026, in Women 18-49 rating, Women 25-54 rating, Households and Total Viewers, including week-to-week and year-over-year comparisons.

Note*: Starting with the 2025-2026 television season, Nielsen ratings are based on the Live+Same Day Big Data + Panel model, with figures during the comparable week in 2025 based on the former Live+Same Day Panel-only model (2024-2025 season).

This Week vs. 2025 comparisons for “TODAY with Jenna & Sheinelle” and “GMA3” are based on the prior performances of their predecessors, “TODAY with Jenna & Friends” and “GMA3: What You Need to Know,” respectively.

Week of May 18-22, 2026 Rankers

Women 18-49 Rating

Women 18-49 Rating (Rounded)

Women 25-54 Rating

Women 25-54 Rating (Rounded)

Households

Total Viewers (In Millions)

LEGEND

About Nielsen Ratings

Rating: Estimated percentage of U.S. TV groups (demographics, households, et al.) tuned in to a specific television program during an average minute.

Methods: As of September 22, 2026, the numbers above are calculated using Live+Same Day Big Data + Panel viewing and DVR playback, defined as 3:00 a.m.-3:00 a.m., and are courtesy of Nielsen.

Shift: Beginning August 31, 2020, national ratings include Out-of-Home (OOH) viewing. Previously, ratings did not include OOH viewing. Averages are based on regular telecasts.

Preemptions/Schedule Changes

• The Wednesday, May 20 broadcast of “NBC News Daily” was excluded from the news program’s weekly average due to breaking news coverage. The program’s weekly average is based on four days (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday).
• “The View” was retitled “VIEW-ABC” on Wednesday, May 20, due to breaking news coverage. The program aired a repeat on Friday, May 22, due to the Memorial Day weekend, which was also retitled “VIEW-ABC.” The retitled broadcasts will not factor into the show’s weekly or season averages, which are based on three days (Monday, Tuesday and Thursday).

Note: The post ‘Let’s Make A Deal’ Marks Season High Among Women 18-49, ‘TODAY With Jenna & Sheinelle’ Tops Predecessors Among Viewers – RATINGS first appeared on Soap Opera Network.

James Handy, an actor who began his career in 1977 with a role on “Ryan’s Hope” and appeared in such films as “Arachnophobia,” “The Rocketeer,” “Jumanji” and “Top Gun: Maverick,” among others, has died. He was 81 years old.

According to multiple reports, on Wednesday, June 3, Handy was found in front of his home in Tarzana, unconscious with a stab wound to the chest. He was transported to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Though a motive has not yet been publicly disclosed, Michael Gledhill, 44, was arrested by the LAPD and booked for murder, with his bail set for $2 million.

Before police arrived, a 911 call was placed with Gledhill allegedly telling dispatchers, “I am the son of man, I just killed the man of sin.” Upon their arrival, officers stated Gledhill had flagged them down and admitted he was the person they were looking for. It’s understood that he had been living at the home with his mother, who was Handy’s girlfriend.

Handy has more than 100 credits under his belt, both on TV and in film, including “Quantum Leap,” “The Commish,” “Wings,” “Murder, She Wrote,” “Point of No Return,” “L.A. Law,” “Picket Fences,” “Beverly Hills, 90210,” “NYPD Blue,” “Melrose Place,” “The Pretenders,” “Profiler,” “ER,” “The X-Files,” “The Practice,” “Crossing Jordan” and “Alias,” among others. His most recent credits include appearances in episodes of “NCIS: Los Angeles” and “9-1-1”. He also played the doctor who helps Logan (Wolverine) in the 2017 film starring Hugh Jackman.

Born James Michael Handy in New York City, from 2009-2011, the actor appeared as the Governor in episodes of “The Young and the Restless.”

Note: The post James Handy, ‘Ryan’s Hope,’ ‘The Young And The Restless’ & ‘Top Gun: Maverick’ Actor, Dies At 81 first appeared on Soap Opera Network.

Though first reported as a rumor last month by Daytime Confidential, veteran writer Ryan Quan is officially exiting “General Hospital,” where he has served as a breakdown writer since early 2025, in order to return to his old stomping ground at “Days of our Lives,” working alongside Jeanne Marie Ford as the show’s co-head writer. He replaces current co-head writer Paula Cwikly.

According to TV Insider, Quan will begin work at the show in July, with Cwikly transitioning to a consulting role as she continues her long relationship with the Corday Productions-produced soap opera. Ford and Cwikly were named co-head writers in July 2024, following Ron Carlivati’s departure as head writer. The pair’s material began appearing on-screen with episodes aired in April 2025.

“We are lucky to have Ryan back in the fold,” said Ken Corday, the show’s executive producer. “There are very few people who have such a deep knowledge and understanding of our show’s history. Stay tuned!”

Due to the show’s advanced tape-to-air schedule, material written by the writing team led by Ford and Quan will not appear on-screen until at least the midpoint of 2027.

A graduate of the University of Los Angeles (UCLA), Quan had previously been a part of the writing team at “Days of our Lives,” starting as a writer’s assistant in April 2007, the same position he held from 1999-2005 at “Passions,” before working his way up, holding several other positions at the soap throughout his tenure, including dialogue writer, breakdown writer, and, was credited as the show’s co-head writer from September 2016 to July 2017, working alongside Dena Higley, following the exit of Josh Griffith (current head writer at “The Young and the Restless”).

With Carlivati taking over from Quan and Higley as head writer with episodes that began airing on July 19, 2017, Quan moved into the role of story consultant on the show, a position he held until he left to join the writing team at “General Hospital,” led by head writers Elizabeth Korte and Chris Van Etten. He began his run at the ABC soap as a breakdown writer, starting with an episode that aired in March 2025.

Throughout his writing career, Quan has won three Emmy Awards as a member of the “Days of our Lives” writing team, receiving his first recognition in 2012. He also won in 2018 and 2022.

The Los Angeles native received his first Writers Guild Award in 2014 for his work on “Days of our Lives” in 2013, led by then-co-head writer Christopher Whitesell. He received subsequent award wins in 2021, for calendar year 2020, 2022 (for 2021), 2023 (for 2022) and 2024 (for 2023).

Note: The post Ryan Quan Officially Named Co-Head Writer At ‘Days Of Our Lives,’ Exiting ‘General Hospital’ As Breakdown Writer first appeared on Soap Opera Network.

Dan White, who appeared in the recurring role of Elijah Crowe in 2021, has been cast in the play “Black Bag Job” by playwright and director Christian Levatino.

Presented by the Gangbusters Theatre Company, the play, which opens on Thursday, June 4, with a preview at 9:00 p.m. local time at The Broadwater in Los Angeles, CA, follows a story that takes place on April 3rd, 1968, the night before the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., where four federal agents occupy a room at the Lorraine Motel, monitor King’s final hours through hidden microphones, logging, listening, documenting, and justifying — until the line between observation and complicity disappears as history closes in. As things unravel in real time, they are forced to confront the cost of doing nothing.

Built from declassified records and theatrical invention, the play uses live sound, lighting, and analog technology to immerse the audience inside the operation itself, bringing them inside the room with the agents as tension builds not through action but through inaction — through silence, hesitation, and the slow realization that history is not only being witnessed but also allowed.

In addition to White, who plays Bravo, the cast includes James Thomas Gilbert as Echo, West Liang as Delta and Scott Victor Nelson as Charlie.

Part of the 2026 Hollywood Fringe Festival, which runs from June 11-28, “Black Bag Job” will formally open on Thursday, June 11, at 6:30 p.m. local time, with a total run time of 90 minutes. Additional viewing dates include Friday, June 12, at 11:30 p.m. local time; Sunday, June 14, at 9:00 p.m. local time; Tuesday, June 23, at 5:00 p.m. local time; Friday, June 26, at 5:00 p.m. local time; and Saturday, June 27, at 7:30 p.m. local time. For tickets, click here.

With extensive credits under his belt, including a starring role in the TV series adaptation of “Barbershop,” playing Romadal Dupree, White most recently appeared in episodes of “The Last Thing He Told Me” and “Loot” on Apple TV, “Matlock” on CBS and “Chad Powers” on Hulu, among others.

On stage, White played Caesar in August Wilson’s “Gem of the Ocean” at the Long Beach Playhouse, and starred as Taylor in “The Soul Cafe” at the Wilshire Ebell Theatre. He originated the role of Jules Winnfield in the Off-Broadway and West Coast premieres of “Pulp Shakespeare.” Meanwhile, as a voice actor, he stars as Green Lantern/John Stewart in the AAA video game “Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League,” narrates MTV’s “Pimp My Ride,” and has voiced characters across the “Fallout,” “Far Cry,” “World of Warcraft,” and the “Batman: Arkham” game franchises.

White holds an MFA in Acting from the California Institute of the Arts and is co-author of “The Achieve Formula” with Dr. Alex Foxman.

Note: The post ‘General Hospital’ Alum Dan White Stars In ‘Black Bag Job,’ A Play That Tells Story Of The Night Before Martin Luther King Jr. Assassination first appeared on Soap Opera Network.

“The Bold and the Beautiful” producer Bell-Phillip Television Productions has reportedly made behind-the-scenes personnel changes, with several employees recently laid off, including Eva Basler, Vice President of Communications and Talent Relations, who had overseen publicity for the half-hour soap opera for more than 20 years.

Deadline, which first reported the news, notes that Basler was not only a beloved member of the show’s team but also “worked tirelessly for the organization, even through illness.”

In her position, Basler oversaw publicity, marketing, social media, talent relations, and special events for the company.

Before landing at “The Bold and the Beautiful,” she began her television career as a publicist for the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (A.M.P.A.S.), representing the organization and its annual Academy Awards (Oscars) telecast for over a decade. Producers of the inaugural Screen Actors Guild Awards (now “The Actor Awards”) hired Basler to create and write the SAG Awards’ official rules, and she also served as the award show’s coordinator, overseeing the competition and ceremony. From the show’s launch in 1999 through its conclusion in 2008, both on NBC and DirecTV’s since-defunct 101 network, Basler was the publicist for the daytime soap opera “Passions.”

After working at “The Bold and the Beautiful” for a few years, Basler co-authored the book “The Bold and the Beautiful: In Celebration of Twenty Years on Television,” released in 2007, which is an informative photographic essay exploring the richly layered history of the long-running daytime drama series.

While Deadline did not name other individuals affected by the layoffs, the decision to part ways with Basler has sent shockwaves throughout the daytime community.

Cast member Cassandra Creech (Dr. Grace Buckingham; ex-Denise Maynard, “As The World Turns”) commented on the decision, saying in a social media post, “Hearing the news of her departure from @boldandbeautifulcbs is sad because she is a true, undeniable talent.” She added, “​Beyond her immense gifts, she is someone who treated me with the utmost kindness and respect from day one. Working with someone of her caliber and character is a rare privilege, and her warmth @CBS meant the world to me.”

“​She is going to be a massive loss to the daytime community, where her presence always elevated the work,” continued Creach. “While this chapter is closing, her extraordinary talent ensures that whatever she does next will be brilliant. I am entirely in her corner and cannot wait to watch her next move.”

In 2023, former cast member Rena Sofer (ex-Quinn Fuller) spoke highly of Basler in an Instagram post following news at the time of Basler being placed on a ventilator and into a medically induced coma, months after doctors discovered a tumor behind her heart.

“If you follow the show and read about any of us actors or our stories or our lives, it’s because of her,” said Sofer. “You can never walk away from Eva or get off the phone with her without her speaking her favorite phrase, ‘Love and Light.’ That’s what she believed in in all of us! I have never met a kinder woman or a more gracious soul on this earth.”

Basler has been an active member of the Television Academy since 2000 and currently serves as the Governor of Daytime Programming, a position that represents the Daytime Dramatic Programming community on the National Awards Committee. She’s also participated in the Executive, Primetime Awards, Daytime Awards, Budget, Governors Ball, and Creative Arts Committees.

For the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS), she served on its Board of Trustees, which in 2024 was replaced by a new Board of Directors structure, with Basler beginning a three-year term in January 2024 as an inaugural member, making her the only person to serve simultaneously on the boards of both the West and East Coast television academies.

Note: The post Bell-Phillip Television Productions, Producer Of ‘The Bold And The Beautiful,’ Experiences Layoffs first appeared on Soap Opera Network.

Launched in July 2025, the “Soapy Hosted by Rebecca Budig and Greg Rikaart” podcast series has quickly become the go-to destination for nostalgic conversations with beloved soap stars, past and present and creative minds behind some of the most popular daytime dramas.

Now in its third season, the podcast, hosted by soap stars Rebecca Budig (Taylor Hayes, “The Bold and the Beautiful”) and Greg Rikaart (Leo Stark, “Days of our Lives”), recently announced some of its upcoming guests, including Brad Bell (executive producer and head writer, “The Bold and the Beautiful”), Sydney Bullock (Melissa Dylan, “The Bold and the Beautiful”), Don Diamont (Bill Spencer, “The Bold and the Beautiful”), Nancy Lee Grahn (Alexis Davis, “General Hospital”), Cherie Jimenez (Gabi Hernandez, “Days of our Lives”) and Josh Swickard (Harrison Chase, “General Hospital”).

On Instagram, the official account for “Soapy” is asking fans to share questions they’d like answered by future guests, personal stories and/or memories they might have tied to a guest and the soaps they love, and which dream guests they’d like to see on the show.

The most recent episode of the podcast features an informative interview with “Beyond the Gates” star Tamara Tunie (Anita Dupree). The indepth conversation includes Tunie revealing that just before she got the call to play the matriarch of the soap opera, she had been acting in a play at the Steppenwolf Theatre in Chicago, “Purpose,” which had received an order for a Broadway run at the Hayes Theater, though she was told she wouldn’t be a part of the new production “because they needed stars in the role.”

“It broke my heart. It broke my heart… it didn’t break my spirit,” said Tunie on her feelings of rejection. “It came close because I was really like, ‘Okay, what is the point? I’ve been doing this for 30-something years. One stellar performance after another in shows that matter, things that matter, and yet I’m not good enough?’ Little did I know that three months later I would get a call that said, ‘We have this new show, and we can’t imagine anyone else playing this role but you.’”

In addition to Tunie, guests appearing this season on the podcast include actors Tanisha Harper (“General Hospital”), Sean Kanan (“The Bold and the Beautiful), Eileen Davidson (“The Young and the Restless”), Robert Scott Wilson (“Days of our Lives”), Brandon Claybon (“Beyond the Gates”), Melissa Claire Egan (“The Young and the Restless”), Joshua Morrow (“The Young and the Restless”), Donnell Turner (“General Hospital”), Morgan Fairchild (“Flamingo Road,” “General Hospital”), Jackée Harry (“Days of our Lives”), and Donna Mills (“Knots Landing,” “General Hospital”), as well as writer Ron Carlivati (“Days of our Lives,” “One Life to Live”) and director Owen Renfroe (“The Young and the Restless,” “General Hospital”).

Episodes from the audio/video podcast series are available for free via the Audacy app and the CBS brand YouTube channel.

The podcast is produced by the Paramount Multiplatform Production Group, with Mike Benson serving as executive producer.

Note: The post ‘Soapy Hosted By Rebecca Budig And Greg Rikaart’ Announces Upcoming Guests, Including Brad Bell, Don Diamont & Nancy Lee Grahn first appeared on Soap Opera Network.

Peabo Bryson, best known to soap fans for singing the popular “One Life to Live” theme song from the 1980s, and the Disney classics “A Whole New World” and “Beauty and the Beast,” has died. He was just 75 years old.

Though an official cause of death was cited, on Sunday, May 31, a rep for the family announced that Bryson had suffered a stroke and was under medical care.

“With broken hearts and profound sadness, the family of two-time Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter and balladeer, Peabo Bryson, announces his passing,” said the entertainer’s family in a statement reported by Variety. “He transitioned peacefully at 5:00 p.m. ET on the evening of Tuesday, June 2, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family and those closest to him.”

“For more than five decades, Peabo’s extraordinary voice served as the soundtrack to some of life’s most cherished moments. His music carried generations through joyful celebrations, great love stories and enduring moments of comfort and inspiration, creating a legacy that will forever live in the hearts of those who loved him and the countless lives he touched through song.

“In this deeply difficult moment, the family asks for privacy as they mourn the loss of a beloved husband, father, family member, friend and artist whose impact extended far beyond the stage.

“We are tremendously moved by the outpouring of love, prayers and support from fans, friends, and colleagues around the world,” the family shared. “While our hearts are broken, we find comfort in knowing how deeply Peabo was loved and how many lives were touched by his voice and his generous spirit. His legacy and music will live on for generations to come.”

Though his duets with Celine Dion (“Beauty and the Beast” from 1991’s “Beauty and the Beauty”) and Regina Belle (“A Whole New World” from 1992’s “Aladdin”), respectively, were his most recognized songs, Bryson also scored several other hits, including “Tonight, I Celebrate My Love,” “You’re Looking Like Love to Me,” “As Long as There’s Christmas,” “Feel the Fire,” “Reaching for the Sky,” “I’m So into You” and “Crosswinds,” among others.

In 1985, with music by Dave Grusin and lyrics by Randy Goodrum, Bryson appeared in an episode of “One Life to Live” singing what would become a vocal rendition of the show’s then-instrumental theme, which remained a signature part of the daytime soap opera until 1991.

In 1992, Bryson performed “Beauty and the Beast” alongside Dion at the Academy Awards, with “Beauty and the Beast” up for Best Original Song. Though the song took home the Oscar by the end of that night’s broadcast, the actual award went to songwriters Alan Menken, Howard Ashman and Tim Rice, as performers are not considered for awards. That said, the following year, Bryson and Dion won the Grammy for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal for their work on the song.

Bryson took home his second Grammy in 1994 for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals in 1994, alongside Belle, for “A Whole New World” from “Aladdin.” The song also won the Oscar for Best Original Song the same year, though the award was again given to composer Alan Menken and lyricist Tim Rice.

In 2025, Bryson took part in a multi-city celebration tour, titled “Peabo Bryson: The Golden Touch Tour,” in honor of his 50 years in music.

Details on the celebration of life and memorial arrangements will be announced at a later date.

Bryson is survived by his wife, Tanya Boniface Bryson; their son, Robert; his daughter, Linda Bryson; and his three grandkids.

Listen to Bryson’s renditions of some of his most famous works below.

“One Life to Live” Theme Song (1985-1991)

“Beauty and the Beast” With Celine Dion

“A Whole New World” With Regina Belle

“Feel The Fire” / “I’m So Into You” / “Tonight I Celebrate My Love”

Note: The post Peabo Bryson, Singer Of Iconic ‘One Life To Live’ Theme Song, Disney Favorites ‘A Whole New World’ & ‘Beauty and the Beast,’ Dies At 75 first appeared on Soap Opera Network.

First spotted in a behind-the-scenes video that was shared online on Monday of the daytime drama series’ cast and crew celebrating the taping of episode 16,000, actress Kayden Brenna Tokarski has officially joined the cast of “General Hospital” as a recast Scout Cain, the daughter of Drew Cain (Cameron Mathison) and the late Sam McCall (Kelly Monaco).

According to Soap Opera Digest, Tokarski is replacing Cosette Abinante, who had played the recurring role since 2022, after a decision “was made in order to age up the character,” a mechanism better known as Soap Opera Rapid Aging Syndrome (SORAS), a mechanism used by daytime soaps for decades. Scout was born on screen in February 2017.

Though an exact first air date for Tokarski was not known at press time, fans can look forward to her making her Port Charles debut in July. Meanwhile, another new face is also coming this summer with Dean Geyer, best known for his portrayal of Brody Weston on “Glee,” Mark Reynolds on “Terra Nova” and Ty Harper on the Australian soap opera, “Neighbours,” having also joined the show in the contract role of Tristan Roberts.

The new character’s name might sound remarkably familiar to viewers of the long-running soap opera, given its similarity to one of the show’s most iconic cast members, the late Australian actor Tristan Rogers, who played Robert Scorpio on the series for several decades, starting in 1980. Rogers sadly passed away on August 15, 2025, after a battle with lung cancer.

Though the show has not formally written a storyline acknowleding the passing of the beloved actor’s character, head writers Elizabeth Korte and Chris Van Etten stated last year that they would address his passing on-screen with a storyline down the road, saying in an interview, “He is sorely missed, and we aim to pay tribute to Tristan and Robert the same way that we did for Leslie [Charleson] and Monica [Quartermaine].” Could this new character tie into that honor?

As for Tokarski, while “General Hospital” marks her daytime debut, she has racked up extensive credits in just a few short years, most recently appearing in several episodes of”Dhar Mann,” a short-film series that dramatizes fictionalized versions of problems in modern society, playing various characters. She has also starred in a pair of Lifetime original TV movies, including 2024’s “My Professor’s Deadly Secret” with James Hyde (Sam Bennett, “Passions”; Jeremy Stark, “The Young and the Restless”) and “Killer in the Wood.” She next appears in “Curse of Vandor” and its sequel, “Curse of Vandor: Revenge of the Sorcerer,” which stars Dee Wallace (ex-Pat Spencer, “General Hospital”) from “E.T.: The Extraterrestrial.”

“A DREAM COME TRUE,” said Tokarski in a post on Instagram. “So honored to be joining the @generalhospitalabc family!! Biggest thanks to @markteschner [Mark Teschner, Casting Director] @fvalentinigh [Frank Valentini, Executive Producer] for giving me the opportunity of a lifetime to work on this iconic show. And special thanks to @ivyartistsmanagement for always believing in me!!”

The 16,000th episode of “General Hospital” is set to air on Monday, July 13.

Note: The post Kayden Brenna Tokarski Joins ‘General Hospital’ As Recast Scout Cain first appeared on Soap Opera Network.

After a brief hiatus due to the Memorial Day holiday last week, the cast of “General Hospital” returned to work on Monday, June 1, and with it, the daytime drama series taped its 16,000th episode.

Taking part in all the festivities, which included a cake-cutting celebration and plenty of photos, among other fun activities, were veteran cast members Steve Burton (Jason Morgan) and Finola Hughes (Anna Devane), each of whom had taken time off from the show in recent months, resulting in their characters being written off canvas.

While Burton returned to work with yesterday’s taping, Hughes reportedly had already been back at the show’s Prospect Studios-based set, news of which was first confirmed by co-star Chris L. McKenna (Jack Brennan), who, in a post on X (formerly Twitter) published April 12, said, “Finola is on her way back!” McKenna was responding to a user on the platform who stated how much they missed Hughes’ character, who, in recent months, has been seemingly suffering from mental health issues stemming from her belief that Cesar Faison is alive.

As for Burton, the actor announced in a post on Instagram back in February that he’d be taking a brief hiatus from the show, noting, “I’m newly married and looking forward to spending some quality time with my family. I’m grateful for all the support and will be back this summer. Much love.” In May 2025, the actor married Michelle Lundstrom, a chef and content creator.

Burton last appeared as Jason on the March 25 episode, wherein the mob henchman was arrested by the WSB (World Security Bureau) for allegedly shooting its director, Ross Cullum (Andrew Hawkes), though the actual shooter was Rocco Falconeri (Finn Carr). Upon his capture, Jason went willingly in order to protect the young Lulu (Alexa Havins Bruening) and Dante’s (Dominic Zamprogna) child.

While the 16,000th episode is set to air on Monday, July 13, at press time, it was unknown when either Burton or Hughes would officially return on-screen, as the long-running soap opera generally tapes by scene or set availability rather than exclusively by episode number.

“There’s nothing like celebrating a milestone with friends, family, and cake to cure a case of the Mondays,” noted the show in posts shared across social media. They noted, “63 years and 16,000 episodes later, we’re still going strong thanks to all of you! Thank you so much for watching.”

In addition to the returns of Burton and Hughes, actor Dean Geyer, best known for his portrayal of Brody Weston on “Glee,” Mark Reynolds on “Terra Nova” and Ty Harper on the Australian soap opera, “Neighbours,” has joined the show’s cast in the contract role of Tristan Roberts, a name that sounds remarkably similar to that of one of the show’s most iconic cast members, the late Tristan Rogers, the Australian actor who played Robert Scorpio on the series over several decades, starting in 1980. Rogers sadly passed away on August 15, 2025, after a battle with lung cancer.

Check out footage from the show’s 16,000th episode taping below.

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Note: The post Steve Burton & Finola Hughes Return To Taping At ‘General Hospital’ first appeared on Soap Opera Network.