Chandler Massey on DAYS Exit: "I'm Actually Glad Things Went Down The Way They Did!"
Chandler filmed his final scenes as Will Horton on Friday, Aug. 23 — only he didn't know they were his last until he was summoned at the end of his work day to the office of Greg Meng, the soap's co-executive producer. During this meeting, Meng informed Massey, who had been planning to depart the NBC soap when his contract expired in December, that he would have to leave immediately because a replacement had already been hired. Massey exited the studio sans fanfare — no farewell party, no goodbyes, no nothing — and sources close to the young actor say he was devastated and in tears. His last episode will air on or around Dec. 31.Days issued a statement calling Massey's exit "a mutual decision," which isn't exactly true. Yes, Massey did announce his plans to quit Days at the Daytime Emmys last June. But my spies tell me the Days chiefs were blindsided by his news and that they decided to blindside him back. Was Massey fired? Technically, yes, since he will not be paid for the final 13 weeks of his contract.
TV Guide spoke with Massey, who has had a few days to deal with the news and is clearly taking the high road.
"I'm actually glad things went down the way they did," Massey tells us. "I appreciate the producers for letting me out of my deal early because I can now pursue other opportunities I couldn't under contract. And, really, I want what's best for the show and the character. I'm honored to have played Will's coming-out story, and really proud of the Will and Sonny romance. It's important that they pass the torch to another actor and continue the story."
What will he miss most? "The money!" cracks Massey, who adds that he's okay with not getting a goodbye party. "Even if I'd left the way I thought I would, a party was never on the table. I don't like that sort of thing. I never want any fuss. But I'm going to miss everyone like crazy. I had so many incredible mentors at the show and made so many great friends."
Massey is open to more acting roles — but he's determined to get back to his courses at UCLA, which were put on hold when he won the Days gig in 2009. His plans include becoming fluent in Mandarin Chinese. "Back in eighth grade, I'd seen nothing but small-town Georgia when I left the U.S. for the first time and went to Hong Kong, Taiwan and Mainland China," he says. "I've been fascinated with that culture ever since and, with the way the global economy is going, it's a really important language to learn. And who knows? Maybe they'll put me in the movies over there. I can be like the token white guy. All I have to do is learn kung fu!"
A spokesperson for THE YOUNG & THE RESTLESS has confirmed exclusively to Soaps In Depth that Eileen Davidson will be making a visit to Genoa City later this fall!
She'll be appearing as Ashley for three episodes in late October.
No other details are available at this time.
Ever since General Hospital stars Kirsten Storms and Brandon Barash told PEOPLE they were expecting their first child together – a girl! – and that they'd secretly gotten married in June, they've been overwhelmed with the positive well wishes from fans.
Now, the couple has decided to share the story of their clandestine nuptials, as well as a photo from their magical day. Barash, a gifted raconteur, tells the story in his own words of how the couple assumed new monikers – Mom and Dad, and Husband and Wife – in the span of a week:
We had just left our first baby doctor's appointment, and were riding high. Even though our baby was more in the shape of a pancake with a heartbeat, we were quite jolly. My dad was playing in the World Series of Poker at the time, a lifelong dream, so he and my stepmom were in Vegas for the weekend.
On our walk home – yes, we actually walked in L.A. – we received a text from them that he had been knocked out in the first 45 minutes. He was crushed. Kirsten and I looked at each other and said in unison (a common occurrence with us), "Wanna go to Vegas and get married?!" That was all we needed.
We called our respective parental units and immediate family and planned an impromptu rendezvous for the weekend at Caesar's Palace. The universe conspired with us and offered us no resistance.
By the following afternoon, Saturday, I had proposed to Kirsten with a blue raspberry Ring Pop in hand at a gas station in Wrightwood, Calif., and we had planned our wedding ceremony with the team at Caesar's. To say they went above and beyond would be a severe understatement. They're always closed on Sundays but their coordinator offered to open just for us the next day, and we took her up on it. She gave us our pick of chapels, officiants (none of which were donning Elvis duds or personas), live piano music ... we chose Led Zeppelin, flowers, etc. It was nothing short of a dream wedding.
There were about 10 of us in a chapel that seated 200 comfortably, and it was perfect. All I remember was my face feeling like Niagara Falls, stomping on the glass – the one religious element he chose to include – and Zeppelin's "Over the Hills and Far Away" playing as we walked down the aisle. Perfection.
After the ceremony, we shared an impeccable meal with our loved ones at Il Mulino, our favorite restaurant, and spent the night playing roulette. Again, we felt the universe on our sides as we hit the numbers of Lil B's due date and our newly established wedding anniversary repeatedly on the roulette table. It was magic, and we wouldn't have had it any other way.
We kept it under wraps for so long by only telling those close to us. Luckily (almost) everyone stayed tight-lipped – yet another beckoning from fate. As I said before, given all of the possible and spontaneous complications with early pregnancy, we wanted to wait until we were out of the proverbial woods.
One more thing ...
As we were cleaning out our apartment, we found a soap magazine from 2009 with us on the cover and a caption reading, "Will Johnny and Maxie sleep together?" We got a laugh. Johnny and Maxie didn't do the deed, but Brandon and Kirsten picked up where they left off and ... Got. It. Done.
Daytime Confidential is reporting that "GENERAL HOSPITAL breakdown writer Jean Passanante will co-head write THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS with Shelly Altman."
For nearly three decades Y&R was the one daytime soap opera that seemed immune from the constant backstage upheaval with rotating writers and producers that chipped away at the foundations of so many beloved shows. The past decade has not been kind to the legacy of the #1 Daytime Drama.
Melanie dropped the charges against Adam on Monday's episode which means Chambers' stint on Y&R is over. Her last airdate was August 26th.
DAYS's Nadia Bjorlin (ex-Chloe), who will be making a quick visit to Salem at some point in the months ahead, is already busy filming a prime-time show.
"Good morning! It's an early but beautiful day here on set for 2 Broke Girls...." she tweeted earlier today.
As General Hospital fans around the country are watching the demise of Connie Falconeri, it marks the end of the line for Kelly Sullivan, who for two years impressed the television audience with her portrayal of Kate Howard/Connie Falconeri in the DID storyline and as a love interest for Sonny Corinthos (Maurice Benard) and much more!
As viewers on the west coast just watched Connie take her last breath, Sullivan took to Twitter to say: “RIP Connie. It was a great two years! Thank you for your love and support, it means so much. Long live GH!”
The other half of DAYS super couple WilSon, Freddie Smith (Sonny) shared his thoughts over the weekend via Twitter on the departure of his long-time scene partner, Chandler Massey (Will) who finished his last tape day on Friday.
Freddie related to his fans and followers: “I feel so lucky I got to work with @ChandlerMassey these past two years. It was an incredible time. I wish you all the best. You deserve it!”
Congratulations are in order for THE BOLD & THE BEAUTIFUL's Jacob Young (Rick) and wife Christen, who welcomed their second child yesterday. Molly Lynn was born early Wednesday, August 28, and weighed six pounds, 11 ounces.
The whole family is doing well, including their four year old son, Luke. Best wishes to them all!
Jeffrey Vincent Parise has joined the cast of GENERAL HOSPITAL as Carlos, according to ACCESS HOLLYWOOD.
Carlos is a man from Sabrina’s (Teresa Castillo) past, who shows up in town just as things are going so well for the nurse and her boyfriend, Dr. Patrick Drake (Jason Thompson).
His ties extend beyond his connection to Sabrina and into the murky waters of the Port Charles underworld, ACCESS revealed.
Parise shot his first scenes on August 27th and will make his GH debut as Carlos in mid-September.
He has appeared in primetime shows like CUPID, VERONICA MARS and CASTLE, as well as in daytime soap opera DAYS OF OUR LIVES.
Fan favorite actress Maree Cheatham has been cast to play the grandmother of Jaime King's Lemon Breeland in an upcoming episode of HART OF DIXIE, according to E!
Grandma Bettie Breeland "ends up paying her granddaughter a visit to help preserve the Breeland name."
Daytime soap opera fans know Cheatham for her roles as Marie Horton in DAYS OF OUR LIVES, Stephanie Wyatt on SEARCH FOR TOMORROW and Charlene Simpson in GENERAL HOSPITAL. She also appeared in PASSIONS and PORT CHARLES. Fans of primetime serials will remember her appearances in KNOTS LANDING, GCB, DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES and THE WEST WING.
Daytime or primetime, comedy or drama, Cheatham always entertains. She is currently starring as Nona in Nickelodeon's SAM & CAT.
It’s going to be a veritable who’s who of Genoa City when "Young and the Restless" characters past and present gather for Katherine Chancellor’s memorial service, airing on Sept. 3 and 4.
The late, great Jeanne Cooper, who played the soap's matriarch for nearly 40 years, passed away in May, but the show took a few months to write her character's death into the story line in order to do it justice.
“These episodes are definitely for the longtime viewers,” Peter Bergman, who plays Jack Abbott, told TODAY.com. “Nothing’s more real than watching Jess Walton — who plays Kay's longtime nemesis, Jill — at Katherine’s funeral. It’s palpable. You can feel the emotion in the air when she steps to the podium.”
Cooper’s real-life son, Corbin Bernsen of "Psych," reprises his role as Father Todd, who will officiate Kay’s service.
Other familiar faces are returning for the memorial, including Christine (Lauralee Bell), Danny (Michael Damian), Nina (Tricia Cast), Amber (Adrienne Frantz) and Brock (Beau Kayser).
“The episodes are deeply powerful,” Bergman teased. “Tricia Cast is a wonderful actress; the audience always loves seeing her come back. Lauralee Bell looks wonderful and there is a terrific surprise with her character. Michael Damian sings a song, and it would not have been the same without Beau Kayser, a sweet, sweet man who lost a longtime friend. These are great shows for 'Y&R' purists.”
In a clip from the memorial episodes that CBS is sharing exclusively with TODAY.com, Jack and his brother Billy (played by Billy Miller) take a moment to privately and fondly recall their late father, John, and his long friendship with Katherine. (Kudos to "Y&R" scribes for referencing John and Katherine's skinny-dipping exploits from the duo's younger days!)
Looks like both of Theresa’s (Jen Lilley) parents are coming to Salem for a visit!
A show spokesperson for Days of our Lives had told Soap Opera Digest that fan favorite Charles Shaughnessy (Shane Donovan) will return to the NBC soap, and air along with the already returning Patsy Pease (Kimberly) for November sweeps!
Oh boy! What trouble does Theresa get herself into now that brings Shane and Kimberly into the story? Or, is it just a nice visit from mom and dad?
Charles Shaughnessy last appeared on DAYS in May of 2012, and has been open to returning to play one of the most beloved characters in the history of the NBC soap opera.
Last night, in a ceremony hosted by Michelle Visage and James St. James at Hollywood’s Bardot, LOGO’s beloved indie dark comedy web series EastSiders, starring former As the World Turns Van Hansis (Thom) and the talented Kit Williamson (Cal), won the honored with the award for Best Web Series- Drama from LA Weekly.
The crowded category included gay favorites: The Outs and Hunting Season, H+ (from producer Bryan Singer), Blue (starring Julia Styles), Halo 4 (from Machinima), and The Vault. EastSiders writer, director, and star Kit Williamson is also the star of the romantic comedy web series Hipsterhood, which won the award for Best Web Series - Comedy.
Kit Williamson related on his shows victory, “I think it’s amazing that a publication like The LA Weekly is taking notice of new media. It’s an honor to be listed alongside such great content creators and I’m grateful to everyone who voted for us. It’s also very exciting to see three gay web series nominated for best web drama, rather than being isolated into their own category. I think it’s a testament to LGBT content creators being at the vanguard of the medium.”
The Young and the Restless Eva Marcille (ex-Tyra Hamilton) has some good news: She and her husband, songwriter Kevin McCall, are expecting their first child! The couple broke the news to BET first, where the actress gave an exclusive interview.
“Being able to bring a life into the world is every woman’s dream but for me it’s more than just a dream it is a magical, mystical journey which I get to share with this amazing man,” the five-months pregnant star shares. “Kevin is the only man who I would share this moment in life with.”
As first noted on the Friday, August 16 episode of CBS’ The Young and the Restless, several of Katherine Chancellor’s (Jeanne Cooper) friends and family received postcards informing them to be at the grand dames home on that particular date and at “8:00pm sharp.” Following news of when the show will honor the life of Katherine on screen, the soap unveiled a website dedicated to the character that includes a gallery that breaks down the postcards each of her friends and family received, some of which were sent before Katherine decided to have people gather at her home. The postcards were written by the writers of the show, of course.
Message from the Taj Mahal (to Esther Valentine)
Message from Stonehenge (to Nikki Newman)
Message from Parthenon (to Kevin Fisher)
Message from Machu Picchu (to Cane, Lily and Twins)
Message from Kilimanjaro (to Victor Newman)
Message from Hong Kong (to Devon Hamilton)
Message from Great Wall of China (to Mr. and Mrs. Cane Ashby)
Message from Great Barrier Reef (to Chloe Fisher)
Message from Giza (to Jill Fenmore)
Note: On the postcard written to Cane, Lily and their Twins from Machu Picchu, Lily’s name is spelled with two “L’s” instead of just one.
Dixie sent Alex to the hunting lodge so that she would find Dimitri there. Alex and Dimitri reunited and made love. Edmund arrived at the lodge the following morning and was startled to find Dimitri there. When Edmund spotted Alex's clothes crumpled on the floor, he realized that she had slept with Dimitri. Bianca was thrilled to learn that Dimitri was alive. David was furious with Dixie for leading Alex to Dimitri, but their argument ended with a kiss that left Dixie speechless. Dixie threatened to quit if David ever kissed her again. Gillian stowed away on Adrian and Ryan's flight to Chechnya and was nearly tossed overboard. After seeing Ryan and Gillian together, Greenlee went on a rampage, getting Leo to help her destroy Ryan's apartment. Becca ended her relationship with Leo after learning that he had abandoned her to spend time with Greenlee. Stuart returned to Pine Valley.
Molly helped Rose hide the videotape from Katie. Ben agreed to take care of Curtis while Isaac searched for evidence to prove Andy was faking his paralysis. Carly went to Las Vegas to stop Jack and Julia's rushed wedding. A drunken Lily embraced Simon, who told her he loved her. With Cooley's help, Holden arrived at the island.
Brooke wouldn't choose between Bridget and Thorne and persuaded Bridget to go home with her to work things out. Morgan promised Stephanie and Ridge she wouldn't tell anyone who her baby's father was and later called Clarke and begged him to keep her secret. Sherman persuaded Amber to plead guilty to a lesser felony charge so she wouldn't get any jail time. Eric told Rick they could fight for custody of Little Eric and win because of Amber's drug conviction.
Greta was no match for Nicole, as Nicole got back on Lucas' good side. Nicole decided to let Victor and Rex think she had no idea she had been scammed as part of her revenge against them. Brandon dismissed Maroni's threats, and told Sami that he would marry Angela to get the goods on Lucas and Kate. Abe told Lexie about Fay, but not the entire story. Everyone in Salem started to notice Hattie's resemblance to Marlena, but Stefano was up to something as he had Dr. Rolf and Bart working on Hattie's "Marlena" makeover. Bo suggested to Hope that he might not be the father of baby John, but Hope wouldn't believe it, and then told Bo that they should have another child. Bo and Hope rekindled their love and romance. John's rude and impatient demeanor toward Abe and Roman concerning Brady's arrest and release concerned them. Brady's anger toward John continued. Lucas started his job at the restaurant and drugged Sami. Kate sent Sami on the "trip" of her life. Victor was encouraged about his medical problem. Belle was hurt and confused when Chloe stole the show and Belle's date on their "group get-together."
Jax left Chloe in order to pursue Brenda; Chloe was then kidnapped from her room and later awoke and was shocked to see Stefan alive. Carly told Jason all that had happened since he had left Port Charles. She became convinced that Jason would be able to solve all of her problems. When Alexis told Sonny that Jason should take Carly out of the country so she couldn't testify against him, Sonny informed a stunned Carly that they were getting married. At Ned's concert, the press asked Alexis more questions about being Eddie's Angel. Zander met with Sorel. Roy went in search of Luke.
In a reflective and poignant evening, Josh and Reva finally signed their divorce papers. Reva talked to Maura about the divorce. Ross couldn't handle Blake. Cassie was put in a life-threatening situation, Edmund was the alleged good Samaritan, and Richard reacted on cue. Susan had a wild party at Jim and Beth's house that got Susan drunk, the house trashed, and the police -- including Harley -- on the premises. Maura and Susan felt the wrath of their actions. Susan's desperation resulted in her running away from home again, but her note left Harley and family thinking the worst this time. Maura met Tony. Aunt Meta returned and lent moral support to Rick and Michelle, and put Claire in her place. Charles Grant exonerated Rick and was onto Claire's part in his predicament. Father Ray took a bullet for his brother Tony. Michelle witnessed Danny's brutality with Tony, and his actions finally put an end to their marriage. Danny told Maria that it was over with Michelle and that he was taking over the family business. Maria was behind the problems at the Lewis/Spaulding construction project that were heading toward an even more disastrous climax.
Max told Rae there was no way he could be her son. Lindsay told R.J. that Todd was in Llanview. Todd ate Sam's letter from Will before Same could see it. Will called Jess from Ireland. Cristian hid Will's letter. Kelly and Joey decided their relationship was over for good. Cris gave Jess back the letter, and she was furious when she learned that he had lied to her. R.J. kidnapped Todd and put a bomb in his lap. Antonio, Sophia, and Roseanne saved Todd and arresed them both. Kevin and Kelly declared their love. Jessica headed to Ireland to find Will. Will hidd in a stable where he met Emma. Bo returned home in time to stop Asa's court proceedings. Sam and Bo confronted Colin and Lindsay about Nora. Rae apologized to Sykes, and all was forgiven. Blair tried to stop the computer virus, but it was too late. Renee overheard Rae tell Kelly that Daniel had said Max was Rae's son. Todd showed up at Sam's house with a surprise... Nora!
Ethan went in search of Theresa. Charity had a premonition that someone was going to die. Julian went to Sheridan's cottage. Ethan told Theresa he loved her, but Theresa saw through his attempt to revive her. Sheridan instructed Eve to tell Luis everything. Gwen walked in on Ethan kissing Theresa at the hospital. Alistair told Eve to reveal what Sheridan had said under hypnosis. Rebecca learned that Ethan had kissed Theresa. Ethan confided to Chad how Theresa's near death made him realize he loved her; but he loved Gwen too. Ethan told Gwen and Theresa there was something he had to tell both of them.
Victor left town for a while, and Neil was in charge of Newman Enterprises. Ashley was devastated that Diane was pregnant with Victor's child. Nikki was stunned to find out about the paternity of Diane's child. Christine prepared to take a pregnancy test. Mac told Katherine the truth about her relationship with Billy and how Jill was still meddling in her life. Brittany had big plans to get even with Mac and Billy. Ryan let Victoria be his roommate for a while, but Tricia knocked on his door.
Monday
No Show
Tuesday ("Proposal")
Nicole surprises Marlena with an unexpected proposal; Caroline speaks her mind with Nick.
Wednesday ("Out of Control")
J.J continues his downward spiral of self-destruction; Abigail tries to change Daniel's mind about ending his relationship with Jennifer.
Thursday ("Eric's Feeling")
Eric has trouble shaking his feelings of uneasiness about the night at the hotel; Jennifer is shocked to learn that J.J. has been arrested
Friday ("Justin Confronts EJ")
Justin confronts E.J. about the money planted in the account of Bernardi's son; Jennifer throws J.J.'s lies in his face.
Tuesday (Spinelli is on the verge of Spilling)
Spinelli comes close to saying too much about the baby; Morgan discovers a firearm on the Quartermaine estate
Wednesday (Sam is completely Frazzled)
Sam wants to leave her kiss with Silas in the past, but he believes they have a connection; Britt comes clean to Nikolas
Thursday (Carly arrives as Franco awaits Discharge)
Carly encounters Elizabeth while awaiting Franco's pre-trial hearing, and she offers a warning about A.J.'s true personality
Friday (Dante receives a call implying Sonny)
A vague phone call leads Dante to believe Sonny has been shot and admitted to the hospital; Patrick breaks the news to Emma about Britt's baby.
9/2,( No Show) Labor Day
9/3, Liam tells Bill not to regret his decision about Wyatt; Maya gets strength and support from Carter.
9/4, Quinn and Wyatt share a moment; Wyatt kisses Hope.
9/5, Brooke seeks redemption with the Spencer family; Forrester Creations joins with a new company.
9/6, (No Show) Pre-Empted for Sports Coverage of US Open Tennis
9/2, (No Show)
9/3, Friends and family gather for Katherine Chancellor's memorial service. Lily nobly hides her animosity for out-of-town visitor
9/4, Jill remembers her history with Katherine as Genoa City residents pay tribute to their friend.
9/5, Chelsea wants to do right by Connor; Adam's world is turned upside down. Noah makes a surprising declaration
9/6, N/A