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Former 'Housewives' star lending voice to animated series

By Kenny Herzog Jan 8, 2013 10:09AM
As the saying goes, you can't keep a good woman down. Or at least that's how it should be recited, particularly in the case of ex-"Desperate Housewives" star Eva Longoria.

Bing: Eva Longoria

Hollywood Reporter has confirmed that the Texan native is headed north of the border for a lead voice role in animated comedy "Mother Up!" Or at least her pipes are. 

Canadian broadcaster City and Hulu will simulcast the series, which features Longoria as music executive-turned-stressed suburban mom Rudi Wilson. “She’s a crazy, irresponsible mother, that all mothers fear they are,” Longoria tells Hollywood Reporter. “She barely keeps her kids alive with bizarre, improvised solutions to the endless challenges of parenting."

"Mother Up!" is the brainchild of "Family Guy"/"My Name is Earl"/"Better Off Ted" producer Michael Shipley, and will debut in the fall, proving Longoria is far from the autumn of her career. 




 

Star says he's satisfied with series finale, shares drama's lesser-known tidbits

By Mekeisha Madden Toby 2 hours ago

'Breaking Bad' '/' AMC

For five seasons and six years, Bryan Cranston has impressed fans and critics with his spellbinding and Emmy-winning portrayal of Walter White, a former chemistry teacher with a knack for making meth and wreaking havoc.

 

To drum up buzz for the series finale in August and kick off a promotional contest, Cranston talked to fans via Reddit. Almost immediately, fans wanted to know if Cranston was satisfied with the finale. Earlier this month, Vince Gilligan, the executive producer and creator behind the beloved AMC drama, told THR that penning the end of the series brought tears to his eyes. 

 

Bing: More on 'Breaking Bad' | Bryan Cranston

 

"'Breaking Bad' ended the way Vince Gilligan wanted it to," Cranston replied, " ... which is exactly what I wanted." Cranston also said being Walter taught him a lot about himself and stretched him as an actor. Before "Breaking Bad," Cranston played an affable dad on "Malcolm in the Middle."

 

Plus: True-crime TV movies | Top 25 stars 25 and under | Most vicious 'True Blood' villains 

 

"What I discovered is that everyone has a dark side" Cranston wrote. "It might be unrealized, untapped, but if the right buttons are pushed anyone can become dangerous and I just opened up to it. Now I don't want to say that I killed people in preparation for the role ... but I can't deny it either."

 

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Cranston also used the forum to praise Aaron Paul, whose turn as Jesse Pinkman earned him two Emmys, and Giancarlo Esposito. He delighted and frightened fans as Gus Fring.

 

"He's a great actor but an even better person," Cranston said of Paul. "Jesse was not supposed to survive after the first year. He was a character that was (supposed) to introduce me into that world and then he was going to die. But Aaron Paul captured something in him that was so necessary to the fabric of the show that it was a no brainer to keep him. They knew in broad strokes where the character was going to go, but they kept resetting after each season."

 

As for Esposito, Cranston said he "is such the antithesis of his character Gus. Gus was calculating and always had an agenda to advance himself personally. And Giancarlo is an open, warm, loving, caring man."

 

"Breaking Bad" Season 5.2 debuts Sunday, Aug. 11, at 9 p.m. ET/PT on AMC.

 

Co-host tells Wendy Williams too much then backpedals

By Mekeisha Madden Toby Tue 1:12 PM

'The View' '/' ABC

The rumors about Elisabeth Hasselbeck leaving "The View" aren't going to stop. Especially when her co-host, Sherri Shepherd, only fuels the rumors.

 

Shepherd slipped up and accidentally revealed too much about Hasselbeck's future when she appeared as a guest on "The Wendy Williams Show" Monday. During the interview, Williams asked Shepherd about all the changes "The View" is undergoing, and Shepherd said, "Oh, my gosh, girl. So many changes. I can't believe it! The two black women are left. Usually, they kill us off in the beginning."

 

Bing: More on 'The View' | Sherri Shepherd | Elisabeth Hasselbeck

 

The sardonic statement about her and Whoopi Goldberg being the only survivors piqued Williams' interest and she asked, "So if the two black women are left, then you've just confirmed that Hasselbeck is out."

 

Plus: Top 25 stars under 25 | Most vicious 'True Blood' villains | Miss USA 2013 contestants

 

Back in March, Joy Behar announced her departure from "The View." She takes off in August when the current season ends. Two months later, Barbara Walters announced that she will be retiring in the summer of 2014. While a number of outlets have predicted Hasselbeck's exit from "The View," nothing has been confirmed.  

 

 

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Shepherd certainly didn't mean to do the honors. After Williams pressed and laughingly told the audience that Shepherd had put her "foot in her mouth," the comedian turned talk show host quickly backtracked. "I didn't confirm anything. She's going to be there," Shepherd insisted about Hasselbeck. "We're all going to be there next season."

 

"The View" airs weekdays on ABC. 

 

Vampire drama's Season 6 opener raises questions, draws wide range of responses

By Mekeisha Madden Toby Mon 1:37 PM

'True Blood' '/' HBO

Spoiler alert: This post contains details from the "True Blood" Season 6 opener.

 

Oh, Billith. Who art thou?

 

That's what fans of HBO's hit vampire drama "True Blood" were left wondering when Season 6 kicked off Sunday night. Now that Bill (Stephen Moyer) and Lilith (Jessica Clark) are one, is Bill a bad guy and just how bad is he?

 

Bing: More on 'True Blood'

 

Sookie (Anna Paquin) certainly wasn't taking any chances when she staked Billith. But that seemed to make the super vamp super angry and he will undoubtedly be seeking revenge. That's one thing to ponder going forward. The other is Jessica's (Deborah Ann Woll ) fate. Is she going to die this season or can she indeed help save Bill's soul?

 

Plus: Most vicious 'True Blood' villains | Miss USA 2013 contestants | TV shows based on books

 

In fact, the Season 6 premiere was filled with a ton of twists, turns and tasty mysteries. Among them: Was that Warlow who picked up Jason (Ryan Kwanten) on the side of the road? Is Alcide (Joe Manganiello) power hungry and out of control now and how will his werewolf pack interact with the vampire world? What's next for Sookie and Eric (Alexander Skarsgard) and will they ever hook up again? Their goodbye was so romantic.

 

But more than anything, will Season 6 live up to fans' expectations? New show runner Brian Buckner hopes so and has promised to return to the drama's soapy roots. So far, most fans are pleased. The Huffington Post's recapper declared the opener far better than the "snooze fest" that was Season 5. And the New York Post's Linda Stasi wrote a spoiler-filled review declaring that the writing on "True Blood" is "still good."

 

Not everyone is singing Season 6's praises. The New York Times reviewer is excited that this season's action takes place in Bon Temps -- compared to last season's "sterile Vampire Authority in New Orleans" -- but is disappointed in the "none-too-subtle message mongering." Meanwhile, Entertainment Weekly said the power-corrupts theme is too "heavy handed" and recalls a "True Blood" that "used to be a whole lot of fun."

 

What did you think? Are you thirsty for more of Season 6 or did the debut leave a bad taste in your mouth? Weigh in at MSN TV's Facebook and Twitter pages.

 

"True Blood" Season 6 airs Sundays at 9 p.m. ET/PT on HBO.

 

CBS, 'Days of Our Lives,' Doug Davidson and George Lucas steal the show

By TVDeeva Deanna Barnert Mon 7:26 AM

The 40th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards aired on HLN Sunday, June 14, but the party had already been going for days. MSN TV takes you behind the scenes of Daytime Emmy weekend, from the pre-parties and 'darties' to the main event and after-parties.

 

Bing: More about the 40th Annual Daytime Emmys | HLN


CBS walked away from the Daytime Emmys with the most wins this year, while "Days of Our Lives," Doug Davidson ("The Young and the Restless"), George Lucas and Betty White garnered the most buzz at the show. HLN's telecast didn't exactly run smoothly or leave daytime fans raving, but the weekend's celebrations were definitely a hit with the stars -- especially the soap opera stars.

 

"The feeling from last year to this year is just night and day, because there's this resurgence in daytime," explained Lead Actress-winner Heather Tom ("The Bold and the Beautiful"). "With all the show cancelations over the last few years, you felt like, 'Oh my god, how long are we going to get to keep doing this?' Now, I feel excited about where daytime is going. People realize there's an audience for this type of entertainment. I'm super stoked."


Plus: 'True Blood' villains  | Miss USA 2013 contestants | TV shows based on books  

 

The Daytime Emmy pre-parties 
Spirits were high as Daytime Emmy nominees and their colleagues worked a lineup of non-televised events that included a big cocktail party and Friday's Daytime Emmy Creative Arts Awards.
 

The fun kicked off Thursday with the Television Academy's annual Daytime Emmys Nominees Cocktail Reception at the Montage in Beverly Hills. There were so many familiar faces on the red carpet that it was hard to get through an interview or conversation without being interrupted by a reunion.

 

"This is always the great time: No one's under any pressure. All the nominees are relaxed and you get to see everybody you haven't gotten to see since last year," revealed Tracey Bregman ("The Young and the Restless"), who won the very first Younger Actress nod back in 1985 and has four nominations to her name.

 

Friday afternoon brought a more intimate affair, the annual Leading Ladies' lunch. As last year's Lead Actress winner, Heather Tom couldn't wait to host co-nominees Michelle Stafford ("The Young and the Restless"), Susan Flannery ("The Bold and the Beautiful") and Peggy McCay ("Days of Our Lives") at West Hollywood's Fig & Olive.

 

"I'm more excited about that then anything else!" she raved Thursday night, not knowing she'd end up taking home the win again.

 

On Friday night, The Creative Craft Daytime Emmy Awards tackled over 55 categories at the Westin Bonaventure in Downtown LA. Daytime stars turned out to celebrate the behind the scenes players who make them look and sound fabulous, as well as children's programming, morning shows and more.

 

"To see all these people that produce children's programming, animations, news and specials is fantastic," marveled John McCook ("The Bold and the Beautiful"), who was on-hand to present with former co-star Flannery. "This is what's left of old-time broadcasting and it's still very important. And all the technical people, oh god! They work as hard as we do and they're there all day, every day. I'm only there for my scenes!"

 

The Creative Craft's big winners were CBS and PBS, with each network earning 13 nods. "The Young and the Restless" and "The Bold and the Beautiful" accounted for ten of the CBS nods. "Sesame Street" nabbed six for PBS, including three for Kevin Clash, whose 20-year Elmo career ended in a hail of sexual allegations. Leeza Gibbons also landed her first nomination and win in 15 years for hosting PBS's Lifestyle/Travel Program "My Generation."

 

While the low-key affair wasn't televised, daytimers were gussied up and ready to have a good time. In fact, the lack of cameras had its benefits. 

 

"It's kind of raucous and laid back - it's not stiff, at all," McCook said of the night. "Sometimes it gets out of control and you say, 'Good!' It's not quite as funny as the foreign press, but it's funny."

 

In the midst of the official Daytime Emmy events, there was also a gift suite for presenters and nominees; mimosa, makeup and hair daytime parties (aka 'darties') starting as early as 10 a.m. on Sunday; and of course, a healthy dose of ogling and schmoozing.

 

"Do you see all these hunks?" giggled Sheryl Underwood ("The Talk"), who got a smooch from Davidson during the telecast. "I have to work the room. You've got all the soap people and then Monty Hall and all these icons. This is the bomb!"

 

The main event
On the Daytime Emmy red carpet Sunday, everyone was buzzing about the presence of first time Emmy-winner George Lucas ("Star Wars: The Clone Wars"), presenter Betty White and guest Ozzy Osbourne, who was supporting nominee Sharon ("The Talk"). As the night progressed, there was also chatter about the broadcast's envelope snafu, F-bombs and unpopular on-stage interviews. 

The biggest gasps and cheers, however, came with "Days of Our Lives" first Outstanding Drama win since 1978, Lead Actor Doug Davidson's first trophy after 35 years in daytime and Ricki Lake's nod for hosting her already-canceled show. Plus, "CBS Sunday Morning" somehow managed to beat out ratings heavy weights "Today" and "Good Morning America." 

 

After all these years, even the "Days of Our Lives" crew was shocked to hear its name called at the end of the night. That didn't reflect the show's caliber, but rather its history of being overlooked and the fact that last year's Drama winner "The Bold and the Beautiful" had already won the writing and directing nods. 


"Pinch me," Corday panned at the podium. 

 

Davidson, for his part, admitted to being "hysteric" with nerves on the red carpet, but he was on cloud nine after winning his first Emmy since joining "The Young and the Restless" in 1978.

 

"For me, it represents a body of work that spans 35 years," he said. "I guess I needed Jeanne Cooper in heaven to make sure it came true. What a doll. I wish you were here. It's incredible. This means so much to me."

 

Younger Actress Kristen Alderson ("General Hospital") and Younger Actor Chandler Massey ("Days of Our Lives") were also ebullient over their Emmys, while Supporting Actress Julie Marie Berman ("General Hospital") was clearly surprised by her win and Supporting Actors Scott Clifton ("The Bold and the Beautiful") and Billy Miller ("The Young and the Restless") were thrilled to share their title. 


"One Life to Live" didn't win anything for its final days on network television and next year, the Daytime Emmys will have to determine where the show and "All My Children" fit into the races. For this round, the online soap reboots were thrilled to be invited to the party. 

 

"We're back!" cheered presenter Vincent Irizarry ("All My Children"). "I'm happy they asked me to present. They're acknowledging that we're still part of this."

 

The Daytime Emmy after parties

For many daytimers, the best part of the Emmy whirlwind is the last stop of the weekend: The after parties!


"When the show's all done, you loosen your tie and celebrate your collective victories with your castmates," said Massey, whose tie was already loosened as he set out to his show's shindig at West Hollywood hot spot Boa.

 

In addition to an onsite event at the Beverly Hilton, stars hit private events hosted by the shows, networks and production companies.

 

"Everybody crashes everybody's parties," revealed Clifton. "It's always a great time and a nice walk down memory lane. You get to catch up, and that's probably the most exciting part of the Emmys every year."

 

For some of the ladies, the after parties are exciting for a whole other reason.

 

"I'm going to relax and eat some bread," laughed Tom. "I haven't eaten in three weeks!"

 

MSN TV has the rundown on the 40th Annual Daytime Emmys big winners here, along with a more detailed account of the broadcast here


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Daytime Emmy winners, blockbuster movies, summer TV and live music

By TVDeeva Deanna Barnert Mon 6:23 AM

The Daytime Emmys will be a hot topic in daytime the week of June 17, with "The Talk" hosting a post-Emmys celebration with the winners and "GMA" taking fans behind the scenes Monday. A-listers are coming out to promote "World War Z," "Monsters University," "Breakup at a Wedding," "Killing Season" and "Kevin Hart: Let Me Explain." TV stars are talking "True Blood," "Defiance,"  "Devious Maids," "The Killing," "Hot in Cleveland," "Revenge," "Twisted," "Criminal Minds," "Veep," "Sean Saves the World," "The Soul Man," "The Bachelor," "Rock My RV With Bret Michaels,"  "Joan & Melissa: Joan Knows Best," and "Whodunnit?" "Hit The Floor," "America's Got Talent" and "The Winner Is."

 

Bing: More Daytime TV news  | 40th Annual Daytime Emmys 

 

Performers on the docket include Kellie Pickler, Little Big Town, Amy Grant, John Legend, Kelly Rowland, Hanson, Big Time Rush and Hunter Hayes. Other notables coming to daytime include Martin Landau, Jason Stratham and Donald Sutherland.


Plus: 'True Blood' villains  | Miss USA 2013 contestants | TV shows based on books  

 

"Anderson Live"

Mon: (repeat) Co-host Jane Velez-Mitchell; Oscar picks

Tue: (repeat) Co-Host Keke Palmer; the Presidential election and Country Music Awards

Wed: (repeat) Co-host Dari Alexander; Busy Philipps, Kenya Moore

Thurs: (repeat) Co-host Rosie Perez; Liam McIntyre; Diane O'Meara, whose online photos was used in Manti T'eo hoax

Fri: (repeat) TBA

 

"Ellen"

Mon: (repeat) Madonna

Tues: (repeat) Colin Farrell, Nolan Gould; Cody Simpson performs

Wed: (repeat) Kate Hudson, Sophia Grace & Rosie's "Tea Time" with Katy Perry; Little Big Town performs

Thurs: (repeat) Zooey Deschanel, Maggie Elizabeth Jones; No Doubt talks and performs

Fri: (repeat) Dennis Quaid, Kate Mckinnon, The Humane Society President and CEO Wayne Pacelle


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"Good Morning America"

Mon: Brad Pitt, BHS at the Daytime Emmys; Hanson performs

Tues: Cedric the Entertainer, Mireille Enos, chef Rachael, Les Gold, Britney Spears' trainer

Wed: Kelly Rowland talks and performs

Thurs: John Travolta, Billy Crystal, Ree Drummond

Fri: Madonna's workout routine, John Legend performs

 

"Katie"

Mon: Chris Harrison, Desiree Hartsock, Trista Sutter, Sean Lowe, Vienna Girardi and the Mesnick's baby girl

Tues: Tom Arnold, Elisabeth Rohm, infertility
Wed: Julia Louis-Dreyfus, female breadwinners

Thurs: "Push Girls" cast Miss USA contestant Abby Curran, Matthew Reeve

Fri: Catching up with Loreba Bobbitt, OJ Simpson prosecutor Chris Darden, Ron Goldman's family, the Oklahoma fireman behind iconic photo

 

"Live! With Kelly and Michael"

* Repeat indicates encores interviews, but episode may feature some fresh chatter

Mon: Bret Michaels 

Tues: Mark Cuban, Gabriel Mann 

Wed: (repeat) Ryan Reynolds, Chelsea Handler; Cirque du Soleil performs

Thurs: (repeat) Jessica Alba, Jon Hamm

Fri: (repeat) Robert Downey Jr., Alexander Skarsgård

 

"Marie"

Mon: John C. McGinley; Chef Emily Bishop; Charley and Tracy Vega dog trainer Lisa J. Edwards

Tues: Kathy Ireland, Jose Eber, teen chef Jack Witherspoon, Dan Clark

Wed: (repeat) Hugh Jackman, Melissa Rivers, Craig Dietz, Tom Sullivan

Thurs: Carter Oosterhouse, Amy Smart, Dr. Gary Motykie, Lauren Berger, Guide Dogs of America spokesperson Lorri Bernson 

 

"Rachael Ray Show"

Mon: (repeat) Celeb style at any size

Tues: (repeat) Regis Philbin, Matt Bomer

Wed: (repeat) Eva Longoria, Sunny Anderson

Thurs: (repeat) Sara Moulton, Jennie Garth

Fri: (repeat) Rev Run & Tyrese

 

"The Talk"

Mon: post-Daytime Emmy's celebration with Heather Tom, Doug Davidson, Peggy McCay, Arianne Zucker, Kristian Alfonso, Scott Clifton and Billy Miller; Betty White, Valerie Bertinelli, Wendie Malick and Jane Leeves

Tues: Co-host Arsenio Hall; Martin Landau

Wed: Co-host Shemar Moore; Sean Hayes

Thurs: Penny Marshall; Big Time Rush performs 

Fri: Co-host Pat Harvey; Joe Manganiello, Denise Richards

 

"Today"'

Mon: Heidi Klum, Snoopy artist Tom Eberhart, Nick Lachey, Dean Cain

Tues: Cat Cora, Joanne Chang

Wed: Martha Stewart, Len Berman, the “Class of 2020," Kelly Williams Brown, Kid Rock

Thurs: "The Voice" winner and finalist, Donald Sutherland, Jason Statham, Lisa Glasberg

Fri: Nik Wallenda and family; Harry Connick Jr.; Grant Bowler; Brian Boitano; Hunter Hayes performs

 

"The View"

Mon: Zachary Quinto; Amanda Knox and her mother, Edda Mellas          

Tues: Co-host Kellie Pickler performs; Joan and Melissa Rivers, Mireille Enos  

Weds: Co-host Margaret Cho; Susan Lucci, Kimberly Schlapman; Little Big Town performs

Thurs: Billy Crystal, Butler Giles; Amy Grant performs

Fri: Co-host Ne-Yo; Kevin Hart; Whoopi’s daughter, Alex; Gina Brillon

 

"The Wendy Williams Show"

Mon: Sherri Shepherd, Darlene Love

Tues: Lucy Liu

Wed: Cedric the Entertainer

Thurs: Margaret Cho, Chassie Post and Don Lemon; Lilliana Vazquez
Fri: (repeat) Gabourey Sidibe, Colin Quinn

 

Schedules are subject to change.

 

Matriarch and homemaker had 11 children, including the Comedy Central star

By Mekeisha Madden Toby Fri 5:48 PM

'Stephen Colbert' '/' Comedy Central

Lorna Elizabeth Tuck Colbert was a lot of things. She was a homemaker, accomplished artist, church leader and businesswoman. She was also the mother of Comedy Central star Stephen Colbert, whom she raised along with his 10 siblings. She died Wednesday at the age of 92.

 

Bing: More on 'The Colbert Report'  |  Stephen Colbert

 

Last year, Colbert took a leave of absence from his show, "The Colbert Report," to help take care of his then ailing mother. He tweeted, "My family and I would like to thank everyone who has offered their thoughts and prayers. We are grateful and touched by your concern."

 

Plus: 'True Blood' villains  | Miss USA 2013 contestants | TV shows based on books  

 

The matriarch is survived by eight children, including former congressional candidate Elizabeth Colbert Busch, and a bevy of grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, James William Colbert, Jr.

 
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According to the International Business Times, the family asks that donations be sent to the Medical University of South Carolina Foundation in lieu of flowers.

 

"The Colbert Report" airs Monday through Thursday at 11:30 p.m. ET/8:30 p.m. PT on Comedy Central.

 

Actor joins cast of ABC's political drama in time for Season 3

By Mekeisha Madden Toby Fri 5:15 PM

'Scott Foley' '/' ABC

 

It looks like Olivia Pope could have love in her life after all when "Scandal" returns for a third season.

 

That's because Scott Foley, the actor who plays her onetime suitor, Jake Ballard, has joined the cast as a series regular, Deadline reports. "Shonda and company have created a troupe of layered complex characters," Foley said. "And to be able to be part of that is both exciting and humbling."

 

Bing: More on 'Scandal' | Scott Foley

 

When Season 2 came to a thrilling close, Rowan Pope (Joe Morton) -- who we now know is not only Jake's boss but Olivia's dad -- was shown throwing Jake into a hole because he defied orders and saved Olivia (star Kerry Washington) from an assassination attempt. 

 

Plus: 'True Blood' villains  | Miss USA 2013 contestants | TV shows based on books  

 

Foley's Jake is also the perfect interloper for the on-again-off-again affair between Olivia and President Fitzgerald Grant (Tony Goldwyn).

 

Want more TV? Find MSN TV on Facebook and Twitter

 

"Scandal" Season 3 kicks off this fall on ABC.  

 

Soap opera vet and lead actor nominee talks awards and 'The Young and the Restless'

By TVDeeva Deanna Barnert Fri 3:23 PM

The 40th Annual Daytime Emmys are set for Sunday, June 16, but Lead Actor Peter Bergman (Jack, "The Young and the Restless") isn't sweating his 18th nomination. With three Daytime Emmys to his name and nominations dating back to his years as Dr. Cliff on "All My Children," Bergman is even rooting for someone else in his category!

 

Bing: More about the 40th Annual Daytime Emmys | "The Young and the Restless" | Peter Bergman 


MSN TV caught up with Bergman at a SAG/AFTRA event celebrating the 40 anniversary of "The Young and the Restless."  With his character about to learn Summer is his daughter, Bergman reflected on Jack's love life, Jeanne Cooper's (Katherine) passing and Michelle Stafford's (Phyllis) upcoming exit. Here is our red carpet chat with the nominee, sprinkled with highlights from the SAG/AFTRA panel.


After reading this, check out MSN TV's Q&As with Daytime Emmy nominees Jason ThompsonScott Clifton and Freddie Smith


Plus: TV shows based on books | Sexiest stars of summer TV | Series that look awfully familiar 

 

MSN TV: Happy 40th anniversary - again! Do you feel you've been celebrating #YR40 forever?


It kind of feels like that, but it's a big deal. With big birthdays and big anniversaries, you must take time.  

How are you feeling about the Daytime Emmys?
 
I wonder what it's going to be like with just four shows left. Only four shows! If you got a nomination, you won.

 

You're nominated alongside castmates Michael Muhney (Adam) and Doug Davidson (Paul), as well as Jason Thompson (Patrick) from "General Hospital." What is like to go up against your co-stars?

 

It's wild, and if that rat bastars Jason wins, the three of us will take him down! No, I'm just kidding. And I should say, "That rat bastard Jason, who I think is a really good actor." All this is a crapshoot and the winner was determined weeks ago, but I'm cheering on Doug Davidson. He's overdue.

 

How many times have you been nominated for a Daytime Emmy? Are you at 20 yet?


I don't know the number, at all. I don't think it's 20, though. They've been very kind to me.

 

Anniversary and Emmy hype aside, how is life at "The Young and the Restless."  

I have had so much story. Truth be told, if you look at everybody on my show, Peter Bergman's had more story than anybody else. I'm just the luckiest actor. And they're bringing [the Abbotts] back in again! I like that. I have nothing to gripe about. The show has been so good to me. Every new change has only benefited me. I wish everybody else was as happy as I am.

 

After almost 25 years in Genoa City, you've seen show runners and writers come and go: What has been your secret to maintaining your character's integrity throughout all the shakeups?

 

The assumption is that each new leadership group comes in and changes the show, needs to put their mark on it. That's really not been the case. Most people hired to be producers and headwriters of our show want to come in and NOT mess it up. It's been the No. 1 show in daytime television for 24 years. The assumption is that we have to hold onto our characters so someone doesn't turn them into something they're not. Occacionaly that happens after they've been there for a little while. Sharon Case (Sharon) is the primo example. They have taken her so many different directions and no matter what they do, she makes it work. It's fantastic. The integrity of the character, I still leave to them. I will play what's written in my script. I've never been one for knocking on writers' doors.

 

This past year saw Jack trying to reconcile with Nikki and then Phyllis, and let's not get started on the last Patty Williams fiasco. Do you think he will ever find love?

It's been a struggle. He's not good at the love thing. His biggest mistake is he falls so deeply in love. He's not careful or cautiuous. He dives in face first and gets hurt. The truth is, I've had only had one clunker [romance]. I won't say which one it was… I will say Jack's ideal is to be the man his father was, and he's actually starting to get close to it. He's the head of the family, he's starting to take everyone elses happiness slightly ahead of his and he's learned empathy from his life in. You worry less about Jack now.

 

His reunion with Phyllis seems doomed, especially now that Michelle Stafford (Phyllis) is leaving the show.

 

Yeah, I don't think we're going to make it all the way back. We are losing Michelle. She needs to explore other things. We're just hoping it's not another soap, because we'd be disappointed.

 

"The Young and the Restless" has already taken a power hit, with Jeanne Cooper's passing.

 

It's definitely quieter. Jeanne's passing is very sad, still. We shouldn't say "sad." The truth is it's quite a celebration of this woman's life. I mean, what an exit! Oh my god. Unbeliebvale. Surrounded by adoring family, a best selling book on the stands, working right up to the end, beloved by millions, two Emmys in the last 10 years of her life...

 

We still get to see her every day. In her dressing room - which was a teapot of expletives, madness and craziness - was a lifesized Jeanne Cooper cut out. They've moved it up to the makeup room now. But there's a giant absense [on set] and it's a giant tribute to this woman's life that she ended it on such an extraoidrinary note. She was a giant lady.

 

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The 40th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards airs Sunday, June 16, at 8 p.m. ET/PT on HLN. "The Young and the Restless" airs weekdays on CBS.