ABC Soaps In Depth/Embarassing Soap Bloopers
(Thanks to Phyllis for typing this out)
“Back when John J. York had Mary Beth Evans for a leadinglady, Mac and Katherine Bell unknowingly shared a bubblebath with an uninvited ‘guest’. Later, as York and Evansviewed the taped episode, he recalls, “All of a sudden, Mary Beth noticed this ‘thing’ bobbing up and down andbouncing around in the tub…the bubbles had taken on the form of something phallic! Perfectly shaped. If Mac could only be half that man!’ And yes, the scene made it to air. ‘It cracked us up to tears,’ York remembers. ‘It sure would be fun to see that scene again.'”
Recent Stefan Mail In The Magazines
(Thanks To Phyllis for typing much of this out)
ABC Soaps In Depth/Speak Out
“Though many were pleased by Stephen Nichols’ return, some wish Stefan had more to do than just plot and scheme.”
July 30, 2003 Soap Opera Digest
On the Mail Bag page, there’s this from K.S., in Long beach, Ca: “I always knew that GH’s Stefan was manipulative and even devious. But
when did he become sick? I mean, murdering a cancer patient? That’s unimaginable…for any character!”
Soap Opera Weekly July 22, 2003
—He wouldn’t do that!
I am shocked, sickened, and appalled at what occurred with my favorite General Hospital character last week. Stefan Cassidine is devious. He is calculating. He is manipulative, shrewd, and extremely intelligent. Stefan Cassidine, however, is not one to resort to murder, even
in the most dire circumstances. Stefan didn’t kill his homicidal mother, his schizophrenic brother, his rapist adversary…and
yet he decides to order the murder of a young cancer patient (Emily)? In what universe could this possibly happen?
The-powers-that-be at GH desperately need to right this wrong before it’s too late. Make this Stefan an impostor; a plant
brainwashed by Helena; the real Stefan brainwashed by Helena. Anything, as long as the history and integrity of Stefan Cassidine
is honored.
Barbi Barrier, Mt. Pleasant, S.C., via e-mail
MAIL CALL/Soap Opera Weekly
July 22, 2003
The hottest topics this week:
From GH: Stefan ordering Emily’s murder has his fans in an uproar. They can’t understand why the show marked him for character assassination.
Charles Shaughnessy Mentions Mary Beth
Charles Shaughnessy (ex-Shane, Days) appeared on the 6/30/03 episode of Soaptalk along with Stephen. He talked about the differences between filming a comedy vs.a soap. He said it is more fun to do a soap because comedies are actually very serious business. You have to
keep retaping and retelling the same jokes in a comedy. With a soap, he learned not to take it too seriously. He had more fun working at Days with “People like Wayne Northrop and Mary Beth…”
Soap Opera Weekly 7/1/03 “Buzz”
With several soaps under her belt, bicoastal Mary Beth Evans (Sierra, ATWT; ex-Katherine Bell, GH; ex-Kayla Johnson, Days) has a lot of daytime buddies to keep tabs on. “When I leave a show, as much as they are my family and I love the people to death, I might never see them again,” admits Evans. “I say goodbye and never go back. It’s weird. Then I see them after years and it’s like I saw them yesterday.
It’s wild. I need to get over that!” Evans plans to do just that by visiting former costar Stephen Nichols on the set now that he he’s back as Stefan. In the meantime, “When I’m in the market, I’ll read Soap Opera Digest and check up on my friends-just like the fans do.”
Soap Opera Weekly 7/1/03
Excerpt From an Interview With Tyler Christopher
(Nik, GH)
Question :”Which romantic interest in the past do you wish TPTB explored more?”
Answer: “The Katherine storyline. I know we played thatone on the surface as a puppy love thing, and a younger man falling for an older woman. It was basically a sexual relationship. But there was another spark there that we could have explored on a deeper level. Then again, I left the show, so I didn’t give anyone a chance to do that.”
Thanks to Phyllis for typing this up
6/24/03 –Soap Opera Weekly “Buzz”
“Moments before stepping onstage at his first fan event–he was guest of honor at the ‘Men of Days’ dinner on May 30–Kyle Brandt nearly lost it. It wasn’t a case of stagefright, but jitters. It seems Mary Beth Evans who was also at The Sportsmen’s Lodge Hotel co-hosting a soiree with
Stephen Nichols, stopped by the green room to say hi to her former Salem pals.
‘I saw her and I was like, ‘Oh my God! It’s Kayla!’ recounts Brandt, who was hooked on the soap as a child via his nanny. ‘I went up to Mary Beth and told her, ‘I have to admit, I’m a little starstruck. You and Patch were my favorite soap couple–ever!’ It was great meeting her, and I got to take pictures with her.’
When told that Nichols had also been in the building, Brandt was bummed. ‘No way! I could have had a picture with both of them? Now that would have really been cool!'”
Thanks to Phyllis for typing this up
6/24/03 –Soap Opera Weekly, Top-secret Plan to Bring Back Steve and Kayla
Steve and Kayla fans almost got their wish. Days Of Our Lives did toy with the idea of bringing back Stephen Nichols and Mary Beth Evans last March, but the talks fell through.
‘We were talking, Mary Beth, me and Ken.’ affirms Stephen Nichols, who played Steven ‘Patch’ Johnson from 1985-90 and returned to GH this month as Stefan.
‘Basically, they called with interest,’ adds Evans, who played Kayla from 1985-92 and now recurs as Sierra on AsThe World Turns. ‘Steve didn’t remember Kayla, and Kayla was angry.’ But then….nothing. ‘After about three weeks, Ken called us up and said ‘Sorry guys, but I decided not to do it,” shares Nichols. ‘So that was that.’
‘That’s how soap operas are,’ concedes Evans. ‘You never can believe it’s going to happen until you sign on the dotted line. Steve and Kayla are still huge. Wherever I go, I get recognized for Kayla more than anything else I’ve done. I’m not sure why they don’t bring us back. It seems
logical to me. But they have a lot of people who had worked there for a long time. I guess they’ve got a full plate.’
So, should Days fans hold out any hope for a Patch and Kayla reunion? ‘That’s a hard question,’ repliesNichols, who is at GH until the end of the year. Muses Evans, ‘If it’s meant to be, it will happen again.’
A spokesperson for Days says, ‘We hope Patch and Kayla will always be fan favorites, but Stephen Nichols has returned to GH and Mary Beth Evans continues to appear on ATWT. We wish them the best, and, as this daytime, one should never say never.'”–JDL, reporting by DB.
Thanks to Phyllis for typing this up
ABC Soaps In Depth
Caption: “A return to Stefan’s roots intrigued Nichols.”
Stefan Has A Plan:
“Reigniting the Cassadine/Spencer war is far from the only item on the just returned Stefan’s agenda. Topping his list is getting back his family’s fortune–and if it calls for Nikolas to the unthinkable, so be it! Stephen Nichols, who returned to GH after a 16 month absence on June 2, and will appear through at least CHristmas, tells SID that several elements led to his return–namely the opportunity to work with Tyler Christopher again (“He’s wonderful. I call him ‘my son,'”shares the soap vet.) and an excitng storyline.
“It sounded good, like Stefan was coming back to a place that he was a couple of years prior to him leaving the show.” Playing but a part in the establishment of Stefan’s dark personality this time around is a new grudge against the Spencers. “He believes that Luke is the cause of Laura’s mental problems, which is why their truce is over,” Nichols explains.
“Stefan is hurt by what happened to Laura and is angry with Luke for that. It’s also a way to provoke Luke, to lay a guilt trip on him.” Yet, the bigger, primary reason Stefan is back is because the Cassadine fortune is in dire straits, requiring quick and decisive action on his part.
“He’s trying to enlist Nikolas to do certain things so that their financial situation can be repaired. He’s doing everything he can, but he needs Nikolas’ help.” As well as an assist from a new mystery woman. “Stefan has a plan. A specific plan,” Nichols teases. “And it’s going to cause a
lot of friction between him and Nikolas.”
Thanks to Phyllis for typing this out
Fan Mail & Hottest Topics Of The Week, Soap Opera Weekly 6/10/03
- Hottest Topics: ATWTMary Beth Evans’ fans are clamoring to get her on the show
permanently. They love Sierra and the way Evans plays her.
- Saluting Sierra
Why can’t ATWT offer Mary Beth Evans a contract? This vibrant actress lights up the room with a thousand watt smile as she ignites every scene with spark and energy. Evans’ Sierra can hold her own against the powerhouses of the show just as convincingly as she portrays a loving and protective mother. She has proven time and again, with subtlety, that she is one of the best actresses in daytime. Sierra humanizes Craig and knows him better than anyone. She is classy, strong, and loyal to her family. Sierra is a woman the audience can understand, relate to, sympathize with, root for and admire. If only more women in daytime were written this way! Above all, Mary Beth Evans makes Sierra fun to watch. Every time she goes away, she leaves a huge void in the show.
-I.E, via-email
Stephen Nichols : Back With A Vengeance
Soap Opera Weekly 6/10/03
Stefan Cassadine returns to GH thsi week with a mission, according to Stephen Nichols, who is reprising the role.
“One : The Cassidine fortune is in trouble, and he’s trying to repair that, and he has some problems with Nik that will facilitate that,”previews Nichols who left GH in 2002. “Second: He wants to rub in Luke’s face that he is the guilty party for Laura’s mental condition”
Luke and Stefan come face to face at Wyndemere, where Stefan blames Luke for Laura’s breakdown, and the Spencer/Cassidine feud reignites
” Tony (Luke, GH) and I — it was like we worked together the week before,” notes Nichols ” . “Same with Tyler (Nikolas, GH), even though
it’s been even longer since we worked together. It was like we never been apart”
Nichols says he thought long and hard about returning ” We had to do some talking before I decided,” he admits ” I needed to hear some story
ideas and details” He liked what he heard ” Stefan has decided to go back to his old self. Things are pretty much like they were the first year I was
on the show in 1996″
The actor is staying on the show through the end of the year, but he will consider staying longer ” depending what else is happening at that point”.
-JG
GH’s Stefan is Back!/Soap Opera Digest 6/10/03
Photo by Jeff Katz
- GH’s Stefan Returns
“It was like stepping back into an old pair of shoes,” smiles Stephen Nichols about his first days back on the General Hospital set after a year
and a half away. “I was so overwhelmed by how sweet and welcoming everyone was. It made me feel happy to be back.”
Even better, Nichols was reunited with Tyler Christopher, who recently returned to the role of Stefan’s nephew, Nikolas. “I hadn’t seen him
since way before I left, because he left in 1999. Tyler and I just have a magical connection. So, it was a sweet homecoming all the way around.”
It was made even sweeter by the fact that Nichols was also energized about the storyline he is stepping back into. “It’s almost as if we’re
starting over again,” he notes, “sort of back to the point where I was when I was on the show for maybe a year. Same kind of relationship
with Luke; we’re at each other’s throats. And Stefan’s still trying to get Nikolas to accept his responsibility to the family.”
Nichols is certainly not complaining about the brief nature of his comeback (he’s set to stay for a few months).
“The short term aspect was very appealing to me,” reports the actor, who spent the time away writing a screenplay that is now in the hands
of a producer. “Just to come back for this short stint while all of the other elements are falling into place with my movie…It’s perfect timing.
When I’m done with this, it looks like we’ll be going into production.
Which doesn’t mean that the actor has ruled out possible returns in the future. “I don’t see why not, if the timing is right,” he muses. “It’s a great
job.”
Soap Opera Digest Fan Letter About Mary Beth 6/10/03
- Sierra Madre
Mary Beth Evans is worth anything and everything As The World Turns has to do to keep her as a regular, as Sierra. This vibrant actress lights up the room with her thousand-watt smile and ignites every scene with spark and energy. Sierra can hold her own; she can duke it out against the
powerhouses on the show just as convincingly as she portrays a loving and protective mother. Evans has quietly proven time and
again that she is one of the best actresses in daytime. Sierra humanizes Craig and knows him better than anyone. She is classy, strong, and above all, loyal to her family. If only more women in daytime were written and portrayed this way! Evans makes Sierra fun to watch, and every time she goes away, she leaves a huge void in the show. Here’s hoping ATWT finds a way to keep her.
I.A., San Diego, CA
Stefan Preview/Days Information From TV Guide
(Issue Dated May 31-June 6)
*edited to just the information about Stephen
(Photo by Jeff Katz)
Prepare for a double dose of evil. On June 2, SN will return to GH as that dark, reclusive menace Stefan Cassidine ( Or as his archenemy,
Luke Spencer calls him “Count Vlad”).
Nichols left GH in early 2002, hating the way then head-writer Megan McTavish had softened and sentimentalized his character “But you’ll be
seeing the old Stefan– he’s back to stir up trouble” Nichols promises. (Needing to replenish the lost Cassidine fortune, Stefan will bring with
him a spoiled European heiress for his nephew Nikolas to Marry)
Nichols nearly returned to the role that made him the soap sensation of the late 1980’s — Patch on Days. ” Ken Corday called in March and
pitched a story idea”, Nichols says ” But after a few weeks of talking and kicking it around, he suddenly decided he wasn’t going to do it.
He just pulled out. I have no idea what that was about”.
Stefan’s Return–ABC Soaps In Depth Online
Make no mistake, when Stefan Cassadine resurfaces on GENERAL HOSPITAL next month, Nikolas’ uncle will let his presence be felt. “There will be no happy homecoming for Stefan — with anybody,” his portrayer, Stephen Nichols, shares with Soaps In Depth. “The
Cassadine fortune is in trouble, and he has come back to repair that.”
What lured Nichols back to the role he vacated a little over a year ago? “The story sounded good,” says the actor.
“It looks like Stefan has come back to the place he was at a couple of years ago.” And that can’t be good news for the
Spencers, especially!
Flashbacks,
Daytime TV May 1988
“I was ready to go back to work a week after I had my baby,”laughs new mom Mary Beth Evans, who’s thrilled to be back
on the Days set. Although Mary Beth missed chatting with all her castmates, she didn’t miss “seeing” them. Stephen Nichols saw to that. It seems Stephen visited Mary Beth right after her beautiful son, Danniel Luke Schwartz, was born and brought her a very special gift-a video tape of the Days cast waving hello and offering congratulations to Mary Beth. Then Stephen taped Mary Beth and little Daniel saying “hi” to all the folks back in Salem. “It was such a sweet thing for Stephen to do,” says Mary Beth.
Daytime Digest (1989)
Mary Beth enjoys making outfits for Danny; she even made him a costume this past Halloween (a hatching egg). “Stephen Nichols knew this great place where they had this party for kids so he came and picked us up and took our family over there.”
Daytime TV May 1987/Leader of the “Patch” Pack-
Days of our Lives’ Philip Levien (Mitch) and his wife, screenwriter Darlene Craviotto, are the proud parents of a 3 year old son,
Joshua. Since Philip joined the show, Josh has become a big fan of Days of our Lives, but believe it or not, Mitch Kaufman isn’t his
favorite character-Patch is! “Josh goes around the house pretending he’s Patch,” Philip reveals. He sticks his toy gun in his belt and tells
me he’s going out on patrol. A few weeks ago I took Josh down to the set and introduced him to Stephen Nichols, who plays Patch.
Josh was absolutely awed. I think it was one of the greatest moments of his life!”
GH’s Stefan Returns/Soap Opera Digest 5/6/03
Guess General Hospital’s Stefan Cassadine fulfilled that childhood dream he was chasing when he left Port Charles more than a year ago: ABC confirms that the character and his portrayer-fan favorite Stephen Nichols- will return for a limited run, beginning in June.
Rumors of a comeback for Stefan began swirling when, shortly after the announcement that Tyler Christopher was returning to the role of Stefan’s nephew, Nikolas, GH put out a casting call for a worldly male character who sounded like Stefan.
Because Nichols, who last aired in January, 2002, is the only actor who has played “Count Vlad” (as Luke calls him)-and did so successfully for nearly 6 years-it’s only natural that he step back in.
Upon his exit last year, Nichols noted that his consideration of a return would depend on “….story, story, story and a commitment
to the integrity of the character.” Looks like the actor’s getting what he wanted-for a few months, at least.
(similar article appears in Soap Opera Weekly 5/6/03)
SOAP OPERA WEEKLY APRIL 29, 2003
FOREVER FRIENDS
Soap fans are the most loyal fans, and since 1988, The Lakeside Association has been supporting off-screen friends and on-screen couple Mary Beth Evans (Sierra, As The World Turns; ex-Katherine Bell, GH; ex-Kayla Brady, Days) and Stephen Nichols (ex- Stefan Cassadine, GH; ex-Patch Johnson, Days).
“Mary Beth Evans and Stephen Nichols are extremely talented performers and very generous with their fans,” praises Linda
Pidutti, the organization’s president. “These qualities have prompted their popularity with supporters.”
On May 30, The Lakeside Association- named because the original supporters were mostly located around the Great Lakes-will hold an
event in honor of the two actors at the Sportsman’s Lodge in Studio City, California.
“Our event is called ‘A Continued Celebration of Friendship’ because one of the best things that has happened over these past 15 years
has been the number of new friendships that have been developed and enriched between and among many members,” Pidutti explains.
Tickets for the event are $55 for members of the organization and $60 for nonmembers, and include a salad buffet, dessert and beverages.
Ten dollars from each ticket sold will benefit a charity chosen by Evans and Nichols.
ABC Soaps In Depth–Secrets Behind Stefan’s Return!
Soaps In Depth has learned that Stephen Nichols, who left GENERAL HOSPITAL in January 2002, soon will be “firmly ensconced” back in the role of Stefan Cassadine. But forhow long? And which other soap almost grabbed him first?
“Stephen is thrilled to revisit the role of Stefan,” his manager tells In Depth. Yet interestingly, Nichols’ latest gig almost came on a rival soap: DAYS OF OUR LIVES, where from 1985 off to ’90 he played immensely popular brooder Patch Johnson. “DAYS had expressed some interest,” shares the actor’s rep, “but apparently the storyline over there was changed”.
As a result, GH fans came out the winners in the Nichols sweepstakes, reclaiming the one and only Stefan, dark lord of the Cassadine manor. Besides many GH viewers, this news also is sure to delight Tyler Christopher, who on April 21 made his own GH return as Stefan’s nephew, Nikolas.
Recalling his and Nichols on-screen rapport, Christopher says, “The Cassadines were dark and mysterious and lived on this foggy island -everything about them read evil and closed-off but I think we were able to be all of that while also bringing real characters to life, ones that hurt, got angry, laughed and joked. Stephen and I were able to bring another layer to the Cassadine family that may not have been there if he and
I did not have that closeness and rapport.”
For how long can GH fans expect to have Stefan back on their screens? Answers a show spokesperson: “Stephen Nichols is returning for a few months, starting in June.”
(Thanks to Phyllis for typing this up:)
Soap Opera Digest Mail 4/22/03 issue
It takes a lot to bring a smile to my face at this time, but Soap Opera Digest managed to do that in a major way. You featured Stephen Nichols and Mary Beth Evans, my all time favorite actors, on the cover of “The Ultimate Days Fan Guide”, and that was enough to make me grin. Then I opened the magazine to find a warm, sweet, and nostalgic joint interview , which included a stunning photo of them. How is it possible that they get more beautiful every time we see them? All these years later, the quality of their individual and collective work still sets a standard for me; no one else on my screen has ever compared to them. I hope Days of our Lives is listening to the fact that they are willing to return.
-LK
Orange County, CA
A Guide to The Guide
(More About Stephen and Mary Beth in the Ultimate Days Guide)
In the celebrity fans section, Robert Horry of the LA Lakers talked about being a Days fan since the age of 7. “I used to love Patch
because he would play the harmonica. That was one of my favorite things-people who play the harmonica interest me, though I never
learned how.”
Stephen and Mary Beth were mentioned by other actors…
Robert Woods (ex-Paul) was asked if he had made any friends he still keeps in touch with and he said, “Sure, Billy Warlock, Steve
Nichols, Quinn Redeker, Hogie…Drake Hogestyn. Nicest guy”.
Crystal Chappell (ex Carly) was asked who she misses the most and she named Louise Sorel, Missy Reeves, Peter Reckell, and then added,
“Then there were the people who went through the place like Charles Shaughnessy, Mary Beth Evans, and Charlotte Ross; they were all
wonderful.”
Lane Davies is one of the past stars interviewed (he played Evan Walsh). Lane was asked if he keeps in touch with any former costars from Days he says over the years he has talked to Louise Sorel (ex Vivian…who he never worked with on Days, LOL), Suzanne Rogers (Maggie on Days, and Lane’s ex girlfriend), but there’s no one he keeps in regular contact with. Then he adds “I know Stephen Nichols. He and I run into each other from time to time.”
In a section called “Veteran’s say”, Matthew Ashford was asked whathe remembers from when he started. “The big change for me was that
this character was really going into a front burner storyline with a big supercouple and I didn’t know what that entailed. I had been part of a
couple before, but this was going into the hornet’s nest. Stephen and Mary Beth were very helpful. It was an exciting, intense experience”.
There is a picture of Steve and Jack with the caption “Hey bro: Stephen Nichols helped Ashford find his way.”
Steve and Kayla’s wedding was featured (along with their vows) in the top ten weddings section.
Online poll results:Steve and Kayla’s wedding was the #1 all time favorite wedding. Steve was #2 most missed character, and Kayla
was the # 3 most missed. Steve Johnson’s death was the #3 biggest tearjerker. Steve and Kayla were the #6 all time favorite supercouple, Mary Beth was the #6 favorite actress in the all time favorite Days actress list, and Stephen was #6 in the all time favorite Days actor list.
Soap Opera Digest Mail 2/11/03–Letter About Mary Beth:
“Each time Sierra returns to ATWT, her presence has a remarkable impact on the surrounding storylines and makes me wish she was on regularly. In her latest appearance, Mary Beth Evans portrayed every emotion you can think of. She was a parent terrified of losing another child, a daughter exasperated by her mother’s need for revenge and a woman jealous of her ex-husband’s new love. Evans infused
warmth and dignity into all aspects of her character and made Sierra come alive with real depth. I hope she comes back soon; she is already missed!”
L.K., Orange County, CA
(thanks to Phyllis for typing this up)
Patch reference on “Friends” 1/9/03
Regular viewers of NBC’s hit show “Friends” know that one of the main characters, Joey (Matt LeBlanc) is an actor on Days of our Lives. On this episode, Phoebe was an extra on the show. She plays a nurse. In her scene, there is a man on an operating table. The man is wearing an eyepatch. (Phoebe’s line “Hang in there, man with eyepatch,your tray is coming.”)
(My comment: someone should tell NBC, there ‘s nothing like the real thing;-)
“Patch” Mention in a play
A Stephen fan from New York reports on a “Patch” mention in the Off-Broadway Play titled “Adult Entertainment”
(viewed December 8, 2002):
“The play focuses on six members of the porn industry who, tired of working for others, decide to make their own film. Danny Aiello
and Jeannie Berlin star in this Elaine May comedy directed by Stanley Donen.
There is one scene where the actors are gathered to discuss what kind of roles they would like to play, and what kind of props they have that
can be used in the film. Suddenly, one of the actors, who has a slight similarity to Patch says: “Hey, I have a patch that I can use.” The
audience was hysterical, including myself – I can imagine how many of them were Patch fans back then, LOL. Then another actress makes
a reference to a soap opera that is called Days To Come.”
An Interesting Bit of Trivia…
Have you noticed the plot similarities between “A Hard Rain”(Stephen’s early-90s short film for Showtime) and the 2001 Oscar Nominated film “In The Bedroom”?
There’s a good reason for the similarities: Both movies were based on a short story by Andre Dubus titled “Killings”.
Plot of “A Hard Rain”: Set in a small town…Crazy, abusive ex-husband/boyfriend comes over, beats up ex-girlffriend/wife, then
shoots & kills her boyfriend. (Stephen plays the slimy ex boyfriend/husband named Munson). Munson isn’t convicted though,
and walks around town without guilt–living it up. The mother of the man that was killed bumps into Munson. Munson almost takes
pleasure in freaking her out. She goes home, cries to her husband (victim’s father, played by John Mahoney) about the experience of
bumping into the man who killed their son. The father goes out looking for the murderer at different seedy joints. He offers
him money to leave town, then pulls out a gun on the man, drives him to a cabin in the woods ….tells him almost the same EXACT story as the father did in the movie “In the Bedroom”, about how he had a plane ticket waiting for him.
We learn a close family friend helped the father with plotting the revenge & covering it up (just like “In The Bedroom”).
Soap Opera Digest Editors Comment – 10/29/02
In an article about the return of Larry Welch (played by Andrew Masset) The Days writers (Kwikly and Brash) say, “We have this incredible history to draw upon and some fabulous characters who have passed through Salem. The show has moved on, and we don’t want to go backward, but I would love to see more of this happening..”
Soap Opera Digest editors add:
“If fans get their wish,the first on their list would be Stephen Nichols and Mary Beth Evans.”
Soap Opera Weekly Magazine -October 1, 2002
In a new Soap Opera Weekly poll (results posted in the October 1st issue), 81% of the respondants said Steve and Kayla should
return to Days!! (The other 19 % said Days already has too many characters).
Another recent Soap Opera Weekly poll resulted in Steve and Kayla being the most wanted return to Days. Steve received 20% of the vote
and Kayla was the next favorite choice to return. Clearly, our favorite actors are much missed in daytime.
“Patch, How You’ve Changed!”
(Stephen as “Slutella”/Conspiracy of Feelings)
(Flashback article from Enquirer, undated but said to be published approximately 1992. Thanks to the anonymous contributor who
passed it along.)
Guess what gals! Hunky Stephen Nichols, who played Macho Patch on Days of our Lives, has a “shocking secret past”–he used to spend
his nights mincing around in sexy ladies’ clothes! (He was acting of course). Before he hit the daytime bigtime, the heartthrob once
strapped on plastic breasts, a blonde girlie wig and flimsy taffetta dress, then pranced out on stage in a Los Angeles play called
“Conspiracy of Feelings”.
Stephen played slinky Slutella, a transexual who barricades herself in a college biology lab with another radical student and challenges
the local cops to come and get em’.
“People know him as suave, sophisticated Patch, but Stephen made Slutella come alive with amazing vividness and believability,” says
a Hollywood insider who’s seen a videotape of the play. In one particularly memorable scene, Stephen-who now stars as Skylar Gates on Santa Barbara-struts around the stage muttering outrageous off color lines about the meaning of life to a human fetus in a jar.
“It’s a remarkable acting performance,” says the Hollywood Insider.
“Don’t I know You?” -Soap Opera Weekly- August 27, 2002
“It was old soap home week for Mary Beth Evans when she taped her episode as a Soap Talk guest, which aired Aug. 14. ‘It was fun
for me to see all my old friends,’ smiles Evans. ‘Kin Shriner and John York were there; Stephen Nichols came. When I was on Days,
it was such family to me, and I never thought in a million years I would ever be on any other show. To be on three different shows,
I don’t know how that happened (laughs). Now I go to those soap things and I know so many people.’ In fact, Nichols joined Evans during her interview. ‘We’re great friends. I didn’t know he was coming for sure; all I did was pass his phone number [to the show], ‘relates Evans. ‘Days fans still recognize us and always want us to come back. So SoapTalk brought him on to talk about that.’ Evans also thought she knew co-host Lisa Rinna from her Salem days, but she was mistaken. ‘I swear she was on Days when I was there, but we were talking dates and she actually came after I left,’ laughs Evans. ‘I must have confused her with Crystal Chappell and met her somewhere else. All this time I thought we had worked together…”
Thanks to Phyllis for typing this out!
Soap Opera Weekly August 20, 2002
Cover: Days-No room at the inn”.
Inside: “Are Steve and Kayla returning?”
“Days is on a roll bringing back old faves (Jack, Billie, Tony…) so could Steve and Kayla be far behind? ‘You’d think that with
Steve and Kayla being so popular–I think the only time the show was No. 1 was when they got married–the show would jump at the two of us being available,’ offers Mary Beth Evans, who is currently recurring on ATWT as Sierra. ‘Stephen and I have never been available at the same time until now. The thing with Days is they have a very fullshow and a lot of people who were back-burnered who probably shouldn’t have
been,’ conceded Evans. ‘From what I understand, they want to spend some time straightening their stable.’
She’s right. ‘A return like that..so many ducks have to be in a row,’ allows co-head writer Paula Cwikly. ‘The story has to be there,
[and] there has to be willingness for all participants to get together again. We have to have room on the canvas. You can’t bring in a character that was that big and play him (or her) twice a month. I would never say never, but right now there is no room at the inn.’
Would Evans be interested if the show offered her a deal? ‘The truth is, I’m having a pretty great time on ATWT. Hogan is fabulous.
And I love Chris Goutman.’ ATWT tapes in NY, but Evans lives in Southern California, so she does concede, ‘ I wish they were closer.’
Calls to Nichols’ representatives weren’t returned at press time.
For more on the popular duo, CATCH THEM ON SOAPTALK AUG. 14.
Thanks to Phyllis for typing this out!
Stephen’s Last Day On The Set of Days/Soap Opera Weekly (Fall 1990)
Days of our Lives’ Stephen Nichols taped his last day as Steve “Patch” Johnson
on Friday, September 28. The actor reported for work that morning with a bundle of “Patch” souvenirs, a few gifts for his coworkers
and his video camera in tow. Upon arriving at the studio, Stephen began handing out Patch memorabilia he’d had specially made:
white keychains and buttons with a sketch of Patch on one side and the character’s lifespan- 1985-1990- on the other. A number
of castmates sported the buttons throughout the day.
Stephen said private goodbyes to his Days co-stars and gave out gifts to many of them. His TV “momma”, Joy Garrett (Jo) was
touched to receive a box of chocolates. “That was such a nice token,” she said. “We’ll all miss Stephen. I wish him well.”
After he’d finished delivering presents, the actor paraded through the hallways with his camera on his shoulder, capturing all the daily
action. “I’ve been taping all day,” said Stephen, who took a short break in the makeup room. “I want to get down some memories.”
The day ended with a grand farewell party on the set. Cast, crew and the Days brass feasted on banana nut cake (decorated with Patch’s face) and champagne. Then supervising executive producer Al Rabin made a speech in which he noted that Stephen was the perfect example of how to create a soap hero. Al then handed Stephen a leather-bound script, which contained Patch’s very first day in Salem. Ironically, Stephen had no lines at all in that particular episode at all, but just appeared as a menacing thug!
Next, a misty-eyed Stephen told his cast mates that he loves them all. “I didn’t realize leaving would be so hard,” he added softly, before breaking down in tears. He hugged his Days wife, Mary Beth Evans, then left the set for the very last time.
Stephen received such a slew of floral arrangements from coworkers, friends, and fans throughout his last day on the show, that his dressing room resembled a flower shop. In fact, he wasn’t even able to bring all of his presents home himself. He just didn’t have room in his car. So Stephen phoned his wife Lisa and asked her to drive down to Days’ Burbank studio and help him cart some of his gifts home.
Mary Beth’s Last Day On The Set of Days, Soap Opera Weekly – 1992
Cast members who leave Days of our Lives are traditionally honored with cake and a party. Mary Beth requested none of that on her last
day. “I’m very sentimental. I would have ended up sobbing,” says Mary Beth, who was quite touched by the outpouring of cards and flowers from fans.
Nonetheless, her co-stars wanted to say a memorable goodbye- and did, thanks to Peggy McCay (Caroline) and Deidre Hall (Marlena). “I
took the comical approach,” says Peggy. “I got Mary Beth a card and had everyone sign it. I also gave her a small ceramic flower pot filled
with perfumed soap. Attached was a note, ‘A little soapy: what else would you expect from your soap opera mommy?’ ” Deidre presented
Mary Beth with a behind-the-scenes tape of her last day and a special clip- the cast and crew bidding her farewell.
The salemites say they’ll miss the popular actress. “Mary Beth was one of those people who had a big impact on everyone at Days,” says Charles Shaughnessy (Shane). “It is going to be noticeably quieter and less bright without her.”
Frank Parker echoes those sentiments about his tv daughter. “As an actor your on-screen kids become your kids. They really do,” he says.
“When you lose one of them, it’s like losing one of your own. It’s sad to see Mary Beth go.”
After her final scene, cast and crew came onstage applauding, and Mary Beth was presented with flowers. “I started sobbing,” she confides. “Then I gave hugs to everyone and felt better. I realized what tremendous love and friendship I’d found at Days.”
Mary Beth will be having a reunion with many of her former castmates in a couple of weeks. She, Staci Greason, and senior producer Becky
Greenlaw will be hosting a baby shower tea for Melissa Reeves at Mary Beth’s home. “I love throwing big garden parties,” she says.
Flashback Article: Wedding lifts `Days’ to No. 1 soaps rating ,Chicago Sun Times Aug 17, 1988
There’s nothing like an old-fashioned wedding to boost the ratings of a soap opera.In the case of “Days of Our Lives,” the long-awaited
nuptials of Patch Johnson and Kayla Brady helped catapult the NBC daytime drama to the top spot in the ratings for the first time in 14
years.
Since the star-crossed lovers (played by Stephen Nichols and Mary Beth Evans) exchanged vows on July 25, “Days of Our Lives” has
overtaken ABC’s “General Hospital” as the most popular soap in the country.
FLASHBACK Article: TV Q Ratings
10/14/1989/ Atlanta Journal and Constitution By Jeffry Scott
TVQ arrives at its list by polling a national consumer panel, asking respondents if they know the celebrity and how they rank him in
favorableness on a five-point scale. For instance, 92 percent of Americans said they know Mr. Cosby, and 51 rank him as favorable,
giving him a 55 TVQ score. Video Storyboard’s ranking is based on a national random survey of 1,000 adult television viewers.
Ranking the Celebrities
Most Familiar/Favorite
1. Bill Cosby
2. Stephen Nichols
3. Dustin Hoffman
4. Robin Williams
5. Tom Hanks
6. Clint Eastwood
7. Michael Jordan
8. Harrison Ford
9. Mary Beth Evans
10. (Tie ) Red Skelton
FLASHBACK Article: THE SOAPS `DAYS’ TO REMEMBER
By Nancy M. Reichardt, Syndicated Columnist 7/24/1988
It’s the wedding that fans of “Days of Our Lives” have been waiting for. After years of ups and downs, one of the soap world’s most romantic duo, Kayla Brady (Mary Beth Evans) and Steven “Patch” Johnson (Stephen Nichols), will marry Monday aboard a yacht anchored in Salem’s waterfront.
Kayla and Patch have endured endless misunderstandings, a poisoning, several bombings, and a rape. And just before Kayla agreed to marry Patch, she was rendered deaf and unable to speakbecause of an explosion. But, finally, the wedding day for Kayla and Patch has arrived, and years of problems and pain have faded into the background.
Although many actors fear that marriage on a soap will spell the end of their story line, Evans isn’t worried her “days” are numbered.
“Everybody keeps telling me that the wedding will be death to my story line, but I hadn’t even thought of it,” says Evans. “I’m happy
Patch and Kayla have finally gotten together after all their years of struggle. I don’t think the writers are going to end our story line with
the marriage. I think they’ll keep things interesting and exciting.”
The nuptials, which Evans describes as “close and intimate,” were taped on location in Marina del Rey, Calif. They went smoothly -except
for one small glitch.
“We were all surprised by how well everything was going,” Evans recalls. “But around 11 p.m., when we were almost done with the taping, all
the power in the generator on the boat went out and everything went dark. “That was the only mishap,” she continues. “In about 15 minutes,
they got everything going again and we finished the wedding scenes. It was a beautiful wedding, and I hope the viewers like it as much as we
enjoyed taping it. We had a really great time.”
For the long-awaited wedding, Lee Smith, the costume designer for “Days of Our Lives,” created a puffed-sleeve gown with a low-cut
sweetheart neckline for Kayla to wear. The romantic off-the-shoulder bodice is made of satin overlaid with French chantilly lace, beaded with
pearls, bugle beads, and iridescent sequins. The full skirt uses the same satin under a layer of silk chiffon, which is appliqued with beaded lace
flowers.
Although the writers’ strike continues to plague soapland, Evans says the dispute didn’t affect the wedding scenes. “The only way in which
the writers’ strike affected the wedding was that it was originally supposed to take place in May and had to be postponed until now,”
she says. “Our current writers wrote beautiful scenes for us, and everybody was very pleased.”
FLASHBACK Article: Mary Beth/Holiday Crafts
January 8, 1995/Los Angeles Times
Mary Beth Evans, who plays Katherine Bell on “General Hospital,”prepared for the holidays by being very creative.
“I do a lot of crafts,” she says. “In fact, my best friend Carrie and I do a Christmas craft day every year. We get together at her house
and set up a sewing machine in her guest room and do production line stuff.” According to Evans, her specialty is “lined baskets. Actually,
it’s one of the only things I know how to do,” she admits with a laugh. “I took a class on that once. So it’s me and my hot-glue gun making
baskets.”
Evans and her husband, Dr. Michael Schwartz had an extra long holiday season this year. They celebrated Hanukkah in late November and
Christmas on Dec. 25. Celebrating both holidays has always appealed to Evans.
“I think it’s great for the children to be introduced to both holidays,”she says. “We have a menorah and a Christmas tree at our house,
and the kids love it.”
When the family exchanges gifts, says Evans, “We pick one day of Hanukkah for that. I give the children their presents. This year I gave
each of them a journal to write in. They just loved it. They sat there for hours writing stories. I really prefer giving them things that mean
something.”
FLASHBACK Article: Actors get on-the-set training in tai chi
October 13, 1996/Tampa Tribune
If you have been watching “General Hospital” lately, you might have noticed that Stephen Nichols, as Stefan Cassadine, and Tyler Baker,
who plays Nichols’ nephew, Nikolas, have been demonstrating their martial arts techniques.
Nichols is quick to point out, however, that he and Baker were not experienced in tai chi when they learned they would be incorporating
it into their story line. And, the script called for the duo to be proficient in the martial arts form.
“Actually, my son Aaron does tai chi,” reveals Nichols. “So our executive producer, Wendy Riche, hired his teacher to work with Tyler and me.
We got some lessons on the set so we could do it together on the show.”
Nichols reports that learning tai chi was no easy task; it took a lot of hard work.
“It takes every molecule of concentration and all your mental and physical energy to do just one move,” maintains Nichols.
Mary Beth’s Days– CBS & ABC Soaps In Depth Magazines
As of 5/14/02, both magazines have published this blurb in articles about a special Brady family gathering on Days, airing in May:
“One alum who will not be on hand for the reunion is Evans, who followed up her 86-92 run as sweet Kayla with a 6 year run as GH’s
catty Katherine. According to sources, Evans was on the invite list, yet passed out of respect for ATWT, where since late 2000 she’s
enjoyed a recurring role as Sierra. However, setsiders say, if Days has their way, Evans still may make a return–but much later, and on
a far grander scale!”
(Thanks to pmgallagher@yahoo.com for typing this up!)
SOAP OPERA DIGEST SOUND OFF, February 26, 2002
Sayonara, Stefan
In their rush to get rid of Stefan and his portrayer, Stephen Nichols, the writers at General Hospital have written another lame, out-of-character exit that did nothing to satisfy the fans. Stefan’s departure left much to be desired. I am very bitter that the voices of the fans were ignored for the last two years when we were writing, calling and begging for this talented actor to get a real story and more airtime. Thumbs down to GH for letting the best actor it had walk away, alienating his large fan base.
-A.S. , Atlanta, GA
Home, Sweet Home
As The World Turns’s Sierra needs to be brought back to Oakdale! It is frustrating to see this wonderful character for only a handful of
scenes every few months. Mary Beth Evans (Sierra) is a fabulous actress who has easily stepped into this role. But she should be used more.
Sierra’s entire family is in Oakdale, so why isn’t she? Lucy needs a mother just as much as she needs her dad- and probably even more.
Plus, I would be ecstatic if Hunt Block (Craig) and Evans were thrust into a romantic storyline. They have such great chemistry together that
the sparks would literally fly for Craig and Sierra.
– J.W., Ossian, IN
TV GUIDE ONLINE
Delaina Dixon
It was a quiet ending to an era this week on General Hospital as Stefan Cassadine said his final good-byes. The younger Cassadine brother had lost some of his steam over the past year, but never his spirit. First introduced in 1996 by his sole portrayer, Stephen Nichols, Stefan shocked us all by revealing his secret affair with Laura Spencer while imprisoned by his brother Stavros, then made us wonder if her son, Nikolas, was actually Stefan’s illegitimate heir. We felt Stefan’s passion when Bobbie impulsively married him, then felt his wrath when he dumped her once he learned she was conspiring against him with her brother Luke. We experienced supercouple redux as Stefan fell in love with Katherine (played by former Days onscreen love interest Mary Beth Evans), only to have his love compromised by his still-lingering desire for Laura. Even through his devilish schemes, we never felt that Stefan was all evil. His ongoing battle with a mother who never loved him as she did her eldest son revealed a level of vulnerability; his devotion to his nephew Nikolas was genuine, even when he was deceiving the young prince. In his final days, as Stefan received less airtime and storyline, he always maintained his dignity and grace. So we bid him adieu with heavy hearts. But we know that Stefan, wherever he may go, will find greener pastures, and we hope the same for Nichols.
Soap Opera Update January 15, 2002
People Are Talking About…
One of the most talked about actors these days is GH’s Stephen Nichols. Having opted to leave the ABC soap opera, many insiders are anxious to figure out what Nichols’ next career move will be. Will he pursue primetime TV and film? Or will he return to the role of Patch–a role that made him a daytime icon? Another possibility that has fans in a lather is the rumor that Nichols is considering an offer from ATWT to join former Days/GH leading lady Mary Beth Evans on the CBS soap. Whatever his decision, let’s hope that Nichols, one of our favorite all-time leading men, returns to the world of soaps very soon.”
- Most Talked About Stars of 2001
#5 Mary Beth Evans (Sierra, ATWT)
SOAPCITY.COM: SOAPS’ TOP 10 BATHTUB-RELATED BROUHAHAS!
#1 Fruit of the Room
Days of our Lives’ Steve Johnson had been set up to shoot Jack’s faux dad, Senator Harper Deveraux, with faux bullets, but then real bullets
were placed in the gun.
Uh… oh. Steve was forced to go on the run and Kayla soon followed. The pair ended up staying at a honeymoon motel. (They were in room#5, which had a heart motif.) Exhausted, dirty and hungry, Kayla took a bath. As their song, “If Your Heart Comes Out Tonight” played in the
background, Kayla told Steve she was starving.
A shirtless Steve, kneeling next to the tub, replied, “Dr. Johnson camehere to take care of his patient and that’s exactly what he’s gonna do.”
He turned to a nearby fruit basket, took out a banana and began to peel it. Kayla eagerly accepted the piece he broke off for her. Enjoying
the flirtatious nature of the moment, Steve said, “Open up the hanger, here comes the airplane,” making plane noises as he flew the next piece
into her mouth. The playfulness — and sexual tension — increased, and soon their eyes locked.
After the bath, Kayla, wrapped only in a towel, kissed Steve passionately and invited him to share the towel too.
Holiday Favorites/ From soapcity.com:
- Stars Are Asked What Their Favorite Holiday Traditions Are
Stephen’s response: Dressing up as Santa Claus. My kids are a little bit big for it now, but we have some new nieces and nephews
coming up so I’m going to get back into the suit.
- The stars name their favorite holiday movies:
Stephen’s response: At this point it’s a toss up between It’s a Wonderful Life and A Christmas Story, I think.
ABC Soaps In Depth Magazine/Behind the scenes at the taping of GH’s Christmas episode
Stephen Nichols greeted Marisa Ramirez and Coltin Scott Martines with a cheery, ‘It’s Sparky and Fuzzy!’ referring to Martines new, spikier hairdo. On one hand, Nichols sported his fancy Cassadine insignia ring; on the other, a plastic Santa bauble. ‘[Martines] gave it to me,’ he smiled. ‘He found it on a cupcake. I hope I can get it on camera when I light the candle. It’s the Santa crest.”
(Thanks to pmgallagher@yahoo.com for typing this up!)
Letters In the Magazines 1/01/02, From Soap Opera Weekly:
Stephen Nichols, one of the most well-liked and respected actors in daytime, has had enough of the disgraceful treatment of himself and his character Stefan on GH. His exit from the show at the beginning of next year will be mine also. Stephen deserves so much better than what GH
has done to him as an actor. With so many veterans being pushed out of a job on GH (Brad Maule as Tony, John J. York as Mac and now Nichols), can Tony Geary be far behind?I wish Stephen Nichols the very best with his career. It would serve ABC right if he went back to Days. His return
would certainly put Days back on top.
Shirley Brown, Seabeck, Wash. via email.
Also On the Letters Page in Soap Opera Weekly:
“Praise for Mary Beth Evans continues”
From Soap Opera Digest:
Although I have enjoyed his portrayal of Stefan, I am glad that Stephen Nichols has decided to leave General Hospital. TPTB at GH have not given this very talented man the respect, airtime or storyline that he and his fans deserve. ABC is taking a huge loss here. Nichols is one of the most talented actors on daytime, and he has so much more to offer. Nothing would make me happier than the return of Patch to Days.
K.L., Madison WI
(Thanks to pmgallagher@yahoo.com for typing this up!)
Soap Opera Weekly/December 25th, 2001
GH’S NICHOLS: I’M RELIEVED
On his decision to leave General Hospital, Stephen Nichols says, “A great burden has been lifted.” Nichols, who joined the show in 1996, prefers not to elaborate at this time, but he will admit that Stefan’s 180-degree turn from villain to sympathetic hero wasn’t exactly
incentive to stay. “It was OK,” he offers begrudgingly, “except it happened too quickly.” He says he’ll miss his co-stars, particularly TV “son” Coltin Scott (Nikolas).
“Every time we see each other, he says, ‘Hi, Daddy,’ ” Nichols says with a smile. Scott will miss Nichols “a great deal” too. “He was one of the only people when I first started who took me under his wing,” he praises. “I learned a lot by working next to his side.”
As for his exit, Nichols reveals that Stefan will simply leave town. “But I don’t know. Maybe someone will just grab me, like they did
with Patch (on Days of Our Lives). They grabbed his coffin. But there’s no coffin this time. They’re not killing me.” Not that death
ever means the end of a soap character. “There’s dead dead,”Nichols adds with a grin, “then there’s soap dead.” –JDL
Soap Opera Digest/Issue dated December 25th
Nichols, who plans to leave GH by early next year, says “I’m going to miss a lot of the actors, and the crew, especially. That’s the
hardest part. You see these guys every day, and they’re always so supportive. You have a kind of rapport with them that you don’t get
anywhere else.” Adds co-star Coltin Scott, “I will take what Stephen has taught me and the work that we’ve put together over the
course of out time here to heart. I will always cherish that and hope we keep in touch.” As for whisperings that Nichols’ departure from GH
could lead to a return as DOOL’s Patch, the actor has thus far remained mum. But he admits that he’d shared his decision to leave GH with
former co-star Mary Beth Evans (Sierra, ATWT; ex-Katherine, GH; ex-Kayla, Days). “Mary Beth is a good friend. She’s very happy for me.”
That’s something that worries Evans’s supporters at ATWT, who want to keep her in Oakdale.
The CBS In Depth Story:
Shortly after New Year’s, Nichols will make his final GH appearance as Stefan Cassadine. Next, he’ll pursue other opportunities, he revealed
on his Web site. Among the actor’s options may be a move from Los Angeles to New York, where ATWT tapes. Such a relocation certainly
would facilitate his addition to the cast. And, as far as the show is concerned, his hiring ought to be a no-brainer.
He and Evans (ATWT’s Sierra) struck on-screen gold together twice, first as Days Of Our Lives’ Patch Johnson and Kayla Brady, later as
GH’s Stefan and Katherine Bell. “Any time these two are paired up,”says an industry insider, “there is buzz. They are one of the few couples fans will follow from one-show—and character—to another.”
And there certainly is no shortage of ATWT parts that Nichols could play.
Who Could He Play?
Brad Snyder: As Jack’s older sib, Nichols would be Brad to the bone.
Evan Walsh: A new Evan Walsh might restore Barbara’s lust for life.
Royce Keller: The return of Royce Keller would put ex Emily in a quandary.
Kirk Anderson: Nichols could answer the mystery of Kirk Anderson’s vanishing
Editors’ Praise For Mary Beth As Sierra
- Soap Opera Digest, December 4,
Carolyn Hinsey “It’s Only My Opinion”
“And, while I’m not sure why ATWT chose not to show Bryant’s funeral on-screen (perhaps there have been too many real life
funerals in NY lately), the aftermath was certainly good. Everyone gathered at Lucinda’s to celebrate the life of the young lad, which put all kinds of people at odds with each other in the same room. Sierra’s presence there was particularly good
–soap vet Mary Beth Evans cried refreshing, real tears.
- Soap Opera Weekly, December 11, 2001–
PK Waddle, “Critical Condition”The most intriguing performance of all had to be from Mary Beth Evans as Sierra. I was initially rather taken aback that Sierra wasn’t falling apart like Craig. But then I realized how logical this choice was. This is not the 20-something Finn Carter girl, this is a woman. It makes sense that a lady who can help run a country (Montega) would deal with something even as painful as a child’sdeath with reserve. (Until more tear-inducing moments when she tried not to fall apart before the funeral).”
Soap Opera Digest, September 18, 2001
Just when Stefan thought things were as bad as they could get (ie…,Chloe’s recent murder) he learns this week that they’re about to get a helluva lot worse.
”With Chloe, Stefan got a glimpse of a life that had joy in it,”asserts Megan McTavish. ”But that light has died and with it that possibility has died”.
Adds Stephen Nichols, ”He definately believes that Helena is responsible for Chloe’s murder. So he’s kind of at a breaking point.”
One that leads to severe measures on Wednesday,when Stefan gets a gun and plans to kill Helena. ”He’s regretful that he hasn’t
done it earlier,” shares Nichols. ”She’s done nothing but horrible things to him and the only things that stopped him is that she is his mother. But at this point he doesn’t even care about that anymore. He feels that if he doesn’t kill her now,she’ll wreak more havoc and more people will be hurt.”
Including Alexis,who, ironically enough, talks Stefan out of killing their nemesis.”She talks him down,” reveals Nichols. ”She alludes to the
fact that they are good Cassadines and they don’t have to resort to that kind of violence. Then she alludes that she has a secret”.
Concurs McTavish,”She reveals to him the existence of Kristina. The effect of finding Kristina is very profound for Stefan. There is suddenly
the hope of a family, aside from Alexis.”
In the next scene, you see Alexis and Stefan in Jax’s suite,with Stefan demanding to see his sister. Having been told by Jax that Stefan may
have been responsible for Chloe’death, Kristina is naturally wary. But that doesn’t stop Stefan from immediately seeking a less-drastic
alternative for protecting his family from Helena’s clutches.
”After meeting Kristina and also learning that Helena knows that she is there, but doesn’t know who Kristina is, Stefan believes his sister is in
danger,” maintains his portrayer. ”So, he does whatever he can to get Helena off the streets. He tells Mac that Helena did, in fact,try to kill
him last year and he wants her arrested for that. ”Does Mac listen? No of course not, grins Nichols. Does Mac ever listen to Stefan?”
By Friday, however Mac does take action–but not the kind Stefan is expecting. ”Stefan gets arrested for Chloe’s murder”, says McTavish.
”It’s Like Alice In Wonderland to him. How can this be? I know I didn’t do it. How can they arrest me?”
Here’s how: a combination of damning testimony from both Helena and Nikolas. “He can’t back Stefan because it would give the game away”
states McT avish of Nik’s betrayal as well as damaging DNA. The obvious answer to Stefan is that Helena somehow switched the tests or paid
someone off. Elaborates McTavish,”the arrest is because the preliminary DNA matches.This is the preliminary test,which eliminates
everyone but a full relative. So it isn’t Alexis or Kristina. Even Helena is not a full relative to Stefan. He is the combined result of Mikos and Helena’s DNA…as is Stavros.
So, the important thing for the audience to know is that Stavros has left a very powerful clue states McTavish. And Stefan is a very, very
smart man in a postion now to figure it out. This may lead to Stavros’s undoing or at least his reveal……
Soap Opera Update/ September 2001
Soap Opera Update Editors: It’s What We Want To See
“We can’t say enough about how completely thrilled we are that the talented Mary Beth Evans is back as Sierra on ATWT. Every time
we turn on CBS and see the youthful Evans acting her heart out on screen, not to mention those bedroom scenes with the too-hot Hunt
Block, we thank our lucky stars. Let’s see if the show can convince her to hang around for a long time to come. Leave her alone, DAYS.”
Special Thanks to pmgallagher@yahoo.com for typing this out
Magazine Letters In Support Of Mary Beth:
SOU 8/28/01 -Bring Her Back Again (Whats On Your Mind?)
I am so glad that Mary Beth Evans has returned to daytime that I could jump for joy! She is without a doubt my favorite actress. I am so glad that she came back as Sierra on As the World Turns. This is definitely a role that she has effortlessly made into an interesting and
heartwarming character. I have loved all of her scenes with everyone on the show. I wish that Mary Beth and the executives could come
up with a way to keep her on a longer and more permanent basis.
C. Johnson
College Park, GA
Soap Opera Weekly 8/21 -Public Opinion
Thank you for your coverage of the upcoming story for ATWT’s Craig and Sierra. It is always a treat to see Sierra. After all these years, Mary
Beth Evans is still my favorite daytime actress. She has made this character her own. I have wanted to see the current Craig and Sierra relationship explored, and as usual, ATWT isn’t going to disappoint.
Liz K. via email
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