The coronavirus has been affecting daytime on all levels, from production being shut down on the shows, to a GH star actually coming down with the illness, and more. Here’s everything you missed in the soap opera world (with links), in the Soap Hub soap opera news wrap.
Soap Opera News: Soaps Shut Down!
General Hospital became the first soap to go dark during to COVID-19 pandemic. Days of Our Lives quickly decided to follow suit, and head writer Ron Carlivati spoke out about the show’s extended hiatus.
Plus, there are details on how The Bold and the Beautiful and The Young and the Restless are handling the situation, too. Read about it here.
Hope and How to Cope
Steve Burton (Jason, GH) offered some words of hope during this worldwide crisis, while Arianne Zucker (Nicole, Days) demonstrated how to keep your spirits up during this trying time.
Over on the BB front, Katrina Bowden (Flo) encouraged people to “thrive,” while they’re stuck indoors by sharing some of her favorite recipes. Apparently, the actress loves cooking at home.
Bowden’s co-star Jennifer Gareis (Donna) needs to take note. She was on social media asking fans for ideas on how to laugh, smile and cope while being stuck at home.
Taken Ill
General Hospital’s Chloe Lanier (Nelle) shared her personal story about trying to get tested for the coronavirus on Instagram. It’s an unbelievable tale that you’ll seriously want to read about.
Prince Albert of Monaco, who was socializing with BB cast members just a few weeks ago, was diagnosed with the virus, too.
When Greg Rikaart (Kevin, YR) came down with flu-like symptoms, he quarantined himself fearing he might have the dreaded virus, too. Find out how a visit from his doctor alleviated his fears.
Coronavirus: Events Canceled
Creation Entertainment’s annual GH fan event, which was slated to take place in Burbank from May 29 to 31, has been postponed. The tentative new date is November 6 to 8, 2020.
Meanwhile, Jonathan Jackson (ex-Lucky, GH), who performs with his band Enation, canceled his group’s April concerts. The plan is to reschedule later this year.
Steffy Sings
Jacqueline MacInnes Wood (Steffy, BB) has begun singing out in solidarity with those quarantined in Italy. You won’t want to miss the clip of her vocalizing on her balcony.
Citizen Cane
Australian native Daniel Goddard (ex-Cane, YR) has long wanted to be a U.S. citizen and was on the verge of becoming one That is until the coronavirus delayed the big moment.
Shaping Up
A pair of GH leading men, Parry Shen (Brad) and Mark Lawson (Dustin), are dedicating their off-hours to staying tiptop shape. And they both shared details about their fitness plans.
Soap Opera News: Role Call
Jon Lindstrom (Kevin/Ryan) took a break from the GH grind to head to New York and film an episode of Bull. Soap Hub has details about his upcoming project.
DAYS alumna Olivia Rose Keegan (ex-Claire) has a brand new gig. She’s nabbed a recurring role in Season 2 of High School Musical, playing an energetic and adorable East High freshman with a highly competitive streak.
Denise Richards (Shauna, BB) was overseas shooting the international primetime series Glow & Darkness in Spain. That is until the country went on lockdown and production came to a halt.
Remembering Mama
Kathleen Gati (Liesl, GH) revealed a touching story about her late mother. What inspired her? A fan shared a clip of her first big-screen role in the 1981 thriller Ms .45.
A Sad Loss
Lilly Melgar, fondly remembered as GH’s Lily, has suffered a devastating loss. The actress expressed her thoughts on the untimely death of her former husband, Robert Monterrosa.
Special Shout Out
Martha Madison (ex-Belle, Days) has owned and operated several restaurants over the years. Now she has a shout out to all the eateries out there.
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