Soap Stars Reveal Their Thanksgiving Traditions, Thoughts, And Hopes

It hasn’t been an easy year for most as COVID-19 continues to wreak havoc but that doesn’t mean there isn’t a lot to be grateful for. Several of your favorite soap stars know they have a lot to be thankful for — so find out what makes the holiday special to them and how they celebrate.

Soap Stars Gives Thanks

“Despite having no childhood memories or family traditions of Thanksgiving (it’s a uniquely American holiday), I lived in the U.S. for long enough to fully embrace all the heartwarming sentiments of Thanksgiving,” Emma Samms (Holly, General Hospital) tells Soap Hub. “I know that I’ll always celebrate Thanksgiving and the opportunity it affords to focus on the multitude of things I’m deeply grateful for every year, no matter where I live. And also, now that I do Thanksgiving here in the UK, I can enjoy introducing my British friends and family to the joys of wonderful dishes like candied yams and pumpkin pie!”

As Steve Burton (who recently announced he’s left his GH role of Jason Morgan) told Soap Hub, “Well my wife always wants to cook instead of going out. Sometimes I suggest going to a nice restaurant for Thanksgiving to make it easier and she says it’s just not the same. She’s right. So when she cooks her awesome Thanksgiving dinner, I have to have my canned cranberry. It is a must. I’ve had it since I was a kid and it wouldn’t be Thanksgiving without it. For me, every day is a day to be grateful but Thanksgiving is a special time to really be grateful and reflect on all the things we have been given. I’m so grateful for my family and super grateful for all the fans’ support over the years. It means so much to me. Have a blessed Thanksgiving! Don’t eat too much lol.”

For Young and the Restless star Michelle Stafford (Phyllis Summers), she has a different kind of tradition, which she shared on her Instagram account. “Today I had the great good fortune to help out with a turkey give away through my friend’s (Big John Harriel) charity foundation #bigjohnkares John is from the South Central community in LA and gives back to the community, non stop,” she wrote, adding that they gave away 400 turkeys!

For Bold and The Beautiful alum Jacob Young, the day is more than just Thanksgiving. “Happy Birthday & Happy Thanksgiving to my little man who was born 13 years ago on Thanksgiving,” the actor shared on Instagram, along with several adorable snaps. “He is officially a teenager. We have had the best of times together and looking forward to a lifetime of more with you buddy! I love you so much and am so proud of the young gentleman you have always been. Happy Birthday Luke Wayne Young!”

Her sometime co-star, Eileen Davidson (Ashley Abbott), who has also been back at her old stomping grounds at Days of our Lives recently as Satan taking Kristen DiMera’s form, also did some giving back for the holiday season. “I’m pitching in to help Project Angel Food deliver Thanksgiving meals to people living with life-threatening illnesses,” revealed Davidson via Twitter. “Project Angel Food needs your help to keep their vital mission alive. So please text GIVING21 to 76278. Happy Holidays!”

GH’s Kathleen Gati (Liesl Obrecht) also took to Twitter to share her Thanksgiving wish for her fans. “Wanted to wish everyone a healthy and happy Thanksgiving,” she wrote. “I am so grateful to all of you for the kindness, support and love!! Sending it right back to you!”

Her GH co-star, Finola Hughes (Anna Devane) also took to Twitter to remind people that the day may be hard on some. “I hope everyone out there gets a chance to be with friends & family,” she began. “There are many people to consider today, your near & dear, others who are absent, and some who are struggling. Thanksgiving has facets to it, share & remember & be thankful for the whole damn mess of it all…”

Soap Hub joins all of these soap stars and more as we wish everyone a very happy, healthy, and safe Thanksgiving. We are grateful to all of you — our readers — for supporting us day after day, year after year.