Keeping up with the Guiding Light Alumni

This blog will now aim to keep you up-to-date on what is going on with the former GL cast members as they explore new horizons. Many of the stars you loved are involved in new projects, some in the genre, some on stage, while others have ventured on to something completely different! This blog is written and maintained by Tracey and Mike. If you have information you wish to submit for publication please contact one of us and we will consider your request!

Sunday, December 19, 2010

Film Happy New Year Looking for Your Support to Help Veteran's

Actress Tina Sloan (ex Lillian) will star in Happy New Year and independent film set to premiere in 2011. Tina plays the mother of a wounded Iraqi War veteran, an as Tina's real life sun served as a Marine this is a project that is close to her heart.

Click here for more information and support this project.

Saturday, November 20, 2010

Follow Us on Facebook

Did you know we are on Facebook too?


Keep up-to-date on what your favorite Guiding Light actors are up to now on Facebook. Our blog will remain to include more detailed information and links to other sides that include full articles. Fill free to add updates to the Facebook page if you have information you do not see posted there. We invite our Facebook friends to help us keep the information out there.

Friday, November 19, 2010

Danny Cosgrove Joins STEAMBOAT the Series Cast

Michael O'Leary  (ex Rick) and his Steamboat staff announced via Twitter this afternoon that Danny Cosgrove (ex Bill) has joined the cast of Steamboat the Series which just went back into production this week. No word yet on when fans can expect to see the next episodes of Steamboat, but my sources are tell methay have been working behind the scenes for months now hoping to land some sponsors to bring you more epsiodes and they also plan on a few more casting announcements in the near future.

Lawrence St. Victor Stars in The Forgiven

If you were wondering when you would see Guiding Light’s Remy back on the screen, you’re in for a big treat. Lawrence Saint-Victor, the soap opera hero, co-directed, wrote and acted in the short film, The Forgiven, recently featured on the big screen at The Big Apple Film Festival & Urban World Film Festival in New York City.

To read the full article visit UPTOWN Magazine

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Tom Pelphrey to Begin Filming Tomorrow

Tom Pelphrey (ex Jonathan) will begin filming Junction this week:

Camera’s will begin rolling on Wednesday, November 17 in Fort Lee, NJ as Tony Glazer’s Junction, gears up for a six week shoot, including large SWAT scene complete with helicopters and sirens, which is scheduled to shoot December 11 & 12.
Read the Entire Article on We Love Soaps.

Ron Raines Cast in Kennedy Center Production of FOLLIES

The Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. has officially announced that Ron Raines (ex Alan) has been cast to play Benjamin Stone in Stephen Sondheim's Follies.

Raines joins the previously announced two-time Tony winner Bernadette Peters as Sally, Terrence Currier as Theodore Whitman, Rosalind Elias as Heidi Schiller, Florence Lacey as Sandra Crane, Linda Lavin as Hattie Walker, Jan Maxwell as Phyllis Rogers Stone, Elaine Paige as Carlotta Campion, RĂ©gine as Solange LaFitte, David Sabin as Dimitri Weismann, Susan Watson as Emily Whitman and Terri White as Stella Deems.

To read the full press release on Playbill.com click here.
Visit Ron's official home page for more details.

Friday, November 12, 2010

GL Alumni News

 Orlagh Cassidy (ex Doris) mentioned on Twitter that she has a project going on. Marcy Rylan (ex Lizzie) Tweeted that she had an audition this morning. Michael O'Leary had some good news for Steamboat fans when he announced they would be shooting again this month. Tina Sloan (ex Lillian) continues to visit libraries, bookstores and theaters across the country doing publicity for her wonderful book Changing Shoes. Liz Keifer (ex Blake) has begun a new business venture with her own acting studio. Ron Raines (ex Alan) has an announcement coming soon about a new gig (not soap related). Ricky Paull Goldin is a father. Kim Zimmer (ex Reva) has walked into Lanview on One Life to Life bringing with her a boost in ratings for the show.

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Grant Aleksander Returns to the Classroom

Soap Star Grant Aleksander Returns to W&L after 30 Years


Grant Aleksander
Lexington, Virginia • October 25, 2010
While his fellow students at Washington and Lee University may not recognize him around campus, his fans would know Grant Aleksander immediately. He is the actor who portrayed Phillip Spaulding on the daytime drama "Guiding Light" at different times between 1982 and 2009. He also appeared in television series and movies, including the 1986 movie "Tough Guys" with Burt Lancaster and Kirk Douglas. Aleksander, 50, has now returned to W&L to complete his theater major 30 years after he left to pursue his acting career.
Read the full article here.

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

There is a Destiny That Makes Us Brothers: Part One The Adventure Begins

While I continue to share with you news on what the Guiding Light Alumns are up to, I have decided to begin a series of my own reflection on what Guiding Light meant and continues to mean to me. I will call this series There is a Destiny that Makes Us Brothers because it is the underlying theme of what I will be writing about.

Back in late 2005, I was at home with a severe case of bronchitis and it was so bad that even walking to and from the kitchen was taking its toll on me. I had the TV and the computer to keep me company. I would watch Guiding Light at ten when it aired in the Pittsburgh market and one day I decided to do a search on the show and see what I could find on the internet. What I found were a series of discussion boards. I had never taken part in anything like it but I found once I did that it became very addicting. Little did I know at the time what it would lead to in a few short months.

That June a woman from Georgia who is a friend of Marj Dusay (ex Alexandra) had gotten in contact with Ron Raines who had been playing Alan Spaulding since 1994 and created his first official online presence in the form of "Friends of Ron" a discussion board. I came across it while messing around on the internet and became the first member. I messaged the board's creator, Janice and offered my help in the form of moderating the board and she accepted. Later I would help her with some photos that Ron had sent her and the next thing I knew she was inviting me to the Guiding Light Fan Club weeknd in New York City. My first response was, "Yeh, right....New York City for a fan club event?" She continued to try and persuade me to go, and I finally caved. Little did I know that summer that I was about to begin the adventure of a lifetime!
To Be Continued.

Cynthia Watros Becomes Housewife

Breaking news this morning is that Cynthia Watros (ex-Anne Dutton) who has been most recently on Fox's House has been cast in a guest spot on Desperate Housewives. According to The Ausiello Files Website Watros will be playing a character taking her back to what won her a Daytime Emmy as Annie Dutton---one that is crazy!  Click here for more.

Monday, October 18, 2010

Kim Zimmer to Appear in Soap Star Spectacular Event

Still haven't met Kim Zimmer (ex-Reva)? Here's your chance! Kim will be participating in the Soap Star Spectacular in Myrtle Beach and Raleigh, NC next month. The event is produced by Celebrity Events Group, the same group that produces the Soap Cruise and the So Long Springfield Events. Kim is currently reprising her role in One Life to Live as Echo Savoy, and appears to be helping boost OLTL's ratings in the process! Go Kim!

Friday, October 15, 2010

Tina Sloan Changing Shoes in Cincinnati

Monday, October 18
Aronoff Center for the Arts

650 Walnut St.
Cincinnati, OH 45202

Ticket Office

Phone: (513) 621-2787
ticketing@cincinnatiarts.org
Directions and Parking

Jarson-Kaplan Theater

This theater seats 437 and is a perfect setting for small and medium-sized performances or meetings. The theater is surprisingly intimate with full production capabilities, great acoustics, an attractive design and excellent sightlines.

CNN Features Tina Sloan

Tina Sloan has turned up on CNN today!
Check it out!
Tina is currently in Dayton Ohio continuing her book and play tour.
I was able to catch her Pittsburgh production of Changing Shoes on Monday night and it is a fun and delightful show. You need not be a fan of Guiding Light to appreciate the play or the book.

Thursday, October 14, 2010

More on Tina Sloan

Best Foot Forward
— By Gabrielle Winkel
Soap Opera Digest
Tina Sloan's (ex-Lillian, GL) one-woman show, Changing Shoes, is an inspiring tale of a remarkable woman's life.
Read the full article here.

Tom Pelphrey Opens In A Lion in Winter

WHEN: Today through Nov. 20.

WHERE: F.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre, 36 Madison Ave., Madison; 973-408-5600 or shakespearenj.com.

HOW MUCH: $31-$70.

It has an affair, family politics and a power struggle, the building blocks of all great soap operas. But this is not a rerun on SoapNet or the CW's latest hit — it's James Goldman's play "The Lion in Winter," being presented by the Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey.

Click here for more info.

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Sunday, October 3, 2010

Kim Zimmer Returns to 'One Life to Live' as Echo DiSavoy

by Michael Maloney TV SQUAD , posted Oct 1st 2010 1:45PM

Four-time Daytime Emmy winner Kim Zimmer, best known to soap opera viewers as fan favorite Reva on 'Guiding Light,' is returning to the soap world. She will reprise the role she portrayed 27 years ago, pre-Reva -- Echo DiSavoy on the ABC soap 'One Life to Live.' Her first air date is Fri., Oct. 1.
To read full article click here!

Saturday, October 2, 2010

Tom Pelphrey to Appear in Lion in Winter

Tom Pelphrey will appear in a production of The Lion in Winter, a play made famous by the film of the same name that starred Richard Harris, Kathrine Hepburn and Anthony Hopkins.
Click here for more information

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Tina Sloan to Appear in Blog Talk Radio Show

TINA SLOAN will be joining OutTakes to talk about "Changing Shoes", the title of her one-woman show and novel. She has starred in several soap operas, most recently on "Guiding Light."
Tune in on September 29 at 10:00 PM ET.
Changing Shoes: Getting Older--Not Old--with Style, Humor, and Grace

Click here to listen

Friday, September 24, 2010

Tina Sloan's Changing Shoes

If you have not yet purchased your copy of Tina Sloan's (ex-Lillian) Changing Shoes you should! I am the first to admit that I am a hard sell when it comes to sitting down and reading a book. I am a librarian by profession but research has always been more of my thing. Now don't get me wrong, I will read for pleasure, but it has to be something that really catches my attention or I will never get to the end.


Changing Shoes however did catch my attention and I did read it from cover to cover in a few days. It made me laugh. It made me cry. It made me thankful to have had to opportunity to spend time with Tina Sloan on several occasions during the past five years of my involvement with the actors.

You need not be a fan of Guiding Light to enjoy this book. My mom who had not watched GL for years panned on watching again once she retired is getting a copy as a retirement gift. Unfortunately GL is no longer around for her to watch, but I think Tina's view of life is something any one of us can enjoy!

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Ron Raines Offers Advice to High School Students

While in New Bern, North Carolina for two shows this week Ron Raines shared some advice with some high school students.
Read the full article here.

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Dicopoulos Creates Cable Documentaries

A year ago this Saturday, Sept. 18, "The Guiding Light" soap opera aired its last episode and Frank Dicopoulos found himself without a steady job for the first time in 22 years.

Quantcast
Dicopoulos, who played the role of Frank Cooper, needed to find steady work in a business where auditions — and rejections — are a way of life.

Monday, September 13, 2010

Several Former GL Stars Join River Ridge

Pinson, Ehlers, Coleman Lead Growing Cast of RIVER RIDGE 

Monday, September 13, 2010 Posted by We Love Soaps 

The producers of the highly anticipated new drama series RIVER RIDGE have filled their growing cast with a list of well-known soap names and promising newcomers. The cast includes Signy Coleman, Shannon Sturges, Julie Pinson, Beth Ehlers, Danielle DiLorenzo, Matt McAbee, Michael Robert Young, Matthew Daniell, Danielle DiLorenzo, Michael Robert Young and Frank DiCopoulos.

Read the full article on We Love Soaps!

Saturday, September 11, 2010

Ron Raines and Donald Pippin Take Broadway to Tampa

Persistence brings Broadway stars to Carrollwood Cultural Center

By Richard Danielson, Times Staff Writer
In Print: Friday, September 10, 2010

 CARROLLWOOD — Saturday night brings the biggest show yet to the 2-year-old Carrollwood Cultural Center, but the person who worked to bring two Broadway legends to the stage won't be there to see it.
To read entire article Click Here.

PA Paper Talks With GL Cruiser

Cruising With The Stars
September 10, 2010
by Frances Borsodi Zajac

Fayette County women enjoy boat trip with cast members of 'Guiding Light'
Imagine going on vacation with some of your favorite actors.
That happened to two Fayette County women who recently enjoyed a summer cruise with several cast members from "The Guiding Light'' television soap opera. 
To read entire article Click Here.

Sunday, August 29, 2010

Mandy Bruno In The Sound of Music

Mady Bruno  (ex Marina Cooper) is staring as Maria in The Sound of Music.

Friday, August 27, 2010

Robert Bogue to Appear

Robert Bogue (ex Mallet) is set to appear in the Providence Town Tennesse Williams Festival on September 26, 2010. Bogue played Mallet on Guiding Light from 2007-2009. He and Mandy Bruno (ex Marina Cooper) are engage to be married in April of 2011.
For more on this story visit We Love Soaps

Share Your Favorite Guiding Light Memories

As the one year anniversary approaches I thought it would be nice for our readers to share their favorite Guiding Light memories. Perhaps it was a storyline, a character or an encounter with one of the actors.

Many of us share the same story, we began watching because our mothers and/or grandmothers were viewers. I have heard that story from many many fans over the years.

I know there are still some movements out there saying that it is not too late to save GL, but it is my understanding that Proctor and Gamble does not want to give up the rights to the show, and I will venture to guess that the same holds true with the rights to As the World Turns as well. The actors and crew have come to terms with their loss and have begun to do what they have to and that is move on to other things. The actors who attended the So Long Springfield at Sea event earlier this month all agreed that there will be no resurrection for our beloved show.

James Rebhorn to Return to ATWT

It is being reported that James Rebhorn (ex Bradley Raines) will return to As the World Turns before it goes dark in September. To read the entire article from We Love Soaps click here.

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Lawrence St. Victor to Debut Film

Lawrence St. Victor (Ex Remy) is set to release The Forgiven.
Click here for more.

Ron Raines to Appear in Nacogdoches at SFA Fundraiser

copyright Sue Coflin/MaxPhoto
Ron Raines (ex Alan) will be performing Broadway and Movie Hits with the Orchestra of the Pines at the Steven F. Austin University in Nacogdoches, Texas on Friday October 22. The event is a fundraiser for the University's music department. Ron is from Nacogdoches.
For more information visit Ron Raines Online.

Monday, August 23, 2010

Ron Raines Receives Recognition in Opera News

The international publication Opera News recognized Ron's performance in the Opera Theater of St. Louis production of A Little Night Music performed in June:

"Ron Raines, who appeared in OTSL's opening season (1976) as Dr. Malatesta in Don Pasquale, was sensational as Fredrik Egerman, the middle-aged lawyer seeking rejuvenation with a young and silly wife. Raines's sexy blend of irony, wistfulness and vulnerability was carried on a powerful, burnished voice and a generous command of his character's tender, intimate moments."

You can read the full article here.

Friday, August 20, 2010

More GL Alumni News

Tina Sloan gave We Love Soaps an preview of her film Oh My Love earlier today.
Click here to see interview.

According to her Facebook page Yvonna Kopacz-Wright will be in this fall's CBS show Blue Bloods. According to the CBS web site:
BLUE BLOODS is a drama about a multi-generational family of cops dedicated to New York City law enforcement. Frank Reagan is the New York City Police Commissioner and heads both the police force and the Reagan brood. He runs his department as diplomatically as he runs his family, even when dealing with the politics that plagued his unapologetically bold father, Henry, during his stint as Chief. A source of pride and concern for Frank is his eldest son Danny, a seasoned detective, family man, and Iraqi War vet who on occasion uses dubious tactics to solve cases. The sole Reagan woman in the family, Erin, is a N.Y. Assistant D.A. and newly single parent, who also serves as the legal compass for her siblings and father. Jamie is the youngest Reagan, fresh out of Harvard Law and the family's "golden boy;" however, unable to deny the family tradition, Jamie decided to give up a lucrative future in law and is now a newly minted cop. Jamie's life takes an abrupt turn when he's asked to become part of a clandestine police investigation even his father knows nothing about, and one that could impact the family's legacy.­

The show stars Tom Selleck.

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Kim Zimmer to Return to OLTL

Big news today for Kim Zimmer fans. ABC Soaps in Depth is reporting that she will be returning to One Life to Live.

For more details check out Michael Fairman's report.

Monday, August 16, 2010

Recent News

Kim Zimmer will be appearing in the pay Lost Boy Found in Whole Foods:




LOST BOY FOUND IN WHOLE FOODS
By Tammy Ryan
Returning to Premiere Stages by popular demand as a full production!
Co-produced with Playwrights Theatre of New Jersey, in partnership with the
Kean University Human Rights Institute
September 2 through 19
Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday at 3 p.m.
Zella Fry Theatre
$25 Standard • $20 Senior • $15 Student
An optimistic “Lost Boy” from Sudan meets a suburban mother in desperate need of adventure. What begins as an unlikely friendship soon becomes an unbreakable bond that leads them toward a better understanding of their place in the world.



Tina Sloan 
Tina Sloan's book Changing Shoes will hit bookstores on September 16th. She is also taking her stage production if the same name into several cities including New York (sold out), Pittsburgh and Cincinnati.
Changing Shoes.com


Ron Raines
Ron Raines will be busy this September and October appearing on stage in Florida and North Carolina. For information visit his official home page RonRainesOnline.com.


Ron also invites you to view his Featured video section and to share your comments. He loves to hear what you have to say!


The So Long Springfield Cruise 
Fans and cast members spend four days and five nights aboard the Carnival Ship Glory for the So Long Springfield at Sea event, the final Guiding Light only event to be held by CEG. During one of the meet and greet sessions fans asked about getting GL back on the air. The actors all agree that that is NOT going to happen. They cited the fact that Proctor and Gamble has no interest in selling the rights to the 72 year old icon that went dark on September 18, 2009. GL's sister show ATWT will go dark this September.



Friday, July 30, 2010

Stay Tuned

Coming up: News on the So Long Springfield at Sea Cruise with 12 of the Guiding Light cast members brought to you by Celebrity Events Group. 

Thursday, July 29, 2010

Tickets for Changing Shoes in Cincinnati On Sale

Monday, October 18, 2010
Jarson-Kaplan Theater

Tina Sloan, best known for her 26-year role as nurse Lillian Raines on Procter & Gamble's CBS daytime drama Guiding Light, shares her personal journey in the Cincinnati debut of her one-woman show, Changing Shoes. Alternately hilarious and deeply moving, Changing Shoes is the story of a television star who suddenly faces the greatest challenge of her career -- getting older.

Spanning more than 40 years of her life, Changing Shoes begins when Tina has a chance encounter with an old pair of shoes. The shoes launch her on a journey through her past, from sexy starlet to leading lady to daytime matriarch, ultimately forcing her to confront the question: 'What do I have to do to stay in the game?' As one of the characters in the play tells her: 'Always wear your own shoes, otherwise your feet won’t know where to take you'.

Order Tickets Here

Monday, July 26, 2010

Michael O'Leary Ready to Set Sail

Michael O'Leary is only one of the actors from Guiding Light that will set sail this coming Saturday, July 31st aboard Carnival Ship Glory for the So Long Springfield event being produced by Celebrity Events Group. The cruise is the culminating event of the So Long Springfield Tour which began last October in Pittsburgh with a two-day sell out with over 1000 fans. The tour later visited Atlanta, Las Vegas and the Mohegan Sun Casino's in Connecticut.
Read the Soap Opera Digest Interview with Michael O'Leary (ex Rick) Here.

Saturday, July 24, 2010

Guiding Light Cast Members Prepare to Set Sail

A week from today cast members of Guiding Light will be setting sail in Carnival Ship Glory out of New York City for the final So Long Springfield event.
The event is organized by Celebrity Events Group, the same group that holds the Soap Cruise. Actors participating include: Ron Raines (Alan), Kim Zimmer (Reva), Robert Newman (Josh), Grant Aleksander (Phillip), Tina Sloan (Lillian), Jordan Clarke (Billy) and others.

More to come upon our return!

Monday, July 19, 2010

Robert Newman Shaves Head for Charity and Role in Annie

While in Pittsburgh Ron Raines asked Robert Newman if he was going to shave for his role as Daddy Warbucks in a production of Annie. Newman said he indeed planned to face the razor for the role.
Read Full Article and Watch Video here.

Monday, July 12, 2010

Tickets go on Sale for Tina Sloan's Changing Shoes performance in Pittsburgh

Tickets for Tina Sloan's (ex Lillian)play Changing Shoes performance in Pittsburgh on October 11. 2010 at the Byham Theater are now on sale.

Monday, October 11, 2010, 7:30 PM
Tickets: $30; $75 VIP Ticket includes autographed copy of Tina Sloan's book "Changing Shoes"

Changing Shoes is a one-woman show, about the beautiful, life changing and sometimes difficult discoveries we make when we least expect them. Tina Sloan, a successful actress, mother, wife and friend has a chance encounter one night with an old pair of shoes, sending her on a journey she never planned to take. Join Tina as she searches for the answers to life’s ultimate questions in the bottom of her closet and finds reasons to celebrate rather than to give up as she ages. Clips of 26 years on Guiding Light and in movies she has done add to the show's humor and sadness.

For more information click here.

Sunday, July 4, 2010

A Look Back at the 2008 Bauer BBQ: A Guiding Light Tradition

Many Guiding Light fans are feeling a bit lost this week because they are feeling the loss of a tradition, the Bauer BBQ. Here is a look back at one of my favorite July 4 celebrations.



Part2


Part 3

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Liz Keifer and Bonnie Dennison Complete Film Short

According to Tweets and Facebook postings by Liz Keifer (ex Blake) she and Bonnie Dennison
(ex Daisy) just completed working on a film short entitled Built for Two. At this time I have no other information, but if we hear more we will be sire to share!

Friday, June 25, 2010

Tina Sloan Writes About Her Favorite "Sport"

While editing her book Changing Shoes which is set to hit the book stores on September 18 a year to the day that the last episode of Guiding Light aired (a coincidence) Tina has been doing some writing for the Huffington Post. What is her favorite "sport?" You will have to read the article to find out.

Tina is also in the process of booking her play Changing Shoes in venues across the country.

Thursday, June 24, 2010

Not Too Late to Cruise with GL actors

It is not too late to experience the once in a life time opportunity to spend 5 exciting days at Sea with 12 of GL's favorite cast members with So Long Springfield at Sea! There are a limited number of cabins left, so if you are still considering spending your summer vacation with the gang, it is not too late. There is no obligation to learn more about the cruise from CEG at 866-364-0330 or to learn about cabin availability and logistics from Travel Leaders at1-800-626-0870.

The Celebrity Events Group Web Site.

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Good Luck Zack Conroy!

Good luck to Zack Conroy for his Emmy nomination. Make the Spaulding Family proud!

Good Luck at the Emmy's Beth Chamberlin

We'd like to wish Beth Chamberlin well in her bid for the Best Supporting Actress Daytime Emmy.

*****

*****I have not confirmed that this is the actual reel that was submitted.

Monday, June 21, 2010

Jessica Leccia's OLTL Debut

Jessica Leccia (ex Natalia) made her debut on One Life to Life on Friday. I could not help but notice a similarity between her new character and Natalia.

Friday, June 18, 2010

In God's Hat with Tom Pelphrey

In God's Hat," an incendiary new drama by Richard Taylor receives its world premiere in a four-week engagement concocted by the Apothecary Theatre Company. Directed by Kevin Kittle, and featuring the two-time Daytime Emmy Award-winner Tom Pelphrey.

For more information and the full article from Broadway World click here.

Soap Digest Shares Interview with Emmy Nominee Beth Chamberlin

On Her Own
— By Danielle McClure

What does a first-time Emmy nominee from a canceled soap do to prep for the big day without the know-how and supportive staff and co-stars from her show to help lead the way? It's a unique challenge this year for GL alum Beth Chamberlin (ex-Beth), who tells Digest about how she's making it to Vegas ... all on her own.

To read entire article click here.

Ron Raines to Appear in Town Hall's All Singing All Dancing

Guiding Light's Ron Raines (ex Alan) will appear in a Town Hall New York production called All Singing All Dancing on July 26, 2010.

Raines is currently completing a run in A Little Night Music in St. Louis (ends June 19). Following the show's closing he will be heading to The Muny Theater, also in St. Louis for a production of Titanic the Musical July 5-11.

For more information on these appearances and more visit his official home page.

Thursday, June 17, 2010

Beth Chamberlin Lands Role on Web Series The Cell

On Wednesday evening it was announced that Guiding Light Alum and Daytime Emmy Nominee Beth Chamberlin would be joining the cast of The Cell for season two. Beth will be heading to Austin, Texas in late July for taping.  To read the full story from the Official Cell Web site Click here.

Sunday, June 6, 2010

A Little Night Music Starring Ron Raines Opens in St. Louis Tonight





The summer night smiles for Academy Award nominee Amy Irving, veteran British stage actress SiĂ¢n Phillips and Ron Raines in the Opera Theatre of St. Louis production of A Little Night Music, which opens June 6.
Fashion designer Isaac Mizrahi makes his stage directorial debut with Stephen Sondheim and Hugh Wheeler's Tony-winning musical that runs through June 19.

Read more

Thursday, June 3, 2010

Kim Zimmer Makes Surprise Visit to Fan

CANONSBURG (KDKA) ―Soap actress Kim Zimmer poses for a photo with Donna Lee Sullivan after surprising her at her Canonsburg home!  Soap opera fans spend every afternoon with the same characters year after year - so much so that it's like they're family after a while.
Click here for full story and video 

Also a reminder to all Kim Zimmer fans that her Hallmark movie Freshman Father debuts on the Hallmark Channel Saturday, June 5 at 9:00PM ET.  An encore presentation follows at 11 PM.

Tuesday, June 1, 2010

Robert Newman and Michael O'Leary Attend We Love Soaps Weekend

One of the more credible soap opera blogs on the internet is We Love Soaps recently held its own fan event. Stars from several daytime shows appeared at the event including Guiding Light's Robert Newman and Michael O'Leary.

Click here to see more.

Monday, May 31, 2010

Ron Raines from Opera to Soap Opera

 
'Guiding Light' star Ron Raines will play here in 'Night Music'
POST-DISPATCH TV CRITIC

Ron Raines' career has been unorthodox, he admits. "I've sat on both sides of the fence." By that, he means he's sung opera and starred on a soap opera.

"I guess I was one of the first crossover people," he muses.
Read more here.

Updates


The Guiding Light Fan Club weekend is no more, but several events will still take place in New York City during Columbus Day weekend. One will be the annual rock concert for the American Red Cross of Greater New York. Hosted by Gina Tognoni (Kelly Cramer, OLTL) and featuring the Bradley Cole Band with guest performances by Kim Zimmer (Reva Shayne, GL), Ron Raines (Alan Spaulding, GL), Michael Park (Jack Snyder, ATWT), Mandy Bruno (Marina Cooper, GL), Trent Dawson (Henry Coleman, ATWT), Robert Newman (Josh Lewis, GL) and many more Stars of Daytime to be announced!!!

Date:
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Time:
7:30pm - 9:00pm
Location:
American Red Cross Headquarters in New York City
Street:
520 W. 49th St (Between 10th and 11th Ave.)
City/Town:
New York, NY


Tickets availabe online at Ticketleap.com.

Meanwhile:

Laura Bell Bundy (ex Mara) made her Grand Ole Opry debut on Saturday, May 21, 2010. Bundy released her country album Achin' and Shakin' earlier this month.

Monday, May 17, 2010

Ron Raines, Robert Newman and Frank Dicopolous Appear at YWBCF Event in Pittsburgh

On Sunday May 16, 2010 over 400 guests participated in the 5th Annual Spring Fashion Show and Gala benefiting the Young Women's Breast Cancer Foundation in Pittsburgh. The YWBCF reaches out to younger women who are striken with the disease and offer support as well as information.  Guiding Light's Frank Dicopolous emceed the event along with KDKA's (The CBS afiliate out of Pittsburgh) Brenda Waters.

Ron Raines and Robert Newman were on hand to perform during the event along with the Pittsburgh Civic Light Orchestra's cast of Nunsense and many young performers entertained the crowd.

Monday, May 3, 2010

9 After 7 Productions Invites You to Sign Up for Newsletter

If you have already pre-ordered your copy of La Lumiere from 9 After 7 Productions, but you have not signed up for their Constant Contact newsletter we invite you to stop back and visit the official 9 After 7 home page and sign up. You simply have to place your email address in the block and click "Go." Confirm it on the next page and you will be included in all future mailings. Beth told me yesterday she hopes they will be prepared to send something out later this week.

Don't forget to tell your fellow GL fans about the project. There are many fans out there who are not on the Internet who have not yet heard the news.
Tracey

Sunday, May 2, 2010

Grant Aleksander Reflects

Well its May 2nd and I just read Beth Chamberlin's post. It really makes me sad to think of all those things being auctioned off like so much anonymous junk. To those of us that worked on the show those things combined to create the physical world we inhabited for so long. And they changed you. You stood a little taller when you were in the Spaulding Study. Your shoulders relaxed and you breathed a little easier as you strolled into Company and slid into one of the booths or propped yourself up on a stool at the bar. When I came back to the show last year the first thing I did was to walk around the sets. Memories flooded over me and I could literally feel myself returning home to Springfield. When the show wrapped I asked to have the fireplace seat and andirons from the Spaulding Study. Countless times over the years I had sat on them or kneeled before them speaking to one of my kids or Beth or, in the old days, being lectured to by Alan . They will always bring back wonderful memories to me. They're now in my study in Virginia from where I sit writing this. Its not all an illusion. Those of us who worked on the show for a long time feel a very strong connection to all of those things.
But beyond the physical things that helped create Springfield even more important was the connection that we all felt to each other. And still feel. Thats why a group of us have come together to form 9 AFTER 7 Productions. We're trying to find a way to continue to be able to work together and produce the kind of  stories that we think fans of our show and others will continue to enjoy. The entertainment industry may be changing but peoples appetite for stories that emphasize family, friends and human relationships have not. We hope you will all give your support to our first project "La Lumiere." You'll see the faces you remember and the kind of stories and relationships you've come to love over the years. You can find us at www.newkindoflight.com. We hope to see you all there!
Cheers!
Grant Aleksander

Saturday, May 1, 2010

With "Guiding Light's Last Breath, New Life is Born

By Beth Chamberlin (ex-Beth Raines, GL)

It is May 1, 2010 and in just about four minutes, at 11:00 am, they will be selling off the last of “Guiding Light”.  At the Navy Yard in Brooklyn, “Guiding Light” will take its last breath.  Painful to many of us who worked on and watched the show. 

“Guiding Light” had something special.  It brought people together, not just those of us that worked there, but families, friends.  Mothers, daughters, granddaughters watched and then talked about this show.  It represented a tradition and opened conversation between generations.  Friends were made by a common interest in a particular storyline.  Relationships were formed across the miles. People who would never have met became the best of friends; relationships that had suffered a rift, were mended. Yes, there was something special that was lost in the new world in which soaps and television in general finds itself.

But take heart, hope does exist.  There is a new light that is trying to break through.  This light is in the form of a production company called 9 After 7.   I am a part of this group and what we are attempting to do is create a ‘new kind of light’.  We want to give the fans what they lost.  We want to give them the people, the couples and the type of stories they loved.

Today, May 1, 2010, at 12:01 am we launched our website www.newkindoflight.com and announced our first project.  The fact that we commenced our new venture on the day that the last of “Guiding Light” was auctioned off to the highest bidder was not planned, not by us.  I believe there is something in the stars.  I believe we are all, cast, crew and fans alike being given a second chance.

Our first project is a full-length, direct-to-dvd feature.  Its title is “La Lumiere”, which many of you know is French for light.  I created it and coincidentally it is about a place, an inn where magic happens; a place where stars align and love and life are found. . .or lost.  It is a place where past and present often mingle as one.

That is sort of what 9 After 7 was formed to do.  Take the best of the past, those wonderful stories that brought us together and offer them through the new forms of media, technology and marketing that are available.

It will be a new kind of light.  It will come in the form of DVD’s that fans can buy and have shipped to their homes.  But, the most wonderful thing about this new venture is that it can never be canceled or auctioned off as long as there is interest.  In this venture, the fan is the boss, the fans are ‘The Powers That Be”.

It is May 1, 2010, it is a new world and we have embraced it.  We are creating a new paradigm of consumer driven entertainment tailored to the soap fan.  We don’t know exactly where this new road will take us, but we do know it is worth traveling. 

9 After 7 is offering a pre-release Limited Edition Director’s Cut of the movie, “La Lumiere”. Our company’s website is www.newkindoflight.com.

Friday, April 30, 2010

Former Guiding Light Cast Members Launch 9 After 7 Productions


No, I have not forgotten about my blog, it is just that I have been extremely busy helping to design the website for 9 After 7 Productions which will go live at 12:00 AM Eastern May 1, 2010. 9 After 7 Productions is a new company founded by Guiding Light favorites Beth Chamberlin, Fiona Hutchison, Tina Sloan, Ron Raines and Grant Alexsander. It has been in the works since September when Guiding Light went dark. Billed as "A New kind of Light," the group plans to be able to produce programming for the long time soap opera fans. Its first production is entitled "La Lumiere." Presales for a special limited edition of the film on DVD will begin at midnigt tonight. Visit A New Kind Of Light. or 9 After 7 Productions.

Sunday, April 18, 2010

Weekend Wrap up

Laura Bell Bundy's makes her country album debut with Akin' & Shakin'. The album was released this past Tuesday and is also available through iTunes. WalMart is selling the CD for $10.00 in stores and online. If you like country music you will enjoy this album.

Cythnia Watros who won over fans as Guiding Light's Annie Dutton will make her House debut this week as Dr. Wilson's ex-wife, and current flame. Rumor is that we will see more of Watros on House this season.

Unfortunately Ron Raines has to cancel his appearance in Omaha this weekend due to illness. He released an official statement on his home page.  The good news is that he is on his way to a full recovery and he tells me he is on his way back. Thanks to everyone who sent well wishes and showed concern after he made his announcement.

Tina Sloan will be going around the country on a book tour after the release of her book, Changing Shoes in mid-September.  Pre-orders are now being taken via Amazon.com. According to Tina's Sunday morning tweet she will be sharing her tour schedule soon.

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Tom Pelphrey to Appear on Stage in Pittsburgh May 29th

Forer Guidling Light star Tom Pelphrey brings his one act play reading to Pittsburgh on May 29, 2010 at the Kelly Strayhorn Theater. Tom asks that those planning to attend order their tickets in advance.  After the performance Tom will be taking time to sign autographs and pose for photos.

Friday, April 9, 2010

Raines, Newman and Dicopoulos to Appear in Pittsburgh May 16

For the second time this year several Guiding Light alumni will be visiting Pittsburgh in support of the Young Women's Breast Cancer Foundation.  Back on March 27 Ron Raines, Frank Dicopoulos, Jerry Vern Dorn and ATWT's actress Terri Colombino greeted fans at the Shower With the Soap Stars event at the LeMont on Mt. Washington. Fun was had by all as fans got to meet some of their favorite daytime stars. Many took the opportunity to say good-bye to the GL actors for the first time.

Raines and Dicopoulos will be joined by another fan favorite Robert Newman for the 5th Annual Spring Fashion Show for the same organization. Newman and Raines are scheduled to perform at the event which includes a meet and greet as well as lunch, the fashion show and performances by the Pittsburgh CLO.

Thursday, April 8, 2010

Ron Raines Heads to Omaha for So In Love With Broadway April 16 and 18

Ron Raines and Emily Loesser help Omaha fall in love all over again


by Warren Francke

If you’re not already “So in Love with Broadway,” the Opera Omaha concert with that title could be your match made in heaven.

It’s not just that award-winning vocalists will sing great show tunes. We often get to hear good voices in local and visiting musicals.
Read the full article here.

Ron Raines and Emily Loesser

Monday, April 5, 2010

Ron Raines Cast in Titanic the Musical

Ron Raines has been cast in a production of Titanic the Musical at The Muny Theater in St. Louis July 5-11. Fans in the St. Louis will have not one but two chances to see him perform on stage this summer because Raines will be in the St. Louis Opera production of A Little Night Music in June! For more details please visit Ron Raines Online.

Laura Bell Bundy to Release Country Album

Former Guiding Light actress Laura Bell Bundy will be releasing her Country Album Achin' and Shakin'.
Pre–order Achin’ and Shakin’ NOW at iTunes for only $7.99 and get an exclusive dance remix of “Giddy On Up” – Available only with iTunes Pre–Orders!

Visit her official web site to see the video for the first single from the album and to pre-order from iTunes Store!

Paul Anthony Stewart to Appear on Stage

Julie Reiber, who has performed the role of Elphaba in Broadway's Wicked, will play Cathy opposite the Jamie of Paul Anthony Stewart in the Berkshire Theatre Festival's upcoming production of Tony Award winner Jason Robert Brown's The Last Five Years.
Click here for more details from Playbill.

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Lawrence St. Victor to Join Cast of Black Angels Over Tuskegee

"Guiding Light" star Lawrence Saint-Victor will join the acclaimed new play, Black Angels Over Tuskegee, by Layon Gray, this Monday, April 5th at St. Luke's Theatre, 308 West 46th Street (between Eighth & Ninth Ave.) Lawrence Saint-Victor is replacing Lamman Rucker in the cast, which also features Demetrius Gross, Thom Scott II, Antonio Charity, Layon Gray, David Wendell Boykins, Derek Shaun, Jay Jones, and Rich Skidmore.

Click here for Full Article

Robert Newman On Law & Order SVU

Catch Guiding Light's Robert Newman on Law & Order SVU to be aired Wednesday March 31, 2010 at 10/9c on NBC.

Guiding Light Actors Visit Pittsburgh for the Young Women's Breast Cancer Foundation

On Saturday, March 27 Ron Raines, Frank Dicopoulos, Jerry Ver Dorn (GL & ATWT) and Terri Colombino (ATWT) attended The Shower With the Soap Stars at the LeMont Restaurant atop Mt. Washington in Pittsburgh to help raise finds for the Young Women's Breast Cancer Foundation.

Fans got a chance to mingle with the four soap stars as well as enjoy a tasty brunch and play shower games.

Following the event the actors and members of the foundation along with yours truely visited Family House in Shadyside and served meals to the guests there.

Family House, a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation operated by a voluntary board of directors, provides a special "home away from home" for patients and families who are in Pittsburgh for treatment of serious or life-threatening illnesses. Thanks to the generosity and support of the Pittsburgh community, Family House is able to provide a comfortable haven to help guests through stressful times.

Frank Dicopoulos, Ron Raines, Jerry Ver Dorn and Terri Colombino
and Lisa Edmonds (Center in white) with guests at the Family House.


Jerry and Ron Brightening the day for a few guests.

Thursday, March 25, 2010

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

Kim Zimmer Heads to Tampa

In her nearly 20-year run on "Guiding Light," actress Kim Zimmer found herself in the wildest scenarios imaginable.

Kim Zimmer talks to Walt Belcher of Tampa Bay Online about Guiding Light, Good Bye Guiding Light and auditioning.  Click here for the full article.

Monday, March 22, 2010

Robert Newman Joins Cast of National Pastime

Guiding Light's Robert Newman will join the cast of National Pastime on May first at the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York. 
The 200-seat Grandstand Theater is located at the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum at 25 Main Street in Cooperstown. Visit community.baseballhall.org. For more information, please contact 212 730-4664.
Visit www.nationalpastimethemusical.com or visit our Facebook Page at NATIONAL PASTIME.

Vote For Steamboat the Series

Don't forget to vote for Steamboat the Series in the We Love Soaps Indie Soap of the Week Poll!

You can cast your vote and show your support with the link below.



Monday, March 15, 2010

Behind the Scenes at Steamboat the Series

This week Michael O'Leary released a backstage featurette on Steamboat. Episode four is set to be released next weekend.



If you have not yet subscribed to Steamboat the Series on YouTube, please do! So far the show has had a strong showing in March, reaching as high as number 2 for YouTube Comedy Channel Subscriptions.

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Good Bye GL Event Scheduled for Florida

Five Guiding Light Stars are set to appear in a one day only event in Florida.

Join 5 of Guiding Light's most beloved actors as they gather at the Seminole Hard Rock Casino in Tampa, Florida to say Good Bye to fans of their celebrated show which aired for a record-setting 72 years. Kim Zimmer (Reva), Robert Newman (Josh), Michael O'Leary (Rick), Grant Aleksander (Phillip), & Justin Deas (Buzz)

Where: Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Tampa, Florida

When: Saturday, March 27th

What: 11:00-1200PM Noon Question & Answer Session

1:00-4:00PM Enjoy 3 hours of hugs, and pictue taking with the actors.

Cost: $35.00

Tickets can be purchased online at www.goodbyeguidinglight.com through Seminole Hard Rock Casino or by calling 1-866-364-0330.

For more information click here.

Sunday, February 28, 2010

STEAMBOAT the Series Episode 2

Michael O'Leary decided to release episode two of Steamboat a few days early due to the snow storm that hit the east coast again on Friday. This was much to the delight of fans who are excited about Michael's project featuring several former Guiding Light actors including Beth Chamberlin, Justin Deas, Kurt McKinney, Orlagh Cassidy and Kim Zimmer.

Steamboat quickly began to climb the most subscribe comedy chart for the month of February on Youtube, hitting #12 on Saturday. Michael would love to see fans push the series into the top ten by the end of the day today!  Fans are also giving the show its stamp of approval by voting for the series in the We Love Soaps indy soap poll for the week.

Michael has been seeking fans opinions via Twitter and Facbook...

Episode 2 of Steamboat.

Thursday, February 25, 2010

Steamboat Catching Attention

Michael O'Leary (ex Rick Bauer) and his cast of some of daytime's most familiar faces are getting a lot of attention as the comedy webseries Steamboat continues to climb on Youtube's most subscribed comedies list. As of 1:20 PM today the first episode has climbed to #15 most subscribed in the comedy area. Congratualtions go out to all involved in the project!

It seems that many fans are providing Michael with ideas for future episodes of Steamboat, including ways in which to get Ron Raines (ex Alan Spaulding) involved. Michael is also reaching out to a younger audience and is asking his Facebook followers to share Steamboat with the younger audience. If you have not yet checked it out, you can catch the first epsiode by scrolling down the page!

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Liz Keifer's Upcoming Appearances

Liz Keifer has a few upcoming appearances that can be viewed here. Liz's official fan club site is also featured in our links section. Liz will be taking part in the So Long Springfield Tour and she continues to be actively involved in auditioning and is appearing on stage. She and Jerry are planning to once again host the Daytime Stars and Strikes Event in October! Visit here for more details on Daytime Stars and Strikes.

Visit the Official Websites of GL Alumni

Here is a list of the official sites of some of the Guiding Light actors. Please visit these sites to keep up-to-date on what these wonderful actors are up to now!

Ron Raines (Alan Spaulding)
Kim Zimmer (Reva Shayne)
Beth Chamberlin (Beth Raines)
Beth Chamberlin's Beacon Fitness
Bradley Cole (Jeffery O'Neil)
Jordan Clarke (Billy Lewis)
Marj Dusay (Alexandra Spaulding)
Liz Keifer (Blake Marler)
Robert Newman (Josh Lewis)
Tom Pelphrey (Jonathan Randall)
Tina Sloan (Lillian Raines)
Jerry VerDorn (Ross Marler)
Daytime Stars and Strikes

Monday, February 22, 2010

Michael O'Leary and Scott Bryce Launch Steamboat the Series on YouTube




Episode 1

Shower With the Soap Stars

Join Ron Raines, Jerry Ver Dorn, Frank Dicopoulos and Terri Columbino at Shower with the Soap Stars at the LeMont Resturant on Mt. Washington, Pittsburgh, PA on Saturday March 27 in support of The Young Women's Breast Cancer Foundation.

Cost is $60 per person which includes a buffet lunch.

So Long Springfield at Sea

The final So Long Springfiled event will take place upon the Carnival Cruise Ship Glory July 31-August 5 2010.  This is your last chance to say good-bye to 12 of GL's most beloved actors as they gather in one place for this final event. Don't wait! Book your cabin before it is too late! For more infomation click here.

Michael O'Leary Introduces Steamboat

Guiding Light's Michael O'Leary has just released the trailer and first episode to his pilot series entitled Steamboat on YouTube. Steamboat is a satire about a soap opera that is on the ratings endangered list. O'Leary invited several of his long time GL fans to join him on the project including Beth Chamerlin (ex -Beth). Kim Zimmer (ex-Reva), Orlagh Cassidy (ex-Doris), Justin Deas (ex-Buzz) and Kurt McKinney (ex-Matt. They are joined by As the Word Turn actor Michael Park.