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!

Monday, August 8, 2011

Weekly Alumni Feature #4 Ron Raines

In honor of Ron Raines' return to Broadway in Follies I have chosen him as this week's Guiding Light Alumni Feature. Ron took over the role of Alan Spaulding the summer of 1994, replacing the very popular Chris Bernau. Guiding Light was Ron's first television role. Prior to his GL debut Ron played many of American Musical Theater's leading men across the country including Don Quixote, Emile De Becque and Benjamin Stone. During his work on GL Ron played Billy Flynn in the Broadway production of Chicago!

Yesterday, Ron returned to Broadway in the Stephen Sondheim production Follies at the Marquis Theater.
Visit Ron Raines Online for more information on Ron's career and on how to buy your tickets to Follies.

Monday, August 1, 2011

Weekly Alumni Feature-Jay Hammer

Guiding Light fans will remember Jay Hammer for his role as Fletcher Reade, but if you go a few more years back you may recall a young Hammer as the next door neighbor's son on The Jeffersons. Yes that's right, Jay played the mixed race son of the Willis'--Allan Willis.

For a more information click here



Monday, July 25, 2011

Weekly Alumni Feature- Marj Dusay


Marj Dusay was by far my favorite actress to play Alexandra Spaulding. Marj is a delightful woman with a fantastic sense of humor. I will never forget sitting next to her with a small group of friends at a bar in New York City on Sunday afternoon. We laughed as she shared stories and cracked jokes. She even burped on cue for us!  I will always list Alexandra and Alan's relationship as the best brother and sister duo ever on television.  For more information on the delightful and talented Marj Dusay visit her official home page.

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Weekly Alumni Feature- Mary Kay Adam's


Mary Kay Adams appeared on Guiding Light as "India Von Halkein." The character became popular enough to make several return visits to Springfield over the years. She also appeared in such popular series as Star Trek Deep Space Nine, Law & Order and Thirdwatch.  

Visit her Official Home Page Here

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Terrell Tilford in Lifetime Original Series

Terrell Tilford will be appearing in the Lifetime original series The Protector. Tilford will play police officer Ramon "Romeo" Rush in the series.


Television audiences may recognize Tilford from his recurring roles on such shows as the Showtime series "Soul Food," "24," "Lincoln Heights," "Star Trek: Enterprise," "Shark," "MDs," "Just Legal" and "All of Us." Other television appearances include "NCIS," "Bones," "CSI:NY," "The District," "Girlfriends," "My Wife & Kids," "CSI," "Cosby," "Coach," "Guiding Light," and Lifetime's "Army Wives" and original movie "Maneater." He also received an NAACP Image Award nomination for his work on "One Life to Live."

Tilford is married to actress Victoria Platt, whom he met while working on "Guiding Light." Their wedding was featured on The Learning Channel series "A Wedding Story." 

For more information on the series visit The Protector

Kim Zimmer to Play Norma Desmond at Barn Theatre

Kim Zimmer (ex Reva) will play Norma Desmond in the Barn Theatre’s upcoming production of “Sunset Boulevard.”  Zimmer has starred in past Barn productions, including “The Rainmaker” with Tom Wopat in 1993.  She now has joined the cast of “One Life to Live” as the character Echo DiSavoy.

“Sunset Boulevard” plays Aug. 23 to Sept. 4. The Barn Theatre is located at 13351 M 96, Augusta. Tickets are $34. For more information, call 731-4121 or visit www.barntheatre.com.

Friday, July 1, 2011

Bauer Burger's Anyone?

The Recipe for "Bauer Burgers"

By Michael O'Leary (ex Rick Bauer)

 

 Guiding Light fans still talk about how they miss the annual Bauer BBQ each year. The Bauer BBQ always brought the fictional town of Springfield together to celebrate this great nation's independence.  While we can't bring back GL I thought perhaps some of you might want to celebrate this 4th of July by downing a few "Bauer Burgers" and a Michelob, or whatever your beverage of choice may be!

1. Get 2 lbs of ground sirloin, then mix in some garlic, pepper, salt and 3 teaspoons of Worcestershire sauce.

2. Make an even number of thin hamburger patties. (Be sure to make them very thin.)

3. Chop up some onion and put it on top of the first patty. Then put a slice of American or mozzarella cheese on top. Grill some mushrooms and put them on top of the cheese. Cover the whole thing with another patty.

4. Using a fork press down the edges of the patties so they are sealed

5. Barbecue the double patties over a low flame until done. It takes more time to cook due to the thickness of the patties.

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Ron Raines Heading Back to Broadway!

Photo Credit Sue Coflin/MaxPhotos

Ron Raines (ex-Alan) will return to Broadway beginning August 7 as the Kennedy Center production of Stephen Sondheim's Follies transfers for a limited engagement at the Marquis Theater. This comes on the heals of a very successful six week run in Washington, D. C.

He stars along with Bernadette Peters, Jan Maxwell and Danny Burnstein.


For more information click here.

Monday, June 27, 2011

Robert Newman in Man of La Mancha

Robert Newman will be starring in Man of LaMancha at the Barn Theater in Michigan from June 28 through July 10th. For more information visit The Barn Theater website. Today is also Robert's birthday.

Sunday, May 29, 2011

Raines, Mosely and Bogue Take to the Stage

Ron Raines (ex-Alan) continues his run in Sondheim's FOLLIES at the Kennedy Center in Wasington, D.C.  Soon after the show closes he heads to Boston to perform with the Boston Pops at Symphony Hall.
Visit his official home page for links and more information. And while your are there check out the photo gallery---Ron shot a scene for the Jennifer Aniston film Wunderlust with Linda Lavin while they appear in FOLLIES.


Robert Bogue (ex-Mallet) is appearing Off-Braodway in MANIPULATIONS. Previews began May 14 with the official opening June 16. Click here for more information.

Karla Mosely is appearing in I MARRIED WYATT EARP. Click here for more information.

Saturday, May 14, 2011

Ron Raines and Bernadette Peters in Follies

Ron Raines (ex Alan) stars with Bernadette Peters and Jan Maxwell in the Kennedy Center's  production of Follies. So far the fans are loving it a week into previews. Opening night is slated for May, 21.
Playbill Feature.

Thursday, April 28, 2011

Beth Chamberlin Launches New Site Tonight


Beth Chamberlin, long-time leading lady on the legendary daytime drama, “Guiding Light” has adapted her cutting edge fitness program to create a high-quality home workout, using common household items as equipment.

New York, NY (PRWEB) April 28, 2011 – When Beth Chamberlin viewed Michele Obama’s video commemorating the first anniversary of her “Let’s Move” initiative to end childhood obesity, she was moved by the First Lady’s call to action. Beth realized that her television fame and her reputation and expertise in the fitness world placed her in a unique position to contribute in a meaningful way to this effort. So she dove into the task of creating a home fitness program for everyone.

“I believe that most children learn their important life lessons from their parents,” said Chamberlin. “And the best way for parents to encourage children to become more physically active is by setting the example.” Her first goal then was to create a fitness program that was safe, effective and could be done in the home so that children could see their parents exercising and even take part.

From her experiences in operating an online health and fitness business, Beth knew that the people trying to start a fitness program often find it difficult to find the time to go to the gym. Many are intimidated by the idea of exercising or don’t know where to start. Still others cannot afford the cost of trainers, gyms memberships or home equipment in these difficult economic times.

“I wanted to make the journey to fitness and vitality accessible and affordable for everyone. So the workout I created is designed to use products that people already have in their home or can be purchased in any supermarket for less ten dollars. I also made the workout available on my website “Beth Chamberlin Beauty, Health and Fitness,” as a gift for all those interested in taking this important step.”

Anyone interested in using this program can go to www.bcbhf.com, download a complimentary copy of the “First Lady Fitness Workout” and begin changing their lives and those of their children today. An introduction to this new workout can be seen on YouTube or at www.bcbhf.com.

“By offering this exercise program as a gift, I am hoping to reach those people who have not had access to home fitness before. I believe that this program makes it possible. I have no connection to Michele Obama nor did she endorse this program. But, I was inspired by her initiative and I dedicate this to her. I hope she doesn’t mind.”

Beth Chamberlin played the part of Beth Raines, on Guiding Light for 15 years. For the past three years she has been promoting the metabolic approach to strength and fitness training using kettlebells as the primary tool. She will be hosting a virtual launch party to celebrate the release of the First Lady Fitness Workout on April 28, 2011 from 7:00 to 9:00 PM eastern time. Those interested in participating may call (646) 200-0147 or log on to: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/indie_intertube/2011/04/28/bethchamberlincom-launch-party. An introduction for the first video can be seen at: http://youtube.com/watch?v=rveDCUPd8VA.

Saturday, April 9, 2011

Don't Know What to Get Mom for Mother's Day?

Mother's Day is approaching and many mom's out there are still missing Guiding Light. How about these gift ideas?

If mom is a music lover Bradley Cole and Ron Raines have recorded CD's. Two very different styles of music. Ron offers two solo CD's containing Broadway tunes while Bradley's offerings are more of the pop/rock nature. CD's can be purchased through their official websites. Ron's CD's are autographed.

Ron Raines Online
Bradley Cole .com

If mom is a reader she will love Tina Sloan's Changing Shoes! Now available for the Kindle too!
Also available for pre-order at this time is Kim Zimmer's I'm Just Sayin'  It's release date is set for August 2, 2011, but I am sure mom won't mind waiting if she is a Kim Zimmer fan. I am sure the book is filled with stories that only Kim can tell.

Meanwhile Kim and Robert Newman are appearing in CURTAINS so perhaps you can give mom a ticket to see it when hit hits New Jersey's Papermill Playhouse in May.

Tina Sloan continues to travel around the country promoting her book and putting on her play of the same name. Visit Changing Shoes . com for more information.

And Ron Raines will be appearing in FOLLIES at the Kennedy Center in Washington DC in May and June.

Friday, April 8, 2011

Pelphrey to Appear at SoapFest


MarcoIsland will host actors from All My Children, As The World Turns, One Life To Live, Young and the Restiess and Guiding Light, for the annualSouthwest Florida Soapfest Charity Weekend - May 15 & 16.  Fan favorites including Susan Haskell, Thorsten Kaye, Tom Pelphrey, Walt Willey and many more will be available for two days of FUN IN THE SUN events including "A Night of Stars", "Cruisin' & Schmoozin'with the Stars", "Celebrity Bartender Bash" and a "one time only" play reading performed by Tom Pelphrey and Stephanie Gatschet..  This event benefits children with autism.  Tickets range from $50 - $175.  Visit www.soapfest.com or call 239-394-0080 for tickets and event details.

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

It's Curtains for Zimmer

The woman famous for having portrayed Reva Shayne Lewis Cooper Spaulding Lewis in “The Guiding Light” will now be playing a character with far fewer names. Kim Zimmer, the four-time Daytime Emmy-winner, will come to the Paper Mill Playhouse to portray Carmen Cohen Bernstein.
Click here for entire article.

Saturday, March 19, 2011

Rehearsals for Curtains Underway

Robert Newman and Kim Zimmer have begun rehearsal for the Theater Under the Starts production of Curtains. You can watch the video here. Curtains Promo

Thursday, March 3, 2011

Robert Newman Lands Lead in Curtains

Theatre Under The Stars (TUTS) is excited to announce the cast selected to lead the TUTS and Houston debut of the Broadway smash hit, Curtains, scheduled to play March 29 - April 10 at the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts.

Friday, February 25, 2011

Guiding Light Alums Get Emmy Prenoms

Several former Guiding Light stars received Daytime Emmy prenoms:
Leading actor: Jerry VerDorn for One Life to Live and Ricky Paull Goldin for All My Children
Lead Actress: Gina Tognoni for One Life to Live
Supporting Actor: Rick Hearst for Bold and the Beautiful
Best Young Actor: Zack Conroy for Bold and the Beautiful

We Love Soaps Interviews Kim Zimmer

We Love Soaps posted an entertaining interview with Kim Zimmer about her Off-Broadway play, One Life to Live and her book set to hit the shelves in August.

Click here to read the interview.

Sunday, February 13, 2011

Oprah Tweets that Scripted TV is Too Expensive

When Oprah asked for soap fans to come forward and tell her why they deserved to be crowned "The World's Biggest Soap Fan" many fans began reading into it....far too much. A few days later she aired an episode of her show where she invited some of the soap world's biggest names to be her guests, including Susan Lucci. That same week she added a poll to her site asking fans to vote for their all-time favorite show....and again many fans began reading into what it all means.

I do not know Oprah Winfrey. I have no inside information, but it seems to me that she is simply looking to do a show on soap fans, and nothing more. In a Tweet earlier today Oprah had this to say when asked if she planned on adding scripted programming, "Not now, 2expensive, the network will evolve to be of service and self-help."

The fact remains that PGP who owns the rights to Guiding Light and As the World Turns and all of their characters has shown no signs of being interested in selling the shows off, even to the highest bidder. No one seems to know the reason why that is, but the fact remains the same, if they aren't for sell, no one can buy them and bring them back.

The sad fact is that for GL it has been a year and a half since it went off the air, and if it were going to be saved, it would have happened already....it would have happened before it went off the air and everything related to it went up for sale and/or was destroyed. The same can now be said for ATWT, only six months after its last epsiode.

Thursday, February 10, 2011

Kim Zimmer Fans Invited to LOVE, LOSS, AND WHAT I WORE

 

See Kim Zimmer in Nora Ephron and Delia Ephron's Smash Sensation LOVE, LOSS, AND WHAT I WORE for $45.

Proving that a great show is always in fashion, LOVE, LOSS, AND WHAT I WORE, with its starry rotating cast and compulsively entertaining subject matter, is the toast of Off-Broadway. Entering its second smash year at the Westside Theatre, this intimate collection of stories by Nora Ephron and Delia Ephron, directed by Karen Carpenter and produced by Daryl Roth, is based on the best-selling book by Ilene Beckerman. Like the book, the show uses clothing and accessories and the memories they trigger to tell funny and poignant stories that everyone can relate to, creating one of the most enduring theatergoing experiences in New York. Joining Kim Zimmer will be Katrina Bowden ("30 Rock"), Sabrina Le Beauf ("The Cosby Show"), Orfeh (Legally Blonde the Musical), and Barbara Rhoades (The Goodbye Girl).
Kim Zimmer Fans don't miss this opportunity to take advantage of this special ticket price!
Use code LLSKZ75 to purchase tickets for $45
for performances February 16 to March 20, 2011. NOW ON SALE!
(Regular price: $79)



Monday, January 31, 2011

Ron Raines to Appear with Marc Kudish in Actors Fund Benefit

Ron Raines (ex Alan) will appear in The Lower Depths: In Defense of the Baritone Voice hosted by Marc Kudish on Valentines day at the New World Theater, 340 West 50th New York, NY. The concert benefits The Actors Fund. For more information please visit Ron Raines' Official site.

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Paul Anthony Stewart

Joy Franz and Paul Anthony Stewart Will Sing Broadway in the Boro for Keen Company


By Adam Hetrick

19 Jan 2011
Off-Broadway's Keen Company will present a one-night-only concert, Broadway in the Boro, Jan. 24 at New Jersey's Chatham Community Playhouse.

To read the entire PlayBill article click here.

Friday, January 7, 2011

STEAMBOAT the Series Releases Two Episodes This Week

Fan's of STEAMBOAT the Series were treated to the release of two episodes this week. Creator Michael O'Leary calls it a mini-season as he continues to work to find sponsors in the hopes that STEAMBOAT may reach a broader audience. The webseries is a satire about the backstage antics of the actors on a long running but trouble soap opera and stars actors that Guiding Light and As the World Turns fans will recognize.

Unlike Crystal Chappell's Venice the Series, STEAMBOAT is available to viewers free of charge.
The cast includes former GL co-stars: Justin Deas, Kim Zimmer, Beth Chamberlin, Orlagh Cassidy, Kurt McKinney and O'Leary as well as ATWT's Michael Park.

Click here for more on STEAMBOAT the Series

Thursday, January 6, 2011

Saying Good-Bye to Old Friends

It has been well over a year now since Guiding Light aired its final episode on September 18, 2009, but many are still feeling a sense of loss.

Ever since the cancellation was announced many held out hope that the show would some how be saved, but that did not happen.  A year later CBS and Proctor and Gamble also brought As the World Turns to its close as Proctor & Gamble made it clear it was getting out of the soap opera business after over 70 years.

Even into late December of 2010 there were those individuals out there who still tried to hold out hope that some how someone out there would get the rigths to GL and bring it back, but it is pretty clear that is not going to happen.

On January 1, 2011 PGP/Telenext cut its remaining ties to GL and its fans by closing down the Official GL Facebook page that had thousands of members and continued to grow long after the final episode aired. Sadly it also became host to rumors of the show being saved, and in some cases getting some people's hopes for its return ....something I saw as cruel and uncalled for.

Someone there kept citing Tweets posted by a "television executive" and telling posters that the references were in regards to GL, but that was not accurate to say the least. If this poster would have bothered to read what this individual originally said when he claimed to be trying to buy the rights to GL she would have known that what this executive actually wanted to do was buy the rites so he could use the name to try and muster viewership for a show of his own ....in his own words, he was going to focus on a specific family, but recast the entire show. That being said, I am glad that PGP/Telenext refused to sell the rights, because GL and GL fans deserved a lot better than a bastardized version of the show they held so dear. I find it difficult to believe that the die hard GL fans would tune into any version of GL that no longer contained the characters we knew and loved for 72 years...A Guiding Light without Kim Zimmer as "Reva Shayne" would be like ...a car with no wheels!

Wednesday, January 5, 2011

Kim Zimmer to Appear in Curtain's Up for a Cure Benefit

According to PlayBill.com Guiding Light's Kim Zimmer who is currently playing Echo Savoy on ABC's One Life to Live will be appearing in Curtain's Up for a Cure a benefit for the Huntington's Disease Society of America. Click here for the full article.