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MEMORIES PART 1

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SOAP OPERA DIGEST

1999

 

Tonight was the night for the soap opera fans to put on their best dress or tux and head to Universal Ampetheater and attend the SOAP OPERA AWARDS. This year we got there a little later due to traffic and we still had to wait on a long line to get in. While we were gearing up to join the masses, Jonathan Jackson and his brother Richard noticed me and we began to talk. I wondered why they were also slated to go through this huge line like we peons. Jonathan explained that he wasnt given enough information on where or how to enter the arena..so we called over a security person and requested that he and his brother be taken in a different way. The Jackson brothers arent the kind of young men expecting special privileges. However, with that very large crowd, I do believe neither brothers clothing wouldnt have been presentable if the crowd realized it was they who were trying to get through it.

My very good friend Leslye and I got through the crowd like the normal folks. I suppose guess no one wanted our clothing as we found our way to our seats. This year the crowd was quite large and we watched as the other fans watched the soap opera actors arrive in the theater and take their seats. Much yelling and hoopla but all in great fun. We saw Stuart Damon, John Ingle, Real Andrews. Tony Geary, Billy Warlock, Steve Burton. Jonathan Jackson. Becky Herbst, Anders Hove, Julian Stone Stephen Nichols, and Jackie Zeman of GH all looking so beautiful and soon this show was going to begin. I saw Shemar Moore, Doug Davidison, Eric Bradeen, Peter Bergman, J Eddie Peck and Lauralee Bell from Young and Restless. From Days, Frank Parker, Tanya Boyd, Alison Sweeny, Louis Sorel.One Life to Live, Catherine Hickland,
Bob Woods, Phil Carey and Erin Torpey. Port Charles, Kin Shiner, Lynn Herring, Wayne Northrup and Nolan North. There were so many stars that I just couldnt keep up. As the World Turns, Elizabeth Hubbard and Martha Bryne.I know I have missed many stars but these are the ones I remember seeing before the show began.
Dick Clark produced this event as he has for the last few years and it was done with such style and professionalism. He got the ball rolling and Nancy O'dell of Access Hollywood had been doing some promotion work to get people ready on the east coast for the show. The show began at 6PM in Los Angeles and was shown on the east coast at 9PM. And again shown on the west coast at 9PM

The hosts for the evening were Deidre Hall and Drake Hogstyn. I wasnt that impressed with the unnecessary banter that the writers felt the hosts have to do. Its just something that I personally cant stand. Many times whether its a soap show or a soap magazine or a soap discussion, for whatever reason the feeling of that host is that if you watch a soap then you arent intelligant. So Soap Opera Digest, for the future ..CUT THE OPENING LAME BANTER....PLEASE

As the first winner was announced. Ian Buchanan from the Bold and the Beautiful to the next, Laurilee Bell of the Young and the Restless, the crowd as well as Leslye and I were starting to groove. Then Steve Burton with that adorable speech about thanking the hair and makeup department for the win of hottest male.

HERE ARE THE WINNERS...(NOT IN ORDER)
FAVORITE RETURN: CADY MCLAIN
OUTSTANDING FEMALE SCENE STEALER: LOUISE SOREL
OUT STANDING VILLIAN : VINCENT IRIZARRY
OUTSTANDING VILLIANESS: ALISON SWEENEY
MALE NEW COMER: CAMERON MATHISON
FEMALE NEWCOMER: PATRIKA DARBO
FAVORITE COUPLE: DAVID CANARY AND JENNIFER BASSEY
SUPPORTING ACTOR: IAN BUCHANAN
SUPPORTING ACTRESS LAURALEE BELL
HOTTEST FEMALE STAR: KRISTIAN ALFONSO

To report the rest of the winners, I need to share with you that Leslye and I were fortunate enough to go on the set of General Hospital that very moring and had the opportunity to wish some of these winners good luck in person . We didnt have the opportunity to see Lynn Herring, Kin Shriner or Steve Burton that day..but what a joy it was for us to root for the home team..and they won!!!

We did visit with Jonathan Jackson, Becky Herbst, Stuart Damon, and the one and only Tony Geary. The day on the set will be written up very soon with photos to boot.

When each of these actors from either Gh or PC were up for the award. Leslye and I decided to lock hands almost like a prayer. It was such a joy for us to see Kin Shiner finally win an award!! long overdue!! Lynn who is just extrodinary, deserved it so, Steve, well he is the hottest actor on daytime!! Calling People magazine to take a look at a real candidate for the year 2000. Stuart who is so stunning and looking better each day ( must have a portrait aging somewhere) made me cry when he won.He will always be my Prince Charming. Becky who made her own dress and who is so talented surely deserved that award, Jonathan is a major player now. There is no other young male actor at present, that can hold a candle to this young man's talent and charm. And to the one and only Tony Geary, who shared with us that he hasnt won a Digest award in 18 years. So here's to the winners..bless them all.

The highlight of the evening was Brynn Thayer and Robin Strasser tribute to share their memories of Michael Zaslow. As the clips were being shown on TV,Alec Baldwin shared a memory and Brynn began to cry as we saw Robin drying her eyes. They introduced the Zaslow family and Mrs Zaslow received a standing ovation and during her speech no one sat down. We listened to her words and then gave her a thunderous ovation for her and their girls. There wasnt a dry eye in the theater.

As the end of the awards came near, and General Hospital was called up to the stage for another win, I was so happy for my show. This year hasnt been the best of times for General Hospital. However, perhaps with this win, I wish the show to get back on track and not waste these wonderfully talented actors who have contracts with GH.
I was so thrilled to be able to attend the Soap Opera Digest Awards and I dream my hopes will allow me ..
Same time next year..

 

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MY STUDIO VISIT

1999

I had the opportunity to be invited on the General Hospital set on Friday, February 26, 1999. I was told the night before that it was cleared and we needed to be on the General Hospital set at (are you ready)? 7:30am. I was staying at my friend's house in Orange County, Ca andwe needed to be up and on the road no later than 6am to get to the set by the assigned time.
We entered the gate and was greeted by a lovely security person who asked me my name. I told her Maxine and we were guests of Jonathan Jackson. We parked the car and went to the General Hospital  building. As we entered the building, we were greeted by another security person who asked us again, our names and who we were visiting. We answered and now we were told to go to Jonathan Jackson's dressing room. We headed to the appropriate dressing room to be greeted by Jeanine and Rick Jackson, Jonathan's parents. After the usual warm hug and kiss we spoke for a while and shared some tidbits. They had met Leslye, my good friend before so it was like a family reunion. Then I showed Rick and Jeanine the new INSIDE GENERAL HOSPITAL MAGAZINE and they were very impressed with all the coverage.
There is a television in Jonathan's dressing room that is hooked up to the actual set of General Hospital. This way one can sit in the dressing room and as we were doing watch a scene and or know when your ( the actors)  next scene is ready for tape. Jeanine asked us if we would like to go up to the second floor where the actual sets are. "Of course" we answered and off we were as Rick took us to watch Jonathan and Becky Herbst do four scenes. What we saw taping will air on March 19, 1999. So they are about three weeks ahead from tape to air.
While they were rehearsing the scene we were told we could look at all the sets that were up that day for that days taping. Kelly's diner, the Quartermaine's living room and the nurses station are permanent structures so they never come down. All the rest are built up and taken down when needed. Leslye and I got so excited when we saw the docks. We both had wished that the docks were up and they were ..so cool!!
We went back and watched the scenes being taped with Jonathan and Becky and we enjoyed them so. They are just so adorable and they truly like one another. It was a pleasure to watch these two kids who are so popular and who are so down to earth. They were finished before we turned around. The director of that day was Joe Behar who kept saying that he wanted to get done early so everyone could attend the Soap Opera Digest Awards that night. After Jonathan and Becky's scenes. Leslye and I were so sure we would have to leave. We were so thrilled to be there ..even for the hour we were there. We thanked the Jacksons and got to spend a bit of time with Jonathan who is such a darling young man. Jeanine, then told me that we could stay as long as we wanted ..and all I could say was, "Are you sure?" I felt like a fool saying that after I said it. She said, "sure" and as we were going back to Jonathan's dressing room,  I asked Jonathan if he would mind if I took a photo of him with the new Inside General Hospital Magazine and he graciously said, ... "sure Maxine". SNAP SNAP!!

We were then escorted to the renowned GREEN ROOM and we sat there watching their TV which is a monitor as well. We said good-bye to the Jackson Family wishing Jonathan the best of good luck at the SODS and they were off. Leslye and I started watching the monitor and low and behold, there was Tony Geary and Kristina Wagner up on the screen. They really click together. I looked at Kristina as Felicia and thought of her as a young Laura Webber Baldwin itching to go on the run with Luke Spencer.
We watched and enjoyed and then Debbie Morris, president of the General Hospital Fan Club joined us with her friend Terri and we dished about this and that. The next thing I knew Becky was back in the green room saying hi to Debbie and Terry and we enjoyed hearing her excitement about going to the awards. The hair people at GH put Becky's hair up and Becky shared that she made her own dress. After seeing her dress, all I can say is ..this young lady is loaded with mucho talent. Again we wished her well and then Amber Tamblyn joined us. She had been with her onset tutor and took a break. What a nice young lady. She shared with us that she just got her drivers permit and might be purchasing Steve Burton's car.. I think she is extremely mature and will do just fine on the California roads.
Real Andrews was next in the green room and we all said hi to him. Very nice guy nothing like Taggert. I knew that his fan club president Linda was in town and I was hoping she was with him but he told me she was due on the set to visit at 12noon. I cant remember the time but I knew we had a few hours to go. I figured in my head there is no way i am still going to be here so ..maybe next time. Leslie Charleson came in with her dog. Being an animal non lover, the dog came over to me first. But it was a nice dog!!! She said hi to all of us and she was also extremely lovely. Kristina came in for a quick bagel ..hi to all. Lisa Cerosoli came in . Told us she had fun at the SOD party the night before and left. Both ladies so sweet and so nice. Then Brad Maule came in and said a quick hello and shared in an amusing  story on how on occasion, the director calls him, Tony and Tony Geary, Tony instead of Luke and there is confusion sometimes when they work. Personally all they have to do is wear a sign Tony #1 Tony #2..In my head I solved this problem <G>
Leslye had been watching the monitor all along and realized Tony Geary's scenes were over. The staircase is near the green room but Tony's dressing room is near the elevator so we figured he must have gone down to his dressing room via the elevator. We were a little disappointed that we couldn't just say hi but then about 15 minutes later, he stuck his head into the green room and Debbie Morris yelled Hi Tony. With that he saw us and joined us for about a half hour. There is nothing I can say to you here that would describe the joy on my or Leslye's face. We were so thrilled ..THrilled beyond belief. He sat with us and we dished and then we asked him if he was going to the awards that night. He mentioned that he hasn't been to the awards in many years and that the last time he won an award it wasn't televised. I shared with him (truth be known, I have almost everything ..interviews etc on tape) that the last time he won the award it wasn't called the soap opera awards, it was called the Soapies and he won it on the old Merv Griffin Show in 1981. Leslye who was in the audience that night shared with him what he wore. He looked at us like ..gosh you know more about me than me ..we laughed. He also shared the last time he won that award that on the way home from the show he got into a car accident and he "feared" that if he won tonight the same thing would happen ..I know how he felt. I cant listen to the ABBA song WATERLOO ..major car accident for me too <G> So I said, "Tony don't worry Leslye will drive you home" I know that remark relieved some tension Tony was feeling <G> I also shared that one of our online friends had written to him about another online friend who has been ill. Knowing that a photo or a phone call would brighten her day was what the letter said to Tony. I just told Tony that I thought it was so nice of him that he sent her an 8x10 personalize autographed photo. . .He shared some other thoughts with us ..When Tony talks, he looks a person right in the eye and makes that person feel as if she were the only one in the room. Talk about class, style and total CHARISMA!!. The gang asked if they could take photos. This poor man who probably only wanted a cup of coffee didn't know that he was in for a major photo shoot. He was such a dear and took pictures with all of us. As he was leaving, Leslye reminded him that we would be in the audience in the back at the SODS and we would wave to him ..remember Tony ..the small fingers. The other ladies as well, hugged him, he smelled so good <G> and wished him well as Leslye and I did and then ..I don't know where I got the courage ..I said, "Tony?" "Yes Maxine"! "Tony, don't forget when you win and you are up there on the stage thanking people, don't forget to say...Thanks Maxine." The entire room burst into laughter. He thought it was funny but somehow neither the car ride home nor my special thank you from Tony made the final cut that night at the awards speech.<G>
After Tony left us we were in hog heaven. We have relived his visit many times and believe either he reads the posts and or visits the chat rooms or he has someone on his staff handle that for him. He knew many things that we have posted. He also wanted to know our opinion about the breakup of Luke and Laura. Lets put it this way..I was quite..I am still wanting them back together..but that's just me!!! The other three ladies told him they were happy.

The next person to enter the green room was Patricia Healy (Tammy). I told her how well loved she is on the show and I asked her why she didn't have a contract. She told me she couldn't because she is also working on the show THE PROFILER. Since I don't watch that, I wasn't familiar with the show but my buddy Leslye was. We took some photos with her and then I asked her if she would be willing to answer some questions from the people on the Internet. She explained that she doesn't have a computer and I told her that I would have all the people send me their questions. I would put the questions together for her and have her answer them. I would send them to her via snail mail. She would answer then, send them snail mail to me and I would retype them and then Nina would add this to the website. She agreed and I told her that I would contact her in a month or two. Jonathan Jackson has agreed to this as well. She also spoke of needing someone to help her with her fan mail and since that is one of my specialties, I told if she would like I would be happy to help. I gave her my name and number and she told me she would call.
Wally Kurth stepped in and spoke to Debbie Morris about his plans for his concert for the GH weekend. Monti Sharpe came in as well as soon to be momma Vanita Harbour. All very very cool people!! Real came back with Linda so I could meet her and it was nice to meet someone who I have chatted online with for about a year. She introduced me to her friend Relli. Nice to meet you both. Then Leslye and I realized after Debbie and her friend Terri left that it was getting late. Shirley who worked the audio at GH for many years came down again. We met Shirley earlier when we bonded with Patty. She told us earlier that she too was going to the SODS and since Leslye and I were curious if we were sitting behind the GH gang we asked her where she was sitting. She invited us to go back up to her office on the second floor and we saw that we were pretty much on the same side as the GH family. Leslye asked since everyone was on lunch if we could take a few shots of the docks and she said, "shoot away." and we did!! We went down the stairs for the last time, collected our belongings from the green room which was now somewhat empty .and started down the corridor and we caught Stuart Damon. Stuart who is getting so thin, said hi to us both and I said, "Stuart, you look terrific" So he said," Why do I look terrific?" I told him that he looks happy and well and I couldn't be happier for him. And that he will always be..MY PRINCE CHARMING..he then said, "you ladies are so nice, I want to show you why I am happy and he asked us to come into his dressing room and see a photo of his adorable grandson, Alexander. This child is a knockout and tall and gorgeous. Stuart shared that he and his wife are raising this boy and they are enjoying it so. Leslye shared that she is the grandma of 6..which amazed Stuart. He told us about his son, Christopher, who wanted to be an actor and now is so happy being an executive over at MTV. No doubt this man is just one happy fella!! We wished him luck for that night as well as wishing him the best of luck in general and then Leslye told him about us being in the back and we will wave to him and then I said.."Stuart don't forget, when you are up on that stage after your win and you are thanking people, remember to say ..thank you Maxine". He looked at me and filtered what I said and then probably couldn't believe I said that..( I didn't believe I said it twice in one day <G>) and in his Bert Lahr's Lion's voice said...SILLY GOOSE. We all had a good laugh and as we left the building, said good-bye to the security person at the complex ... went back to our car and continued to smile for the rest of the day. We got into the car looked at the clock on the radio and realized we had been on the set for 6hrs.
A quick note!! It was an amazing day to be on the set that long. I have had the privilege more than a few times to experience the General Hospital set. I call this a privilege because I hope I never become so blaze that I take this for granted. I love the actors and love watching them work. It's like a symphony because when we watch the show its a finished product. I love watching them get to the heart of doing the scene. Working it and reworking it to make it the best in the short period of time each actor has to perform that day on this soap. The joy of seeing most of the SOD wins prior to the awards was a grand surprise for us and sharing this opportunity with my good friend made it oh so special. The fact that we got to enjoy them up close and person was more than wonderful. Once again, A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO The Jackson Family for being so good to me. And thank you to all the actors that we shared this very very special day with. You all were such a great bunch of people and made Leslye and my day so incredibly marvelous and all I can say is...
 ...You are simply the best!!

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THE VANESSA CONNECTION EVENT


The Vanessa Connection held their event this year at the Universal Hilton in Universal City California on Sunday August 8th. Part of the proceeds from this event go to Sojourn Services for Battered Women and their Children located in Santa Monica California. I was at last years event and was happy they changed the location this year. The ballroom at the Hilton was much bigger than the place it was held last year and it also help that the temperature was not 115 this year. The room was beautifully
decorated in gold and black with white and black balloon centerpieces on each table and a picture of Vanessa in a small frame. Instead of table numbers each table had a different name such as GH, Starfire, 90210 things that pertain to Vanessa , a cute idea. Kathy Fisher , TVC President and her workers had set up the room lovely. There was a huge silent auction table with not only things pertaining to Vanessa , GH, and 90210 but a very good variety of things to bid on. There were roughly 50 different things to bid on From a John Travolta package which featured a signed General's Daughter poster , signed Magazine and 2 photos in frames to a phone call from Vanessa. Everything was beautifully wrapped and displayed. When people arrived and checked in they were given their name badge which had where they were from and their table name on them. Each person attending was given a goodie bag that had an 8x10 autographed picture of Vanessa , a TVC pen, Altoids, bunny cookie cutters, a
program for the event, and a bottle of Cinnamon Buns a really good smelling 3 in one shampoo, conditioner and body wash.
 We were let into the ballroom at 11:30 Am. and found our way to our table before checking out the silent auction items and at another table raffle tickets wee being sold. I felt very lucky to be at a table with some of my favorite people I already knew and a few new to me people who’s company I enjoyed.
I sat with my friends Maxine and her husband Steve, Michael Logan  and his lovely wife Pat Butler who is the Director of Sojourn, Melissa, Tamra, Ronnie, and Alex. We had a good time at our table and shared quite a few laughs.
 We were instructed by the humorous Ronnie Marrmo to go ahead and eat  Vanessa would be along shortly. I had overheard she was stuck on the set and would be there as soon as she could. The buffet was beautiful and very delicious. there were 4 different salads, fresh veggies and dips, 3 hot pasta dishes, 2 different type of skewered meat with veggies , and eggrolls . The other buffet table had fresh
fruits , cakes, and the most die for chocolate pastries. With lunch was served ice tea and coffee and there was a bar if you wished to buy a drink.
 The first to arrive was Tyler Christopher looking good as always. He was as friendly as always. Pat Butler told the crowd about Sojourn and how grateful they are to TVC and all the work they have done for the Service, and how much this is needed in this country. Vanessa arrived a short time later and we were given the opportunity for $5 to have our picture taken with her by a professional photographer from JPI. Brian Austin Green came and was friendly signing autographs and posing for pictures with people too. They had a question and answer time where people went up to a microphone and were able to ask Vanessa, Tyler , and Brian questions. It was a very relaxed atmosphere which I personally really liked. Sherri and Alyssa , Vanessa’s sister and her daughter came to the event and it is always a pleasure to see them. I met Tom Stacy from SOD, what a nice guy, I enjoyed his company also.
 The event ended at 4:00 p.m. with the closing out of the silent auction items and a thank you from Vanessa. Kathy Fisher gave Vanessa a gift of a autographed picture of John Travolta  signed to her and Kathy received a clock engraved to her from the club and gift certificates to a spa from Vanessa to her. It was a lovely event with wonderful company, a day I will long remember.

If you would like to make a donation to Sojourn Services their address is:

  Sojourn Services
  P.O. Box 7081
  Santa Monica, Ca. 90406-7081

 

 

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