Table of contents for May 20, 2019 in ABC Soaps In Depth

The In Depth Story: With Dawn Of Day infesting Port Charles, it turns out no one is immune. “It’s a false belief that only stupid and weak people would get into a cult,” warns Steven Hassan, M.Ed. LMHC, NCC — Freedom Of Mind Resource Center founding director and author of the bestseller Combating Cult Mind Control. “People lured to a cult are interested in improving themselves, making the world a better place, making money.” That said, Hassan concedes that someone who’s going through major life transitions like loss, moving or a breakup — like Kristina! — are indeed more susceptible than others. The key to staying safe is learning to recognize destructive influences. “If you’re passionate about something and you spend a lot of your time, energy and money on…

Call it a crossover! Darin Brooks (Wyatt, THE BOLD & THE BEAUTIFUL) and Kelly Kruger (Mac, Y&R) are expecting their first child! “So excited to finally share this!” the mom-to-be Instagrammed. “Our most important roles to date… Baby Brooks is on the way!” In an interview with People.com — which first broke the news — Kruger confessed that they’d been trying to conceive for “about a year” and that she’s due in September. Brooks and Kruger married in March 2016 in his native Hawaii, where the couple were spending a romantic babymoon at the time of their joyous announcement.…

IN Look for yet another character to come back to DAYS OF OUR LIVES this month! On the heels of Vanessa Williams’ return as Valerie last week comes word that Bryan R. Dattilo (Lucas) will also be reprising his role. Dattilo last appeared in December, when Lucas broke up with Chloe and took off for Europe with little fanfare. Now, with son Will having been diagnosed with a brain tumor, Lucas likely returns to town to offer his support. Meanwhile, when Williams was dropped from contract status back in December, Valerie accepted her dream job as chief of staff at her old hospital. In the months since, the doctor and Abe have been keeping their romance alive long-distance, but Valerie surprised her beau last week — and perhaps just in…

Stefan’s been doing his best to keep anyone — especially Chloe! — from finding out about his relationship with Gabi, but the cat may be out of the bag after what happens on Monday, May 6! John and Marlena head for the pub to celebrate a special occasion on Tuesday, May 7. Ben and Ciara find themselves having to break some difficult news to Stefan and Chloe on Wednesday, May 8. Claire, on the other hand, gets to deliver good news on Thursday, May 9, which also happens to be Election Day in Salem. And on Friday, May 10, Eve draws a line in the sand with Haley!…

GENERAL HOSPITAL’s Carly is known for going big and acting out. But with her young daughter facing the death of her first love, Laura Wright reined in her fiery alter ego, turning out a nuanced performance that won her this week’s Gold Star. Carly Puts On A Brave Face Upon finding Josslyn working at her Metro Court desk, Carly took a beat to just look at her little girl before calling out her name. Then she asked why Joss was there… and somehow managed to seem nonchalant about it. But as Wright played off her chemistry with young Eden McCoy, she let us see how carefully Carly was treading. This wasn’t the feisty, straight-talking, no-holds-barred Carly we know and love but rather a softer, more supportive version. She let Joss…

GENERAL HOSPITAL’s Kristina has gotten into — and caused! — a lot of trouble since a 16-year-old Lexi Ainsworth stepped into the role almost 10 years ago. When we asked the actress to reminisce about some of her wildest, sexiest and most explosive scenes, she had a blast looking back and giving Soaps In Depth readers a glimpse behind the curtain.…

FYI Birthday: August 25. Twitter Handle: @CJLeBlanc. Web Site: ChristianJulesLeBlanc.com Upcoming Art Show: “It’s going to be called Wet,” reveals the multitalented artist. Laugh-In: LeBlanc and Sean Carrigan (ex-Stitch) “have been accepted into the intermediate Groundlings. It’s merit-based. If you do not pass, you do not go on to the next level. It’s so amazing!” Over the last year, THE YOUNG & THE RESTLESS’ Christian Jules LeBlanc says that he might have worried that his alter ego, Michael, had fallen off the edge of the world — or at least the edge of Genoa City — except he was given a heads-up that things would change when Nikki and Victoria headed to court as the J.T. storyline picked up steam. “I had been warned repeatedly that there was a lot…

FYI Birthday: May 27. Hometown: Honolulu, HI. In Case You Ever Wondered: Brooks’ middle name is Lee. Amped Up: Brooks was the bass player and lead singer for a band in high school called Mungan Pie. THE BOLD & THE BEAUTIFUL’s Wyatt has been a happy guy for the better part of the last year. A little too happy, thinks his portrayer, Darin Brooks, who was ready to see a curve ball test the sweet romance between his alter ego and Sally Spectra. “He loves Sally, for sure,” says the actor. “They were two castaways who sort of found each other at the right place and time, and they’ve developed a beautiful relationship. But there might be things coming up that put some questions on the table.” The trouble in…

OLTL’s Sonya Roskova Dorian’s disturbed mother didn’t so much raise as try to bury her. When Sonya wasn’t playing malevolent mind games with Dorian and sisters Addie and Melinda, she was finding JIM OBER/ABC ways to literally, physically bring harm to her girls. Finally, after attempting to bludgeon Dorian with a Brahms statue, the pianist was locked away in the attic by the family’s nanny. GH’s Helena Cassadine It would’ve been bad enough if the matriarch of the Cassadine clan had merely played favorites; son Stavros was always the rotten apple of her eye. But she went a step further, actively plotting against the black sheep of her family, son Stefan, letting him believe he’d fathered his nephew, Nikolas, poisoning him and dropping him overboard to drown! AMC’s Vanessa Bennett This…

FYI Picture-Perfect: Catch the actor’s smile on Instagram @PaulTelfer. His Upcoming Film: Telfer calls Green Fever, the indie that he both wrote and stars in, “a grimy, nasty, little violent thriller.” Getting Real: DANCING WITH THE STARS and MASTER CHEF are amongst Telfer’s favorite shows to watch. His Favorite Indulgence: “If I get a script 10 days beforehand and I don’t have to take my shirt off in it,” Telfer laughs, “there’s a good chance I’ll have pizza that night.” When first presented to Scottish actor Paul Telfer, DAYS OF OUR LIVES’ Xander was described as a “charming psychopath.” However, Telfer relates the villain more to girl-crazy cartoon character Pepé Le Pew and also, “Wile E. Coyote because he’s always going after things that he thinks he wants like…

To Find Out What’s Up, Download… It’s a free-wheeling and fun-filled gabfest in which In Depth editors Richard Simms and Charlie Mason discuss all things sudsy. And since they’ve been watching and writing about daytime for longer than GENERAL HOSPITAL’s Sonny Corinthos has been in the Mob, they know of whence they speak! Eavesdrop at: Apple Podcast Spotify Google Play Music Radio Public SoapsInDepth.libsyn.com Stitcher Tune In Listen Today!…

The In Depth Story: The highly-anticipated event kicks off on Friday, May 17, with the red-carpet arrivals. The musical performances follow in the episodes airing from Monday, May 20, through Wednesday, May 22. While the onscreen extravaganza is a benefit to raise money for HIV/AIDS awareness and research, it also always serves as the backdrop for some major storyline developments. So set your DVR to record the Nurses Ball, because you won’t want to miss this year’s musical performances, red-carpet fashions or the surprise proposal! “This will be GH’s 15th Nurses Ball,” marvels executive producer Frank Valentini. “In the 25 years that we have been doing this, it’s been a thrill to treat our wonderful viewers with something a little out of the ordinary. This year will be particularly special…

Get ready to reminisce about days gone by! Longtime friends are reunited when Laura and Robert cross paths for the first time in years on Monday, May 6. (Remember when they, along with Luke and Tiffany, headed to Cassadine Island to prevent Mikkos from burying Port Charles under a blizzard of snow… during the height of summer? Good times!) Something manages to get under Robert’s skin, though, because he totally loses his cool on Thursday, May 9. (For more on Robert, including how his presence in Port Charles is impacting Anna and Finn’s romance, turn to our exclusive May Sweeps Preview on page 22!)…

Hope gets something she doesn’t expect on Monday, May 6, namely a kiss and admission of love from Thomas! With some secret intel that he managed to pry out of Sally, Wyatt calls Liam in Paris on Tuesday, May 7, to warn him that Thomas is up to no good! Sally lays into Thomas for ruining her relationship with Wyatt — which naturally is music to Quinn’s ears on Wednesday, May 8. Flo’s guilty conscience resurfaces when, on Thursday, May 9, Wyatt tells her that a secret was responsible for the issues he’s having with Sally. Having raced back to Los Angeles, Liam prepares to fight for his marriage on Friday, May 10.…

THE BOLD & THE BEAUTIFUL’s Thomas has blinders on when it comes to his feelings for the very-married Hope, and though he isn’t much concerned about the fallout that may come from going after her, his dad, Ridge, has every reason to feel otherwise. Ridge has repeatedly cautioned Thomas against going after the blonde, knowing that any drama his son stirs up could tick off his own wife, (Hope’s mother) Brooke! “Thomas’ relationship with his father is probably the most interesting thing to me,” says portrayer Matthew Atkinson, alluding to the tension between the father/son duo over the years. “It’s something that really intrigues me about the character, and I think it could be a lot of fun to explore” it further. Ridge may wish Thomas would pursue another beauty,…

… or do you find yourself hoping that legal eagle Diane is somehow connected to GH’s newest Miller girls? While Willow’s taken a new name, it turns out the Dawn Of Day escapee who used to go by Kali also shares the same last name as cult lover Harmony — and Diane. Let’s not forget that Willow hired Diane to handle her son’s adoption last year, and there are no coincidences in Port Charles! Giving Willow another tie to the canvas and Diane a bit of family (not to mention a bit of story) would be a win/win situation in our book!…

In Sync Falling in love on daytime TV is all about finding the chemistry, so Tamara Braun is thrilled that GENERAL HOSPITAL tapped Julian as Kim’s first Port Charles suitor. His portrayer, William deVry, is “very thoughtful, he’s very caring, and we have a great time,” she says. “We laugh together. And I think we have a real mutual respect for one another — which is really, really great to work with, you know? And we’re both open to whatever we’re willing to try.” Braun and deVry share a passion for running lines and working their scenes ahead of taping… as well as a passion for rescuing little guys who’ve been abandoned. “The doggies!” cheers the failed foster mom, who ended up adopting rescues Pearl and Little instead of giving…

While Michael and Lauren’s love story may not be front and center these days, the couple still remain popular with fans. What makes them click so well? “I think they wrote something so perfectly, with two people who fell in love as adults,” muses LeBlanc. “Michael and Lauren both have long, tawdry histories. They’re a lot alike. They match each other.” The Emmy winner also believes that Lauren and Michael’s longevity as a couple changes the game for viewers. “Tracey [E. Bregman] and I have been together for 15 years, and if you add Fenmore into it, we’re talking characters who have been together more than 20 years without interruption. They’ve never gotten a divorce. Michael has never cheated on her. They do have problems — family problems or work…

HOPE: Wyatt wed the blonde when his brother “jilted” her in Paris, but being her Plan B ultimately didn’t pan out! STEFFY: Despite their romantic Malibu wedding, Wyatt was only a placeholder for Steffy until her true love, Liam, resurfaced from his mysterious disappearance. IVY: Yet another beauty who was hung up on his brother, the Aussie broke Wyatt’s heart mere moments after he proposed to her! KATIE: Their casual fling turned into true love, but complicated family connections proved too big an obstacle for them to surmount! SALLY: Having both had their fair share of disappointments in life, Wyatt and Sally were kindred spirits from the start and are only just starting to encounter some speed bumps, so to speak! FLO: No one ever truly forgets their first love,…

Much like GENERAL HOSPITAL fans, Ashley Jones was disappointed when Parker didn’t accompany Kristina back to Port Charles last summer. While she understands that the writers “see the bigger perspective and have a puzzle that they’re putting together to make great story for the viewers,” she’s still hoping that her character has a future. “Of course, I would love to come back and work more with everyone there,” she says. “Actually, I think now is a great time because Kristina is still figuring out who she really is.” Mommie Dearest In Lifetime’s suspenseful thriller, Homekilling Queen, premiering Saturday, May 11, Jones plays a very different kind of woman from Parker: an ostentatious socialite! In the multigenerational drama, Jones’ character is eager to see her daughter follow in her footsteps by…

DAYS’ wardrobe department had an easy job when it came to Xander: The hunk is often seen wearing little more than a towel! The situation was also just fine by his portrayer, Telfer, who’s made a career out of flaunting his physique on camera. Remember these roles? THE VAMPIRE DIARIES’ Alexander “In the script, [vampire hunter] Alexander just seduces and kills Rebekah,” Telfer recalls. “But when playing it, I thought it would be nicer if he was conflicted and actually had feelings for her, so that the moment of killing her was more complicated.” ONCE UPON A TIME’s Lord McIntosh Of shooting the ABC drama, the real-life Scotsman enthuses, “Going up on a mountain with this beautiful lake, wearing a full kilt and a big sword and screaming at these…

THE BOLD & THE BEAUTIFUL Zoe and Flo got in a skirmish that left Wyatt’s ex unconscious. Shauna managed to hold Zoe at bay until her daughter came to, but Flo was more determined than ever to tell Hope about Beth. Flo’s guilt weighed on her when Ridge welcomed her to the family, and Hope offered her a job at Forrester. Thomas was glad when Hope decided to move back into her mom’s house while Liam was away. Thomas continued scheming to create a wedge between Liam and Hope. Sally issued Thomas a warning, and Wyatt grew suspicious when he walked in on his girlfriend and her ex. Sneak Preview Brace yourself, Wyatt, because what Sally says next will blow you away! THE YOUNG & THE RESTLESS Malcolm came back…

The In Depth Story: Sharing to Instagram a photo from inside her Y&R dressing room, Tognoni posted a heartfelt message to her fans. “Here we go,” she wrote. “Starting our journey, walking in peace with my Phyllis. Each day is precious to me here in L.A. “I am still giving life to this character for a few more episodes/weeks,” she added. “Filled with love as we count down and continue our story in new ways. I always sit in [my dressing room] and feel peaceful and centered. It’s special.” As of press time, Y&R had yet to officially comment on the casting switch that has Tognoni exiting the soap and Michelle Stafford — who originated the role and has been playing GENERAL HOSPITAL’s Nina since 2014 — returning. However, a…

STATUS Emmy Winner Is The New Nina! With Michelle Stafford headed back to THE YOUNG & THE RESTLESS to reprise her role of Phyllis, GENERAL HOSPITAL has tapped Y&R and GUIDING LIGHT alum Cynthia Watros to take over as Nina! The In Depth Story: As first reported by People.com, Watros is set to step in as Nina in June. “It’s a bittersweet day,” tweeted GH executive producer Frank Valentini. “I love Michelle and wish her all the best. I’m also really excited about Cynthia joining the GH family and continuing Nina’s legacy.” Watros then Instagrammed, “I can’t wait to join the talented cast and crew of GH.” For her part, Stafford took to Twitter after the recast was announced to thank her supporters for their “beautiful comments… What a wonderful…

The tragic death of THE YOUNG & THE RESTLESS’ Neil will send the Winters family spiraling out of control! Co-executive producer/headwriter Josh Griffith says that Devon, in particular, will “face great difficulty coping with Neil’s death so soon after losing Hilary and their unborn child!” In fact, the billionaire’s mourning may wreak havoc on his developing relationship with Elena. “He will question if he is ready to move on romantically,” teases Griffith, “[though] Elena’s a comforting presence in his life.” Meanwhile, Cane will be lending much-needed support to his wife, which gives the Aussie hope that he and Lily might have a future together after all! “Following the tragedy of Neil’s passing, Cane really wants to be there for Lily,” says Daniel Goddard, who plays the hunk. “Lily is receptive…

Q. On the recent episode celebrating GENERAL HOSPITAL’s 56th anniversary, Alexis told Julian that Franco is Gail’s stepgrandson. How are they related? Shelley Swiftvia E-mail A. Family relations can get pretty confusing in Port Charles, so let’s take a quick trip back to 1977. At the time, Lee Baldwin was mourning his second wife, Caroline (his first wife being Scott’s late mom, Meg), when newcomer Gail arrived in town. She had just lost her own husband, so it was no big surprise when the two began to bond. In fact, it was Gail who brought a now-grown Scotty back to Port Charles in an effort to cheer his adoptive father up. Gail and Lee then went on to marry, making her Scott’s stepmom. And while Franco came to town believing…

The Roomies GH’s Katelyn MacMullen (Willow) and her mother, Shannon This Mother’s Day, GH’s Katelyn MacMullen (Willow) is thrilled to not just be in the same city as mom Shannon but to be in the same house! “My parents and my youngest brother moved to L.A. last year,” she says. “They’d been in Reno for the last seven years, and I hadn’t seen them that much since I moved away at 18. So when I booked GH, I was like, ‘I don’t want to go apartment-hunting again; maybe I’ll live with you guys.’” Since then, MacMullen has loved reconnecting with her mother. “We have a great relationship,” she grins. “We were always in contact a lot, but I was a lot different the last time I lived with her. I’d…

Q: What was the last thing that made you laugh so hard that you cried? Parry Shen (Brad, GH) “Watching KEY & PEELE’s sketch, Gremlins 2 Brain storm. So much weird stuff happens in that movie, and they address it as a movie pitch. Everything crazy that someone suggests, the guy says, ‘It’s in the movie! I love it!’ It’s just hilarious how they parody it. I watch it once a month, and it cracks me up every time.” Katelyn MacMullen (Willow, GH) “This play called God Of Carnage. My [acting] coach, Holly Gagnier (ex-Jennifer, GH), was in it, and I was laughing so hard!” Gina Tognoni (Phyllis, Y&R) “My father always makes me laugh. He’s very funny. He was ordering some deodorant. He’s used the same deodorant for 30-odd years,…