Page 2
Short
Articles/Mentions
Index of Short Articles and Mentions:
(60)
Magazine
Letters From Mary Beth Fans
(61)
Soap Opera
Update/ September 11, 2001
(62)
Stefan
Arrested for Chloe's Murder/Soap Opera Digest, September 18,
2001
(63)
Editors'
Praise For Mary Beth As Sierra
(64)
CBS Soaps
In Depth (On Sale December 18th)-
Stephen's GH Exit
(65) Soap
Opera Digest/Issue Dated December 25th-
Stephen's GH exit
(66) Soap
Opera Weekly/December 25th Issue Stephen's GH Exit
(67)
Letters
In the Magazines
(68)
Behind
the scenes at the taping of GH's Christmas episode
(69)
Holiday
Favorites
(70)
SoapCity.Com:
#1 Bathtub Scene Ever- Steve & Kayla
(71)
Soap
Opera Update January 15, 2002 (People are
Talking)
(72)
Thom
Racina talks about Stephen/Palm Springs Life
(73)
TV
Guide Online/Goodbye to Stefan
(74)
Soap
Opera Digest Sound Off/ 2/26/02
(75)
Mary
Beth 's Days/CBS&ABC SID
(76)
Flashback:
Stephen does Tai Chi
(77)
FLASHBACK
: Mary Beth/Holiday Crafts
(78)
FLASHBACK
Article: THE SOAPS `DAYS' TO REMEMBER
(79)
FLASHBACK
Article: TV Q Ratings
(80)
FLASHBACK:
Wedding Ratings
(81)
FLASHBACK:
Mary Beth's Last Day On The Set at Days (1992)
(82)
FLASHBACK:
Stephen's Last Day On The Set at Days (1990)
(83) Soap Opera Weekly, August 20, 2002-
No Room At The Inn
(84)
"Don't
I know You?" -Soap Opera Weekly- August 27, 2002
(85) Patch, How You've Changed!
(86) Soap Opera Weekly 10/01/02
(87) Soap Opera Digest Editors' Comment
10/29/02
(88) An Interesting Bit Of Trivia
(A Hard Rain & In the Bedroom Similarities)
(89) Patch Mentioned In An Off-Broadway
Play
(90) Patch Reference on "Friends"
1/9/03
(91) Soap Opera Digest Mail--Letter
About Mary Beth 2/11/03
(92) A Guide to The Days Guide
(93) Soap Opera Digest Mail
4/22/03
(94) ABC Soaps In Depth-Secrets Behind
Stefan's Return
(95) Soap Opera Weekly article
4/29/03/The Lakeside Association
(96) GH's Stefan Returns/Soap Opera
Digest 5/6/03
(97) Flashbacks- Articles from the
80s
(98) Soap Opera Weekly
Letters-Stephen's Return to GH
(99) Stefan's Return/ABC SID
Online
(100) Stefan
Preview/Days Information From TV Guide
(101) 6/10/03 Soap Opera Digest
Mail--Letter About Mary Beth
(102)
GH's Stefan
is Back!/Soap Opera Digest 6/10/03
(103) Stephen Nichols: Back
With A Vengeance / Soap Opera Weekly 6/10/03
(104) Fan Mail &
Hottest Topics Of The Week/ Soap Opera Weekly 6/10/03
(105) Stefan Returns--ABC Soaps
In Depth
(106) Soap Opera Weekly 6/24/03
/Plan To Bring Back Steve and Kayla
(107) Soap Opera Weekly Buzz
6/24/03
(108) Excerpt from SPW Interview
w/Tyler Christopher 7/1/03
(109) Soap Opera Weekly Buzz
7/1/03
(110) Mary Beth Mention/Soap
Talk 6/30/03
(111) Recent Stefan Mail In
The Magazines
(112) ABC SID/GH Blooper
Back To:
Snippets Page
1
ABC Soaps In Depth/Embarassing Soap Bloopers
(Thanks to Phyllis for typing this out)
"Back when John J. York had Mary Beth Evans for a leading
lady, Mac and Katherine Bell unknowingly shared a bubble
bath with an uninvited 'guest'. Later, as York and Evans
viewed the taped episode, he recalls, "All of a sudden,
Mary Beth noticed this 'thing' bobbing up and down and
bouncing around in the tub...the bubbles had taken on the
form of something phallic! Perfectly shaped. If Mac could
only be half that man!' And yes, the scene made it to air.
'It cracked us up to tears,' York remembers. 'It sure would
be fun to see that scene again.'"
(There's a pic of John and Mary Beth with this).
(Thanks To Phyllis for typing much of this out)
ABC Soaps In Depth/Speak Out
"Though many were pleased by Stephen Nichols' return,
some wish Stefan had more to do than just plot and scheme."
July 30, 2003 Soap Opera Digest
On the Mail Bag page, there's this from K.S.,
in Long beach, Ca: "I always knew that GH's
Stefan was manipulative and even devious. But
when did he become sick? I mean, murdering a
cancer patient? That's unimaginable...for any
character!"
Soap Opera Weekly July 22, 2003
--He wouldn't do that!
I am shocked, sickened, and appalled at what occurred
with my favorite General Hospital character last week.
Stefan Cassidine is devious. He is calculating. He is
manipulative, shrewd, and extremely intelligent. Stefan
Cassidine, however, is not one to resort to murder, even
in the most dire circumstances. Stefan didn't kill his homicidal
mother, his schizophrenic brother, his rapist adversary...and
yet he decides to order the murder of a young cancer patient
(Emily)? In what universe could this possibly happen?
The-powers-that-be at GH desperately need to right this wrong
before it's too late. Make this Stefan an impostor; a plant
brainwashed by Helena; the real Stefan brainwashed by Helena.
Anything, as long as the history and integrity of Stefan Cassidine
is honored.
Barbi Barrier, Mt. Pleasant, S.C., via e-mail
MAIL CALL/Soap Opera Weekly
July 22, 2003
The hottest topics this week:
From GH: Stefan ordering Emily's murder has his fans
in an uproar. They can't understand why the show marked
him for character assassination.
Back
To Top Of Page
Charles Shaughnessy Mentions Mary Beth
Charles Shaughnessy (ex-Shane, Days) appeared on the
6/30/03 episode of Soaptalk along with Stephen.
He talked about the differences between filming a comedy
vs.a soap. He said it is more fun to do a soap because
comedies are actually very serious business. You have to
keep retaping and retelling the same jokes in a comedy.
With a soap, he learned not to take it too seriously. He had
more fun working at Days with "People like Wayne Northrop
and Mary Beth..."
Back
To Top Of Page
Soap Opera Weekly 7/1/03 "Buzz"
With several soaps under her belt, bicoastal Mary Beth
Evans (Sierra, ATWT; ex-Katherine Bell, GH; ex-Kayla Johnson,
Days) has a lot of daytime buddies to keep tabs on.
"When I leave a show, as much as they are my family and
I love the people to death, I might never see them again,"
admits Evans. "I say goodbye and never go back. It's weird.
Then I see them after years and it's like I saw them yesterday.
It's wild. I need to get over that!" Evans plans to do just that by
visiting former costar Stephen Nichols on the set now that he
he's back as Stefan. In the meantime, "When I'm in the market,
I'll read Soap Opera Digest and check up on my friends-just like
the fans do."
Soap Opera Weekly 7/1/03
Excerpt From an Interview With Tyler Christopher
(Nik, GH)
Question :"Which romantic interest in the
past do you wish TPTB explored more?"
Answer: "The Katherine storyline. I know we played that
one on the surface as a puppy love thing, and a younger man
falling for an older woman. It was basically a sexual relationship.
But there was another spark there that we could have explored
on a deeper level. Then again, I left the show, so I didn't
give anyone a chance to do that."
Thanks to Phyllis for typing this up
"Moments before stepping onstage at his first fan event
--he was guest of honor at the 'Men of Days' dinner on May
30--Kyle Brandt nearly lost it. It wasn't a case of stage
fright, but jitters. It seems Mary Beth Evans who was also
at The Sportsmen's Lodge Hotel co-hosting a soiree with
Stephen Nichols, stopped by the green room to say hi to her
former Salem pals.
'I saw her and I was like, 'Oh my God! It's Kayla!' recounts
Brandt, who was hooked on the soap as a child via his nanny.
'I went up to Mary Beth and told her, 'I have to admit, I'm a
little starstruck. You and Patch were my favorite soap couple
--ever!' It was great meeting her, and I got to take pictures
with her.'
When told that Nichols had also been in the building, Brandt
was bummed. 'No way! I could have had a picture with both
of them? Now that would have really been cool!'"
Thanks to Phyllis for typing this up
Top-secret Plan to Bring Back Steve and Kayla
Steve and Kayla fans almost got their wish. Days Of Our
Lives did toy with the idea of bringing back Stephen
Nichols and Mary Beth Evans last March, but the talks fell
through.
'We were talking, Mary Beth, me and Ken.' affirms
Stephen Nichols, who played Steven 'Patch' Johnson from
1985-90 and returned to GH this month as Stefan.
'Basically, they called with interest,' adds Evans, who
played Kayla from 1985-92 and now recurs as Sierra on As
The World Turns. 'Steve didn't remember Kayla, and Kayla
was angry.' But then....nothing. 'After about three weeks,
Ken called us up and said 'Sorry guys, but I decided not to
do it,'' shares Nichols. 'So that was that.'
'That's how soap operas are,' concedes Evans. 'You never
can believe it's going to happen until you sign on the dotted
line. Steve and Kayla are still huge. Wherever I go, I get
recognized for Kayla more than anything else I've done.
I'm not sure why they don't bring us back. It seems
logical to me. But they have a lot of people who have
worked there for a long time. I guess they've got a full
plate.'
So, should Days fans hold out any hope for a Patch
and Kayla reunion? 'That's a hard question,' replies
Nichols, who is at GH until the end of the year. Muses
Evans, 'If it's meant to be, it will happen again.'
A spokesperson for Days says, 'We hope Patch and Kayla will
always be fan favorites, but Stephen Nichols has returned
to GH and Mary Beth Evans continues to appear on ATWT. We
wish them the best, and, as this daytime, one should never
say never.'"--JDL, reporting by DB.
Thanks to Phyllis for typing this up
Caption: "A return to Stefan's roots intrigued Nichols."
Stefan Has A Plan:
"Reigniting the Cassadine/Spencer war is far from the only item
on the just returned Stefan's agenda. Topping his list is getting
back his family's fortune--and if it calls for Nikolas to the
unthinkable, so be it! Stephen Nichols, who returned to GH
after a 16 month absence on June 2, and will appear through
at least CHristmas, tells SID that several elements led to
his return--namely the opportunity to work with Tyler
Christopher again ("He's wonderful. I call him 'my son,'"
shares the soap vet.) and an excitng storyline.
"It sounded good, like Stefan was coming back to a place that he
was a couple of years prior to him leaving the show." Playing but
a part in the establishment of Stefan's dark personality
this time around is a new grudge against the Spencers. "He
believes that Luke is the cause of Laura's mental problems,
which is why their truce is over," Nichols explains.
"Stefan is hurt by what happened to Laura and is angry with
Luke for that. It's also a way to provoke Luke, to lay a
guilt trip on him." Yet, the bigger, primary reason Stefan
is back is because the Cassadine fortune is in dire
straits, requiring quick and decisive action on his part.
"He's trying to enlist Nikolas to do certain things so that
their financial situation can be repaired. He's doing
everything he can, but he needs Nikolas' help." As well as
an assist from a new mystery woman. "Stefan has a plan. A
specific plan," Nichols teases. "And it's going to cause a
lot of friction between him and Nikolas."
Thanks to Phyllis for typing this out
Fan Mail & Hottest Topics Of The Week
Soap Opera Weekly 6/10/03
Hottest Topics: ATWT
Mary Beth Evans' fans are clamoring to get her on the show
permanently. They love Sierra and the way Evans plays her.
Saluting Sierra
Why can't ATWT offer Mary Beth Evans a contract? This vibrant
actress lights up the room with a thousand watt smile as she
ignites every scene with spark and energy.
Evans' Sierra can hold her own against the powerhouses of the show
just as convincingly as she portrays a loving and protective mother.
She has proven time and again, with subtlety, that she is one of the
best actresses in daytime. Sierra humanizes Craig and knows him better
than anyone. She is classy, strong, and loyal to her family. Sierra is a
woman the audience can understand, relate to, sympathize with, root
for and admire. If only more women in daytime were written this way!
Above all, Mary Beth Evans makes Sierra fun to watch. Every time she
goes away, she leaves a huge void in the show.
-Indie Andie, San Diego, via-email
Stephen Nichols : Back With A Vengeance
Soap Opera Weekly 6/10/03
Stefan Cassidine returns to GH thsi week with a mission, according
to Stephen Nichols, who is reprising the role.
"One : The Cassidine fortune is in trouble, and he's trying to repair
that, and he has some problems with Nik that will facilitate that,"
previews Nichols who left GH in 2002. "Second: He wants to rub in
Luke's face that he is the guilty party for Laura's mental condition"
Luke and Stefan come face to face at Wyndemere, where Stefan blames
Luke for Laura's breakdown, and the Spencer/Cassidine feud reignites
" Tony (Luke, GH) and I -- it was like we worked together the week
before," notes Nichols " . "Same with Tyler (Nikolas, GH), even though
it's been even longer since we worked together. It was like we never
been apart"
Nichols says he thought long and hard about returning " We had to do
some talking before I decided," he admits " I needed to hear some story
ideas and details" He liked what he heard " Stefan has decided to go back
to his old self. Things are pretty much like they were the first year I was
on the show in 1996"
The actor is staying on the show through the end of the year, but he will
consider staying longer " depending what else is happening at that
point".
-JG
GH's Stefan is Back!/Soap Opera Digest 6/10/03
Photo by Jeff Katz
GH's Stefan Returns
"It was like stepping back into an old pair of shoes," smiles Stephen
Nichols about his first days back on the General Hospital set after a year
and a half away. "I was so overwhelmed by how sweet and welcoming
everyone was. It made me feel happy to be back."
Even better, Nichols was reunited with Tyler Christopher, who recently
returned to the role of Stefan's nephew, Nikolas. "I hadn't seen him
since way before I left, because he left in 1999. Tyler and I just have a
magical connection. So, it was a sweet homecoming all the way around."
It was made even sweeter by the fact that Nichols was also energized
about the storyline he is stepping back into. "It's almost as if we're
starting over again," he notes, "sort of back to the point where I was
when I was on the show for maybe a year. Same kind of relationship
with Luke; we're at each other's throats. And Stefan's still trying to
get Nikolas to accept his responsibility to the family."
Nichols is certainly not complaining about the brief nature of his
comeback (he's set to stay for a few months).
"The short term aspect was very appealing to me," reports the actor,
who spent the time away writing a screenplay that is now in the hands
of a producer. "Just to come back for this short stint while all of the
other
elements are falling into place with my movie...It's perfect timing.
When I'm done with this, it looks like we'll be going into production.
Which doesn't mean that the actor has ruled out possible returns in the
future. "I don't see why not, if the timing is right," he muses. "It's a
great
job."
Soap Opera Digest Fan Letter About Mary Beth
6/10/03
Sierra Madre
Mary Beth Evans is worth anything and everything
As The World Turns has to do to keep her as a regular, as
Sierra. This vibrant actress lights up the room with her
thousand-watt smile and ignites every scene with spark and
energy. Sierra can hold her own; she can duke it out against the
powerhouses on the show just as convincingly as she portrays a
loving and protective mother. Evans has quietly proven time and
again that she is one of the best actresses in daytime. Sierra
humanizes Craig and knows him better than anyone. She is
classy, strong, and above all, loyal to her family. If only more
women in daytime were written and portrayed this way! Evans
makes Sierra fun to watch, and every time she goes away, she
leaves a huge void in the show. Here's hoping ATWT finds a way
to keep her.
I.A., San Diego, CA
Stefan Preview/Days Information From TV Guide
(Issue Dated May 31-June 6)
*edited to just the information about Stephen
(Photo by Jeff Katz)
Prepare for a double dose of evil. On June 2, SN will return to GH as
that dark, reclusive menace Stefan Cassidine ( Or as his archenemy,
Luke Spencer calls him "Count Vlad").
Nichols left GH in early 2002, hating the way then head-writer Megan
McTavish had softened and sentimentalized his character "But you'll be
seeing the old Stefan-- he's back to stir up trouble" Nichols promises.
(Needing to replenish the lost Cassidine fortune, Stefan will bring with
him a spoiled European heiress for his nephew Nikolas to Marry)
Nichols nearly returned to the role that made him the soap sensation
of the late 1980's -- Patch on Days. " Ken Corday called in March and
pitched a story idea", Nichols says " But after a few weeks of talking
and kicking it around, he suddenly decided he wasn't going to do it.
He just pulled out. I have no idea what that was about".
Stefan's Return--ABC Soaps In Depth Online
Make no mistake, when Stefan Cassadine resurfaces
on GENERAL HOSPITAL next month, Nikolas' uncle will
let his presence be felt. "There will be no happy
homecoming for Stefan — with anybody," his portrayer,
Stephen Nichols, shares with Soaps In Depth. "The
Cassadine fortune is in trouble, and he has come back
to repair that."
What lured Nichols back to the role he vacated a little
over a year ago? "The story sounded good," says the actor.
"It looks like Stefan has come back to the place he was at
a couple of years ago." And that can't be good news for the
Spencers, especially!
Soap Opera Weekly Letters/Stephen's Return to GH
This former General Hospital fan is very happy
that the powers that be are bringing back
Stephen Nichols as Stefan Cassadine.
Everyone I know is celebrating not only the
return of Tyler Christopher as Nikolas but the
fact that it seems GH is poised to give the
Cassadines a real story once again.They couldn't
do that without Stefan and Nichols.
This consummate actor will elevate any story to
the ultimate heights of distinction. I'm now returning
as a viewer in anticipation of Nichols' return and
seeing him and Tyler bring us full circle to the Stefan
and Nikolas we were introduced to in 1996. They were
the most intriguing and interesting character to be
created for GH in years.
Sherry McCutcheon
Soap Opera Weekly, May 20 2003
I am still pinching myself about the return of Stephen
Nichols to GH! I tuned out when Stephen left the show
last year. What a joy it will be to watch him as Stefan
Cassadine again. I predict that [the writers] will pull
out all the stops this time and give Nichols a story he
can sink his teeth into. With Tyler Christopher back as
Nikolas as well, the real Cassadines are back, and I
can't wait to be immersed in their story once again.
Lynn Sharp
Soap Opera Weekly Mailbag, May 27 2003
Daytime TV May 1988
"I was ready to go back to work a week after I had my
baby,"
laughs new mom Mary Beth Evans, who's thrilled to be back
on the Days set. Although Mary Beth missed chatting with all
her castmates, she didn't miss "seeing" them. Stephen Nichols
saw to that. It seems Stephen visited Mary Beth right after
her beautiful son, Danniel Luke Schwartz, was born and brought
her a very special gift-a video tape of the Days cast waving hello
and offering congratulations to Mary Beth. Then Stephen taped
Mary Beth and little Daniel saying "hi" to all the folks back in
Salem. "It was such a sweet thing for Stephen to do," says Mary Beth.
Daytime Digest (1989)
Mary Beth enjoys making outfits for Danny; she even
made
him a costume this past Halloween (a hatching egg). "Stephen
Nichols knew this great place where they had this party for kids
so he came and picked us up and took our family over there."
Daytime TV May 1987/Leader of the "Patch"
Pack-
Days of our Lives' Philip Levien (Mitch) and his wife, screenwriter
Darlene Craviotto, are the proud parents of a 3 year old son,
Joshua. Since Philip joined the show, Josh has become a big fan
of Days of our Lives, but believe it or not, Mitch Kaufman isn't his
favorite character-Patch is! "Josh goes around the house pretending
he's Patch," Philip reveals. He sticks his toy gun in his belt and tells
me he's going out on patrol. A few weeks ago I took Josh down to
the set and introduced him to Stephen Nichols, who plays Patch.
Josh was absolutely awed. I think it was one of the greatest moments
of his life!"
GH's Stefan Returns/Soap Opera Digest 5/6/03
Guess General Hospital's Stefan Cassadine fulfilled that
childhood dream he was chasing when he left Port Charles
more than a year ago: ABC confirms that the
character and his portrayer-fan favorite Stephen Nichols-
will return for a limited run, beginning in June.
Rumors of a comeback for Stefan began swirling when,
shortly after the announcement that Tyler Christopher was
returning to the role of Stefan's nephew, Nikolas, GH put out
a casting call for a worldly male character who sounded like
Stefan.
Because Nichols, who last aired in January, 2002, is
the only
actor who has played "Count Vlad" (as Luke calls him)-and did
so successfully for nearly 6 years-it's only natural that he step
back in.
Upon his exit last year, Nichols noted that his consideration
of
a return would depend on "....story, story, story and a commitment
to the integrity of the character." Looks like the actor's getting
what he wanted-for a few months, at least.
(similar article appears in Soap Opera Weekly 5/6/03)
SOAP OPERA WEEKLY APRIL
29, 2003
FOREVER FRIENDS
Soap fans are the most loyal fans, and since 1988, The
Lakeside
Association has been supporting off-screen friends and on-screen
couple Mary Beth Evans (Sierra, As The World Turns; ex-Katherine
Bell, GH; ex-Kayla Brady, Days) and Stephen Nichols (ex- Stefan
Cassadine, GH; ex-Patch Johnson, Days).
"Mary Beth Evans and Stephen Nichols are extremely talented
performers and very generous with their fans," praises Linda
Pidutti, the organization's president. "These qualities have prompted
their popularity with supporters."
On May 30, The Lakeside Association- named because the
original
supporters were mostly located around the Great Lakes-will hold an
event in honor of the two actors at the Sportsman's Lodge in Studio City,
California.
"Our event is called 'A Continued Celebration of Friendship'
because
one of the best things that has happened over these past 15 years
has been the number of new friendships that have been developed
and enriched between and among many members," Pidutti explains.
Tickets for the event are $55 for members of the
organization and
$60 for nonmembers, and include a salad buffet, dessert and beverages.
Ten dollars from each ticket sold will benefit a charity chosen by Evans
and Nichols. For more information, e-mail
lksdassoc@aol.com.
ABC Soaps In Depth-Secrets Behind Stefan's Return!
Soaps In Depth has learned that Stephen Nichols, who
left
GENERAL HOSPITAL in January 2002, soon will be "firmly
ensconced" back in the role of Stefan Cassadine. But for
how long? And which other soap almost grabbed him first?
"Stephen is thrilled to revisit the role of Stefan,"
his
manager tells In Depth. Yet interestingly, Nichols' latest
gig almost came on a rival soap: DAYS OF OUR LIVES, where
from 1985 off to '90 he played immensely popular brooder
Patch Johnson. "DAYS had expressed some interest," shares
the actor's rep, "but apparently the storyline over there
was changed".
As a result, GH fans came out the winners in the Nichols
sweepstakes, reclaiming the one and only Stefan, dark lord of
the Cassadine manor. Besides many GH viewers, this news
also is sure to delight Tyler Christopher, who on April 21 made
his own GH return as Stefan's nephew, Nikolas.
Recalling his and Nichols on-screen rapport, Christopher
says,
"The Cassadines were dark and mysterious and lived on this
foggy island -everything about them read evil and closed-off
but I think we were able to be all of that while also bringing
real characters to life, ones that hurt, got angry, laughed and
joked. Stephen and I were able to bring another layer to the
Cassadine family that may not have been there if he and
I did not have that closeness and rapport."
For how long can GH fans expect to have Stefan back on
their screens? Answers a show spokesperson: "Stephen
Nichols is returning for a few months, starting in June."
(Thanks to Phyllis for typing this up:)
It takes a lot to bring a smile to my face at this time,
but Soap
Opera Digest managed to do that in a major way. You featured
Stephen Nichols and Mary Beth Evans, my all time favorite actors,
on the cover of "The Ultimate Days Fan Guide", and that was enough
to make me grin. Then I opened the magazine to find a warm, sweet,
and nostalgic joint interview , which included a stunning photo of them.
How is it possible that they get more beautiful every time we see
them? All these years later, the quality of their individual and collective
work still sets a standard for me; no one else on my screen has ever
compared to them. I hope Days of our Lives is listening to the fact that
they are willing to return.
-LK
Orange County, CA
A Guide to The Guide
(More About Stephen and Mary Beth in the Ultimate Days
Guide)
In the celebrity fans section, Robert Horry of the
LA Lakers talked
about being a Days fan since the age of 7. "I used to love Patch
because he would play the harmonica. That was one of my favorite
things-people who play the harmonica interest me, though I never
learned how."
Stephen and Mary Beth were mentioned by other actors...
Robert Woods (ex-Paul) was asked if he had made any friends he
still keeps in touch with and he said, "Sure, Billy Warlock, Steve
Nichols, Quinn Redeker, Hogie...Drake Hogestyn. Nicest guy".
Crystal Chappell (ex Carly) was asked who she
misses the most and
she named Louise Sorel, Missy Reeves, Peter Reckell, and then added,
"Then there were the people who went through the place like Charles
Shaughnessy, Mary Beth Evans, and Charlotte Ross; they were all
wonderful."
Lane Davies is one of the past stars interviewed
(he played Evan Walsh).
Lane was asked if he keeps in touch with any former costars from Days he
says over the years he has talked to Louise Sorel (ex Vivian...who he never
worked with on Days, LOL), Suzanne Rogers (Maggie on Days, and Lane's
ex girlfriend), but there's no one he keeps in regular contact with. Then
he
adds "I know Stephen Nichols. He and I run into each other from time
to
time."
In a section called "Veteran's say", Matthew Ashford
was asked what
he remembers from when he started. "The big change for me was that
this character was really going into a front burner storyline with a big
supercouple and I didn't know what that entailed. I had been part of a
couple before, but this was going into the hornet's nest. Stephen and
Mary Beth were very helpful. It was an exciting, intense
experience".
There is a picture of Steve and Jack with the caption
"Hey bro:
Stephen Nichols helped Ashford find his way."
Steve and Kayla's wedding was featured (along with their vows) in the
top ten weddings section.
Online poll results:Steve and Kayla's wedding was the #1 all
time
favorite wedding. Steve was #2 most missed character, and Kayla
was the # 3 most missed. Steve Johnson's death was the #3 biggest
tearjerker. Steve and Kayla were the #6 all time favorite supercouple,
Mary Beth was the #6 favorite actress in the all time favorite Days
actress list, and Stephen was #6 in the all time favorite Days actor list.
Soap Opera Digest Mail
2/11/03
--Letter About Mary Beth:
"Each time Sierra returns to ATWT, her presence has a
remarkable impact on the surrounding storylines and makes
me wish she was on regularly. In her latest appearance,
Mary Beth Evans portrayed every emotion you can think of.
She was a parent terrified of losing another child, a
daughter exasperated by her mother's need for revenge and a
woman jealous of her ex-husband's new love. Evans infused
warmth and dignity into all aspects of her character and
made Sierra come alive with real depth. I hope she comes
back soon; she is already missed!"
L.K., Orange County, CA
(thanks to Phyllis for typing this up)
Back
To Top Of Page
Patch reference on
"Friends"
1/9/03
Regular viewers of NBC's hit show "Friends" know that
one of the
main characters, Joey (Matt LeBlanc) is an actor on Days of our
Lives. On this episode, Phoebe was an extra on the show. She plays
a nurse. In her scene, there is a man on
an operating table. The man
is wearing an eyepatch.
(Phoebe's line "Hang in there, man with eyepatch,your tray is coming.")
(My comment: someone should tell NBC, there 's nothing like the real thing;-)
A Stephen fan from New York reports on a "Patch"
mention
in the Off-Broadway Play titled "Adult Entertainment"
(viewed December 8, 2002):
"The play focuses on six members of the porn industry
who, tired
of working for others, decide to make their own film. Danny Aiello
and Jeannie Berlin star in this Elaine May comedy directed by Stanley
Donen.
There is one scene where the actors are gathered to discuss
what kind
of roles they would like to play, and what kind of props they have that
can be used in the film. Suddenly, one of the actors, who has a slight
similarity to Patch says: "Hey, I have a patch that I can use." The
audience was hysterical, including myself - I can imagine how many
of them were Patch fans back then, LOL. Then another actress makes
a reference to a soap opera that is called Days To Come."
An Interesting Bit of Trivia...
Have you noticed the plot similarities between "A
Hard Rain"
(Stephen's early-90s short film for Showtime) and the 2001
Oscar Nominated film "In The Bedroom"?
There's a good reason for the similarities: Both
movies were
based on a short story by Andre Dubus titled
"Killings".
Plot of "A Hard Rain": Set in a small town...Crazy,
abusive
ex-husband/boyfriend comes over, beats up ex-girlffriend/wife, then
shoots & kills her boyfriend. (Stephen plays the slimy ex
boyfriend/husband named Munson). Munson isn't convicted though,
and walks around town without guilt--living it up. The mother of the
man that was killed bumps into Munson. Munson almost takes
pleasure in freaking her out. She goes home, cries to her husband
(victim's father, played by John Mahoney) about the experience of
bumping into the man who killed their son. The father goes
out looking for the murderer at different seedy joints. He offers
him money to leave town, then pulls out a gun on the man, drives
him to a cabin in the woods ....tells him almost the same EXACT
story as the father did in the movie "In the Bedroom", about how
he had a plane ticket waiting for him.
We learn a close family friend helped the father with
plotting the
revenge & covering it up (just like "In The Bedroom").
Soap Opera Digest Editors Comment - 10/29/02
In an article about the return of Larry Welch
(played by Andrew Masset)
The Days writers (Kwikly and Brash) say,
"We have this incredible history to draw upon and some
fabulous characters who have passed through Salem. The
show has moved on, and we don't want to go backward, but I
would love to see more of this happening.."
Soap Opera Digest editors add:
"If fans get their wish,the first on their list would
be Stephen
Nichols and Mary Beth Evans."
Soap Opera Weekly Magazine
October 1, 2002
In a new Soap Opera Weekly poll (results posted in the
October
1st issue), 81% of the respondants said Steve and Kayla
should
return to Days!! (The other 19 % said Days already has too many
characters).
Another recent Soap Opera Weekly poll resulted in Steve and Kayla
being the most wanted return to Days. Steve received 20% of the vote
and Kayla was the next favorite choice to return. Clearly, our favorite
actors are much missed in daytime.
"Patch, How You've Changed!"
(Stephen as "Slutella"/Conspiracy of Feelings)
(Flashback article from Enquirer, undated but said
to be published
approximately 1992. Thanks to the anonymous contributor who
passed it along.)
Guess what gals! Hunky Stephen Nichols, who played Macho Patch
on Days of our Lives, has a "shocking secret past"--he used to spend
his nights mincing around in sexy ladies' clothes! (He was acting of
course). Before he hit the daytime bigtime, the heartthrob once
strapped on plastic breasts, a blonde girlie wig and flimsy taffetta
dress, then pranced out on stage in a Los Angeles play
called
"Conspiracy of Feelings".
Stephen played slinky Slutella, a transexual who barricades
herself
in a college biology lab with another radical student and challenges
the local cops to come and get em'.
"People know him as suave, sophisticated Patch, but Stephen
made
Slutella come alive with amazing vividness and believability," says
a Hollywood insider who's seen a videotape of the play.
In one particularly memorable scene, Stephen-who now stars as
Skylar Gates on Santa Barbara-struts around the stage muttering
outrageous off color lines about the meaning of life to a human fetus
in a jar.
"It's a remarkable acting performance," says the Hollywood Insider.
"Don't I know You?" -Soap Opera Weekly- August 27, 2002
"It was old soap home week for Mary Beth Evans when she
taped
her episode as a Soap Talk guest, which aired Aug. 14. 'It was fun
for me to see all my old friends,' smiles Evans. 'Kin Shriner and
John York were there; Stephen Nichols came. When I was on Days,
it was such family to me, and I never thought in a million years I
would ever be on any other show. To be on three different shows,
I don't know how that happened (laughs). Now I go to those soap
things and I know so many people.' In fact, Nichols joined
Evans during her interview. 'We're great friends. I didn't know he was
coming for sure; all I did was pass his phone number [to the show],'
relates Evans. 'Days fans still recognize us and always want us to
come back. So SoapTalk brought him on to talk about that.' Evans
also thought she knew co-host Lisa Rinna from her Salem days, but
she was mistaken. 'I swear she was on Days when I was there, but
we were talking dates and she actually came after I left,' laughs Evans.
'I must have confused her with Crystal Chappell and met her somewhere
else. All this time I thought we had worked together..."
Thanks to Phyllis for typing this out!
Soap Opera Weekly August 20,
2002
Cover: Days-No room at the inn".
Inside: "Are Steve and Kayla returning?"
"Days is on a roll bringing back old faves (Jack, Billie,
Tony...)
so could Steve and Kayla be far behind? 'You'd think that with
Steve and Kayla being so popular--I think the only time
the show was No. 1 was when they got married--the show would
jump at the two of us being available,' offers Mary Beth Evans,
who is currently recurring on ATWT as Sierra.
'Stephen and I have never been available at the same time until
now. The thing with Days is they have a very fullshow and a lot
of people who were back-burnered who probably shouldn't have
been,' conceded Evans. 'From what I understand, they want to
spend some time straightening their stable.'
She's right. 'A return like that..so many ducks have
to be in a row,'
allows co-head writer Paula Cwikly. 'The story has to be there,
[and] there has to be willingness for all participants to
get together again. We have to have room on the canvas. You can't
bring in a character that was that big and play him (or her) twice a
month. I would never say never, but right now there
is no room at the inn.'
Would Evans be interested if the show offered her a deal?
'The
truth is, I'm having a pretty great time on ATWT. Hogan is fabulous.
And I love Chris Goutman.' ATWT tapes in NY, but Evans
lives in Southern California, so she does concede, ' I wish they were
closer.'
Calls to Nichols' representatives weren't returned at
press time.
For more on the popular duo, CATCH THEM ON SOAPTALK AUG. 14.
Thanks to Phyllis for typing this out!
Stephen's Last Day On The
Set of Days
Soap Opera Weekly (Fall 1990)
Days of our Lives' Stephen Nichols taped his last day
as Steve
"Patch" Johnson
on Friday, September 28. The actor reported for work
that morning
with a bundle of "Patch" souvenirs, a few gifts for his coworkers
and his video camera in tow. Upon arriving at the studio, Stephen
began handing out Patch memorabilia he'd had specially made:
white keychains and buttons with a sketch of Patch on one side
and the character's lifespan- 1985-1990- on the other. A number
of castmates sported the buttons throughout the day.
Stephen said private goodbyes to his Days co-stars and
gave out
gifts to many of them. His TV "momma", Joy Garrett (Jo) was
touched to receive a box of chocolates. "That was such a nice
token," she said. "We'll all miss Stephen. I wish him well."
After he'd finished delivering presents, the actor paraded
through
the hallways with his camera on his shoulder, capturing all the daily
action. "I've been taping all day," said Stephen, who took a short
break in the makeup room. "I want to get down some memories."
The day ended with a grand farewell party on the set.
Cast, crew
and the Days brass feasted on banana nut cake (decorated with
Patch's face) and champagne. Then supervising executive producer
Al Rabin made a speech in which he noted that Stephen was the
perfect example of how to create a soap hero. Al then handed
Stephen a leather-bound script, which contained Patch's very
first day in Salem. Ironically, Stephen had no lines at all in that
particular episode at all, but just appeared as a menacing thug!
Next, a misty-eyed Stephen told his cast mates that he
loves
them all. "I didn't realize leaving would be so hard," he added
softly, before breaking down in tears. He hugged his Days wife,
Mary Beth Evans, then left the set for the very last time.
Stephen received such a slew of floral arrangements from
coworkers, friends, and fans throughout his last day on the
show, that his dressing room resembled a flower shop. In fact,
he wasn't even able to bring all of his presents home himself.
He just didn't have room in his car. So Stephen phoned his wife
Lisa and asked her to drive down to Days' Burbank studio and
help him cart some of his gifts home.
Back To Top Of
Page
Mary Beth's Last Day On
The Set of Days
Soap Opera Weekly - 1992
Cast members who leave Days of our Lives are traditionally
honored
with cake and a party. Mary Beth requested none of that on her last
day. "I'm very sentimental. I would have ended up sobbing," says
Mary Beth, who was quite touched by the outpouring of cards and
flowers from fans.
Nonetheless, her co-stars wanted to say a memorable goodbye-
and
did, thanks to Peggy McCay (Caroline) and Deidre Hall (Marlena). "I
took the comical approach," says Peggy. "I got Mary Beth a card and
had everyone sign it. I also gave her a small ceramic flower pot filled
with perfumed soap. Attached was a note, 'A little soapy: what else
would you expect from your soap opera mommy?' " Deidre presented
Mary Beth with a behind-the-scenes tape of her last day and a special
clip- the cast and crew bidding her farewell.
The salemites say they'll miss the popular actress. "Mary
Beth was
one of those people who had a big impact on everyone at Days,"
says Charles Shaughnessy (Shane). "It is going to be noticeably
quieter and less bright without her."
Frank Parker echoes those sentiments about his tv daughter.
"As an
actor your on-screen kids become your kids. They really do," he says.
"When you lose one of them, it's like losing one of your own. It's sad
to see Mary Beth go."
After her final scene, cast and crew came onstage applauding,
and
Mary Beth was presented with flowers. "I started sobbing," she
confides. "Then I gave hugs to everyone and felt better. I realized
what tremendous love and friendship I'd found at Days."
Mary Beth will be having a reunion with many of her former
castmates
in a couple of weeks. She, Staci Greason, and senior producer Becky
Greenlaw will be hosting a baby shower tea for Melissa Reeves at
Mary Beth's home. "I love throwing big garden parties," she says.
Flashback Article: Wedding
lifts `Days' to No. 1 soaps rating
Chicago Sun Times Aug 17, 1988
There's nothing like an old-fashioned wedding to boost
the ratings
of a soap opera.In the case of "Days of Our Lives," the long-awaited
nuptials of Patch Johnson and Kayla Brady helped catapult the NBC
daytime drama to the top spot in the ratings for the first time in 14
years.
Since the star-crossed lovers (played by Stephen Nichols
and Mary
Beth Evans) exchanged vows on July 25, "Days of Our Lives" has
overtaken ABC's "General Hospital" as the most popular soap in
the country.
FLASHBACK Article: TV Q Ratings
10/14/1989/ Atlanta Journal and Constitution By Jeffry Scott
TVQ arrives at its list by polling a national consumer
panel, asking
respondents if they know the celebrity and how they rank him in
favorableness on a five-point scale. For instance, 92 percent of
Americans said they know Mr. Cosby, and 51 rank him as favorable,
giving him a 55 TVQ score. Video Storyboard's ranking is based on a
national random survey of 1,000 adult television viewers.
Ranking the Celebrities
Most Familiar/Favorite
1. Bill Cosby
2. Stephen Nichols
3. Dustin Hoffman
4. Robin Williams
5. Tom Hanks
6. Clint Eastwood
7. Michael Jordan
8. Harrison Ford
9. Mary Beth Evans
10. (Tie ) Red Skelton
FLASHBACK Article: THE SOAPS `DAYS' TO REMEMBER
By Nancy M. Reichardt, Syndicated Columnist 7/24/1988
It's the wedding that fans of "Days of Our Lives" have
been waiting
for. After years of ups and downs, one of the soap world's most
romantic duo, Kayla Brady (Mary Beth Evans) and Steven "Patch"
Johnson (Stephen Nichols), will marry Monday aboard a yacht
anchored in Salem's waterfront.
Kayla and Patch have endured endless misunderstandings,
a
poisoning, several bombings, and a rape. And just before Kayla
agreed to marry Patch, she was rendered deaf and unable to speak
because of an explosion. But, finally, the wedding day for Kayla and
Patch has arrived, and years of problems and pain have faded into
the background.
Although many actors fear that marriage on a soap will
spell the
end of their story line, Evans isn't worried her "days" are numbered.
"Everybody keeps telling me that the wedding will be
death to my
story line, but I hadn't even thought of it," says Evans. "I'm happy
Patch and Kayla have finally gotten together after all their years of
struggle. I don't think the writers are going to end our story line with
the marriage. I think they'll keep things interesting and exciting."
The nuptials, which Evans describes as "close and intimate,"
were
taped on location in Marina del Rey, Calif. They went smoothly -except
for one small glitch.
"We were all surprised by how well everything was going,"
Evans recalls.
"But around 11 p.m., when we were almost done with the taping, all
the power in the generator on the boat went out and everything went
dark. "That was the only mishap," she continues. "In about 15 minutes,
they got everything going again and we finished the wedding scenes. It
was a beautiful wedding, and I hope the viewers like it as much as we
enjoyed taping it. We had a really great time."
For the long-awaited wedding, Lee Smith, the costume
designer for
"Days of Our Lives," created a puffed-sleeve gown with a low-cut
sweetheart neckline for Kayla to wear. The romantic off-the-shoulder
bodice is made of satin overlaid with French chantilly lace, beaded with
pearls, bugle beads, and iridescent sequins. The full skirt uses the same
satin under a layer of silk chiffon, which is appliqued with beaded lace
flowers.
Although the writers' strike continues to plague soapland,
Evans says
the dispute didn't affect the wedding scenes. "The only way in which
the writers' strike affected the wedding was that it was originally
supposed to take place in May and had to be postponed until now,"
she says. "Our current writers wrote beautiful scenes for us, and
everybody was very pleased."
FLASHBACK Article: Mary Beth/Holiday Crafts
January 8, 1995/Los Angeles Times
Mary Beth Evans, who plays Katherine Bell on "General
Hospital,"
prepared for the holidays by being very creative.
"I do a lot of crafts," she says. "In fact, my best friend
Carrie and I
do a Christmas craft day every year. We get together at her house
and set up a sewing machine in her guest room and do production line
stuff." According to Evans, her specialty is "lined baskets. Actually,
it's one of the only things I know how to do," she admits with a laugh.
"I took a class on that once. So it's me and my hot-glue gun making
baskets."
Evans and her husband, Dr. Michael Schwartz had an extra
long holiday
season this year. They celebrated Hanukkah in late November and
Christmas on Dec. 25. Celebrating both holidays has always appealed
to Evans.
"I think it's great for the children to be introduced
to both holidays,"
she says. "We have a menorah and a Christmas tree at our house,
and the kids love it."
When the family exchanges gifts, says Evans, "We pick
one day of
Hanukkah for that. I give the children their presents. This year I gave
each of them a journal to write in. They just loved it. They sat there for
hours writing stories. I really prefer giving them things that mean
something."
FLASHBACK Article: Actors
get on-the-set training in tai chi
October 13, 1996/Tampa Tribune
If you have been watching "General Hospital" lately, you might have
noticed that Stephen Nichols, as Stefan Cassadine, and Tyler Baker,
who plays Nichols' nephew, Nikolas, have been demonstrating their
martial arts techniques.
Nichols is quick to point out, however, that he and Baker
were not
experienced in tai chi when they learned they would be incorporating
it into their story line. And, the script called for the duo to be
proficient
in the martial arts form.
"Actually, my son Aaron does tai chi," reveals Nichols.
"So our executive
producer, Wendy Riche, hired his teacher to work with
Tyler and me.
We got some lessons on the set so we could do it together on the show."
Nichols reports that learning tai chi was no easy task;
it took a lot of
hard work.
"It takes every molecule of concentration and all your
mental and physical
energy to do just one move," maintains Nichols.
Mary Beth's Days
CBS & ABC Soaps In Depth Magazines
As of 5/14/02, both magazines have published this blurb
in articles
about a special Brady family gathering on Days, airing in May:
"One alum who will not be on hand for the reunion is
Evans, who
followed up her 86-92 run as sweet Kayla with a 6 year run as GH's
catty Katherine. According to sources, Evans was on the invite list,
yet passed out of respect for ATWT, where since late 2000 she's
enjoyed a recurring role as Sierra. However, setsiders say, if Days
has their way, Evans still may make a return--but much later, and on
a far grander scale!"
(Thanks to pmgallagher@yahoo.com for typing
this up!)
SOAP OPERA DIGEST SOUND
OFF
February 26, 2002
Sayonara, Stefan
In their rush to get rid of Stefan and his portrayer,
Stephen
Nichols, the writers at General Hospital have written another
lame, out-of-character exit that did nothing to satisfy the fans.
Stefan's departure left much to be desired. I am very bitter that
the voices of the fans were ignored for the last two years when
we were writing, calling and begging for this talented actor to get
a real story and more airtime. Thumbs down to GH for letting the
best actor it had walk away, alienating his large fan base.
-A.S. , Atlanta, GA
Home, Sweet Home
As The World Turns's Sierra needs to be brought back
to Oakdale! It
is frustrating to see this wonderful character for only a handful of
scenes every few months. Mary Beth Evans (Sierra) is a fabulous actress
who has easily stepped into this role. But she should be used more.
Sierra's entire family is in Oakdale, so why isn't she? Lucy needs a
mother just as much as she needs her dad- and probably even more.
Plus, I would be ecstatic if Hunt Block (Craig) and Evans were thrust
into a romantic storyline. They have such great chemistry together that
the sparks would literally fly for Craig and Sierra.
- J.W., Ossian, IN
TV GUIDE ONLINE
Delaina Dixon
It was a quiet ending to an era this week on General
Hospital as
Stefan Cassadine said his final good-byes. The younger Cassadine
brother had lost some of his steam over the past year, but never his
spirit. First introduced in 1996 by his sole portrayer, Stephen Nichols,
Stefan shocked us all by revealing his secret affair with Laura Spencer
while imprisoned by his brother Stavros, then made us wonder if her
son, Nikolas, was actually Stefan's illegitimate heir. We felt Stefan's
passion when Bobbie impulsively married him, then felt his wrath
when he dumped her once he learned she was conspiring against him
with her brother Luke. We experienced supercouple redux as Stefan
fell in love with Katherine (played by former Days onscreen love
interest Mary Beth Evans), only to have his love compromised by his
still-lingering desire for Laura. Even through his devilish schemes, we
never felt that Stefan was all evil. His ongoing battle with a mother
who never loved him as she did her eldest son revealed a level of
vulnerability; his devotion to his nephew Nikolas was genuine, even
when he was deceiving the young prince. In his final days, as Stefan
received less airtime and storyline, he always maintained his dignity
and grace. So we bid him adieu with heavy hearts. But we know that
Stefan, wherever he may go, will find greener pastures, and we hope
the same for Nichols.
Novelist and Former Daytime
Head Writer,
Thom Racina in Palm Springs Life Magazine
November 2001
Thom wrote the following about Stephen in the article.
(There is another great quote by Thom, about Stephen,
on the notable quotables page
on my web site).
"Creating the character of "Patch" was a high point of
my
days at DAYS. He was a dark and dangerous guy who became
one of the all-time favorites. We were helped by the fact that
we cast the brilliant Stephen Nichols in the role."
Below: Stephen with Thom Racina.
Soap Opera Update January 15, 2002
People Are Talking About...
One of the most talked about actors these days is GH's
Stephen
Nichols. Having opted to leave the ABC soap opera, many insiders
are anxious to figure out what Nichols' next career move will be.
Will he pursue primetime TV and film? Or will he return to the role
of Patch--a role that made him a daytime icon? Another possibility
that has fans in a lather is the rumor that Nichols is considering an
offer from ATWT to join former Days/GH leading lady Mary Beth Evans
on the CBS soap. Whatever his decision, let's hope that Nichols, one
of our favorite all-time leading men, returns to the world
of soaps very soon."
Most Talked About Stars of 2001
#5 Mary Beth Evans (Sierra, ATWT)
SOAPCITY.COM:
SOAPS' TOP 10 BATHTUB-RELATED BROUHAHAS!
#1 Fruit of the Room
Days of our Lives' Steve Johnson had been set up to shoot
Jack's faux
dad, Senator Harper Deveraux, with faux bullets, but then real bullets
were placed in the gun.
Uh… oh. Steve was forced to go on the run and Kayla
soon followed.
The pair ended up staying at a honeymoon motel. (They were in room
#5, which had a heart motif.) Exhausted, dirty and hungry, Kayla took
a bath. As their song, "If Your Heart Comes Out Tonight" played in the
background, Kayla told Steve she was starving.
A shirtless Steve, kneeling next to the tub, replied,
"Dr. Johnson came
here to take care of his patient and that's exactly what he's gonna do."
He turned to a nearby fruit basket, took out a banana
and began to
peel it. Kayla eagerly accepted the piece he broke off for her. Enjoying
the flirtatious nature of the moment, Steve said, "Open up the hanger,
here comes the airplane," making plane noises as he flew the next piece
into her mouth. The playfulness -- and sexual tension -- increased, and
soon their eyes locked.
After the bath, Kayla, wrapped only in a towel, kissed
Steve passionately
and invited him to share the towel too.
Holiday Favorites/ From
soapcity.com:
Stephen's response: Dressing up as Santa Claus.
My kids are a
little bit big for it now, but we have some new nieces and nephews
coming up so I'm going to get back into the suit.
Stephen's response: At this point it's a toss
up between It's a
Wonderful Life and A Christmas Story, I think.
ABC Soaps In Depth Magazine/Behind the scenes at
the taping
of GH's Christmas episode
Stephen Nichols greeted Marisa Ramirez and Coltin Scott
Martines
with a cheery, 'It's Sparky and Fuzzy!' referring to Martines new,
spikier hairdo. On one hand, Nichols sported his fancy Cassadine
insignia ring; on the other, a plastic Santa bauble. '[Martines] gave
it to me,' he smiled. 'He found it on a cupcake. I hope I can get it
on camera when I light the candle. It's the Santa crest."
(Thanks to pmgallagher@yahoo.com for typing this up!)
Letters In the Magazines 1/01/02
From Soap Opera Weekly:
Stephen Nichols, one of the most well-liked and
respected actors in daytime, has had enough of the
disgraceful treatment of himself and his character Stefan
on GH. His exit from the show at the beginning of next year will
be mine also. Stephen deserves so much better than what GH
has done to him as an actor. With so many veterans being
pushed out of a job on GH (Brad Maule as Tony, John J. York
as Mac and now Nichols), can Tony Geary be far behind?
I wish Stephen Nichols the very best with his career. It
would serve ABC right if he went back to Days. His return
would certainly put Days back on top.
Shirley Brown, Seabeck, Wash. via email.
Also On the Letters Page in Soap Opera Weekly:
"Praise for Mary Beth Evans continues"
From Soap Opera Digest:
Although I have enjoyed his portrayal of Stefan, I am
glad that
Stephen Nichols has decided to leave General Hospital. TPTB
at GH have not given this very talented man the respect, airtime or
storyline that he and his fans deserve. ABC is taking a
huge loss here. Nichols is one of the most talented actors
on daytime, and he has so much more to offer. Nothing
would make me happier than the return of Patch to Days.
K.L., Madison WI
(Thanks to pmgallagher@yahoo.com for typing this up!)
Soap Opera Weekly/December 25th, 2001
GH'S NICHOLS: I'M RELIEVED
On his decision to leave General Hospital, Stephen Nichols
says, "A great burden has been lifted." Nichols,
who joined the show in 1996, prefers not to elaborate at
this time, but he will admit that Stefan's 180-degree
turn from villain to sympathetic hero wasn't exactly
incentive to stay. "It was OK," he offers begrudgingly,
"except it happened too quickly." He says he'll miss his
co-stars, particularly TV "son" Coltin Scott (Nikolas).
"Every time we see each other, he says, 'Hi, Daddy,'
" Nichols
says with a smile. Scott will miss Nichols "a great deal" too.
"He was one of the only people when I first started who took
me under his wing," he praises. "I learned a lot by
working next to his side."
As for his exit, Nichols reveals that Stefan will simply
leave town.
"But I don't know. Maybe someone will just grab me, like they did
with Patch (on Days of Our Lives). They grabbed his coffin. But
there's no coffin this time. They're not killing me." Not that death
ever means the end of a soap character. "There's dead dead,"
Nichols adds with a grin, "then there's soap dead." --JDL
Soap Opera Digest/Issue dated December 25th
Nichols, who plans to leave GH by early next year, says
"I'm going
to miss a lot of the actors, and the crew, especially. That's the
hardest part. You see these guys every day, and they're always so
supportive. You have a kind of rapport with them that you don't get
anywhere else." Adds co-star Coltin Scott, "I will take what
Stephen has taught me and the work that we've put together over the
course of out time here to heart. I will always cherish that and hope
we keep in touch." As for whisperings that Nichols' departure from GH
could lead to a return as DOOL's Patch, the actor has thus far remained
mum. But he admits that he’d shared his decision to leave GH with
former co-star Mary Beth Evans (Sierra, ATWT; ex-Katherine, GH; ex-Kayla,
Days). “Mary Beth is a good friend. She’s very happy for me.”
That’s something that worries Evans’s supporters at ATWT, who want
to
keep her in Oakdale.
The CBS In Depth Story:
(From CBS Soaps In Depth/On Sale December 18th)
Shortly after New Year’s, Nichols will make his
final GH appearance
as Stefan Cassadine. Next, he’ll pursue other opportunities, he revealed
on his Web site. Among the actor’s options may be a move from Los
Angeles to New York, where ATWT tapes. Such a relocation certainly
would facilitate his addition to the cast. And, as far as the show is
concerned, his hiring ought to be a no-brainer.
He and Evans (ATWT’s Sierra) struck on-screen gold
together twice,
first as Days Of Our Lives’ Patch Johnson and Kayla Brady, later as
GH’s Stefan and Katherine Bell. “Any time these two are paired
up,”
says an industry insider, “there is buzz. They are one of the few
couples fans will follow from one-show—and character—to another.”
And there certainly is no shortage of ATWT parts that Nichols could play.
Who Could He Play?
Brad Snyder: As Jack’s older sib, Nichols would be
Brad to the bone.
Evan Walsh: A new Evan Walsh might restore
Barbara’s lust for life.
Royce Keller: The return of Royce Keller would put ex Emily in a quandary.
Kirk Anderson: Nichols could answer the mystery of Kirk
Anderson’s
vanishing
Editors' Praise For Mary
Beth As Sierra
Soap Opera Digest
September 18, 2001
Just when Stefan thought things were as bad as they could
get
(ie...,Chloe's recent murder) he learns this week that they're
about to get a helluva lot worse.
''With Chloe, Stefan got a glimpse of a life that had
joy in it,''
asserts Megan McTavish. ''But that light has died and with it that
possibility has died''.
Adds Stephen Nichols, ''He definately believes that Helena
is
responsible for Chloe's murder. So he's kind of at a breaking point.''
One that leads to severe measures on Wednesday,when Stefan
gets a gun and plans to kill Helena. ''He's regretful that he hasn't
done it earlier,'' shares Nichols. ''She's done nothing but horrible
things to him and the only things that stopped him is that she is his
mother. But at this point he doesn't even care about that anymore.
He feels that if he doesn't kill her now,she'll wreak more havoc and
more people will be hurt.''
Including Alexis,who, ironically enough, talks Stefan
out of killing their
nemesis.''She talks him down,'' reveals Nichols. ''She alludes to the
fact that they are good Cassadines and they don't have to resort to
that kind of violence. Then she alludes that she has a secret''.
Concurs McTavish,''She reveals to him the existence of Kristina. The
effect of finding Kristina is very profound for Stefan. There is suddenly
the hope of a family, aside from Alexis.''
In the next scene, you see Alexis and Stefan in Jax's
suite,with Stefan
demanding to see his sister. Having been told by Jax that Stefan may
have been responsible for Chloe'death, Kristina is naturally wary. But
that doesn't stop Stefan from immediately seeking a less-drastic
alternative for protecting his family from Helena's clutches.
''After meeting Kristina and also learning that Helena
knows that she is
there, but doesn't know who Kristina is, Stefan believes his sister is in
danger,'' maintains his portrayer. ''So, he does whatever he can to get
Helena off the streets. He tells Mac that Helena did, in fact,try to kill
him last year and he wants her arrested for that. ''Does Mac listen? No
of course not, grins Nichols. Does Mac ever listen to Stefan?''
By Friday, however Mac does take action--but not the
kind Stefan is
expecting. ''Stefan gets arrested for Chloe's murder'', says McTavish.
''It's Like Alice In Wonderland to him. How can this be? I know I didn't
do it. How can they arrest me?''
Here's how: a combination of damning testimony from both
Helena and
Nikolas. "He can't back Stefan because it would give the game away"
states McT avish of Nik's betrayal as well as damaging DNA. The obvious
answer to Stefan is that Helena somehow switched the tests or paid
someone off. Elaborates McTavish,''the arrest is because the preliminary
DNA matches.This is the preliminary test,which eliminates
everyone but a full relative. So it isn't Alexis or Kristina. Even Helena
is
not a full relative to Stefan. He is the combined result of Mikos and
Helena's
DNA...as is Stavros.
So, the important thing for the audience to know is that
Stavros has
left a very powerful clue states McTavish. And Stefan is a very, very
smart man in a postion now to figure it out. This may lead to Stavros's
undoing or at least his reveal......
Soap Opera Update/ September 11, 2001
Soap Opera Update Editors: It's What We Want To See
"We can't say enough about how completely thrilled we
are that
the talented Mary Beth Evans is back as Sierra on ATWT. Every time
we turn on CBS and see the youthful Evans acting her heart out on
screen, not to mention those bedroom scenes with the too-hot Hunt
Block, we thank our lucky stars. Let's see if the show can convince
her to hang around for a long time to come. Leave her alone, DAYS."
Special Thanks to pmgallagher@yahoo.com for typing this out
Magazine Letters In Support Of Mary Beth:
SOU 8/28/01 -Bring Her Back Again (Whats On Your Mind?)
I am so glad that Mary Beth Evans has returned to daytime
that I
could jump for joy! She is without a doubt my favorite actress. I am
so glad that she came back as Sierra on As the World Turns. This is
definitely a role that she has effortlessly made into an interesting and
heartwarming character. I have loved all of her scenes with everyone
on the show. I wish that Mary Beth and the executives could come
up with a way to keep her on a longer and more permanent basis.
C. Johnson
College Park, GA
Soap Opera Weekly 8/21 -Public Opinion
Thank you for your coverage of the upcoming story for
ATWT's Craig
and Sierra. It is always a treat to see Sierra. After all these years, Mary
Beth Evans is still my favorite daytime actress. She has made this character
her own. I have wanted to see the current Craig and Sierra relationship
explored, and as usual, ATWT isn't going to disappoint.
Liz K. via email
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