First Presenters Named for Prime Time Emmys

The first set of presenters has been announced for "The 60th Primetime Emmy Awards," including DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES' Marcia Cross, Dana Delany, Teri Hatcher, Felicity Huffman, Eva Longoria Parker and Nicollette Sheridan - presenting together; Hugh Laurie and Julia Louis-Dreyfus; and Tina Fey & Amy Poehler presenting together. The telecast will be broadcast live from the NOKIA Theatre in Los Angeles on Sunday, September 21 (8:00-11:00 p.m., ET/PT) on ABC.

Chad Allen Joins NIGHT SHIFT

1 Actor Chad Allen, known for portraying Matthew Cooper on DR. QUINN, MEDICINE WOMAN has been cast in the role of Eric Whitlow for three episodes of GENERAL HOSPITAL: NIGHT SHIFT it was announced by Brian Frons, president, Daytime, Disney-ABC Television Group. The SOAPnet series, which is the network’s most-watched of all time, follows the lives of doctors, nurses and patients as they embark on journeys of self discovery, love and heartache. Mr. Allen’s first appearance on air is Tuesday, September 23 at 11:00 p.m., ET/PT on SOAPnet. In storyline, Eric is introduced as a patient in need of a liver transplant. First-year resident Kyle Julian (Adam Grimes) will help Eric's family find a suitable donor, while developing a relationship with him in the process. “We're delighted to have Chad join our show because, not only is he a remarkable actor, he's also an amazing activist. For years I have been inspired by Chad and welcome the honesty and authenticity that he will bring to our show,” said head writer Sri Rao.

REVIEW: LIFE IN GENERAL

I just watched the first episode of the new Karen Harris online soap, LIFE IN GENERAL, on the beta version of StrikeTV. LIFE IN GENERAL is described as "a look at the creative process, the politics of network television, the office romances, the backstabbing, lying, deceit and depravity that can only be found on and off the set of a soap opera. These actors, writers, producers and crew members eat, breathe, and sleep Greenville General, the 2nd longest running Daytime Drama on U.S. TV. It's a world as outrageous, compelling, energetic, chaotic, and heartbreaking as the show they put on the air five days a week, 52 weeks a year." I thought it was an excellent first effort. I wasn't blown away and I didn't feel there was anything groundbreaking here, but to be honest, it was instantly more entertaining than anything I'm seeing on my television screen this summer. And even though it's not an original concept, with all the backstage drama in daytime lately, now is the perfect time for a show that deals with the behind the scenes angst of putting on a daily soap. 1 Arianne Zuker was a delight as Winifred, the 'Greenville General' writer, who is unhappy her stories are being rewritten. The first episode really focused on her character and she owned it. John Ingle was excellent as show runner, Raymond. Scott Clifton was charming in his appearances as Fritz, who seems to be the Assistant Director. The Doogie Howser-esque opening was a bit cheesey but it fit. I was hoping to see something more interesting from JoBeth Williams' Mary Kate, Brynn Thayer's Rachel and Robert Desiderio's Brian. Of the three, Desiderio's character, the "star" of 'Greenville General,' was the most intriguing. I'm hopeful good things are in store for all three. The show was just under ten minutes and the time flew by. It left me wanting more, which is a good thing. Congratulations to Karen Harris on a job well done. GRADE: B+

Jesse McCartney Performs in NYC

1 Jesse McCartney (ex-J.R., ALL MY CHILDREN) performed at the Nokia Theatre in New York City last night, opening for Jordin Sparks. At the end of Sparks' set, McCartney joined her for an encore, Michael Jackson’s “The Way You Make Me Feel”.

Josh Griffith Not Out At Y&R?

1 SoapOperaDigest.com is reporting the following: "Don't believe those rumors and Internet postings that Josh Griffith has been fired as Y&R's executive producer. According to a rep for the show, 'He's still here and still the executive producer.'" Griffith was previously reported to have been fired from Y&R, and replaced by Gary Tomlin. Josh Griffith News Archive

More Soap Stars Joining The Nautica Malibu Triathlon

1 Wally Kurth and Heather Tom will be joining their fellow soap-stars-turned-athletes, Winsor Harmon, Alec Musser and Emily Warfield, September 14 for the Nautica Malibu Triathlon to benefit Childrens Hospital Los Angeles and its Pediatric Cancer Research Program. Los Angeles will again play host to some of the world’s finest athletes, celebrities and philanthropists when the 22nd Annual Nautica Malibu Triathlon, presented by Toyota, invades Zuma Beach on Saturday, Sept. 13, and Sunday, Sept. 14. Participants in the Nautica Malibu Triathlon will put their skills to the test on a course that includes a half- mile swim in the Pacific Ocean, an 18-mile bicycle ride along the beautiful Pacific Coast Highway and a four-mile run along the sands of Zuma Beach. In addition to pushing themselves physically, competitors will be racing for a worthy cause. This is the second year that proceeds from the Nautica Malibu Triathlon will benefit the world-renowned Childrens Hospital Los Angeles and its Pediatric Cancer Research Program. Previously, the event raised nearly $780,000 for Childrens Hospital and organizers are aiming to raise even more in 2008. “The inspiring stories that emerge from the Nautica Malibu Triathlon every year, both from the athletes and the recipients of the generosity of all participants, continues to drive our efforts and make every year better than the one before,” said Michael Epstein, president, Michael Epstein Sports Productions, Inc. (MESP). “We’re proud of the dedication of the corporate teams, the athletes, the celebrities, Nautica® and Toyota to raise money for Childrens Hospital Los Angeles, an organization that embodies the spirit of the Nautica Malibu Triathlon.” “Over the course of its twenty-two year history, the Nautica Malibu Triathlon has grown into a first-class athletic event drawing competitors, celebrities and spectators from around the globe,” said Karen Murray, President of Nautica®. “But despite the athletic accomplishments, we’re most proud of the community that comes together every year and the commitment that each participant and spectator makes to supporting the life-saving work of Childrens Hospital Los Angeles.” Dedicated to curing and preventing childhood cancers, the Pediatric Cancer Research Program at Childrens Hospital Los Angeles provides groundbreaking treatments and therapies for some of the most serious and life-threatening pediatric cancers to children everywhere. “Through our ongoing dedication to medical research and disease prevention, Childrens Hospital Los Angeles and its Pediatric Cancer Research Program is making strides in the fight against this terrible illness,” said Stuart E. Siegel, M.D., director of the Childrens Center for Cancer and Blood Diseases at Childrens Hospital Los Angeles, and professor and vice chair, pediatrics at the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California. “We are very, very grateful for the generosity of all involved with the Nautica Malibu Triathlon, and we look toward the future with hope and an unwillingness to give up in the face of adversity.”

ATWT's Vaughn in "Street Lights for Obama"

1 "Street Lights For Obama," a one-night-only benefit concert of Joe Drymala's new hip-hop/pop musical Street Lights, premiered on Sunday at The Zipper Factory. Ryan J. Davis produced and directed. All sales benefitted Obama For America. Davis currently serves on Obama's Pride NYC Leadership Committee. "Street Lights" follows inner city teens as they strive to create hope in their community and make their lives extraordinary. It is the second major collaboration for Davis & Drymala and they've released free tracks to the Original Concept Recording on streetlightsmusical.com. Lauretta Vaughn, who last appeared as Kit on AS THE WORLD TURNS and was once an INTURN contestant, was part of the ensemble cast. She previous appeared on the soaps DOCTORS and HOLBY CITY. 1 Lelund Derond Thompson, Lauretta Vaughn, Krystal Brown, Markita Prescott, Andrew Arrington, Kevin Curtis, Ebony Hood, Jason Michael Miller, Jasmine Torres, Dominique Elise Porter, Jhon Christopher, Laban Reeves Photo credit: Cassie Corrigan

INTURN Winner Nell Mooney Joins ATWT in October

1 INTURN winner Nell Mooney joins the cast of AS THE WORLD TURNS in the role of Spencer McKay. Spencer will host a variety show with Brad (Austin Peck) and will be keeping a secret from all those in Oakdale. Mooney will first appear in early October. Mooney won a 13-week contract on ATWT after being voted the winner of INTURN by fans. The final three INTURN contestants each appeared in an episode of ATWT in late May/Early June with Mooney playing, Livia Gordone, in scenes with Luke and Noah. Mooney edged out Justin Smith in fan voting.

New SOW/SOD Website Layout

1 Check out the new Soap Opera Digest and Soap Opera Weekly website.