Interview With NIGHT SHIFT Head Writer Sri Rao

1 Nelson Branco at TV Guide Canada has a wonderful new interview with GENERAL HOSPITAL: NIGHT SHIFT head writer, Sri Rao, out today. TV Guide: Do you think the future of daytime will end up as short-term nighttime series on SoapNet? Sri Rao: Honestly, I don’t know if it’s possible to HOOK get a 16-year-old or a 24-year-old to be hooked into a show at 2 in the afternoon anymore. We watched them back in the day because of our families. I think networks are trying to win that losing battle. But if you change the fight or the battle, it may turn in their favour. Let’s go after the older viewers. That may be what we’ve demonstrated on Night Shift. There is a segment of the audience to cater to and really grow. By bringing in Robert and Anna, and refocusing on Patrick and Robin, we hoped to reinvest in our loyal audience. I think by combining history and legacy characters with [postmodern] new characters, we really invigorated the core characters and brought in some new viewers. That could be a partial solution to daytime’s problem. TV Guide: From my couch, it looked like SoapNet/ABC gave you autonomy. Is that true? Because that’s A RARE luxury in this business. Sri Rao: Yeah, they did. And yes, I know that’s not often the case. The network has been amazing. They gave me the flexibility I needed. Also, their notes were really constructive. And I’m not blowing smoke up your a--. To a large extent, if you don’t feel like the network supports you, it shows in the work. My creative process was never hindered at any point.

Gale Harold Seriously Injured in Motorcycle Crash

1 TMZ is reporting Gale Harold, who plays Teri Hatcher's new boyfriend, Jackson, on DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES, has been seriously injured in a motorcycle crash. The accident happened yesterday and the actor is now in the intensive care unit of L.A. County - USC Medical Center. According to a representative for the actor, "We can confirm that Gale Harold was in a motorcycle accident yesterday, Oct 14. He has fractured his shoulder and is under observation to assess any possible further injuries. Everyone is hopeful for a full recovery. No one else was injured in the accident." Fans first fell in love with Harold when he played Brian on QUEER AS FOLK.

James E. Reilly Remembered

1 With the passing of longtime soap writer James E. Reilly over the weekend, a number of folks have spoken out on the impact of the Emmy Award winner. Marlena De Lacroix writes in Jim Reilly, Very Fondly Remembered: "Jim and I were friends for years for two reasons: we both liked to laugh, and, as two stay-at-home writers, we were self-chosen outcasts in the fairly social soap industry. He was an infamous recluse. My favorite Jim memory happened in December 2000, when I was present at the first meeting ever of Jimmy and Timmy. Jim was so happy that day, he dived into a crowd of PASSIONS fans, accepting compliments and slaps on the back. The famous recluse wasn’t alone anymore. He was swarmed by fans who just loved what he did best … which was to create. That’s the joy, laughter and real affection with which I will always remember Jim Reilly." Tom Casiello wrote a blog on his passing, James E Reilly: 1948-2008: "Say what you will about Jim Reilly, he most definitely will never be forgotten. I will miss this reclusive, uncannily creative talent - the man who changed daytime forever. And at this horribly tragic, sudden, sad time, I hope everybody mourns the loss of this powerful influence to the daytime industry, and sends their prayers and respects to his family, friends, and legions of fans everywhere." DAYS executive producer Ken Corday released the following statement: "The DAYS OF OUR LIVES family is deeply saddened by the recent passing of James E. Reilly. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family. Jim was not only an ingenious storyteller who changed the landscape of daytime drama, but he celebrated life with passion, humor, and an appreciation for the best it has to offer. He was an inspiration for us all...and will be greatly missed." Blogger Hugh Greenlee said it well: "Everybody had an opinion about him and he made sure you knew it when he wrote a story, or influenced a show. Love him or hate him, his love for the genre and for the classic way of writing a soap cannot be denied."

Reminder: Alison Sweeney on BONNIE HUNT Today

DAYS OF OUR LIVES star Alison Sweeney (Sami) will appear on today's THE BONNIE HUNT SHOW to announce an opportunity for one lucky fan of the talk show: a trip to Los Angeles to be a BONNIE HUNT correspondent at the "Day of Days" event at Universal CityWalk in Hollywood on Saturday, November 1.

James E. Reilly Has Passed Away

1 James E. Reilly, most recently the creator and head writer for PASSIONS, has passed away at the age of 60. More details will be provided as they become available. Over the years, Reilly has written for a number of soaps including a memorable stint as head writer for DAYS OF OUR LIVES. He also worked on writing teams for SUNSET BEACH, THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS, GENERAL HOSPITAL, RYAN'S HOPE and GUIDING LIGHT throughout the last few decades. He was born on July 15, 1948, in Bountiful, Utah. Reilly won a Daytime Emmy in 1993 as part of the GUIDING LIGHT writing staff, and a WGA Award for GUIDING LIGHT in 1992. He received nine other Daytime Emmy nominations over the years for his work. UPDATE: Soap Opera Digest is reporting some additional details: Jonathan Russo, Reilly's agent and friend for over 25 years, says Reilly had been recovering from cardiac surgery when he died suddenly in the hospital. His beloved sister Cathy Robinson was by his side. "James Reilly was one of the most profoundly lovely human beings in our industry. He was a towering person in our industry who had a tremendous faith in God and Catholicism, as anyone who watched PASSIONS knows. Everyone will miss him," adds Russo. There are no funeral plans. There may be a memorial service at a later date.

EVENT: Karl Girolamo Play

1 Karl Girolamo, who returns as Kevin Davis on AS THE WORLD TURNS today, will be performing in "The Last Days of Judas Iscariot," at Pianos Bar and Grill in Bloomfield, New Jersey on October 25, November 1 and November 8. "The Last Days of Judas Iscariot" is a 2005 play by Stephen Adly Guirgis, which imagines lawyers battling Judas' right to go to Heaven in Purgatory. It includes flashbacks to an imagined childhood, and the lawyers call up such witnesses as Mother Teresa, Caiaphas, Sigmund Freud and Satan. The original production was at the Public Theater on Broadway, and was directed by Philip Seymour Hoffman. Girolamo will be playing Ponchas Pilot. Venue address: 36 Broad Street Bloomfield NJ 07003 (973) 743-7208 Showtimes: Saturday, October 25 at 5:30, Sunday, November 2 at 7 and Saturday, November 8 at 9:30 and Sunday, November 9 at 7. Cost: $10 cover More info

SOAPnet Sponsors "Rock The Soap" Cruise

SOAPnet SIGNS ON AS THE PRESENTING SPONSOR FOR THE CRUISE EVENT “ROCK THE SOAP,” HOSTED BY BOB GUINEY As part of the Daytime’s Division’s ongoing new initiative to reach fans in more cities, more often, SOAPnet will serve as the presenting sponsor for the maiden voyage of “Rock the Soap,” a three-day cruise (from Los Angeles to Mexico) hosted by Bob Guiney that will set sail March 20-23. The cruise will be filled with top soap stars from ALL MY CHILDREN, ONE LIFE TO LIVE, GENERAL HOSPITAL, DAYS OF OUR LIVES, AS THE WORLD TURNS and THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS. Throughout the cruise, fans will have a chance to mix and mingle with their favorite stars. Stars confirmed to date include ALL MY CHILDREN’s Rebecca Budig, Melissa Claire Egan, Thorsten Kaye, Eden Riegel, Michael E. Knight, Aiden Turner and Bobbie Eakes; ONE LIFE TO LIVE's Kassie DePaiva, Kathy Brier, Susan Haskill and Bree Williamson; GENERAL HOSPITAL's Kelly Monaco, Kimberly McCullough, Jason Thompson and Brandon Barash; DAYS OF OUR LIVES' Bryan Dattilo; AS THE WORLD TURNS' Van Hansis and Jake Silbermann; THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS' Greg Rikaart, Thad Luckinbill and Elizabeth Hendrickson, and THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL's Constantine Maroulis! “Rock the Soap” will offer fans a unique opportunity to have laid back interactions and exciting musical moments with the stars. Festivities throughout the cruise feature musical performances, book signings, meet & greet sessions, optional beach parties and even a chance to sing Karaoke with your favorite soap stars, as well as some other very special ‘one of a kind’ moments to be announced. *All talent participation is subject to change. For updates on the soap star lineup and more information about “Rock the Soap,” fans can log onto rockthesoap.com and SOAPnet.com.

Darin Brooks And The Tag The World Project

1 The Honolulu Star-Bulletin had an interesting story on DAYS OF OUR LIVES star Darin Brooks today. Much like his on-screen character, Brooks has taken to saving the world -- one dog tag at a time. He aligned himself with the Tag the World project, promoting the sale of dog-tag necklaces to support five causes: animals, cancer, children, global green efforts and Africa. "It's a new, sexy and trendy way to support charities," said Brooks, who was born and raised in Hawaii. "Each cause has several charities listed so you can find something that is particular to you." Each necklace costs $80; engraving names or initials is additional. They'll be available online after Thursday, following a celebrity basketball fundraiser in Long Beach, Calif. As a member of the organization's honorary board of advisers, Brooks is already spreading the word. After receiving his Daytime Emmy nomination in June, he held a pre-celebration party with Tag the World as a sponsor. Now, when Brooks wears his tags on the red carpet, he's able to represent an array of charities near and dear to his heart. "I really believe in this organization wholeheartedly. It's not just helping one charity in specific." Brooks attended Kaiser High School, where he was quarterback of the football team and dabbled in drama, starring as Rapunzel's Prince in the school's production of "Into the Woods." He also won roles as an extra when Blue Crush and The Big Bounce filmed on Oahu. He visits every few months to get his fix of surfing and local grinds. At age 24, Brooks has become a familiar face to soap fans. Most recently, his meatier story lines have delved into a relationship with an abusive father who abandoned him as a child, and a reunion with a sister he never knew he had. And, he recently managed to remove himself from the suspect list in the murder of his father. All this while balancing his love affair with Stephanie Johnson (played by Shelley Hennig) and helping to maintain the Brady Pub. Brooks hopes the dog tags spark conversations and play into the organization's "Tag You're It!" slogan. When a friend admires a dog tag and starts asking about it, it's like playing tag, he explained. "I can't tell you how many people come up to me and say, 'That's a nice necklace. Where'd you get it?' Hopefully, they will buy their own tags and support the charity of their choice. It's a great little campaign." Robert Parks Valletta founded the nonprofit organization after spending time trying to create awareness for his brother, who has Dis George syndrome. "When I was putting everything together, I realized it wasn't just about him. It was about kids who have multiple diseases." Thus, the "children" category was born. The sterling-silver tags were designed by Michael Barin, antiqued in a finish that emphasizes the handcrafted design. The project uses fashion to achieve goals, with the pieces intended to represent a lifestyle dedicated to making the world a better place, Valletta explained. "It's about a world of problems ... and a world fixing these problems. You don't just support a cause ... you wear your story."

DH Meets B&B In West Hollywood To Support "NO on 8"

1 DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES stars Kathryn Joosten and Dana Delany (ex-Hayley, AS THE WORLD TURNS; ex-Amy, LOVE OF LIFE) attended the "Heroes & History Makers Gala" at Sky Bar at The Mondrian Hotel last night in West Hollywood. THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL's Heather Tom was also in attendance. The star-studded evening benefitted NO on 8 - Equality California. Proceeds will go to fight Proposition 8, which would take the right to marry away from gay and lesbian couples. NIGHT SHIFT's Chad Allen was also at the event.