In the 1950s daytime programming became extremely popular, with game shows and soap operas becoming a staple in American households. Although the Emmy Awards had been established in 1949, the categories were limited for the first few years, and performers from all genres, and from both daytime and nighttime programs, were lumped together in one or two acting categories, with daytime performers usually left out.
In 1962 Mary Stuart became the only soap opera actress nominated for a Primetime Emmy, for her role as Joanne Gardner on “Search for Tomorrow.” In 1968 a category for Best Achievement in Daytime Programming was attempted, but judges decided that no one was deserving. Outraged pioneers of the genre, such as writer Agnes Nixon and “General Hospital” star John Beradino, lobbied for recognition of daytime television. In 1972 the first Emmy Awards specifically honoring daytime programming were bestowed to “The Doctors” for Best Daytime Drama and to Mary Fickett...
In 1962 Mary Stuart became the only soap opera actress nominated for a Primetime Emmy, for her role as Joanne Gardner on “Search for Tomorrow.” In 1968 a category for Best Achievement in Daytime Programming was attempted, but judges decided that no one was deserving. Outraged pioneers of the genre, such as writer Agnes Nixon and “General Hospital” star John Beradino, lobbied for recognition of daytime television. In 1972 the first Emmy Awards specifically honoring daytime programming were bestowed to “The Doctors” for Best Daytime Drama and to Mary Fickett...
- 4/29/2023
- by Susan Pennington
- Gold Derby
1974: The first Daytime Emmys ceremony was held in New York.
1980: All My Children's Benny tried to get Estelle help.
1990: General Hospital's Shep Casey looked familiar to Anna.
2013: The Young and the Restless aired a special Jeanne Cooper tribute episode."History speaks to artists. It changes the artist's thinking and is constantly reshaping it into d ifferent and unexpected images."
― Anselm Kiefer
"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.
On this date in...
1968: On The Doctors, Liz (Pamela Toll) reassured Penny (Jami Fields) when they talked about feeling different.
1970: On Dark Shadows, Maggie Collins was trying to preserve her marriage to Quentin (David Selby) unaware his first wife, Angelique, had...
1980: All My Children's Benny tried to get Estelle help.
1990: General Hospital's Shep Casey looked familiar to Anna.
2013: The Young and the Restless aired a special Jeanne Cooper tribute episode."History speaks to artists. It changes the artist's thinking and is constantly reshaping it into d ifferent and unexpected images."
― Anselm Kiefer
"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.
On this date in...
1968: On The Doctors, Liz (Pamela Toll) reassured Penny (Jami Fields) when they talked about feeling different.
1970: On Dark Shadows, Maggie Collins was trying to preserve her marriage to Quentin (David Selby) unaware his first wife, Angelique, had...
- 5/28/2019
- by Roger Newcomb
- We Love Soaps
1967: Dark Shadows' Barnabas bared his fangs (upside down).
1981: The art auction began on General Hospital.
1987: Days of our Lives' Harper arrived in Salem.
2008: Noelle Beck debuted as the new Lily on As the World Turns."History speaks to artists. It changes the artist's thinking and is constantly reshaping it into d ifferent and unexpected images."
― Anselm Kiefer
"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.
On this date in...
1959: CBS aired the 2,000th episode of Search for Tomorrow. The network released a celebratory photo with the following caption: "Mary Stuart, who for nearly eight years has played the stellar role of Joanne Tate on the program, shows off a...
1981: The art auction began on General Hospital.
1987: Days of our Lives' Harper arrived in Salem.
2008: Noelle Beck debuted as the new Lily on As the World Turns."History speaks to artists. It changes the artist's thinking and is constantly reshaping it into d ifferent and unexpected images."
― Anselm Kiefer
"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.
On this date in...
1959: CBS aired the 2,000th episode of Search for Tomorrow. The network released a celebratory photo with the following caption: "Mary Stuart, who for nearly eight years has played the stellar role of Joanne Tate on the program, shows off a...
- 5/8/2019
- by Roger Newcomb
- We Love Soaps
"All true histories contain instruction; though, in some, the treasure may be hard to find, and when found, so trivial in quantity that the dry, shrivelled kernel scarcely compensates for the trouble of cracking the nut."
"History speaks to artists. It changes the artist's thinking and is constantly reshaping it into d ifferent and unexpected images."
― Anselm Kiefer
"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.
On this date in...
1955: On Hawkins Falls, Dr. Floyd Corey (Maurice Copeland) dealt with fallout from the interview he gave to the local newspaper.
1961: On As the World Turns, David Stewart (Henderson Forsythe) and his wife Betty dealt with the aftermath of Ellen Lowell's (Patricia Bruder) revelation that Danny was her son.
"History speaks to artists. It changes the artist's thinking and is constantly reshaping it into d ifferent and unexpected images."
― Anselm Kiefer
"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.
On this date in...
1955: On Hawkins Falls, Dr. Floyd Corey (Maurice Copeland) dealt with fallout from the interview he gave to the local newspaper.
1961: On As the World Turns, David Stewart (Henderson Forsythe) and his wife Betty dealt with the aftermath of Ellen Lowell's (Patricia Bruder) revelation that Danny was her son.
- 4/1/2019
- by Roger Newcomb
- We Love Soaps
Family and friends gather to celebrate Christmas on The Doctors (1967), Guiding Light (1979), General Hospital (1981), EastEnders (1986), Search for Tomorrow (1986), All My Children (1986) As the World Turns (1995), Another World (1996) and Days of our Lives (2001)."History speaks to artists. It changes the artist's thinking and is constantly reshaping it into different and unexpected images."
― Anselm Kiefer
"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.
On this date in...
1939: On Bachelor's Children, Sam (Olan Soule) was relieved to learn that Janet had safely given birth to a healthy child after a grueling, perilous labor. Sam's relief was so great that he appeared to be in shock and could only respond to questions with grunts and murmurs. Janet was exhausted but ecstatically happy,...
― Anselm Kiefer
"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.
On this date in...
1939: On Bachelor's Children, Sam (Olan Soule) was relieved to learn that Janet had safely given birth to a healthy child after a grueling, perilous labor. Sam's relief was so great that he appeared to be in shock and could only respond to questions with grunts and murmurs. Janet was exhausted but ecstatically happy,...
- 12/25/2018
- by Roger Newcomb
- We Love Soaps
1981: Rick and Lesley were married on General Hospital.
1987: Guiding Light's Amanda returned to Springfield.
1988: Sister Mary Joel made a decision about her future on Ryan's Hope.
2002: Y&R's Brittany was advised by a homeless woman named Sylvia."History speaks to artists. It changes the artist's thinking and is constantly reshaping it into different and unexpected images."
― Anselm Kiefer
"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.
On this date in...
1963: On The Edge of Night, Winston Grimsley (Walter Greaza) told Phil Capice (Ray MacDonnell) his complicated plan which would likely keep the Warrens from leaving town. Emory (Bill Berger) and Lyn (Gillian Spencer) Warren discussed their soon-to-be monetary situation and...
1987: Guiding Light's Amanda returned to Springfield.
1988: Sister Mary Joel made a decision about her future on Ryan's Hope.
2002: Y&R's Brittany was advised by a homeless woman named Sylvia."History speaks to artists. It changes the artist's thinking and is constantly reshaping it into different and unexpected images."
― Anselm Kiefer
"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.
On this date in...
1963: On The Edge of Night, Winston Grimsley (Walter Greaza) told Phil Capice (Ray MacDonnell) his complicated plan which would likely keep the Warrens from leaving town. Emory (Bill Berger) and Lyn (Gillian Spencer) Warren discussed their soon-to-be monetary situation and...
- 12/23/2018
- by Roger Newcomb
- We Love Soaps
1965: Four new daytime soap operas premiered: Morning
Star and Paradise Bay on NBC, along with The Nurses and
Never Too Young on ABC."The best prophet of the future is the past."
― Lord Byron
"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.
On this date in...
1962: Primetime serial The Nurses premiered on CBS. The was titled was changed to The Doctors and The Nurses a year later.
1965: Two new Ted Corday daytime soap operas, Morning Star and Paradise Bay, premiered on NBC. Both shows lasted less than a year, with the final episodes airing on July 1, 1966.
1965: The Nurses premiered on ABC. The show, set at Alden General Hospital, was a daytime continuation...
Star and Paradise Bay on NBC, along with The Nurses and
Never Too Young on ABC."The best prophet of the future is the past."
― Lord Byron
"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.
On this date in...
1962: Primetime serial The Nurses premiered on CBS. The was titled was changed to The Doctors and The Nurses a year later.
1965: Two new Ted Corday daytime soap operas, Morning Star and Paradise Bay, premiered on NBC. Both shows lasted less than a year, with the final episodes airing on July 1, 1966.
1965: The Nurses premiered on ABC. The show, set at Alden General Hospital, was a daytime continuation...
- 10/3/2018
- by Roger Newcomb
- We Love Soaps
1969: Where the Heart Is premiered. 1983: Paul's fiancée
died on The Young and the Restless. 1986: Ilene Kristen
returned to Ryan's Hope as Delia. 2009: General
Hospital's Edward passed out at the wheel of his car as it
approached the carnival."The best prophet of the future is the past."
― Lord Byron
"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.
On this day in...
1966: Star Trek premiered on NBC. Among the many memorable guest stars in the series that also starred on daytime soaps were Kathryn Hays, Michael Forest, Marj Dusay, Michael Zaslow, Glenn Corbett, Gary Pillar and Mary Linda Rapelye.
1967: On Another World, Walter Curtin (Val Dufour) raked Liz Matthews (Audra Lindley...
died on The Young and the Restless. 1986: Ilene Kristen
returned to Ryan's Hope as Delia. 2009: General
Hospital's Edward passed out at the wheel of his car as it
approached the carnival."The best prophet of the future is the past."
― Lord Byron
"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.
On this day in...
1966: Star Trek premiered on NBC. Among the many memorable guest stars in the series that also starred on daytime soaps were Kathryn Hays, Michael Forest, Marj Dusay, Michael Zaslow, Glenn Corbett, Gary Pillar and Mary Linda Rapelye.
1967: On Another World, Walter Curtin (Val Dufour) raked Liz Matthews (Audra Lindley...
- 9/8/2018
- by Roger Newcomb
- We Love Soaps
1974: The first Daytime Emmys ceremony was held in New York.
1980: All My Children's Benny tried to get Estelle help.
1990: General Hospital's Shep Casey looked familiar to Anna.
2013: The Young and the Restless aired a special Jeanne
Cooper episode."All true histories contain instruction; though, in some, the treasure may be hard to find, and when found, so trivial in quantity that the dry, shrivelled kernel scarcely compensates for the trouble of cracking the nut."
― Anne Brontë in "Agnes Grey"
"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.
On this date in...
1968: On The Doctors, Liz (Pamela Toll) reassured Penny (Jami Fields) when they talked about feeling different.
1970: On Dark Shadows,...
1980: All My Children's Benny tried to get Estelle help.
1990: General Hospital's Shep Casey looked familiar to Anna.
2013: The Young and the Restless aired a special Jeanne
Cooper episode."All true histories contain instruction; though, in some, the treasure may be hard to find, and when found, so trivial in quantity that the dry, shrivelled kernel scarcely compensates for the trouble of cracking the nut."
― Anne Brontë in "Agnes Grey"
"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.
On this date in...
1968: On The Doctors, Liz (Pamela Toll) reassured Penny (Jami Fields) when they talked about feeling different.
1970: On Dark Shadows,...
- 5/30/2018
- by Roger Newcomb
- We Love Soaps
1967: Dark Shadows' Barnabas bared his fangs (upside down).
1981: The art auction began on General Hospital.
1987: Days of our Lives' Harper arrived in Salem.
2008: Noelle Beck debuted as the new Lily on As the World Turns."All true histories contain instruction; though, in some, the treasure may be hard to find, and when found, so trivial in quantity that the dry, shrivelled kernel scarcely compensates for the trouble of cracking the nut."
― Anne Brontë in "Agnes Grey"
"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.
On this date in...
1959: CBS aired the 2,000th episode of Search for Tomorrow. The network released a celebratory photo with the following caption: "Mary Stuart,...
1981: The art auction began on General Hospital.
1987: Days of our Lives' Harper arrived in Salem.
2008: Noelle Beck debuted as the new Lily on As the World Turns."All true histories contain instruction; though, in some, the treasure may be hard to find, and when found, so trivial in quantity that the dry, shrivelled kernel scarcely compensates for the trouble of cracking the nut."
― Anne Brontë in "Agnes Grey"
"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.
On this date in...
1959: CBS aired the 2,000th episode of Search for Tomorrow. The network released a celebratory photo with the following caption: "Mary Stuart,...
- 5/9/2018
- by Roger Newcomb
- We Love Soaps
"All true histories contain instruction; though, in some, the treasure may be hard to find, and when found, so trivial in quantity that the dry, shrivelled kernel scarcely compensates for the trouble of cracking the nut."
― Anne Brontë in "Agnes Grey"
"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.
On this date in...
1955: On Hawkins Falls, Dr. Floyd Corey (Maurice Copeland) dealt with fallout from the interview he gave to the local newspaper.
1961: On As the World Turns, David Stewart (Henderson Forsythe) and his wife Betty dealt with the aftermath of Ellen Lowell's (Patricia Bruder) revelation that Danny was her son.
Thanks to Jennifer for sending in the clip above.
1967: ABC aired the...
― Anne Brontë in "Agnes Grey"
"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.
On this date in...
1955: On Hawkins Falls, Dr. Floyd Corey (Maurice Copeland) dealt with fallout from the interview he gave to the local newspaper.
1961: On As the World Turns, David Stewart (Henderson Forsythe) and his wife Betty dealt with the aftermath of Ellen Lowell's (Patricia Bruder) revelation that Danny was her son.
Thanks to Jennifer for sending in the clip above.
1967: ABC aired the...
- 4/12/2018
- by Roger Newcomb
- We Love Soaps
1981: Gh's Rick and Lesley were married. 1987: Gl's Amanda
returned to Springfield. 1988: Rh's Sister Mary Joel made
a decision about her future. 2002: Y&R's Brittany was
advised by a homeless woman named Sylvia."History is a vast early warning system."
― Norman Cousins
"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.
On this date in...
1963: On The Edge of Night, Winston Grimsley (Walter Greaza) told Phil Capice (Ray MacDonnell) his complicated plan which would likely keep the Warrens from leaving town. Emory (Bill Berger) and Lyn (Gillian Spencer) Warren discussed their soon-to-be monetary situation and why they both had to be in superior physical and mental condition for their plan to work.
returned to Springfield. 1988: Rh's Sister Mary Joel made
a decision about her future. 2002: Y&R's Brittany was
advised by a homeless woman named Sylvia."History is a vast early warning system."
― Norman Cousins
"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.
On this date in...
1963: On The Edge of Night, Winston Grimsley (Walter Greaza) told Phil Capice (Ray MacDonnell) his complicated plan which would likely keep the Warrens from leaving town. Emory (Bill Berger) and Lyn (Gillian Spencer) Warren discussed their soon-to-be monetary situation and why they both had to be in superior physical and mental condition for their plan to work.
- 12/27/2017
- by Roger Newcomb
- We Love Soaps
Family and friends gather to celebrate Christmas on The Doctors
(1967), Guiding Light (1979), General Hospital (1981),
EastEnders (1986), Search for Tomorrow (1986),
All My Children (1986) As the World Turns (1995),
Another World (1996) and Days of our Lives (2001).
"History is a vast early warning system."
― Norman Cousins
"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.
On this date in...
1939: On Bachelor's Children, Sam (Olan Soule) was relieved to learn that Janet had safely given birth to a healthy child after a grueling, perilous labor. Sam's relief was so great that he appeared to be in shock and could only respond to questions with grunts and murmurs. Janet was exhausted but ecstatically happy, and moved by the fact that her baby daughter's...
(1967), Guiding Light (1979), General Hospital (1981),
EastEnders (1986), Search for Tomorrow (1986),
All My Children (1986) As the World Turns (1995),
Another World (1996) and Days of our Lives (2001).
"History is a vast early warning system."
― Norman Cousins
"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.
On this date in...
1939: On Bachelor's Children, Sam (Olan Soule) was relieved to learn that Janet had safely given birth to a healthy child after a grueling, perilous labor. Sam's relief was so great that he appeared to be in shock and could only respond to questions with grunts and murmurs. Janet was exhausted but ecstatically happy, and moved by the fact that her baby daughter's...
- 12/27/2017
- by Roger Newcomb
- We Love Soaps
All My Children has been off the air for several years, but that didn’t stop Erica Kane from holding court on Thursday’s Home & Family.
The long-running ABC soap’s central character — and a bunch more — were the focus of the Hallmark Channel morning show as part of Susan Lucci‘s week-long co-hosting stint. In addition to regular hosts Debbie Matenopoulos and Mark Steines, La Lucci was joined at the top of the show by former castmates Peter Bergman (who played Cliff), Kim Delaney (Jenny), Lawrence Lau (Greg), Eden Riegel (Bianca), Kathleen Noone (Ellen), Eva Larue (Maria), John Callahan...
The long-running ABC soap’s central character — and a bunch more — were the focus of the Hallmark Channel morning show as part of Susan Lucci‘s week-long co-hosting stint. In addition to regular hosts Debbie Matenopoulos and Mark Steines, La Lucci was joined at the top of the show by former castmates Peter Bergman (who played Cliff), Kim Delaney (Jenny), Lawrence Lau (Greg), Eden Riegel (Bianca), Kathleen Noone (Ellen), Eva Larue (Maria), John Callahan...
- 2/2/2017
- TVLine.com
2011 was quite an interesting year in the world of celebrity as it was really all about the good… Oprah Winfrey, the bad… Kim Kardashian, and the ugly… Charlie Sheen. In no particular order, let’s take a look back these moments as well as a few in between.
Shortly after launching her own network, Own, Oprah Winfrey ended The Oprah Winfrey Show after 25 seasons. With that came some of the most spectacular episodes of the series. The conclusion of Oprah’s show but launch of her network made for one of the most bittersweet moments of the year. Here’s to hoping Own becomes just as successful.
Not too long before the final episode of The Oprah Winfrey Show aired, The Royal Wedding took over everyone’s television screens and brought a fairy tale to life. Need I say more? Also married in 2011 were Gene Simmons and Shannon Tweed, Michael Vartan,...
Shortly after launching her own network, Own, Oprah Winfrey ended The Oprah Winfrey Show after 25 seasons. With that came some of the most spectacular episodes of the series. The conclusion of Oprah’s show but launch of her network made for one of the most bittersweet moments of the year. Here’s to hoping Own becomes just as successful.
Not too long before the final episode of The Oprah Winfrey Show aired, The Royal Wedding took over everyone’s television screens and brought a fairy tale to life. Need I say more? Also married in 2011 were Gene Simmons and Shannon Tweed, Michael Vartan,...
- 1/2/2012
- by Melody Simpson
- BuzzFocus.com
It's been an incredible year in the world of showbiz, with the usual headline-grabbing antics, scandal, sleaze, celebrity births, star weddings, and bitter break-ups. Here, WENN takes a look back at the final six months of 2011...
July
The month of July was overshadowed by the sudden and shocking death of British singer Amy Winehouse. The Back to Black hitmaker was found dead at her home in London at the age of 27 and the news sent the world of showbusiness into mourning. Tributes poured in from both fans and famous friends following the tragedy, and Winehouse's music shot back into the charts.
The headlines were also dominated by celebrity divorces as Jennifer Lopez announced her split from husband of seven years, Marc Anthony, the father of her young twins, Max and Emme. Arnold Schwarzenegger's marriage also came to an abrupt end as his wife Maria Shriver filed for divorce following revelations the actor/politician fathered a lovechild with the family's housekeeper.
Scarlett Johansson's divorce from Ryan Reynolds was finalised and Patricia Arquette's split from husband Thomas Jane was also made official.
In happier news, all eyes were on Monaco as the world geared up for the second royal wedding of the year, following the union of Britain’s Prince William and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge in April. In the same month as the British royals flew to Canada to begin their first international tour as a married couple, Prince Albert of Monaco married his fiancee, South African beauty Charlene Wittstock. The couple exchanged vows in two ceremonies in Monte Carlo and the former swimmer became her Serene Highness Princess Charlene of Monaco. British supermodel Kate Moss also became a married woman as she wed rocker Jamie Hince in a lavish ceremony in the English countryside, while it was also an exciting month for the Beckham family as former Spice Girls star Victoria, already mother to three boys, gave birth to her first daughter, Harper Seven.
There was also baby joy for Hollywood actress Kate Hudson - she welcomed a son called Bingham with her rocker fiance Matt Bellamy. Singer Jewel, actress Selma Blair and former Fugees star Lauryn Hill also became parents. British artist/director Sam Taylor-Wood also hit headlines after she confirmed she was expecting a second baby with her 21-year-old fiance, actor Aaron Johnson, a year after the birth of their daughter. The couple met on the set of their 2009 film Nowhere Boy and became parents together in 2010.
July also saw troubled British rocker Pete Doherty granted his freedom after serving less than half of his six-month prison sentence for cocaine possession. Another beleaguered star to walk free from jail was rapper Dmx, who served seven months behind bars for a probation violation. However, David Gilmour’s son Charlie found himself on the other side of the prison walls as he was ordered to serve 16 months in jail for his part in the 2010 student riots in London. The Pink Floyd star’s son was charged with violent disorder for causing chaos in the British capital and swinging from a flag on the city’s Cenotaph war memorial. (Lr/Zn)
August
The usual serenity of the summer months was shattered this year when Kate Winslet cheated death in a devastating inferno at Richard Branson's luxury island home, and a string of British stars appealed for calm as widespread rioting broke out in the U.K.
Winslet was holidaying at Virgin boss Branson's Necker Island retreat when lightning struck the property, sparking a huge blaze which gutted the home. Her party of 20 miraculously escaped unscathed - and Winslet was later hailed a heroine after it emerged she carried Branson's 90-year-old mother from the property during the drama.
As unrest, looting, and arson broke out for several nights in the U.K., showbiz stars including Idris Elba, Natasha Bedingfield and Boy George called for calm, and there was also bad news for Sir Paul McCartney - who learned his phone had been hacked by the tabloid press - and veteran actress Margot Kidder, who was arrested during an environment protest at the White House.
Tragedy struck at the Indiana State Fair, when a horrific stage collapse left seven revellers dead and more than 40 injured, actor Rowan Atkinson was treated in hospital after wrecking his rare sports car by crashing it into a tree, and French actor Gerard Depardieu was left red-faced when he was thrown off a plane in Paris, France for urinating in the cabin after he was refused access to the toilet during take-off.
It was ladies night at the MTV Video Music Awards as Katy Perry, Britney Spears and Lady Gaga took home two honours each - and Beyonce announced her pregnancy news. And at the Teen Choice Awards, Taylor Swift and Selena Gomez were crowned queens of the event when they scooped whopping 11 awards between them.
Kings of Leon finally succumbed to their relentless touring schedule and axed their remaining U.S. dates to allow frontman Caleb Followill to recover from "vocal issues and exhaustion", Aerosmith rocker Tom Hamilton and Deep Purple star Jon Lord both announced they were battling cancer, Bono was hospitalised with chest pains, and Norwegian pop band A-ha thrilled fans by announcing they were to reform.
In family news, Kiss star Paul Stanley became a father again, and there were also welcome additions for Ethan Hawke, funnywoman Tina Fey, illusionist David Copperfield, Jessica Alba, and Benicio del Toro, who fathered a child with Rod Stewart's daughter Kimberly.
There were wedding bells for country singer Chely Wright and filmmaker Sofia Coppola, but romance took a plunge for George Michael and Geri Halliwell, who both split from their partners. Also joining the singles club was Arctic Monkeys rocker Alex Turner, who broke up with MTV presenter Alexa Chung after four years together.
The showbiz world bid farewell to songwriting legend Jerry Leiber, who died of cardiopulmonary failure at the age of 78, Police Academy star Charles 'Bubba' Smith, Bollywood veteran Shammi Kapoor, blues legend David 'Honeyboy' Edwards, Warrant rocker Jani Lane, and Motown hitmaker Nickolas Ashford. (Zn/Lr)
September
September was a month rapper T.I. would like to both remember and forget - he completed an 11-month prison sentence for a probation violation only to run into legal trouble again soon after his initial release for conducting illegal business deals on his way to a halfway house. It wasn't a great month for Madonna either - her movie take on the romance between Wallis Simpson and Edward VIII was savaged by critics at the Venice Film Festival, while her ex-husband Guy Ritchie became a dad again.
Celine Dion was left shaken up after an intruder was found running a bath at her Montreal, Canada home; Neil Diamond revealed his engagement, and Dr. Conrad Murray's involuntary manslaughter trial got underway in Los Angeles as prosecutors attempted to prove the medic was responsible for Michael Jackson's death.
R.E.M. announced they were splitting after 31 years; My Chemical Romance fired drummer Michael Pedicone after accusing him of stealing from them; Boyzone singer Ronan Keating swam the Irish Sea for Cancer Research in the U.K., and Sir Paul McCartney became a grandfather again and was named the MusiCares Person of the Year - while he also celebrated as his first ballet score debuted in New York.
The Amy Winehouse Foundation was launched on what would have been the tragic singer's 28th birthday, and the star's Body & Soul duet with Tony Bennett became a hit, making the 85-year-old crooner the oldest living artist to have a single in America's Hot 100.
Eddie Murphy was confirmed as the host for the 2012 Oscars; model Lauren Bush became Lauren Lauren when she exchanged vows with Ralph Lauren's son David; British funnyman David Walliams braved the chills of the River Thames and a stomach bug to complete a charity 140-mile swim in eight days.
Actress Evan Rachel Wood lost a tooth during a boozy night out in Paris; Reese Witherspoon was hospitalised after she was hit by a car while out jogging in Santa Monica, California; soul legend Chaka Khan won temporary custody of her granddaughter after claiming the girl's mother was struggling with drug abuse issues, and British The Saturdays singer Una Healy announced she was pregnant.
Inxs dropped frontman J.D. fortune for a second time and replaced him with Ciaran Gribbin; Austin Powers henchman Joseph Son was sentenced to life behind bars for a Christmas Eve rape in 1990, and George Clooney went public with his new girl, Stacey Kiebler, at the Toronto Film Festival in Canada.
Ashton Kutcher had a month of ups and downs - his debut on TV sitcom Two and a Half Men was a big hit as 28 million Americans tuned in, but then came the news that his marriage to Demi Moore was in trouble amid infidelity rumours. Comedienne Wanda Sykes opened up about her breast cancer battle and double mastectomy; Sharon Stone won a restraining order against an obsessed fan and promptly put the home he visited uninvited on the market, and reality TV star and filmmaker Jack Osbourne announced his engagement to actress Lisa Stelly and followed that up with the news he was to become a dad.
Third time was not the charm for Clueless star Stacy Dash, who announced her plans to divorce husband number three, Emmanuel Xuereb, and X-Men star James Marsden's wife also joined the divorce club as she filed papers against her husband. Elizabeth Hurley's love life was on the up - she accepted cricket star Shane Warne's wedding proposal just three months after divorcing Arun Nayar.
Meanwhile, Elton John launched his new Million Dollar Piano residency in Las Vegas; Smokey Robinson accepted the coveted Ella Award at the Society of Singers Gala, and the month wrapped up with Shania Twain's alleged stalker pleading guilty to harassing the singer in court in Ontario, Canada.
Among September's Hollywood weddings, Amy Smart married reality TV star Carter Oosterhouse; Cougar Town co-stars David Rogers and Sally Pressman became man and wife, and model-turned-actress Molly Sims wed in a Napa Valley vineyard in California. There were also nuptials for British filmmaker Michael Winner and DJ/producer Mark Ronson, while R&B singer Keyshia Cole and former Friends star David Schwimmer both renewed vows with their spouses in Hawaii and London, respectively.
There was baby news for model Jodie Kidd, who gave birth to a son; actress Mary McCormack, who became a mum for the third time, and January Jones, who welcomed Xander Dane to the world while staying mum about the tot's father. Actors Emily Deschanel, Ana Ortiz, Mike Myers, Danny McBride and Jenna Fischer also became new parents. In the music world, former Spice Girl Melanie Brown gave birth to her third daughter, and country star John Rich and former Pussycat Dolls member Carmit Bachar welcomed babies too.
On September's sick list were rocker Scott Weiland and pop stars Katy Perry and Adele, who both scrapped shows due to illness, while Megadeth headbanger Dave Mustaine underwent surgery for a serious neck injury.
The month's big winners included movie mogul Tyler Perry, who was named Forbes magazine's Highest Paid Man in Entertainment; actor Michael Fassbender and director Alexander Sokurov, who claimed Best Actor and Best Film honours, respectively, for Shame and Faust at the Venice Film Festival. Gritty TV drama Boardwalk Empire picked up eight Emmy Awards; Calle 13 landed a record 10 Latin Grammy Award nominations, and Happy Days star Henry Winkler picked up an honorary Order of the British Empire medal at the British Embassy in Washington, D.C.
Also winning: P.J. Harvey, who scooped the Mercury Prize in Britain, Arcade Fire, who claimed Canada's Polaris Prize, and U2 and Rolling Stone Keith Richards, who were named GQ magazine's Men of the Year.
September's losers included Scarlett Johansson, who was left exposed in a series of leaked naked phone photos; Cameron Diaz, who split from baseball beau Alex Rodriguez, and John Travolta, whose beloved Mercedes-Benz was stolen outside a Jaguar dealership in Santa Monica, while his Swordfish co-star Halle Berry broke her foot while on location in Spain.
Meanwhile, we said a sad goodbye to a slew of famous faces, including actors Andy Whitfield and Cliff Robertson; beloved TV stars Mary Fickett and Vesta Williams; actor Jack Garner; French DJ Mehdi Faveris-Essadi; blues great Willie 'Big Eyes' Smith; R&B hitmaker Vesta Williams; gospel icon Jessy Dixon; celebrated British writer/producer David Croft; Happy Gilmore star Frances Bay, and moviemakers David Pressman, Charles Dubin, George Kachar and Paul Hunt. (Kl/Mt)
October
October was a big month for celebrity weddings - funnyman Seth Rogen tied the knot with longtime girlfriend Lauren Miller, Twilight star Nikki Reed married singer/songwriter Paul McDonald, and former Beverly Hills, 90210 actress Shannen Doherty walked down the aisle for the third time when she exchanged vows with celebrity photographer Kurt Iswarienko. Also hoping to make it third-time lucky was Robin Williams, who wed graphic designer Susan Schneider.
Also taking the plunge was Kiss rocker Gene Simmons, who married his girlfriend of 28 years, Shannon Tweed, and Sir Paul McCartney, who exchanged vows with American heiress Nancy Shevell on what would have been his former Beatles bandmate John Lennon’s 71st birthday.
And Sex & the City star Mario Cantone made good use of New York's new gay rights bill by solidifying his love for longtime partner Jerry Dixon.
A number of other stars announced their intention to wed in October - NCIS: Los Angeles star Eric Christian Olsen proposed to girlfriend Sarah Wright and Trace Cyrus popped the question to Disney actress Brenda Song. And actress Kaley Cuoco was sporting a new sparkler after boyfriend Josh 'Lazie' Resnik got down on bended knee. Also officially off the market were former child star Frankie Muniz, The Devil Wears Prada actor Stanley Tucci, rapper The Game and Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love's grown-up little girl Francis Bean Cobain.
A number of other celebrities were prepping their homes for babies - movie star Bruce Willis, American footballer Tony Romo, former Dawson's Creek hunk James Van Der Beek, and actress Kaitlin Olson all announced they are expecting little ones, and Jessica Simpson ended months of speculation by announcing she was pregnant.
And October's new parents included Ne-Yo, who welcomed a baby boy, model Ali Landry, who gave birth to her second child, actress Spencer Grammer, who became a first time mum, and France's First Lady Carla Bruni-Sarkozy, who became a mum for the second time when baby Giulia was born. Reality TV star Tori Spelling took home baby number three, as did Jackass funnyman Johnny Knoxville. And Sex & the City beauty Kristin Davis, The Help actress Viola Davis and CSI: Crime Scene Investigation veteran Mariska Hargitay all adopted babies.
But it wasn't such a happy month for rapper Rick Ross, who suffered two seizures on his way to a concert, or socialite Kim Kardashian who filed for divorce from husband Kris Humphries after just 72 days of marriage.
In other news, Star Trek actor Zachary Quinto announced he was gay and troubled actress Lindsay Lohan had her probation revoked after failing to complete her required community service hours. She also faced a limousine lawsuit for allegedly neglecting to pay a bill, her dad was arrested - twice, and she was served a lawsuit for reportedly attacking a Betty Ford Clinic employee during her stay there last year.
Meanwhile, the stars came out to show their support for the Occupy Wall Street protests, which were originally launched in New York City in a bid to end corporate greed, and the world mourned the loss of Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, British TV and radio personality Sir Jimmy Savile, The Charlie Daniels Band keyboard player Joel 'Taz' Digregorio, former Weezer star Mikey Welsh, veteran British actress Betty Driver, The Miracles guitarist Marv Tarplin, pianist Roger Williams and IndyCar driver Dan Wheldon, who died in a horrific car smash at the Indy300.
November
British bachelor Hugh Grant stunned the world when he announced he had a new love in his life - a baby girl he had fathered during a brief relationship with Chinese model/actress Tinglan Hong. He wasn't the only star to join the celebrity parents' club in November - singer Lily Allen had a reason to Smile again after giving birth to a daughter, her first child with new husband Sam Cooper, while newsman Piers Morgan and his wife Celia Walden also became parents to a little girl. Maggie Gyllenhaal and her husband Peter Sarsgaard announced they were expecting their second child, as did reality TV star Kourtney Kardashian and her partner Scott Disick.
Selena Gomez revealed she is set to become a big sister, while Justin Bieber had some unwanted baby news of his own - he found himself at the centre of a paternity scandal following allegations he had impregnated 20-year-old Mariah Yeater following a backstage tryst in Los Angeles last year. The Baby hitmaker denied the claim and Yeater subsequently dropped the lawsuit.
Lindsay Lohan's troubles hit the headlines again after she was sentenced to serve 30 days behind bars for a probation violation, although she was released after less than five hours due to jail overcrowding. Dr. Conrad Murray was not so lucky - he was convicted of involuntary manslaughter relating to the death of Michael Jackson and sentenced to the maximum of four years behind bars.
In other legal matters, country singer Mindy McCready sparked a manhunt after she took her five-year-old son Zander from his father's Florida home without permission; Tim McGraw won a court battle with his record company bosses releasing him from his contract; and TLC star T-Boz declared bankruptcy.
Hugh Grant, Sienna Miller and Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling became driving forces in the push to improve British press standards following the News of the World phone-hacking scandal earlier this year - the three stars were called to give evidence to the Leveson Inquiry and told how they had had their voicemails, emails and other private messages intercepted by private investigators working on behalf of tabloid reporters.
The sporting world mourned the death of boxing great Joe Frazier at the age of 67, just days after it was revealed he was battling liver cancer, while the hip-hop industry was rocked by the passing of rap icon Heavy D, who collapsed outside his Los Angeles home and was later declared dead at 44. British moviemaker Ken Russell also passed away, aged 84, and longtime Oscars producer Gil Cates died at 77. Meanwhile, Beatles fans remembered George Harrison on 29 November as fans marked the 10th anniversary of his death.
Veteran pop star George Michael was forced to scrap the remainder of his European tour after he was struck down by a serious bout of pneumonia; Bee Gees singer Robin Gibb also spent time in hospital after suffering abdominal pains, and Adele and Keith Urban had a quiet month as they both recovered from vocal cord surgery, while heavy rock fans rejoiced as the original members of Black Sabbath announced they would be reuniting for a new album and tour in 2012.
It was ladies' night at the American Music Awards as Taylor Swift and Adele walked away with three honours each, while Lady Gaga reigned over the MTV Europe Music Awards and newlyweds Miranda Lambert and Blake Shelton ruled the Country Music Association Awards by taking home the two top vocalist prizes. November also saw Demi Moore and Ashton Kutcher end weeks of speculation about their marriage by calling it quits, while Sugarland singer Jennifer Nettles tied the knot and Anne Hathaway began making plans to wed boyfriend Adam Schulman, and former The Hills star Kristin Cavallari and American footballer Jay Cutler became engaged again, months after they broke off their initial plans to marry.
And it was a busy month for the film industry - the latest Twilight movie, Breaking Dawn - Part 1, landed the biggest global debut in the film franchise's history, thanks to a massive $284 million (£177.5 million) opening weekend haul; Golden Globes bosses decided to bring back controversial comedian Ricky Gervais to host his third prizegiving in 2012; Billy Crystal stepped in for Eddie Murphy as the host of the 2012 Academy Awards a day after the comic and producer pal Brett Ratner resigned, and the race for the Oscars kicked off with the Gotham Independent Film Awards, where Terrence Malick's Tree of Life and Mike Mills' acclaimed Beginners made history when they became the first films to tie for the Best Feature prize in the ceremony's 21-year history.
December
The holiday bells were peeling for newlyweds A.J. McLean, actress Judy Greer, reality TV star Jeff Probst and Yeah Yeah Yeahs rocker Karen O, while Sinead O'Connor married an addiction counsellor in Las Vegas only to call off the union 16 days later. There were also splits for actress Debra Messing and Chaz Bono.
Britney Spears led the month's bride and grooms-to-be when she accepted former agent Jason Trawick's proposal on his 40th birthday, while Steven Tyler, John Legend, Matthew McConaughey, basketball legend Michael Jordan and Lady Antebellum's Dave Haywood all popped the question to their girlfriends - and there was baby news for new dads Robert De Niro, Halle Berry's ex Eric Benet, actor Charlie Day, Westlife star Kian Egan, actress/singer Fantasia Barrino, Essence Atkins and pop star Dev, while actress Alyson Hannigan, Bollywood star Shilpa Shetty, Kings of Leon star Caleb Followill's supermodel wife Lily Aldridge, Alessandra Ambrosio and Irish singer Andrea Corr announced they were pregnant.
There was drama for rapper Tyler, The Creator, who was arrested for alleged acts of vandalism during a show in Hollywood; singer Christina Perri, who was attacked in a car-jacking incident; Barry Manilow, who underwent hip surgery, and Morrissey, whose concert in Puebla, Mexico was evacuated following an earthquake, while Britain's Prince Philip and R&B star Etta James spent Christmas in hospital.
Lindsay Lohan bared all for Playboy magazine; Adam Lambert was arrested in Finland following a pre-Christmas bust-up with his boyfriend; rapper The Game halted a gig in Norway to confront a bottle-throwing fan; boxer Floyd Mayweather, Jr. was sentenced to 90 days in jail for a 2010 fight with his ex; a man who leaked an unfinished new Madonna song online was arrested in Spain, and Michael Douglas' incarcerated son Cameron was handed an extra four-and-a-half years behind bars for another drug conviction.
And there was yet more drama for Terrence Howard, who requested a restraining order against his wife; model Lauren Scruggs, who lost her hand and an eye in a freak plane propeller accident; Hollywood couple Eric Dane and Rebecca Gayheart, who had to vacate their home after high winds brought a tree crashing into their living room, and pop star Selena Gomez suffered a family tragedy when her mother miscarried.
Meanwhile, Jodie Foster's estranged father was jailed for five years after he was found guilty of a property scam; Angelina Jolie was sued by a Croatian journalist who alleged his chronicle of the Bosnian War inspired her directorial debut; Kirsten Dunst won a restraining order against an obsessed French fan; an extra died of a heart attack while shooting The Dark Knight Rises in New York; Goodfellas actor Tony Darrow was sentenced to six months behind bars for arranging a real-life mob beating, and Charlie Sheen had to change his phone number when he accidentally tweeted it to his followers.
The month's big winners included singer Melanie Amaro, who became the first U.S. X Factor winner; Julio Iglesias, who was named Spain's best-selling recording artist of all time; Russell Simmons, who was crowned PETA's Person of the Year; Chaka Khan, who won permanent custody of her granddaughter; Lady Gaga, who was hailed the year's highest earning female musician, and Taylor Swift who picked up Billboard magazine's coveted Woman of The Year honour.
Also winning in December: Guns N' Roses, the Beastie Boys and the Red Hot Chili Peppers, who were all announced as the members of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame's Class of 2012, and Twilight star Kristen Stewart, who was named Forbes magazine's Most Lucrative Star. Adele dominated the year's end album and singles polls; Jason Newsted reunited with Metallica for their 30th anniversary bash in San Francisco, and Martin Scorsese's first 3D movie Hugo was the surprise Best Film winner at the National Board of Review Awards in America.
In other movie news, Transformers: Dark of The Moon was named the year's most mistake-ridden film; Orson Welles' Citizen Kane Oscar sold at auction for $861,000; Drive dominated the Satellite Awards while The Help, The Artist and The Descendants picked up the lion's share of nominations for the Golden Globes and Screen Actors Guild Awards, and Angelina Jolie's directorial debut, In The Land of Blood and Honey, also picked up Golden Globes nods and she was named the 2012 recipient of the Stanley Kramer Award at the Producer's Guild of America Awards.
In music news, Amy Winehouse's posthumous album debuted at number one in Britain; 30 Seconds To Mars broke a concert record at a show in New York - their 309th in a single album cycle, and Gucci Mane was released from prison.
Wrapping up the month, Oscar winner Colin Firth was immortalised in wax at Madame Tussauds in London; Men's Health magazine bosses crowned Jennifer Aniston the Hottest Woman of All Time; Liz Taylor's diamonds and gems set a new auction record by becoming the most valuable private jewellery collection; Lmfao were forced to abandon a gig in Honduras after a fire broke out at the venue; Welsh opera star Katherine Jenkins announced her split from fiance Gethin Jones, and Coldplay rang in 2012 with a $1.6 million gig in Abu Dhabi.
And the last month of the year saw the notable deaths of actor Bill McKinney, soul stars Dobie Gray and Howard Tate, M*A*S*H regular Harry Morgan, Clark Gable and Loretta Young's love child Judy Lewis, actress Doe Avedon Siegel, former child star Susan Gordon, country singer Billie Jo Spears, Aussie actor Graham Bown, world leaders Vaclav Havel and Kim Jong-Il, songwriter Ralph MacDonald, Kojak star Dan Frazer, directors Don Sharp and Yoshimitsu Morita, writer Christopher Hitchens and Tarzan's chimp sidekick Cheetah, who died of liver failure, aged 80.
July
The month of July was overshadowed by the sudden and shocking death of British singer Amy Winehouse. The Back to Black hitmaker was found dead at her home in London at the age of 27 and the news sent the world of showbusiness into mourning. Tributes poured in from both fans and famous friends following the tragedy, and Winehouse's music shot back into the charts.
The headlines were also dominated by celebrity divorces as Jennifer Lopez announced her split from husband of seven years, Marc Anthony, the father of her young twins, Max and Emme. Arnold Schwarzenegger's marriage also came to an abrupt end as his wife Maria Shriver filed for divorce following revelations the actor/politician fathered a lovechild with the family's housekeeper.
Scarlett Johansson's divorce from Ryan Reynolds was finalised and Patricia Arquette's split from husband Thomas Jane was also made official.
In happier news, all eyes were on Monaco as the world geared up for the second royal wedding of the year, following the union of Britain’s Prince William and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge in April. In the same month as the British royals flew to Canada to begin their first international tour as a married couple, Prince Albert of Monaco married his fiancee, South African beauty Charlene Wittstock. The couple exchanged vows in two ceremonies in Monte Carlo and the former swimmer became her Serene Highness Princess Charlene of Monaco. British supermodel Kate Moss also became a married woman as she wed rocker Jamie Hince in a lavish ceremony in the English countryside, while it was also an exciting month for the Beckham family as former Spice Girls star Victoria, already mother to three boys, gave birth to her first daughter, Harper Seven.
There was also baby joy for Hollywood actress Kate Hudson - she welcomed a son called Bingham with her rocker fiance Matt Bellamy. Singer Jewel, actress Selma Blair and former Fugees star Lauryn Hill also became parents. British artist/director Sam Taylor-Wood also hit headlines after she confirmed she was expecting a second baby with her 21-year-old fiance, actor Aaron Johnson, a year after the birth of their daughter. The couple met on the set of their 2009 film Nowhere Boy and became parents together in 2010.
July also saw troubled British rocker Pete Doherty granted his freedom after serving less than half of his six-month prison sentence for cocaine possession. Another beleaguered star to walk free from jail was rapper Dmx, who served seven months behind bars for a probation violation. However, David Gilmour’s son Charlie found himself on the other side of the prison walls as he was ordered to serve 16 months in jail for his part in the 2010 student riots in London. The Pink Floyd star’s son was charged with violent disorder for causing chaos in the British capital and swinging from a flag on the city’s Cenotaph war memorial. (Lr/Zn)
August
The usual serenity of the summer months was shattered this year when Kate Winslet cheated death in a devastating inferno at Richard Branson's luxury island home, and a string of British stars appealed for calm as widespread rioting broke out in the U.K.
Winslet was holidaying at Virgin boss Branson's Necker Island retreat when lightning struck the property, sparking a huge blaze which gutted the home. Her party of 20 miraculously escaped unscathed - and Winslet was later hailed a heroine after it emerged she carried Branson's 90-year-old mother from the property during the drama.
As unrest, looting, and arson broke out for several nights in the U.K., showbiz stars including Idris Elba, Natasha Bedingfield and Boy George called for calm, and there was also bad news for Sir Paul McCartney - who learned his phone had been hacked by the tabloid press - and veteran actress Margot Kidder, who was arrested during an environment protest at the White House.
Tragedy struck at the Indiana State Fair, when a horrific stage collapse left seven revellers dead and more than 40 injured, actor Rowan Atkinson was treated in hospital after wrecking his rare sports car by crashing it into a tree, and French actor Gerard Depardieu was left red-faced when he was thrown off a plane in Paris, France for urinating in the cabin after he was refused access to the toilet during take-off.
It was ladies night at the MTV Video Music Awards as Katy Perry, Britney Spears and Lady Gaga took home two honours each - and Beyonce announced her pregnancy news. And at the Teen Choice Awards, Taylor Swift and Selena Gomez were crowned queens of the event when they scooped whopping 11 awards between them.
Kings of Leon finally succumbed to their relentless touring schedule and axed their remaining U.S. dates to allow frontman Caleb Followill to recover from "vocal issues and exhaustion", Aerosmith rocker Tom Hamilton and Deep Purple star Jon Lord both announced they were battling cancer, Bono was hospitalised with chest pains, and Norwegian pop band A-ha thrilled fans by announcing they were to reform.
In family news, Kiss star Paul Stanley became a father again, and there were also welcome additions for Ethan Hawke, funnywoman Tina Fey, illusionist David Copperfield, Jessica Alba, and Benicio del Toro, who fathered a child with Rod Stewart's daughter Kimberly.
There were wedding bells for country singer Chely Wright and filmmaker Sofia Coppola, but romance took a plunge for George Michael and Geri Halliwell, who both split from their partners. Also joining the singles club was Arctic Monkeys rocker Alex Turner, who broke up with MTV presenter Alexa Chung after four years together.
The showbiz world bid farewell to songwriting legend Jerry Leiber, who died of cardiopulmonary failure at the age of 78, Police Academy star Charles 'Bubba' Smith, Bollywood veteran Shammi Kapoor, blues legend David 'Honeyboy' Edwards, Warrant rocker Jani Lane, and Motown hitmaker Nickolas Ashford. (Zn/Lr)
September
September was a month rapper T.I. would like to both remember and forget - he completed an 11-month prison sentence for a probation violation only to run into legal trouble again soon after his initial release for conducting illegal business deals on his way to a halfway house. It wasn't a great month for Madonna either - her movie take on the romance between Wallis Simpson and Edward VIII was savaged by critics at the Venice Film Festival, while her ex-husband Guy Ritchie became a dad again.
Celine Dion was left shaken up after an intruder was found running a bath at her Montreal, Canada home; Neil Diamond revealed his engagement, and Dr. Conrad Murray's involuntary manslaughter trial got underway in Los Angeles as prosecutors attempted to prove the medic was responsible for Michael Jackson's death.
R.E.M. announced they were splitting after 31 years; My Chemical Romance fired drummer Michael Pedicone after accusing him of stealing from them; Boyzone singer Ronan Keating swam the Irish Sea for Cancer Research in the U.K., and Sir Paul McCartney became a grandfather again and was named the MusiCares Person of the Year - while he also celebrated as his first ballet score debuted in New York.
The Amy Winehouse Foundation was launched on what would have been the tragic singer's 28th birthday, and the star's Body & Soul duet with Tony Bennett became a hit, making the 85-year-old crooner the oldest living artist to have a single in America's Hot 100.
Eddie Murphy was confirmed as the host for the 2012 Oscars; model Lauren Bush became Lauren Lauren when she exchanged vows with Ralph Lauren's son David; British funnyman David Walliams braved the chills of the River Thames and a stomach bug to complete a charity 140-mile swim in eight days.
Actress Evan Rachel Wood lost a tooth during a boozy night out in Paris; Reese Witherspoon was hospitalised after she was hit by a car while out jogging in Santa Monica, California; soul legend Chaka Khan won temporary custody of her granddaughter after claiming the girl's mother was struggling with drug abuse issues, and British The Saturdays singer Una Healy announced she was pregnant.
Inxs dropped frontman J.D. fortune for a second time and replaced him with Ciaran Gribbin; Austin Powers henchman Joseph Son was sentenced to life behind bars for a Christmas Eve rape in 1990, and George Clooney went public with his new girl, Stacey Kiebler, at the Toronto Film Festival in Canada.
Ashton Kutcher had a month of ups and downs - his debut on TV sitcom Two and a Half Men was a big hit as 28 million Americans tuned in, but then came the news that his marriage to Demi Moore was in trouble amid infidelity rumours. Comedienne Wanda Sykes opened up about her breast cancer battle and double mastectomy; Sharon Stone won a restraining order against an obsessed fan and promptly put the home he visited uninvited on the market, and reality TV star and filmmaker Jack Osbourne announced his engagement to actress Lisa Stelly and followed that up with the news he was to become a dad.
Third time was not the charm for Clueless star Stacy Dash, who announced her plans to divorce husband number three, Emmanuel Xuereb, and X-Men star James Marsden's wife also joined the divorce club as she filed papers against her husband. Elizabeth Hurley's love life was on the up - she accepted cricket star Shane Warne's wedding proposal just three months after divorcing Arun Nayar.
Meanwhile, Elton John launched his new Million Dollar Piano residency in Las Vegas; Smokey Robinson accepted the coveted Ella Award at the Society of Singers Gala, and the month wrapped up with Shania Twain's alleged stalker pleading guilty to harassing the singer in court in Ontario, Canada.
Among September's Hollywood weddings, Amy Smart married reality TV star Carter Oosterhouse; Cougar Town co-stars David Rogers and Sally Pressman became man and wife, and model-turned-actress Molly Sims wed in a Napa Valley vineyard in California. There were also nuptials for British filmmaker Michael Winner and DJ/producer Mark Ronson, while R&B singer Keyshia Cole and former Friends star David Schwimmer both renewed vows with their spouses in Hawaii and London, respectively.
There was baby news for model Jodie Kidd, who gave birth to a son; actress Mary McCormack, who became a mum for the third time, and January Jones, who welcomed Xander Dane to the world while staying mum about the tot's father. Actors Emily Deschanel, Ana Ortiz, Mike Myers, Danny McBride and Jenna Fischer also became new parents. In the music world, former Spice Girl Melanie Brown gave birth to her third daughter, and country star John Rich and former Pussycat Dolls member Carmit Bachar welcomed babies too.
On September's sick list were rocker Scott Weiland and pop stars Katy Perry and Adele, who both scrapped shows due to illness, while Megadeth headbanger Dave Mustaine underwent surgery for a serious neck injury.
The month's big winners included movie mogul Tyler Perry, who was named Forbes magazine's Highest Paid Man in Entertainment; actor Michael Fassbender and director Alexander Sokurov, who claimed Best Actor and Best Film honours, respectively, for Shame and Faust at the Venice Film Festival. Gritty TV drama Boardwalk Empire picked up eight Emmy Awards; Calle 13 landed a record 10 Latin Grammy Award nominations, and Happy Days star Henry Winkler picked up an honorary Order of the British Empire medal at the British Embassy in Washington, D.C.
Also winning: P.J. Harvey, who scooped the Mercury Prize in Britain, Arcade Fire, who claimed Canada's Polaris Prize, and U2 and Rolling Stone Keith Richards, who were named GQ magazine's Men of the Year.
September's losers included Scarlett Johansson, who was left exposed in a series of leaked naked phone photos; Cameron Diaz, who split from baseball beau Alex Rodriguez, and John Travolta, whose beloved Mercedes-Benz was stolen outside a Jaguar dealership in Santa Monica, while his Swordfish co-star Halle Berry broke her foot while on location in Spain.
Meanwhile, we said a sad goodbye to a slew of famous faces, including actors Andy Whitfield and Cliff Robertson; beloved TV stars Mary Fickett and Vesta Williams; actor Jack Garner; French DJ Mehdi Faveris-Essadi; blues great Willie 'Big Eyes' Smith; R&B hitmaker Vesta Williams; gospel icon Jessy Dixon; celebrated British writer/producer David Croft; Happy Gilmore star Frances Bay, and moviemakers David Pressman, Charles Dubin, George Kachar and Paul Hunt. (Kl/Mt)
October
October was a big month for celebrity weddings - funnyman Seth Rogen tied the knot with longtime girlfriend Lauren Miller, Twilight star Nikki Reed married singer/songwriter Paul McDonald, and former Beverly Hills, 90210 actress Shannen Doherty walked down the aisle for the third time when she exchanged vows with celebrity photographer Kurt Iswarienko. Also hoping to make it third-time lucky was Robin Williams, who wed graphic designer Susan Schneider.
Also taking the plunge was Kiss rocker Gene Simmons, who married his girlfriend of 28 years, Shannon Tweed, and Sir Paul McCartney, who exchanged vows with American heiress Nancy Shevell on what would have been his former Beatles bandmate John Lennon’s 71st birthday.
And Sex & the City star Mario Cantone made good use of New York's new gay rights bill by solidifying his love for longtime partner Jerry Dixon.
A number of other stars announced their intention to wed in October - NCIS: Los Angeles star Eric Christian Olsen proposed to girlfriend Sarah Wright and Trace Cyrus popped the question to Disney actress Brenda Song. And actress Kaley Cuoco was sporting a new sparkler after boyfriend Josh 'Lazie' Resnik got down on bended knee. Also officially off the market were former child star Frankie Muniz, The Devil Wears Prada actor Stanley Tucci, rapper The Game and Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love's grown-up little girl Francis Bean Cobain.
A number of other celebrities were prepping their homes for babies - movie star Bruce Willis, American footballer Tony Romo, former Dawson's Creek hunk James Van Der Beek, and actress Kaitlin Olson all announced they are expecting little ones, and Jessica Simpson ended months of speculation by announcing she was pregnant.
And October's new parents included Ne-Yo, who welcomed a baby boy, model Ali Landry, who gave birth to her second child, actress Spencer Grammer, who became a first time mum, and France's First Lady Carla Bruni-Sarkozy, who became a mum for the second time when baby Giulia was born. Reality TV star Tori Spelling took home baby number three, as did Jackass funnyman Johnny Knoxville. And Sex & the City beauty Kristin Davis, The Help actress Viola Davis and CSI: Crime Scene Investigation veteran Mariska Hargitay all adopted babies.
But it wasn't such a happy month for rapper Rick Ross, who suffered two seizures on his way to a concert, or socialite Kim Kardashian who filed for divorce from husband Kris Humphries after just 72 days of marriage.
In other news, Star Trek actor Zachary Quinto announced he was gay and troubled actress Lindsay Lohan had her probation revoked after failing to complete her required community service hours. She also faced a limousine lawsuit for allegedly neglecting to pay a bill, her dad was arrested - twice, and she was served a lawsuit for reportedly attacking a Betty Ford Clinic employee during her stay there last year.
Meanwhile, the stars came out to show their support for the Occupy Wall Street protests, which were originally launched in New York City in a bid to end corporate greed, and the world mourned the loss of Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, British TV and radio personality Sir Jimmy Savile, The Charlie Daniels Band keyboard player Joel 'Taz' Digregorio, former Weezer star Mikey Welsh, veteran British actress Betty Driver, The Miracles guitarist Marv Tarplin, pianist Roger Williams and IndyCar driver Dan Wheldon, who died in a horrific car smash at the Indy300.
November
British bachelor Hugh Grant stunned the world when he announced he had a new love in his life - a baby girl he had fathered during a brief relationship with Chinese model/actress Tinglan Hong. He wasn't the only star to join the celebrity parents' club in November - singer Lily Allen had a reason to Smile again after giving birth to a daughter, her first child with new husband Sam Cooper, while newsman Piers Morgan and his wife Celia Walden also became parents to a little girl. Maggie Gyllenhaal and her husband Peter Sarsgaard announced they were expecting their second child, as did reality TV star Kourtney Kardashian and her partner Scott Disick.
Selena Gomez revealed she is set to become a big sister, while Justin Bieber had some unwanted baby news of his own - he found himself at the centre of a paternity scandal following allegations he had impregnated 20-year-old Mariah Yeater following a backstage tryst in Los Angeles last year. The Baby hitmaker denied the claim and Yeater subsequently dropped the lawsuit.
Lindsay Lohan's troubles hit the headlines again after she was sentenced to serve 30 days behind bars for a probation violation, although she was released after less than five hours due to jail overcrowding. Dr. Conrad Murray was not so lucky - he was convicted of involuntary manslaughter relating to the death of Michael Jackson and sentenced to the maximum of four years behind bars.
In other legal matters, country singer Mindy McCready sparked a manhunt after she took her five-year-old son Zander from his father's Florida home without permission; Tim McGraw won a court battle with his record company bosses releasing him from his contract; and TLC star T-Boz declared bankruptcy.
Hugh Grant, Sienna Miller and Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling became driving forces in the push to improve British press standards following the News of the World phone-hacking scandal earlier this year - the three stars were called to give evidence to the Leveson Inquiry and told how they had had their voicemails, emails and other private messages intercepted by private investigators working on behalf of tabloid reporters.
The sporting world mourned the death of boxing great Joe Frazier at the age of 67, just days after it was revealed he was battling liver cancer, while the hip-hop industry was rocked by the passing of rap icon Heavy D, who collapsed outside his Los Angeles home and was later declared dead at 44. British moviemaker Ken Russell also passed away, aged 84, and longtime Oscars producer Gil Cates died at 77. Meanwhile, Beatles fans remembered George Harrison on 29 November as fans marked the 10th anniversary of his death.
Veteran pop star George Michael was forced to scrap the remainder of his European tour after he was struck down by a serious bout of pneumonia; Bee Gees singer Robin Gibb also spent time in hospital after suffering abdominal pains, and Adele and Keith Urban had a quiet month as they both recovered from vocal cord surgery, while heavy rock fans rejoiced as the original members of Black Sabbath announced they would be reuniting for a new album and tour in 2012.
It was ladies' night at the American Music Awards as Taylor Swift and Adele walked away with three honours each, while Lady Gaga reigned over the MTV Europe Music Awards and newlyweds Miranda Lambert and Blake Shelton ruled the Country Music Association Awards by taking home the two top vocalist prizes. November also saw Demi Moore and Ashton Kutcher end weeks of speculation about their marriage by calling it quits, while Sugarland singer Jennifer Nettles tied the knot and Anne Hathaway began making plans to wed boyfriend Adam Schulman, and former The Hills star Kristin Cavallari and American footballer Jay Cutler became engaged again, months after they broke off their initial plans to marry.
And it was a busy month for the film industry - the latest Twilight movie, Breaking Dawn - Part 1, landed the biggest global debut in the film franchise's history, thanks to a massive $284 million (£177.5 million) opening weekend haul; Golden Globes bosses decided to bring back controversial comedian Ricky Gervais to host his third prizegiving in 2012; Billy Crystal stepped in for Eddie Murphy as the host of the 2012 Academy Awards a day after the comic and producer pal Brett Ratner resigned, and the race for the Oscars kicked off with the Gotham Independent Film Awards, where Terrence Malick's Tree of Life and Mike Mills' acclaimed Beginners made history when they became the first films to tie for the Best Feature prize in the ceremony's 21-year history.
December
The holiday bells were peeling for newlyweds A.J. McLean, actress Judy Greer, reality TV star Jeff Probst and Yeah Yeah Yeahs rocker Karen O, while Sinead O'Connor married an addiction counsellor in Las Vegas only to call off the union 16 days later. There were also splits for actress Debra Messing and Chaz Bono.
Britney Spears led the month's bride and grooms-to-be when she accepted former agent Jason Trawick's proposal on his 40th birthday, while Steven Tyler, John Legend, Matthew McConaughey, basketball legend Michael Jordan and Lady Antebellum's Dave Haywood all popped the question to their girlfriends - and there was baby news for new dads Robert De Niro, Halle Berry's ex Eric Benet, actor Charlie Day, Westlife star Kian Egan, actress/singer Fantasia Barrino, Essence Atkins and pop star Dev, while actress Alyson Hannigan, Bollywood star Shilpa Shetty, Kings of Leon star Caleb Followill's supermodel wife Lily Aldridge, Alessandra Ambrosio and Irish singer Andrea Corr announced they were pregnant.
There was drama for rapper Tyler, The Creator, who was arrested for alleged acts of vandalism during a show in Hollywood; singer Christina Perri, who was attacked in a car-jacking incident; Barry Manilow, who underwent hip surgery, and Morrissey, whose concert in Puebla, Mexico was evacuated following an earthquake, while Britain's Prince Philip and R&B star Etta James spent Christmas in hospital.
Lindsay Lohan bared all for Playboy magazine; Adam Lambert was arrested in Finland following a pre-Christmas bust-up with his boyfriend; rapper The Game halted a gig in Norway to confront a bottle-throwing fan; boxer Floyd Mayweather, Jr. was sentenced to 90 days in jail for a 2010 fight with his ex; a man who leaked an unfinished new Madonna song online was arrested in Spain, and Michael Douglas' incarcerated son Cameron was handed an extra four-and-a-half years behind bars for another drug conviction.
And there was yet more drama for Terrence Howard, who requested a restraining order against his wife; model Lauren Scruggs, who lost her hand and an eye in a freak plane propeller accident; Hollywood couple Eric Dane and Rebecca Gayheart, who had to vacate their home after high winds brought a tree crashing into their living room, and pop star Selena Gomez suffered a family tragedy when her mother miscarried.
Meanwhile, Jodie Foster's estranged father was jailed for five years after he was found guilty of a property scam; Angelina Jolie was sued by a Croatian journalist who alleged his chronicle of the Bosnian War inspired her directorial debut; Kirsten Dunst won a restraining order against an obsessed French fan; an extra died of a heart attack while shooting The Dark Knight Rises in New York; Goodfellas actor Tony Darrow was sentenced to six months behind bars for arranging a real-life mob beating, and Charlie Sheen had to change his phone number when he accidentally tweeted it to his followers.
The month's big winners included singer Melanie Amaro, who became the first U.S. X Factor winner; Julio Iglesias, who was named Spain's best-selling recording artist of all time; Russell Simmons, who was crowned PETA's Person of the Year; Chaka Khan, who won permanent custody of her granddaughter; Lady Gaga, who was hailed the year's highest earning female musician, and Taylor Swift who picked up Billboard magazine's coveted Woman of The Year honour.
Also winning in December: Guns N' Roses, the Beastie Boys and the Red Hot Chili Peppers, who were all announced as the members of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame's Class of 2012, and Twilight star Kristen Stewart, who was named Forbes magazine's Most Lucrative Star. Adele dominated the year's end album and singles polls; Jason Newsted reunited with Metallica for their 30th anniversary bash in San Francisco, and Martin Scorsese's first 3D movie Hugo was the surprise Best Film winner at the National Board of Review Awards in America.
In other movie news, Transformers: Dark of The Moon was named the year's most mistake-ridden film; Orson Welles' Citizen Kane Oscar sold at auction for $861,000; Drive dominated the Satellite Awards while The Help, The Artist and The Descendants picked up the lion's share of nominations for the Golden Globes and Screen Actors Guild Awards, and Angelina Jolie's directorial debut, In The Land of Blood and Honey, also picked up Golden Globes nods and she was named the 2012 recipient of the Stanley Kramer Award at the Producer's Guild of America Awards.
In music news, Amy Winehouse's posthumous album debuted at number one in Britain; 30 Seconds To Mars broke a concert record at a show in New York - their 309th in a single album cycle, and Gucci Mane was released from prison.
Wrapping up the month, Oscar winner Colin Firth was immortalised in wax at Madame Tussauds in London; Men's Health magazine bosses crowned Jennifer Aniston the Hottest Woman of All Time; Liz Taylor's diamonds and gems set a new auction record by becoming the most valuable private jewellery collection; Lmfao were forced to abandon a gig in Honduras after a fire broke out at the venue; Welsh opera star Katherine Jenkins announced her split from fiance Gethin Jones, and Coldplay rang in 2012 with a $1.6 million gig in Abu Dhabi.
And the last month of the year saw the notable deaths of actor Bill McKinney, soul stars Dobie Gray and Howard Tate, M*A*S*H regular Harry Morgan, Clark Gable and Loretta Young's love child Judy Lewis, actress Doe Avedon Siegel, former child star Susan Gordon, country singer Billie Jo Spears, Aussie actor Graham Bown, world leaders Vaclav Havel and Kim Jong-Il, songwriter Ralph MacDonald, Kojak star Dan Frazer, directors Don Sharp and Yoshimitsu Morita, writer Christopher Hitchens and Tarzan's chimp sidekick Cheetah, who died of liver failure, aged 80.
- 1/1/2012
- WENN
"All My Children" airs its final episode Friday after 41 years on ABC. The series was one of the most successful in daytime Emmy history. It racked up a staggering 30 nominations for Best Drama Series, winning in 1992, 1994 and 1998. "AMC" will be eligible to contend at next summer's awards. The cast of “AMC” has won a record 28 Emmys. Just before the launch of the Daytime Emmys, Mary Fickett was recognized at the 1973 Primetime Emmys for her performance as Ruth Martin. Susan Lucci lost 18 Best Actress bids before finally prevailing in 1999. She was nominated again in 2001 and 2002 for a record total of 21 nominations. Her losing streak drew viewers to the Daytime Emmys; once she won, the ratings for this kudocast began their downward spiral. Darnell Williams won both the supporting (1983) and lead (1985) awards as Jesse Hubbard, one-half of the first African-American super couple on daytime TV. As Angie ...
- 9/23/2011
- Gold Derby
Hitting your TV screen this week are no less than 60 season and series premieres, so we’ve changed things up a bit by going daily with The TVLine-Up. (For those who must plan ahead, here is our complete Fall TV premieres calendar, plus I handily summarize what’s coming up the following day.)
But for now, here’s what’s happening on….
Wednesday, September 21
1 pm All My Children (ABC) | As if Sarah Michelle Gellar didn’t already have you seeing double, here she returns to her soap roots by playing, no, not Kendall, but a delusional gal who thinks she’s Erica’s daughter.
But for now, here’s what’s happening on….
Wednesday, September 21
1 pm All My Children (ABC) | As if Sarah Michelle Gellar didn’t already have you seeing double, here she returns to her soap roots by playing, no, not Kendall, but a delusional gal who thinks she’s Erica’s daughter.
- 9/21/2011
- by Matt Webb Mitovich
- TVLine.com
Luckily not every actor on ABC's cancelled soap All My Children is as much of a snob as Susan Lucci, arguably the face of the long-running daytime drama, who turned duned down online production company Prospect Park's contract to continue on the show (burn!). Two of them so far have committed to continuing on the show, which will stream online following its September end.
All My Children actress Mary Fickett dies of Alzheimers
read more...
All My Children actress Mary Fickett dies of Alzheimers
read more...
- 9/20/2011
- by Anna Breslaw
- Filmology
HollywoodNews.com: Just a few notes from all over: the lovely Mary Fickett, the wonderful veteran actress who played Ruth Martin on “All My Children,” died this week at age 83. She’d been with the show since day 1, in 1970, until Alzheimer’s forced her to retire about ten years ago. She won the first daytime Emmy award. As Ruth Martin, she was a stand in for the show’s creator, Agnes Nixon. Ruth was the conscience of the show, especially when her son went to fight in Vietnam. Ironically, “All My Children” ends its run next Friday after 41 years. Last year, a similar thing happened with Helen Wagner, the matriarch of “As the World Turns,” died right before that show concluded after 54 years. She was 93. I remember Ruth Martin from when I was in high school; Fickett was direct and never wavering in her delivery. She’s been missed the last few years…...
- 9/15/2011
- by Roger Friedman
- Hollywoodnews.com
September is proving to be a big month for Sarah Michelle Gellar.
The star of CW' thriller "Ringer," which premieres Sept.13, is also making good on her promise to return to her soap roots on "All My Children" before the series ends its 41-year ABC run at the end of the month.
TV Guide reports that Gellar's return to her daytime alma mater takes place during the Sept. 21 pre-penultimate episode -- the same one ABC plans to dedicate to late cast member Mary Fickett.
So who will Gellar be playing? After her own urging that she not touch her previous role of Kendall Hart (now played by Alicia Minshew), Gellar will appear as a delusional hospital patient convinced she's Erica Kane's (Susan Lucci) daughter. Her appearance will also include a run-in with fellow returning cast member and "CSI: Miami" star Eva La Rue.
Producer Julie Carruthers also teases the cameo,...
The star of CW' thriller "Ringer," which premieres Sept.13, is also making good on her promise to return to her soap roots on "All My Children" before the series ends its 41-year ABC run at the end of the month.
TV Guide reports that Gellar's return to her daytime alma mater takes place during the Sept. 21 pre-penultimate episode -- the same one ABC plans to dedicate to late cast member Mary Fickett.
So who will Gellar be playing? After her own urging that she not touch her previous role of Kendall Hart (now played by Alicia Minshew), Gellar will appear as a delusional hospital patient convinced she's Erica Kane's (Susan Lucci) daughter. Her appearance will also include a run-in with fellow returning cast member and "CSI: Miami" star Eva La Rue.
Producer Julie Carruthers also teases the cameo,...
- 9/13/2011
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Zap2It - From Inside the Box
All My Children star Mary Fickett has died at the age of 83. The actress passed away last week at her home in Virginia, according to an ABC spokesperson. Fickett famously portrayed the kind nurse Ruth Martin for more than 20 years on the soap opera and became the first daytime performer to win an Emmy in 1973. ABC will dedicate the September 21 episode of All My Children to Fickett. The network said in a statement: "We at ABC were very saddened to learn about the passing of one of All My Children's original cast members, Mary Fickett, who portrayed beloved nurse Ruth Brent Martin from (more)...
- 9/13/2011
- by By Justin Harp
- Digital Spy
An original cast members from "All My Children" passed away last week.
ABC confirmed Mary Fickett, famous for playing nurse Ruth Martin, died Sept. 8 in her Virginia home.
Fickett played Martin continuously, from 1970 to 1995, following it up with brief stint from 1998 to 2000. It's a role that also won her the first acting Emmy for work on a daytime soap opera.
Just two weeks shy of the series' final episode on ABC, the network released a statement about Fickett's death.
"As we honor 'All My Children's' 41 years on ABC, we cannot help but recognize and remember Mary's wonderful depiction of Pine Valley's revered Ruth," reads the statement. "Ruth's marriage to chief of staff Dr. Joe Martin provided the bedrock upon which the town of Pine Valley was built. Their marriage was always a stabilizing force that represented 'home' for many."
In honor of her contribution to the series, ABC...
ABC confirmed Mary Fickett, famous for playing nurse Ruth Martin, died Sept. 8 in her Virginia home.
Fickett played Martin continuously, from 1970 to 1995, following it up with brief stint from 1998 to 2000. It's a role that also won her the first acting Emmy for work on a daytime soap opera.
Just two weeks shy of the series' final episode on ABC, the network released a statement about Fickett's death.
"As we honor 'All My Children's' 41 years on ABC, we cannot help but recognize and remember Mary's wonderful depiction of Pine Valley's revered Ruth," reads the statement. "Ruth's marriage to chief of staff Dr. Joe Martin provided the bedrock upon which the town of Pine Valley was built. Their marriage was always a stabilizing force that represented 'home' for many."
In honor of her contribution to the series, ABC...
- 9/13/2011
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Pop2it
All My Children will dedicate one of its very last broadcasts to original cast member Mary Fickett, who passed away on Sept. 8.
“In memoriam, the network will dedicate the September 21 episode … which focuses on the Martins,” says a statement from ABC.
The Soaps Online Bottom Line: Slezak Sticks With Oltl, While Lucci Nixes AMC Offer
Fickett originated the role of nurse Ruth Parker Brent, who at the time of the show’s 1970 debut was married to alcoholic car salesman Ted Brent. After Ted perished in (irony alert!) a car accident, Ruth grew closer to widower Dr. Joe Martin, and the two eventually wed.
“In memoriam, the network will dedicate the September 21 episode … which focuses on the Martins,” says a statement from ABC.
The Soaps Online Bottom Line: Slezak Sticks With Oltl, While Lucci Nixes AMC Offer
Fickett originated the role of nurse Ruth Parker Brent, who at the time of the show’s 1970 debut was married to alcoholic car salesman Ted Brent. After Ted perished in (irony alert!) a car accident, Ruth grew closer to widower Dr. Joe Martin, and the two eventually wed.
- 9/12/2011
- by Matt Webb Mitovich
- TVLine.com
All My Children has lost a founding mother. Mary Fickett, who played the enduring Ruth Brent (and then Ruth Martin) from the soap opera's inception in 1970, died Sept. 8 at 83. She had been in ill health and had moved in with her daughter's family. ABC says it will dedicate the Sept. 21 episode of AMC to the late star, whose last appearance on the show was Jan. 5, 2010, its 40th-anniversary episode. Ironically, the entire show signs off on Sept. 23 after 41 years. "We at ABC were very saddened to learn about the passing of one of All My Children's original cast members, Mary Fickett, who portrayed beloved nurse Ruth Brent Martin from 1970-1995 and again from 1998-2000," the network said...
- 9/12/2011
- E! Online
Mary Fickett — best known for playing Nurse Ruth Martin on All My Children — has died. Born in New York, the actress won an Emmy in 1972 for her work on the ABC drama. She was one of the sudser’s original cast members.
ABC released this statement today: “We at ABC were very saddened to learn about the passing of one of All My Children’s original cast members, Mary Fickett, who portrayed beloved nurse Ruth Brent Martin from 1970-1995 and again from 1998-2000. As we honor All My Children’s 41 years on ABC, we cannot help but recognize and remember...
ABC released this statement today: “We at ABC were very saddened to learn about the passing of one of All My Children’s original cast members, Mary Fickett, who portrayed beloved nurse Ruth Brent Martin from 1970-1995 and again from 1998-2000. As we honor All My Children’s 41 years on ABC, we cannot help but recognize and remember...
- 9/12/2011
- by Lynette Rice
- EW - Inside TV
Mary Fickett, who played compassionate nurse Ruth Martin on ABC's "All My Children," has died at age 83.
The veteran daytime drama star died Thursday at her home in Virginia, the network said.
Fickett was an original cast member of "All My Children," which premiered in 1970, and for decades she appeared alongside Ray MacDonnell, who played her on-screen husband, Dr. Joe Martin, in the fictional town of Pine Valley, Pa. She retired from the show in 2000.
In 1973, she became the first performer to receive an Emmy for work on a daytime soap opera. As the mother of a young man who was drafted to fight in the Vietnam War, Ruth Martin gave an impassioned anti-war speech that won Fickett the award.
A native of Bronxville, N.Y., she was a seasoned stage, film and TV actress before "All My Children."
Her first feature was "Man on Fire" with Bing Crosby...
The veteran daytime drama star died Thursday at her home in Virginia, the network said.
Fickett was an original cast member of "All My Children," which premiered in 1970, and for decades she appeared alongside Ray MacDonnell, who played her on-screen husband, Dr. Joe Martin, in the fictional town of Pine Valley, Pa. She retired from the show in 2000.
In 1973, she became the first performer to receive an Emmy for work on a daytime soap opera. As the mother of a young man who was drafted to fight in the Vietnam War, Ruth Martin gave an impassioned anti-war speech that won Fickett the award.
A native of Bronxville, N.Y., she was a seasoned stage, film and TV actress before "All My Children."
Her first feature was "Man on Fire" with Bing Crosby...
- 9/12/2011
- by AP
- Huffington Post
Filed under: TV News
Mary Fickett, an original cast member of 'All My Children,' has died. She was 83, according to the Los Angeles Times.
Fickett won the first Emmy given to a daytime actress for her role as nurse Ruth Brent Martin.
Fickett played the character from 1970-1996. She left the series and was replaced by veteran actress Lee Meriwether. After departing the series, Fickett only returned to 'All My Children' once in 2000.
Aside from 'All My Children,' Fickett is known for her roles on 'The Edge of Night' and her Broadway work. She appeared in 'Tea & Sympathy' and was nominated for a Tony in 1958 for playing Eleanor Roosevelt in 'Sunrise at Campobello.'
Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments...
Mary Fickett, an original cast member of 'All My Children,' has died. She was 83, according to the Los Angeles Times.
Fickett won the first Emmy given to a daytime actress for her role as nurse Ruth Brent Martin.
Fickett played the character from 1970-1996. She left the series and was replaced by veteran actress Lee Meriwether. After departing the series, Fickett only returned to 'All My Children' once in 2000.
Aside from 'All My Children,' Fickett is known for her roles on 'The Edge of Night' and her Broadway work. She appeared in 'Tea & Sympathy' and was nominated for a Tony in 1958 for playing Eleanor Roosevelt in 'Sunrise at Campobello.'
Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments...
- 9/12/2011
- by Chris Harnick
- Aol TV.
Beloved U.S. TV soap star Mary Fickett has died at her home in Virginia. She was 83.
The actress was an original All My Children cast member - she played Ruth Brent Martin and became the only star ever to win an Emmy Award for her work on a soap opera.
Also a regular on Broadway, Fickett appeared in plays like Love & Kisses and Tea & Sympathy.
She was nominated for a Tony Award in 1958 for her portrayal of Eleanor Roosevelt in Sunrise at Campobello.
Producers of All My Children are planning to dedicate the 21 September episode to Fickett.
The long-running series will air its final episode two days later.
The actress was an original All My Children cast member - she played Ruth Brent Martin and became the only star ever to win an Emmy Award for her work on a soap opera.
Also a regular on Broadway, Fickett appeared in plays like Love & Kisses and Tea & Sympathy.
She was nominated for a Tony Award in 1958 for her portrayal of Eleanor Roosevelt in Sunrise at Campobello.
Producers of All My Children are planning to dedicate the 21 September episode to Fickett.
The long-running series will air its final episode two days later.
- 9/11/2011
- WENN
On this date in...
1954: Frances Reid starred as Portia on the TV version of Portia Faces Life. Mary Fickett made an appearance on this episode as well complaining about Phoebe (not that Phoebe).
1975: Ryan's Hope debuted on ABC.
Celebrating a birthday today are:
Jean LeClerc (ex-Jeremy, All My Children/Loving; ex-Peter, One Life To Live; ex-Antoine, As The World Turns; ex-Jean Marc, The Edge Of Night; ex-Gui, The Doctors) - 63
Jill Farren Phelps (Executive Producer, General Hospital; former Ep of Guiding Light, Santa Barbara, Another World, One Life To Live) - 59
Amy Carlson (ex-Josie, Another World; ex-Harley, Guiding Light) - 43...
1954: Frances Reid starred as Portia on the TV version of Portia Faces Life. Mary Fickett made an appearance on this episode as well complaining about Phoebe (not that Phoebe).
1975: Ryan's Hope debuted on ABC.
Celebrating a birthday today are:
Jean LeClerc (ex-Jeremy, All My Children/Loving; ex-Peter, One Life To Live; ex-Antoine, As The World Turns; ex-Jean Marc, The Edge Of Night; ex-Gui, The Doctors) - 63
Jill Farren Phelps (Executive Producer, General Hospital; former Ep of Guiding Light, Santa Barbara, Another World, One Life To Live) - 59
Amy Carlson (ex-Josie, Another World; ex-Harley, Guiding Light) - 43...
- 7/7/2011
- by We Love Soaps TV
- We Love Soaps
On this date in...
1984: Ed told Maureen he wanted to have lots of babies on Guiding Light.
1986: Frannie had a memory about Doug Cummings on As The World Turns.
2001: Brandon Routh debuted on One Life To Live as Seth Anderson.
2008: Jack met Janet on As The World Turns.
2010: Lost aired its final episode.
Celebrating a birthday today are:
Mary Fickett (ex-Ruth, All My Children; ex-Katherine, The Edge Of Night) - 79
Joan Collins (ex-Eva, Footballers' Wives; ex-Christina, Pacific Palisades; ex-Alexandra, Guiding Light; ex-Alexis, Dynasty) - 79
Mark Arnold (ex-Robert, Scripts & Scruples; ex-Rob, One Life To Life; ex-Joe, Santa Barbara; ex-Steve, Rituals; ex-Gavin, Edge Of Night; ex-Buck, Guiding Light) - 54
Kelly Monaco (Sam, General Hospital; ex-Livvie, Port Charles) - 35
Tom Baran (Gabriel, The Omegas, ex-Casey, Scripts & Scruples; ex-Tony, As The World Turns) - 28...
1984: Ed told Maureen he wanted to have lots of babies on Guiding Light.
1986: Frannie had a memory about Doug Cummings on As The World Turns.
2001: Brandon Routh debuted on One Life To Live as Seth Anderson.
2008: Jack met Janet on As The World Turns.
2010: Lost aired its final episode.
Celebrating a birthday today are:
Mary Fickett (ex-Ruth, All My Children; ex-Katherine, The Edge Of Night) - 79
Joan Collins (ex-Eva, Footballers' Wives; ex-Christina, Pacific Palisades; ex-Alexandra, Guiding Light; ex-Alexis, Dynasty) - 79
Mark Arnold (ex-Robert, Scripts & Scruples; ex-Rob, One Life To Life; ex-Joe, Santa Barbara; ex-Steve, Rituals; ex-Gavin, Edge Of Night; ex-Buck, Guiding Light) - 54
Kelly Monaco (Sam, General Hospital; ex-Livvie, Port Charles) - 35
Tom Baran (Gabriel, The Omegas, ex-Casey, Scripts & Scruples; ex-Tony, As The World Turns) - 28...
- 5/23/2011
- by We Love Soaps TV
- We Love Soaps
As reports swirl that ABC is about to cancel daytime programming staple “All My Children,” one wonders whether it could be saved from the chopping block by the Daytime Emmys. The series has contended for Best Drama Series 22 times over the 37-year history of the Daytime Emmys, including last year. However, it has only won three of those races -- 1992, 1994 and 1998. It reaped nominations every year from 1976 to 1982 and then again from 1984 to 2002. Since then, it has managed just three more bids in 2005, 2009 and 2010. Even more startling than the lack of Emmy love for the show is the paucity of prizes for the performers on this one-time ratings powerhouse. It can boast of just one Best Actress win when Susan Lucci finally prevailed on nod number 19 in 1999. One year prior to establishment of the Daytime Emmys in 1974, Mary Fickett did receive a primetime Emmy for her work on the show.
- 4/4/2011
- Gold Derby
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