The soap opera world is abuzz with significant developments today, marked by both sorrow and solidarity.
Sadly, we must begin with the news of the passing of a beloved soap icon, Richard Simmons.
However, there are brighter moments to share, including Eric Braeden standing up for a fellow actor and Joshua Morrow revealing his dream storyline. Plus, there are updates on Shawn Cannon’s recent injury. So, without further ado, let’s dive into the details.
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Firstly, the soap opera community is mourning the loss of Richard Simmons, an unforgettable fitness guru and General Hospital alum, who passed away at the age of 76, just a day after his birthday. Born Milton Teagle Simmons, he rose to fame in the 1970s after shedding 123 pounds and dedicating his life to helping others achieve their weight loss goals. Simmons’ infectious personality and commitment to health turned him into a media sensation, featuring on various game shows and earning a recurring role on General Hospital from 1979 to 1982, where he taught exercise classes at the campus disco and community sports center.
Simmons’ influence expanded with his hit workout video series “Sweatin’ to the Oldies,” which became a cultural phenomenon. His media appearances, from late-night talk shows to his Emmy-winning series “The Richard Simmons Show,” solidified his status as a pop culture icon. Beyond his public persona, Simmons was known for his personal touch, often responding to fan letters and making phone calls to those seeking weight loss support. Even after retiring from public life in 2014, his impact remained strong through his fitness programs, videos, and public appearances.
In addition to his fitness career, Simmons was a political activist, advocating for physical education in schools as part of the No Child Left Behind Act. His efforts highlighted the importance of health and well-being for all. Fellow General Hospital star Kin Shriner, who played Scott Baldwin, responded to the sad news on Twitter, saying, “RIP to Richard Simmons. He brought quite a flair to General Hospital in its heyday. I got a kick out of him and his aerobic classes on the show.” Simmons’ legacy is one of joy, energy, and relentless commitment to helping others lead healthier lives. Our hearts go out to his family and loved ones during this tough time.
In other news, Eric Braeden continues to be a stalwart defender of his colleagues. Known for his protective nature, especially when it comes to his profession, Braeden has voiced his support for Alec Baldwin, who is currently facing charges of involuntary manslaughter. The charges stem from the tragic on-set death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins during the filming of “Rust.” Braeden, with his extensive experience with firearms in his acting career, took to social media to express his outrage, stating, “I’ve been an actor since 1962, and we are not responsible for whether the damn gun is loaded or not.” He emphasized that it is the responsibility of the prop master and assistant director to ensure the gun’s safety.
Braeden highlighted that actors rely on assurances from the crew that the props they use are safe, making it unrealistic to hold Baldwin responsible. He added that Baldwin is blameless in this tragedy, stressing that the responsibility lies solely with the assistant director and armorer. Although Braeden does not know Baldwin personally, he respects his extensive career, which began in soaps. Baldwin and his wife, Hilaria, are currently working on a TLC reality series about their lives with their seven children, despite the ongoing legal challenges. Braeden’s support for Baldwin brings to light broader concerns about safety protocols on film sets, a topic of ongoing discussion within the acting community.
Joshua Morrow, who plays Nick Newman on “The Young and the Restless,” recently shared his thoughts on a potential storyline he has long desired. Reflecting on missed romantic opportunities in soap operas, Morrow expressed his wish for a pairing between Nick and Lily, played by Christel Khalil. He believes the show missed a golden opportunity by not exploring this relationship. In a recent interview, Morrow praised Khalil’s talent and beauty, describing her as “awesome to watch.” He recalled a moment at Nick’s bar, The Underground, where Lily, fresh out of a breakup, impulsively suggested kissing Nick, only to laugh it off moments later. Morrow feels it’s high time for Nick and Lily to have a fling, wondering how fans would react to such a pairing.
Lastly, Shawn Cannon, who plays Deacon Sharpe on “The Bold and the Beautiful,” is recovering from rotator cuff surgery. Cannon shared an update with his fans on Instagram, expressing gratitude to his medical team and supporters. Despite the seriousness of his recovery, Cannon maintained a positive attitude, even joking about convincing his wife that he can jump back into work soon. Here’s to a speedy recovery for Shawn, and we can’t wait to see him back in action.
