The TV Watercooler

Soap News: ATWT’s Helen Wagner passes away, Daytime Emmy’s to air on CBS and Jeff Branson joins Y&R

— Sad news, As the World TurnsHelen Wagner (Nancy Hughes) passed away on May 1 at the age of 91. Wagner held the record for playing the longest running role on television and spoke the very first line on ATWT on its April 1, 1956 debut. Wagner’s last appearance on the show aired on April 5 during Julianne Moore’s visit for Bob and Kim’s remarriage. During filming, Moore recalled getting acting advice from Wagner. With ATWT ending this September, let’s hope the producers and writers can come together and give Nancy Hughes a proper sendoff.

Executive producer, Christopher Goutman has released the following statement: “All of us at As the World Turns are deeply saddened by Helen’s passing. She is loved by generations of fans and while we miss her greatly, Helen will always remain the heart and soul of As the World Turns.”

For photos and clips of Wagner’s work on the soap, check out WeLoveSoaps.net.

— This year’s Daytime Emmy Awards finally have a broadcast home! CBS, who has cancelled 2 soaps in the past year, will broadcast the ceremony, live from Las Vegas on Sunday, June 27th from 9pm to 11pm. Nominations will be announced on May 12th. Last year’s award ceremony was passed up by CBS and aired on The CW.

— Daytime Emmy winner Jeff Branson (ex-Shayne, GL; ex-Jonathan, AMC) has been cast in a new contract role on The Young and the Restless. The role is being kept under wraps for now but online chatter suggest he could be the new Scotty (Lauren’s son with Scott Grainger), who was last played by Blair Redford from 2005-06.

— Actress Sean Young will appear on Y&R in mid-June for a storyline with Victor (Eric Braeden). Braeden and Young previously worked together in the film The Man Who Came Back in 2007.

— As previously reported, David Hasselhoff will return to Y&R as Snapper this June for a few appearances.

Mary Beth Evans, who is set to make a return engagement to Days of our Lives as Kayla for Alice’s memorial this June, will also be dropping by As the World Turns this summer as Sierra for a few episodes.

Billy Warlock (ex-Frankie, DAYS; ex-AJ, GH) will make an appearance on As the World Turns this summer. Warlock is married to ATWT’s Julie Pinson (Janet).

— Speaking of the Alice memorial, John Martin (ex-Frederick, Y&R [Brittany’s dad]; ex-Hank, Sunset Beach) has been cast as the new Bill Horton (Mike, Jennifer and Lucas’ dad). Sadly, both actors who previously played the role (Ed Mallory and Christopher Stone) have passed away.

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