AMC and GH Stars Team Up For Charity
Capitalizing on the success of their East Coast collaboration with Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, ABC Daytime will now be working with a worthy West Coast charity: The L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center. To benefit the center, ALL MY CHILDREN's Bobbie Eakes (Krystal) and Natalie Hall (Colby) and GENERAL HOSPITAL's Bradford Anderson (Spinelli) and Brandon Barash (Johnny) will star in a production of Kander and Ebb's The World Goes 'Round on Oct. 7, 9 and 10 at the Center's Renberg Theatre. Each performance will be hosted by a different star from AMC or GH. For tickets or more information, go to www.lagaycenter.org, or call 323-860-7300.

Ilene Kristen Gets Erotic
Tonight only, OLTL's Ilene Kristen (Roxy) will appear in the sexy burlesque-style revue, Erotic Broadway, at The Triad on W. 72nd Street in New York. The ongoing song-and-dance revue frequently adds guest stars to its cast, and tonight Kristen will perform a "version of the song 'Cabaret' but different than you've ever heard before," she promises. "There's a bevy of beautiful dancers and singers choreographed and directed by Tricia Brouk. There's something here for everyone — a combination of eye candy and comedy." Visit www.triadnyc.com for more info.

B&B;: Scott In, Bell Out
TV Guide Magazine broke the news of some big shakeups at BOLD AND BEAUTIFUL! Emmy winner Drew Tyler Bell will last air as Thomas on Aug. 27. He'll be replaced by Adam Gregory (ex-Ty, 90210), who is scheduled to start airing Sept. 22. Meanwhile, former executive producer of DAYS OF OUR LIVES and YOUNG AND RESTLESS Ed Scott will be joining the B&B; team as a producer.

A Very Brady BOLD AND BEAUTIFUL
Christopher Knight (best known for playing THE BRADY BUNCH's middle son, Peter) is appearing on B&B; as Bridget and Owen's pediatrician, Dr. Andrews, on Sept. 15. This isn't Knight's first foray into daytime; the actor portrayed ANOTHER WORLD's Leigh Hobson in 1981. "I've never played a doctor before," notes the actor. "It should be fun and will be very interesting if I have to learn some of those medical phrases [laughs]. But I'm looking forward to it." Meanwhile, Knight's one-time TV sib, Susan Olsen (ex-Cindy) is guest starring on sister soap Y&R; as pre-school owner, Liza Morton.

Kim Zimmer to OLTL!
Soap Opera Digest can report exclusively that former GUIDING LIGHT star Kim Zimmer (ex-Reva) will return to daytime this fall to reprise the role of Echo DiSavoy on ONE LIFE TO LIVE, which she last played in October 1983. "I'm so excited," Zimmer raves. "I feel like it's all come full circle." Echo was actually her second role on the show; she started out as Bonnie Harmer in 1978, then went on to play Nola on THE DOCTORS, and returned to OLTL to create troublemaker Echo in 1983. "And then they fired me!" she laughs. "She was asked to leave town, and it was the best thing that could have happened to everyone involved. I went to GUIDING LIGHT and had a wonderful 27 years there and now I'm happy to be back at ONE LIFE. And so I'm very grateful to [Executive Producer] Frank [Valentini] for making the phone call."

Echo will first resurface on October 1, and will be in big story with Clint (Jerry verDorn), Viki (Erika Slezak) and Dorian (Robin Strasser), as well as others. Check out an exclusive interview with the actress on her return in the September 7 issue of Digest!

Daytimers Storm the CASTLE
Victor Webster (ex-Nicholas, DAYS) has been cast as Josh Davidson, Beckett's (Stana Katic) new beau, for the new season of CASTLE. He'll debut in the fourth episode. In the same episode, Eden Riegel (Heather, Y&R; ex-Bianca, AMC) guest stars as Rachel Goldstein, the sister of a victim.

CASTLE (starring Nathan Fillion, ex-Joey, OLTL) returns Monday, Sept. 20 at 10 p.m. ET.

Pic of Rebecca Herbst's Baby Boy Emerson!
Click here to check out a pic posted by Rebecca Herbst's (Elizabeth, GH) husband Michael Saucedo (ex-Juan, GH) of their new baby boy Emerson. "[Siblings] Ethan and Ella are super excited!" Saucedo added, via Twitter.

Kate Linder on JetBlue's Steven Slater
As many readers know, YOUNG AND RESTLESS's Kate Linder (Esther) is also a flight attendant and has been for years. Weekly wondered what she thought about the recent actions of JetBlue's Steven Slater, so we asked her for a comment.

"I can understand that he was dealing with an abusive passenger, but self-control is a requirement for flight attendants. The occupation means you are always up for any challenge, from long days to delays, technical problems, first aid ... and difficult passengers.

"Flight attendants are there for the passengers' safety and comfort. I have learned so much about life and people from this job. It's always interesting to see how I am treated by fans of YOUNG AND RESTLESS versus passengers having a bad day. You can't take it personally and allow yourself to retaliate. Since 9/11, air travel has drastically changed, requiring everyone to have more patience, and most people understand that the changes were instituted to make travel more safe for everyone. We are all in this together!"

Stone-cold Fact: He's Back!
Stone Cates may have died from complications of AIDS back in 1995, but his portrayer, Michael Sutton, is returning to GENERAL HOSPITAL starting on Sept. 28 for a two-episode guest stint. Stone will appear to a delirious Robin (Kimberly McCullough) in a moment of peril and offer her the strength to live, according to a report at TVGuide.com. Sutton was nominated for a Daytime Emmy as outstanding supporting actor for Stone's death storyline.

OLTL's Walton Welcomes a Son
On August 4, OLTL's Matt Walton (Eli) and wife Alecia welcomed a baby boy, Greyson James. "It's been wild. Everything's falling into place," Walton told Digest shortly before the birth. Greyson is little brother to Ava, 5.

Y&R; Casts New Noah
Luke Kleintank, who recently appeared on GOSSIP GIRL as Elliot, has been cast as Nick and Sharon's son. The role was last played by Kevin Schmidt. Noah first appears on September 21.

Another Soap Return For Billy Warlock?
Today's hot rumor? Billy Warlock (Blackie, ATWT; Ross, OLTL) is headed back to DAYS. Digest has learned that the actor, who is still taping at OLTL, is not slated to return to Salem at this time. "We have no plan," says Co-Executive Producer Gary Tomlin. "I like Billy, but there's nothing in the works on that front for now."

Baby Makes Three for AMC Alums
Alexa Havins and Justin Bruening (ex-Babe and Jamie, AMC) welcomed their first baby, Lexington Grace Bruening, on August 10. "A beautiful, healthy baby girl!" reported honorary grandma Bobbie Eakes (Krystal, AMC) on Facebook. Havins and Bruening met on the AMC set in 2003 and married in 2005.

Gina Gallego to DAYS
As reported earlier, Stacy Haiduk had a scheduling conflict with DAYS for the role of Warden Smith. She has been replaced by Gina Gallego (ex-Gina, B&B; ex-Santana, SANTA BARBARA; ex-Melina, GENERATIONS). Gallego will first appear in early October. "We are huge fans of Stacy's and would love to have her back on DAYS in the future if something becomes available," says a spokesperson in a statement. To see a photo of Gallego, click here.

UPDATE: GH Stars Welcome Baby No. 3
As we reported yesterday, GH's Rebecca Herbst (Elizabeth) gave birth to her 
third child, a son, with husband Michael Saucedo (ex-Juan, GH). And now, the newest member of the Saucedo/Herbst clan is Emerson Truett Saucedo, the proud papa announced on his Twitter page. "We weren't going E but at the
last hour it just clicked," he tweeted. The E in question refers to the names of big brother Ethan and big sister Ella. "Kids are so excited," Saucedo noted. Congratulations!

Brenda, Brenda, Brenda!
Don't miss the ABC line-up of classic GENERAL HOSPITAL episodes featuring Brenda and her men (Sonny, Jason and Jax) today, starting at 1 p.m. ALL MY CHILDREN and ONE LIFE TO LIVE will return in their regular timeslots tomorrow.

PRETTY LITTLE LIARS Marathon Today!
Missed an episode of this summer's juiciest new series? ABC Family is marathoning PRETTY LITTLE LIARS today, starting at 11 a.m. and ending with their nail-biting summer finale, tonight at 8 p.m. The mysterious A is watching the LIARS...are you?

Haiduk's DAYS Stint Cut Short
Stacy Haiduk (ex-Patty/Emily, YOUNG AND RESTLESS) revealed via her Facebook page that due to her scoring a guest gig on FOX's fall show RIDE-ALONG, DAYS OF OUR LIVES cut short her stint as a prison warden. Per Haiduk, three of her episodes are still scheduled to air and the role is being recast.

GH Stars Welcome Baby No. 3
Rebecca Herbst (Elizabeth, GH) welcomed a baby boy on Aug. 9, weighing in at 8 pounds, 4 ounces. While the name is not yet available, hubby Michael Saucedo (ex-Juan, GH) said, "Becky is doing great," via Twitter. The couple married in 2001 and are already parents to Ethan, 8, and Ella, 5.

DAYS Alum Weds
Ayda Field (ex-Angela, 2000-01) married British pop superstar Robbie Williams on August 7 at the couple's Beverly Hills, CA home. "At last, Rob is happy," Williams's father, Pete Conway told Britain's News of the World. "This is the happiest I've seen him. Ayda is so beautiful and so delightful and so lovely and just so right for him. They are brilliant together."

FIRST LOOK: Brenda & Sonny Together Again
Check out this pic from Vanessa Marcil Giovinazzo's and Maurice Benard's (Brenda and Sonny, GH) first photo shoot in nearly eight years.

(Click here for a large view of the photo, courtesy of ABC.)

GH Casting News
Andrea Marcovicci has been cast in the recurring role of Sophia on GENERAL HOSPITAL. She will be involved with the upcoming Sonny and Brenda storyline. Her first airdate is Sept. 3. Marcovicci made her daytime debut back in 1970, when she played Dr. Betsy Chernak Taylor on LOVE IS A MANY SPLENDORED THING, a role she played until 1973. Ironically, new GH addition Adrienne Barbeau (Suzanne) recently told TV Guide that during her first year in New York, she auditioned for a soap — but lost the role to Marcovicci.

Marcil Talks GH
Appearing on ABC's THE VIEW today, Aug. 5, Vanessa Marcil Giovinazzo says returning to GH is like a "high school reunion" and she "loves it!" She also admits that she still gets sweaty palms working with Maurice Benard (Sonny). Don't miss her long-awaited return to Port Charles on Aug. 11. Also, be sure to catch SOAPnet's Brenda marathon on Aug. 10 from 1-3 p.m., and on Aug. 15 Benard will join Marcil on SOAPnet for "The Best of Brenda and Sonny," a four-hour marathon kicking off at 3 p.m.

Maura West Joins Y&R;!
The secret is out: AS THE WORLD TURNS's Maura West (Carly) is joining YOUNG AND RESTLESS as none other than Jack and Victor's old flame, Diane. The role was previously helmed by Susan Walters, who last appeared as Diane in February, and Alex Donnelley. West is scheduled to debut on Y&R; in October.

DVR Alert!
Vanessa Marcil (Brenda, GENERAL HOSPITAL) will be one of the guests on the Thursday, August 5 edition of THE VIEW on ABC. Check local listings or catch it later on ABC.com.

Win Pieces From ATWT's Wardrobe
Listen up, Oakdale fans! Every week for the next six weeks, CBS.com is hosting contests for fans to win memorable pieces from the ATWT wardrobe. Just log on and answer the question of the week be automatically entered. For more information, click here.

Robin Mattson To DAYS
Soap Opera Digest/Weekly can report that popular soap alum Robin Mattson (ex-Cheri, ATWT; ex-Susan, B&B; ex-Janet, AMC; ex-Heather, GH et al) has been cast as Lee, who will appear in the prison with Stacy Haiduk's warden. She will first air in October.

Melissa Reeves Back To Salem
TV Guide’s Michael Logan reports that Melissa Reeves (Jennifer, DAYS) will be returning to the show in September. Reeves, who was back in June for the on-air farewell to Frances Reid (ex-Alice), told Digest she was open to a more steady return. "It's sort of in their ballpark," she noted at the time. "I love it. I am here in L.A. anyway, and the kids aren't little anymore. They don't need me following them every second. I'm open to working." The actress will be part of a juicy storyline set for November sweeps.

Another DAYS Starlet Axed
Soap Opera Digest has learned exclusively that Gabriela Rodriguez (Gabi) has been let go and replaced with Camila Banus (ex-Lola, OLTL). The move was made to age the character a bit. Banus reports to Salem today, July 30. This comes on the heels of Lindsay Hartley's ouster as Gabi's on-screen sis Arianna.

Cady McClain's ATWT Airdate Confirmed
An air date has finally been released for Rosanna's impending return to Oakdale. Cady McClain will reprise the role beginning September 14 — the final air week of ATWT. "It was lovely to be part of the end," McClain said on her Web site. Larry Bryggman (John) is also returning for the show's last episodes.

Paley Center Honors ATWT
The Paley Center for Media in New York City will host an event to honor ATWT on August 18. It will include clips from over the years and a panel of stars. Tickets go on sale Aug. 6, and if last year's sold-out GL tribute is any indication, they go fast! Tickets are $15 and $20. For more information, visit www.paleycenter.org.

Susan Lucci To Write Autobiography
It Books, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers, announced they will publish the autobiography of Susan Lucci (Erica, AMC) next year. In addition to writing about life on the set, "Lucci will reveal information on her devastating car accident, her miscarriage, and the joy that came with finally winning an Emmy in 1999 after eighteen previous nominations. She recounts her experiences on Broadway, performing to sold-out audiences across the country as a cabaret, nightclub performer, and as a celebrity dancer on ABC's DANCING WITH THE STARS. Named one of Barbara Walters's 'Ten Most Fascinating People,' Lucci will give readers an intimate look into her life as a daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, philanthropist, entrepreneur and iconic actress," It Books said in statement.

"I am so excited to share my life experiences with my fans," Lucci said. "It Books gave me the extraordinary opportunity to tell my story."

Y&R; Star Not Dead!
There were erroneous on-line reports that Michael Muhney (Adam, Y&R;) had drowned on July 25, but the actor has corrected via Twitter that: "I am fine. It was the gentleman I pulled from the water that died. Tragic loss. Still shaken up. Feel awful for his family." The actor also revealed that he administered CPR until paramedics arrived but they were unable to revive the man. "He passed away," Muhney posted. "I did everything I could." At this time, the location of the tragedy has not been released.

The Man From Oakdale Wins at Comic Con!
Alina Adams' AS THE WORLD TURNS tie-in, The Man From Oakdale, took home the SCRIBE award for Best Novel (General Fiction), given out by the International Association of Media Tie-In Writers, at this weekend's San Diego Comic Con. Adams beat out novels based on CSI and PSYCH! Congrats!

GL Alum in Annie
Robert Newman (ex-Josh, GL) plays Daddy Warbucks in a North Carolina theater production of the beloved play through August 1. The production also stars the original 1977 Annie portrayer, Andrea McArdle, now in the role of Mrs. Hannigan. Newman prepared for the role by shaving his head for the St. Baldrick’s Foundation, a cancer research charity in Raleigh, NC, last month. To see Newman, with his new shiny dome and being chummy with Al Roker, check out this segment about Annie on TODAY.

The Broadway revival of Annie is headed to the Great White Way in 2012.

Talk Show To Replace ATWT
CBS has picked up a one-hour daily talk show, inspired by THE VIEW, to replace AS THE WORLD TURNS after the soap's September finale. The show will be co-hosted by ROSEANNE alum Sara Gilbert, Sharon Osbourne, Holly Robinson Peete, Leah Remini, Marissa Jaret Winokur and THE EARLY SHOW news anchor and BIG BROTHER host Julie Chen, who is also married to CBS head honcho Les Moonves. According to a CBS press release, "The co-hosts — moms with children ranging in age from infant to adult — will swap stories, challenge each other on issues and engage the studio audience and viewers at home about events in the headlines and their own homes through the lens of motherhood. Show segments will include guest interviews with entertainers and newsmakers, live remotes from the field and personal home footage shot by the co-hosts themselves."

GH Casting Notice
GH has hired Brad Rowe (ex-Ty, WASTELAND) to play the role of Murphy Sinclair, an internationally famous movie star who is involved with supermodel Brenda (Vanessa Marcil Giovinazzo) and children's charity causes in Italy. (Think Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie!) Rowe first airs on August 13.

Skye Finds Her Limit
July 29 will mark Robin Christopher's last airdate as GENERAL HOSPITAL's Skye. Christopher's latest stint as the flame-haired femme fatale began on March 31.

DAYS Casting Changes!
Soap Opera Digest has learned exclusively that Lindsay Hartley has been let go as DAYS's Arianna Hernandez. The actress, who took over the role in August 2009, will continue to air for several months since the show is so far ahead in taping. Additionally, former SOAP TALK host Ty Treadway (ex-Colin/Troy, OLTL) has been cast in the role of Dr. Jason Walters. He will begin taping in August and will appear for several episodes in the fall.

OLTL Casting Shake-Ups
Fresh off a stint at ATWT as Blackthorn, soap vet Billy Warlock (ex-Frankie, DAYS; ex-AJ, GH) has been cast at OLTL as Ross, replacing Michael Lowry, who last played the role in January. Warlock began taping yesterday, July 19, shortly after OLTL learned that Lowry would not be able to reprise the role as planned. Meanwhile, Tika Sumpter (Layla) will no longer be on contract as of July 30. "That means whenever ONE LIFE needs me to come and stop by and do whatever they need me to do, I will be there, but I will no longer be on contract, and this was my choice," she told fans on her Facebook page.

Remember GH's Brenda & Sonny's First Kiss?
We do! Check out the clip below to refresh your memory. Brenda returns to GH on Aug. 11!

More From SOAPnet's new Web series!
Today, July 19, marks the debut of the fourth installment of ABC Daytime and SOAPnet's hilarious Web series, WHAT IF, at http://sn.soapnet.go.com. This time around, AMC's Greenlee (Rebecca Budig) pours her heart out to GH's Jason (Steve Burton). Stay tuned for the rest of this eight-week series!

Larry Keith Passes Away
Actor Larry Keith, who played Nick Davis on ALL MY CHILDREN from 1970-78 and made sporadic returns over the years, most recently in 2005, died at the age of 79 on July 17 after a battle with cancer. Recalled AMC Creator Agnes Nixon to Digest in 2009, "In the original story projection, Nick Davis was to die [early on]. Larry Keith was so terrific, he stayed for eight years. When he left, much to our regret, he gave himself a farewell party. He said, 'I'm leaving because I just found out that Pine Valley doesn't have any synagogues!'"

Keith, also a stage actor, was recently seen on the Glenn Close drama DAMAGES.

Catch Colleen Zenk In Summer Stock!
Starting tonight, July 16 and running through July 23, soap fans in the New York area can see AS THE WORLD TURNS' Colleen Zenk (Barbara) in Summer Stock NYC, a musical revue featuring award-winning Broadway star Karen Mason (Mamma Mia, Sunset Boulevard) and the talented students of the CAP21 Theatre Company. "I'm extremely comfortable, and it is as if all the years have kind of melted away and I'm back doing what I started out to do," smiles Zenk of returning to the musical theatre stage after 30-plus years in soapland. Visit www.cap21.org for detailed venue and ticket information and keep checking our site for a full story on Zenk's wonderful endeavor!

Erica Kane Blogs!
She's done just about everything else, and now daytime's greatest diva has become a blogger. ALL MY CHILDREN's Erica is embarking on marriage number 11 with longtime love Jack — and in typical Kane style goes for an extended honeymoon around the world before the ceremony. Jack and Erica will return to Pine Valley in September (after portrayers Susan Lucci and Walt Willey finish their breaks), but those who need an occasional dose of dish from La Kane can visit her new blog, at blogs.soapnet.com/i-am-erica-kane. Erica promises to update as she travels the globe — but wait! There's more: she's even got her own Twitter account: twitter.com/iamericakane.

Soap Fave Returns
Mary Beth Evans, who recently reprised the role of DAYS's Kayla for the scenes surrounding Alice Horton's death, will be making another return trip to Salem in September. The length of her stay has yet to be determined. Evans also makes a return appearance (along with a few other notable comebacks) in Oakdale as Lucinda's daughter, Sierra. Her first airdate is July 21. "I'm still in shock [over the cancellation]; I can't really believe it," the actress told Digest last month.

Soap Scribe Blogs For Guild
Ever wonder what it's like to be a daytime soap writer? Shelly Altman, a writer for ONE LIFE TO LIVE, is the current blogger on "Write On," The Writers' Guild of America, East's (WGAE) new member-written blog. The blog will be written by members, sharing their experiences about writing and their careers. Check it out at www.wgaeast.org/blog.

More Events Planned For ABC Daytime
The upcoming SOAPnet tribute to Brenda is just the start of ABC Daytime's plans to have more encore episodes in their network lineup. A spokesperson for ABC Daytime/SOAPnet explains, "Fans have often expressed the desire to see their favorite episodes of our soaps… Throughout the year, ABC Daytime will occasionally encore episodes that will enhance current story and give fans the opportunity to see episodes they really loved and have wanted to see again."

John Brotherton on DROP DEAD DIVA
Former OLTL star John Brotherton (ex-Jared) will appear on the Aug. 15 episode of Lifetime's DROP DEAD DIVA. The show is a popular stop for soap alums. We previously reported that Mackenzie Mauzy (ex-Phoebe, B&B;) and Jaime Ray Newman (ex-Kristina, GH) both landed guest-starring roles on the show. Mauzy and Newman will appear on the July 18 episode, and Newman will continue on in several additional episodes. DROP DEAD DIVA airs on Sundays at 9 p.m.

ABC, SOAPnet Welcome Brenda Back to GH
In preparation for Vanessa Marcil Giovinazzo's return to GENERAL HOSPITAL as Brenda Barrett on Wednesday, Aug. 11, ABC Daytime is devoting its entire Aug. 10 soap programming bloc, from 1 to 3 p.m., to classic GH episodes highlighting Brenda's boys, Sonny, Jax and Jason:

•1 p.m. (from Nov. 5, 1996): Brenda prepares to marry Jax at the Quartermaine mansion — until Sonny arrives with Miranda, who is still married to Jax.
•2 p.m. (from Sept. 24, 1997): After being jilted by Sonny, Brenda flashes back to key moments in their relationship.
•3 p.m. (from Oct. 29, 2002): Brenda and Jason's Las Vegas wedding.

ABC will team with SOAPnet for additional special TV and digital programming the week of Aug. 9, featuring retrospectives, a marathon of classic Brenda episodes, and more. Beginning Saturday, July 17, fans will see a countdown of 25 key Brenda moments on SOAPnet.

On Aug. 15, Maurice Benard (Sonny) will join Marcil on SOAPnet for "The Best of Brenda and Sonny," a four-hour marathon kicking off at 3 p.m.