In the classroom, Marlena has taught endlessly that you have to be objective if you are a journalist. Mes chers, that’s out the window this week. I interviewed Kate Linder, who has played the seriocomic supporting character Esther Valentine on “The Young and Restless” for 40 years. The character, who started out as the maid to Kay Chancellor (the … [Read more...]
John McCook of “The Bold and the Beautiful”: An Appreciation
December 16, 2025 by 2 Comments
A note from Marlena: As you know the soap world lost its most important alumnus Monday morning when Anthony Geary (Luke Spencer, “General Hospital”) passed away at 78, two days after an operation in Amsterdam, where he lived with his husband, Claudio Gama. Mon readers, a major piece on Tony’s life and achievements is more than merited and to … [Read more...]
CBS Wisely Puts a Spotlight on Y&R’s 50th Anniversary
April 3, 2023 by 2 Comments
Fifty years ago (March 26, 1973), I was a college newspaper editor at a prestigious state university. At lunchtime, I stopped what I was doing and ran back to my dorm for lunch. I prepared a sandwich and sat down to watch the premiere of the CBS soap The Young and the Restless. (Yes, my classmates thought I was weird for watching soaps. Even … [Read more...]
Suicide Is Not Painless, Part Two: Y&R’s Chelsea Tries to Kill Herself
November 4, 2022 by 4 Comments
Last Friday on Young and the Restless, Chelsea Lawson (Melissa Claire Egan, in an excellent performance) heard voices in her head (a la a bad 50’s movie), went onto the balcony her apartment and looked down at the traffic way below on the street—contemplating committing suicide. Thankfully Billy Abbott (Jason Thompson) arrived in time and talked … [Read more...]
“Young and Restless”: Such a Disappointment
January 11, 2022 by 30 Comments
By Marlena De Lacroix a.k.a. Connie Passalacqua Hayman Marlena has been away a long time – but has never stopped watching our beloved soaps. And of course, during my absence I’ve never stopped thinking of my wonderfully devoted fans. I welcome you back to this blog, now as ever a labor of pure love. I’m so sorry to come back on a negative … [Read more...]
“Young and the Restless” and Breast Cancer — A New Relevant Soap Storyline
April 17, 2020 by 4 Comments
Welcome Back, Cher Marlena Readers! At long last I’m thrilled to be with you again, dear readers. Since we last convened here five years ago, Life has taken my dear husband Moose and I on a convoluted journey, not always pleasant, but ultimately productive. I’ve never stopped loving soaps, or yearning to share that love with you. Now, I’m happy … [Read more...]
Marlena Is Back – And Needs A Little Help From Her Friends
September 27, 2015 by 4 Comments
By Marlena De Lacroix a.k.a. Connie Passalacqua Hayman Bonjour, mes amis! Je suis retourné! Marlena was ill for a while, but I’m recovering and happy to report for duty. The only problem is, I took a short hiatus from watching soaps during my down time. Now, I’m reemerging with many questions. It’s amazing how much soaps can change in just … [Read more...]
The Bold and the Beautiful: Maya/Myron is a Transgender Person
March 22, 2015 by 7 Comments
By Marlena De Lacroix a.k.a. Connie Passalacqua Hayman To commemorate The Bold and the Beautiful’s 28th anniversary last Wednesday, executive producer and headwriter Bradley P. Bell staged a daytime soap cliffhanger that is the shock of the soap century: revealing that Maya Avant (Karla Mosley) is really Myron, a transgender person. … [Read more...]
Six Passover Questions
March 6, 2015 by 2 Comments
By Marlena De Lacroix a.k.a. Connie Passlacqua Hayman 1. Isn’t it a shame that CBS Daytime (The Young and the Restless and The Bold and the Beautiful) is going retro just for ratings? Nikki (Melody Thomas Scott) and NeIl (Kristoff St. John) running over pregnant Christine (Lauralee Bell) on Y&R? She sadly had a miscarriage. Running over a … [Read more...]
