I got my start as a soap opera journalist in 1979. There were so many shows to watch and write about then — 13, such a feast! For me, the best part of the job was (and still is) meeting, interviewing and getting to know the people who make them: actors, producers, directors, daytime network executives, etc. As a writer, though, I always gravitated … [Read more...]
Marlena’s Personal Recollections of Soaps’ Greatest Headwriters, Part One
July 16, 2022 by 12 Comments
Daytime Emmys 2022: A Class Act
June 30, 2022 by 4 Comments
By Marlena De Lacroix a.k.a. Connie Passalacqua Hayman It seemed like old times. After two years of diminished Covid-mandated online ceremonies, the Daytime Emmys, our Daytime Day of Days, returned to network television. And what a class act it was! Kudos to NATAS (National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences) for staging such a … [Read more...]
The 2022 Daytime Emmys: Live and In Person
June 23, 2022 by 3 Comments
By Marlena De Lacroix a.k.a Connie Passalacqua Hayman As the day of days for all soap aficionados approaches -- the Daytime Emmys will be broadcast at 9 tonight on CBS – there is reason to rejoice. Coming out of the shadow of Covid, for the first time in two years, members of the daytime industry will gather live with a live audience (no … [Read more...]
The Sad Passing of Ray Liotta, Soap Alumnus
June 14, 2022 by 8 Comments
The stunning news of the death of megastar Ray Liotta on May 26 came more than three weeks ago, yet the outpouring of grief in the press and on social media continues unabated. The label “beloved” has been appended to the names of many stars. But few deserved it more than Liotta. He radiated a deep sense of authenticity that enabled him to … [Read more...]
Still “Bold and Beautiful” After All These Years
February 1, 2022 by 7 Comments
Not many people can say they were present at the creation — but I was. Early in 1987, I was interviewing the late William J. Bell (co-creator and headwriter of “The Young and the Restless”) in his office at Studio City, Calif., when the phone rang. It was the powers-that-be at CBS calling with big news: They had just canceled the Washington, … [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...]
Maurice Benard: The Gangster with a Heart
May 12, 2020 by 5 Comments
On ABC’s General Hospital, mob boss Sonny Corinthos has killed many people. But Maurice Benard, the actor who makes his tight-lipped menace so convincing, has a bigger heart than the character he plays. In his new autobiography, Maurice Benard: Nothing General About it, Benard, a soap superstar, chronicles an actor’s life of love and pain in … [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...]
An Open Letter to Jean Passanante and Shelly Altman
April 27, 2016 by 2 Comments
By Marlena De Lacroix a.k.a. Connie Passalacqua Hayman Congratulations, Jean Passanante and Shelly Altman, co-headwriters of General Hospital. Marlena loves your GH! I’ve been watching since 1981, the year of Luke and Laura’s wedding. GH hasn’t been this good in eons. Why do I love the new GH? Let me count the ways. Foremost, it is ultra … [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...]
