Hollywood lost a great star on January 14, when actress Darlene Conley died in Los Angeles after a short battle with stomach cancer.  She was beloved by everyone in the business and all of her "The Bold and the Beautiful" costars wanted to work with her over her two decade role as Sally Spectra.  But it was her "The Young and the Restless" role of the Madame turned baby stealer Rose DeVille that made her a staple in daytime.  

Conley also starred in Alfred Hitchcock's "The Birds" in 1963 which costarred the legendary actress Tippi Hedren.  Hedren joined "B&B" in 1987 for a short but very dramatic role as the mother of a sexually abused son and Tippi regrets not having any scenes on the soap with Conley.  "She was a legend in her own right.   I wish we had worked together on "B&B." Her role in "The Birds" is unforgettable.  That was how Darlene lived her life."

Conley's costars eulogized her life and there was not a dry eye in the church by the end of the service.  No date for a memorial service to her character Sally Spectra was released by publication time.

Amanda Abel's selling her new CD like hot cakes.   Many have written to me asking how they can purchase this CD.  You can go to: http://cdbaby.com/amandaabel.   Also, critics are raving about her recent performance.   Wayne Moore, the composer of "Doncha Wanna Know" which is also included on the CD says, " Amanda Abel's "LIVE" CD is terrific.   She presents a wide variety of clever material and performs everything with style and ease."  These words coming from one of the most talented people in music means a lot.   I am sure her grandather, the late Eddie Cantor is equally as proud of her work.  You have to buy this CD !

Watch NBC on Monday nights for the new hit series "Heroes."  With so many bad reality shows on VH1, like that hideous "I Love New York, and JLo's new show, what ever the name is.  It's great to see a show which focuses the audience on the good vs evil battle and these superheroes are learning about their powers at the same time the audience is.   Hollywood needs to produce more positive shows like this, and the only way it happens is if we watch.   Sunday nights belong to "Living with Ed" on HGTV!

Everyone is asking me, who should be nominated for a daytime Emmy.  Well, here is my dream ballot.  Lead Actor category is tough but hands down would be  Christian LeBlanc (Y&R's Michael), Don Diamont (Y&R's Brad), Eric Braeden (Y&R's Victor), Jack Wagner (B&B's Nick) and the winner should be Peter Bergman (Y&R's Jack).  Lead Actress is as follows:  Nancy Lee Grahn (GH's Alexis), Jeanne Cooper (Y&R's Kay), Michelle Stafford (Y&R's Phyllis and Sheila), Kim Zimmer (GL's Reva) and the winner should be Susan Flannery (B&B's Stephanie).  Supporting Actors should be:  Doug Davidson (Y&R's Paul), Steve Burton (GH's Jason), Cameron Mathison (AMC's Ryan), Thad Luckinbill (Y&R's J.T.) and the winner should be Kristoff St. John (Y&R's Neil).  Supporting Actress category is tougher, so many great players last year. They include:  Tracy Bregman Recht (Y&R's Lauren), Sharon Case (Y&R's Sharon), Jennifer Landon (ATWT's Niki), Kassie Dapaiva (OLTL's Blair), and the winner should be Victoria Rowell (Y&R's Dru).  Best Show hands down is Y&R which was cheated out of an Emmy for best show last year to General Hospital.   However, Casting Director Emmy belongs to Mark Teschner again.  The man is unstoppable when it comes to knowing what actor to place in a role.  

Look out daytime, Kyle Lowder has been cast as Rick Forrester on "The Bold and the Beautiful."  He's tailor made for the role of the youngest son of Eric and Brooke Logan Forrester. 

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