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“General Hospital” Actor Michael Easton Leaving Show After 12 Years, Several Characters (See Video)

Roger Friedman
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“General Hospital” Actor Michael Easton Leaving Show After 12 Years, Several Characters (See Video)

Michael Easton is leaving “General Hospital” after 12 years with the ABC soap. He was on ABC’s “One Life to Live” for several years before that.

Easton was a fan favorite but his storyline has come to an end. In all likelihood his character will die or be sent to endless rehab for addiction. (He’s played three different characters over the years.)

Easton’s leaving has to do with yesterday’s announcement that Jonathan Jackson is returning to the show after 10 years. To pay that salary, someone else with a big paycheck had to go. Easton will turn up on another show pretty quickly, I’d guess, probably “Days of our Lives,” where he started his career.

Trump Movie “The Apprentice” Making Its Way Toward Fall Release, Would Certainly Influence Election

Roger Friedman
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Trump Movie “The Apprentice” Making Its Way Toward Fall Release, Would Certainly Influence Election

“The Apprentice” is coming sooner than you think.

Shown in Cannes, the movie — a documentary style dramatic version of Donald Trump’s early days — may finally have found a distributor.

I’ve confirmed that would be indie outfit Briarcliff Entertainment, whose owner — Tom Ortenberg — steered “Spotlight” to a Best Picture in 2016. His other hits included Michael Moore’s “Fahrenheit 911.”

“The Apprentice” is film directed by Ali Abbasi and written by journalist Gabriel Sherman. Sebastian Stan plays Trump in his 30s and 40s. Newly minted Tony Award winner Jeremy Strong is the late monster Roy Cohn, Trump’s evil guru who taught him the tricks of the trade.

Maria Bakalova, who made such a splash in the “Borat” sequel, plays Ivana Trump. The film re-enacts Donald raping Ivana, something Ivana alleged and subsequently retracted years ago.

There’s a long, complicated history of the film’s financing which had so far prevented it from finding a distributor after becoming a sensation in Cannes last month. It involves Dan Snyder, former owner of the Washington Commanders (formerly Redskins) who invested $5 million thinking the movie would portray Trump in a positive light.

But holding up the release would mean extremely negative PR for Snyder as football season begins, and who needs that? So negotiations are under way to pay him back and move on with “The Apprentice” hitting theaters this fall.

If the film is released before the November 5th election — and I’m told it can be, easily — the impact would be tremendous. Just the publicity alone from the film, apart from people running out to see it, would take over the conversation as Trump struggles to be elected again. Imagine Ivana’s children taking to the media their defense of their father and questioning their late mother’s veracity.

Could “The Apprentice” be in the mix for the Oscars and other awards shows? It’s still unclear but 2024 is turning into a light year for Oscar buzzed films, so anything is possible. Acting wise, from what we’re told, Stan and Strong at least would be cinches. You wouldn’t want to wake up in March 2025 to a newly elected Trump portrayed by an Oscar winner as a rapist.

Broadway Revival of “Tommy” Closing After Receiving No Tony Awards

Roger Friedman
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Broadway Revival of “Tommy” Closing After Receiving No Tony Awards

Another show posts a closing notice.

The revival of The Who’s “Tommy” will play its last performance on July 21st.

The musical received good reviews and had ecstatic audiences, but was overwhelmed at the Tony Awards by other revivals like “Merrily We Roll Along.”

Already announced is a closing for “The Heart of Rock and Roll,” the Huey Lewis musical. Next should be the musical version of “The Notebook.”

“Tommy” has been played at 78% capacity. Last week it made just $794,967 — not enough to sustain a musical of its size during the fall off month of August.

Will we ever see “Tommy” again? I sure hope so, but probably not for a while. We still have the album and the movie, though! The Who are forever!

PS Count me in for seeing it again before the Pinball Wizard wraps up his game.

ABC’s “General Hospital” Will Fight Ratings Spiral By Bringing Back Jonathan Jackson

Roger Friedman
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ABC’s “General Hospital” Will Fight Ratings Spiral By Bringing Back Jonathan Jackson

Lucky Spencer is coming back to “General Hospital.”

The ABC soap is fighting a ratings spiral this spring and summer, down to 1.9 million viewers two weeks ago.

Jonathan Jackson is returning after a decade away. Jackson is the original actor who played Lucky, the son of Luke and Laura, decades ago. Jackson has come and gone since then, playing the part from 1993 to 1999, and 2009 to 3011, with a stint on the hit nighttime show, “Nashville.”

At the soap he won five Emmy Awards, in 1995, 1998, 1999, 2011 and 2012.

Producer Frank Valentini had promised a big male star from the past was returning, and he’s come through. The return of Lucky could give the ratings a boost as the character is connected to everyone in Port Charles.

“General Hospital” has suffered from the pandemic, the writer’s strike, changing head writers, and the losses of several actors to illnesses. This seems like a Hail Mary pass to get viewers back. Let’s hope it works.

House of the Draggin’: HBO Series Falls in Second Week by 16% Key Demo, Down in Total Viewers

Roger Friedman
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House of the Draggin’: HBO Series Falls in Second Week by 16% Key Demo, Down in Total Viewers

House of the Dragon is not having any easy launch.

The second season of the “Game of Thrones” spin off had a hard start last week. Now its second week has gotten worse.

Week 2 for Season 2 was down 17% in the key age demo, and down almost 2% in total viewers — 1.3 million.

These are actually reported numbers for linear HBO, not counting Max and other platforms. But linear numbers tell the story. Fans — especially the desired age group — are not digging the prequel.

The show is relentlessly grim. It’s also very dark. The characters are constantly at odds with each other. There’s never a light moment, or indications of friendship or family loyalties. It just seems like a constant war.

This is a big difference from “Game of Thrones.” Yes, it was violent, but it was also sexy and fun. In the first few seasons you could also root for Jon Snow and Jamie Lannister. I can’t find a character to invest in.

Luckily we are two days away from the return of “The Bear” on Hulu. Yes, chef! Maybe Carmie can broil up some dragons!

Hollywood Walk of Fame 2025 Class: Jane Fonda, Prince, “South Park” Creators, Colin Farrell Included

Roger Friedman
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Hollywood Walk of Fame 2025 Class: Jane Fonda, Prince, “South Park” Creators, Colin Farrell Included

The 2025 Hollywood Walk of Fame inductees have been announced.

They range from the absolutely right people — legends like Jane Fonda and Prince, beloved actor Glynn Turman, director John Carpenter — to the absolutely ridiculous.

The latter includes controversial radio personality Adam Carrolla (are they kidding?) to soccer player David Beckham, and a couple of people you’d really have to think about who they are.

The Walk of Fame is decided by the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, and is a money maker for the city. The yearly inductees are divided between a few who deserve it and a bunch who pony up around $50,000 to see their names memorialized on the sidewalk with a star. Usually, studios donate the money for their stars.

Some stars wait a lifetime — two time Oscar winner Jane Fonda should have had one 50 years ago — and others are ushered in seemingly overnight after a few minor successes. But that, folks, is entertainment! I’m impressed that the group WAR is going in. They are a personal favorite. And the B52s’ ceremony should be a hoot!

It will be nice to see the likes Fonda, Bill Duke, Carpenter, Colin Farrell, Oscar winner Jessica Chastain, and science Bill Nye join the ranks of everyone from Michael Jackson to Lassie and John Wayne.

Turman wrote on Twitter:

“Absolutely honored to be a star recipient on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for the class of 2025! Thank you to everyone who has supported me on this incredible journey. Dreams do come true!”

In the category of MOTION PICTURES:  John Carpenter, Jessica Chastain, Bill Duke, Robert Englund, Emilio Estevez, Colin Farrell, Jane Fonda, Nia Long, Lisa Lu, Glynn Turman and Toni Vaz

In the category of TELEVISION: Fran Drescher, Lauren Graham, Bill Nye, Molly Shannon, Sherri Shepherd, Courtney B. Vance, Chris Wallace, Trey Parker and Matt Stone (double ceremony)

In the category of RECORDING: Fantasia, Depeche Mode, Los Bukis, The B-52s, Green Day, The Isley Brothers, Busta Rhymes, George Strait, Keith Urban, WAR  and Prince (Posthumous)

In the category of LIVE THEATRE/LIVE PERFORMANCE:  Misty Copeland and Alan Cumming

In the category of RADIO:   Adam Carolla

In the category of Sports Entertainment:  David Beckham and Orel Hershiser

Hillary Clinton Dropping New Book of Reflections Six Weeks Before Presidential Election

Roger Friedman
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Hillary Clinton Dropping New Book of Reflections Six Weeks Before Presidential Election

Hillary Clinton is back with a vengeance.

The former Secretary of State whose presidential bid was stolen by Donald Trump is publishing a book on September 17th to tell like it was…and is!

“Something Lost, Something Gained” is described as “reflections on life, love , and liberty.”

The timing is very important. The book should become a hot topic of conversation just a few short weeks before the presidential election. Clinton has lately been very vocal about the dangers of Donald Trump becoming president again. The book will likely not hold anything back.

Among what is discussed: “the threats we face, and the future within our reach.”

Expect to see Hillary everywhere — from “60 Minutes” t0 “The View” and all the morning and late night shows, taking the air out of Trump’s campaign.

According to the Simon & Schuster website: “She describes the strength she draws from her deepest friendships, her Methodist faith, and the nearly fifty years she’s been married to President Bill Clinton—all with the wisdom that comes from looking back on a full life with fresh eyes. She takes us along as she returns to the classroom as a college professor, enjoys the bonds inside the exclusive club of former First Ladies, moves past her dream of being president, and dives into new activism for women and democracy.”

The book should have been called, “Imagine what the world would have been like if I’d been elected.” What if the COVID virus had been taken seriously by the White House? What if domestic terrorism and white supremacy had been tackled early on? So many other crises instigated by the Trump campaign would never have happened. The world would look a lot better now!

Happy Birthday, Carly Simon, the Real Role Model for Confessional Songwriters Like Taylor Swift

Roger Friedman
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Happy Birthday, Carly Simon, the Real Role Model for Confessional Songwriters Like Taylor Swift

It’s Carly Simon’s birthday. Don’t believe Wikipedia. Simon was born in 1944. She turns 80 today.

When Carly exploded on the scene in 1971 with “That’s the Way I Always Heard it Should Be,” the era of the confessional songwriter began. If you’re looking for a precedent for Taylor Swift, it’s Simon, not Joni Mitchell or Carly Simon.

What set Simon apart from the beginning — and has preserved her music for all time — was the music those heartwrenching lyrics was set to. No two songs were exactly the same, but all of them featured very strong, catchy melodies and hooks that — sung in her sultry voice — sounded more sophisticated than anything ever heard before.

Carly has more hits singles on her CV than any of her contemporaries. Of course, “You’re So Vain” — maybe or maybe not about Warren Beatty — stands out, but there is a raft more including “Coming Around Again,” which should have won an Oscar, “Let the River Run,” which did, not to mention “Anticipation,” “Haven’t Got Time for the Pain,” “Jesse,” “It Keeps You Running,” “Mockingbird,” “We Have No Secrets,” and so on.

Because Carly is a confessional writer, and a keen reporter of her own life, we know a lot about her. Her father was the Simon from Simon & Schuster, her childhood included her family befriending Jackie Robinson. We know a lot — but not all — about her marriage to James Taylor that produced daughter Sally and son Ben. Carly is probably more identified with Martha’s Vineyard than lobster tails.

She has never been much of a touring artist. Crippled by stage fright, and a stutterer, a Carly Simon live performance has always been a rarity. We are the poorer for it. When she did do shows, the rooms were packed, lines ran out the door. If she announced a one off show now, it would shut down the ticketing service.

Carly may not be performing, but her Instagram account is constantly updated. We know she’s thriving on Martha’s Vineyard, and from what I know, her songwriting is not at all behind her. We may yet see some surprises soon!

So happy birthday, Carly, now a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and a significant contributor to pop music!

PS Carly’s mother chose her name because a friend had it and she liked it. But now — from “iCarly” to soap opera characters, etc, when you hear that name, they all come from the one and only. Like Cher or Madonna, there is only one Carly.

Paramount Global Erases Archives of MTV Website, Wipes Music, Culture History After 30 Plus Years

Roger Friedman
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Paramount Global Erases Archives of MTV Website, Wipes Music, Culture History After 30 Plus Years

MTV.com is gone. Kaput. Wiped off the face of the Earth.

Parent company Paramount Global, formerly Viacom, has tossed twenty plus years of news archives. All that’s left is a placeholder site for reality shows. The M in MTV – music — is gone, and so is all the reporting and all the journalism performed by music and political writers ever written. It’s as if MTV never existed. (It’s the same for VH1.com, all gone.)

There’s no precedent for this, and no valid reason. Just cheapness and stupidity.

This follows the shut down of MTV News on the channel last year. MTV is now just a graveyard for reality show crap. All of its substance has been desiccated over time.

MTV News became a force in music, entertainment, and politics in the early 90s. As the channel’s popularity soared, the News division — including the faces of Kurt Loder, Alison Stewart, Serena Altschul, Sway, and John Norris — became incredibly important especially to political campaigns. Now all those interviews — hundreds of thousands of hours with rock stars and what we now call influencers of generations — have been replaced by a link to “Help! I’m in a Secret Relationship.”

Writer Kathy Iandoli posted: “MTV.com deleting all of our articles and replacing them with schedules for TV shows that can also no longer be streamed on their site is proof that no one has any idea of what the hell they are doing right now.”

She’s not alone. There is fury among MTV.com writers past and present who now see their histories erased, along with all the music and political reporting.

Patrick Hosken posted: “So, http://mtvnews.com no longer exists. Eight years of my life are gone without a trace. All because it didn’t fit some executives’ bottom lines. Infuriating is too small a word”

Michell Clark wrote: “I don’t even have the words. I was just a freelancer but I put so much blood, sweat, and tears into telling stories that I cared about, the right way, on that platform. What a gut punch.”

The end of the MTV.com archives is not unprecedented. When the former New York Observer was bought by Jared Kushner years ago, hundreds of articles disappeared.

As Paramount destroyed the library of articles, some writers managed to save a few for the WaybackMachine, which was just profiled for trying to hold onto evaporating information on the internet. But mostly the articles about pop culture will vanish now.

Paramount owner Shari Redstone has allowed something to happen here much worse than any of her recent fears about selling the company.

The greed of the company is obvious, as well as its lack of respect for journalism. But this is also a wake up call for anyone though the internet was forever. Not having print copies of a writer’s work is a big mistake. A big lesson is learned here.

Kevin Costner: “The Postman” Rings Twice as Poor “Horizon” Advanced Ticket Sales Echo Star’s Other Flops

Roger Friedman
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Kevin Costner: “The Postman” Rings Twice as Poor “Horizon” Advanced Ticket Sales Echo Star’s Other Flops

Kevin Costner’s “Horizon” opens Thursday night in previews. According to Fandango seat maps, not a lot of people have purchased advanced tickets.

In fact, most theaters in New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles show just a few seats sold — like four or five at most.

The Thursday previews are wide open. So are Friday shows. I checked the 7pm show in all cities, and right now you can buy 20 at a time if so desired.

Costner is no stranger to huge flops. Two of the biggest in movie history are on his resume: “Waterworld” and “The Postman.” With “Horizon,” another vanity project, Costner may get to put his stamp on this category: The Postman always rings twice.

“Horizon” is a three hour part 1 of two films coming this summer, like it or not. In part 1, Costner himself evidently doesn’t show up in the first hour. Costner is relying heavily on Sam Worthington — whose screen profile is mostly as a blue Avatar — and the always welcome Sienna Miller to carry the show.

Audiences don’t seem excited. The really big hit of the weekend is set to be “A Quiet Place: Day One,” from Paramount, which already has sold out shows. This is the third chapter in a very successful series, which spells stiff competition for an unknown quantity. Original three hour film about the Civil War vs. scary, slimy aliens?

Costner also goes into “Horizon” with a lot of bad will from his “Yellowstone” fans. He’s finally conceded that he’s not going back to the hit show, although everyone knew that. Costner had been insisting up until last Friday that he could return. But the final episodes were mapped out long ago, and that ship has sailed.

“Horizon” Part 2 comes in August, although if Part 1 is ignored, Warners/New Line will really have a problem. Might they move it to Max? The film has a “rotten” 47% among critics on Rotten Tomatoes.

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