Dick Clark Tribute on The Daytime Emmys
I just finished watching The Dick Clark Tribute on the Daytime Emmys, and when it was over I could not move away from in front of the television. I had tears running down my face, right along with Mr. Clark, and with those tears, so many feelings coursed through me, I feel compelled to blog.
Until this past year, I have been attending the Daytime EMMYS since 1980. I have seen it all. Every tribute, every lifetime achievement, every clip and yes, every lame number featuring so-so talent that made me feel embarrassed just to watch.
Tonight’s show stopping tribute was incredible, not just because the people performing were supremely talented, but because it took us back to a more gentle time in the world, in our lives, and in entertainment. Never in the history of the Emmys have I seen people get up from their seats and dance, and cheer their emotions through performances like I did tonight. And Why?
Because the audience wants to be reminded of a time when they felt good, and talent was on their television screens every day and night of the week.
Being a hypnotist, I tend to be observant of what makes people tick, why they think the way they do, make the choices they make, and most important, why they feel the way they do. What I witnessed tonight, is called an emotional anchor. Seeing these great entertainers took me back to a different time in life, a time of great entertainment, a time of innocence and simplicity, a time of talent, a time of dreams yet to be realized and what motivated me to be an entertainer in the first place. I am betting that the folks in the audience and at home felt the same way I do.
This brings me to wonder what the newer generations will have to look back on and feel these wonderful feelings. In a day when most of what there is to choose from is reality television, or faces that no one recognizes on their shows that are more and more fading from familiarity. I hope, that tonight will be a wake up call to what will make people come back to televsion, and that’s to feel good. To be taken back.
I am now watching Agnes Nixon get her lifetime achievement award, and I can’t think of anyone who deserves it more. I love Agnes Nixon, she started me out on LOVING and THE CITY and then ONE LIFE TO LIVE. Jill Phelps hired me and Agnes inspired me. She inspired me to be a great performer and even a writer, I never told her so, so I will write it here.
When ALL MY CHILDREN moved the entire production to Los Angeles, they put the office furniture from Agnes’ office down on loading dock to be hauled away as trash.
I happened to be in New York for a few days and heard about it and high tailed it down there with a truck and loaded it up and had it sent to my home in Las Vegas where I will hopefully write many fine things at her table. I may even have it bronzed or donate it to the Smithsonian. After all, decades of story lines were discussed and written at that table, and now it is sitting proudly in my home, under a “Spielberg” light as it should be.
To end this long blog, I will simply say this: I grew up watching soaps, and spent a third of my life acting on them, and feel so grateful to be able to say that. It was fun seeing all of my old pals on the show tonight. I hope that I will see more great talent and familiar faces on my shows in the future. And to the producers and writers, I will simply say this…
The audience wants to feel good, and it’s the “old guard” that can pull it off. So to all the Michael Knights, Erica Slezaks and Eric Bradens of Daytime, I salute and revere your talent. I hope the kids behind you are paying close attention. It is for you that the women still watch, weep, and swoon.
And as for ATWT…. You will be missed. I wept along with Michael Park and Maura West as they held their Emmys, it was a perfect ending, if there is such a thing. What a shame.
God Speed, Daytime. Remember what you saw tonight.
You have many golden years left.
One….two….three…… Wide Awake!
Until this past year, I have been attending the Daytime EMMYS since 1980. I have seen it all. Every tribute, every lifetime achievement, every clip and yes, every lame number featuring so-so talent that made me feel embarrassed just to watch.
Tonight’s show stopping tribute was incredible, not just because the people performing were supremely talented, but because it took us back to a more gentle time in the world, in our lives, and in entertainment. Never in the history of the Emmys have I seen people get up from their seats and dance, and cheer their emotions through performances like I did tonight. And Why?
Because the audience wants to be reminded of a time when they felt good, and talent was on their television screens every day and night of the week.
Being a hypnotist, I tend to be observant of what makes people tick, why they think the way they do, make the choices they make, and most important, why they feel the way they do. What I witnessed tonight, is called an emotional anchor. Seeing these great entertainers took me back to a different time in life, a time of great entertainment, a time of innocence and simplicity, a time of talent, a time of dreams yet to be realized and what motivated me to be an entertainer in the first place. I am betting that the folks in the audience and at home felt the same way I do.
This brings me to wonder what the newer generations will have to look back on and feel these wonderful feelings. In a day when most of what there is to choose from is reality television, or faces that no one recognizes on their shows that are more and more fading from familiarity. I hope, that tonight will be a wake up call to what will make people come back to televsion, and that’s to feel good. To be taken back.
I am now watching Agnes Nixon get her lifetime achievement award, and I can’t think of anyone who deserves it more. I love Agnes Nixon, she started me out on LOVING and THE CITY and then ONE LIFE TO LIVE. Jill Phelps hired me and Agnes inspired me. She inspired me to be a great performer and even a writer, I never told her so, so I will write it here.
When ALL MY CHILDREN moved the entire production to Los Angeles, they put the office furniture from Agnes’ office down on loading dock to be hauled away as trash.
I happened to be in New York for a few days and heard about it and high tailed it down there with a truck and loaded it up and had it sent to my home in Las Vegas where I will hopefully write many fine things at her table. I may even have it bronzed or donate it to the Smithsonian. After all, decades of story lines were discussed and written at that table, and now it is sitting proudly in my home, under a “Spielberg” light as it should be.
To end this long blog, I will simply say this: I grew up watching soaps, and spent a third of my life acting on them, and feel so grateful to be able to say that. It was fun seeing all of my old pals on the show tonight. I hope that I will see more great talent and familiar faces on my shows in the future. And to the producers and writers, I will simply say this…
The audience wants to feel good, and it’s the “old guard” that can pull it off. So to all the Michael Knights, Erica Slezaks and Eric Bradens of Daytime, I salute and revere your talent. I hope the kids behind you are paying close attention. It is for you that the women still watch, weep, and swoon.
And as for ATWT…. You will be missed. I wept along with Michael Park and Maura West as they held their Emmys, it was a perfect ending, if there is such a thing. What a shame.
God Speed, Daytime. Remember what you saw tonight.
You have many golden years left.
One….two….three…… Wide Awake!
Labels: Daytime, Dick Clark, Emmys, Tribute
posted by Cat at
2:08 AM
5 Comments:
I agree with you 100%. What happened to the wonderful entertainment of years past? There were shows that really entertained and made you feel good. You didn't have to worry about what your kids/grandkids might see on TV. How could the world have changed so much in such a relatively short amount of time? What is going to happen 50 years from now. I can't even imagine. The tribute to Dick Clark proved what kind of entertainment people enjoy and what makes them feel good. It would be wonderful if one of the TV networks could put on a Dick Clark special and expand on the snippets that they showed last night. It certainly looks like there are enough entertainers that would be more than happy to be a part of an American Bandstand Tribute. Enjoyed reading your blog and couldn't agree with you more. Hope you get over the flu quickly and start feeling better. God Bless you.
Thank you for rescuing AN's furniture. I'm horrified that history was almost trashed and thankful that it now has a good home.
I had issues with some of the broadcast (where were the tributes to the amazing actors we lost this year?)but agree with your assessment of the tributes they had. Thanks CBS for putting it on the air!
I couldn't agree more!!
Well written as I wouldn't expect anything else! Awaiting your second book as the first was the greatest inspirational book I ever read. I cherish the times we have spent together and honestly would love to pick your brain and suck out all this good wisdom you share with us. lol Love ya to pieces, gorgeous friend! I could also use a hypnotist in NY when you get a chance. I'm still crying over you know who!
Wow, Cat! I am so moved by so much of what I see and hear from you! I had the pleasure of meeting some of the OLTL cast over the years, and am bummed that it has taken me so long to learn more about the incredible person you are! But, I am also a HUGE believer in the philosophy that all things happen when and how they are supposed to, and not a moment before! I love reading your blogs even more than I loved watching you on OLTL! Thanks so much for sharing your amazing gifts with us!
Post a Comment
Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]
<< Home