Lynda Hirsch on Soaps -- Gossip

Dawg gone: Hip-hop star Snoop Dogg is headed to "One Life to Live." On May 9, the artist performs at Adriana's bachelorette party. He sings "Sensual Seduction" and "Life of Da Party," two tracks from his latest album, "Ego Trippin'." Snoop, whose real name is Calvin Broadus, claims to be a lifelong "One Life to Live" fan. His mother watched the show when he was growing up and he would watch along with her. When Snoop exits the show, he will leave something behind. The actor-singer-songwriter is remixing the "One Life to Live" theme song.

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"Bold and Beautiful" came of age on March 23. Debuting in 1987, the show turned 21.

"Twenty-one years on television has been a remarkable, collaborative achievement," said Executive Producer and Head Writer Bradley P. Bell in a statement. "We have an extraordinary, cast, crew, and staff, who have made the last two decades a pleasurable and incredible journey. Our success is due to them, to CBS, whose support has been integral, and to our viewers for their unwavering devotion."

Created by the late daytime drama legend William J. Bell and his wife, Lee Phillip Bell, their son, Bradley, took the helm of the show in 1992. For over two decades, set among the glitz, glamour and glory of Los Angeles, and traveling from the canals of Venice, Italy to the skyscrapers of Sydney, Australia to the tropical beaches of St. Thomas back to the Rodeo Corridor in Beverly Hills, "The Bold and the Beautiful" boasts four original cast members who remain integral parts of the story structure: Susan Flannery (Stephanie Forrester), Katherine Kelly Lang (Brooke Logan), John McCook (Eric Forrester) and Ronn Moss (Ridge Forrester). Yes, even then Stephanie was conniving, Brooke lusted after Ridge and poor Eric was shaking his head. Since May 2001, "The Bold and the Beautiful" has been the only daytime drama to simulcast in Spanish via SAP (Secondary Audio Program) technology. The show, which is broadcast in over 150 countries, has been Italy's No. 1 show for over a decade.

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Martha Byrne (Lily) has taped her last scenes after 21 years on "As the World Turns." Byrne, responding to a statement by ATWT's Executive Producer, Chris Goutman, that read, "We made Martha a very generous offer to get her to stay," wants it known that she did not leave the show because of a pay cut.

"Last year, I was asked to take a pay cut and sign a one-year contract. I said yes," Byrne revealed. "My contract came up for another one-year renewal. I was ready to sign but wanted a guarantee that I would work the same number of days I did last year. I was told that could not be put into a contract. During the negotiations I learned that they were already casting around for another Lily. I felt that the show was not negotiating in good faith and decided not to sign for another year."

Byrne wants it knows that she is not high-maintenance. We have seen the low-maintenance Byrne in action. Once during an interview, she noticed a cast mate had left the table without tossing away his dirty paper plate. Byrne picked up the plate, wiped off the table and went on with the interview.

To find out more about Lynda Hirsch, and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate web page at www.creators.com.

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