LYNDA HIRSCH ON SOAPS -- GOSSIP by Lynda Hirsch on Creators.com

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LYNDA HIRSCH ON SOAPS -- GOSSIP It is an all too familiar theme for this column of late — mourning the loss of a great soap opera star. Recently, it was "All My Children's" James Mitchell (Palmer). This week, perhaps one of the greatest has died. On Wednesday, Feb. …Read more. LYNDA HIRSCH ON SOAPS -- SUMMARY ALL MY CHILDREN: Erica publicly declares that she and Ryan are involved. Back at Wildwind, David reluctantly lets Greenlee know that Ryan is seeing someone but doesn't mention Erica. Greenlee hides when Tad and Jake appear at David's door demanding …Read more. LYNDA HIRSCH ON SOAPS -- Q&A Q: I know must people recall James Mitchell for his work on "All My Children." Wasn't he also a ballet dancer? Also, can you fill me in on his life and career? — Robert, Loma Linda, Calif. A: James Mitchell, who died Jan. 22, …Read more. LYNDA HIRSCH ON SOAPS -- SUMMARY ALL MY CHILDREN: Adam bequeaths Annie the mansion and property, along with a large financial settlement but includes the provision that she'll lose practically everything should she ever get involved in a serious relationship after his death. Annie'…Read more.

An attorney for "General Hospital's" Kirsten Storms (Maxie) pleaded no contest to driving under the influence on his client's behalf in a Los Angeles courtroom. Storms was sentenced to three years probation and ordered to attend 12 Alcoholics Anonymous meetings starting immediately. Her driver's license was suspended for six months, and she must pay $1,643 in fines and penalties.

Storms was arrested over the Sept. 8 weekend. A California Highway Patrol officer stopped her blue Mercedes when she threw a lit cigarette out the window. The officer noticed the smell of alcohol, and she was given and failed a sobriety test.

She was taken to Van Nuys Jail, booked and later released on $5,000 bail.

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On "As the World Turns," Van Hansis (Luke) is currently doing double duty by starring in Charles Busch's acclaimed comedy-thriller "Die Mommie Die!" while continuing his work on the soap.

Hansis will appear in this Off-Broadway show for a 20-week limited engagement at New World Stages (340 West 50th St.) in New York City through Feb. 17, 2008. The show runs 90 minutes and is recommended for ages 16 and up.

And there's an exclusive offer for "As the World Turns fans": You can save 15 percent on tickets by going to www.BroadwayOffers.com and enter code DMDSCX3 or calling (212) 239-6200 and mentioning the same code.

The offer is not available for premium seats and is subject to availability. Blackout dates may apply.

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A few familiar faces are set to return to "Passions." Marianne Muellerleile and Kathleen Noone come back as Norma and Mrs. Wallace on Dec. 6. Jill Remez returns as Juanita on the same day.

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On Jan. 12, 2008, stars from "Bold and Beautiful," including John McCook (Eric), Winsor Harmon (Thorne) and Dan McVicar (Clarke), will be present at "A Fashion Extravaganza," a benefit fashion show and silent auction of the late Darlene Conley's "Sally Spectra" show wardrobe in Biloxi, Miss., to benefit the Center for Prevention of Child Abuse.

The center was established in 1988 by the South Mississippi Exchange Club as a private nonprofit human services agency. The main focus of the agency is to provide prevention, education and intervention programs to the abused, neglected and at-risk children and families in South Mississippi.

Conley, who died on Jan. 14, 2007, was an internationally renowned daytime drama actress. In celebration of Conley's life, Sally's wardrobe, most of which was designed by B&B's Emmy Award-winning costume designer, Birgit Muller, will be presented in a fashion show extravaganza and placed in a silent auction.

"A Fashion Extravaganza" will be held at the Beau Rivage Resort & Casino in Biloxi.

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.