Lynda Hirsch on Soaps

Two former soaps divas are going from high fashion to no fashion. Lauralee Bell (ex-Chris, "Young and Restless") and Lisa Rinna (Ex-Billie, "Days of Our Lives") are closing their fashion boutiques. Bell's high-end Sunset Strip store, On Sunset, which opened in 2004, is set to close Dec. 1. Bell explains that her role as mother, wife, producer and actress made her schedule too full to also give her store the attention it needs. Her store manager also cited the weak economy as a factor in the store closing. Until the store closes, everything will be on sale from designer gowns to the store's fixtures.

Not only has Rinna lost her store, Belle Grey, she is facing a major lawsuit. According to papers filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, she stopped paying her $7,946 per month rent in March. The suit also claims major damage to the 1,046-square-foot site located in Calabasas, Calif. The suit is seeking $635,083 in damages.

She's back and it's great news for "Bold and Beautiful." Betty White returns to the role of Ann Douglas on Nov.18. Ann is the mother from hell who made Stephanie (Susan Flannery) and Pam (Alley Mills) the bizarre women they are. The story, which is set to run for several episodes, will have the sisters fighting over what is best for their not-so-sweet mother.

It's a girl for "All My Children's" Alicia Minshew (Kendall): Willow Lenora Herschenfeld was born at 6:42 a.m. Nov. 4. The new addition weighed in at 5 lbs., 2 oz. Minshew, who is not heading to L.A. when "AMC" makes the move in December, is set to return so she and Thorsten Kaye can help write off the character of Zach.

James Franco's "General Hospital" debut is Nov. 20. There is some news about his character: An artist named Franco, he is intrigued by Jason's life in the mob.

Perhaps Franco is behind the tagging that has been seen all over Port Charles. Jason, on the other hand, wants to set a better example for Michael and wants out of the thugster lifestyle. Franco, offended by the choice, goes after Jason. There are reports that Franco's presence in Port Charles will change Jason's life forever. "GH" head writer Bob Guza says Franco is having so much fun doing the show, he might come back after his preset story line ends in late January. Franco is so into television, he is set to play himself on NBC's hit sitcom "30 Rock." He teams up with Jane Krakowski, who starred on "Search for Tomorrow." The duo will have a studio-fueled romance.

The long goodbye continues for "Guiding Light." Cancelled after seven decades, many of the show's actors are going to more than 32 states to say goodbye to their fans. So Long, Springfield's Dec. 5 performance at the Rio in Las Vegas will feature Justin Deas (Buzz). Deas, who never goes to these events, is pinch hitting for Jordan Clarke (Billy), who is recovering from a stroke. Appearing at some or all of the So Long, Springfield dates include Robert Newman (Josh), Kim Zimmer (Reva), Daniel Cosgrove (Bill), Frank Dicopoulos (Frank), Gina Tognoni (Dinah), Jeff Branson (Shayne), Grant Aleksander (Phillip), Jessica Leccia (Natalia), Bradley Cole (Jeffrey), Jordan Clarke (Billy), Crystal Chappell (Olivia), Tom Pelphrey (Jonathan), Ron Raines (Alan) and Michael O'Leary (Rick). Tickets are $75 or $90 for the afternoon or evening session and $140 or $170 for both sessions (based on city) and are available at www.celebrityeventsgroup.com or by calling 1-866-364-0330. A portion of the proceeds from So Long, Springfield ticket sales and 100 percent of silent auction revenue benefit Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

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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