"General Hospital" will start offering new episodes in mid-August. The show shut down production in April due to the pandemic. The show was set to start taping July 20. That was pushed back a week. There are many things that all the soaps must adhere to. ABC, which airs the soap, said as much as they want to bring the show to its fans, their greatest concern was making certain cast and crew were in a safe environment.

The actors cannot wait to be back. Though, during the lockdown, many of the men were happy they did not have to worry about the hair on their head or face. Maurice Benard grew a beard and let his hair grow gray. He was considering keeping the gray — if the producers agreed. Josh Swickard let his hair go to its natural curly. On the show, he plays a cop so it is fairly close-cropped. Steve Burton also let his hair grown and let it go blond. Over the years Burton has switched from blond to brunette. Burton admits he was going stir-crazy at home.

Benard, who is very open about his bipolar diagnosis, admitted that quarantine was hard. And it brings to mind someone else who seems to be going through a tough time — Kanye West. West said he is running for president. (Maybe?) During a bizarre campaign speech, he shared the revelation that he wanted his wife to abort their first child. She refused, and North West came into the world. The rap star also ranted that his wife and mother-in-law were going to lock him up against his will. Not true, sources say, although they realize he needs help. Bernard reached out to Kanye, offering to help deal with whatever he needs to do to return to a healthy mental state for himself and his family. Thus far, Kanye was not responded.

"Bold and Beautiful" began airing new episodes. "Young and Restless" will do so next week. "Days of Our Lives" had enough original shows to air new episodes. They head back to the studio in September.

Two of the nicest and most talented actresses have had a rough couple of months. Alley Mills, (Pam, "Bold and Beautiful") was let go. Soon after, her beloved husband, actor Orson Bean, 91, was killed in a freak accident. He was headed to the theatre to see a play. He was walking across the street when a car clipped him. He was thrown into the street and was struck by another car. Neither driver was cited.

Chrishell Stause, (Jordan, "Days of Our Lives" and Amanda, "All My Children") has also had a rough year. After two years of marriage, her husband, Justin Hartley, (Adam, "Young and Restless") filed for divorce. The actress says divorce is never easy but is really hard when you are in the public eye. She also dealt with her parents suffering and dying from lung cancer.

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