Jordan Clarke (ex-Billy Lewis) recently suffered a mild stroke while working on the web series "Venice" in LA. His prognosis is good and he's expected to fully recover, but he will be in rehab for six weeks. You may post well wishes on his fan club's message board at www.jordanclarke.com or send a get-well card to OJCFC, PO Box 73, Bloomingdale, GA  31302. Justin Deas (Buzz) will fill in for him at the "So Long, Springfield" Event in Las Vegas on December 5.

SOD 10/6/09

Ratings for 9/7: 1.4

SOW 9/29/09

Rita Lloyd (ex-Lucille) died in her sleep at her home in New York on 9/5 at the age of 79. 

SOD 9/22/09

Ratings for 8/24: 1.4

Lisa Brown (Nola Reardon Chamberlain), Morgan Englund (Dylan Lewis), Maureen Garrett (Holly Lindsey-Reade), Jay Hammer (Fletcher Reade), Melissa Hayden (Bridget Reardon), Paul Anthony Stewart (Danny Santos), Nancy St. Alban (Michelle Santos), and Krista Tesreau (Mindy Lewis) return this week for GL’s final bow.

After 72 years and nearly 16,000 episodes, CBS turns out the LIGHT when the series finale airs on 9/18.

What Will Happen: Jonathan is faced with a major decision.  Olivia and Natalia pick a name for the baby.

Elizabeth Kiefer (Blake) is featured in the take five interview! 

SOW 9/22/09

Back to say goodbye!  Several vets return this week to bid adieu to the show, including: Lisa Brown (Nola), Carey Cromelin (Wanda), Morgan Englund (Dylan), Melissa Hayden (Bridget), Maureen Garrett (Holly), Jay Hammer (Fletcher), David Andrew Macdonald (Edmund), Peter Simon (Ed), Nancy St. Alban (Michelle), Paul Anthony Stewart (Danny) and Krista Tesreau (Mindy).

Daytime’s Light Goes Out!  On 9/18, the era of television’s longest running drama ends, as Guiding Light’s 15,762nd and final episode airs.  The final week promises heavy drama – the emotional climax of Phillip’s health crisis – and happiness, from character returns and Vanessa’s long-awaited wedding.  But there is also a very heartfelt goodbye for the cast, crew and longtime fans.

Highlight of the Week: The Light goes out forever on 9/18.

SOD 9/15/09

Alan Risks His Life to Save Phillip!  Alan puts his life on the line this week in an attempt to save his ailing son.  After Ed informs him that he’s a donor match, Alan tells Phillip that he wants to undergo the risky bone marrow transplant that could possibly cure Phillip’s disease.  Phil, however, rejects the idea and reminds his father that there is a chance the operation could kill him.  A dejected Alan has a series of disturbing dreams and then goes to Phillip’s old headstone at the cemetery to think things through, unaware that Phillip is watching.  When Alan confronts his son again, he begs Phillip to let him do it – and make peace with himself.  Phillip finally agrees and the men prepare for surgery.  The rest of the Spaulding clan is stunned and concerned.  Before they are wheeled in to surgery, Alan tells Phillip that he loves him.

Ratings for 8/17: 1.4

Vanessa and Billy tie the knot on 9/14.  Phillip can’t believe his eyes on 9/15.

What Will Happen: Lizzie gets her wish.  Natalia and Olivia move forward. 

SOW 9/15/09

Lisa Brown returns on 9/14 as Nola.

Morgan Englund returns on 9/14 as Dylan.

Melissa Hayden returns on 9/14 as Bridget.

Alan Goes Under The Knife!  After finding out that he’s a donor match for Phillip, Alan makes the surprisingly selfless decision to participate in a potentially fatal bone marrow transplant for his sick son this week.  Phillip doesn’t want Alan to risk his life, and initially puts a kibosh on the offer.  Then, after seeing his father’s emotional torment, he relents.  Alan faces his fears and assures Phillip that he understands there is a chance he could die or that the operation might not work at all.  The men prepare for surgery and share a tearful goodbye with their shocked and worried family.  Before they are sedated, Alan looks over at Phillip and tells his son that he loves him.

This Week: Mallet fills in Dinah on the shake-ups at home.  Lillian informs Reva and Josh that Phillip is dying.  Natalia persuades Olivia to join her and Frank in picking baby names.  Jonathan has a surprise for Reva.

9/7 & 9/11: Preempted for the US Open Tennis.

Can’t Miss: Springfielders make their own wishes at Henry’s birthday party on 9/8.

Highlight of the Week: Lizzie and her family get happy news on 9/10.

Next Week: The final week features hope, happiness and heartache – along with the returns of old pals and a celebration. 

SOD 9/8/09

Phil Confesses: “I’m Dying!” The Spaulding family receives some shocking news this week when Phillip takes a sudden spill after yet another fight with James.  Phillip is chasing James and his body gives out.  Phillip ends up calling Lillian for help, when he can’t get up.  Troubled by his fall, Phillip is forced to make a tough decision.  Realizing it’s time to finally come forward and tell his family the truth, Phillip pulls Beth aside and breaks the disheartening news.  Then he gathers everybody in the conference room at Cedars and tells them.  Everyone struggles to absorb the truth.  Lizzie breaks down in tears and James storms out.  Alan, meanwhile, is so overwhelmed that he can’t bear to be in the same room with the others.  When Beth advises Phillip to seek hospice care at Cedars, he tells her that he’d prefer to die at home.  Meanwhile, Ed informs everyone that there is no cure and keeps mum about the radical transplant that could potentially save Phillip’s life.  Later, however, James rifles through Phillip’s medical records and angrily confronts Ed when he discovers what is really going on.

Ratings for 8/10: 1.3

The Cooper family receives shocking news about Company on 9/3.  Alan makes the only decision he can to save his son on 9/4.  Mallet runs into an old flame on 9/8.

What Will Happen: Doris finally comes out.  Olivia surprises Natalia. 

SOW 9/8/09

Phillip’s Health Worsens!  Phillip is forced to tell his loved ones that he is dying this week, after he unexpectedly collapses.  After yet another disagreement between father and son, Phillip runs after James and his body gives out.  Lillian comes to Phillip’s rescue, and he realizes that his time is limited, so he needs to come clean to Lizzie, Beth, Alexandra, Rick and James.  With Lillian, Alan and Ed by his side, Phillip braces himself to reveal the truth at Cedars.  Phillip’s adamant about not receiving special treatment.  An overwhelmed Lizzie bursts into tears and rushes into her father’s arms, while James gets angry that Phillip kept his diagnosis a secret for so long.  Meanwhile, Ed quietly informs Lillian that he hasn’t stopped searching for a cure, but the bone-marrow transplant is too risky for Phillip and the donor to be a viable option.  Much to Phillip’s chagrin, his relationship with James remains fractured, even after the shocking announcement.  By week’s end, however, James makes a discovery that changes everything.

This Week: Phillip’s news devastates his family.  Jonathan outlines his plan for Sarah to Jeffrey.  Natalia interrupts Matt’s dinner with Olivia.  Reva takes on a painful challenge.  Vanessa and Billy reveal their wedding plans.

Can’t Miss: Josh and Reva learn that Henry is their grandson on 9/2.

Next Week: Phillip is taken to surgery.  Mallet meets someone familiar. 

SOD 9/1/09

Ratings for 8/3: 1.4

Maureen Garrett returns on 8/26 as Holly Lindsey-Reade.

Mallet Leaves Town! Mallet makes the shocking decision to leave Marina - and Springfield - for good. After seeing Shayne and Marina together with Henry, Mallet feels like a third wheel. Marina is desperate to work things out, but she wouldn’t give up Henry for Mallet. Mallet packs his bags and heads for a mysterious new job in Germany.

Buzz makes a big announcement to his family on 8/28. Phillip collapses on 9/1.

What Will Happen: Billy proposes. Natalia breaks up Olivia’s date.

SOW 9/1/09

Billy Proposes to Vanessa! Hot on the heels of Billy’s botched attempt to “kidnap” Vanessa and marry her on the spot, the reunited couple decides to slow things down this week - unaware that their future together is getting an unexpected jump start. After a date with Vanessa, Billy confides to Josh that he’s planning to woo her for a year and then ask her to marry him. So, Olivia and Josh secretly hatch a plan to help stoke the rekindled flame of Vanessa and Billy’s romance by basically forcing Billy to propose.

This Week: Natalia makes plans for her future. Phillip bonds with Emma and Rick. Mallet forces Marina to make a difficult decision about Henry. Reva has three of her sons with her, but Jeffrey asks Jonathan to leave. A betrayed Buzz follows Cyrus to Australia.

Can’t Miss: Vanessa and Billy’s friends help engineer a romantic surprise.

Highlight of the Week: Holly returns to town and visits Blake on 8/26.

Next Week: Phillip’s health deteriorates. The Cooper clan receives stunning news. Alan makes a choice.