DECEMBER 5
Victoria Rowell (ex-Drucilla, Y&R) has been actively stumping for Senator Hillary Clinton's presidency bid. The actress has spoken out for her favorite candidate in several southern states, as well as in New Hampshire. Says Rowell, "I am honored to be campaigning on her behalf because I believe in her experience as a legislator and world leader."

Rowell, the author of The Women Who Raised Me, which chronicles her childhood in the foster care system, first met Clinton in 1997 and has since supported the Senator's efforts to make adoption more affordable, offer tax-incentives to families adopting children with special needs and provide caregivers with additional support systems. "I can support a candidate who believes that every American is entitled to quality and accessible health care," declares Rowell. "I think Sen. Clinton's American Health Choice Plan will help the more than 47 million people in this country without affordable health insurance. I can support a candidate who fights for the invisible population, like the elderly and the more than 500,000 children living in foster care. I can support a candidate who has met with 82 heads of state around the world and can hold her own, and address national and global issues. I'll continue to do my part to get Sen. Clinton elected to the White House."

Rowell continues to stay busy with promoting her book and appreciates the continued support she still gets from Y&R watchers. "I'd like to thank my fans for coming out and meeting me on the book tour and campaign stump," she smiles.

DECEMBER 3
THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS' Jeanne Cooper (Kay) has always been open about her plastic surgery. So guess what she treated herself to when she turned 79? Read all about it in the December 11 issue of Soap Opera Weekly.

NOVEMBER 20
As Y&R's Nikki and Victor argue about life-and-death decisions for Victoria and her unborn baby, Amelia Heinle (Victoria) and real-life husband Thad Luckinbill (J.T.) are celebrating the birth of their baby boy, Thaddeus Rowe Luckinbill. Check out the December 4 Digest to see what Heinle has to say about the new addition to her family!

NOVEMBER 9
With gifts, that is. Amelia Heinle (Victoria, Y&R) is pregnant in real-life and on-screen, check out fun photos from the shower in the November 20 issue of Digest.

September 24
Michael Evans, who portrayed Victor's affable sidekick, Colonel Douglas Austin, on Y&R; (1980-85; 1987-95) died on September 4 at the age of 87.

In addition to appearing on Y&R;, the accomplished actor had a long list of credits in Broadway, films and television. Some of his notable roles included being in the Broadway musical Gigi opposite Audrey Hepburn and playing Henry Higgins in My Fair Lady. He also portrayed Jeffrey Martin Sahim on CAPITOL from 1986-87 (while he was on a hiatus from Y&R;).

"Michael Evans was a total professional from the old English school, a gentleman through and through," praises his longtime co-star and real-life friend Eric Braeden (Victor).

The actor’s family has requested that donations may be made in his name to The Wildlife WayStation in Sylmar, CA ( www.wildlife waystation.org).

SEPTEMBER 10
Tatyana Ali, best known for playing Will Smith's young cousin Ashley on THE FRESH PRINCE OF BEL-AIR will guest-star on Y&R on September 17 and 18. She will be joining former fellow child star Bryton (Devon) portraying Roxanne, the date Devon brings to Lily's divorce party at Indigo. Though this is Ali's first foray into soaps, she's been consistently working since FRESH PRINCE ended its run in 1996. In addition to appearing on many prime-time shows, including HALF & HALF and FASTLANE, she recently completed three movies: Nora's Hair Salon II, Privileged and Hotel California.

AUGUST 29
YOUNG AND RESTLESS fans were excited when Nia Peeples (Karen) was included in an alleged cast list for this season's DANCING WITH THE STARS that surfaced online. However, on her official Web site www.niapeeples.org, the actress explains that the roster, which also mistakenly included Tori Spelling (ex-Donna, BEVERLY HILLS, 90210) and model Gisele Bündchen, isn't accurate.

"It's a rumor!" Peeples wrote in her site's news section. "But everyone in town is hearing the same thing you're hearing, so don't feel bad. The sad thing is I won't be on it this season. The good thing is a rumor means they are seriously considering it. Also CBS called my agent in a panic when they heard, complaining that they were just starting to develop my character on Y&R and would be needing more of my time. The other good thing is that I can contractually do it next season. So take a minute and go onto both the CBS and ABC sites and throw in as many comments as you can regarding having me participate in DANCING WITH THE STARS. Let's have some fun with this one!"

The complete official DWTS cast list has been posted on abc.go.com. Dancers with soap connections include ALL MY CHILDREN's Cameron Mathison (Ryan) and Jennie Garth (ex-Kelly, 90210).

For more on Mathison, check "Mathison to Mambo" in the news section.

AUGUST 8
Ted Shackelford's justice-driven district attorney William Bardwell recently fell victim to Gloria's black widow charms on YOUNG AND RESTLESS, but the No. 1 sudser didn't want to lose the talented performer. So, Shackelford will begin airing this week as — you guessed it — the late William's twin brother Jeffrey.

JUNE 1
Shemar Moore was busted for suspicion of DUI in Los Angeles on Friday, June 1 has had his judgement day. According to TMZ.com, the actor, who faced two counts of driving under the influence, entered a no-contest plea. The actor will avoid jail time; he was sentenced to probation, will have to perform community service and pay a fine.