Jean Passanante
Encyclopedia
Jean Passanante is an American
television screenwriter
best known for her work in daytime soap operas
.
Passanante got her start as an actress doing bit parts in the 1980s, including John Sayles's Return of the Secaucus 7
. In 1985 she married writer Jack Shannon. They are still married and have one daughter, Ruth Shannon.
She got her start on soaps working as a staff writer on the ABC Daytime
drama One Life to Live
from 1992 to 1996. In 1996 she was promoted to the top position of Head Writer
, only to be replaced in 1997. She remained as a staff writer until 1998, at which time she was made Co-Head Writer of the ailing soap opera Another World
. Passanante wrapped up the show's 35-year run in June 1999. The next month, she relieved All My Children
creator Agnes Nixon
of head writing duties after Nixon was called in to temporarily replace Megan McTavish
.
Passanante's contract with All My Children expired in 2001, and she was replaced by Richard Culliton
. She was then hired by CBS'
As the World Turns
in 2001, where she served as Co-Head Writer (second in command to Hogan Sheffer
) until she was promoted to Head Writer in early 2005.
Passanante attended Dartmouth College
. http://www.buzzflood.org/index.php?itemid=2884
From January 25, 2008 through April 17, 2008, ATWT episodes were written by non-union writers due to Passanante and her team participating in the WGA strike. It is speculated that Christopher Goutman
and Vivian Gundaker took over as Head Writers. Passanante's post-strike episodes hit the airwaves on April 18, 2008.
Another World
The Last AW Writing Team
As the World Turns
One Life to Live
s:
Writers Guild of America Awards
(WGA)
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
television screenwriter
Screenwriter
Screenwriters or scriptwriters or scenario writers are people who write/create the short or feature-length screenplays from which mass media such as films, television programs, Comics or video games are based.-Profession:...
best known for her work in daytime soap operas
Soap opera
A soap opera, sometimes called "soap" for short, is an ongoing, episodic work of dramatic fiction presented in serial format on radio or as television programming. The name soap opera stems from the original dramatic serials broadcast on radio that had soap manufacturers, such as Procter & Gamble,...
.
Passanante got her start as an actress doing bit parts in the 1980s, including John Sayles's Return of the Secaucus 7
Return of the Secaucus 7
Return of the Secaucus 7 is a drama film written and directed by John Sayles. It features Bruce MacDonald, Maggie Renzi, Adam LeFevre, Maggie Cousineau, Gordon Clapp, Jean Passanante, and others....
. In 1985 she married writer Jack Shannon. They are still married and have one daughter, Ruth Shannon.
She got her start on soaps working as a staff writer on the ABC Daytime
ABC Daytime
ABC Daytime is a programming block on the ABC Network which has historically encompassed soap operas, game shows and talk shows.-Schedule:...
drama One Life to Live
One Life to Live
One Life to Live is an American soap opera which debuted on July 15, 1968 and has been broadcast on the ABC television network. Created by Agnes Nixon, the series was the first daytime drama to primarily feature racially and socioeconomically diverse characters and consistently emphasize social...
from 1992 to 1996. In 1996 she was promoted to the top position of Head Writer
Head writer
A head writer is a person who oversees the team of writers on a television or radio series. The title is common in the soap opera genre, as well as with sketch comedies and talk shows that feature monologues and comedy skits, but in prime time series this function is generally performed by an...
, only to be replaced in 1997. She remained as a staff writer until 1998, at which time she was made Co-Head Writer of the ailing soap opera Another World
Another World (TV series)
Another World is an American television soap opera that ran on NBC from May 4, 1964 to June 25, 1999. It ran for a total of 35 years. It was created by Irna Phillips along with William J...
. Passanante wrapped up the show's 35-year run in June 1999. The next month, she relieved All My Children
All My Children
All My Children is an American television soap opera that aired on ABC from January 5, 1970 to September 23, 2011. Created by Agnes Nixon, All My Children is set in Pine Valley, Pennsylvania, a fictitious suburb of Philadelphia. The show features Susan Lucci as Erica Kane, one of daytime's most...
creator Agnes Nixon
Agnes Nixon
Agnes Nixon is an American writer and producer. She attended Northwestern University where she was a member of Alpha Chi Omega sorority, and is best known as the creator of soap operas such as One Life to Live and All My Children...
of head writing duties after Nixon was called in to temporarily replace Megan McTavish
Megan McTavish
Megan McTavish is an American television actress and soap opera writer. McTavish is best known for several head writing stints on All My Children.-Early career:...
.
Passanante's contract with All My Children expired in 2001, and she was replaced by Richard Culliton
Richard Culliton
Richard Culliton is an American television writer known for his work on soap operas. He has won four Writers Guild of America Awards, including one as a Head Writer, and two Daytime Emmy Awards. He is an alumnus of Northwestern University...
. She was then hired by CBS'
CBS
CBS Broadcasting Inc. is a major US commercial broadcasting television network, which started as a radio network. The name is derived from the initials of the network's former name, Columbia Broadcasting System. The network is sometimes referred to as the "Eye Network" in reference to the shape of...
As the World Turns
As the World Turns
As the World Turns is an American television soap opera that aired on CBS from April 2, 1956 to September 17, 2010. Irna Phillips created As the World Turns as a sister show to her other soap opera Guiding Light...
in 2001, where she served as Co-Head Writer (second in command to Hogan Sheffer
Hogan Sheffer
Hogan Sheffer is an American Daytime Emmy-winning screenwriter. During the WGA strike, he chose financial core status with the WGA and continued working.-Personal life:...
) until she was promoted to Head Writer in early 2005.
Passanante attended Dartmouth College
Dartmouth College
Dartmouth College is a private, Ivy League university in Hanover, New Hampshire, United States. The institution comprises a liberal arts college, Dartmouth Medical School, Thayer School of Engineering, and the Tuck School of Business, as well as 19 graduate programs in the arts and sciences...
. http://www.buzzflood.org/index.php?itemid=2884
From January 25, 2008 through April 17, 2008, ATWT episodes were written by non-union writers due to Passanante and her team participating in the WGA strike. It is speculated that Christopher Goutman
Christopher Goutman
Christopher Goutman is an American soap opera producer, writer, actor, and director. He has played minor roles on Search for Tomorrow, Texas and The Edge of Night. After leaving acting, he began to direct on All My Children, As the World Turns, Guiding Light, and Another World...
and Vivian Gundaker took over as Head Writers. Passanante's post-strike episodes hit the airwaves on April 18, 2008.
Positions held
All My ChildrenAll My Children
All My Children is an American television soap opera that aired on ABC from January 5, 1970 to September 23, 2011. Created by Agnes Nixon, All My Children is set in Pine Valley, Pennsylvania, a fictitious suburb of Philadelphia. The show features Susan Lucci as Erica Kane, one of daytime's most...
- Head WriterHead writerA head writer is a person who oversees the team of writers on a television or radio series. The title is common in the soap opera genre, as well as with sketch comedies and talk shows that feature monologues and comedy skits, but in prime time series this function is generally performed by an...
: January 2001 - August 2001 - Co-Head Writer: July 1999 - January 2001
Another World
Another World (TV series)
Another World is an American television soap opera that ran on NBC from May 4, 1964 to June 25, 1999. It ran for a total of 35 years. It was created by Irna Phillips along with William J...
- Head Writer: July 1998
- Co-Head Writer: May 1998 - July 1998 with Richard CullitonRichard CullitonRichard Culliton is an American television writer known for his work on soap operas. He has won four Writers Guild of America Awards, including one as a Head Writer, and two Daytime Emmy Awards. He is an alumnus of Northwestern University...
, July 1998 - June 25, 1999 with Leah LaimanLeah LaimanLeah Laiman is an American soap opera writer and romance novelist.- Background :This Emmy Award winning writer got her start on daytime television during the early 1980s when General Hospital's Head Writer, Pat Falken Smith, quit the show with the entire writing team...
The Last AW Writing Team
- Leah LaimanLeah LaimanLeah Laiman is an American soap opera writer and romance novelist.- Background :This Emmy Award winning writer got her start on daytime television during the early 1980s when General Hospital's Head Writer, Pat Falken Smith, quit the show with the entire writing team...
(Head WriterHead writerA head writer is a person who oversees the team of writers on a television or radio series. The title is common in the soap opera genre, as well as with sketch comedies and talk shows that feature monologues and comedy skits, but in prime time series this function is generally performed by an...
), Jean Passanante (Co-Head Writer), Stephen DemorestStephen Demorest-Positions held:All My Children*Associate Head Writer: April 8, 2005 - January 14, 2008Another World*Associate Head Writer: March 1999 - June 25, 1999As the World Turns*Associate Head Writer...
, Melissa SalmonsMelissa Salmons-Positions held:*One Life to Live *The Young and the Restless * Liquid Television * Another World * Guiding Light * As the World Turns...
, Laura Maria Censabella, Judy Tate, Tom WigginTom WigginTom Wiggin is an American actor, writer and entrepreneur.-Career:In a career that has spanned four decades, Wiggin has acted professionally on stage, TV and in films. He has also written for two soap operas and had one screenplay optioned...
, Tom KingTom King (writer)Tom King is an American television writer and story board artist best known for his work on the animated children's shows The Ren and Stimpy Show, SpongeBob SquarePants, Camp Lazlo, Chowder and The Fairly OddParents...
, Maura PendersMaura Penders-Positions held:Another World* Associate Head Writer * Script Writer Days of our Lives * Associate Head Writer...
, Richard CullitonRichard CullitonRichard Culliton is an American television writer known for his work on soap operas. He has won four Writers Guild of America Awards, including one as a Head Writer, and two Daytime Emmy Awards. He is an alumnus of Northwestern University...
, Shelly AltmanShelly AltmanShelly Altman is an American soap opera writer.-Positions held:Another World*Associate Head Writer: 1995 - 1999General Hospital*Writer: August 2011-Present, Co-Head Writer: October 24 2011-PresentOne Life to Live...
, Carolyn CullitonCarolyn CullitonCarolyn Culliton is an American daytime serial writer and an alumnus of Northwestern University. Her husband is acclaimed daytime serial writer Richard Culliton...
, Richard J. AllenRichard J. AllenRichard J. Allen is an American television soap opera writer. He is the chairman and professor of the film department at Texas Christian University in Fort Worth.-Positions held:Another World...
, Sofia Landon GeierSofia Landon GeierSofia Landon Geier is a television soap opera writer and actress. She is also credited as Sofia Landon or Sophia Landon...
, Lynn MartinLynn MartinLynn Martin may refer to:*Lynn Martin , U.S. TV writer*Lynn Morley Martin , U.S. politician...
, Gillian SpencerGillian SpencerGillian Spencer is an American soap opera actress and writer.She has had roles on soaps such as The Edge of Night, The Secret Storm, Guiding Light, As the World Turns and on One Life to Live as the original Victoria Lord/Niki Smith 1968-1970.Spencer appeared in the 1968 feature comedy What's So...
, Mary Sue PriceMary Sue PriceMary Sue Price is an American playwright and scriptwriter for the ABC Daytime soap opera General Hospital. She has won two Emmys as a member of the General Hospital writing team.-Education:...
, Edwin Klein, Gordon RayfieldGordon Rayfield-Career:*All My Children**Head writer: ; **Breakdown writer: June 2002 - December 2002*Another World**Breakdown writer: 1998 - 1999*As the World Turns...
, Courtney SimonCourtney SimonCourtney Simon is an American writer and actress. Simon is sometimes credited as "Courtney Sherman" or "Courtney Sherman Simon".- Acting roles :...
, Eleanor LabineEleanor LabineEleanor Labine is an American TV writer, the daughter of Claire Labine and the sister of Matthew Labine.-Positions held:Another World*Associate Head Writer General Hospital*Associate Head Writer Guiding Light...
As the World Turns
As the World Turns
As the World Turns is an American television soap opera that aired on CBS from April 2, 1956 to September 17, 2010. Irna Phillips created As the World Turns as a sister show to her other soap opera Guiding Light...
- Head Writer: May 25, 2005 - January 24, 2008, April 18, 2008 - July 10, 2009 with Leah Laiman, July 11, 2009 to March 15, 2010 with David KreizmanDavid KreizmanDavid Kreizman is an American soap opera writer. He is a graduate of the University of Virginia.Kreizman was a part of the writing team for the long running CBS Daytime soap opera Guiding Light since the late 1990s. In 2004, he was promoted to the position of Head Writer by newly appointed...
, March 15, 2010-September 2010 - Co-Head Writer: September 2001 - May 24, 2005
One Life to Live
One Life to Live
One Life to Live is an American soap opera which debuted on July 15, 1968 and has been broadcast on the ABC television network. Created by Agnes Nixon, the series was the first daytime drama to primarily feature racially and socioeconomically diverse characters and consistently emphasize social...
- Associate Head Writer: 1993 - 1996, 1997 - 1998, beginning September 2010
- Co-Head Writer: 1996 - 1997 with Leah LaimanLeah LaimanLeah Laiman is an American soap opera writer and romance novelist.- Background :This Emmy Award winning writer got her start on daytime television during the early 1980s when General Hospital's Head Writer, Pat Falken Smith, quit the show with the entire writing team...
and Peggy SloanePeggy SloanePeggy Sloane was an American television soap opera script writer. She wrote on daytime for over 23 years, and her final year of active daytime work was back in 1999...
Awards and nominations
Daytime Emmy AwardDaytime Emmy Award
The Daytime Emmy Awards are awards presented by the New York-based National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences and the Los Angeles-based Academy of Television Arts & Sciences in recognition of excellence in American daytime television programming...
s:
- Wins, 2002, 2004 and 2005, Outstanding Drama Series Writing Team for As the World Turns
- Nomination, 2003, Outstanding Drama Series Writing Team for As the World Turns
- Nomination, 2001 and 2002, Outstanding Drama Series Writing Team for All My Children
- Win, 1994, Outstanding Drama Series Writing Team for One Life to Live
Writers Guild of America Awards
Writers Guild of America Award
The Writers Guild of America Award for outstanding achievements in film, television, and radio has been presented annually by the Writers Guild of America, East and Writers Guild of America, West since 1949...
(WGA)
- Win, 2007, Best Daytime Serial for As the World Turns
- Nominations, 2005 and 2006, Daytime Serials for As the World Turns
- Win, 2001 and 2002, Daytime Serials for All My Children
- Win, 1992 for "One Life to Live"