Casting News: Leven Rambin (Lily Benton Montgomery) OUT!

To no one's surprise, Leven Rambin will be exiting her role as Lily Benton Montgomery this summer. She joined the show as the autistic daughter of Jackson Montgomery in 2004, before taking on the dual-role of her look-a-like sister Ava Benton in 2007.

Rambin had made it clear in past interviews that she did not expect to renew her contract after the original three year cycle completed. She has been busy outside of daytime, modeling and making guest appearances on Primetime shows like Law & Order: Special Victims Unit and Lipstick Jungle.

Rambin issued a goodbye statement to SOD Online:

First of all, I want to thank you all from the bottom of my heart for your unwavering support of me and my characters over the past 4 years. As you know, I started ALL MY CHILDREN when I was extremely young, so I essentially grew up there; memories of my teenage years will consist mostly of days (and nights) spent at ALL MY CHILDREN. It has been such an amazing forum for me to grow as a person and an actress. I was so fortunate to be in such an environment for the past 4 years. But, alas, much like my peers who are graduating high school around this time, it's time to move on. Four long but amazing years of my life have been spent with ALL MY CHILDREN, and I will always look back on my experience there fondly. I feel it is time for me as an actress to expand and have new opportunities, and I thank ALL MY CHILDREN for respecting my decision. My last filming date was May19th. I am looking forward to that day with optimism but a sense of sadness as well. I have come to an understanding that soap fans are unlike any other; dedicated, passionate, and loving. I am honored to have you all rooting for me.

All my love,
Leven

More on this matter at a later time.

Flashback to 1998

It was so refreshing to see Esta Terblanche (ex-Gillian Andrassy) on the front page of SoapOperaDigest.com. The 1998 quiz wasn't particular hard... or interesting.

TC Warner had some fun things to say about that time in her interview with the All My Children History Project.

Could Larry Lau (Greg Nelson) be back for the long haul?

If some fans have their say, definitely! The show is throwing around the idea of keeping Lau and Greg back in Pine Valley for an extended stay. Lau has not been on contract with the show since he departed in 1986 to join the cast of Another World.

The last few days have shown that Greg's story is still very much left unfinished. He left Hong Kong to become a teacher in Seattle. He still harbors the scars of Jenny's death. Could Greg come back and find love with someone new?

Oh, the possibilities. C'mon Larry, jump back on board!

The Busiest Man in Daytime Gets... Well, Busier

Cameron Mathison (Ryan Lavery) and The View's Sherri Shepherd have been named the Hosts of this year's Daytime Emmy Telecast.

Mathison is a fan favorite, and will surely captivate the crowd. It is great to see the producers choose a real Daytime star for the hosting duties this year. Then again, the last time (Vanessa Marcil), did not go so well.

She's With Noah Now

Julia Keefer (Sydney Penny) joins her one true love today when the doctors at PVH run out of options.

We'll miss you Ms. Penny, thanks for the memories.

They better give Julia a good funeral. They better not pull a Trevor.

Where Are They Now? TC Warner (1995-1998)

TC Warner took some time out of busy production schedule to sit down with the All My Children History project and reflect on her time in Pine Valley. Get some insight into how life was behind the scenes in the mid-1990's and what lead to her sudden departure in 1998.

For the full story, check out the interview HERE

"I think it was easier to kill her, get her out of the way and move on"- Sydney Penny, SOD June 4, 2008

Sydney Penny breathes her last breath as Julia Keefer on May 27th. Only adding to All My Children's list of poorly written returns, Julia dies leaving her adoptive daughter, Kathy Keefer, orphaned again, sort of.

In honor of Penny's run on the show, let's take a look back at some of Julia's many memorable moments:

Julia Saves Maria from the Falling Chandelier (1994): Isabella and Hector Santos sent Julia to Pine Valley hoping she would be inspired to do something with her life by living with her successful big sister, Dr. Maria Santos soon to be Grey. The sisters did not exactly have the best relationship. Their animosity was a mix of their parents high expectations, and Julia's jealousy.
The greatest turning point for the sisters came about after a tornado ripped through the Valley Inn. Julia spotted a chandelier dangling on its last wire right above Maria. Without hesitation, Julia pushed Maria out of the way only to have her face ripped open by the crashing shards of glass.

Louie Greco rapes Julia (1994): Julia found her true self while living with her future husband, Noah Keefer, in Center City. Noah didn't care that Julia was disfigured, he saw the true beauty inside of her.
But their happiness was cut short when drug dealer Louie Greco broke into Noah's apartment and raped Julia. Julia found her way back to Wildwind, turning to Maria for help. Julia's road to recovery was marred by obstacles including learning she was pregnant with Greco's child and having an abortion, to the mental anguish she felt by even only looking at the man she loved, Noah.
Penny's performance as a recovering victim of rape garnered her an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actress.

Noah and Julia go on the Run in Jamaica (1996): To escape charges for Greco's murder, Noah and Julia became fugitives in Jamaica. After faking their deaths, the couple had a reprieve to admit their love for each other.





Julia and Noah Marry at Wildwind (1996): Edmund Grey opened Wildwind to Noah and Julia upon their return to Pine Valley. In a wedding inspired by Disney's Cinderella (Disney/ABC's media cross promotion at its best), Julia and Noah married in the Gothic castle in front of all their family and friends. The costumes were all custom made and inspired by the film.
The evening was truly a spectacle of daytime. Julia (and Penny) truly looked like a princess marrying her Prince Charming.
The details and grandeur of the event makes it one of the most memorable weddings in All My Children History.

Julia and Maria Reunite in the Wildwind Bar (2002): After six years apart, Julia and Maria come face to face in the Wildwind Barn. Only, Maria is an amnesiac and hiding her lover Aidan Devane from Edmund, and Julia has spent the last years of her life deep in the Witness Protection Program.
Just when Julia begins to think her all too rare visit was futile, Maria casually mentions the scar that used to be on Julia's face. For a second, the sisters look into each other's eyes and it is as if no time has passed at all.

A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes

On May 28th, star-crossed lovers Tad Martin (Michael E. Knight) and Dixie Cooney (Cady McClain) reunite, sort of.

Tad is critically injured after his uncle Rob Gardner goes on a shooting rampage at the Hubbard wedding. Dixie and Tad share a brief interlude imagining their life together had she not faked her death in 2002.

As much as we would all like to blame Dixie for ruining their chance at a happy ending, remember it was Megan McTavish and Julie Carruthers who pissed on our dream when they planned the plot driven drivel of Dixie's murder in 2007.

Imaginary Bitches: Sexy Single Chicks

Connie Staton (ex-Erin Lavery) appears in her second episode.

Looks like Eden gets a real life friend for a change.

Breaking News: Brown & Esensten team let go, Pratt set as replacement

Former Co-Headwriter of the Emmy Award Winning Writing team at ABC's General Hospital Charles Pratt, jr. is slated to take over as headwriter of All My Children from James Harmon Brown and Barbara Esensten.

For all the information, go to SON. For the dish, stay here.

Brown & Esensten's run was met with mixed reviews. It was earmarked by a large cast restructuring including walking papers for Brent Weber (ex-Sean), Jeff Branson (ex-Jonathan) and now Sydney Penny (soon to be ex-Julia). Storylines were left dangling with these sudden departures, many of which were never explained onscreen. The Martin attic has never been fuller.

A gem from their run has to be the return of Debbi Morgan and Darnell Williams as Angie and Jesse Hubbard. There storyline received much mainstream coverage and kept long time fans very happy. Still, the program felt very disjointed. The Jesse and Angie story seemed like a whole other show. The canvas always seemed split.

Pratt took over General Hospital and rejuvenated its writing after Megan McTavish's critically panned run in 2002. He has since moved on, consulting for many primetime series including uber hit Desperate Housewives.

Let's hope Pratt has the ability to bring the show back to its greatness. There are glimmers of hope today with all the history being used to drive Jesse and Angie's story. I hope he recognizes that and continues with that theme.

Bibel's Blog Mention

My little post of Sarah Bibel's Blog was one of her featured questions:

AMCHistory writes: I cannot wait to hear more about what was going on behind the scenes at AMC. I do not know how a show with such a rich history, and at that time a pretty stellar cast, sunk to such lows. I love your user name. It reminds me of the good old days of the Glamorama and Aunt Phoebe. Honestly, I wasn't with AMC long enough to give you a full explanation of the situation. But I will say that, in general, head writers who aren't familiar with a show tend to favor plot driven storytelling. In my experience, this rarely makes for satisfying viewing.

In homage to Bibel's homage to the History Project, check out the new super awesome poster I created, which will be sent to all Stars past and present who do interviews with our site.

"Shouldn't You be in Seattle?"

One word can sum up today's episode of All My Children: WOW! Laurence Lau's (Greg Nelson) return was exactly what the doctor ordered.

Firstly, Lau doesn't look like he has aged a bit. In fact, he is looking even more like preppy Greg Nelson now, than when he was on One Life to Live as Sam Rappaport.

Secondly, the chemistry between the old Fab-Four, or what is left of them, is undeniable. From the scenes at the Hubbards at Apartment, to the amazing visit to Jenny Gardner's gravesite. Lau knocked it out of the ball park. Sometimes when these short term, stunt guest stints come about, the actor is little more than window dressing, hugging a few old friends and reminiscing about the good times. Hardly do they get any scenes as substantive as what Lau had today. Lau took the opportunity to shine, and that he did.

Thirdly, the writers must have finally started visiting this site because they actually made some great references to the show's history. The flashback to Jenny and Greg's first meeting is something I haven't seen since Jenny's funeral. Adam Chandler mentioned his daughter Skye Chandler-Quartermaine, something he failed to do for years even when Robin Christopher had reprised her role on General Hospital.

But the best history reference for me was Angie asking Greg if he should be in Seattle, something of an inside joke for longtime viewers. Seattle was the location Agnes Nixon used to write her characters off to when they left town (ie: Lincoln Tyler in 1971). She even joked around that Seattle must be like a little Pine Valley, with all the former citizens she had shipped off there.

I hope All My Children stays on the track it is on now. The show is actually getting good to watch. The Hubbard's latest wedding is definitely going to be Must See TV.

Hopefully, I didn't just jinx us all.


For the scenes, look at this video from YouTube. Don't forget a Kleenex:

Fin's Finished

Finola Hughes has CANCELLED her run on CBS' The Young and the Restless. Looks like the people at General Hospital are very protective of her, despite the fact they are yet to offer her a contract.

I wonder what threats Jill Phelps levied to make this happen. When her co-star Tristan Rogers spoke out against the show on his personal site, he was dropped from his recurring status and mentions of his character, Robert Scorpio, have been minimal since.

Update: Columnist Michael Logan wrote a response to the situation online at TVGuide.com.

Star Jones, Eat Your Heart Out!

The first photos from Jesse and Angie Hubbard's upcoming third wedding are beginning to trickle in. ABC is going all out for the event including special guest stars, flashbacks, and a CGI enhanced dramatic conclusion to the Robert Gardner saga.

More photos will be posted here as soon as they become available.

Where Are They Now? Finola Hughes (ex-Alex Marick/Anna Devane, 1999-2003)

Though Finola Hughes has been making recurring appearances as Anna on ABC's General Hospital since 2007, she has just signed on to CBS' The Young and the Restless in the role of Zara.

Per TV Guide, Hughes will be keeping her stay in Genoa City a short one. Hughes is slated to return to tape more episodes of General Hospital in June.

Imaginary Bitches: Where Were You When Eden Got Drunk and Puked All Over Me and Lizzie?



In this latest installment, Eden opens up about her imaginary friends to one of her real life buddies.

Where are They Now? Marcus Patrick (ex-Jamal Cudahy, 2006)

Marcus Patrick sat down with the AMC History Project for a candid interview about what happened to cut his run as Jamal short in 2006. The actor remained on contract for only 5 months before leaving, citing creative differences.

Patrick said, "I was the token Black person in many scenes with few lines."

For the full story, read our premier interview HERE.

Ehlers leaves Springfield for the Valley

Beth Ehlers, best known for her role as Guiding Light's Harley Davidson Cooper (1987-93, 1997, 1997-2008), has joined the show in an undetermined role. She departed GL after contract negotiations fell through last month. Ehlers was first confirmed by Soap Opera Weekly as taking over the role of Liza Colby, but it looks like plans have changed.

Rumors continue to indicate Ehlers will take on the role of Hayley Santos, a role originated by Kelly Ripa in 1990. Though some critics believe Ripa would never return as Hayley, Ripa has stated otherwise on Live with Regis and Kelly.

It saddens me when Ripa has voiced her willingness to come back to the role she played for 12 years, and the producers have yet to call her. If the character is really necessary as a long term gig, and really Hayley is not at this point, I am sure they could work something out with Ripa to accommodate her schedule.

Hayley coming on would also most likely mean the end to another Santos supercouple as I do not see Mark Consuelos running back to reprise the role of Mateo Santos. Haven't the powers that be ruined enough of the Santos family supercouples by killing off Noah Keefer and Edmund Grey?

On the other hand, Marcy Walker-Smith has made it clear she has no plans on going back to acting , just read the personal handwritten note I received from her secretary at her new job with an autographed postcard. Liza has so much history that can be played up, and leaves potential for Ehlers to be paired with her one time co-star and love interest Ricky Paull Goldin (now AMC's Dr. Jake Martin, ex-GL's Gus Aitoro).

Much of Liza's former liaisons have made their way back to Pine Valley. There is so much interesting stories to be told here best o how Liza skipped town in 2004. Why ruin the happily ever after with Mateo and Hayley, when you can surely have magic with Ehlers as Liza with Goldin's Jake?

Either way, Ehlers is a welcomed addition to All My Children. She is a proven and talented actress that will prosper is any role she takes on... as long as it is not my Tinkerbell.

Casting News: Billy Miller Out!

Daytime Confidential is reporting Billy Miller (Richie Novak) has been let go from All My Children. The character will meet his maker very soon. No lat airdate has been announced.

Miller became a quick fan favorite as the mysterious Comeback bartender Wes. His turn to the dark side with the revelation that he was Annie's sociopath brother Richie did not seem to make his popularity wane.

More on this matter as information becomes available.

Where are They Now? Eden Riegel (ex-Bianca Montgomery, 2000-05; 2005; 2006-07; 2007)

The Valley's first daughter sat down for an exclusive interview with Pine Valley Bulletin's EIC Kathy Carano to talk about her very busy life now as a new wife, pet owner, and producer.

Riegel won her way into America's hearts as the tragic heroine Bianca on All My Children in 2000. She won an Emmy for her portrayal in 2005.

If you have not checked out her new webisode series, go to ImaginaryBitches.com today. It is some of the funniest material I have seen in a long time.

The Pen in Mightier than the Sword

Soap scribe Sara Bibel has started her own blog about her life behind the scenes at some of our favorite soaps, including most importantly All My Children.

A self-professed AMC fan, Bibel refers to her time at the show as, "several no-so-happy weeks." Really, who could blame her? She jumped on board during the critically panned Greenlee kidnapping Spike storyline. The program had one of its worst summers to date.

I can already tell I am going to love Bibel's blog. It is a definite must read.


On a sidenote, I am saddened that I have to use a picture of Sabine Singh (ex-Greenlee duPres) for this story. The combination of Singh's propensity for overacting and some of the worst plot driven drivel to grace our screens made most long time AMC fans, including myself, tune out.

I Wish I Had Friends in High Place

Watch CNBC's behind the scenes video of Warren Buffett's appearance on All My Children. The video features some great banter between the Omaha billionaire and our Daytime's greatest writer, Ms. Agnes Nixon.

(Pictured from L to R: Jill Larson, Susan Lucci, Buffett, Nixon)

Imaginary Bitches: The Dirtier Isn't Always Better



Our girls Liz Hendrickson (ex-Maggie Stone) and Eden Riegel (ex-Bianca Montgomery) star in this weeks episode of Imaginary Bitches.

I see big things for this show. I would be surprised if we start hearing mainstream coverage since so many bigger soap names are involved.

Susan Lucci: Youthful Essence

Susan Lucci's (Erica Kane) many looks throughout the years are featured in this week's issue of Soap Opera Digest. Check out the news stands today.

Crazy is as Crazy Does

The week of May 12 spoilers has Adam Chandler (David Canary) committed to Oak Haven, in the same room he threw Dixie Cooney (Cady McClain) in 1989.

The only problem, Dixie was never committed to Oak Haven. Nope, her sanitarium of choice was Laurel Hill.

All My Children, hire a story editor, stat. Better yet, just read this site.

The Love of A Child

All My Children guest star Ne-Yo (pictured r.) is taking on a huge issue in America. CLICK HERE for the story.

So When Are We Leaving?

SoapOperaDigest.com's new feature is a history lesson on the hostage situations that some of our favorite Pine Valley residents have found themselves in, or caused (*ahem* Janet).

The only startling omission for me is the fact that the bank heist that made Sean Cudahy (Alan Dysert) a hero was left off the list. Sean's true colors where only evident to his brother, Pine Valley's first golden boy, Tom Cudahy (Richard Shoberg). He used the situation to weasel his way into the trust of the affluent Cortlandt family.

Is it sad that I feel like I should almost explain who the Cortlandts are?

The AMCHistory Top 5 April 2008

This new feature will spotlight the five Quick Guide Biographies that received the most hits in the last month.

1) Tad Gardner Martin (42)
2) Erica Kane (41)
3) Kendall Hart Slater (36)
4) Greeenlee duPres (35)
5) Dr. Angie Baxter Hubbard (33)
Jesse Hubbard (33)

Talk about the major players! All of these characters had major screentime this month. It is surpring to see that despite the general complaints of the FUSION dominance of airtime, Kendall and Greenlee seem to be of high interest on the web.

No surprise that Tad, Angie and Jesse are on the list. Ironic that Jesse and Angie tied for the number of hits this month.

Probably the most comprehensive biography, Erica's, also saw its share of hits. I think it is probably the best of the Quick Guide Biographies on the site.

Don't Quit Your Day Job

TLC gains another AMC star when Cameron Mathison (Ryan Lavery) hosts their newest game show, Your Place or Mine?

Mathison has no immediate plans to leave All My Children, a show he has been with off and on since 1997. He last pulled double duty when he starred in the 2007 season of Dancing With the Stars. Mathison is also the host of SoapNet's I Wanna Be a Soapstar.

He will be joining former co-stars Kelly Ripa (ex-Hayley Santos) and Mark Consuelos (ex-Mateo Santos) who just signed a development deal with the cable network.

Where Are They Now? Roscoe Born (ex-Jim Thomasen #1, 1997)

Veteran Daytime performer Roscoe Born has joined the cast of Days of Our Lives in the contract role of Dean Robbins. Born has starred on no less than ten Daytime Dramas, but is probably most recognized for his role as villainous cult leader Mitch Laurence (1985-87, 2002-03) on sister soap One Life to Live.

Born's most memorable dramatic moments at All My Children occurred offscreen when he suddenly stopped showing up for work in 1997. He was quickly recast with Another World star David Forsyth while an exit story was penned for Thomasen. Thomasen was killed by his lover Brooke English (Julia Barr) after she learned of his past as a child pedophile.

According to the April 29, 2008 issue of Soap Opera Digest, Born left New York and began a life as a troubadour in Austin, TX. He attributed the moved as, "the only thing I (Born) could do, practically to save my life." See the attached article for more.

Born was last seen on Passions in 2007 as a jail warden. His last contract role was as Tom Fisher on The Young and the Restless in 2005-06. Born's first airdate is May 29.

Source: SoapOperaDigest.com

Poetic Justice

With Greenlee duPres' (Rebecca Budig) wedding to Aidan Devane (Aiden Turner) on the horizon, I can not help but think back to one of Greenlee's most memorable wedding moment: revealing Jackson Montgomery (Walt Willey) was her father at his wedding to Erica Kane (Susan Lucci).

Never have I actually seen as much fear in Erica's eyes than when she realized all her plotting to keep Greenlee from the truth had failed. Michael Knight (Tad Martin) contributed further to the drama after Jackson realized his best friend had been lying to him too.

How ironic would it be if Erica crashed Greenlee's wedding with the truth about Kendall and Aidan's affair. Erica and Greenlee's rivalry, especially with Budig back in the role, is always great to watch onscreen.

Budig would hit those scenes out of the park. She has been an Emmy contender in the past (and frankly was robbed of a nomination in 2004), but scenes like this would most surely garner her a win.

Flashback: Mardi Gras Ball Explosion

As if People in Pine Valley Could be Any Richer

Warren Buffett makes an appearance on All My Children on May 9. Opal Cortlandt (Jill Larson) accompanies Buffett to visit Erica Kane (Susan Lucci) in prison.

This is Buffett's second appearance on All My Children. He first met Erica on screen when he interrupted her meeting with then ABC CEO Tom Murphy in 1991. He would make a second cameo in 1992.

Creator Agnes Nixon allegedly first invited Buffett because she was a fan of his witty annual letters to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders.

UPDATE: Buffet played a reel of his appearence this weekend at the annual Berkshire Hathaway shareholders meeting. Not that's what we call synergy.

Once a Pine Valley-ite, Always a Pine Valley-ite













All My Children alums Eden Riegel (ex-Bianca Montgomery), Elizabeth Hendrickson (ex-Maggie Stone) and Connie Fletcher Staton (ex-Erin Lavery) team up for an new online serial Imaginary Bitches.

If the first episode is any indication, this show is going to be awesome.

Penny Set for May Exit

Soap Opera Digest is confirming the departure of Emmy Award Nominee Sydney Penny (Julia Keefer, pictured l.). She originated the role of nurse Keefer in 1993.

Her departure is storyline dictated. Which means there will be no fall out from the much anticipated, six year search for Kate Martin (Alexa Gerasmovich, pictuered r.) storyline.

Let's hope the rumors are true about the current writers, Barbara Esensten & James Harmon Brown, are on their way out. SOD is reporting former One Life to Live Executive Producer Gary Tomlin and former Primetime and General Hospital Headwriter Charles Pratt, jr. have been approached to take over.

Mr. Tomlin, Mr. Pratt, if you need a storyline consultant or researcher, I am volunteering. I will work free of charge if you can save our soap.

Dreaming of Pigeon Hallow

This week's Soap Opera Digest Magazine now on the stands, has more information about Dixie Cooney's (Cady McClain, pictured r.) ghostly return to Pine Valley. Looks like when the going gets supernatural, Adam Chandler (David Canary, pictured l.) will turn to Opal Cortlandt to get to the bottom of the situation.

In other Cortlandt news, Opal and Palmer Cortlandt team up again when James Mitchell makes one of his all too rare appearances on All My Children during May Sweeps. I am holding out hope for one more walk down the aisle for these kooky lovebirds.

Source: Soap Opera Digest

Paging Dr. Hayward

It's strange to see Vincent Irizarry (ex-David Hayward) in cast photos for another show. Nonetheless, it looks like the West Coast is treating this multiple Emmy Award Nominee well.

You can check out Irizarry in his new role as gambling addict David Chow on The Young and Restless on CBS at 12:30am EST or on CBS.com. You'll be a little depressed afterwards when you realize how a good soap handles production values, and writing, and acting etc, etc, etc...

They Grow Up So Fast

Ambyr Childers exits the role of Colby Marian Chandler on May 7th, 2008. Newcomer Brianne Moncrief has been recast in the role.

I am disappointed that the current writers are pursuing the Frank/Colby pairing. Frank has a baby with Colby's Aunt Mia Saunders! Please writers do your research. You have all the information you need at your fingertips.

Somebody, save our soap. What a waste of such a talented younger actress.

Please feel free to share your favorite Ambyr and Colby moments in the comments section.

UPDATE: Today, May 5, is Childer's last airdate. Moncrief will appear onscreen on May 7.

Source: SOAPNet.com

Let's Party Like its 1997!

SOD Online's feature this week is a quiz about All My Children in 1997. My favorite memory from that year has to be the feud at Wildwind between waring ladies of the manor Dr. Maria Grey (Eva LaRue then-Callahan) and Erica Kane-Marick (then and always-Susan Lucci).

It makes me sad to think Wildwind can become a thing of the past now that Sydney Penny (Julia Santos Keefer) is rumored to be on the chopping block. Those halls many memories of love, life and death.

Sidenote: Can the SOD Online editors be more lazy? Did anyone do the rearch and realize the picture they used in the feature of Lucci and Michael Nader (Dimtiri Marick) was actually from their remote shoot in Hungary in 1992. I am sure there are many lovely, and more timely photos in their vast photo collection.

I won't even begin to talk about the number of emails I have sent the online editor pointing errors in their stories.

Heck, if they're hiring, I'm looking.