Soap Opera Digest has learned that Stuart Damon (Alan, GH) is reportedly joining the cast of ATWT in a new role. He joins fellow GH/PC pals Jon Lindstrom (Craig), Julie Pinson (Janet), Lynn Herring (Audrey) and Marie Wilson (Meg). Since the show is so far ahead with their taping schedule, look for the actor to debut sometime around September.
CBS Soaps in Depth adds:
Look for GENERAL HOSPITAL alum Stuart Damon (ex-Alan) to make his way to AS THE WORLD TURNS this September! Soaps In Depth has learned that he will be playing a new character who is very connected to an Oakdale resident.
I love every one of these actors ATWT is hiring, and they are all very talented, but I have to say this non-stop casting, recasting and uncasting carousel ATWT is on is very confusing for three big reasons.
First, fans rarely get to see their favorite ATWT characters already. Many of the longtime characters have been fairly invisible this year such as Lisa (4 appearances), Lucinda (12 appearances), Bob (5 appearances), Nancy (1 appearance), Emma (2 appearances), and on and on. I would like to believe the new characters will help bring out story for these folks but it hasn't happened so far and fans are skeptical.
Second, ATWT's newbies tend to be peripheral characters. The most recent castings have been for Janet's sister and Henry's mother. If we must have non-stop new characters, how about Frannie, Sabrina, Chris, Betsy, etc that would draw on history and tie in some of Oakdale's MIA residents? I will give the show credit for Hunter and Riley/Adam despite the plot holes in the stories.
Third, the perception by many fans, and it's hard to defend this argument, is that ATWT cares more about trying to create casting "buzz" than actually writing good long-term storylines. When many of the "big name" hires are only around for 6-8 weeks, fans anticipate another short-term story with little to no lasting impact. It's possible new fans might tune in to see an old favorite from a different show, but if the story isn't there, they won't stick around.
If ATWT is in its last year or so on the air, why not treat fans to familiar faces? And by familiar, I mean to longtime ATWT fans, not former GENERAL HOSPITAL and PORT CHARLES fans.
Now if it turns out Stuart Damon is coming on to play a suitor for Lucinda, Emma, Lisa and Susan, and romances these ladies in a big umbrella story, all will be forgiven.
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