Thaao Penghlis, Drake Hogestyn and Deidre Hall
The role of Antonio Vega on One Life to Live will be recast temporarily with actor Robert Montano starting May 16. The original Antonio, Kamar de los Reyes, injured his rotator cuff and had to take a short leave of absence. Montano's best-known soap role is Sergio Francone on As the World Turns, but he has also appeared on CSI: Miami, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit and Six Degrees.
Reyes made a statement to his fans on his official website, www.kamardelosreyes.com: "I am sorry to announce to you that I must step down and be recast for a short period of time due to my injuries. I have given all that I have to the character of Antonio Vega, but my health is mandating my full attention at this time. I plan to make a full and complete recovery and return to work not much more than a week after my surgery." About the recast occurring during th of his story line with Jessica (Bree Williamson), he says: "This is a very important time for Antonio and Jessica; I hope that you will continue to support this story line and show as much support for this new actor as Antonio as you have for me. Your prayers and heartfelt wishes are very much appreciated."
SOAPnet's reality series I Wanna Be a Soap Star has added a new star judge, Mary Beth Evans, who plays the wildly popular Kayla Brady Johnson on Days of Our Lives. The winner of this year's acting contest will appear on Days, so who better to decide if he or she fits in than one of its own? Evans joins fellow soap actress Debbi Morgan (ex-Angie, All My Children), talent manager Michael Bruno and head writer of Days Hogan Sheffer on the judging panel. The series begins production in May and will begin airing in August. Tune in to SOAPnet to see daytime's next big thing.
Speaking of Days, one of the DiMeras is coming back to cause trouble. Thaao Penghlis returns May 24 as Tony DiMera. I'm speculating this means supercouple John (Drake Hogestyn) and Marlena (Deidre Hall) will be in the thick of things again, but no details have been given about Penghlis' storyline. John has been in a coma for months now, with Marlena standing expectantly by his side. In the meantime, the newest member of the DiMera clan, EJ Wells (James Scott), has been making life miserable for the other residents of Salem, namely Sami (Alison Sweeney) and Steve (Stephen Nichols). Now with big brother Tony back in the game, John and Marlena are sure to be the DiMeras' next targets - again.
Good news for Trevor St. John fans. The actor, who stars as Todd Manning on One Life to Live, has finally reached an agreement with the show and signed a new contract. Reports were going back and forth that he was leaving, staying or being replaced by his predecessor, Roger Howarth (ex-Todd, now Paul on As the World Turns). Fortunately, the negotiations worked out, and St. John is sticking around. There is still no official word on the status of his co-star Renee Elise Goldsberry (Evangeline). Contract talks have stalled as this goes to press, but I will update you in a future column once a decision has been made.
- Dana Block
