Lynda Hirsch on Soaps

You could find "One Life to Live's'" Tuc Watkins (David) and Gloria Loring (Ex-Liz, "Days of Our Lives") sitting together in sixth grade. They certainly passed fifth grade with straight A's. The duo were the two stars on "Are You Smarter than a 5th Grader's" soap week that answered all their questions correctly. Watkins was playing for his sister's charity, which provides art enrichment for schools that have been forced to cut arts programs due to budget cuts. Loring, who has a diabetic son, played for the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation. Other soap stars did not fair as well. Tyler Christopher (Nikolas, "General Hospital"), who was playing for a Down syndrome organization (he has a nephew with Down syndrome), was a question away from getting the $25,000. He actually had the right answer but changed his mind to the wrong one at the last second. Bryan Dattilo (Lucas, "Days") and Sarah Joy Brown (ex-Claudia, "General Hospital," now Sandy on "Bold and Beautiful") went away with consolation prizes. After getting a string of answers wrong, Dattilo quipped, "That's why I'm an actor." He wants fans to know that his character is off the canvas on "Days" for now but will be back. "I was told Lucas was going to rehab for a few months, then was told they had a fantastic story line coming up for me."

Daniel Cosgrove (ex-Bill on "Guiding Light') joins "As the World Turns" early next year. There had been rumors that Cosgrove might be headed to "One Life to Live" to play Joey.

As for his "ATWT" character, no word on whom he will play. When Cosgrove returns, he will meet up with his former "GL" co-star Tom Pelphrey. Pelphrey, who played "GL's" Jonathan, now is Mick on "ATWT."

"GH's" Zander Smith (Chad Brannon), the man who kidnapped Emily, returns to the show next month. Emily and Zander eventually married. At the time, Amber Tamblyn played Emily. The one-day appearance may involve the write-off of Emily's unlovable twin, Rebecca (Natalia Livingston).

The list of actors returning to "All My Children" for its 40th anniversary show continues to grow. Eden Riegel (Bianca) has agreed to return. The show's heads hoped that with their move to L.A., she would return on a regular basis. Riegel has decided not to sign a contract but is pleased to return for the Jan. 5 reunion. Also returning is Julia Barr — aka Brooke English, last seen in 2006. Julia played Brooke, Erica's archrival (and ex to Tad and Adam) from 1976 through 2006. Eva LaRue (Maria Santos Grey) was last seen in 2005. LaRue is now starring on "CSI." Laurence Lau (Greg Nelson) is also headed back. As is Taylor Miller (Nina Cortlandt Warner). Miller, who was last seen in 1995, now lives in Chicago. Leven Rambin (Lily Montgomery) will also be on the show that day. So far, no word on what will bring these folks all together. With Joe Martin deciding to leave town and go on a trip around the world with wife Ruth, perhaps it will be for a bon voyage party. That is purely a guess.

To find out more about Lynda Hirsch and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate web page at www.creators.com.

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