Lynda Hirsch on Soaps

Unless it is picked up by another network, "Guiding Light" tapes its last episode in early August. If the "Light" continues its 72-year run, it will do so with out Crystal Chappell (Olivia). The award-winning actress, who has been with "GL" since 1999, is heading home to "Days of Our Lives." Chappell will reprise the role of Carly Manning. Chappell often says that she had the most important actor's meeting of her life on "Days." She met her husband, Michael Sabatino, who played the villainous Lawrence Alamain, on the show. Chappell told us, "It was this instant connection. We tried to keep our relationship secret. We were so attached from the start, everyone knew."

As for her return to "Days," she is looking forward to it: "I was very young when I did the show. A decade later, I have two children and a different perspective on life."

Chappell is sad that she will not be on "GL" if it continues but felt she had to see what other work was out there. Having worked with producer Paul Rauch for years when he produced "GL," she made some feelers at "Y&R," which he now helms. "I loved working with Paul. You always knew where you stood with him." With no room at "Y&R," Chappell was thrilled to hear from "Days" executive producer Ken Corday.

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If you want to know what makes "As the World Turns'" Henry (Trent Dawson) tick, tune in July 24 when Lynn Herring (ex-Lucy, "General Hospital") takes on the role of his gold-digging mother, Audrey. For now, the role is slated for a two-month run. Herring would stay on if the role became long term. She admits to missing "General Hospital," but her life is off a soap set, where she and her husband, Wayne Northrop (ex-Roman, "Days"), run a working farm.

"I love being around the ranch," she says. "It is so un-Hollywood. I also love acting. So getting to do both is wonderful."

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When we reported that Chrishell Stause (Amanda, "AMC") had agreed to stay with "All My Children," the terms of her new contract were not finalized. Now they are. While the actress is staying, she plans to leave by the end of the year so she can head out to L.A. and pilot season. It appears that Amanda will not be recast. The exit of the character will allow for lots of high drama for Jake. With Taylor and Brot deciding they do not belong together, could this mean that Beth Ehlers (Taylor) and Ricky Paull Goldin (Jake), who were so hot as Gus and Harley on "GL," could finally reunite? What about the budding friendship between Taylor and Tad? Now if that is in the works, that is what good soap writing is all about: one event (i.e., the Brot/Taylor breakup) re-pairing other couples and causing drama in the Tad/Jake best-buds-and-brothers relationship.

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Multiple Grammy award-winner Lionel Richie is set to appear on "One Life to Live." Richie is taping the show next week. It is set to air in July. In the plot, he will play himself as a singer appearing at Rex's nightclub. "OLTL's" executive producer Frank Valentini insists that a musical star worked into the story line will not just sing his song and go. Last year, Snoop Dogg made a "OLTL" stop and was considered as a possibility in the "who is Rex's dad" scenario. He wasn't, but it was a fun idea at the moment. While we are on the subject of who Rex's dad is, give it up already. It has dragged on so long that when the reveal is made, who is going to care?

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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