Lynda Hirsch on Soaps

What do you do when an A-list movie star asks to appear on your soap opera? If you are "General Hospital's" executive producer, you hire him on the spot. James Franco, whose acting credits include "Milk," "Spiderman" and "Pineapple Express," wanted to see what it was like to work on a soap. Franco's story line will air for two months beginning in November. He will tape all his scenes in three days. His character will cause nothing but trouble for Jason (Steve Burton). There have been some rumors that his character will also be involved with the Cassadine family. A spokesperson for ABC, which airs the show, revealed Franco called the show himself.

Jill Farren Phelps says in a statement it's "an honor that an actor of Franco's caliber would choose to spend some of his valuable time in Port Charles." Franco is slated to do a film turn as a soap opera actor and wanted to know what it is like to work on a soap. When Dustin Hoffman was set to star in "Tootsie," he spent time on the "GH" set. In fact, the soap doc in the movie — known as Dr. Tongue — was based on the late great John Beradino (Steve Hardy), who loved to give the new female cast members a “welcome to the series” deep kiss.

Not only are the "GH" writers busy writing in Franco, they are writing out Claudia sooner than expected. The character was going to stay until January. Sarah Brown was approached by "Bold and Beautiful" for a long-term contract. The folks at ABC decided to give Brown the ability to join "B&B" in November. It probably did not hurt that "GH" viewers have been vocal about their dislike of the conniving Claudia. No word on what hair color Brown will wear on “B&B.” When she joined "GH" as Carly years ago, she was a blonde. As Claudia, she literally went to the dark side. Brown will play Sandy Sommers, a surrogate hired to carry Nick and Bridget's child. The character will also interact with Whip (Rick Hearst). Hearst and Brown had lots of scenes together when he was Ric on "GH."

Other big news on the "GH" front: Greg Vaughan will exit the role of Lucky, which he has played for six years.

Lucky is not leaving. Jonathan Jackson, who played the character as a teen, returns to the show. For now, Jackson has signed on for six months. Sources say that the returned Jackson will bring about a change in Lucky's character. Tony Geary (Luke) enjoyed working with Vaughan but is said to be over the moon about Jackson's return to the show. When Jackson won his Daytime Emmy, he said, "I won this because of Tony." Jackson is thrilled to be returning. He has fond memories of his time on "GH." He joined the show in 1993 and stayed for six years. He is married to actress Lisa Vultaggio who played Hannah Scott on "GH."

"All My Children" has announced which actors will be moving with the show when it reolcates to Los Angeles in December.

With production set to resume in Los Angeles on Jan. 4, 2010, the following contracted cast members are confirmed to begin taping at the Andrita Studios in Los Angeles: Brittany Allen, David Canary, Bobbie Eakes, Melissa Claire Egan, Stephanie Gatschet, Ricky Paull Goldin, Vincent Irizarry, Michael E. Knight, Susan Lucci, Jamie Luner, Adam Mayfield, J.R. Martinez, Cameron Mathison, Debbi Morgan, Cornelius Smith Jr., Denise Vasi, Darnell Williams and Jacob Young.

Ray MacDonnell has announced that he will be retiring. We wish him well and our heartfelt congratulations. Thorsten Kaye will not be relocating to Los Angeles, and Alicia Minshew will be on maternity leave beginning November. She will continue to appear on air through the month of December. Appearances by actors on recurring status will be determined by story line needs and availability. It had been reported that Kaye was willing to fly back and forth to tape his scenes. At present, "AMC" is not willing to allow that, as the pre-taping involved would be arduous for cast and crew. It appears Zach and Kendall will get a happy ride off into the sunset. Also set for a happy ride into the sunset will be Joe and Ruth. As reported earlier, the character of Aidan is being written out. Also exiting the show will be the characters of Colby, Taylor and Petey.

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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