LYNDA HIRSCH ON SOAPS

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LYNDA HIRSCH ON SOAPS -- GOSSIP It is an all too familiar theme for this column of late — mourning the loss of a great soap opera star. Recently, it was "All My Children's" James Mitchell (Palmer). This week, perhaps one of the greatest has died. On Wednesday, Feb. …Read more. LYNDA HIRSCH ON SOAPS -- SUMMARY ALL MY CHILDREN: Erica publicly declares that she and Ryan are involved. Back at Wildwind, David reluctantly lets Greenlee know that Ryan is seeing someone but doesn't mention Erica. Greenlee hides when Tad and Jake appear at David's door demanding …Read more. LYNDA HIRSCH ON SOAPS -- Q&A Q: I know must people recall James Mitchell for his work on "All My Children." Wasn't he also a ballet dancer? Also, can you fill me in on his life and career? — Robert, Loma Linda, Calif. A: James Mitchell, who died Jan. 22, …Read more. LYNDA HIRSCH ON SOAPS -- SUMMARY ALL MY CHILDREN: Adam bequeaths Annie the mansion and property, along with a large financial settlement but includes the provision that she'll lose practically everything should she ever get involved in a serious relationship after his death. Annie'…Read more.

For years, "Young and Restless" had hoped to lure Shemar Moore back to the show to play Malcolm, even if would only be for a few months. Starring in the hit primetime show "Criminal Minds," Moore was always coy. He never said yes; he never said no. Finally, “Y&R,” tired of no answer, has decided to recast Malcolm. Darius McCrary (Eddie on "Family Matters") takes on the role Dec. 29. McCrary and Moore are polar opposites in the looks department. "We are thrilled to have the character of Malcolm back on Y&R," according to a statement from Maria Bell, the drama's co-executive producer/head writer. "Malcolm, Neil Winters' brother, has always been a catalyst to exciting stories. He's coming back to town to see his brother and to reunite with his biological daughter, Lily Winters, as she fights for her life. Malcolm is a photographer ... someone who lives on the edge and who always pushes the envelope."

Brad Bell admits the killing off of Betty White's character on "Bold and Beautiful" was not easy. "Betty is a joy to work with. Viewers loved the character. I decided that in order for Pam and Stephanie to have a crisis (of) conscience, they needed to take opposite views of their mother's impending death. It continues to let these sisters show that they love each other but are nothing alike."

After little more than a year, Chuck Pratt Jr.

has been axed as "All My Children's" head writer. For now, Lorraine Broderick, who has head-written “AMC” before, takes over. No word on if it is a permanent move. Broderick, who has also written for "Guiding Light," is responsible for many a great “AMC” story — it was under her tenure that Susan Lucci finally won her Daytime Emmy. It was for the story in which Erica kidnapped Maria's daughter. “AMC's” 40th anniversary show is already in the can, so it was written by Pratt. With so many stars returning for the event, it appeared that it might be for the send-off of Joe and Ruth Martin, who decided to leave Pine Valley. Instead, it will center on the talk show that Hayley Santos (Kelly Ripa) hosts.

James Franco (Franco, "General Hospital") is here, there and everywhere. On Dec. 19, he will host "Saturday Night Live's" last show of the season. No word on any skits involving Franco's turn on “GH.”

Jim Romanovich, ATI president of Worldwide Media and Entertainment, has announced that his company is set to produce the 2010 Daytime Emmy Awards. Now word on what station will air the show. This year, the CW ran it. It garnered the highest rating for any Sunday night program since the network premiered. At this point, the CW has not agreed to air it. Romanovich, a truly can-do person, is now making the rounds to find a network to air the show.

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.