Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, November 25, 1993 TAG: 9311240065
SECTION: EXTRA PAGE: 5 EDITION: HOLIDAY
SOURCE: NANCY REICHARDT
DATELINE: NEW YORK LENGTH: Medium
Recently the show announced that Kin Shriner, who created the role of Scott Baldwin in 1977, has decided to leave the show. In a news release, Shriner said, "I've enjoyed my run at `General Hospital' and look forward to returning one day." In that same release, executive producer Wendy Riche said, "It is important to Kin, at this time, to pursue other avenues and goals. But the door will always be open for him to return as Scott Baldwin." From behind the scenes, it was rumored that creative differences may have been partly responsible for Shriner's decision.
This isn't Shriner's first voluntary exit from "General Hospital." The actor has left the soap twice to pursue other interests. Shortly after his first departure, Shriner turned up on the now-defunct soap "Texas" as Jeb Hampton (1980-81), and he also was seen on the syndicated soap "Rituals" as Mike Gallagher (1984). At press time, it was rumored that Shriner soon may be working on a Canadian soap, but there were no details available.
Also leaving "General Hospital," due to lack of story line, are Cheryl Richardson and Paul Satterfield, who play ill-fated lovers Jenny Eckert and Paul Hornsby. Neither character has had much to do since Paul's wife, Tracy (played by Jane Elliot), took Paul's son and headed off for parts unknown.
Following in their footsteps will be Crystal Carson, who plays Julia Barrett. Although there are a few months left on Carson's contract, the actress reportedly wasn't surprised to learn that her story line soon would be coming to an end. Carson is hoping to land a role on nighttime television.
\ On the East Coast, "One Life to Live" cast member Marilyn Chris, who has played Wanda Wolek for 19 years, has announced she has decided to leave the soap when she finishes taping scenes in mid-December (to air through the end of the year). Chris is hoping to land roles in television, theater and films. The role of Wanda won't be recast.
\ Behind the scenes, Michael Laibson, who took over as executive producer of "Another World" in 1988, is no longer with the show. Procter & Gamble Productions Inc., which owns "Another World," didn't renew Laibson's contract, although he will serve as a consultant for the show. A new executive producer had not been named at press time.
\ Meanwhile, on "Days of Our Lives," everyone is pleased that Louise Sorel, who plays Vivian Alamain, has re-signed for a long-term commitment. (No exact contract length was revealed.) Since Vivian wreaks havoc whenever she comes in contact with the other citizens of Salem, it's a sure bet that Sorel will have some exciting story lines in the future.
Send your questions about soap operas to Nancy Reichardt, "Tune in Tomorrow," in care of the Roanoke Times & World-News, P.O. Box 2491, Roanoke 24010-2491. Questions cannot be answered personally, but those of general interest will be answered in future columns. United Feature Syndicate
by CNB