ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Thursday, February 8, 1996 TAG: 9602080101
SECTION: EXTRA PAGE: 4 EDITION: METRO
COLUMN: Tune in Tomorrow
SOURCE: NANCY REICHARDT
``Guiding Light'' fans are sure to be disappointed over the loss of two major actors from that soap. The first to announce his departure when his contract expires was long-time cast member Peter Simon, who plays Ed Bauer. This is actually Simon's second exit from the show, the first was back in 1984, but he returned in 1986.
There was no further information on Simon, but in a press release, executive producer Michael Laibson stated, ``Peter has made this decision. We understand his feelings about leaving and respect those feelings. Many actors feel there comes a time to move on.'' The show hopes that Simon will return at some time in the future.
The second shocking ``Guiding Light'' exit is Vincent Irizarry, who plays Nick McHenry Spaulding. Irizarry returned to the show in 1991 (he previously played Brandon Luvonaczek from 1983-85, who was Nick's twin brother). He will be leaving, for story purposes, in February, when his contract expires. In the story line, Nick and his new wife, Susan (played by Nancy Bell), who has AIDS, will take an extended honeymoon in Europe.
In another press release, executive producer Michael Laibson said of Irizarry's exit, ``It is necessary for both creative and financial reasons to focus our story on a smaller cast of characters. Therefore, we have had to make some tough choices over the last several months regarding our very popular actors.''
``Guiding Light'' is, however, bringing back an old favorite - actor Michael Tylo, who will resurrect his former role of Quinton Chamberlain, which he played from 1981-85, for a two-week run starting Feb. 26. Chamberlain's return has to do with his estranged wife, Nola (Lisa Brown) and their son, J (George Pilgrim), who had been living with his father until he ran off to join his mother. Also as part of Chamberlain's return, the show will honor the late William Roerick, who played Chamberlain's father, Henry Chamberlain. Roerick passed away Nov. 30, 1995.
Tylo comes back to ``Guiding Light'' after recently being written off ``The Young and the Restless,'' where he played Rick ``Blade'' Bladeson (1992-95).
Short Takes
While on the subject of ``Guiding Light,'' Marc Wolf has stepped in for Frank Beaty, who plays Brent Lawrence/Marian Crane. Beaty has been on a leave of absence. The actor returned briefly, but then left for a second time. Since the story line has been winding down the past couple weeks, it appears that Beaty may not return before the story comes to an end.
Francesca James is back on the East Coast and back at her alma mater, ``All My Children,'' as the new executive producer. James replaces Felicia Minei Behr, who will leave the show in April. James has been the supervising producer of ``General Hospital'' since May 1994.
James started her soap career on ``All My Children'' as an actress playing the role of Kelly Cole (off and on from 1978-86), for which she received a 1990 Daytime Emmy Award, she later played Kitty Cole. James began directing ``All My Children'' episodes while still appearing on the show as an actress, and has earned several Emmy nominations for her work. She went on to direct ``Ryan's Hope,'' ``Loving'' and ``General Hospital.'' She was the producer of ``General Hospital'' from 1990-91, then produced ``Santa Barbara'' from 1991-92. She was also supervising producer of ``Days of Our Lives'' (1992-93).
Send your questions about soap operas to Nancy M. Reichardt, ``Tune in Tomorrow,'' in care of The Roanoke Times, P.O. Box 2491, Roanoke, Va. 24010-2491. Questions cannot be answered personally, but those of general interest will be answered in future columns.
- United Feature Syndicate
LENGTH: Medium: 73 lines ILLUSTRATION: PHOTO: Vincent Irizarry will leave his role of Nick Spauldingby CNBon 'GL.' He'd returned to the show in that role in 1991.