News

‘General Hospital’ (Gh) spoilers confirm that Gh has decided to cast As The World Turns actor Van Hansis as the new Lucas Jones.

‘General Hospital’ Spoilers: Hansis Played Luke Snyder On Atwt

Hansis portrayed the character Luke Snyder on Atwt from 2005 to 2010. He will make his return to daytime on Friday, October 4.

Actor Ryan Carnes last played Lucas. Hansis knows a thing or two about representing the Lbtgq community. His character on Atwt was gay.

On August 17, 2007, he was one-half of the first same-sex male couple to share a romantic kiss on a soap opera.

Hansis explained to TV Insider,

“I guess I have a type, huh?”

He talked about his character’s name.

“There are times I want to call myself Luke, but then I know that there’s a Luke (Anthony Geary) and Laura (Genie Francis), and Luke is one of the biggest soap characters in the world.

Actor Van Hansis is set to join the cast of General Hospital to take over the role of Lucas Jones. The actor has talked about his transition to the series, including how similar he feels Jones is to another soap character he’s played. The role also allowed Hansis to reunite with a former castmate from a previous soap.

Quite A Few Actors Have Played The Role Over The Years

Starting in early October, Hansis will take on the role of Lucas Jones. The character is the son of Julian Jerome and Cheryl Stansbury and was adopted by Dr. Tony Jones and Bobbie Spencer.

Since his introduction in 1989, the character has been played by a variety of actors, starting with his on-screen birth. Originally played by multiple child actors, some notable actors to play him since he had been aged up include C.J. Thomason, Ryan Carnes, Ben Hogestyn, and Matt Trudeau.

General Hospital is bringing back an iconic character, but he’s being played by a new actor.

On October 4, Lucas Jones will return to Port Charles for the first time since a two-episode arc back in January. Earlier this year, Ryan Carnes reprised the role for the first time since 2020.

However, when Lucas returns, he’ll be played by Van Hansis.

Keep reading to find out more…

Soap opera fans will recognize Van from As the World Turns where he played Luke Snyder between 2005 and 2010. In fact, the new casting reunited him with a former As the World Turns costar – Maura West.

“I guess I have a type, huh?” Van told TV Insider about the similarity between his two characters’ names. “There are times when I want to call myself Luke, but then I know that there’s Luke [Anthony Geary] and Laura [Genie Francis], and Luke is one of...

Five-time Daytime Emmy-nominated As the World Turns alum Van Hansis is heading to Port Charles, N.Y., to take over the role of General Hospital‘s Lucas Jones beginning Friday, Oct. 4.

The son of the late Julian Jerome and (deep cut alert!) the late Cheryl Stansbury, and adopted by the late Dr. Tony Jones and the late Bobbie Spencer, Lucas has been played by a number of tots and young men since the character’s 1989 introduction — most recently, Days of Our Lives vet Drake Hogestyn’s stepson Ben, Matt Trudeau, and Ryan Carnes (who filled the role twice before and...

Van Hansis returns to daytime as General Hospital recasts the role of Lucas Jones. From 2005-2010, Hansis portrayed Luke Snyder on the now-defunct soap opera As The World Turns.

A Whole New Lucas

According to TV Insider, Hansis, a Daytime Emmy Award nominee, will take over the role previously portrayed by Ryan Carnes. The actor has not appeared on daytime in 14 years. He told the outlet that he was able to get back into the swing of being on a soap.

Hansis also talked about the similarity of the two characters’ names — Luke and Lucas. “I guess I have a type, huh? There are times when I want to call myself Luke, but then I know that there’s Luke [Anthony Geary] and Laura [Genie Francis], and Luke is one of the biggest soap characters in the world. So, I know I’m not that Luke, but there are weird...

Van Hansis, who portrayed As the World Turns’ Luke Snyder from 2005-10, will make his daytime return on October 4 as General Hospital’s Lucas Jones, a role most recently played by Ryan Carnes. “I guess I have a type, huh?” Hansis muses of the similarity in names. “There are times when I want to call myself Luke, but then I know that there’s Luke [Anthony Geary] and Laura [Genie Francis], and Luke is one of the biggest soap characters in the world. So, I know I’m not that Luke, but there are weird little similarities between Luke Snyder and Lucas. When I got the part, I was looking up who the character was and they both have the same dad stuff going on with their birth father being kind of a dirtbag because Luke had Damian [Paolo Seganti] and Lucas has Julian [William deVry] and then adopted fathers,...

Exclusive: Terence Winter, the master of the gangster genre known for his work on The Sopranos, Boardwalk Empire and more, is teaming with Academy Award-nominated producer Rachel Winter (Dallas Buyers Club) to develop a feature adaptation of A Murder in Hollywood: The Untold Story of Tinseltown’s Most Shocking Crime.

A Murder in Hollywood scribe Casey Sherman

Marking the latest work of non-fiction from New York Times bestselling author Casey Sherman, the book optioned by the Winters chronicles the deadly love affair between screen legend Lana Turner and her gangster boyfriend, Johnny Stompanato. It’ll be published through Sourcebooks early next year. Terence Winter will script the screen adaptation and produce through his Cold Front Pictures banner, alongside Rachel Winter through her Tangerine Pictures shingle.

The option marks just the latest high-profile deal for the prolific Sherman, whose bestseller 12: The Inside Story of Tom Brady’s Fight for Redemption,...

1979: General Hospital's Laura and Scotty were married.

1984: Guiding Light's Bert gave Josh a pep talk.

1985: Santa Barbara's Julia smuggled Amy and Brick onto a train.

2006: All My Children's Annie arrived in Pine Valley."History speaks to artists. It changes the artist's thinking and is constantly reshaping it into different and unexpected images."

― Anselm Kiefer

"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.

On this date in...

1952: On The Guiding Light, Trudy (Helen Wagner) and Meta (Jone Allison) discussed Meta's plans to leave New York and return to California. At home, Papa Bauer (Theo Goetz) and Bill (Lyle Sudrow) played chess as Bert (Charita Bauer) prepared the baby's bottle. Papa told Bill...

1984: All My Children's Jenny wanted a baby.

1989: Another World's Nicole confessed to murder.

2003: Days of our Lives' Lexie gave birth.

2006: The execution of One Life to Live's "Todd" began."History speaks to artists. It changes the artist's thinking and is constantly reshaping it into d ifferent and unexpected images."

― Anselm Kiefer

"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.

On this date in...

1939: Radio soap opera The Affairs of Anthony debuted on the Blue Network. Henry Hunter starred as Anthony.

1975: On Another World, Alice Frame (Jacqueline Courtney) agreed to let her husband, Steve, be buried in Chadwell.

1980: On Guiding Light, Dr. Ingrid Fisher told Lucille Wexler that...

1969: Dark Shadows' Laura was stopped by Angelique.

1983: Ryan's Hope's Delia spotted a familiar face in a play.

1994: General Hospital's Bobbie was kicked out by Tony.

2008: All My Children's Greg visited Jenny's grave."History speaks to artists. It changes the artist's thinking and is constantly reshaping it into d ifferent and unexpected images."

― Anselm Kiefer

"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.

On this date in...

1966: On Another World, Bill (Joseph Gallison) joked about Missy (Carol Roux) being an heiress, but Missy wasn't interested in the money she inherited from her mother.

1969: On Dark Shadows, Angelique (Lara Parker) grabbed the hammer and stake away from Laura (Diana Millay), "My name is Angelique,...

1953: Guiding Light's Dick dealt with marriage woes.

1976: Ryan's Hope's Faith faced danger from Kenneth.

1981: Another World's Cecile worried about Jamie's safety.

1992: Knots Landing's Pierce gave Paige an unwelcome surprise."History speaks to artists. It changes the artist's thinking and is constantly reshaping it into d ifferent and unexpected images."

― Anselm Kiefer

"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.

On this date in...

1953: On The Guiding Light, Dick (James Lipton) looked for reassurance about his marriage to Kathy from Dr. Keeler. Kathy became sad when Timmy pointed out that her husband had never been to see her.

Thanks to Jennifer for sending in the clip above.

1976: On Ryan's Hope, Kenneth...

1981: Rick and Lesley were married on General Hospital.

1987: Guiding Light's Amanda returned to Springfield.

1988: Sister Mary Joel made a decision about her future on Ryan's Hope.

2002: Y&R's Brittany was advised by a homeless woman named Sylvia."History speaks to artists. It changes the artist's thinking and is constantly reshaping it into different and unexpected images."

― Anselm Kiefer

"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.

On this date in...

1963: On The Edge of Night, Winston Grimsley (Walter Greaza) told Phil Capice (Ray MacDonnell) his complicated plan which would likely keep the Warrens from leaving town. Emory (Bill Berger) and Lyn (Gillian Spencer) Warren discussed their soon-to-be monetary situation and...

1977: Ryan's Hope's Jack and Mary were locked in a storeroom.

1979: As the World Turns' Lisa wanted Hester to be fired.

1990: Guiding Light's Holly revisited the past with Roger.

2009: One Live to Live's Kyle called off his wedding to Nick."The best prophet of the future is the past."

― Lord Byron

"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.

On this date in...

1931: Myrt and Marge premiered as a primetime soap opera that followed the lives and escapades of two chorus girls. Creator Myrtle Vail (Damerel) pitched the idea to the Wrigley chewing gum makers, naming her lead characters Myrtle Spear and Marge Minter. Myrt and Marge became the first radio series Wrigley sponsored.

1979: General Hospital's Laura and Scotty were married.

1984: Guiding Light's Bert gave Josh a pep talk.

1985: Santa Barbara's Julia smuggled Amy and Brick onto a train.

2006: All My Children's Annie arrived in Pine Valley."All true histories contain instruction; though, in some, the treasure may be hard to find, and when found, so trivial in quantity that the dry, shrivelled kernel scarcely compensates for the trouble of cracking the nut."

― Anne Brontë in "Agnes Grey"

"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.

On this date in...

1952: On The Guiding Light, Trudy (Helen Wagner) and Meta (Jone Allison) discussed Meta's plans to leave New York and return to California. At home, Papa...

1980: Douglass Watson & Judith Light won Daytime Emmys.

1984: Elizabeth Taylor surprised Carol Burnett on All My Children.

1984: Days' Bo & Hope reunited after he kidnapped her.

1997: Oltl's Dorian was not pleased with Todd's parrot."All true histories contain instruction; though, in some, the treasure may be hard to find, and when found, so trivial in quantity that the dry, shrivelled kernel scarcely compensates for the trouble of cracking the nut."

― Anne Brontë in "Agnes Grey"

"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.

On this date in...

1940: On radio soap opera Young Widder Brown, Ellen (Florence Freeman) was romanced by Dr. Anthony Loring (Ned Weaver).

1968: On Dark Shadows, Carolyn (Nancy Barrett) began to experience the dream curse,...

1984: All My Children's Jenny wanted a baby.

1989: Another World's Nicole confessed to murder.

2003: Days of our Lives' Lexie gave birth.

2006: The execution of One Life to Live's "Todd" began."All true histories contain instruction; though, in some, the treasure may be hard to find, and when found, so trivial in quantity that the dry, shrivelled kernel scarcely compensates for the trouble of cracking the nut."

― Anne Brontë in "Agnes Grey"

"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.

On this date in...

1939: Radio soap opera The Affairs of Anthony debuted on the Blue Network. Henry Hunter starred as Anthony.

1975: On Another World, Alice Frame (Jacqueline Courtney) agreed to let her husband,...

1969: Dark Shadows' Laura was stopped by Angelique.

1983: Ryan's Hope's Delia spotted a familiar face in a play.

1994: General Hospital's Bobbie was kicked out by Tony.

2008: All My Children's Greg visited Jenny's grave."All true histories contain instruction; though, in some, the treasure may be hard to find, and when found, so trivial in quantity that the dry, shrivelled kernel scarcely compensates for the trouble of cracking the nut."

― Anne Brontë in "Agnes Grey"

"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.

On this date in...

1966: On Another World, Bill (Joseph Gallison) joked about Missy (Carol Roux) being an heiress, but Missy wasn't interested in the money she inherited from her mother.

1981: Gh's Rick and Lesley were married. 1987: Gl's Amanda

returned to Springfield. 1988: Rh's Sister Mary Joel made

a decision about her future. 2002: Y&R's Brittany was

advised by a homeless woman named Sylvia."History is a vast early warning system."

― Norman Cousins

"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.

On this date in...

1963: On The Edge of Night, Winston Grimsley (Walter Greaza) told Phil Capice (Ray MacDonnell) his complicated plan which would likely keep the Warrens from leaving town. Emory (Bill Berger) and Lyn (Gillian Spencer) Warren discussed their soon-to-be monetary situation and why they both had to be in superior physical and mental condition for their plan to work.

All God's Children, Moldova's Submission for the Academy Award Nomination for Best Foreign Language Film. U.S. :None Yet. International Sales Agent: Artis Film

Located deep in the heart of Eastern Europe is Moldova, the continent’s poorest country. Landlocked between Romania and Ukraine the small troubled nation is afflicted by rampant corruption, separatist groups, and widespread unemployment. Combined, all of these unfortunate factors create the perfect playground for criminal organizations to thrive. Particularly prominent in this part of the world are the atrocities related to human trafficking in its many forms. Prostitution, child pornography, and organ harvesting have become profitable illegal industries due to the social decay and colluded authorities. Cleverly taking into account all the elements that form part of the notoriously problematic state of the country, Romanian-born director Adrian Popovici ’s latest feature All God's Children offers an intricate look at often overlooked issues not only in Moldova but across the globe.

Following several stories that intersect via innocent Pavalas (Emergian Cazac), a young boy living in an orphanage, the film dissects the different plans the adult characters have for him. His mother, Irina (Ina Surdu), left him behind when coerced into sexual slavery in Italy. After escaping her captors she returns to Moldova to presumably sell the boy to whoever will adopt him and pay her pimp enough money to regain her freedom. Irina recruits her friend Tatiana (Rodica Oanta), also forced into the prostitution business, and together they embark on a trip to Chisinau, the capital, to find Pavalas. Desperate to return to his mother, the abandoned child takes to the streets with a picture and asks if anyone has seen her. During his search he meets warm and loving Alina (Alina Turcanu) and her Canadian husband Peter (Michael Ironside), who immediately show interest in the boy as he reminds them of their own deceased son.

Adding to their already complex situation, the two women must cross through the communist breakaway state of Transnistria in order reach the city. There, they accidentally get involved in the suicide of a defecting soldier, an incident that delays their trip. Meanwhile, Bruno (Paolo Seganti), their ruthless Italian victimizer, arrives in Moldova looking to punish them. However, when Irina reveals her intentions, he exhorts her to see it through and give him his cut or he will find other uses for the boy in the black market.

On the other hand, after growing fond of the kid, Alina and Peter decide to adopt him, but they soon get caught up in the dishonest bureaucracy. Upon Irina’s return, Pavalas overhears his mother’s intent to give him up and decides to run way. With Peter now being helped by Interpol and heartless Bruno deranged with greed, what ensues is a race to find him involving all parties, in which the collateral damage will be devastating.

At the core of this denouncing drama is Pavalas, who serves as driving force for the plot, but whose destiny is in the hands of others. He has an honest heart, and in spite of the repeated neglect he remains loyal to his mother. Played with enchanting naturalism by first-time young actor Emergian Cazac, the character represents a state of purity that everyone is born into, but which gets contaminated by the way of the world. Depraved of better opportunities and tormented by extreme poverty, the citizens here must identify dishonesty and bribery as survival skills to make ends meet. Therefore, this creates a vicious circle for which the impoverished people cannot be blamed, and in which the wicked criminals revel.

Even with its noticeable imperfections, the film carries a powerful emotional resonance that is impossible to ignore. In a single audiovisual work, the director allows the viewer to see a land that has been wrongly forgotten and let to suffer by the West. It highlights the spirit of the Moldovan people while condemning the corrupt system, subtly demanding change for a population that deserves better.

Although concerned with the horrors of human trafficking the story revolves around the noble idea that, as the title implies, all human beings should get a chance at being happy. In a place that is incapable of providing such opportunity, this child becomes a symbol of hope and of the innocence that must be protected. Not only is this piece Moldova’s first ever submission for the Academy Awards, but also the country’s largest cinematic effort in its recent history. Furthermore, Popovici’s All God’s Children is an admirable and important accomplishment. Skillfully written and heartfelt, its mere existence constitutes a small miracle.

Read more about all the 76 Best Foreign Language Film Submission for the 2014 Academy Awards...

Four newcomers are heading to Llanview and The Online Network's "One Life To Live."

On Monday, Prospect Park's Toln announced that Paolo Seganti ("As The World Turns"), Ron Raines ("Guiding Light"), Marnie Schulenburg ("As The World Turns") and Alice Callahan ("Gossip Girl") will make their debuts on "Oltl" throughout the summer.

Beginning on the episode airing Thursday, June 27, Paolo will play Arturo Bandini, described by Toln as, "a wealthy man whose family is very influential in the art world."

Photos: The Stars Of 'One Life To Live'

Ron will play Carl Peterson, "the mysterious benefactor ...

Copyright 2013 by NBC Universal, Inc. All rights reserved.

This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

On this date in...

1975: At the 2nd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards, winners included The Young And The Restless (Drama Series, Writing), Macdonald Carey and Susan Flannery.

1980: At the 8th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards, winners included Guiding Light (Drama Series), Douglass Watson, Judith Light, Warren Burton and Francesca James. Hugh McPhillips won for "Cameo Appearance," a short-lived category.

1994: At the 21st Annual Daytime Emmy Awards, winners included All My Children (Drama Series), Michael Zaslow, Hillary B. Smith, Justin Deas, Susan Haskell, Roger Howarth and Melissa Hayden.

2005: At the 32nd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards, winners included General Hospital (Drama Series, Directing), Christian LeBlanc, Erika Slezak, Greg Rikaart, Natalia Livingston, David Lago and Eden Riegel.

2008: Laurence Lau returned to All My Children as Greg Nelson.

Celebrating a birthday today are:

Constance Towers (Helena, General Hospital; ex-Julianna, Sunset Beach; Clarissa, Capitol) - 78

Paolo Seganti (ex-Damian, As The World Turns...

Adrian Popovici is currently in the post-production phase on his latest project. Pegged with an October 2011 release, Looking for a Mother (original title: Se cauta o mama) was shot in August of this year in Moldova and now it’s in the beginning stages of post-prod. Written by Valeriu Ţurcanu and Pascal Ilie Virgil, this is produced by ArtisFilm, from Romania, Moldova Film and Diametral-Film, from Moldova. The cast features B-actor cast of Michael Ironside (Top Gun), Paolo Seganti (L.A. Confidential, C.S.I.: Miami), Vas Blackwood (Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels) and a few actors from Moldova: Energian Cazac, Ina Surdu, Alina Lungu Ţurcanu. Popovici’s film tells the story of Păvălaş (Energian Cazac), a 9-year-old boy whose mother, Irina, wants to sell him so she can escape from a mafia group led by Bruno (Paolo Seganti), which forces her to prostitutes. Irina wants to start...

Welcome to an all new edition of Gays of Our Lives. We’ve got all the latest clips, news and spoilers featuring all your favorite gays and bisexuals in the best that soaps and dramas have to offer.

Luke and Reid find new ways to get under each other’s skin.

There are lots of great clips in Gool Theater, starting with one of the best weeks As the World Turns has seen in a long time. The tension between Reid and Luke increases as Luke and Noah’s relationship continues to falter, but will Reid agree to perform Noah’s surgery? Meanwhile, Luke gets some really bad news about Damian.

We take another peek at Forbidden Love as Christian and Olli’s new plot arc continues. But are things actually going anywhere with this couple or are they just treading water? Plus, Geoff and Pavel are at war on Raw,...

It’s another jam packed edition of Gays Of Our Lives, with our round the world coverage of everything that’s gay in the world of soap, starting with Gool Theater.

We’ve got several clips you simply do not want to miss including The Young and the Restless where we see the two different looking Adams (including and a romantic scene that has daytime audiences talking!) as well as EastEnders clips of Syed and Christian setting off some serious heat, and Hollyoaks’ bisexual Ravi getting some really bad news.

Gool Scoops And Spoilers gives you all the dish on the latest drama caused by Noah’s homophobic killer dad on As The World Turns and the return of gay characters to Good Times, Bad Times and River City.

Also, find out why a One Life To Live actor was fired over yet another controversy about a gay storyline plus...

This week’s column kicks off with Gays Gone By featuring As The World Turns’ first gay character all the way back from 1988. Gool Theater has the return of Spanish teen soap Física O Química and some steamy clips from All That Matters. Plus spoilers of domestic unrest on Forbidden Love and a shocking kiss on EastEnders. Meanwhile, Gool Newsbeat has the dish on what’s ahead for The Young and the Restless’ Rafe Torres and Raising the Bar’s Charlie Sagansky. And as always, I've got the Snapshots and Soap Stud Of The Week for you!

Table Of Contents

Feature: Gays Gone By

Gool Theater

In My Humble Opinion (Imho)

Scoops & Spoilers

Gool Sneak Peeks

Gool Newsbeat

Bits & Pieces

Ratings & Rankings

Snapshots

Soap Stud Of The Week

Question Of The Week

Gays Gone By — As The World Turns’ Hank Eliot

While As The World Turns’ Luke Snyder (Van Hansis...

This week, thanks to my editor Michael Jensen, I have an interview with Greek star Gregory Michael conducted last January at the Television Critics Association Winter Tour. Thanks, Michael!

Table Of Contents

Feature: Interview With Gregory Michael

Gool Theatre

In My Humble Opinion (Imho)

Scoops & Spoilers

Gool Newsbeat

Bits & Pieces

Ratings & Rankings

Snapshots

Soap Stud Of The Week

Question Of The Week

Greek’s Gregory Michael Plays Gay Again

Many AfterElton.com readers are familiar with Michael from his three years on steamy supernatural soap Dante’s Cove, while some, including this columnist, may even recognize him from his stint in 2003 on As The World Turns. Below we chat with the handsome actor about how he feels about his new role as Grant, Calvin’s love interest on the college comedy-drama Greek, his time on Dante’s Cove – and more!

AfterElton.com: How did you end up on the show?...

Last week on As the World Turns, Luke's Italian birth father returned to Oakdale. Damian Grimaldi (played, as always, by the dashing Paolo Seganti) seems to be sincere in wanting to renew his relationship with his son. Luke, however, wants nothing to do with him, nor do any of the Snyders. In fact, Lily seems downright afraid of Damian and what he might do to her son.

Folks who are new (or newer) to As the World Turns might be curious why the Snyders seem so agitated about Damian's return. For that reason, we hit the Nuke video archives and found some pivotal clips from August 2006 — the last time Damian was in Oakdale.

Here's the setup:

Luke has only just recently come out to his family. Damian has convinced Luke that, unlike Lily, he completely accepts his sexual orientation. This is not true. Damian has also lied about having a...

New York's Obie Award-winning Epic Theatre Ensemble (Zak Berkman, Melissa Friedman, Ron Russell, Executive Directors) will present a two-evening event: As The Epic Turns, a benefit to support its esteemed after-school "Shakespeare Bridge Project" programs. Under the direction of Zak Berkman, the 90-minute evening will feature two-time Emmy Award Winner, Martha Byrne, along with Paolo Seganti, and Tamara Tunie in a series of staged readings plus an exclusive screening of Paul Leyden's film Bye Bye Sally, followed by a reception with the cast and Epic Theater Ensemble artists.

New York's Obie Award-winning Epic Theatre Ensemble (Zak Berkman, Melissa Friedman, Ron Russell, Executive Directors) will present a two-evening event: As The Epic Turns, a benefit to support its esteemed after-school "Shakespeare Bridge Project" programs. Under the direction of Zak Berkman, the 90-minute evening will feature two-time Emmy Award Winner, Martha Byrne, along with Paolo Seganti, and Tamara Tunie in a series of staged readings plus an exclusive screening of Paul Leyden's film Bye Bye Sally, followed by a reception with the cast and Epic Theater Ensemble artists. Two performances are scheduled for 8:00 p.m. on Friday, April 17th and Saturday, April 18th at The Peter Sharpe Theater (416 West 42nd Street).

Chatting With … Sri Rao

I recently had the pleasure of interviewing Sri Rao, the former head writer of last year’s best soap opera on either daytime or nighttime television, General Hospital: Night Shift. In addition to discussing his work on that gay-inclusive, critically acclaimed show, Rao also shared his thoughts on the depiction of gay characters in the genre, who should write gay characters, how As the World Turns handled the Luke and Noah storyline, as well as news about a new project very close to his heart.

[While very interesting and worthwhile, this interview is five pages long. To skip directly to this week's In My Humble Opinion, Gool Newsbeat and Scoops And Spoilers click here.]

Sri Rao

Photo credit: Entwined Studio

AfterElton.com: You were the head writer for General Hospital: Night Shift. Had you written for soaps before that?

Sri Rao: No, this was my first foray into the soap opera genre. I had been watching General Hospital for my entire life. I’m a long-time fan of the show so I was very familiar with it.

Getting To Know … Shameless

The love life of gay teenager Ian Gallagher (Gerard Kearns) on the U.K. series Shameless has never been easy. Whether it’s having to steal a bed just so he can have sex with his hot new boyfriend (somehow landing in prison because of it), trying to keep his ongoing affair with a married man a secret, or that fling with a homophobic drug dealer who has a strange sexual quirk (big surprise), something always comes along to make finding love (or just getting laid) a trying ordeal for poor Ian.

Gerard Kearns as Ian Gallagher

Shameless, which airs on Channel 4, the same network that brings us Hollyoaks, is a dark and perverse comedy/drama about the twisted lives of the extremely dysfunctional Gallagher family, as well as their friends and their enemies. Created by Paul Abbott, who is also the executive producer, the series...

This week we speak with Tom Chroust, former head writer of Forbidden Love. Chroust started at the show as an intern in August 1998 and eventually became head writer at Fl from July 2007 to June 2008. (He now is part of the writing team at All That Matters.)

During Chroust's tenure as head writer at Fl he shepherded the internationally loved romance between Christian Mann (Thore Schölermann) and Olli Sabel (Jo Weil). We talked to the out writer via email about that storyline, as well as other plots and characters he enjoyed working on. We also asked him what he wished he could have done differently and lots more!

German soap writer, Tom Chroust

AfterElton.com: How did you come up with the love story for Christian and Olli? Was it a story that you already had in mind in general, meaning a gay love story, or for them in particular?

Tom...