Soap Opera Actors: Where are they now
Image: Jill Johnson/JPI
A change of scenery.
One actress bought a new home, others have committed to new roles and more updates on what the former actors from canceled soaps “Another World,” “As the World Turns,” “One Life to Live” and “The Secret Storm” have been up to these days.
Josh Duhamel joins James Franco in Hulu miniseries 11/22/63.
Josh Duhamel, known to “All My Children” fans as Leo du Pres (on and off from 1999 to 2011), has been cast in the upcoming miniseries based on Stephen King’s novel “11/22/63.” The actor will play a playboy butcher named Frank Dunning with “General Hospital” alum James Franco as an English teacher named Jake Epping. The story follows Jake Epping’s trip back in time in an attempt to prevent John F. Kennedy’s assassination. Keep an eye out for the series on Hulu sometime in 2016. Duhamel and wife Fergie welcomed their first child Axl Jack in August 2013 and the actor most recently played Milt Chamberlain on CBS’ “Battle Creek.”
Julian McMahon lands recurring role on Hunters.
Soaps.com is taking readers way back to 1993 when Julian McMahon played Ian Rain on “Another World.” Best known for his role as Dr. Christian Troy on “Nip/Tuck” (2003 to 2010), the actor has landed a recurring role on Syfy’s thirteen-episode alien drama “Hunters.” McMahon will play an unhinged junkie and Hunter cell-leader named McCarthy as the series investigates the disappearance of a Philadelphia cop’s wife and the secret, possibly paranormal, government unit he uncovers. The series will film in Melbourne, Australia and will premiere sometime in 2016.
Chris Browning: From daytime to villain in Supergirl.
Former “As the World Turns” actor Chris Browning (ex-David Allen, 1999 to 2000) has been cast to play an enemy of Superman’s in CBS’ upcoming series “Supergirl.” He’ll appear as Ben Krull aka Reactron whose gift comes from a nuclear energy-powered suit and will seek revenge on his nemesis by trying to kill Supergirl. The series premieres on Monday October 26 at 8:30 PM with Browning’s first appearance in episode three. In recent years the actor has had roles on “Sons of Anarchy” (Gogo), “The 100” (Jake Griffin), will play Nathan Blanchard in season two of the El Rey channel’s “From Dusk Till Dawn” and will appear in the upcoming season of “Agent Carter” on ABC. Stay tuned!
Yes! Working on @AgentCarterTV through October! This show is so cool. Thanks, @ACwritersroom for the cool role.
— Chris Browning (@_chrisbrowning) August 21, 2015
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Marisa Tomei: From soaps to stardom.
Did you know that one of Marisa Tomei's first roles was playing Marcy Thompson on "As the World Turns" in 1984? She's gone on to have a successful primetime and film career, one of her most memorable roles on "My Cousin Vinny," and isn't showing any signs of slowing down. Variety has learned that the Oscar winner is the main choice to play Aunt May in the latest 2017 "Spider-Man" film and also landed a recurring role on season two of FOX's hit drama "Empire." Fan can expect to see Tomei as a venture capitalist named Mimi Whiteman, who loves hip-hop, fashion and women. The series returns on Wednesday September 23 at 9:00 PM.
Jennifer Rae Beck dead at 44.
We are saddened to report that Jennifer Rae Beck passed away on Saturday August 8 at the age of 44 as a result of breast cancer. The actress turned up in daytime in 2004 as Eleanor Vaughn on "One Life to Live" and appeared in primetime on "Conviction" and "Law & Order." She also took part in stage productions of "Les Miserables," "Evita," "Fiddler on the Roof" and "Les Miz," as well as the made for television movie "Gypsy." Beck owned the vintage store Chalk Farm Home in New Jersey, which later went to an online store upon her move to California. Soaps.com sends her husband, children, family and friends our deepest condolences.
Robin Strasser buys new home in Thousand Oaks.
"One Life to Live" fans will never forget the feisty Dorian Lord, played by Robin Strasser on and off from 1979 to 2013. Though the actress is from New York, she recently bought a beautiful home in a gated community in Thousand Oaks, California. Brick stairs lead up to the four bedroom, three bathroom 3,000 square foot two-story nestled on a half-acre lot. The property was sold for $975,000 and features a fire pit, barbecue area, swimming pool and spa. Fans can view photos of Robin Strasser's Thousand Oaks home. The actress also had daytime roles on "All My Children" (ex-Dr. Christina Karras, 1976 to 2005), "Another World" (ex-Rachel Davis, 1967 to 1972) and "The Secret Storm" (ex-Iris Ocasek, 1964 to 1966).
DUH I bought a 2 story house because (confession:) the staircase reminded me of La Boulaie-DUHmp ANYone who judges me for loving my #OLTL :)
— robin strasser (@robinstrasser) August 14, 2015
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Ryan Phillippe lands lead in Shooter series.
Ryan Phillippe ("Secrets and Lies'" Ben Crawford) broke into the acting business as "One Life to Live's" Billy Douglas (1992 to 1993), daytime's first gay teenager in the US. Since then the actor has become one of Hollywood's hottest stars and will now appear in the lead role in the USA Network's pilot "Shooter." Based on the 2007 Mark Wahlberg film, Phillippe will play a former Marine named Bob Lee Swagger, previously played by Wahlberg, who will serve as an executive producer on the series. Take a look back at the film's trailer to get an idea of what to expect from the series.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A3lPVwYOdzA]
Read about "Y&R" alum (ex-David Kimble) Michael Corbett producing E!'s Hollywood Teen Medium and get scoops on other former actors from the four current soaps.
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Photo Credit: Jennifer Graylock/JPI, Jill Johnson/JPI
- Amy Mistretta
