'Grey's' Isn't Going Anywhere
'Red Widow' Gets The Axe
Soap News: Ingo Out of 'GH,' Hearst to Recur at 'B&B' ... and More
by Allison Waldman, posted May 26th 2011 4:00PM
Actor Ingo Rademacher, a 15-year vet on 'General Hospital,' has been let go. Recently, Rademacher, who plays Australian business tycoon and playboy Jasper Jax, had warned fans via Twitter that his time on screen had been reduced, but the soap's decision to drop him entirely is a stunner.That means that in the past few months, two major hunks -- Rademacher and Tyler Christopher (Nikolas) -- have been released. It's an ominous sign for a soap that has been rumored to be close to cancellation.
Today, Rademacher issued a statement about his change in status. "It is with mixed emotions and regret that I write this note to you, my fans and colleagues. ... I'm fired." He added that he was grateful to ... 'everyone at 'GH,' the producers, directors, crew, my fellow actors and ABC/Disney.'
In an interview with Soaps In Depth, Rademacher reported that new 'GH' scribe Garin Wolf wants to bring the actor back for a better exit than he'd been given by former head writer Bob Guza. Rademacher agreed to return, adding that he believes there's still hope for bringing Jax back in the future because the character remains viable. Nothing's impossible.
Rademacher's right about Jax being resurrectible, but if I were his agent, I'd be on the phone to 'The Young and the Restless.' With that soap's introduction of an Australian mob story, Rademacher would fit right in ... perhaps as the law man who's been after the Atkinson crime family for years.
Has 'Y&R' Really Axed Maura West?
Two-time Emmy winner Maura West is reportedly on the brink of being axed from 'The Young and the Restless.' CBS Soaps In Depth claims that West, who was dynamic as Carly on 'As the World Turns,' is going to be terminated by 'Y&R' because of miscasting.
As Diane Jenkins, Victor's ex-wife and the mother of Jack's son, 'Y&R' anticipated West amping up the character's vitriol and villainy. Diane has been a troublemaker, and head writer Maria Arena Bell has had Diane bounce around from bed to bed to bed. However, the publication claims that insiders have determined that West is just not right in that role.
'Y&R' has yet to comment -- and they won't until this is officially true. Meanwhile, in upcoming weeks, Diane will be the center of a tussle between Adam and Nick.
New Head Writing Team for 'Days of Our Lives'
It's only been a couple of weeks since 'GH' fired Robert Guza Jr. and hired Garin Wolf to head up the writing department, and now another soap has followed suit. Dena Higley is out as 'Days of Our Lives'' head writer. The team of Marlene McPherson and Darrell Ray Thomas will begin immediately, reports Entertainment Weekly.
Executive Producer Ken Corday issued the statement about the new writers: "McPherson and Thomas will bring 'Days of Our Lives' back to its core values by telling exciting stories with a fresh and contemporary approach including beloved characters."
What's Up with Whip?Another multiple-time Emmy winner (see Maura West above) is finding tough sledding at a CBS soap. Rick Hearst has been taken off contract at 'The Bold and the Beautiful.' He'll still be recurring at Whip Jones, but his role has been diminished.
Hearst returned to 'B&B' in 2009 with the expectation that he'd be given a substantial story line. Hearst was coming off his stint on 'GH' as Ric Lansing, Sonny's half-brother, a role that earned him two Emmys. He'd won a third Emmy as Alan-Michael on 'Guiding Light.'
Currently, Hearst's character is having an emotional crisis with is marriage falling apart. It's possible that this move to recurring will coincide with Whip being put on the backburner.
Hopefully, it's just a maneuver to give the writers time to give Whip a better story line ... like a plot to kill Ridge or a hot new love affair with Brooke.
Robin Strasser's Health Concerns
'One Life to Live' star Robin Strasser will be leaving the show because of a medical crisis. The actress had hoped to be with the soap until it wraps in January 2012, but health issues have made that unlikely.
In a tweet, Strasser addressed fans with the announcement: "I'll have to leave 'OLTL' sooner than the cancellation date, for compelling health reasons. Unable to meet high standards I owe our great show. BUMMER! Darn right. WISDOM indicates a GRACE-full exit, before I fall on my bum. Always leave 'em laughin'. With Tuc [Watkins (David Vickers) and luck, hope I will!"
To Robin, our best wishes for a speedy recovery.
Watch Ingo Rademacher discuss his time on 'General Hospital' below.
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