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Subject: AMC's Head Writer Finally Fired! - March03, 2007



Soaps Update
All the cast changes and spoilers you need to know.

March 2, 2007


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Editor's Note

Though rumored for many months, ABC has confirmed that Megan McTavish has been fired as head writer of All My Children. The dismissal is effective immediately, but the show has not yet named a successor to the Emmy-winning scribe. "This was a difficult decision. Megan came in at a crucial time for All My Children," Brian Frons, President, Daytime, Disney-ABC Television Group said in a statement. "We appreciate her vision and thank her for all her contributions." The dismissal may start celebration among fans. While AMC's ratings have risen in recent weeks, the show hovered at or near record low ratings only several months ago. During this time fans have been critical of many major storylines. It is the very vision - or perhaps lack thereof -- that Frons cited that has had viewers up in arms. Among her many missteps as head writer, in the eyes of fans, are the poorly penned exits of some of the show's big name talents, a lack of innovative storylines and ill-conceived plot payoffs. The panned storylines McTavish penned for All My Children follow a pattern of decidedly dark storylines that fans have criticized during her reign at other soaps. For weeks viewers were forced to watch Dr. Greg Madden buried alive in a coffin and during this past Christmas season a serial killer stalked the women of Pine Valley. While fans were riveted at the idea that anyone could be picked off by the so-called Satin Slayer, they were not pleased with the killing of Dixie Martin or the killer's identity - the supposedly dead Alexander Cambias, Sr. Megan McTavish was named head writer of All My Children in May 2003. Her installation as top scribe was not her first go around in the position; she served previously as head writer from 1992 to 1995 and then again from 1997 to 1999. ABC has yet to name a replacement for McTavish, though some insiders are speculating that someone already on the show's writing staff will be elevated to the top position. So the question is, AMC fans, is this the news you've been waiting for or is it too little too late?



      INS

As the World Turns David Oliver Cohen and Ian Hoge play Casey's classmates Kip and Jared February 27. Troy Britton Johnson is in as Vienna's lawyer February 27.

Days of Our Lives William Bumiller appears in flashbacks as Mimi's father David March 1.

General Hospital Maxie gets a masked cellmate; Jason Gerhardt will air as Three. Annie Wersching will star as Amelia, who'll have connections to Jax, Carly and Sam.

Passions Richard Voights sets up a shop in Harmony March 5. Colton Shires (right) returns as little Ethan March 6. Bruce Gray appears as Judge Reilly March 8.

 

THIS WEEK

All My Children Zach tries to save Kendall. Josh's latest scheme leaves Babe speechless. Bianca supports Zoe in her new beginning.

As the World Turns Katie cries on Jack's shoulder. Ethan becomes the subject of Paul's latest vision. Gwen spends a traumatic night at home.

Bold & the Beautiful Stephanie secretly records Rick and Phoebe. Tension runs high when Ashley arrives. Taylor states her commitment to Nick.

Days of Our Lives Belle and Shawn rush to tend to Claire. Billie and EJ lock lips. Maggie has a warning for Abby.

General Hospital Family and friends remember Alan. Luke and Tracy team up to get Alan's money. Carly is torn between Jax and Sonny.

Guiding Light Harley and Dylan unite to help Daisy. Dinah comes face-to-face with a man from her past. Reva gets arrested.

One Life to Live Nash and Jessica struggle with their feelings. John apprehends a suspect in Spencer's murder then finds Natalie in Vincent's arms.

Passions Julian's scheme backfires. Ethan and Jared's faceoff turns deadly. Chad's two loves make a date.

Young & the Restless Jack kicks off his campaign with a shocking announcement. Colleen and Korbel face a dilemma. Dru gets a surprise ally.

 

SPOTLIGHT ON...Stuart Damon (Alan Quartermaine, General Hospital)

Emmy Award-winner Stuart has portrayed Alan for the last 25 years. His parents were struggling Russian immigrants who came to America during the Bolshevik revolution to settle in Brooklyn, where Stuart was born. At age 11, he played the cowardly lion in a production of The Wizard of Oz, and later starred in musical comedies at a summer camp near Danbury, Connecticut.

Stuart attended a private high school, then Brandeis University, where he received a BA degree in psychology. He was on his way to becoming an attorney when he decided to turn his interest of acting into a professional pursuit. He began playing lead roles in summer stock with the likes of Jane Powell and George Gabel. In the next few years he amassed experience in over 50 musical comedies.

His first Broadway role was in the chorus line of Irma La Douche, his dance partner was Elliott Gould. He understudied for the principles and after two weeks had taken over for one of the leads.

In 1964 Stuart was named the Most Promising Performer of the Year by Theater World for his performance in The Boys from Syracuse. The next year he was brought to Hollywood to star with Lesley Ann Warren in the classic TV production of Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella. Having now attracted worldwide attention, a lucrative television series, The Champions, sent Stuart, his English wife, Deirdre and daughter Jennifer to England. For the next 12 years, he starred on English TV and stages in London's West End.

Stuart returned to the U.S. in 1977 and landed on General Hospital. He accumulated a starring role in Fantasies, the TV suspense thriller; roles in telefilms and several guest appearances in primetime (Fantasy Island, Mike Hammer, Perry Mason, Diagnosis Murder).

Stuart returned to American stages in 1982 to play King Arthur; his wife playing Queen Guenevere in a San Diego production of Camelot.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stuart Damon (Dr. Alan Quartermaine)

 



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