As The World Turns
THE PAOLO SEGANTI INTERVIEW – AS THE WORLD TURNS
One of “As the World Turns” most mysterious characters returns to the fold this coming week when Paolo Seganti makes his return as Damian Grimaldi. During his last stay in Oakdale, it found him sending his gay son, Luke, to a deprogramming camp in an attempt to change him to become straight. After that didn’t go so well, Damian left town. Now he is back with an agenda to reconnect with his son, and to turn the lives of some of the women of the town upside down. Will it be Lily, or someone else?
Paolo speaks about missing Martha Byrne but enjoying “nuLily” Noelle Beck. Also, he talks about his respect for Van Hansis, and what to look forward to from this shady guy. Are we going to be seeing a new 2.0 version of Damian? Or, will he revert back to his old tricks? Things start off rough when Damian happens to be at a Gay Rights rally that puts estranged father and son in closer proximity than
they even know.
Let the story begin…
Listen to the audio:
[display_podcast]
MICHAEL:Paolo, it’s good to have you back on As the World Turns. Is it different coming back this time?
PAOLO:
It is different. Damian is a different person as a father, than two and half years ago, when I was here last time story-wise. Damian is coming back with a different purpose. He wants to reconcile with his son. Two and half years ago he wanted to change his son to make him straight when he found out he was gay. So, he comes back with a different perspective, and really wants to get close to his son. At least that’s what he’s saying, and he is trying to get everybody to believe, and that’s the difference.
MICHAEL:
Last time out, Damian sent Luke off to a deprogramming camp, and that was very hard to watch. Were those beats of the story hard to play?
PAOLO:
Like me, Damian grew up in a very conservative background. So, it was not too far away from the way things were when I grew up in Italy. It was difficult for a father to take that all in. I think he was confused, frustrated and grabbing at straws. It was definitely a tough story to play. I had fun going through the storyline. Basically, I am now trying to convince everybody that I “dig” who my son is, and will accept who he is no matter what, as long as he takes me back.
MICHAEL:
When Damian first comes back, do we see him right away? Does he just mysteriously show up in Oakdale?
PAOLO:
Damian comes and goes, in and out, and does his thing. I am going to a rally that my son and his boyfriend have organized. Then, a car hits Luke and it’s a hit and run. That is the first time I see him, in the hospital. Basically, it’s about me saving him on that occasion that nobody believes. I get accused of being behind the hit and run and everything that comes after, of course, because Damian has always been shady.
MICHAEL:
But, is he there to help Luke?
PAOLO:Well, he happens to be there and helps out.
MICHAEL:How is working with Van Hansis (Luke) again? When I spoke with him, he told me he could not wait for you to come back to the show.
PAOLO:
It’s reciprocal. I do “dig” the guy. I asked him to do some material for a play that I would love to do with him. It’s been years that I have wanted to do it, but I had to wait for the right age for myself to do it.
MICHAEL:
Are you missing your Lily, Martha Byrne?
PAOLO:
I do miss Martha Byrne, but I love working with Noelle Beck (Lily). She is great actress, professional, and beautiful. Martha and I go back years and we are good buddies. I actually shot a short film she produced in California, and Paul Leyden, who played Simon on “ATWT”, wrote and directed it. Simon is a great director and writer. I do miss Martha, but Noelle is doing a great job. Things are different. Martha taught me everything I know about daytime, and it was my first job on TV. I had no clue what I was doing, so she moved me around and showed me everything. She coached me all the way, and we will always be friends.
MICHAEL:
Whenever it’s announced that Damian will be coming back to the show, fans can’t wait for him to come back. What do you attribute that to?
PAOLO:
I don’t know, but I think because I work well off of women and adore them as directors, and in general. I also think because he stirs up the pot in Oakdale.
MICHAEL:
You seem to be clicking with Noelle Beck!
PAOLO:
Personally, I work really well off of Noelle. I am lucky that I have my co-stars that I can click with right away. There is something really nice going on with Noelle and me. It’s been only a month, and I look forward to doing scenes with her.
MICHAEL:
Do you think Lily and Damian will reunite?
PAOLO:Lily will always be in Damian’s heart and he still loves her, but it depends if Lily will allow it and if Holden will allow it. It’s a lot more complicated right now; if he goes there he will risk losing Luke. You can’t control these things. Your heart goes where it wants. So, if it’s going to go there, it’s going to go and cause trouble, no matter what. It’s a possibility for sure.
MICHAEL:
Did Damian know that Luke had a boyfriend? Does he know of Noah or met him?
PAOLO:No, he found out when he came to Oakdale. He knew that his son was gay and he knew he was basically banished from Oakdale, but that did not stop him from snooping around. When I came back, I knew where Luke was at. Damian did not come back to cause trouble or deter his son from this person. Noah is the only one from the ‘get-go’ who thinks he is sincere. All he wants to do is to get closer, and make amends for the past and how he behaved. Noah is actually on Damian’s side.
MICHAEL:
So, do you think there is a mutual respect between these two guys, yet?
PAOLO:
I like the guy. I think he is a really cool kid. Look, it’s all new for Damian as he goes slowly down this path. Noah is a cool kid and he believes Damian, and says, “You mean what you say.” Noah is trying to convince Luke that Damian is not a bad guy and that, “He wants
to get close to you again, and
get to know you better and
allow you to know him better.”MICHAEL:
Is Luke conflicted on how he feels?
PAOLO:I think he is more angry. His instinct is that he would like to get it out and talk; why Damian did certain things, and why he left him and he has so much pride in him, and does not want to give Damian the satisfaction. He just doesn’t think I am that person, but I am back. It’s difficult for him to go there.
MICHAEL:
Do you think the audience will trust Damian?
PAOLO:
I don’t know. He really means it when says he loves his son. When he tried to de-program Luke, it was because he loved his son and it was not because a Grimaldi cannot be gay.
He was looking out for
him, and seeing it from Damian’s perspective, and how he was raised and his
background, he was not
all that wrong. He meant
well. But he was wrong.
You cannot change
somebody’s being.MICHAEL:
Are we going to see Damian mix it up with some other people in Oakdale, other than Lily?
PAOLO:
I think so. But, I am not going to tell you who. (He laughs)
MICHAEL:
Is there anything, or part of a story you did over the years as Damian, where you thought, “I was really good,” or “I hit it out of the park?”
PAOLO:When I first came on the show I barely spoke English. I enjoyed the beginning so much, and then I didn’t. I was doing theatre and kind of burnt out, and then I started enjoying it again. I remember in the beginnin
g, having a great time with Martha and Nick Coster and Liz Hubbard (Lucinda). That was good and fun. Back in those days, we had more time to shoot and mess around between scenes and unwind, so you could do your best. Now it’s faster. I think the best stuff was the last couple of times I came to the show, because at the beginning, I was just learning. Two and half years ago, and before that, six years ago with the storylines, I was becoming a more experienced actor. I would say probably the last time I was here at “ATWT” with Luke was great. Working off of Van is great. He was such a generous actor. On the right day, I am that way, too. We had a good time, and I am so looking forward to working with him again.
MICHAEL:Are you living in Italy, too?
PAOLO:
No, but I have a house in Tuscany. I live in Los Angeles. I love it there and it took me awhile to get used to LA, but now I love it. It took me having a couple of kids, and if you are an actor not working in LA, you are miserable. I missed the seasons in New York, and after three weeks here, I am complaining and I am thinking, “Hmmm, maybe LA is not that bad.” LA is just so far away from Italy and France. I have been doing a lot of projects in Europe over the past few years. I had lived in New York for 11 years, and by the end of it, I was so burnt out. But then, after a few months in LA, I said, “Oh, My God. I want to go back”. But honestly, I like LA. When I was in New York before, I was a bachelor, and had more time on my hands. Now, I have four kids and a beautiful wife. I am looking forward to going back home, but it’s so far away.
MICHAEL:
Will you be staying around Oakdale for awhile?
PAOLO:
Yes, I am definitely here for awhile. There are some very exciting stories for Damian that will keep him very busy.
MICHAEL:
In closing, what can we look forward to from Damian coming up?
PAOLO:
He is going to create some problems all around. That’s usually what he does, even if he means well. Holden is in the way and jealous, and everything Damian does is scrutinized. He can’t make a step without everyone watching him. His main intention is really being close to his son; understanding him and to get to know who he is, and stay by his side. He wants to make amends and make it up to him.
A really nice interview!!! He s a good exemple for all the italien people!! Also a good father and husband!!! Very good!
UPDATED: Heartbreaking news to report this Sunday evening, July 13. Two-time Daytime Emmy nominee and beloved soap veteran and television actor Scott Bryce (ex-Craig Montgomery, As the World Turns) has died at the age of 68.
Lucie Arnaz Luckinbill, Bryce’s longtime friend and former co-star announced his death via her Facebook under an hour ago (in a post that has now been deleted, but see below). Arnaz expressed, “a wonderful actor, a beautiful man and a terrific husband and father, Scott Bryce, passed tonight. I am going to miss his eyes, his smile, his wit, his brain, his intelligence, his talent, his bravery, his laugh and his hugs. Dearest Jodi, dear Jackson, he’s watching over you now from a place of pure joy and will always be your guide. But, I hate these goodbyes. Rest in peace you marvelous, magnificent man”.
Previously, Bryce was diagnosed with Stage 3 esophageal and stomach cancer back in October of 2024. He had credited early detection as a vital part of his journey. He had underwent medical treatment and had since reported being “on the mend.”
Photo: JPI
SCOTT BRYCE’S RUN AS CRAIG MONTGOMERY WAS MEMORABLE
However, Lucie Arnaz shared on her Facebook post in the comment thread section when asked, that Scott’s cancer had returned. She has appeared in two projects with Bryce, the Indie film, The Pack and the TV series, Sons and Daughters.
Jackson Bryce, Scott’s beloved son, shared a beautiful tribute to his father after his passing on his Instagram where he shared that, “What began as stage three esophageal cancer eventually spread and became brain tumors that took his life away from him.”
Scott was the son of actor Ed Bryce, who was best-known for his role on the soaps as Bill Bauer on Guiding Light from 1959 to 1983. On As the World Turns, Scott had a significant run as Craig Montgomery, and at one point was initially paired on-screen with Meg Ryan (ex-Betsy Stewart). Bryce had appeared on the CBS soap opera from 1982–1991, 1993–1994, and 2007–2008.
AS THE WORLD TURNS CO-STAR PAYS TRIBUTE
On As the Word Turns, Scott’s on-screen romance was with Finn Carter, who played Sierra Esteban was a fan favorite for longtime viewers.
Carter expressed her grief on Instagram following the news of Bryce’s passing sharing, “My sadness knows no bounds. My gratitude for Scott knows even fewer. Scott was the best husband a woman could ask for. As an actor he was fearless, kind, generous and forever looking for ways to grow. And what a sense of humor! It is so difficult to write this as I can not stop crying . Scott , you were a gift that I did not deserve and one the world was freely given . All of my love to you – ah, just can’t stop crying. See you soon ( not too soon) and look forward to recalling our days on As The World Turns . You patiently taught me so much . XO”
It was during his initial run that Scott received two Daytime Emmy nominations for his performances as the manipulative Craig Montgomery. Bryce was nominated in the Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series in both 1986 and 1987.
Bryce exited ATWT in February of 2008 and by December of that year, Jon Lindstrom, (Beyond the Gates, General Hospital) was brought in as the final Craig from 2008-2010 as the soap went off the air. Over the years, Hunt Block and Jeffrey Meek also played the role of Craig.
FROM OAKDALE TO PRIMETIME
In addition, Scott appeared in numerous episodic comedy and drama series throughout his career with roles in: Murphy Brown, The Facts of Life, ER, Law & Order, Reba and Sex and the City and Blue Bloods, The Blacklist, Homeland, 30 Rock to name but a few. On the soaps, Bryce also appeared on One Life to Live in the role of a psychiatrist, Dr. Ed Crosby, from 2006-2007.
Scott is survived by his wife Jodi Stevens and their son, Jackson.
Michael Fairman TV will bring you further updates on this developing story.
Share your remembrances and condolences for Scott Bryce via the comment section below. But first check out these scenes featuring Scott in moments from As the World Turns with Cady McClain and Marie Wilson.
Photo: LArnaz Facebook
As The World Turns
‘As the World Turns’ and ‘The Young and the Restless’ Alum, Colleen Zenk Arrested for Third DUI Since 2010
UPDATED: Fan favorite, Colleen Zenk (ex-Barbara, As the World Turns, ex-Jordan, The Young and the Restless) found herself in trouble with the law when she was arrested for a DUI in Naples, Florida near where she lives.
The incident took place back on May 15 at 7:35 pm, when the actress was charged with a DUI resulting in damage to property or person of another with a with a blood alcohol level of 0.15 or higher, above the legal limit of 0.08. Both misdemeanors carry a bond of $1,000.
Soap Opera Network was the first to report the news after they had obtained records from County Sheriff’s Office and the County Clerk’s Office in Collier County.
Photo: JPI
Zenk posted bond on May 16, 2026, and court date that was set for June 10, 2026. Although she did not appear in person at the hearing after filing a Waiver of Appearance at Non-Mandatory Court Appearances, she pled not guilty through her attorney, with a continuance scheduled for July 29, 2026, for pre-trial.
Now, according to PEOPLE.com, Zenk’s attorney shared on June 30, “The charges are being defended. Ms. Zenk has not been convicted of anything. The truth will be played out in court.”
According to the arrest report, a witness told deputies they saw Zenk backing out of a handicap parking space near a Tommy Bahama store when her vehicle struck another parked car. The same witness alleged Zenk continued moving after the collision before being stopped a short distance away and claimed she appeared unsteady after exiting her vehicle.
In addition, after Zenk greed to perform field sobriety exercises, the arresting officer notated that Zenk showed multiple signs of impairment, including balance issues, swaying and difficulty following instructions.
Photo: JPI
PREVIOUS DUI TROUBLE
This is not the first time Colleen has been arrested for DUI. This is her third. She was first arrested in April 1, 2010, when she was pulled over by police in Wilton, Connecticut, for erratic driving and crossing into the oncoming lane of traffic, resulting in charges of DUI and improper lane usage. The second time was back on May 28, 2017. Zenk was charged with a DUI, marking her first offense and arrest in Collier County.
Zenk made her daytime debut as Barbara Ryan on As the World Turns in 1978 and remained with the series until its final episode in 2010. Viewers will recall, Barbara dancing with Henry Coleman (Trent Dawson) to “Last Dance” in the finale.
Along the way, Colleen earned three Daytime Emmy Award nominations for taking the once girl to a bad girl and eventually a fully evolved character. Then in November of 2023, Colleen made her triumphant return to daytime as the villainous and oft-kilter, Jordan Howard who had more than nine lives! The character was eventually killed off in 2025.
Jordan was the creation of departing head writer, Josh Griffith, who has brought Zenk and Hayley Erin as “Claire” to Y&R to shake things up for the Newmans.
Share your thoughts on the latest DUI charges for Colleen Zenk via the comment section below. Do you hope she gets the opportunity to appear on another soap? Let us know.
As The World Turns
ATWT Alum Martha Byrne Pays Tribute to Eileen Fulton: “The Original Soap Star Who Paved the Way for the Likes of a Susan Lucci or Andrea Evans”
Tributes and remembrances are pouring in for the the late Eileen Fulton, who passed away on July 14th at the age of 91. Fulton broke the soap opera mold back in the early 60’s when she was cast to play Lisa Miller on As the World Turns, who would turn out to be the first villiainess, vixen, and homewrecker of daytime television.
Fans of the soap loved to love to hate her for how she destroyed many lives in her quests to nab a husband; especially one she had set her sights set on. In fact, Lisa was married 8 times during the history of the show. Fulton was with ATWT on and off until the final year of the show in 2010.
Martha Byrne, who has been Fulton’s castmate for a time (Bryne played Lily Snyder from 1985 to 1989 and then again from 1993-2008 where she also played Rose D’Angelo), took to her account on x to share her thoughts on what Eileen meant to the genre, and also spoke on how Fulton handled not being as front and center on the soap operas as the years went by.
Photo: JPI
“What can I say about Eileen Fulton. The original soap star who paved the road for the likes of a Susan Lucci or Andrea Evans,” began Bryne. “Since Eileen started on ATWT when the show was live, there aren’t enough pieces of history for us to truly grasp the enormity of her stardom and presence in the entertainment business. I remember being so impressed that she was a writer. The best part was she would use real stories from behind the scenes and change the names. Maybe that was her way of giving the audience a wink to include them even more.”
Photo: CBS
Bryne went to share, “She (Eileen) loved her fans and she had many. I went to her one woman shows and the place was always packed. As the years went on and her role wasn’t as prominent as it had been she took it with class. I never heard her complain as many did who were frustrated they didn’t have a storyline. She was always a class act and a true pro who knew a storyline or another opportunity was only around the corner. She knew her value and was secure in herself. A national treasure who shaped the entire industry. Thank you Eileen. I’m sure there was a pink feather boa waiting for you just inside the pearly gates.”
So, what did you think about the sentiments shared by Martha on the legendary Eileen Fulton? Would you agree, as we have previously noted, that Lisa as played by Eileen, was really the prototype for all soap opera “bad girls” to follow? Did you appreciate the fact that while having a more diminished role over the last few decades of ATWT, Eileen took it in stride? Share your thoughts via the comment section below.
What can I say about Eileen Fulton. The original soap star who paved the road for the likes of a Susan Lucci or Andrea Evans. Since Eileen started on ATWT when the show was live there aren’t enough pieces of history for us to truly grasp the enormity of her stardom and presence… pic.twitter.com/bN3skb2Rws
— Martha Byrne (@MarthaByrne10) July 20, 2025
53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Nominations Announced: ‘The Young and the Restless’ Tops With 18, ‘Beyond the Gates’ With 16
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53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Nominations: Outstanding Lead Actress Drama Series
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Randolph Mantooth, ‘Emergency!’ and ‘Loving’ Actor, Dies at 80
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GENERAL HOSPITAL Spoilers Promo: Jason’s Back, Drew Begins to Make His Move, Portia Goes Into a Labor
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