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As The World Turns

THE VAN HANSIS INTERVIEW – AS THE WORLD TURNS – YOUNGER ACTOR EMMY NOMINEE!

By Michael Fairman

Published

18 years ago

on

Listen to the audio:

[display_podcast]

MICHAEL:
What scenes did you submit for Emmy contention in this year’s Younger Actor category, and why did you choose those particular episodes?

VAN:
My birthday fell in September, so I could not submit a lot of stuff I would’ve submitted, because then I was too old. (Note: 25 yrs old is the cut off in the younger Emmy acting categories) I tried to find stuff that had a varying range of me doing different things, as far as acting goes. I found a couple episodes that showcased things that I do best, and I was lucky enough to be nominated.

MICHAEL:
I read that in an interview, you had said that the reason you chose those two episodes to represent your work was because they were stand-alone shows. Is that true?

VAN:
I think I did say that. Last year when I was a judge, I found that if what you pick is so wrapped up in a story, sometimes you don’t know what was really going on, but appreciate the acting by itself. I wanted to find material that had some semblance of that.

MICHAEL:
Are you familiar with the work of the nominees in your category?

VAN:
I have seen Jesse Sofer’s (Ex-Will, “ATWT”) work and I think he is awesome. I have seen Tom Pelphrey’s (Ex-Jonathan, “GL”) work and I think he is incredible.

MICHAEL:
How have you dealt with all the controversy surrounding the amazing Gay storyline being played out on “ATWT” between your character Luke and his love interest, Noah? And, how do you feel the show is handling this subject matter?

VAN:
I like what is happening in the story right now, and some material that is coming up is good. I have always been proud of the story. I try not to get involved in whatever controversy there might be, and thinking about it does not help me do my job at all. With all that has been talked about, I have never been interviewed once about it. I think we are the wrong people to talk to about that, because we are actors who go in and say lines and do it. We don’t make any of the creative choices. So, I feel it was the right way to handle it. It’s as if you are written off a show. Do you necessarily want to be written off, or be killed? No. But you play those scenes anyway, because that’s your job. I am very proud of the story and the work that Jake and I have done. We are treated like any other soap couple, and currently what is being aired is, that they have broken up. Colonel Mayer, the sham marriage, is all good soapy stuff.

MICHAEL:
How did you feel about the abrupt ending to the Ameera storyline?

VAN:
The thing I am saddest about is having Tala gone. She was a great actress, and a good friend of both Jake and I. It was sad to see her go. I think that story was interesting, and what happens after the story. The outcome of the break up of Luke and Noah has brought their characters to a different place. That is the objective of any story; to have the characters end up different than when they began.

MICHAEL:
What happens now when you are out in public? Do people address you as ‘Luke’ and talk about the storyline with you?

VAN:
Sometimes, people scream, “Luke” at me. All the interactions I have had with fans have been really nice.

MICHAEL:
Cyndi Lauper is making a very special guest appearance on “ATWT”. We hear she will be singing “True Colors”, which has become the gay anthem all over the world.

VAN:
Yes it has, and the way they worked her in was great. Cyndi is not just a celebrity who came onto the show. She is not just there for some random reason. The way they wrote her in is really, really smart and pivotal to the story.

MICHAEL:
How was working with Cyndi?

VAN:
It was great! I had done a reading with her for the Matthew Shepherd Foundation a few years ago. I had met her at that time, and to see her perform “True Colors” was incredible. I mean, she is like an icon of my childhood and it was very cool! A glorified rock star serenaded me! That has never happened before.

MICHAEL:
So, it sounds like you were very moved during her song!

VAN:
Her energy is so fun, and as a performer, she is incredible. I was completely blown-away.

MICHAEL:
Because you have such amazing acting chops, and have such a complex character to portray, are there any types of moments that are more difficult for you to play?

VAN:
I think it’s difficult if you don’t know why your character is doing what he is doing. Your job as an actor is to figure it out, even if it has to be the natural thing the character would do. On soaps, no character learns from their mistakes. So, you will come across issues that a person did in real life and they do not make those mistakes again. But with soaps, you have to suspend that part of your brain and do what is asked of you.

MICHAEL:
How is it working with your on-screen partner, Jake Silberman (Noah)?

VAN:
Jake is hands-down my best friend on the show. Honestly, I could not have asked for a better person to act opposite. He is incredibly talented. We get along really well, and he has an awesome sense of humor. He is very smart and an all around good guy.

MICHAEL:
Were you involved in the casting process for the role of Noah, since he would be acting opposite you?

VAN:
Noah is not a contract character; it was the same when I started. Luke was not a contract player. The way it’s done is that you are in the rehearsal hall and they have a camera up. By the time I came into it, they had narrowed it down to six or seven. Each would come in and quickly do the scene once. Chris Goutman (exec prod, “ATWT”) was there and the casting people were there. Chris made his decision.

MICHAEL:
What do you think Jake would say about working with you, if I asked him?

VAN:
Knowing Jake, he would say really nice things, because he is a really nice guy. He would not talk about all the times that I tried to sabotage every scene that I was in. And, he would not talk about the time I pulled a Tonya Harding on him, and tried to hit his knee with a crowbar. He would not talk about it. He would be very polite and not talk about the evil things that I have done. (He laughs)

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MICHAEL:
With Luke and Noah being the premiere gay male couple on daytime… well, the only couple… have you done many interviews with the gay press? You are so vitally important now to so many people who watch “ATWT” because you represent their voices.

VAN:
I have done interviews with the gay press. I think the story resonates with a lot of people. It would be stupid to say that part of our audience wasn’t gay. People are finally seeing a representation of themselves, in a medium where there hasn’t been any. I think it’s very important for the gay community. I think Jake and I are very proud to be telling this story and representing people that have been marginalized.

MICHAEL:
Have there been a few performances you can tell us about, where you felt you just ‘knocked it out of the park’?

VAN:
There are a couple. I think one has not aired yet. There are some scenes with Jake and I that we both felt awesome about. You have these episodes once in awhile, when you go, “Oh, yes. This is why I love to act.” It’s cathartic in a way, and I am not one of those actors who use acting as therapy. I don’t think that’s really healthy, but if you are in the moment, and have a really good script and you are clicking, it’s an amazing feeling that I have had nowhere else but acting. I have had a couple like that. The one coming up is when Noah is moving out of the cottage and we had a good whole day of good scenes. I remember feeling that way when Luke was confronting Damian in the airport. Last winter, I had these scenes with Lucinda at the diner. They were not really big scenes, but I felt those scenes where Luke and Lucinda were just talking about their lives were wonderful. I really like scenes like that.

MICHAEL:
Do you know what you are going to wear to the Emmys?

VAN:
Not yet. I should really get on top of that. I like just going and buying something and leaving. I don’t like spending a lot of time fussing about it. I will probably wear a suit.

audio_icon_small.jpg

MICHAEL:
Now that Noelle Beck has taken over the role from the recently departed Martha Byrne, in the pivotal role of your on-screen mother, Lily Snyder, how has the transition been for you?

VAN:
Noelle is wonderful, and of course, Martha’s leaving was incredibly, incredibly sad. Martha will always have a special place in my heart, because I do feel I learned a lot of what I am doing on the show is because of her. Her humor and warmth are just one of a kind, but Noelle does not have an easy job. She has to step into a role that has been played by someone else for 20 years. She is doing a phenomenal job. She is such a kind, warm person and I love working with her. I feel she is clicking with the cast very easily, and she is a very generous actor.

MICHAEL:
What can we tell Luke fans to look forward to in the coming months… that you can give away?

VAN:
Luke is contacted from someone in his past who he may not want to be contacted by, but it happens, and that befalls the next storyline. That is what I think fans will have to look forward to.

MICHAEL:
Can we assure your fans, and fans of your story, that Luke and Noah will be on “ATWT” for quite some time to come?

VAN:
As of now, I am pretty sure we will be around for quite awhile.

MICHAEL:
Finally, if your name is called on Emmy night, will you have a speech prepared?

VAN:
I will not have something prepared. I will probably go up there and babble incoherently. I don’t think I want to prepare something, because I don’t like it when people get up there and open up their piece of paper that has been all thought out. I think it will be very spur of the moment. I will go out there and spend a minute and half not making any sense at all.

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As The World Turns

Scott Bryce, ‘As the World Turns’ Craig Montgomery, Passes Away at 68

Published

2 days ago

on

July 12, 2026

By

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

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As The World Turns

‘As the World Turns’ and ‘The Young and the Restless’ Alum, Colleen Zenk Arrested for Third DUI Since 2010

Published

2 weeks ago

on

June 30, 2026

By

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.

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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”

Published

12 months ago

on

July 20, 2025

By

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.

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