As The World Turns

Van Hansis Reveals Why He Did Not Come Out Publicly While On ATWT!

May 5, 2014

Courtesy/EastSiders

Courtesy/EastSiders

Fan favorite Van Hansis won the hearts of soap opera viewers for his portrayal of Luke Snyder on As the World Turns. Since the CBS soap opera met its demise back in 2010, viewers have always wondered what would have happened next for Luke post the death of his then latest love Reid Oliver (Eric Sheffer Stevens) and if he would have gotten back together with Noah (Jake Silberman). As one part of the popular same-sex couple, Nuke, Van and on-screen scene partner Jake Silberman became international sensations.

Among numerous projects post-ATWT, Hansis has been appearing in the hit web series EastSiders about the plight of a same-sex couple where infidelity between partners is the cause for much of the dramatic turns in the story. In a fascinating new interview with The Fight, Kit Williamson, the creator, star and writer of EastSiders interviews Van!

During their chat, Hansis revealed why he chose not to come out publicly during his years playing Luke on As the World Turns: “I guess it was a combination of a lot of things—It was my first job, it was a different time back then in regards to LGBT stories being told—I mean, the Luke story was groundbreaking at the time. I was completely green, fresh out of college, and honestly, I was scared.”

Later in the interview, Van spoke of how EastSiders helps break down pre-conceived notions of LGBT characters in the media: “I think this is part of the reason I connect with a show like “Eastsiders” so much. It, along with so many other really remarkable shows—whether LGBT focused, or just including some really great LGBT characters- are changing the narrative on preconceived notions. While for decades LGBT characters in cinema could be the villain, victim, or asexual comedic relief—shows like what you have created have characters so well rounded that you can be all three, and so much more. As we all are, often in the same day.”

EastSiders is currently gearing up for its second season with a kickstarter campaign to raise funds with 13 days to go. To check it out and see how you can participate click here!

So, what do you think about Van’s comments on why he did not feel ready or comfortable to come out given the nature of where things were at with the LGBT acceptance in the media several years ago and that it was his first job? It is very understandable to see where he was at with it at that time in his career. Will you be watching EastSiders season two when it arrives? Let us know!

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Click to comment

Gino

I love this man so much, I. Live in vancouver bc, canada. I’m a gay man 25 years old, I took a trip to New York in 2011, I ran into Van on the street. I got is autograph and he spent 30minutes talking to me, he is so friendly down to earth and cute too. Lol. I’m also a part time actor now and also do modeling here in Vancouver bc, Canada.

eddieemmons

Van is so much more important than he realizes…..he’s yet to own his rightful place…..

Patrick

Mr. Van Hansis : Hello – congratulations – Thank You – celebrate – I’m with You

“…I was completely green, fresh out of college, and honestly, I was scared.”

this was back in 2010… 4 years later…. strides have been taken… and… I need more

equal billing

the operative word…. “I was scared too” how to get that sense of security within yourself to truly emote, feel, and embody LOVE

Take Care

Scott (ATWT Fan)

I think he’s doing on his own terms and love him regardless!!

Mark

He is so cute and smart and talented why a soap has not scooped him up is a mystery. I love guy Wilson on days but van would’ve been a great will too

Mama

He’s so amazing. Wish every closeted gay actor in Hollywood (and New York) would use him as a role model.

miscrambler

This is so much less about coming out than it is about an industry that tells people that they will find it difficult to work and be accepted if they tell their own truth. Van Hansis is one of a handful — truly a handful — of super-talented young actors to emerge from soaps in the last decade. We should be celebrating his contributions and encouraging more inclusive independent series, like EastSiders. So, if you believe in this, you have to support this Kickstarter!

RLeternal

It’s a huge surprise that a talented actor like VH has not been picked up by any of the current soap operas. It’s wonderful that he is in East-siders and that series is doing well. I like VH as an actor and from his interviews he comes across as a wonderful human being. It is a thorough shame that gay characters (in general) are not treated the same as the straight characters in soaps, shows, and movies. DOOL is a rare exception and aired the same-sex wedding of Will and Sonny. It was really disheartening and disastrous that ATWT gave the burnt end of the stick to the 3 gay characters on the show while giving every straight character/couple a HEA.

Charday

What a QT!

andrew hass

I think it’s nice that Van Hansis finally came out and he’s doing it when he wants to do it.Plus he may have put some distance between him playing a gay character and then he himself coming out.

Robert

We are hopefully seeing a new world of people living their truths openly and freely as they were born to be. Van is a very talented person who should be on everyone’s screen on a regular basis and like many others here, I am totally surprise that the Networks having been knocking his door down to get him on one of their shows or movies.

Jonathan

Glad to know I have a chance, I ve seen him at the gym…

All My Children

TAINTED DREAMS Season 2 To Bow December 21st!

December 4, 2017

Tainted Dreams is back with a second season offering from Daytime Emmy-winning director and series creator, Sonia Blangiardo!

Beginning December 21st, the next chapter of Blangiardo’s the soap behind a soap, will be available for streaming on Amazon and Amazon Prime. (season one is also currently available on Amazon)

This series, which was nominated for five 2017 Daytime Emmys, follows the behind-the-scenes drama of a fictitious soap opera titled Painted Dreams. Many soap opera notables have roles in the online series including: Alicia Minshew, Michael Lowry , Austin Peck. Terri Ivens, Walt Willey, Kelley Menighan, Grant Aleksander, Bobbie Eakes, Natalia Livingston, Marnie Schulenburg, Nathan Purdee, Colleen Zenk, James DePaiva, Tonja Walker, Ilene Kristen, and the late Larkin Malloy . In addition, Jessie Godderz of Impact Wrestling and Big Brother fame, and Dina Manzo of The Real Housewives of New Jersey, also appear.

In a statement, Sonia Blangiardo said that she is “excited to take everyone along these characters’ journeys in Season 2, as they evolve and deal with ever increasing professional and personal turmoil.”

Fore more on Tainted Dreams visit their official website here. (more…)

As The World Turns

Crystal Hunt, Donna Mills, Antonio Sabato Jr & Michael Swan Star In New Faith-Based Soap Opera, HILTON HEAD ISLAND!

November 8, 2017

Some longtime soap opera notables are featured in a new 22 episode faith-based soap entitle, Hilton Head Island.

The series debuts this Friday, November 10th with the first eight installments, and is from the Christian entertainment company, PureFlix.com.

The soap opera is available by subscription, but the service offers a one-month free trial. In story, Hilton Head Island, revolves around the lives of the fictional Trisk family, who own the a television network.

Hilton Head Island features: Antonio Sabato Jr. (ex-Jagger, General Hospital), Donna Mills (ex-Abby, Knots Landing), Michael Swan (ex-Duncan, As the World Turns), and Crystal Hunt (ex-Lizzie, GL). PureFlix.com specializes in “family-oriented” content and shows. The plan is for Hilton Head Island to be rolled out in two subsequent seven-episode blocks in the coming weeks.

Watch the first official trailer for the soap after the jump. Then let us know your thoughts in the comment section below! (more…)

As The World Turns

EastSiders Season 3 Starring Van Hansis and Kit Williamson Kickstarter Campaign Underway!

May 20, 2017

EastSiders is on its way back for season three, which is great news since the LGBT series starring former As the World Turns star Van Hasis (Ex-Luke) as Thom and creator/writer/producer Kit Williamson as Cal.

Over the last few seasons, the funny, poignant, and extremely well-written series tells the tale of a couple who go through the struggles of their relationship while living in Silver Lake, California.

With many twist and turns and featuring a supporting cast that includes: Constance Wu (Fresh Off the Boat), Brianna Brown (General Hospital, Devious Maids, the upcoming Dynasty), Stephen Guarino (Happy Endings, I’m Dying Up Here), Willam Beli (RuPaul’s Drag Race, Nip/Tuck) Traci Lords (Crybaby, Zach and Miri Make a Porno), Matthew McKelligon (You’re Killing Me), Jonathan Lisecki (Gayby) and John Halbach (Producer, EastSiders), the series third season looks to be one of its most intriguing yet.

This time Thom and Cal (Hansis and Williamson) end up on the great American road trip after moving from L.A. to the Big Apple and then trying to get back home! The journey home to Silver Lake was shot on-location in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, South Dakota, Wyoming, Montana, Idaho, Oregon, Nevada and California over 35 days last fall.

The production has now launched their Kicktstarter campaign to finish up the series and is hoping for some funding for additional shoot days, and post-production costs. The campaign is set to run until June 6th, by which time the producers must have attained their goal of $60,000, or if you contribute and they have not met their goal, it is refunded. (more…)