Connect with us

As The World Turns

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

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!

Click to comment

0 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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.

What a QT!

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.

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.

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

As The World Turns

2024 Golden Globes: Justin Hartley and Amanda Seyfried Among First Round of Presenters

The 2024 awards season truly gets underway this Sunday night ,January 7th on CBS with the presentation of the 81st annual Golden Globe Awards honoring the best in motion picture and television as deemed by the voters of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA).

The ceremony will be broadcast live and will air beginning at 8 p.m. EST/5 p.m. PST, from the Beverly Hilton Hotel. The ceremony will also be available on the CBS app and will stream on Paramount+. (Note, however, only Paramount+ subscribers who have Showtime can stream the event live; others can watch the show the next day.)

The first round of presenters was revealed on Wednesday and two soap opera alums are on the list including Justin Hartley (ex-This Is Us, The Young and the Restless, Revenge, Passions) and Amanda Seyfried (ex-Lucy, As the World Turns and ex-Joni Stafford, All My Children).

Photo: HFPA

Joining Justin and Amanda as presenters are: Angela Bassett, Will Ferrell, Michelle Yeoh,George Lopez, Julia Garner, Justin Hartley, Gabriel Macht and Patrick J. Adams.  Previously, Jo Koy was named host for the telecast.

The Golden Globes are back on CBS for the first time since 1982. In addition, Dick Clark Productions is back after years away as the longtime Globes producers.

To review the nominees click here.

So, looking forward to the Golden Globes and seeing Justin and Amanda? Comment below.

Continue Reading

As The World Turns

Richard Roundtree, ‘Generations’, ‘ATWT” and ‘Shaft’ Star, Dead at 81

Motion picture and television leading man, Richard Roundtree, has passed away at the age of 81. The actor, best known for his role in the iconic film Shaft, and its sequels, died from complications from pancreatic cancer on October 24th in his home in Los Angeles.

In a statement, Roundtree’s manager, Patrick McMinn shared, “Richard’s work and career served as a turning point for African American leading men in film. The impact he had on the industry cannot be overstated.”

During his extensive credits and career, Roundtree made two stops to two daytime soap operas. In 1990 till 1991, Roundtree played Dr. Daniel Ruebens on the defunct NBC soap opera Generations. He later appeared on As the World Turns from 2002-2003, taking on the role of Oliver Travers, the father to T. Marshall Travers played by Lamman Rucker.

Photo: NBC

Roundtree’s leading lady on Generations, Jonelle Allen took to her Facebook upon learning the news of the death of her former castmate and friend, expressing: “My Leading Man on Generations. I Am Very Sad. My Condolences To Your Family. Dearest Richard Roundtree.”

In a subsequent post, Allen shared a photo of their Generations’ characters, Daniel and Doreen about to lip-lock. Jonelle stated, “In the scene with him I kept thinking: ‘Shaft is about to kiss ME!!!’ Thank You.”

On Generations, Roundtree’s character of Daniel Reubens was a brilliant doctor, who was accused of killing someone by causing an explosion at a lab in 1974. He and his daughter, Maya, then went “underground” for the next 15 years. Maya was played by Viveca A. Fox.

Photo: AP

Fox, honored her former on-screen soap father with an Instagram post upon learning of his death. Vivica wrote: “GM Dawlings! My heart is sad this morning as late last night I learned that LEGEND Actor @officialrichardroundtree had passed. I had the blessing of working with Richard on alot of 1st in my acting career! He played my Dad on the soap opera #Generation‘s TV show #90210BeverlyHills Mr Roundtree thank u for your AMAZING GIFTS! U will truly be missed as u were the 1st African American Action Star #SHAFT I’ll never forget the time u stood for ME when a director was being a jerk to me! I’ll miss your smile, jokes, laughs & hugs! REST EASY KING! U DID WELL. #Classic #LEGEND #LeadingMan #Actor #SuperStar #Respect #RestInPeace”

Richard was also known for his roles in Roots and the Brad Pitt thriller Se7en. On television, Roundtree appeared on: Murder, She Wrote, A Different World, Beauty and the Beast, 21 Jump Street, MacGyver, Beverly Hill 90210, L.A. Law, The Fresh Prince of Bel Air, Alias, Desperate Housewives, Heroes, Grey’s Anatomy, Chicago Fire, and Private Practice and many more.

Share your condolences on the passing of Richard Roundtree via the comment section below.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Vivica A Fox (@msvfox)

Continue Reading

As The World Turns

Soap Alum John Wesley Shipp Shares Health Update

John Wesley Shipp, best known to daytime fans for his roles on As the World Turns, Guiding Light, One Life to Live et al, and primetime fans for his role in The Flash, shared a heartfelt health update via his Instagram.

While Shipp did not go into specifics, he did say he underwent surgery earlier in September for an urgent medical issue.

In his post, accompanying by his photo, John expressed: “Hello out there! Friends and contacts have written recently, like, “where are you? are you ok?” Well, here’s the deal: I had surgery early this month for a health issue that had to be dealt with immediately. All went well, but I’ve had to postpone a theatre production and personal appearances as the recoup will take some weeks. I do read and appreciate what you share with me, that you entrust me with your thoughts and feelings. You are ever on my mind and in my heart, and I look forward to getting active and out there again as soon as possible. Until then, remember to play nice, be kind, and stay engaged! Our futures depend on it.”

Photo: JPI

John’s soap resume is quite impressive having portrayed: Dr. Kelly Nelson/Victor Laszlo on Guiding Light, Doug Cummings on As the World Turns, Martin Ellis on Santa Barbara, Carter Jones on All My Children and Eddie Ford on One Life to Live. Shipp won two Daytime Emmys along the way.

More recently, John has appeared in primetime’s, Arrow, The Flash, Stargirl and countless other TV appearances.

Share your well-wishes for a speedy recovering to John via the comment section below.

Continue Reading

Video Du Jour

Peter Reckell returns for a second visit with Michael Fairman following the wrap-up of his recent run as Bo Brady on Days of our Lives.Leave A Comment

Recent Comments

Power Performance

Kim Coles as Whitley

Days of our Lives

Airdate: 7-24- 2023

Popular