An odd thing happened on "All My Children" last week. Alexa Havins (top photo) was replaced by Amanda Baker (bottom photo) in the role of Babe Chandler. What was odd is that the switcheroo took place in the middle of the scene! When I read about the impending recast in a September issue of TV Guide, I was intrigued to find out how AMC would pull off the switch. Below is the scene in which the switch takes place.
As expected, many AMC fans are not happy about the recast. Since her debut on the show in 2003, Alexa Havins had become a fan favorite in the role of Babe. However, I think it's too early to tell whether or not the recasting of Babe will work. While we're on the subject, what do you think were some of the best or worst recasts (soap or non-soap)?
11 comments:
I watch that one on ocassion and that's just weird....Why did Alexa leave?
that is too funny! in the middle of a scene!
Mistress of the Dark: As you may know, Alexa's husband (Justin Bruening) played the role of Jamie Martin on AMC until earlier this year. When he left the role, he relocated to LA. I believe that since Alexa's contract was up, she chose to be with Justin on the Left Coast.
Karen: Those soap writers can be pretty damn creative can't they?
I don't watch AMC, but I used to be a big GH fan. I loved the original Carly...once they switched her out it was never the same.....
Jessica
That is creepy, but I understand why it happened. I was once a limo driver, and one of my assignments was to ferry soap opera actors to the set. I had one instance where an actress just didn't want to go, and after I called my dispatcher, and the dispatcher called the studio, I had to convince her to get down right away, because the studio would fire her, mid-scene or not.
I can't suppose that the first actress left on good terms. Otherwise, she would have finished the scene. Still, one has to wonder why they just didn't reshoot the whole scene.
Pretty gutsy of them to change actresses in the middle of a scene, but I kind of like it. I like your question too, I have to think about it some more and come back. I'm trying to remember a show that I had to stop watching because the re-cast irriated the heck out of me!
I didn't know that...and that was a horrible way to do it too...so obvious. Yikes!
Jessica: Although I didn't watch GH much, I remember that the orig. Carly (Sarah Brown) was very popular and won a few Emmys for her portrayal. One of the things that I recall about her replacement is that they were dead ringers. As of now, GH is on Carly #4.
X. Dell: That cab story sounds interesting. Can you give out the name of the actress who was causing problems?
To the best of my knowledge, Alexa Havins (the orig. Babe) left AMC on good terms. The switcheroo in mid-scene was just a clever way of making the transition.
Barbara: I really liked the way they made the switch as well. IMO, one of the worst recasts was when Donna Reed replaced Barbara Bel Geddes as Miss Ellie on Dallas. Although Donna was a fine actress, she was just wrong for the part.
One of the best recasts was Trevor St. John in the role of Todd Manning on OLTL. I didn't think that anyone could do justice to the role after Roger Howarth left, but Trevor does a helluva job. I look forward to hearing your choices.
OK, it's been a LONG time since I've watch any soaps regularly (the whole work thing, ya know?) and the only show I watch for a REALLY long time was All My Children. I think one of the best recasts on that show was Opal Gardner - I loved Dorothy Lyman in the role, but Jill Larson did an even better job. I also think the recasting of Natalie/Janet was fairly good. (Can't remember either actress's name without looking it up.)
You never can tell how recasting will work out. For instance on "One Life to Live, Erika Slezak (Viki) replaced Gillian Spencer who portrayed the character intially and did a hell of a job as the alter ego Niki. Anyhow Erika has been at it for more than three decades and although she does an excellent job I never forgot Gillian's portrayal.
Book Mama: I didn't watch AMC until after Dorothy Lyman (the orig. Opal) left. However, I heard she was good. I think I may have seen clips from when she was on the show. You are right, Jill Larson does a wonderful job. I wish that they would use her more.
The orig. Natalie/Janet was played by Kate Collins. She was briefly replaced by Melody Anderson (before the character of twin sister Janet was introduced). Robin Mattson played Janet Green for several years. They recently brought the character back for a brief time and she was played once again by Kate Collins.
Pjazzy: Because she has played Viki (and her alters) for such a long time, alot of people forget that Erika Slezak didn't originate the role(s). Sandwiched between Gillian Spencer and Erika Slezak was Joanne Dorian (who played Viki from 1970-71). I might have seen a clip from when Gillian played the role. At any rate, I wish that SoapNet would dust off some of those older episodes on a semi-regular basis.
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