ATWT: Craig Is Back!

Craig Montgomery will be returning to Oakdale, but not in the form of Scott Bryce, Hunt Block, or Jeffrey Meek.

Soap vet Jon Lindstrom (ex-Kevin, GH/PC; ex-Ryan, GH; ex-Mark, SB) will play bad boy Craig on As the World Turns, and I hope, for the show's sake, he is badder than ever.

While I will never agree with the move to let Scott Bryce go, this move might be the second-best thing Chris Goutman and crew could have done. Jon has a great fan following and has proved himself a fine and versatile actor again and again.

Word from TV Guide is that Hunt Block was approached about reprising his role, but his salary demands were too high.

Craig returns from the Caymans (if that is indeed where he was this whole time) on December 3.

Support Scott Bryce!!

A reader of our column posted a comment in response to our article voicing our disgust that Scott Bryce had been fired from the role of Craig Montgomery on As the World Turns. I am reposting her comment here, so that it can be more widely seen.

"We are actively protesting his firing, also. We have a petition and a support page to assist fans in making themselves heard.

Here are the links: The Save Scott Bryce & Craig petition: http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/savescottandcraig/ and the support page with all relevant snail and e-mail addresses and phone numbers: http://www.podtlcl4ever.com/savescott.html

Thanks for your article!
Scarlett Echo"

So, everyone, please head on over and sign the petition. Hopefully it won't fall on deaf ears!

Scott Bryce's Early ATWT Exit

Like many fans, I am very dismayed to hear that Scott Bryce has been released early from his contract role as Craig Montgomery on As the World Turns. The powers that be at ATWT have made some knuckleheaded moves in the past, but this one has to take the cake. I cannot even begin to imagine what they were thinking when they decided that this was a good idea.

First, they waste the return of Cady McClain as Rosanna, and now they waste the great talent that is Scott Bryce.

When I spoke with Scott last spring about his return to the show, he was just as excited as we fans were. He was excited to explore the machinations of what makes Craig tick. He told me: "You have to find the substance and the reason behind the action. Deep inside, what are his deep vulnerabilities? He was a bad boy who was cured by love and family. Now his family has disintegrated, his son died. Everything he thought he could live by was pulled out from under him; now he doesn’t trust.”

Scott felt that his history with the show and the characters would serve him well in his latest run with the show. “As long as we stick to the core of relationships and family — which is what this show is about — we’ll be all right. I need to find the humanity that propels Craig’s villainy. He’s not the character you love to hate; he’s the character you hate to love.”

If you are as upset as we are about Scott's firing, make your voice heard. Write to: Chris Goutman, Executive Producer, As the World Turns, 1268 East 14th Street, Brooklyn, NY 11230.

Let's flood them with letters, folks!

Interview With Scott Bryce

Yesterday I had the privilege of interviewing Scott Bryce - the new-improved, original Craig Montgomery of As the World Turns. It was such a fun interview. Scott has a terrific sense of humor and a wonderful passion for the role of Craig.

While the interview won't be published until April 13, I will tell you that we can expect to see Scott's brand of Craig to return. Scott is interested in bringing the humanity back to the role. He doesn't just want to be the dastardly villain who twirls his mustache as he plans his evil mechinations. "Craig's desperate need and desire to excel, improve and find love" is what causes him to be who he is and act how he does. As an actor, Scott wants to "find the substance and the reason" behind the actions.

I was superexcited when I heard Scott was returning, and that feeling has only intensified now that I know the Craig we all remember will be back. Tune in April 10 to see Scott's first appearance. And as he said to me: "Please, grant me a little leeway at first. My first few episodes are like 'deer in the headlights,' I was so overwhelmed. Thank God I was working with Liz Hubbard ('Lucinda Walsh'). She made it a lot easier for me!"

No problem, Scott. You've been gone for more than a decade ... it takes some time to get your sea legs back!

Scott Bryce Is Back!

I am thrilled with the latest development over at As the World Turns. Scott Bryce is back as Craig Montgomery!

The show's executive producer, Christopher Gautman, said in a statement: "We're very excited to have Scott Bryce back on As the World Turns. He brings with him an invaluable understanding of Craig and the character's rich history."

The show cast newcomer Jeffrey Meek into the role of dastardly Craig last year when Bryce was unavailable to return. However, now that Bryce's schedule has opened up, producers jumped on the chance to grab him up. He already has begun taping scenes, and his first appearance as the new/old Craig is scheduled for April 10th.

Meeks' final airing as Craig will be April 2nd.