After seven years of portraying Gus Aituro on the 71-year old Guiding Light, Ricky Paull Goldin has decided to bid farewell and move on, to another daytime drama.  A week after Goldin made the announcement that he was ending his run on Guiding Light, the actor was reported to have signed on as the new Jake Martin on ABC's All My Children.

Goldin will become the fifth actor to essay the role of Joseph Martin, Jr. on All My Children, stepping into the shoes formerly worn by Michael Scaleri, Michael Brainard, Michael Lowry and most recently, J. Eddie Peck.

Goldin's inclusion in the All My Children ensemble has been the subject of rumors and speculations, much like his exit on Guiding Light.  An ABC spokesperson finally confirmed the news midway through last month.

Goldin allegedly made the decision to leave Guiding Light after feeling a growing discontent over the direction his character was taking, and because of his displeasure at the soap's recently implemented set of changes.

"My seven years on Guiding Light have been a wonderful experience,” Goldin remarked on his personal web site.  “Now it's time for a new adventure, a new chapter in my life.  I will especially miss working with Beth Ehlers [Harley Cooper], since it doesn't get any better than Gus and Harley."

While Goldin may be leaving behind a rather lengthy stint on Guiding Light, it remains to be seen just how effective he will turn out to be as the latest Joseph Martin, Jr. on All My Children.  Among his predecessors, Scaleri as the first to portray the character, has had the longest run to date.  He tackled the All My Children part from 1983 to 1988.  His successor Michael Brainard took over with the moniker Joey from 1988 to 1991, as well as occasional guest appearances in 1994 and 1995.

Michael Lowry was the first to be christened Jake Martin from 1996 to 2000.  J. Eddie Peck was the last to assume the role, staying with it for three years, during which time, fans criticized him for being “too old” to play the part.  The character of Jake hasn't been seen in Pine Valley or All My Children since June of 2003, when he and his then fiancé, Carolyn, were headed on a mission with Doctors without Borders to Kenya.

Ricky Paull Goldin is scheduled to begin his stint as the new Jake sometime this April.


-Rosario Santiago, BuddyTV Staff Columnist
Source: ABC, Soap Central
(Image Courtesy of ABC)