All My Children

All My Children is a tangled weave of comings and goings these days.  Two of its recent regulars are set to depart the daytime drama anytime now, while a handful of newcomers are about to descend on fictitious Pine Valley one by one.

First, let's get the imminent departures out of the way and give the exiting stars due notice.  Like we mentioned in this week's edition of our regular spoilers, Billy Miller is on his way out as the tempestuous and Machiavellian Richie Novak.  Although ABC has yet to issue an official statement about Miller's exit from All My Children, Soap Central reports that the actor is definitely out of the show this summer.

Soap Central also says that a source on the daytime drama has admitted that it's become an increasingly difficult task for them to pen storylines for Miller's character.  With Richie having already committed practically every imaginable misdeed on the soap, the walls have begun closing in on him this week in what appears to be the story arc to usher him out of the series.

Another cast member who has already confirmed her approaching exodus from the soap is Leven Rambin.  Rambin has essayed the dual roles of Ava and Lily on All My Children for the last four years.  Rumors abut her exit from the show began last year, when Rambin first sent out feelers that she wasn't keen on renewing her contract after first four-year tenure ended.  The speculations escalated in February this year, when her onscreen partner, Jeff Branson (Jonathan Lavery) left All My Children.  Although an AMC spokesperson assured then that Rambin wasn't following suit, it turns out that the actress is indeed going the same route.

Rambin has expressed her gratitude to fans and to her AMC family in a statement posted on her official website.  Following are excerpts from Rambin's message:

“I want to thank you all from the bottom of my heart for your unwavering support of me and my characters over the past 4 years.  I started ALL MY CHILDREN when I was extremely young, so I essentially grew up there; memories of my teenage years will consist mostly of days (and nights) spent at ALL MY CHILDREN.  It has been such an amazing forum for me to grow as a person and an actress.  I was so fortunate to be in such an environment for the past 4 years.  But, alas, much like my peers who are graduating high school around this time, it's time to move on.  I feel it is time for me as an actress to expand and have new opportunities, and I thank ALL MY CHILDREN for respecting my decision.”

Rambin also mentioned in her statement that May 19 was her last day of filming on All My Children.  According to Soap Opera Digest, she will be seen for the final time on AMC on July 10.


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