Lynda Hirsch on Soaps

Lots of faces returning to "As the World Turns," albeit for a short time. Peter Parros (Ben Harris) turns up Nov. 6-7. He will meet up with Jack, who decides to drive cross-country in hopes of dealing with his accidentally causing Brad's death. As Jack moves on down the road to Greenville, S.C., Mark Collier (Mike Kasnoff) will show up on the Nov. 12 and 13 episodes. Lesli Kay, who will continue as Felicia on "Bold and Beautiful," reprises her role of Molly beginning Nov. 20. Paul Leyden (Simon) appears Friday, Nov. 20.

The long-awaited arrival of Tom Pelphrey at "ATWT" comes Nov. 10 when he shows up as "Mick." Pelphrey is best known for his role on "Guiding Light," where he won two Daytime Emmy Awards for his portrayal of Jonathan Randall. The actor is slated to play Mick, a not-very-nice guy. Remember when he first arrived at "GL," Pelphrey was one nasty dude. Toward the middle of his run at "GL," he became a fairly good guy. Pelphrey will be involved with Paul and Emily and their quest to have a child.

"Young and Restless'" Eric Braeden (Victor) and Sony Pictures came to a contract settlement last week. Earlier this week, the actor appeared on "Good Day LA" to explain the reason for his decision to re-sign with the show. "I was touched by all the fan support," He explained. Braeden calls himself a cynic. "I was really surprised by the fans outreach to me." He also went on to say that thee were also financial considerations.

He is still angry about the one-way contract deal that actors have. As explained in previous columns over the years, actors are bound by the three years, but the show can cut an actor anytime in a 13-week cycle. Braden went on to explain he did sign a three-year deal with the show. Next week, Victor will take off on an around-the-world cruise with Nikki. If anyone is worried that Victor getting Colleen's heart would turn him into a softie, not to worry. His goodbye scene has him vowing to destroy Patty Williams when he returns to town.

James Franco is a busy boy. Not only has he started to tape his "General Hospital" scenes, he is also selling his home on the Sunset Strip. Franco's Spanish-style villa, built in the 1920s, boasts three bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, a guesthouse, pool and a $3.5 million price tag. The house is near the legendary Chateau Marmont Hotel. The hotel is famous for its stars that continue to stay there and John Belushi's death by a drug overdose. It has been reported that Franco plans to head to New York after he wraps up his "GH" taping in early November. He is said to be planning to continue studying writing at Columbia University.

Once again, Vanessa Marcil is not returning to "GH." At least, not this week. There were rumors that she was going to play Franco's cohort when he came to Port Charles to do battle with Jason. Marsha Thomason, who spent two seasons on "Las Vegas" with Marcil, will star as a major female in Franco's life.

To find out more about Lynda Hirsch and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate web page at www.creators.com.

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