Strasser and Carey Calling it Quits?

Dateline: 11/15/99

The rumors are flying and the fans are speaking out about the latest news of Robin Strasser(Dorian Lord) and Phil Carey's(Asa Buchanan) departure from the show. These are just the latest stars to announce their decision to leave. Fans were already shocked to hear Florencia Lozano(Tea Delgado) was leaving when her contract was up next year. So it looks as if the new millennium will start with a bang for cast departures. The contract expiration dates will go as follows; Lozano expires in January, Strasser's in February, and Carey's in March. So what else will this new year bring for OLTL fans? And what a loss it will be to have these characters suddenly gone from Llanview, especially Strasser and Carey who have been such cornerstone figures from the show's early beginning.

It was in the early 1970's when "Doctor Dorian" first arrived to the town of Llanview. It was after Dorian's medical license was revoked in 1974, that set off her vengeful ways. Her desire to get even with the residents of Llanview sparked fires with many, including Victoria Lord, after her father mysteriously died only a year after marrying Dorian. From that point on, the feud between Dorian and Viki would continue to last for many decades. So what's next for this Emmy Award winning actress? For nearly 30 years, Strasser's daytime character has been the woman people just "love to hate." Many may also remember seeing Strasser in many primetime shows as well, including Murphy Brown, Dear John, Murder, She Wrote, and Highway to Heaven. Strasser has also been in several television miniseries, which will remain nameless at this time due to this week's OLTL I.Q. Test question regarding her work. (Sorry folks, I didn't want any cheating...hehe) The first indication of Strasser's decision to leave OLTL came directly from her own hotline number, in which she states she is not signing a renewal contract with the show. Strasser also says this decision is NOT etched in stone tablets either. So maybe there is still hope?

Carey's announcement to leave comes as quite a bombshell to fans everywhere, as his character defines the Buchanan legacy. It was just this past year when fans had to accept Clint Richie's(Clint Buchanan) departure as well. Now it looks as if the Buchanan family will be ripped apart after Asa leaves the show. The only one remaining will be Bo. Asa Buchanan arrived in Llanview in 1979, and immediately was seen as this ruthless and powerful businessman who always got his way. Through Asa's many love affairs and marriages, his commitment to his family always remained intact. It was this commitment that just recently ended his grandson Kevin's fiancée's life. Although it looks like Asa will not be charged with Grace's murder; her death will always be blamed on him. After serving as a U.S. Marine in World War II and the Korean War, Carey started his acting career in motion pictures. His first feature film he starred in was Operation Pacific, alongside the legendary John Wayne. Among some of the other legendary actors Carey starred with, were such greats as, Gary Cooper, Henry Fonda, Fred MacMurray, and Tyrone Power. In his personal life, Carey has been an accomplished horseman, a golfer, and a father to three children. His decision to leave the show seems to be centered around the fact that he spends too much time at work, and at 74 feels maybe it's probably time to call it quits. Carey will no doubt be greatly missed by many fans everywhere.

On a possible good note for One Life to Live, it does appear there will be a new Head Writer joining the team.

There have been no official decisions on when this announcement will be made, but according to Jonathan Reiner of TV Guide Online, it does look very promising. Just recently OLTL signed Megan McTavish as an associate writer, who has also been sharing the job of head writer with Richard Backus. So perhaps even with these cast departures, new hope lies ahead for the show. Plus Carey or Strasser may be persuaded otherwise to stay a little longer. In either case, it looks like the new millennium brings with it many changes for OLTL.  

Additional Sources for One Life to Live
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Until next time!

Your One Life to Live Fans Guide,

Katherine  Thurston

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