‘AMC’s’ Latest Casting Tidbits

(SoapOperaNetwork.com) — Who’s heading to Pine Valley in the latter section of Fall 2008?

• Frank Runyeon has been cast in the recurring role of Forrest Williams on “All My Children.” Forrest is the disapproving father of Bianca’s (Eden Riegel) fiancé, Reese Williams (Tamara Braun).

  Runyeon is a veteran to daytime television; his defining daytime roles were on CBS’s “As the World Turns” and on NBC’s “Santa Barbara.” The 55 year old actor began his career on “ATWT” in 1980, where he played Steve Andropoulos, half of the super couple of Steve and Betsy (Meg Ryan). In 1988, Runyeon moved on to “SB” where he played Michael Donnelly until 1991. The actor has also appeared on NBC’s “Another World” and ABC’s “General Hospital.” Runyeon’s prime-time credits include guest-star stints on FOX’s “Melrose Place,” NBC’s “L.A. Law” and CBS’s “Falcon Crest.”

  Runyeon begins taping in mid-November which should bring Forrest on-screen in mid-December.

• Heather Kenzie will take over the role of Di Henry beginning on the week of November 10. Di, the half-sister of Dixie Cooney Martin (Cady McClain), was last played by Kelli Giddish from 2005-2007. Kenzie will appear on several episodes of the ABC drama as Di finds herself mixed up in a big mess courtesy of her old friend, Annie Lavery (Melissa Claire Egan).
• The character of Brot has been cast and will also begin airing during the week of November 10. In September, “AMC” put out a casting call for a real-life Iraq war veteran to play the role of Army Lt. Taylor Thompson’s (Beth Ehler) not-so-deceased fiancé. We’ll first see Brot in a V.A. hospital; the injured character who has allowed Taylor to believe he’s dead because of his unwillingness “to involve her in his suffering” will circle around for a while until he finally comes face-to-face with his lady love. Expect interactions with Tad (Michael E. Knight) and Colby (Brianne Moncrief), early on.
• “AMC” creator Agnes Nixon will make an appearance on the soaps 10,000th episode on Wednesday, November 12. Agnes will play an original settler of the town of Pine Valley; Aggie the ghost (Nixon) will come to the residents of Pine Valley in their time of need following the disastrous and deadly twisters of October 2008.

“All My Children” airs Weekdays on ABC. Weeknights on SOAPnet. Check local listings.