In March 2007, many long-time As the World Turns viewers were surprised by the news that Scott Bryce, the "original" Craig Montgomery, would be returning to the role he portrayed from January 1982 to May 1987. Now, less than a year into his return, Soap Central has learned that Bryce was let go during the show's holiday break.
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Although Bryce originated the role of Craig, he is not the only actor to have stepped into the character's shoes. After exiting As the World Turns in 1987, Bryce returned for a series of short-term guest appearances beginning in May 1988 and ending in 1994. Craig returned to Oakdale on a full-time basis in July 2000 when soap veteran Hunt Block assumed the role. In 2005, citing a "storyline dictated" exit, execs released Block from the show. Show sources, however, hinted that Block's dismissal had more to do with trimming the actor's salary from the budget than anything else. During his five-year run with the CBS soap, Block earned two Daytime Emmy nominations.
When news broke in September 2006 that Craig would again be returning, many ATWT fans hoped that Block would be coming back. To the surprise of many, the show tapped Jeffrey Meek for the role. Meek remained with the show through April 2007, when the show announced that Bryce would be returning.
At that time, executive producer Christopher Goutman said, "We're very excited to have Scott Bryce back on ATWT. He brings with him an invaluable understanding of Craig and the character's rich history."
A final airdate is not yet available for Bryce.
