The Replacements Page 2
David Fumero (Cristian Vega)
Fumero took his first acting job when he signed on in 1998 to replace Yorlin Madera, who played Antonio’s little brother from 1995-98. Fumero has since tallied a long list of on-screen love interests, including Jessica, Rosanne (Erika Page), Natalie (Melissa Archer) and current girlfriend Evangeline (Renee Goldsberry). Throughout his on-and-off tenure at OLTL, Fumero’s Cristian has been everything from an artist to a boxer to a brainwashed murderer.
Kassie DePaiva (Blair Cramer)
In one of daytime’s more unusual recast decisions, OLTL in 1993 chose Kentucky girl DePaiva (then Kassie Wesley) to replace Mia Korf, who is of Asian descent and played Blair from 1991-93. DePaiva also was an interesting choice for the mischievous Blair given that she was best known from her GL role as good girl Chelsea from 1986-91. During her 12 years in Llanview, however, DePaiva has become one of OLTL’s most cherished actresses and worked opposite two actors (St. John and Howarth) as one half of the show’s most enduring supercouple.
Robin Strasser (Dorian Lord)
Yep, it’s true — Strasser was not the original actress to play Dorian. That honor goes to Nancy Pinkerton (1973-77). In fact, Strasser wasn’t even the first recast. That honor goes to Claire Malis (1977-79). Strasser has, however, played Dorian the longest, portraying the devious daytime diva on and off since 1979.
Erika Slezak (Viki Lord Davidson)
It’s funny when you consider how record-setting Emmy winner Erika Slezak is so identified as Viki, that she is actually a recast. Slezak took over in 1971 from Gillian Spencer, who not only originated the role of Victoria Lord, but also first played the character’s battle with DID. Slezak managed to handle the recast rather well, going on to win six golden statues for her portrayal, but to this day the humble actress credits Spencer for giving her huge shoes to fill when she first started.
Conversation
All comments are subject to our Community Guidelines. Soap Opera Digest does not endorse the opinions and views shared by our readers in our comment sections. Our comments section is a place where readers can engage in healthy, productive, lively, and respectful discussions. Offensive language, hate speech, personal attacks, and/or defamatory statements are not permitted. Advertising or spam is also prohibited.