SOAP SCOOP Daytime TV news
WRITER SWITCH: Emmy Award-winning writer Michael Malone is leaving "One Life to Live" after returning to the series less than a year ago. While Malone, who won the industry's top honor for writing during his first go-round with the series, from 1991-1996, has decided to focus on his career as a novelist, he will continue his relationship with "OLTL" in a unique fashion. On the show, the character of Marcie has just learned that a major New York publisher is interested in her novel, "The Killing Club." The real-life novel, with which Malone is directly involved, is being published by Hyperion early next year, and is expected to be available nationwide in February. Coming on board as new head writer is Dena Higley, who has been on the writing staff of "Days of Our Lives" for 19 years, including a stint as head writer.
FAMILY TIES: Currently recurring on "OLTL" are two members of Marcie's family, Bill Dawes as her brother, Eric, whose homosexuality has figured in the family's storyline, and Paul O'Brien as her father, Ralph.
FILLING IN: Carmen Duncan fills in as Lisa on "As the World Turns" on Wednesday and Thursday, while Eileen Fulton is treated for a blood clot in her leg. Duncan, who portrayed Iris Wheeler on "Another World," may make additional appearances.
CONDOLENCES: Deepest sympathies to former "One Life to Live" and "Another World" star Linda Dano on the death of her husband of 22 years, Frank Attardi, who passed away last month from lung cancer at the age of 70. Those wishing to contribute in his memory can do so to the Memorial Sloan Kettering Hospital for Lung Cancer Research in New York.
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