We've discussed this so many times. The roles go on for years...sometimes for generations, and it is too much to expect that an actor will spend his/her whole career in a role. Once a character catches on and is embraced by an audience, it is really hard to let the character go. I'm one who feels that actors can be replaced. Some characters are so important to the show that they leave a hole that can't be filled. Over time, the audience forgets the actor who played the role, and just is happy to have the character back. So, if they think that Julie Berman would do a better job with Lulu and she is available, I think they should try it. If you think about it, most of the characters on the show are not being played by the original actor. Even Laura was a re-cast. Could someone else play Luke? The character is now mid-70's. They could make him a few years younger. He could be transformed in some way after his departure from Port Charles. I would accept a re-cast, and you know I am a great fan of Tony's. GH is really storytelling about characters and their lives. Not all characters are equally compelling. When you create one that captures an audience, it seems foolish to me to let it go just because the actor wants to move on or is too expensive, etc.
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So we know Tracy is coming back for the holidays again. I'm curious to what everyone here thinks will be her excuse for Luke not being here at this difficult time? My bet is they just rehash the same excuse from last time. "Oh, that Luke, got involved in this scam and is sitting in jail. again."
Another question on recasts. if they are getting rid of these big contracts (lulu, julian, whoever else is next) could/should they replace the actor with a very cheap newbie. that way they keep the character active. i think that would be horrible to do but something i don't put past them. they will not fire ER as lulu to save money just to bring back JMB. thats not happening. but an actress willing to work cheap????? saving money by shortening these scenes and fewer sets and extra's have hurt this show enough. We all know what bad acting can do to a scene. I hope don't try this. it would kill this show. though another round of Covid shutdowns may do it anyway.