Recast Thursday

So, Karen and I were talking about recasts, most notably a certain recent one that almost got married, and it got me to thinking: What recast in GH history really "nailed" it. Now, it doesn't have to be my/our/your favorite. But rather it needs to be the one that "worked" and was done really well. Here are the ones Karen and I picked. There is no need to tell you who picked who. You ALL know who Karen picked!

I will always hold dear the performance of Sarah Brown as Carly. Probably one of the best scenes ever in GH history was the reveal of Caroline as Bobbie's daughter. When Karen went to Australia, I did an entire blog about that episode. Sarah Brown brought a vulnerability to the character, along with a vengeful streak. She never took no for an answer. She knew what she wanted and she went for it. At times, she was a manipulative bitch and she worked the character in her favor. 

Enter Laura Wright. Instead of working off her 3 predecessors, Laura made the character her own. The only thing she really had in common with Sarah Brown's portrayal is that when she wants what she wants, she goes out and gets it. She also doesn't take no for an answer. However, Laura brought less vindictiveness and she is more of a businesswoman first. She owns the Metro Court, has established actual friendships with other citizens of Port Charles and has become a well-wounded individual. She has made the role of Carly very believable and somewhat likable. She has so grown into the role that I am sure that some viewers forget there were 3 other Carlys. A very successful recast indeed.

Well, you can't replace Elizabeth Taylor right? I mean, she's an ICON. Turns out, you sure can!! Enter Constance Towers-- my favorite recast of all time. She came on to GH and made Helena her own. Ice in her veins, class in her words and a cunning that is unmatched. 

Whether she is loving too much on Stavros or hating too much on Stefan, shes is magnificent. Every time you thought she was gone, she'd pop up again to darken our screens with mayhem, blackmail and murder. Although the last time she was shown was in an flashback, I'm still not sure she is dead-dead.   


How about you? Your favorite recast of all time? It doesn't have to be on GH--pick any soap. I think the trick is that the actor embraces the character enough to keep their qualities but changes it to make it their own. We all know many, MANY disastrous recasts and it takes something special to get it just right.