‘AMC’s’ Latest Casting Tidbits

(SoapOperaNetwork.com) — A quick look at some of the characters that will color in the canvas of Pine Valley during the next few weeks.

– Erica (Susan Lucci) brings the mother load to Bianca, Reese and Greenlee’s (Eden Riegel, Tamara Braun and Rebecca Budig) upcoming bridal shower. Literally.

On Thursday, January 29, Greenlee’s mother, Mary, and Reese’s mother, Claire, surprise the brides-to-be with a little help form Ms. Kane. In their latest issue, Soap Opera Digest reports that the magnificent Anna Stuart will be back as Mary; we last saw the character in 2005. For all of us that miss the great Erica and Mary snark, we’ll get a brief moment of that in between mama Smythe getting under her daughter’s skin. Laila Robins will take on the role of Claire Williams.  

Mary will appear on just one episode before disappearing again but Stuart reports that the show is booking her for another episode in February; Claire will stick around for two consecutive episodes.

– Colby’s (Brianne Moncrief) old friends, Ren (Chris Henry) and Corrina (Jenna DiMartini), who is seen semi-regularly as Emma Lavery’s (Lucy Merriam) babysitter, will hit the Pine Valley scene again on January 22. The lucky kids are dressed up to face some righetous indignation from their old pal.

– Death be not a hindrance. Erica’s soon to be deceased son, Joshua Madden (Colin Egglesfield), makes an after-death appearance during the week of February 2.

– Tad and Krystal’s custody battle is over but we haven’t seen the last of Livia Frye. Tonya Pinkins will continue to make sporadic appearances on “All My Children.” The legal eagle will next be seen during the week of February 2.

Updated on Tuesday, January 20, 2009.  

“All My Children” air Weekdays on ABC. Weeknights on SOAPnet. Check local listings.