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'OLTL' Star Fired for Not Being 'Gay Friendly'

Saturday, June 27, 2009 11:29 PM ET | This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
(SoapOperaNetwork.com) -- Patricia Mauceri, who has portrayed Carlotta Vega on "One Life to Live" since 1995, has been fired from the show for what is said to be her refusal to participate in the soap's upcoming gay storyline.

Daytime Confidential broke the news of Mauceri's firing earlier this afternoon, claiming they were informed by a 'setside source' that the actress reportly flat-out refused to play a small role in the in gay-themed plot involving Oliver Fish (Scott Evans) and Kyle Lewis (Brett Claywell), which resulted in her dismissal by her "OLTL" employers. The show has subsequently hired another actress to take over the role.

Mauceri, who is also known to soap fans as Angie Perrini Frame on "Another World" (1977) and Andrea Andropolous on "As the World Turns" (1980), joined the cast of "One Life to Live" in 1995 as the widowed, overprotective Catholic mother of sons Cristian and Antonio Vega. In the beginning, Carlotta was employed by Dorian Cramer Lord as a maid, but managed to save up enough money over time to quit her job and reopen the family diner she had started years earlier with her late husband. She was bumped from contract to recurring status with the show in 1999, and has only been seen sporadically as Carlotta has been downgraded to a background character for much past decade. She was last seen in late March, during a farewell party for her son Antonio (Kamar de los Reyes), who left Llanview in search of the elusive mobster Carlo Hesser.

According to the source, "Carlotta was supposed to have a small role in the upcoming 'Kish' storyline. She objected to Carlotta's positive attitude about homosexuality, saying it conflicted with her personal beliefs."

Exactly how Carlotta will fit into the gay storyline remains to be seen, however, the show is alleged to be considering taking the plot in a different direction and going against the norm by making the Vega family matriarch a 'gay friendly Latina mom,' which apparently didn't well with the "One Life" vet.

Taking Mauceri's place as Carlotta will be Saundra Santiago, best known to "OLTL" fans for the role of Isabella Santi during the infamous summer of 2004. Outside of her previous stint in Llanview, Santiago has also appeared on "Guiding Light" as Carmen Santos, from 1999-2002. In addition, the former "Miami Vice" star took her character of Det. Gina Navarro Calabrese to Salem for an episode of "Days of Our Lives" in the mid-1980s. More recently, the actress appeared Jean Cusamano on HBO's "The Sopranos."

Santiago's first tape date was last Friday. Look for her to appear on-screen as Carlotta sometime in late July or early August.  The role is expected to remain recurring. 

Mauceri becomes the second soap star in recent weeks to have a falling out with the powers that be over planned controversial homosexual storylines. Just last month, Chris Engen quit the CBS daytime drama "The Young and the Restless" after learning that his character would become a possible love interest for another male character on the show, and that the two would soon be sharing an on camera kiss.

Soap Opera Network will continue to follow this story and have more details as they develop.

"One Life to Live" airs Weekdays on ABC. Weeknights on SOAPnet. Check local listings.


Discussion: 'OLTL' Star Fired for Not Being 'Gay Friendly'

Comments  

 
0 # Gaier 2009-06-27 13:42
weird, cant believe she wouldnt be in the s/l!
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0 # P Mac 2009-06-28 04:11
Only if your a liberal...doesn't anyone see the hypocrisy in all this???
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0 # Nemesis12 2009-06-28 06:40
Quote:
and that the two would soon be sharing an on camera kiss.


I'd quit too.

YUCK
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0 # Ladybird 2009-06-28 07:55
Usually when people refuse to do their job, their employer fires them. That's the way it works in the rest of the world.
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0 # Wendy 2009-06-29 02:08
Good for them for standing up for their beliefs, too bad more people don't do that!
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0 # Dennis 2009-06-29 04:05
Good for her is about time people start speaking out against bad behavior.
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0 # beachmom 2009-06-29 06:43
Political correctness run amok......again!!!
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0 # Stephen Stratton 2009-06-29 11:40
Isn't she the role model for her sons on the show? Are the writers trying to force "their" values on other actors? Sounds like they knew her position on the gay issue. A remake of the Miss Calif. question. She will do will in another soap. Congratulations to her!!!
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0 # freedom9942@gmail.com 2009-06-29 12:42
you have to stand for something or you'll fall for anything
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0 # Scott 2009-06-29 13:26
When an actor refuses to act their part, she/he opens themself up to being fired! Doesn't matter what your personal beliefs are.
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0 # Liam 2009-06-29 21:52
Good for you to stand up for your beliefs as many of us do only to be critizied and ridiculed because we think and believe for ourselves.I assure you GOD will BLESS you for your beliefs and stance.When JESUS sets foot on Mount Olive you will be called out for your belief .
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0 # annieoftx 2009-06-29 23:50
I finally quit watching ATWT (As The World Turns)after 35 years because they've been pushing a gay storyline ad nauseum for the past couple of years. I assumed the storyline would run it's course, as they all do, but when I realized it was entrenched, I gave up.

My daughter is gay so I have empathy for her & the pc issues she faces. I want her & her partner to have rights & benefits that any hetero couple have, but don't want to see them kissing or romping in the bed!

My advice? Quit watching the show.
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0 # rowdygirl 2009-06-30 02:14
It takes courage to stand up for what you believe in. Tolerance is supposed to be on both sides of the fence. Saying that she's not allowed to object and stay true to her convictions is just wrong.
Why is it that liberals are only "tolerant" of people that side with them?
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0 # Joanna 2009-06-30 04:46
When you choose the PROFESSION of "Actor" you need to put your personal opinions aside and ACT like you believe what the writers tell you to. That's the PROFESSIONAL route. She could have done the role and took her stand outside of the show. When you don't want to do your job you get fired. Kudos to OLTL.
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-1 # Deborah 2009-06-30 12:17
God bless her. She is right, Ms Vega, would never ok gay. These faggit writers are doing what they do best. SHOVEING SHI_ Calif. cann't fall in the sea fast enough for me.
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0 # Brandon 2009-07-01 13:56
"God bless her. She is right, Ms Vega, would never ok gay. These faggit writers are doing what they do best. SHOVEING SHI_ Calif. cann't fall in the sea fast enough for me."

Wow. You are truly a cruel, heartless person.
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0 # JD 2009-07-01 13:56
I have been an avid soap fan for years. But lately every one of them keep trying to inch their gay agenda on us. It goes totally against those of us who have been loyal all these years. I have a right to refuse to watch and HOORAY to Patricia for refusing to participate. We have a right to stand up for our principles. I've left AMC in the dust and and will do the same for any of the others who stick this in my face. I've HAD ENOUGH!!!!
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0 # NYCER 2009-07-02 00:04
Conservatives can express their views as well, as evidenced by the comments here, but such conservatives should expect to be called out for being intolerant, bigoted and ignorant. This isn't about political correctness or any agenda of any minority group. If there's any agenda, it's the conservative religious right who have been attempting for so long now to turn this country into a theocracy from a democracy. OLTL did the right thing. PM was being unprofessional. She is fungible, a dime a dozen and can now join the ranks of Chris Engen. Welcome to Ms. Santiago.
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0 # Brandon 2009-07-02 04:14
We don't know how the script read, and we'll see with the new actress does the role but Carlotta was always a very staunch catholic. She always pushed for a more moral side to her sons, even when they were having relations out of wedlock. Her approval of someone's "gayness" (for lack of a better word) would be a great stretch. Now if it comes out she just said "You're a good person and whatever" then perhaps P.M. may have gone overboard in her demanding. But we won't know until the scenes are played out.

Honestly though, I don't mind gay story lines, it's just they always seem to be forced and in your face. Not every gay person out there is that way and neither are their lives. How about we stop using stereotypes for characters and maybe go back to realism? Oh wait, it's a soap opera.... nevermind.
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0 # Sarah 2009-07-02 04:42
This actress wasn't fired for not being gay friendly, she was fired for refusing to do her job- which was perform what's on the script. It's unprofessional on her part and being an actor sometimes requires people to do and say things onscreen they wouldn't in real life. People who play serial killers aren't FOR killing. This is the role they were hired to play. If they don't want to play the role, the show can find someone who will. That's what OLTL did.
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0 # CJ 2009-07-02 14:19
THANK GOODNESS there is still someone in the Hollywood setting with convictions!! Hollywood is filled with junk...and anyone who supports the trash that is put out of it needs to wake up! It is evident that the "starlit" community is very much gay sympathizers and are quick to bash those of us who aren't. In their world it is only their way and they think that when money is involved you can buy anything and anyone. It is good to see that they can't!!!!
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0 # Eric Kane 2009-07-02 21:40
OLTL is shot in NEW YORK, not Hollywood, not California...go skin a raccoon or something
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0 # nenomad 2009-07-02 22:27
Thanks Patricia!!! I support you 100%
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0 # *** 2009-07-03 04:58
For Puh Leez, Perez Hilton called out someone and got his eye dotted, and then cried like the phony that he is, glad some actors are standing up for what they believe.
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0 # Joymcc 2009-07-03 06:50
Hypocrisy - are you kidding? She's the antithesis of hypocrisy because she stands for her beliefs and takes the consequences. How refreshing to read of this woman who has convictions and stands by them. It's not hate which is something the lib wackos will never understand. One can disagree without hating and it's ok.
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0 # Zipadidodah 2009-07-03 10:29
I'm confused. She leaves because of gay scenes but feels fine with the extra marital, pre marital, anytime, anywhere sex scenes and the non stop alcohol, the fighting, killing, cursing, slanderous conversations, stealing, just to name of few of the things that happen in soap land??? Are morals just pick and chose now adays?
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0 # Josh 2009-07-03 11:03
She was fired because she wouldn't do her scenes. She is not professional. Her being homophobic is what led her to be unprofessional and to refuse to follow the script and her director.

Soon homophobia will be seen as bad as racism and anti-semitism and along the way there will be these homophobic bigots who will say that they were persecuted for their (bigoted) beliefs just like the racists did.
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0 # JD 2009-07-03 16:26
Thank you patricia for standing up for your convictions. The name caller politically correct are trying to muscle people into not expressing our feelings or standing up for our convictions and principles. We must stand up for our values. Without any this country will become a very sorry place. Less than 20% are trying to bulldoze everyone by calling us bigots or racist or homophobe. Anyone with any common sense at all knows how to treat people right yet still stand up for what we think is right or wrong. I for one am very glad to see actors like Patricia who is not afraid to do what she feels is the right thing. I respect her for her strength and convictions. She has SOOO much more class than people like Perez Hilton and Janeane Gorafalo who only know how to bully and name call. You go girl!
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0 # margo 2009-07-03 23:29
I have watched soaps since I was 12 years old. I can no longer watch as each one has to have the obligatory gay story line -- What bothers me the most is the intolerance of others beliefs. It is so anti logic -- you have to be tolerant of gays , but they don't have to be tolerant of you -- who would have thought America will be destroyed by political correctness!! Sad, truly sad.
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0 # jennie 2009-07-04 02:41
Yeah!!!!!!I have given up on soaps after watching for 50 years. "Gayness" is the reason. Sad. Saw this link from another site and decided to voice my opinion. My friends feel the same. One show we thought was safe--"AWT", we were wrong. SAD.
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0 # JEM 2009-07-04 04:52
If you think you're a leader take a look behind you and see who's following.

Homosexual activity is simply a vice like drinking or smoking - nothing more and nothing less.

So why are people who engage in this vice viewed as an unofficial protected class?
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0 # Brandon 2009-07-04 06:43
How can you say homosexuality is a vice? People should have the right to love who they want to love (as long as it's two consenting adults). People don't CHOOSE to be gay. I know this from personal experience. I prayed for years, on my knees at the altar, that God would make me straight or at least help me deal with my feelings; He didn't. And seeing all you people who think it's a sin or that it's wrong or disgusting make me sick; you have no idea what it's like to have your life threatened or to be called horrible names or have your tires slashed just because you're attracted to the same sex. Can you not see how narrow-minded you sound?
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0 # Anonymous 2009-07-04 13:19
If she does not want to play that part that's her right. The people who fired her should be ashamed of themselves. She's a good actress. Enough of this gay crap. I stand behind her for sticking up for what she believes in 100%. They do not deserve her.
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0 # kamicka 2009-07-05 03:43
One man made a comment about not knowing what is like to be threatened because of your lifestyle or beliefs.That he had asked God to make him straight.First,I'ld like to say that he doesn't know what is really like to be threatened.You say your tires were slashed.That was getting off easy.How about having acid splashed in your face,fingernail s ripped out,beatened,wh ipped,burned at the stake,called hater,(just to name a few)because you believe in God.I highly commend her for standing on her beliefs.God does hear,does heal,& does change lifestyles.I have seen it many times.
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0 # Gwen 2009-07-05 03:58
Good for you Patricia. Thanks for being a True American Woman and taking your stand. You must have read your Bible and belive it. God will have BETTER things for you. Thanks.
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0 # Bridgett 2009-07-05 05:26
Someone from Hollywierd actually standing up for what she believes in. Good for you.
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0 # truth 2009-07-05 05:46
about time some Hollywood people start saying enough this country is in trouble and some of it is because of the perverted lets get back to the basics
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0 # Rhonda 2009-07-05 09:51
Good for her!!! I have been an avid OLTL fan for 20 years. I can tell you that I will now stop watching it cold turkey. This will not be easy...I am hooked. But I will now support this crap being forced on those of us who do now want to see men kissing men, or vice versa. It's bad enough when they show too much sex between a man and a woman. TMI...we don't need to see that much to get the idea. It's gotten to the point I don't feel comfortable watching it with my 11 year old grandson in the room. I sure won't tolorate him watching a man kiss a man. Please....enough is enough. More people need to join me in boycotting this...Send a message, boycott the advertisers also.
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0 # vicious 2009-07-11 02:15
PM is an actress who has recently been in a gay movie. SHE is not against anyone who is gay. PM was 1st upset about how they changed Carlotta's diner & voiced her opinion about it. Then she got the new script about how Carlotta was being portrayed in this story which has a bit of camp to it & she disagreed with the script. PM went into the offices with a suggestion(whic h many actors who have been the same character for 20 yrs do) & they said NO we want it to go this way & if you don't want to do it you don't have to. The NEXT day another actress was there filming the scenes. Sounds more like they were pushing this actress out the door before this ever happened.
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0 # Michael 2009-07-11 13:34
First off, we don't know for sure why she was fired, it's all rumor and speculation. Next off gay isn't a choice, it just is. We don't push our "lifestyles" on anyone. We don't insist that people who are straight act gay, unlike certain others. And by the way Brandon there is no "i" in "faggot." Jerk.
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0 # Zipadidodah 2009-07-17 11:56
Back to my original comment: Is it ok to pick and choose which moral or sin to stand up for or against in a case like this. Is homosexuallity, if you consider it immoral, more immoral than lying, stealing, cheating, extra marital, pre marital affairs, murder, robbery and all the other things we all so gladly tune to watch the soaps for???
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0 # M.S. 2009-07-25 00:58
I support her. I'm sick of these obligatory gay storylines. I cheered when Bianca went back to Paris and I could stop fastforwarding through her scenes. I think I've had enough and will have to give up OLTL after more than 30 years.
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0 # terriknows 2009-07-25 01:16
Read the Facts comment. This was about her standing up for what's left of the integrity of her character. This was not about her personal beliefs. As was mentioned, actors do it all the time and it has resulted before in actors leaving for this very reason. I agree that it would be a stretch for Carlotta to be understanding and go along with the program. Remember the actors shoot six weeks in advance so she was privy to storyline and the direction in which the storyline hence her character would be involved. I applaud her for standing up for the integrity of her character. This show has not become less because of a gay storyline, but because of how they fail to maintain integrity of characters, and respect history.
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