(SoapOperaNetwork.com) — Robert S. Woods makes “One Life to Live’s” 40th anniversary a family affair.
When “One Life to Live” celebrates its 40th anniversary next month, viewers can expect special appearances by several former cast members, as well as get a glimpse at the real-life family of “OLTL’s” Robert S. Woods (Bo Buchanan). Woods’ wife Loyita Chapel and 17-year-old son Tanner arrive in the Llanview of yesteryear when Bo and Rex are struck by lightning and transported back in time to 1968.
Woods told Entertainment Weekly that in the flashback sequence he portrays a younger version of Bo’s father Asa Buchanan, who was portrayed by Phil Carey until the character was killed off last fall. He adds that ”I don’t have to mimic Philly or try to be him. Everybody sees me as Asa except the audience and J.P. [John-Paul Lavoisier], so we have asides to one another.”
Woods wife Loyita reprises her role as Clint Buchanan’s ex-girlfriend Dallas Jones, which she previously played in 1999 and 2005, and also appears in the fantasy sequence as a younger version of Asa’s wife (and Bo’s step-mother), Renee Divine Buchanan. Chapel also portrayed Blaze (Dot) Buchanan in 1988 when Clint hit his hand, and dreamed he had been transported back to the Old West. Although John-Paul Lavoisier (Rex Balsom) will portray a younger Bo throughout much of the dream sequence, Woods’ son Tanner makes his soap debut toward the end of story as a young Bo.
Woods quips that ”I’m sentimental about it all. I think he’s going to wear my old uniform. My old beret. If I can dig it out. And if the moth holes don’t read on camera.” Woods is a Vietnam Veteran and former Green Beret, as is the character of Bo Buchanan.
Look for the scenes featuring Woods, his wife, and his son to begin airing on July 21st.
In other casting news…
Walter Hudson will portray the minister presiding over Nash Brennan’s funeral beginning June 24th. Kim Sullivan will play Judge Runyon on July 1st. And Tom Lacy will portray Bitterman on July 2nd.
“One Life to Live” airs weekdays on ABC and weeknights on SoapNet. Check local listings.