Tika Sumpter’s ‘Life’ Altering Decision

Photo: Donna Svennevik/ABC

Friday, March 12, 2010 5:00 PM ET | By Scotty Gore

(SoapOperaNetwork.com) — “One Life to Live’s” Tika Sumpter reportedly requests to be placed on recurring status with the soap.

According to The Suds Report the actress, who has portrayed Layla Williamson on the ABC sudser since 2005, has asked the “OLTL” brass to be taken on off contract.  It is speculated that decision had to do with Sumpter’s budding film and music career. 

The actress recently wrapped filming on the movie “Stop the Yard 2: Homecoming,” and is currently working on an album, that is scheduled to be released in the near future.  Additionally, she will join fellow actors Adrien Brody and Keanu Reeves in the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach Pro/Celebrity Race on April 17th.  Sumpter will drive a “high-performance” Toyota Scion tC in the race. 

In other news…

Rumors are swirling that nearly all of the Evans’ family may be phased out of Llanview in the coming months.  Currently Shenell Edmonds (Destiny), Sean Ringgold (Shaun), Tonye Patano (Phylicia), and Frankie Faison (Richard) are all on recurring status with “One Life to Live.”  This would leave only Terrell Tilford (Greg) on canvas.   

“One Life to Live” airs Weekdays on ABC. Weeknights on SOAPnet. Anytime on ABC.com and SOAPnet.com. Check local listings.