(SoapOperaNetwork.com) — On Friday, ABC Daytime finally announced the return to the canvas that “All My Children” viewers were most anticipating since the news of the 41-year old daytime drama’s cancellation on ABC back in April. David Canary is returning to the 41-year old daytime drama as the one and only Adam Chandler. His return will coincide with the returns of long-time veterans Julia Barr, Ray MacDonnell and Lee Meriwether. The foursome will return to the Los Angeles studio to tape their scenes next month and are slated to air in approximately a handful of episodes this September.
Five-time Daytime Emmy Award winner for Outstanding Lead Actor, Canary joined the cast of “AMC” in 1983 as tycoon Adam Chandler. The male equal to Erica Kane (Susan Lucci), Adam would quickly become one of “AMC’s” most iconic characters. In 1984, Canary ushered in Adam’s better half Stuart Chandler. The 72-year old actor remained on the show until his retirement. He last aired in April 2010. Prior to his more than a quarter of a century of delighting ABC Daytime fans, Canary was best known for the role of Candy Canady in the Western series “Bonanza.” The thirteen-time Daytime Emmy nominee started his daytime career on NBC’s “Another World” as the second edition of Steve Frame.
Ten-time Daytime Emmy Award nominee, Barr joined the cast of “AMC” in 1976 as the troubled niece of delightful socialite Phoebe Wallingford (Ruth Warrick). For thirty years, fans were spellbound as Barr took us on a journey through Brooke’s many personal and professional trials and tribulations. Barr’s most memorable work as Brooke included her numerous verbal sparring matches with Erica, her romance with Adam, and the heart-breaking death of Brooke’s baby daughter Laura. In 2006, Barr was told she could only remain on cast if she agreed to a downgrade to recurring status. She decided to exit. In 2010, the 62-year old Barr returned as the love of Adam Chandler’s life to usher Canary off the canvas in top form.
MacDonnell and Meriwether portray the husband and wife duo of Dr. Joe Martin and Ruth Martin on “AMC”. MacDonnell, who turned 83-years old this March, is one of “AMC’s” original cast members. He debuted on the ABC soap on January 5, 1970 alongside Lucci. The actor who received a Lifetime Achievement Daytime Emmy award in 2004 last appeared on “AMC” in January 2010. MacDonnell officially retired from the contract role in the wake of “AMC” moving production from New York to California in late 2009. Lovely as ever at 76-years-old, Meriwether, also known as Miss America 1955, debuted in the role of the Martin matriarch Ruth in 1996 taking over the role from the popular Mary Fickett. MaDonnell and Meriwether last returned to the show last March for their son Tad’s (Michael E. Knight) wedding.
Canary, Barr, MacDonnell and Merriwether join a long list of returning actors who have been asked to or requested to return to say goodbye to “AMC” before it ends its run on ABC on September 23. That list includes Cady McClain who returned as Dixie Martin on May 17. Joining her this month are Eva La Rue, Kate Collins, Melissa Claire Egan and Jennifer Bassey as, respectively, Maria Santos, Janet Green, Annie Chandler and Marian Colby. In August, look for Josh Duhamel and Thorsten Kaye to make their returns as Leo du Pres and Zach Slater, respectively. Carol Burnett and Leven Rambin will join the gang as Verla Grubbs and Lily Montgomery, respectively, in September. While fans can expect a couple of more surprise returns to be announced before all is said and done, Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos will not be among the returning actors. The East-coast based duo have officially announced they will not be reprising the roles of Hayley Santos and Mateo Santos due to scheduling conflicts that could not be resolved.