Known for it's groundbreaking storylines and stories ripped from the headlines, AMC is headed back to those roots by including an actual Iraq war veteran to play an injured vet on the show. The real-life veteran will be included in a romantic storyline about the challenges faced by vets everywhere after they come home from a combat zone. To ensure that they remain true to the core storyline, producers are working with USA Cares, a veterans' support group. You can find out more about the support group here.
The character, currently called only Brot, will be thrown into the storyline of Frankie, Taylor and Jake. Taylor arrived in Pine Valley just a few days ago; last week, fans learned a little bit more about her when she went to see Frankie to return his Silver Star. Both Frankie and Taylor were obviously greatly effected by their time overseas. Frankie, on one hand, has no desire to return to the war zone but Taylor, on the other hand, seemingly can't wait to return to the place she feels she belongs. At the end of their scene, Frankie mentioned to Taylor that she couldn't bring anyone back from the dead by returning to Iraq.
***Spoiler Alert***
Brot, it will turn out, is the man Taylor can't forget - and he isn't really dead! As of right now, the Brot storyline is on hold because, until the right veteran is found, it cannot be told.
To find "Brot" AMC has sent out an open casting call for all Iraq veterans interested in playing the part; the veteran chosen does not have to be an injured vet.
For years, the show has prided itself on breaking new ground in daytime television. AMC was one of the first shows to include a Vietnam War storyline, broke ground when Bianca Montgomery came out as a lesbian and aired the first lesbian kiss. In 2007, they broke ground by being the first soap to address a transgender storyline with the Zoe/Zarf character. This Iraq War storyline promises to up the dramatic flavor of the show, while continuing to break new ground.
Veterans interested in the part should contact Judy Blye Wilson, the casting director for the show.
Judy Blye Wilson
320 West 66th Street
New York, NY 10023
Soaps.com applauds the shows efforts to bring this emotional storyline to viewers. We can't wait to see how everything plays out!
