We'll focus on Leven first. Rumor have abounded for months - ever since her dual role of Lily/Ava was reduced to a few cameo appearances just before the holidays - that Leven would leave the soap for the greener pastures of LA and movies. Late last week, Leven released a statement says that it was time for her to try a few new things in her career.
"I was so fortunate to be in such an environment for the past 4 years. But, alas, much like my peers who are graduating high school around this time, it's time to move on," said Leven in a prepared statement. "Four long but amazing years of my life have been spent with All My Children, and I will always look back on my experience there fondly. I feel it is time for me as an actress to expand and have new opportunities."
Leven, and both of her characters, half-sisters Lily and Ava, have more or less grown up on screen. The multi-Emmy Award nominated actress is loved by fans of the show for her portrayal of Lily, an autistic teen. At the same time, the character of Ava, Lily's half-sister, is hated by those same fans. Since Ava's arrival in the summer of 2007, fans have screamed for that character to be written off and for Lily to have more time on-screen.
Recently, Leven appeared on an episode of "Lipstick Jungle", she has also appeared on "Law & Order: SVU". She is currently at work on "Austin Golden Hour" and the film "Gigantic". How will the show wrap up the Lily/Ava storyline? We'll have to wait and see!
Next on the exit list is Billy Miller, whose character of Richie Novak has most fans seeing red - but still drooling over the hunk! Billy has been a great bad guy foil to Amanda Baker's gullible Babe and Melissa Claire Egan's super-goody-two-shoes Annie Lavery. He's made it easy to keep liking Annie, even though she has done a few not nice things to him - both in the past and in the present. Recently, Richie has been ignoring his tortured sister is favor of annoying - and nearly killing! - JR Chandler in the hopes of winning Babe's heart. It appears, however, that Babe has finally caught on to Richie's manipulating ways. She is no longer buying his everybody-is-against-me ways.
***Spoiler Alert***
In fact, in the coming weeks, Babe is going to get herself into a little trouble to shed light on Richie's illegal and immoral dealings!
What is next for Billy? We are certain that whatever Billy has in mind, he'll do a great job and we wish him the best of luck.
Leven Rambin's final airdate is set for June 10, 2008; no final airdate has been released for Billy Miller but we will keep you updated on his status with the show.
