Thursday, January 20, 2011

CASTING NEWS: Melissa Claire Egan Opts Out!


With a front burner storyline going full on, it seems an odd time for Melissa Claire Egan (Annie) to leave the show.  But leaving she is.   Posted today on her Facebook page, Melissa had this to say:




My dear fans,

After 4 and a half incredible years as a member of the All My Children cast, I have made the extremely difficult decision to leave the Pine Valley family that I have come to love and respect so much.

It has been an amazing 4 and a half years for me! I have had the privilege and honor of working with the most talented and fun cast, crew, producers and directors imaginable. I have learned so much from them and am forever indebted. To wake up each morning and love going to work is a true blessing for which I am unbelievably grateful!

But after much soul-searching, I feel that it is time to spread my wings and open myself up to new challenges and adventures.

And you, my beloved fans……Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

I can’t begin to tell you how much I appreciate your support and encouragement over these past four plus years. You have inspired me to give my all to the “complicated” character of Annie Novak McDermott Lavery Chandler Chandler (hehehe, it's always fun to say that ;-)), and I hope to have lived up to your expectations. You will always hold a special place in my heart, and I hope you will wish me well in my future endeavors!

With much love and gratitude,

Melissa

No word yet on how and when Annie will be leaving Pine Valley but it's a good bet with how crazy she's been, that she ends up in a room at Oak Haven next to Janet from Another Planet!

9 comments:

Nathan said...

I'm down to like JR, Madison and Jake as the main reason I'm watching at this point.

Hopefully she ends up doing something big. MCE has come a long, LONG way from the earliest days of her storyline.

David said...

NNNNNNNNOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!

sonja said...

I think I understand where she's coming from. When they decided to make her crazy again, I was really disappointed. I like bad Annie a lot more than crazy Annie. If I'm tired of that storyline, I can see how she would be too.

Laura said...

I am *stunned*. Usually, exits don't surprise me but this one seems to have come out of nowhere.

I agree with Sonja, though. I liked Annie as scheming Annie so much more than this return to crazy Annie.

I wish the actress all the best.

Anonymous said...

It's not fair.. I was so team Annie & JR

Rachael Wright Jones said...

Aw this is so sad!!! I can't picture anyone else being Annie...

Suburban prep said...

I am surprised.
I like the Character of Annie. I like just a few others--Madison and Jake and Amanda and Tad.

Nathan said...

Sonja hit the nail on the head I think. I'm guessing MCE saw where the storyline was going, and knew that she was treading water. I don't get why DK/DS teased us for months and months and just when they had JR & Annie in a perfect place, they backed down.

I haven't complained about much of the creative aspect. Or as much as others, really. But if this is the case, it's lazy. This is a big step towards me not tuning in as much.

Again, MCE has come a long way and hopefully she lands something big to continue her career. I think she has a lot more range than Alexa Havins, who is starting to land roles.

Erica said...

i'm sad!