I was wondering what everybody thinks of the character of Brot and/or his portrayer.

We've seen a lot of newbies come and go but none with the unique history and situation of the actor portraying Brot. For those unfamiliar, here's some background courtesy of SOC:

For several months, All My Children has featured fictional soldiers discussing the very real issue of the war in Iraq. Beginning this week, a real-life Iraq war veteran will assume the role of Brot Monroe. The storyline kicks off with a special episode featuring a series of unscripted support group sessions with other veterans of the war.

On November 7th, newcomer JR Martinez assumes the role of Brot Monroe, a soldier who was believed to have been killed during active duty in Iraq. This is not going to be your typical back-from-the-dead storyline seen on most soaps. This time around, All My Children will take a decidedly different route in exploring this storyline -- and much of the reason for that is the show's newest cast member.

Martinez was deployed to Iraq in February 2003. Just two months later, while serving as a driver of a Humvee, a tire on the vehicle hit a landmine. As a result of ensuing explosion, Martinez suffered severe burns to more than 40 percent of his body. After spending 34 months in the hospital and undergoing 32 different surgeries, he is now a national spokesperson for the Coalition to Salute America's Heroes, to promote and support programs helping other wounded service members.

In All My Children's storyline, Brot Monroe served in the U.S. Army in Iraq and was injured in combat. While serving, he fell in love with Lt. Taylor Thompson. Due to the extent of his injuries, Brot made the decision to allow Taylor to believe he had died, not wanting to subject her to the reality of his injuries. The fictional character's injuries were determined by Martinez's real-life personal injuries. After a lengthy recuperation process, Brot returns to find his fiancée, who has been grieving, unaware that Brot is actually still alive.

My opinion: Martinez is rough and untrained but I see REAL talent there and anybody willing to expose themselves the way he has deserves respect. I admit that I question the wisdom of writing the role of Brot to emulate Martinez's real experience. Perhaps I'm projecting but I feel like some things are...sacred and shouldn't be used for drama. At least not this particular way. But if he's willing to put himself out there I feel like I owe it to the actor to watch. After all how many of us have felt like we could do a scene better than some of the actors?

I've found myself uncomfortable watching some of his scenes mainly because I hate the concept of sandwiching something so real and important in between the Sextet, DuhManda and Coma Zendall. But when he's is onscreen, I can't look away and that's more than I can say for many "professionals."

Just get him away from Colby.

Edited November 19, 200817 yr by marceline

He's just ok. The storyline is just ok also.

He's pretty good. His character seems so real compared to alot of others. I've seen nothing but praise for him, he seems to be holding his own fairly well.

I just do NOT want Brot with NotColby

I think he's doing pretty well considering he's not a professional actor. I'm also drawn to watching him whenever he's onscreen. I agree that they get him far away from Colby soon and so he can mingle with the real actors who can hopefully give him some tips behind the scenes.

I love the concept of bringing on a real vet and addressing his issues. I hope the show keeps him around long term.

He's a way better actor than the girl who plays NuColby.

Considering he doesn't have any training in the field he is doing remarkably well. The fact that he is real kind of supercedes an acting critique for me. It really adds something to the show and the particular storyline. And yeah I kind of don't get the Colby/Brot angle they got going on here. Oh well, something for her to do I guess. I don't think Brianne is as terrible as some people make her out to be, she just is bland and doesn't make me feel anything for the role one way or another, similar to Amanda Baker's Babe.

Better actor than most newbies. He and Colby really don't belong in the same orbit but other than that i like him.

I was pleasantly surprised. I agree he has some natural talent there and could easily grow--I expected much worse. My problem is, as others have said, lately all his work has been in two handers with Colby, probably the worse actor/actress currently on the show. You just really should be careful not to leave two "newbies" like this flailing in serious two hander scenes--when he worked with Tad he was MUCH better for instance... It's not even about them offering tips it's just a talented actor can open up a less expereinced actor during the scene in ways Colby's actress just can't

I think he's doing a good job so far just wish they had given his character a different name......

Every time someone says Brot I think of one of these even though it's spelt differently......

This may be a (bad) generalization..... but I was in the Army back in my day, and Brot is such a military name. You won't believe some of the names of some of my old buddies - Brot fits so well with that 'type'.

I think he's just fine - especially for not being an actor - very impressed.

He's a way better actor than the girl who plays NuColby.

Yep.

This may be a (bad) generalization..... but I was in the Army back in my day, and Brot is such a military name. You won't believe some of the names of some of my old buddies - Brot fits so well with that 'type'.

The name doesn't bother me. And when he called Frankie "Hub" it all kind of made sense.

The name doesn't bother me. And when he called Frankie "Hub" it all kind of made sense.

So what's his full name, Brotwurst?

Did yall notice that Mama Brot left her eyes at home this go round?

His acting is alright but he bugs me. Im hoping he reunites with Taylor and takes her with him

He can't go lurking around hospital corridors much longer. I mean, I'll take a day or two of that, but it's cliche to begin with.

I think that if Brot doesn't have some scenes where we at least well up let alone dissolve into tears, the writers and the directors (and maybe, just maybe the actor) haven't done their jobs. I say this because this admirable man is sitting on a well of raw emotion and life experience that most "real" actors could only dream of. I look forward to the opportunity to hear his story/struggle/pain. It's a very rare opportunity in daytime. If the writers deliver and the directors (and even a good acting coach) take their time with him, and he allows himself to go there and be vulnerable, well... he should turn out some riveting performances.

Edited November 21, 200817 yr by SFK