19 minutes ago, Paul Raven said:

I'm interpreting this thread as focussing more on recasts that had to replace popular performers, and thus had to prove themselves rather than just taking the place of actors who hadn't made much of an impression or proven to very popular with viewers.

eg Michael O'Leary as Rick on GL replaced Phil McGregor but Phil hadn't made much of an impression in the role and that was why he was replaced in the first place.

D'oh! That makes sense. In that case, Jill Larson (AMC) as Opal. She had the additional advantage of the character being offscreen for a half-decade.

7 hours ago, Taoboi said:

Understandable. It's only now with this Deacon storyline that Rebecca is coming across as a Taylor. And even THAT storyline started (and stopped) when Krista was in the role. But as I've mentioned, it was just one of those times where B&B did everything right with how you introduce a recast so I can't believe Brad had to be spiteful allegedly.

That was a messy story. I'm still waiting for Krista to write her tell all book. 😄

Cherie Jimenez as Gabi on Days. I am not sure if Camila Banus was ever super popular, but she led storyline and was on the show for years.

Not to veer off topic, but I am also quite fascinated by the Carly situation on GH. I know TB wasn't immediately accepted, while Laura was due to the Bransford situation, but it has to be rare to have such longevity and success with three separate actors in the role. Are there other roles/actors that have achieved that?