Cardwell out; Gering to follow?
by Dan J Kroll
Posted Thursday, March 29, 2001 12:48:50 PM


The crew and cast of Passions had little time to celebrate the show's eight Daytime Emmy nominations. As the good news hit, there were rumblings that behind-the-scenes turmoil was brewing.


Lena Cardwell (Simone), a "veteran" with Passions since its first airing, is leaving the show. According to reports, Cardwell demanded to be released from her contract. Cardwell and show big wigs are said to have clashed on more than one occasion and the actress is reportedly contemplating legal action against the show.


On April 17th, Chrystee Pharris takes over for Cardwell. Pharris appeared last year on General Hospital and has been seen in a recurring role on UPN's Moesha.


Another rumor has resident heartthrob Galen Gering (Luis) wanting out of the show because he's unhappy with his character's storyline. A Passions spokesperson admitted to having heard the reports, but declined to confirm whether Gering is leaving the show or not.


While those two rumors are enough to have fans worked into a lather, there's more. Plenty more.


An earlier report that Robin Mattson (ex-Janet Green, All My Children) will be joining the show has been revised. According to the latest rumors, Mattson will take over the role of Grace from Dana Sparks. Mattson's camp had earlier reported that the reports that the actress was joining the show were untrue.


Also rumored out are Andrea Evans (Rebecca) during the May Sweeps period and James Hyde (Sam). Hyde is rumored to be replaced by Brian McNamara.

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