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Weeks ago, All My Children announced that starting January 4, production of the show will move from New York City to Los Angeles. What was not known was what cast members were making the move - until now.
Susan Lucci, who has played Erica Kane since the show's debut in 1970, will be going. She'll be joined by most of her cast mates, including Cameron Mathison (Ryan) and Michael E. Knight (Tad).
We should note that Alicia Minshew, who plays Kendall, will start her maternity leave in November 2009 (she'll continue to air into December).
Thorsten Kaye, who plays Zach Slater, will not be relocating to Los Angeles. Ray MacDonnell--AMC's other original cast member---has decided to retire from acting. His character, Joe Martin, may appear occasionally, depending on storyline needs and actor availability.
As previously announced, Beth Ehlers (Taylor), Aiden Turner (Aidan) and Brianne Moncrief (Colby) will not be making the move to Los Angeles. Details on their exits will be forthcoming as stories develop.
Use of recurring players, such as Jill Larson (Opal) and Daniel Kennedy (Pete) will be determined by storyline needs and availability.
For the complete list of what actors are staying and going - including some quotes from the actors - view our gallery.
The move to Los Angeles will give All My Children a state of the art production facility - twice the size of its NYC home - that allows for the show to immediately transition into high definition.
Alicia Minshew (Kendall Hart)
Alicia will start her maternity leave in November 2009 (she'll continue to air into December).
Susan Lucci (Erica Kane)
Susan will be going with the show. On the show's relocation, she said: "I am thrilled to have the opportunity to continue to play the role of Erica Kane with All My Children in Los Angeles. This move is a big vote of confidence and shows ABC's commitment to AMC."
Cameron Mathison (Ryan Lavery)
Cameron will continue to play Ryan and, undoubtedly, continue to be hot and awesome.
Jamie Luner (Liza Colby)
Jamie, a CA native, will make the journey back to her home state. This means we'll continue to see Liza be a fierce lady lawyer but make lots of poor emotional choices.
JR Martinez (Brot Monroe)
JR will be traveling with the show. On the transition, JR said "It's an opportunity for us to bring better stories with better technology, like HD, to the viewers. [The move] is a difficult thing, but difficulties can create great opportunities and great success. I've learned that from my own personal experiences."
Michael E. Knight (Tad Martin)
Michael, who joined AMC first in 1983, will go with the show. Long live Tad Martin and his weird humor!
Adam Mayfield (Scott Chandler)
Adam is returning to L.A., where he left seven months ago. He's excited about the new studio: "We're going to have an enormous space, all the sets can stay up at once and production will move along a lot faster."
Shannon Kane (Natalia Fowler)
Shannon will be heading to L.A.. We're psyched, because Natalia is really starting to come out of her shell and be a fun character to watch.
Bobbie Eakes (Krystal Carey)
Bobbie will be going to L..A. But we hope Krystal will still make all the poor life choices we're used to. That's why we love her.
Cornelius Smith Jr (Frankie Hubbard)
Cornelius will be going. But lest you think that means Frankie's free of Madison's reign of terror ....
Stephanie Gatschet (Madison North)
You're wrong! Stephanie Gatschet is taking total psycho Madison along when the show moves to L.A.
Melissa Claire Egan (Annie Lavery)
High priestess of the crazies, Annie, will continue on the show when Melissa Claire Egan makes the move to California.
Debbi Morgan (Angie Hubbard)
Debbi Morgan will head to L.A.. She said, "Even though people were shocked at the beginning ... this does show the dedication ABC has to our show. I love this show and I love playing this character."
Denise Vasi (Randi Morgan)
Denise will go with the show. "I'm really excited about what the move means to the show," she said. "I'm excited to continue to be part of the All My Children family."
David Canary (Adam Chandler)
David Canary will accompany the show to Los Angeles. Which means we can look forward to Adam being a jerk to half the town for a long time to come.
Darnell Williams (Jesse Hubbard)
Darnell will make the transition, meaning Jesse has more crime solving ahead of him.
Ricky Paull Goldin (Jake Martin)
Ricky Paull Goldin will travel with the show. But don't expect Jake's complicated life, or love of telenovelas, to end.
Vincent Irizarry (David Hayward)
Vincent will head to California, so David's torture of Jake can continue. On the move, Vincent said "I think that, in the long run, the viewers and everyone else would like to see the show continue on. If that means the show wouldn't be able to do that in NY, but could in L.A., then that means this is the right move. And we all look forward to keeping it going."
Jacob Young (JR Chandler)
Expect the feud between JR and Adam to continue when Jacob heads to L.A. with the show.
Brittany Allen (Marissa Tasker)
Brittany will head to Los Angeles. Meaning Marissa will no doubt lead as complicated a life as her dead sister, Babe.
Chrishell Stause (Amanda Dillon)
Details on whether Chrishell will continue on in L.A. were forthcoming at posting time.
Ray MacDonnell (Joe Martin)
Ray has decided to retire from acting. We wish him only the best! The character of Joe may appear occasionally, depending on storyline needs and actor availability.
Thorsten Kaye (Zach Slater)
Thorsten will not be relocating with the show to Los Angeles. No word yet on a last airdate.
Brianne Moncrief (Colby Chandler)
As previously reported, Brianne will not be moving to Los Angeles.
Aiden Turner (Aidan Devane)
As previously reported, Aiden will be departing the show before the move. Stay tuned for more details on what's sure to be an exciting exit.
Beth Ehlers (Taylor Thompson)
As previously reported, Beth announced she chose not to relocate to L.A. We'll share information on Taylor's departure as it's known.
