‘LOVING’ FAREWELLS AND RETURNS

Chris Mancantel, who created the role of Curtis Alden on “Loving” in 1983, has returned to the show in his former role.

Mancantel’s scenes began airing on Dec. 3. His character is being held hostage in a cage by Dante (a.k.a. Joe), played by Thom Christopher. When Curtis returned the last time (he was played by Michael Lord, who was subsequently written out), he thought that while he was serving in the Gulf War he had killed Dante, the husband of Tess Wilder ( Catherine Hickland).

Daytime viewers also will remember Mancantel from his role of Tim Werner on “Guiding Light” (1981) and as Pete Shea on “Another World” (1881-81). The actor has appeared in the prime-time series “Kate and Allie.” “Nurses,” and the remake of “The Saint.” He was also in the TV movies “And Baby Comes Home” and “Aftermath.”

Also on “Loving,” Patricia Barry will be seen for the last time in January as Alden Matriarch Isabelle. Barry’s exit was “story-line dictated.” Returning to “Loving” is Linda Cook, who will reprise her former role of Egypt Masters, ex-wife of Alex Masters (played by another recent returnee, Randolph Mantooth). Since Alex and his previous wife, Ava Masters (Lisa Peluso), have been trying to iron things out between them, Egypt’s return will undoubtedly be a big stumbling block to a happily-ever-after ending. Cook played the role of AIDS patient Cynthia Linders on “As the World Turns” until a few weeks ago.

Nancy Addison, who is well known to soap viewers for her role of Jillian Coleridge on “Ryan’s Hope” (1975-87), is creating the recurring role of Deborah Brewster on “Loving.” Deborah is the mother of Steffi Brewster, played by Amelia Heinle. Addison began appearing on Dec. 13.

*

Melissa Reeves, who plays Jennifer Deveraux on “Days of Our Lives,” isn’t one of those actresses who likes to sit around and watch her work.

“I never watch myself--ever!” she insists. “I get too critical. I start getting on myself about little stuff.”

Nor does the actress choose to tune in to “The Young and the Restless,” where her real-life husband, Scott Reeves, plays Ryan McNeil. However, this decision is for an entirely different reason.