Q: I saw on the Internet that the actress who last played Emily on "General Hospital" is returning to the show and playing a new character. When is she returning? — Josie, Toms River, N.J.

A: For now that story is Internet nonsense. Natalia Livingston is busy auditioning for prime time. GH's head writer, Bob Guza, did talk to her about coming back to the show. Since Emily is dead and at this point staying that way, Guza offered the actress a new character to play. She passed on the offer.

Amber Tamblyn, who played Emily as a teen, is the daughter of former child actor Russ Tamblyn. In an interview years ago, he said he would not allow his child to act until she was grown up. "If a kid wants to be a fireman, his dad does not says 'let's do it today.' The kid has to wait until he is grown up. Acting and modeling is the only business where a kid can work. I think it is important to let the child grow up and see if she still wants to pursue an acting career. I think kids need time to play, not work." A wonderful quote and sentiment. Too bad that two years later 13-year-old Amber was working on GH. Maybe 13 is a grown-up in Hollywood.

Q: I was sorry to see that A Martinez (Roy) had such a short-term role on "One Life to Live." Why was it so short? — Greta, Stowe, Vt.

A: Martinez was only scheduled for a five-week run. His character was supposed to be a baddie. Martinez is one of those great actors who can say one thing and show something else with his eyes. So Ray may not be the killer he has been presented as. When Ray was sent back to a jail in Colombia for murdering his ex-wife, he swore he did not do it. A spokesperson for the show says the story is not finished. The actor and the character will be back. No word on when or for how long Martinez's next stint will be.

Q: Who is playing Robin and Patrick's baby on "General Hospital"? Is it twins? — Robert, Port Huron, Mich.

A: It is not even a real baby. A doll has played Robin and Patrick's tiny tot for several weeks. Now that the baby is a bit older, a real-life child will be playing the role. Of course, with a doll the actors do not have to worry about the baby crying or trying to steal the scene with lots of coos and gurgles.

To find out more about Lynda Hirsch, and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate web page at www.creators.com.

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