They say a picture is worth a thousand words, but we wonder what good is a picture when you can’t recognize the subject? Above is a snapshot of a future star of soaps, but can you guess who this little darling grew up to be?
Star Of The Soaps
Obviously this young man, (now all grown up) is either currently starring in, or is an alum of, one of the four remaining daytime dramas – The Bold and the Beautiful, Days of our Lives, General Hospital, and The Young and the Restless – but that’s probably not enough of a hint.
So try these on for size. This college graduate (and soap hopper) – who once spent a semester interning for a congressman on Capitol Hill – decided to pursue a career in acting a bit later in life than some of his peers. His first major TV role was a recurring part on a hit primetime soap opera. He has appeared in a film based on a comic book, and the daytime role for which he is best known was originally meant to consist of a 10-episode guest stint.
But just who can he be? Is this a photograph of Matthew Atkinson (Thomas, Forrester, BB), Freddie Smith (Sonny Kiriakis, DAYS), Joe Flanigan (ex-Dr. Neil Byrne, GH), or Greg Rikaart (Kevin Fisher, YR)?
Matthew Atkinson
Yes, it is true that Atkinson made quite an impression thanks to his (recurring) role on Jane By Design. And sure, he has appeared in more than one daily serial – lest anyone forget his 16-month stint as YR’s Austin Travers. But he isn’t today’s featured star.
Freddie Smith
And neither is Smith. This in spite of the fact that his career was indeed jump-started thanks to a recurring role in The CW’s 90210. However, the actor has yet to appear in a film based on a comic book, and the only daytime soap he has appeared on so far is DAYS.
Joe Flanigan
After earning a degree in history from the University of Colorado, Flanigan decided to pursue a writing career. After contributing to such publications as Town & Country and Interview, Flanigan decided to try his hand at acting.
And though he did find success in the soaptastic NBC series Sisters (on which he recurred), Flanigan hasn’t appeared in a comic book to film adaption and General Hospital remains his only foray into daytime. So he isn’t the answer to today’s identity query.
Greg Rikaart
Upon graduating from The Villanova University with a degree in political science and minors in both English and communications, Rikaart decided that he had no other recourse but to pursue his long-held acting ambitions.
Subsequently, he appeared in small roles on primetime series such as Felicity, Strong Medicine, Gilmore Girls, and That’s Life. However, it was his multi-episode arc on Dawson’s Creek – where he played Jack McPhee’s boyfriend, David – that earned Rikaart acclaim and recognition.
Rikaart scored the plum role of YR’s villainous Kevin Fisher in 2003 and managed to turn what was supposed to be a 10-episode storyline into a semi-permanent position. The actor’s other credits include X-Men 2 and Days of our Lives.
So, if you guessed that the future star of soaps seen in the image above was Greg Rikaart, then you were absolutely correct!
