In honor of Roger's 3yr as Paul Ryan
by: LK Stephanie

Can you believe it's been three years since Roger Howarth signed up to play “Paul Ryan” on ATWT? I hardly can. Since then, he's come to make the role his own, putting his unique and indelible stamp on a character that suffered through numerous makeovers and recasts. Kudos to Roger for his success.

It was the summer of 2003, and I was eagerly anticipating Roger's return to the small screen and my all time favorite soap, “As The World Turns.” I'd missed his talents since he departed “One Life To Live,” and I have to admit, I'd gotten used to seeing him weekly on TV.

Roger immediately brought a layer of complexity to the character, as “Paul” was determined to purse Rose and win her back from “Dusty.” He always kept us guessing. Was Paul's pursuit of Rose sincere, or was it a game? Did he want Rose because he didn't want Dusty to have her? Paul left us guessing until Rose's funeral when his private tribute to her proved his true feelings.

Starting in 2004, Paul was thrown into a friendship with Rosanna Cabot Montgomery, which culminated in the couple falling in love and consummating that relationship in July 2004. Through the careful storytelling of the writers and Roger's subtle acting choices, Craig Montgomery sabotaged his own marriage, allowing Paul to win Rosanna's heart. After dealing with the tragedic loss of Cabot, Paul and Rosanna were married in Nov 2004 and their marriage was off to a good start until Feb 2005, when James Stenbeck returned.

Side note: 2004 and 2005 were banner years for Roger. Both times he was recognized for his talent and nominated for a Daytime Emmy in the role of “Paul Ryan.”

James Stenbeck did to Paul what Paul did to Craig Montgomery – sliced a knife through his marriage to Rosanna. Now divorced and hurting, Paul began a scandalous relationship with Emily Stewart Munson in May 2005. And it only got rougher for him to recover from his emotional hell, as Paul knowingly lied to his sister about her child's death. It was a secret that haunted him the latter part of 2005, which Emily helped to keep. The price was high for this secret though. When Johnny's real identity was revealed in Dec 2005, Paul went to jail. Once he was out and forced to confront his personal demons, he backed out of his marriage to Emily. Vengeful, she shot him in the back.

Enter Meg Snyder in Jan 2006. Paul began his physical and emotional recovery with a little help from the feisty Snyder. During the early half of 2006, Paul and Meg came together as a couple, despite Emily's attempts to thwart them. Even now, Paul and Meg are facing challenges as Emily uses her baby to worm her way back into Paul's heart.

What makes Roger's “Paul” work? Is it the twinkle in his eyes as Paul laughs? That smoldering stare of desire as he focuses on Marie Wilson's “Meg?” The regret that shines through when he's in character and he turns away from the lens? It's all of this. Roger brings the ability to humanize his characters in a way the viewer relates too.

Kudos to Mr. Howarth. Congratulations on three years with ATWT. You've got my support, Roger!

LK Steph/Dim