Daytime Emmy winner Benjamin Hendrickson (Hal Munson) will make his return to television next month.
Hendrickson took a leave of absence in March and was replaced by soap veteran Randolph Mantooth. According to a show spokesperson, Hendrickson returned to work at As The World Turns during the first week of May.
Hendrickson's time off allowed him time to care for and grieve for his mother, who recently passed away.
"I was [her] primary caretaker," Hendrickson revealed. When you are the only one taking care of a parent, your whole day is surrounded with doctors apppointments and trying to figure out what to do. There were times that I found out it's just too much."
Hendrickson approached the executives at As The World Turns and asked for time away from the show. He admits that the powers-that-be didn't have to give him any time off.
Hendrickson thanked his mother during his acceptance speech.
"To my mother who scrimped and saved to send me to Julliard to study the classics... I'm sorry," Hendrickson chuckled as he held his Emmy above his head. The win marked Hendrickson's first ever Daytime Emmy win. He had been nominated two times previously.
Remaining slightly silly for reports, Hendrickson explained that he instinctively knew he would win the Emmy this year.
"It has always been my contention," asserted Hendrickson with a straight face, "That this award went to the actor with the best hair. And here I stand tonight... as proof that it's true."
In July 2001, James Kiberd (ex-Trevor Dillon, All My Children) subbed for Hendrickson during another family-related leave.
Hendrickson is expected back on-screen on June 6th.
