TV dawn to dusk 10/75 - Take the plunge with Ryan's Hope

TAKE THE PLUNGE WITH ABC's NEW RYAN'S HOPE

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Ryan's Hope got off to a flying start when political reporter Jack Finelli [sic] Michael Levin leaped to the bait of Mary Ryan (sister of prospective Congressman Frank Ryan, as played by Kate Mulgrew)--and fell into the Hudson for his efforts. What appeared to viewers as a moment of comic relief was really quite a dangerous stunt, weeks in the planning and hours in the execution.

Profession stuntman Peter Hock performed the tricky jump for actor Levin. Beforehand, an underwater search for hazards, such a dangerous debris or undertow currents, was make by an aqualunged diver. In addition, Peter required a tetanus shot before his dip into the murky depths of the polluted river. As cast and crew look on expectantly, he took the plunge. A perfect take for the cameras.

The new sop revolves around three different, yet equally compelling families, and spotlighted the serial's storyline are the younger members of these clans.

In addition to Kate and Michael, the show's roster includes Bernard Barrow (Johnny Ryan), Helen Gallagher (Maeve Ryan), Diana Van Der Vlis (Nell Beaulac), Ron Hale (Roger Coleridge), Ilene Kristen (Delia Reid Ryan), Michael Hawkins (Frank Ryan), Earl Hindman (Bob Reid), Faith Catlin (Faith Coleridge), Malcolm Groome (Pate Ryan), Nanci Addison (Gillian Coleridge), Frank Latimore (Ed Coleridge) Hannibal Penny, Jr. (Clem Moultrie), and Rosalinda Guerra (Ramona Gonzalez).

Although most of the show's players are new to the public, there are some seasoned pros in the cast. Lithe Helen Gallagher of stage fame is a well known entertainer with two Tony awards to her credit (for Pal Joey and No, No Nanette).

As the serial's independent "Maeve Ryan," she and her husband "Johnny" own a neighborhood bar. Coincidentally, Helen and her real-life husband did own a bar called the "old Spa" in New York for three years.

Another strange twist of fate is that Michael Hawkins--the actor who plays one of Helen's TV children--was once a singing student of hers. Ms. Gallagher give voice lessons three times a week.

Stay tuned to TVDD for more on Ryan's Hope.

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