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On March 19 ( March 22 for daybehinders), Guiding Light veteran Jay Hammer will reprise his role as the irrepressible Fletcher Reade. “Seems as all the lucky pennies wrapped in four-leaf clover and rubbed with rabbits feet have gotten all of us a ticket back to Springfield”.... I’m very excited and happy. I’ve missed Fletcher enormously” expressed a jubilant Hammer who was unceremoniously let go from Guiding Light in Sept.of 1997. The popular fan favorite who has only been retained for a 13 week run, muses over some of the same questions the viewers would expect the writers to address for Fletcher, since his uncharacteristic departure with Meg in March of 1998. “I am looking forward with anticipation and curiosity regarding such things as what has Fletcher been doing? How does he feel? remorse? guilt? at peace? Does he still love Red? Does he want to come home to Springfield to stay? Will Meg-pie make the trip? How will others react to Fletcher? Will they be forgiving? understanding? sympathetic? judgmental?” Writers from other’s shows have tried to capture Fletcher’s essence in other characters -- AMC Trevor and more recently OLTL Ben (Vicki Buchanan nicknamed Blondie, indeed!) however the hat, the grin, the twinkle, the steadiness, the dependability, the humor, the trustworthiness, the Speedo (had to throw that in!) are traits branded to Fletcher Reade who’s character is synonymous with Guiding Light and brought to life by the incomparable Jay Hammer. Jay with unabashed emotion, humbly acknowledges the tremendous unwavering fan support during his hiatus from GL as reported in Soap Opera Weekly, Feb. 9, 1999 issue : Winner’s and Loser’s column, “Fletcher staying in Springfield for fourteen years would never have happened without each and every one of you .....being asked to return never would have happened without every one of you either....You have given me joy. You have given me Fletcher back. How many others get another chance? I do, because all of you represent the hope for what’s possible if we believe in something hard enough. Thank you for making me and my family so happy.” If fans have their way, Fletcher is home to stay! Drop by Fletchfest to sign the guestbook or read Jay Hammer's complete letter to fans. Jay checks the website periodically. |
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