Lynda Hirsch on Soaps

Q: I was sorry to learn the character of Ashley is being written off "Young and Restless." I love the actress. Please tell me about her personal life. — Anita in Knoxville, Tenn.

A: There is so much to tell about Eileen Davidson,who has played Ashley on and off for over two decades and on two different daytime dramas.

When "Y&R" let her go in 2007, Davidson was not out of work for long. Her character was moved to "Bold and Beautiful." That run ended three years later. Ashley was then brought back to "Y&R." On her Twitter feed, Davidson revealed she was let go from "Y&R." She said she did not know why. Cast-mates are said to be furious. The actress is known for her talent, her kindness and always being prepared.

For a time, she dated Nicholas Walker, who originated the role of Max Holden on "One Life to Live." He also played Trey Clegg on "Capitol."

The former model has been married to three actors. Her first husband was Chris Mayer. Mayer lensed 19 episodes of "Dukes of Hazzard" when a contract dispute broke out between the actors who created the role and the studio that produced it. Mayer and Davidson married in 1985 and divorced in 1986. When Mayer died suddenly last year, the ever-gracious Davidson talked about her sorrow over his loss. In 1997, she wed Jon Lindstrom, best known for his role of Kevin on "General Hospital." That marriage ended in divorce in 2000.

Davidson is presently married to Vincent Van Patten.

The duo met on the "Y&R" set when he had a short stint as her love interest. Still married, the couple has a son, Jesse. Van Patten co-hosts the World Poker Tour and "Celebrity Tennis"; he loves poker and tennis. He learned both from his dad, Dick Van Patten, who starred on "Eight Is Enough."

Davidson had other soap roles. The actress played Kelly Capwell on "Santa Barbara." Other than Ashley, her most famous soap role was a stint on "Days of our Lives." Davidson played Kristen, who kidnapped Susan's sister, Sister Mary Moira. E.J., her son, was named after Elvis. At one point, she thought Elvis had fathered the child. For years, viewers thought that Stefano was E.J.'s father. In the past few months, it has been revealed that Stefano is not the father. So who is Daddy? Perhaps it is John. After all, Susan was John's lover.

There has been some rumor that her character of Susan may return to "Days."

If not, Davidson has a lot to keep her busy. She has penned two mystery novels with a soap setting, and she is also a fashion designer. When she married Lindstrom, the actress and her attendants wore outfits that she designed.

For years, one of daytime's oddest rumors swirled around her. Rumor had it that she was a man who had surgery to become a woman. Not true.

To find out more about Lynda Hirsch and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate web page at www.creators.com.

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