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| Photo: Michael Bezjian/The Artists Project |
Joey Luthman, an American actor recently sat down to speak with Soap Opera News about several things. Luthman is known for his numerous primetime gigs, movie roles and for tackling the role of Young Luke Spencer on General Hospital. His IMDB bio reveals that he was discovered at a National Talent Show in Florida and was thereafter performing on The Tyra Banks Show. He was the second youngest child from the family of seven performing children, making his family laugh with on-point impressions of Jim Carrey at the tender age of 3. After relocating to Los Angeles, Luthman began building an impressive resume. His recent gigs include guest roles on Criminal Minds, Grey’s Anatomy, Ghost Whisperer and October Road. So, would Luthman return to soaps and particularly would he consider a return to ‘GH’ – read our interesting interview below!
Let’s talk about your short stint as young Luke Spencer on General Hospital? It must have been an honor playing a young version of the role played by a soap legend – what was your soap opera experience like?
Joey: It absolutely was an honor to play a younger version of such an iconic General Hospital character.
Needless to say, I was excited going into it, because the show has been running quite a bit longer than I’ve been alive! Mr. Anthony Geary was an incredible actor to play off of. His energy helped to force me to match that level of intensity, and it turned out beautifully because of that. The most recent 2018 Daytime Emmys actually featured one of our scenes together, a particularly dramatic moment in the 52nd Anniversary Episode.
What stood out most for you being on GH?
Joey: For me, what impressed me the most was the relationship that was quickly formed with all the cast members. Everyone was very personable and I instantly felt like one of Luke’s family. Many of my scenes were with Chloe Lanier, who played my sister, and she is a phenomenal actress and lovely person. And I was so honored to meet and work with Dee Wallace as well. She has stayed in touch and even called me personally to tell me how much she liked my performance on the show. I see her occasionally at The Hollywood Museum and she is always so warm and friendly.
Would you do soaps again? Although GH may never recast the role, it was once suggested to us that you could be a recast Morgan Corinthos last played by Emmy award-winning actor Bryan Craig – thoughts?
Joey: Yes, I would definitely do soaps again! It’s a very different, faster pace, than many primetime series and I love it. I heard a bit about the recasting rumor, but I haven’t been approached for that. It would have been a great opportunity!
Now, you have a movie in the pipeline titled “The Last Champion” where you worked with soap star Casey Moss (JJ, Days of Our Lives) – what’s the status of the film? Will it be released anytime soon and what can fans expect to see?
Joey: Yes! Casey is such a cool guy to work with. The film is centered around wrestling, and while I did train for the film, Casey has been wrestling for years and I took a lot of wrestling advice from him.
I don’t have exact details on a release date for the film, but we finished ADR (voice dubbing) for the film recently, so it should be just around the corner! The movie also stars Cole Hauser, Hallie Todd, Peter Onorati and Taylor Dearden. It was a great cast to film with. My character is Ronnie Leadman, a troubled teen who learns some difficult lessons and grows to understand life from an alternate perspective by the end of the film. I was able to learn some wrestling moves and explore a different type of role for me, as the “bad kid”. Fans can expect to see an epic, emotional, heartfelt and fun film that will have something for the whole family.
Do you have other films in the pipeline?
What about primetime roles? We not too long came out of pilot season – have you booked any pilots? Do you have more primetime appearances on the horizon?
Joey: I am on a Fox /National Geographic Scripted Series called “The Long Road Home,” which recently just re-aired for Memorial Day on the 25th. I play the role of SPC Jonathan Riddell and it was quite the experience to be part of this incredible show. It is based on a real story with focus on Black Sunday, a day in the Iraq war when a group of soldiers is ambushed and needs to fight for their lives. It is based on a book by Martha Radditz and tells a very gut-wrenching story of war and family.
I also star in an episode of Netflix’s Alexa & Katie which just came out on Netflix. I have another TV show coming out soon called Those Who Can’t on Tru TV. Pilot season kind of extends all year now so I am still auditioning for them even now.
Joey: Absolutely! In fact, I just worked with a few friends, Allisyn Ashley Arm, Dylan Riley Snyder, and Hannah Leigh on a short film recently. It’s titled “Dead Leaf Butterfly” and I co-wrote it and did all the cinematography! I enjoy being behind the camera too and was the Director of Photography for the film.
So fans, would you love to see Luthman back on soaps? Do you think he would be a great Morgan recast on GH?
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