Susan Lucci and castmembers of All My Children (left to right): Thorsten Kaye, Leven Rambin, James Scott, Alicia Minshew, Eden Riegel and Susan Lucci pose with the new "All My Children Way" sign which was presented to the Cast of All My Children to celebrate the show's 35th Anniversary at the All My Children/ABC Studios in New York on January 5, 2005. (UPI Photo/Laura Cavanaugh) |
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NEW YORK, Oct. 31 (UPI) -- Iraq war veteran J.R. Martinez has landed the role of Brot Monroe on "All My Children," said Brian Frons, president of daytime for Disney-ABC Television Group.
"We are honored and delighted to welcome J.R. Martinez to the cast of 'All My Children.' J.R. represents the best of the human spirit. His commitment to help his fellow service men and women and their families has inspired us all. J.R.'s challenging journey and resilience will bring a uniquely authentic perspective to the role of Brot Monroe," said the soap opera's executive producer, Julie Hanan Carruthers
According to the show's plot line, Brot served in the U.S. Army in Iraq and was injured in combat. While serving, he fell in love with Lt. Taylor Thompson (Beth Ehlers,) but, due to the extent of his injuries, Brot decided to allow Taylor to believe he was dead. After many operations and recovery, Brot returns to find his fiancee grieving because she doesn't know he is alive. The character's injuries were determined by Martinez's own real-life wounds, ABC said in a release.
Shortly after Martinez was deployed to Iraq in 2003, the tire of the Humvee he was driving hit a landmine and he suffered severe burns to more than 40 percent of his body.
After spending 34 months in the hospital and undergoing 32 different surgeries, he is now a national spokesman for the Coalition to Salute America's Heroes, created to promote and support programs helping other wounded service members.
Martinez's first airdate on "AMC" is Nov. 7.
