POZ and We Love Soaps and Love Out Loud

Walkin' the Walk: David A. Gregory

Mr. Gregory's presence at the New York AIDS Walk today brightened the dreary weather for more than one reason, most important being the one where a man does indeed walk the walk and talk the talk. This talented actor has a loyal following for all the obvious reasons. There is a lot going on in his heart and mind. He is also quite a multi-tasker. There he was walking with the Broadway Impact team and studying lines. How he did it is less interesting than taking note of a highly motivated individual. Now say it out loud, "He has a bright future ahead of him!"

Kristen Alderson Loves Out Loud

Bucks County, PA is somewhere fictional One Life to Live’s Llanview might very well be and it is the birthplace of Kristen Alderson who has been playing Starr Manning on the show ever since she auditioned for the role at the age of six— that’s more than half her life! She brought a lot of pizazz to the younger Starr, the offspring of two very, for lack of a better term, charismatic individuals: no mean feat. Alderson is a natural. At that early age Kristen was already a show business veteran given her experience as Molly in Annie. The multi-talented young lady virtually grew up with the character of Starr and then brought new and interesting interpretations to the role when Starr became a teen mother. She first came to Love Out Loud in 2008. Kristen will once again be joining our fundraiser. Let us hope the bright future that awaits her will serve as a good omen for AIDS Walk New York.

Scott Evans Loves Out Loud

Scott Evans is best known for his role as the police officer Oliver Fish on One Life to Live. He is the younger brother of Chris Evans (Fantastic Four, Captain America: The First Avenger.) Scott was born in Sudbury, Massachusetts. He studied theater at New York University. Chris Evans told The Advocate in February 2009 that his brother was openly gay. In a June 15, 2009 interview with AfterElton.com, Scott Evans discussed the fact that he had come out at age 19 before he had pursued acting professionally. He said, "I didn’t want to be one of those people who goes back into the closet and tries to hide because I knew it would come out. With the success of my brother, I didn't feel it was necessary to hide it once I'd come out. I'm an out person, as opposed to an out actor, I suppose." Initially brought in to One Life to Live for five episodes, Evans returned several times. In July 2009 it was confirmed that his character Fish would become involved in a romantic relationship with another man [source: Wikipedia]. The storyline was followed religiously by AfterElton.com and engendered a loyal following for the characters and actors involved. Although the Network pulled its support from something that initially brought much good will in the LGBT community at large, there is still much loyalty for Scott because of his courage and involvement in a groundbreaking story. Last year Scott stepped to help us with an auction for an autographed copy of Details with the cover story about him. We are very happy and proud to have his personal participation in Love Out Loud VI.

Sean Ringgold Loves Out Loud

Ringgold, who hails from Rockaway, Queens, has worked with many celebrities on and off camera. As a bodyguard he worked for the likes of Tom Cruise , LL Cool J, Queen Latifah and Ludacris but it’s his on camera appearances in movies such as American Gangster, television shows Gossip Girl, and BET’s 106 & Park, his role One Life To Live not to mention the music videos for Elephant Man, Jim Jones, and a number of national and regional commercials that have created buzz for and interest in this talented actor. This former New York State Arm Wrestling Champion wears many hats; actor, stuntman, model and personal trainer to name a few, but it’s his passion coupled with his ability to find something inspirational in everything he does that fuels is acting career. “To be in television you have to feel good about who and what you are in order to reach higher levels of success. Success is something you attract into your life by the person you become.” Ringgold wants to be challenged by roles that are outside of his character and different for someone of his stature. He’s a man on a mission, who wants to be recognized for his talent and show “[that] there’s no limit to what a kid from Rockaway Beach can do. I Want to show who and what I am,” says Sean. Stay tuned there’s more to come. In the meantime come say hello to Sean at Love Out Loud VI. He was there last year and we are very proud to have him with us this year. His generosity and support speaks volumes.

Jersey Boy Loves Out Loud: Tom Degnan

You gotta love a guy who loves the Phillies. OK? The eldest of three siblings, Tom Degnan, who was born in Bucks County, Pennsylvania grew up outside of Cherry Hill, New Jersey. A self-proclaimed sports fanatic, he was on the track team in high school and briefly considered trying out his athleticism at the collegiate level while attending Notre Dame, but he ended up majoring in finance, instead. "There was a short window— very, very short window — where I thought about actually walking on to the track team for hurdles," he told Soap Opera Digest. "You realize that all the kids who play varsity sports are bigger, faster, stronger than you so that wasn't going to fly!" It wasn't until Degnan took a theater class—just to fulfill a requirement, no less—that he discovered his passion for the stage. In 2008, Degnan went on to attend Case Western Reserve University, where he received an MFA in Theater. After a couple of small television appearances, Degnan was tapped to play mysterious war veteran Riley onAs the World Turns in 2009. Riley was revealed to be Margo's son, Adam, who had been presumed-dead in a bombing in Afghanistan.In November 2010, Degnan joined the cast of One Life to Live in the highly sought after recast role of Joey Buchanan (initially believing he'd lost the part to Josh Kelly, who plays Cutter). Degnan has also appeared on The Good Wife and is currently in a band with his former As the World Turns co-star Billy Magnussen (ex-Casey). We are proud to have him take part in Love Out Loud VI. This event only gets better every year and Mr. Degnan proves it. Thanks to Soap Opera Digest for the biographical information.