"One Life to Live" Actress Claims She Was Fired for Being A Christian - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Brian Damage · 09-04-2009, 10:43 PM

If you tuned in to the soap "One Life to Live" this week, you may have noticed there's been a change of character. One character in particular.

Actress Patricia Mauceri says she was fired and abruptly replaced for objecting to a gay storyline because of her religious beliefs.

Mauceri played the recurring role of Carlotta Vega on "OLTL" for the last 14 years. But when she objected to how the writers wanted her deeply religious character, a Latina mother, to handle a storyline involving homosexuality, she objected. And for that she claims she was fired.

Mauceri, 59, a devout Christian, told FOX News that character Vega's gay-friendly dialogue was not in line with the character she helped create by drawing on her own faith.

"I did not object to being in a gay storyline. I objected to speaking the truth of what that person, how that person would live and breathe and act in that storyline," she said. "And this goes against everything I am, my belief system, and what I know the character's belief system is aligned to."

Mauceri said she was replaced despite offering changes to the script and hoping for a compromise.

An ABC spokesperson said they were not aware of any such claims by Mauceri, adding such claims "would be frivolous."

When asked why Mauceri is no longer playing Carlotta Vega, the spokesperson said the show does not comment on personnel matters. The scene in question was scheduled to air Friday afternoon.

Mauceri told FOX News she is exploring her legal options. AFTRA, the actors union that represents her, did not respond to a request for comment.

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,546720,00.html

catlover79 · 09-05-2009, 12:17 AM

I've read this on various message boards. Wow. Saundra Santiago (of Miami Vice and Guiding Light fame) is now playing Carlotta Vega. It'll be interesting to see what happens.

MickeyMac · 09-05-2009, 01:16 PM

Isnt she the only Vega left on the show??

Are Antonio and Christian still on??

catlover79 · 09-05-2009, 02:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MickeyMac

Isnt she the only Vega left on the show??

Are Antonio and Christian still on??

Cris is - Antonio isn't. Kamar de los Reyes (Antonio) left the show about a year ago.

Marvo301 · 09-05-2009, 05:03 PM

I really admire Patricia for standing up for her beliefs. Both her religious beliefs and her belief in who her character is. It's sad and unfair that she had to pay such a high price for her integrity.

catlover79 · 09-05-2009, 06:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marvo301

I really admire Patricia for standing up for her beliefs. Both her religious beliefs and her belief in who her character is. It's sad and unfair that she had to pay such a high price for her integrity.

It really is. Hopefully, she'll find work soon, but I have a feeling that she'll be suing OLTL/ABC soon.

Schmoopie · 09-06-2009, 04:37 AM

I met Patricia at an OLTL fan club gathering in NYC back in 2004 and she was very nice. I can see her getting upset over something like this and I have to say that if I was asked to do something against my beliefs, I would protest as well. It's crappy that they recast her character though. I hate when they do that, because usually fans associate one actor/actress with a particular character.

catlover79 · 09-06-2009, 04:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marvo301

I really admire Patricia for standing up for her beliefs. Both her religious beliefs and her belief in who her character is. It's sad and unfair that she had to pay such a high price for her integrity.

I admire that, too - she was willing to stand up for what she believes in, at the cost of more airtime and ultimately, her job.

JT · 09-06-2009, 07:03 PM

She wasn't fired for being a Christian. There are tons of other very religious actors and actresses (and behind the scenes folks) who are open about their beliefs who haven't been fired or forced to quit.

When this story first broke a few months ago, I wanted very badly to side with PM and give her the benefit of the doubt and say that there was more to the story, but really...I don't see it. Yeah, it's honorable and noble to stand up for what you may believe in, but if she's such a good Catholic, why didn't she raise a stink when her TV sons were cheating on their girlfriends and murdering people, and Mama Bear Vega just hugged them and gave them flan? I think it's BS.

veggie-tari-jenn · 09-06-2009, 11:25 PM

I have been watching OLTL for 25 years.....I Luv the show and Carlotta was a character that was always there and I was fond of.....PM has a right to her beliefs and OL has a right to have an actress they are paying do a job.....honestly I was happy the part was recast and I have enjoyed the recast so far....I am looking forward to see what happens.

Peace and Love

Jenn

ThomasE · 09-07-2009, 09:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JT

She wasn't fired for being a Christian. There are tons of other very religious actors and actresses (and behind the scenes folks) who are open about their beliefs who haven't been fired or forced to quit.

When this story first broke a few months ago, I wanted very badly to side with PM and give her the benefit of the doubt and say that there was more to the story, but really...I don't see it. Yeah, it's honorable and noble to stand up for what you may believe in, but if she's such a good Catholic, why didn't she raise a stink when her TV sons were cheating on their girlfriends and murdering people, and Mama Bear Vega just hugged them and gave them flan? I think it's BS.

There is a good point in your argument. However, if she did not believe that her character would be accepting about the controversial storyline that presented itself then I really can't blame her. Also remember that she did not exactly get all happy and accept with glee Christian and Antonio's mistakes.
I'm not thrilled that OLTL did that but I believe another door can open up for the actress.

spunkygirl · 09-09-2009, 10:45 AM

Typical ABC, right up Frons' alley IMO

catlover79 · 09-09-2009, 11:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ZKS

Typical ABC, right up Frons' alley IMO

How has he managed to keep his job for so long? He's also the big cheese at SoapNet - and you know what a big disaster that network's become.

09-04-2009, 10:43 PM	#1
Brian Damage I'm Rich Bitch Forum Icon Join Date: Feb 03, 2002 Location: What Ain't No Country I Ever Heard Of...They Speak English in What? Posts: 63,108	"One Life to Live" Actress Claims She Was Fired for Being A Christian If you tuned in to the soap "One Life to Live" this week, you may have noticed there's been a change of character. One character in particular. Actress Patricia Mauceri says she was fired and abruptly replaced for objecting to a gay storyline because of her religious beliefs. Mauceri played the recurring role of Carlotta Vega on "OLTL" for the last 14 years. But when she objected to how the writers wanted her deeply religious character, a Latina mother, to handle a storyline involving homosexuality, she objected. And for that she claims she was fired. Mauceri, 59, a devout Christian, told FOX News that character Vega's gay-friendly dialogue was not in line with the character she helped create by drawing on her own faith. "I did not object to being in a gay storyline. I objected to speaking the truth of what that person, how that person would live and breathe and act in that storyline," she said. "And this goes against everything I am, my belief system, and what I know the character's belief system is aligned to." Mauceri said she was replaced despite offering changes to the script and hoping for a compromise. An ABC spokesperson said they were not aware of any such claims by Mauceri, adding such claims "would be frivolous." When asked why Mauceri is no longer playing Carlotta Vega, the spokesperson said the show does not comment on personnel matters. The scene in question was scheduled to air Friday afternoon. Mauceri told FOX News she is exploring her legal options. AFTRA, the actors union that represents her, did not respond to a request for comment. http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,546720,00.html Attached Images
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09-05-2009, 12:17 AM	#2
catlover79 God Bless Val Forum Addict Join Date: May 29, 2006 Location: Bewitched in Ohio Posts: 70,376	I've read this on various message boards. Wow. Saundra Santiago (of Miami Vice and Guiding Light fame) is now playing Carlotta Vega. It'll be interesting to see what happens.
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09-05-2009, 05:03 PM	#5
Marvo301 I'm NOT a Blockhead! Forum Celebrity Join Date: May 17, 2002 Location: The Great White North Posts: 21,450	I really admire Patricia for standing up for her beliefs. Both her religious beliefs and her belief in who her character is. It's sad and unfair that she had to pay such a high price for her integrity.
	__________________ Only a life lived for others is worth living. Albert Einstein A life isn't worth living unless it has impact on other lives. Jackie Robinson Be always at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let each new year find you a better man. Benjamin Franklin

09-06-2009, 04:37 AM	#7
Schmoopie Keep Calm and Love Snoopy Forum Star Join Date: Jul 13, 2008 Location: Lynnwood, Washington Posts: 15,697	I met Patricia at an OLTL fan club gathering in NYC back in 2004 and she was very nice. I can see her getting upset over something like this and I have to say that if I was asked to do something against my beliefs, I would protest as well. It's crappy that they recast her character though. I hate when they do that, because usually fans associate one actor/actress with a particular character.
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09-06-2009, 07:03 PM	#9
JT Member Forum Veteran Join Date: Apr 29, 2001 Location: USA Posts: 7,219	She wasn't fired for being a Christian. There are tons of other very religious actors and actresses (and behind the scenes folks) who are open about their beliefs who haven't been fired or forced to quit. When this story first broke a few months ago, I wanted very badly to side with PM and give her the benefit of the doubt and say that there was more to the story, but really...I don't see it. Yeah, it's honorable and noble to stand up for what you may believe in, but if she's such a good Catholic, why didn't she raise a stink when her TV sons were cheating on their girlfriends and murdering people, and Mama Bear Vega just hugged them and gave them flan? I think it's BS.
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09-05-2009, 01:16 PM	#3
MickeyMac Member Forum Star Join Date: Jun 18, 2008 Location: Kalamazoo, Michigan Posts: 19,004	Isnt she the only Vega left on the show?? Are Antonio and Christian still on??

09-06-2009, 11:25 PM	#10
veggie-tari-jenn SARCASTIC COUPON PRINCESS!! Eternal Member Senior Member Join Date: Aug 13, 2008 Posts: 1,882	I have been watching OLTL for 25 years.....I Luv the show and Carlotta was a character that was always there and I was fond of.....PM has a right to her beliefs and OL has a right to have an actress they are paying do a job.....honestly I was happy the part was recast and I have enjoyed the recast so far....I am looking forward to see what happens. Peace and Love Jenn

09-09-2009, 10:45 AM	#12
spunkygirl Member Moderator Forum Celebrity Join Date: Apr 26, 2003 Posts: 21,557	Typical ABC, right up Frons' alley IMO