Casting and Awards
Rebecca Herbst originally auditioned for the role of Sarah Webber. Although she did not get the part, General Hospital created the role of Sarah's sister Elizabeth for Herbst to play, and she debuted in 1997. In 1999, the role brought Herbst the Soap Opera Digest Award for Outstanding Younger Lead Actress, as well as an Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Younger Actress in 1999 and a nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actress in 2007. In November 2000, Herbst guest starred along with Jacob Young (then-Lucky Spencer) and Jacklyn Zeman (Bobbie Spencer) on the FOX network sketch comedy series MADtv, making a small cameo as Elizabeth.
On January 18, 2011, ABC Daytime announced that Herbst had been let go from General Hospital and her exit would be storyline dictated. After much fan protest, a month after the original announcement, ABC released another statement saying that Herbst would retain her role on the show.
A lot of times, fans react and for a few days, it’s all anyone can talk about. But Becky Herbst fans really refused to let this drop.
— Richard M. Simms, ABC SoapsInDepth
In May 2011, it was confirmed that Herbst would take medical leave, due to viral meningitis. The role was temporarily portrayed by actress Martha Madison, who is probably best known for her role as Belle Black on Days of our Lives. In March 2012, is was confirmed by Soap Opera Digest that Herbst had renewed her contract to continue performing in her role as Elizabeth.
Read more about this topic: Elizabeth Webber
Famous quotes containing the word casting:
“For the gods, though slow to see, see well, whenever a man casting aside worship turns folly.”
—Sophocles (497–406/5 B.C.)