Rosanna Cabot - Casting and Creation

Casting and Creation

The role of Rosanna was originated by actress Yvonne Perry. Perry portrayed Rosanna from 1992 until her exit in 1999. In 2002, it was announced that actress Cady McClain, most known for her portrayal of Dixie Cooney Martin on ABC's daytime drama, "All My Children", would bring the character of Rosanna back to the canvas.

In a letter on her official site, McClain spoke about why she chose to take the role of Rosanna. She stated:

Personally, after Sept 11th, I started to reevaluate my life, as many of us have. I realized I was tired, creatively and physically, and I needed...something. A break, a change, something different to wake up my insides. It is hard work being an actor; it takes a lot of constant revitalization to give as much energy as we do. Originally, I had no real "plan." I just wanted to leave contract status and "keep the door open," as we say, so that Dixie could come back here and there. I still feel that way. She is pregnant, in Europe, and with a delicate physical condition, so...anything could happen in any amount of time. The powers that be were kind enough to leave me with this exit, and I am so very grateful to them. I never have taken their kindnesses for granted, nor do I intend to. It is just too important to me for that. When I was approached a few weeks after I shot my last day at AMC with the idea of coming to ATWT for a little stint to try out an old character that they were working on, I felt very flattered and interested to join the cast and try something new. I don't think you know this, but I have been a huge fan of ATWT. I know almost the characters, and who they've been involved with. I even feel a little star struck around certain actors who shall remain nameless!

McClain continued to portray the role, earning two nominations for "Outstanding Supporting Actress" during the 2003 and 2004 Daytime Emmys, winning for the role in 2004. In 2004, it was heavily rumored McClain had been let go from the series, due to budget cuts. However, executive producer quickly debunked such rumors, staying, "As far as the show is concerned, Cady McClain is and will continue to be a valued cast member of As The World Turns. Cady has brought her incredible talent to her portrayal of Rosanna, as witnessed by last year's Emmy nomination. Cady and her character are definitely part of future story plans.".

In early 2005, McClain announced her decision to depart the series, which sparked the interest of the actress returning to her AMC counterpart, Dixie. McClain returned to the role of Dixie following her World Turns exit. McClain's last airdate as Rosanna aired on July 29, 2005. McClain's return to the ABC soap was confirmed in December 2005.

Following McClain's departure, rumors began to fuel a possible recast of the character. However, such rumors were put to rest. In May 2007, it was announced that McClain would once again resurrect the character of Rosanna, following her firing from "All My Children". She returned to the role on July 30, 2007 McClain's return was cut short, the actress announced her decision decided to leave the show once again, due to the upset she had over the loss of dignity the character once had. She last aired on January 28, 2008.

Following her World Turns departure, it was rumored that McClain would join the cast of "Guiding Light" in the role of Harley Cooper. However, those rumors were debunked when McClain stated she had no intentions of joining the soap and later announced that she had agreed to once again return to World Turns. However, like in the past, McClain's return was short-lived when it was announced that her run as Rosanne would end again in late 2009. Her finale airdate was December 18, 2009.

McClain would return for her fourth and final time in September 2010, for the finale of the series.