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Nikolas Mikhail Stavrosovich Cassadine is a fictional character from the original ABC Daytime soap opera, ''General Hospital'', originally portrayed by Tyler Christopher in 1996. Christopher left the show on July 14, 1999, but as Nikolas had become integral to the series, he was immediately replaced by Coltin Scott on July 20, 1999. Scott left the role on April 16, 2003, as Christopher made his return on April 21, 2003. Christopher vacated the role on July 28, 2011 after he was let go from the series. Christopher once again reprised the role on a recurring basis in honor of the show's 50th anniversary. However, the actor was eventually placed on contract. Created by head-writers Robert Guza, Jr. and Karen Harris and introduced by executive producer Wendy Riche in 1996 as the illegitimate son of Laura Spencer, the character was immediately popular with audiences. Hailed by ''Soap Opera Digest'' as the "Best New Male Character" in 1996, Nikolas's arrival immediately implodes the supercouple of Luke and Laura's happy life with their children, Lucky and Lulu. Luke immediately despises Nikolas due to his Cassadine heritage despite Nikolas saving an ailing Lulu's life. The misunderstood Nikolas is forced to grow up when his paternity comes into question and he is led to believe that his uncle Stefan is his father, as opposed to the late Stavros. Nikolas spends majority of his life trying to get out from under his family's treachery and become his own man. In addition to other romances, Nikolas is most known for his widely popular romance with Emily Quartermaine. Nikolas also has a son, Spencer named in honor of the Spencer family. The character was written out in 2011 following his disastrous affair with Lucky's longtime love, Elizabeth Webber. The character's 2013 return features the return of his biological father Stavros, and the ending of the war between the Cassadine and Spencer families. Nikolas also vies for Elizabeth's affection with A. J. Quartermaine, and later befriends Dr. Britt Westbourne. ==Casting== The role was originated by daytime newcomer, Tyler Christopher then known as Tyler Baker on July 15, 1996. Christopher tried to audition for the role of Stone Cates in 1993 but was turned away. In April 1996, Christopher was one of several actors to audition for casting director Mark Teschner. Christopher hired an acting coach to prepare him for the audition and worked regularly with ''General Hospital's'' onset acting coach, John Homa.〔 In June 1996, Christopher received a call back to read for executive producer Wendy Riche and was later brought back to screen test with several actors, including Stephen Nichols who would play Stefan. Christopher was hired two days later, signed a three-year contract and filmed his first scenes in late June 1996.〔 In May 1999, rumors circulated that Christopher would not renew his contract which was set to expire in June. The series had also put out a casting call for an actor similar to Christopher which meant he could potentially be replaced. By the time of Christopher's departure, Nikolas had become integral to the series, a recast was very much needed and Christopher was immediately replaced by Colton Scott. Of his casting, Scott said remembered that viewers didn't have any warning. "Tyler was there Monday, and I came in on Tuesday" he said. Though inexperienced, Scott was immediately put the test opposite Nichols, Geary and Francis so he got "very comfortable very quickly." After a year without finding work, Scott's mother wanted him to come home. And he promised her he would he'd get a job in six months. Scott booked the role of Nikolas six months to the day of his promise to his mother. In late March 2003, Scott would vacate the role in the summer of 2003 after failed contract negotiations. According to his official web site, Scott was very upset by the decisions made. At the same time, Christopher also became available at the same time and it was an opportunity the series couldn't pass up, revealed executive producer, Jill Farren Phelps. In November 2005, Tyler Christopher underwent surgery for a broken arm and Chris Beetem served as a temporary recast starting on December 6 and lasting five episodes. In March 2011, ''Soap Opera Digest'' reported that Christopher had been let go from the series as he would soon appear on ABC Family's ''The Lying Game'' produced by former ''GH'' head writer Charles Pratt, Jr. Christopher confirmed the news to ''Soaps In Depth'' that he had been released from his contract on Friday March 18, 2011, and the character of Nikolas was to be written out. Christopher's contract was set to expire in June and the date would have marked the beginning of the last 13 week-cycle period in his deal -- at which time the network would notify the actor of their decision to offer another contract. While Christopher had previously admitted he was unsure about renewing his contract, he was open to working both shows and thought it was a likely possibility considering they were both under ABC. ''On-Air On-Soaps'' also revealed that "cost cutting measures GH" also factored into the decision. "I haven't had time to absorb it. It was pretty unexpected. I didn't really see it coming" the actor said of his firing. In an interview with ''Soap Opera Digest'', Tyler Christopher made it very clear that he was fired from the series and that his recurring role on ''The Lying Game'' did not factor into the decision. "I was trying to stay on GH, however that worked out financially" Christopher explained of his expecting to take a paycut. However, the actor was instead told that a "paycut was not an option," though it was an option for others. The actor was angry over the decision and said "I felt like I earned my spot as a permanent fixture on the show."〔 Christopher filmed his last scenes on May 20, 2011 and last appeared in June. Christoper revealed that things felt awkward on his last day because "nobody really knew what to say to me." While the manner in which the situation was handled made gave Christopher a "bad taste in my mouth," the actor had already agreed to a three episode return stint under newly appointed head writer Garin Wolf by the time his final scenes aired. Those scenes would air in late July 2011. In January 2013, executive producer Frank Valentini revealed that he had met with Tyler Christopher about potentially reprising the role of Nikolas in celebration of show's 50th anniversary. In February 2013, Christopher's co-star Nancy Lee Grahn -- who played Alexis Davis -- revealed that Christopher had been on set. However, there was speculation that Christopher's return was supposed to be a surprise because there was no prior announcement from the network. Christopher himself announced his return on ''Twitter'' a month later and reappeared on March 22. "It's an absolute honor" Christopher said of being included in 50th anniversary storylines. Though the possibility of his return had always been a thought, the actor did not expect anything to come of it. Valentini told Christopher his return would be open ended while the actor awaited news on production for ''The Lying Game''. While renewal of ''The Lying Game'' was stalled, Christopher revealed that he would remain with the series longer than planned. ''Soap Opera Digest'' announced in June 2013 that Christopher had been placed on contract. In the summer of 2014, Christopher revealed that he would be going on a four month long road trip with his family leading to immediate speculation that he would be off screen for the duration and would not affect his airtime. Head writer Ron Carlivati quickly clarified that Christopher's trip would occur during the weeks in which the show went on hiatus. 抄文引用元・出典: フリー百科事典『 ウィキペディア（Wikipedia）』 ■ウィキペディアで「Nikolas Cassadine」の詳細全文を読む スポンサード リンク
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