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ABC has confirmed that real life Iraq war veteran J.R. Martinez will be joining All My Children.
AMC Casts Real Life Iraq War Veteran
BY: Trish Mahon
NEWS EDITOR
Wednesday, November 5, 2:30 AM
All My Children’s search for Taylor Thompson’s (Beth Ehlers) fiancé Brot Monroe is over. ABC has confirmed that real life Iraq war veteran J.R. Martinez will be joining All My Children. Martinez’ first airdate on “All My Children” is November 7th. ABC is also announcing that on Thursday November 6th, “All My Children” will air an episode that will feature real life Iraq war veterans in a series of unscripted support group scenes. Each veteran will share their personal struggles and journeys in the group scenes.
Taylor and Brot’s storyline is a very unique story. It’s one that stays true to socially relevant storylines that “All My Children” is famous for. The storyline is centered on Brot and Taylor who served together in the U.S. Army and fell in love. When Brot was injured, he made the choice to allow Taylor to believe that he had died rather than have Taylor feel obligated to care for someone who had a long road to recovery. When Brot and Taylor do meet again, he finds her still grieving from his death. What makes this story even more special is that Brot’s injuries are based on Martinez’ real life injuries.
Julie Hanan Carruthers, All My Children’s executive producer has this to say about Martinez. “We are honored and delighted to welcome J.R. Martinez to the cast of ‘All My Children.’ J.R. represents the best of the human spirit. His commitment to help his fellow service men and women and their families has inspired us all. J.R.’s challenging journey and resilience will bring a uniquely authentic perspective to the role of Brot Monroe."
Martinez was deployed in February of 2003. In April of 2003, Martinez was in a Humvee when it hit a landmine. Martinez suffered severe burns on more than 40 percent of his body. Martinez faced a long road to recovery that spanned almost three years. In 34 months he had to undergo 32 different surgeries. He has been tapped as a national spokesman for the Coalition to Salute America’s Heroes. The coalition was created to promote and support programs that help wounded service men and women. “All My Children” continues to partner with USA Cares. It is an organization that was founded to help support 9/11 veterans and their families. USA Cares is a resource for story line research and guidance.
“All My Children” is known for telling socially relevant story lines. In the 1970’s, AMC was the first soap opera to have a storyline based on the Vietnam War. Four decades later, head writer Charles Pratt is writing a story about the war in Iraq and the repercussions it has. Pratt created the character of Taylor Thompson, an Army Lieutenant who is serving in Iraq. She is the first daytime female character who is on active duty.
“All My Children” airs on ABC from 1:00-2:00pm ET.
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