Happy Birthday to Brett Claywell!

I have not seen an episode of ABC’s One Life to Live for more than a year.

When the wonderful characters of Kyle Lewis and Oliver Fish were abruptly written out, I wrote the show off. It was heartbreaking to have to say goodbye to this couple and what made it all the more difficult was the emotional connection  we had to Kish and the actors who played them.

Especially terrific was Brett Claywell as Kyle who acted with such soul and who, off-screen, became such an eloquent straight ally.

He told Fancast last year: “The fans are what made me so proud of what Scott [Evans] and I did together.  Everybody used to say that I have no idea the type of impact we’re making.  I never really have paid too much attention to it. I do my work and that’s what I’m putting out for the world and hopefully it’s received well but it’s not my business how it’s received.  Now I kind of get an idea and it makes me very proud and appreciative of all the support we’re getting.  It makes me proud of the work we’ve done because we’ve showed we made a difference in people’s lives.  All the people that come up and speak to us, all the people that tell us their story or how our story related to theirs.  It’s been a beautiful journey to do work that means so much to so many.”

Handsome Brett turns 33 today and tweeted to his fans and friends earlier today: Thanks for all the bday wishes!! It’s so good to feel love from so many places. Thanks for all the support!

And on Facebook, Brett wrote about branching out from acting: SO EXCITED to announce the creation of Brett Claywell Photography!!! After so much interest and demand, I have relented and finally decided to offer a series of favorite shots I captured during my time in NYC. I’m blessed to turn my passions into my career, and this is yet another way for me to share my art with the world. Thanks to all that have encouraged me to make this a reality!