Kevin Bernhardt

But his true passion was the theater, and after six months successfully trading stocks between institutional investors, Bernhardt left it behind for a career as a screenwriter/actor.

He landed a contract role on General Hospital just a few weeks later, replacing then-popular daytime actor Jack Wagner during a contract dispute - in his coveted role as singer Frisco Jones. Wagner of course returned, but ABC then took the unprecedented step of creating a second and entirely different role for Bernhardt on the same show. He was the center of attention in the newly created 'Laurelton Murders' storyline, and with it General Hospital lead the ratings for two years.

Though he preferred screen-writing, Bernhardt took acting seriously enough to study in the small master class taught by Stella Adler herself. And he continued to work steadily as an actor for several years, in TV and later film. His personal life also flourished, with a marriage to Purple Rain star Apollonia. But once he saw his first screenplay produced - he decided to devote his undivided attention to screenwriting. And immerse himself he did; going to such lengths as becoming a bullfighter to gain insight. Read Less