The Seven Faces Of Joey Buchanan: Where Are The 'One Life To Live' Actors Now?

Few characters in daytime soap opera history have undergone as many transformations—and been played by as many talented actors—as Joey Buchanan. Born Joseph Riley Jr., the son of Llanview’s matriarch Victoria "Viki" Lord Buchanan and Joe Riley, Joey was a core part of the One Life to Live (OLTL) canvas for decades, from his birth in 1980 until the show’s final episodes on ABC in 2012. The character's journey, especially his groundbreaking storylines, remains a pivotal part of the soap's legacy, and the men who portrayed him have gone on to achieve immense success in prime-time television and film, making this a story that continues to resonate today, in late 2025.

The role of Joey Buchanan served as a launchpad for some of Hollywood’s most recognizable faces, most notably a star of current hit shows like The Rookie. From child actors to established daytime stars, the journey of Joey Buchanan is a fascinating look at the revolving door of soap opera casting and the enduring impact of a beloved fictional family, the Buchanans.

The Complete Biography of Joey Buchanan's Seven Main Actors

The role of Joey Buchanan was a challenging one, requiring actors to portray everything from a misunderstood teenager to a successful businessman. Over the years, seven main actors took on the mantle of Viki Lord’s son. Here is a look at the most prominent men who played the character and their current status:

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• Ryan Morris (1982–1985): Morris was the first child actor to play the role of Joey Buchanan (then Joe Riley Jr.) in a recurring capacity after his birth.
• John Paul Learn (1985–1990): Learn played the role through much of the character's early childhood and pre-teen years.
• Chris McKenna (1990–1993): Born October 18, 1977, McKenna was the first actor to play Joey as a teenager and was central to some of the character's most pivotal early storylines. McKenna has since had a robust career in daytime and prime-time, recently starring in a recurring role as Jack Brennan on the ABC soap General Hospital.
• Nathan Fillion (1994–1997, 2007): Born March 27, 1971, Fillion is arguably the most famous actor to have played Joey. He was nominated for a Daytime Emmy Award for his performance. After leaving Llanview, Fillion became a major TV star, leading the cult-favorite show Firefly, the long-running hit Castle, and currently starring as John Nolan on The Rookie.
• Don Jeffcoat (1997–2001): Jeffcoat took over the role after Fillion’s first departure and continued Joey’s major storylines, including his marriage to Kelly Cramer.
• Bruce Michael Hall (2003–2004): Hall played the character for a year during a brief return to Llanview.
• Tom Degnan (2009–2010): Born September 24, 1982, Degnan was the last long-term contract actor to play the role on ABC. He also appeared on the soap As the World Turns and has since worked in theatre and other television projects.

The Groundbreaking Legacy: Joey Buchanan's Pivotal Storylines

While many soap opera characters are defined by their romances and power struggles, Joey Buchanan's legacy is cemented by a storyline that was highly controversial and groundbreaking for its time: his coming-out story in the early 1990s. This narrative arc provided One Life to Live with a reputation for socially-conscious storytelling, a hallmark of the show under creator Agnes Nixon.

The First Major Gay Character on Daytime TV

In 1992, while Chris McKenna played the teenage Joey, the character’s sexuality became a central focus. Joey realized he was gay, a revelation that was handled with sensitivity and depth, particularly through his relationship with his mother, Viki Lord. This storyline was monumental because Joey was a legacy character—the son of a central heroine—rather than a peripheral figure. His journey included:

• Internal Struggle: Joey’s initial confusion and fear about his identity.
• The Relationship with Clay Harrison: Joey’s first significant relationship was with a character named Clay Harrison, an important step in portraying a gay romance on daytime television.
• Viki's Acceptance: His mother, Viki, a character known for her moral compass, struggled but ultimately accepted her son unconditionally. This acceptance was vital for viewers and helped challenge homophobia in mainstream media.

This storyline made Joey Buchanan one of the first major, long-term gay characters on a US daytime soap opera, paving the way for more LGBTQ+ representation in the genre.

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The Tumultuous Romance with Kelly Cramer

After Nathan Fillion took over the role, the character's storyline shifted, and Joey was later established as bisexual or questioning, beginning a major heterosexual romance with Kelly Cramer (played by Gina Tognoni, and later Heather Tom). This development was controversial among fans, particularly those who celebrated his earlier gay storyline, but it resulted in one of the show's most enduring and dramatic pairings.

• The Buchanan-Cramer Feud: Kelly was the daughter of Dorian Lord, Viki's long-time rival, which added a classic soap opera layer of forbidden romance to their relationship.
• Marriage and Divorce: Joey and Kelly eventually married, but their relationship was plagued by drama, including Kelly's affair with Joey's cousin, Kevin Buchanan. Their on-again, off-again dynamic kept viewers engaged for years, highlighting the complex web of relationships in Llanview.

From Llanview to Prime Time: The Current Success of Joey's Actors

The most compelling aspect of the Joey Buchanan story today is the incredible career trajectory of the actors who played him. The training ground of a high-paced soap opera like One Life to Live proved to be an invaluable asset.

Nathan Fillion: The A-List Star

Nathan Fillion’s time as Joey Buchanan, which earned him a Daytime Emmy nomination, was merely the first chapter in a massive career. After leaving OLTL, Fillion transitioned seamlessly into prime-time and film, becoming a household name. His current status is that of a major television star.

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• Cult Status: He gained a massive following as Captain Malcolm "Mal" Reynolds in the short-lived but beloved sci-fi series Firefly and the subsequent film Serenity.
• Leading Man: For eight seasons, he starred as the titular novelist-turned-detective in the hit show Castle.
• Current Role: Fillion currently stars as John Nolan, a man who becomes the oldest rookie in the LAPD, in the successful police procedural The Rookie, which is now in its seventh season. He has also appeared in the DC Extended Universe and various other film projects, making him the most successful OLTL alum in recent memory.

Chris McKenna: The Soap Veteran's Return

Chris McKenna has also maintained a steady and successful career, often returning to the genre that gave him his start. After his initial run as Joey, he appeared on various shows, including *The Young and the Restless* and *The Bold and the Beautiful*.

• Recent Daytime Work: In a nod to his soap opera roots, McKenna recently joined the cast of General Hospital (GH) in a recurring role as Jack Brennan. Since GH is still on the air and shares a history with OLTL, his casting created an exciting, current link back to the Llanview universe for long-time fans.
• Prime-Time Appearances: McKenna has also had roles on popular shows such as 90210 and All My Children.

The story of Joey Buchanan is a testament to the power of a well-written soap opera character. Whether he was exploring his identity, challenging social norms, or caught in a classic love triangle with Kelly Cramer and Kevin Buchanan, Joey provided a deep well of drama. The seven actors who played him, particularly Nathan Fillion and Chris McKenna, have ensured that the legacy of Viki Lord’s son lives on, not just in the annals of daytime history, but on prime-time screens across the world today.