Emmy nominee Benjamin Hendrickson (Hal Munson) will be taking a temporary leave from As The World Turns later this month.

An explanation for Hendrickson's unexpected leave was not offered by the actor and a spokesperson for the show declined to comment. This is not, however, the first time that Hendrickson has taken a temporary hiatus from the show.

In July 2001, James Kiberd (ex-Trevor Dillon, All My Children) subbed for Hendrickson. It was stated then that Hendrickson was sidelined by a "medical emergency." This time around, however, Kiberd was not approached by the show to sub for Hendrickson.