Child actor
The character of Hope Williams was originated by child actor Kristina Osterhout from January 10 to August 27, 1974. Child actor Kimberly Weber took over the role from October 25, 1974, to April 29, 1975. Natasha Ryan was the child actor who played the young version of Hope the longest from June 4, 1975 through June 27, 1980. From May 11, 1981 until January 8, 1982, young adult actress Tammy Taylor played a teenaged Hope. Actress Kristian Alfonso assumed the role of Hope Williams on April 14, 1983, playing the role through April 20, 1987, reappearing from April 27 to August 3, 1990. She returned to the role on May 6, 1994. In July 2020, Alfonso announced to "Deadline Hollywood" she would exit the role. In a statement, she said: "I feel blessed and honored to have been invited into people's homes for over three decades. However, it is now time for me to write my next chapter." In an interview with "Entertainment Tonight", she discussed her exit and potential of a return, stating: "It's been a rollercoaster of emotions and I have no regrets. I don't plan on returning and popping in as others have done in the past. I think that chapter is closed and a new one needs to be started." Alfonso further disclosed that executive producers Ken Corday and Albert Alarr suggested that she take a four-to-five month break for storyline purposes, which also prompted her decision to exit. She exited the role during the October 14 episode.