(SoapOperaNetwork.com) - Fans of "One Life to Live" are about to see more of a familiar face.

Patricia Elliott, who joined "OLTL" in 1987 in the role of Renee Divine Buchanan, will soon be receiving more airtime on the ABC daytime drama. A spokesperson for "OLTL" confirms that, while Elliott will remain on recurring status with the show, viewers can expect to see more of her, even after the death of her on-screen husband Asa Buchanan, and into the future. Elliott was bumped from contract to recurring a few years ago, and has only been seen sporadicly since that time.

In addition to her role on "OLTL," Elliott is a verteran Broadway perfomer, and won a Tony Award in 1973 for her role in the musical "A Little Night Music." The play, which was based on the Ingmar Bergman book "Smiles of a Summer Night," provided Elliott with stiff competition for the award from co-star Hermione Gingold. Irene Ryan, famous for her role as Granny on "The Beverly Hillbillies," was also among Elliott's competition. In 1977 she appeared as Dorine in the "Circle in the Square" revival of Molière's "Tartuffe." The role earned Elliott a Drama Desk Award nomination. She would reprise the role in 1978, when the production premiered on PBS. Over the years Elliott has also made numerous television appearances, including "The 13 Ghosts of Scooby-Doo," "Kojack," "Hill Street Blues," "St. Elsewhere," and Kate and Allie." In 1982 she appeared as Ellen Davis the ABC Afterschool Special "Sometimes I Don't Love My Mother."

No word yet on whether or not Elliott's increased airtime will lead to more appearances for her "OLTL" co-star Peter Bartlett, who portrays long-time loyal Buchanan family butler Nigel Bartholomew-Smythe. Both actors future with the sudser recently came into question following the departure of veteran "OLTL" cast member Phil Carey, who walked earlier this year following the show's refusal to offer him a new contract. His character Asa will die off-screen just before the 10.000th episode of "OLTL," will air August 17th.

In other news...

Chris Beteem, who joined "OLTL" earlier this year as former pro baseball player/hate group member Tate Harmon will last air on August 9th, when his character discovers the realities of prison life.

Former "ATWT" cast member Zach Roerig, who recently signed on to the short-term role of hired hand Hunter Atwood on "OLTL," will last air on August 8th, when his character meets a grizzly end. Roerig began his six-week role in mid-June.

Tuc Watkins has wrapped up his latest stint in Llanview. Watkins, who played the role of lovable conman David Vickers on and off since 1994. His last air date was July 26th.

Erika Slezak will soon be leaving "OLTL" for her annual two-month summer vacation. Slezak, who joined the soap in 1971 as Victoria Lord, will last appear on "OLTL" in mid-August, and will not return until mid-October. An "OLTL" spokesperson assures viewers that Viki's absence will be addressed onscreen.