Not every is aware that Walt Willey has been on All My Children for years, even before he landed his current lead role of Jackson Montgomery.

For example, the actor played the part of Palmer’s butler, along with other bit characters here and there.

It's only been in the past five years, though, that Willey says he's felt comfortable and happy on All My Children.

He doesn’t characterize any period as particularly “hard,” but rather, “just harder. Maybe I would have made different decisions, but this has always been a wonderful studio in which to work and wonderful people with whom to work.”

And that includes Susan Lucci, of course, with whom he's pictured in the accompanying photo.

In the end, Willey knows he's in the right place.

“If I wasn’t supposed to be here, I wouldn’t be here, and I’m really lucky to be here. That’s not for press only; we all grouse about this, that and the other thing, but I really like this place.”

Matt Richenthal is the Editor in Chief of TV Fanatic. Follow him on Twitter and on Google+.