Get to Know a Soap Opera Star: Van Hansis

Van Hansis is in the news a lot these days.

The reason? The young As the World Turns star is involved in a young, homosexual romance in that show's storyline. We think it's great and we admire Hansis and co-star Jake Sibermann for making the angle so believable.

Meanwhile, here are five fun tidbits about Hansis:

• His real name is Evan Vanfossen Hansis. Vanfossen means "House of the Fox."

• He'd be writing comic books if he weren't an actor.

• He replaced Jake Weary as Luke Spencer. Weary is the son of Guiding Light actress Kim Zimmer.

• Van is an avid cyclist who rides around New York whenever he can.

• Favorite actor? Sir Ian McKellan.

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