Look for Jerome Preston Bates to take on a central role on All My Children throughout November.

And in what ways will this veteran actor contribute to the show?

“I’m involved in a main storyline with everybody — Erica, Greenlee, Kendell, Aiden — I’m going to have a scene with everybody within the next couple of days,” Bates said to Metro Spirit, a newpaper from his hometown of Augusta, GA.

“It’s the only featured black character that they have on the show. It’s a good role, a role of integrity and authority. They haven’t put me into any slimy stuff yet.”

The busy actor, who helped direct a series of plays in Georgia last month, is excited about his first soap opera gig. But he also acknowledges how hectic it can be.

“It’s good work and it’s a character-driven story. But it is a rather grueling schedule,” Bates said.

We have no doubt it's one he's up for, however.