A controversial figure is joining As the World Turns.

As Kenneth Franklin - who took over the role of Dallas Griffin in February 200 - leaves the show, Wole Parks takes his place.

Parks is the third actor to take on the role. He beings November 14 and has previously appeared on a "Law & Order" episode titled "Bling," as well as the MTV show, "Undressed."

But he's better known for pleading not guilty to a fatal hit and run accident from 2006.

Parks was charged with operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated, leaving the scene of an accident and third-degree aggravated, unlicensed operation, officials said.

The 2006 collision killed 25-year-old Hannah Engle, a nonprofit management and Judaic studies student at New York University.

Parks had a previous drunk-driving conviction and a suspended license, said prosecutor Jonathan Eisenberg. An officer on the scene claimed he smelled alcohol on the driver’s breath and that Parks had an open can that smelled of alcohol in the car.

The actor was “in shock” when he fled the crash, defense lawyer Marcia Seckler said at the Manhattan Criminal Court hearing. He later turned himself in at a police precinct.

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