Interview: GL's Cyrus Foley Is a Multifaceted Anti-Hero

When Murray Bartlett joined the cast of Guiding Light in March 2007, his alter ego, slick criminal Cyrus Foley, attracted all the wrong women. Police detective Marina Cooper and her aunt, private detective Harley Cooper, both fell for his charming ways. While the women in his life may have tempered some of his less-than-honest ways, he certainly hasn’t been tamed.

Now the new woman in his life, Cassie Lewis (played by Nicole Forester), appears to accept Cyrus for who he is, criminal tendencies and all. “I am definitely glad to see that side of him resurfacing,” Murray says. “It seems like it comes in waves. He’ll go through times where he is happy, where he is not getting into trouble, but then that other side of his personality comes back, and he starts to get in trouble.”

Is Cyrus bringing out the bad-girl tendencies in Cassie, or were they there all along, and that is what attracted him to her? “I don’t think he necessarily knew those tendencies when he got into it. He started to notice them the more he got to know her, and she started to let them show more.”

With the recent announcement that Nicole is leaving “GL” to concentrate on her new husband and baby on the way, the Cyrus/Cassie romance is up in the air. While there is no word on a possible Cassie recast, Murray is sorry to see her go. He tells me, “Nicole is a great lady.”

If Cyrus ends up losing his leading lady, Murray is glad that his brother, Grady, has come to Springfield. “It’s great for Cyrus to have Grady in town — it gives his character more of a background and sense of grounding and a family relationship. Kane Manera, the actor who plays Grady, comes from the same area of Australia that I do, so we have a connection in that way.

“It’s also nice for me as an actor, because I have more history of the Cyrus character to draw on in scenes. With the addition of Grady, we get to see more sides of Cyrus and why he is the way he is.”

Cyrus is trying to be the responsible big brother to Grady, but it is hard because of his own background. “He is trying to guide Grady, but it is difficult. He sees the life Grady is slipping into, and he is family, so of course he wants the best for him, and he is trying to help — as much as Cyrus can help.”

There has been much talk about the new filming process: the hand-held cameras, outdoor settings and sparse indoor sets. Murray loves the change, explaining: “I really like it. I feel less constrained and free to try new things that would be difficult in a normal studio setup. Plus, I love that we shoot on location so much. That part is really great; it makes everything more raw and real. Personally, I really like this new process.”

What keeps Murray interested in playing Cyrus each day is hopefully what keeps viewers tuning in. “What I really like about Cyrus is that he is interesting to play and, hopefully, interesting to watch. Nobody wants to watch a character who is all good or all bad, I think. They want to see some levels, some humanness in him. I definitely think Cyrus succumbs to his human side. I also like that through him, I can do all sorts of things that I would never do in real life, but it’s OK to do here, because it’s Cyrus.”

Jade Returns to Oakdale

Rose's daughter and Luke's cousin, Jade Taylor, left Oakdale after causing nothing but trouble. She tried to drive a wedge between supercouple-in-the-making Gwen and Will, and even hit on Holden! Gwen and Will have since departed Oakdale, so who will Jade try to come between now?

Last played by Elena Goode, actress Davida Williams (pictured) will take over as Jade beginning Dec. 17. Williams is best known as Claire on Lizzie McGuire. It will be interesting to see if Jade is back to her old tricks or if she's matured. She seemed to be developing more layers right before she left town. I'd like to see her renew her friendship with cousin Luke (Van Hansis) who, as you will see in the coming weeks, could use some support.

Dallas Fans Get Less Than They Paid For

According to a story on CNN:

A weekend event organized to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Dallas (as previously reported here) has created a drama worthy of the Ewing family itself after angry fans complained they didn't get the access to cast members they'd ponied up for -- while others got close to the stars without paying for the privilege.

"It was a disaster. It was total chaos," Mickey James, who paid $500 in anticipation of getting to mingle with the cast, told The Associated Press. "We couldn't even get close to the stage."

"I'm angry," the 50-year-old Irving man said. "It was like a slap in the face."

Fans had paid anywhere from $100 to $1,000 for tickets, with those who paid higher prices to gain greater access to Larry Hagman, Linda Gray, Patrick Duffy and others.

Jason Hardison, the event's executive producer, said instead of the 2,000 people expected, 4,000 showed up to celebrate one of the most popular prime-time soap operas in TV history. Viewed panoramically in the show's introduction, the ranch is in the Dallas suburb of Parker, about 25 miles north of downtown Dallas.

But Joy Garcia said it worked out well for her.

"We were extremely happy that we were in the $100 section because we got the same access that everyone else did," she said.

Days: Such a Tease!

NEXT WEEK:

* Stefano, EJ, and Nicole have a family dinner together.

* Melanie is bumped off the balcony and holds on for her life.

* Lucas makes it clear to Kate that he intends to marry Chloe.

* Daniel tells Chloe how he always gets too involved in his patient’s recovery.

* Abe gives a press conference on a new “green” initiative to clean up the waterfront.

Thursday – Nick (Blake Berris, pictured) is arrested for the murder of Trent Robbins.

Friday – Marlena comes face to face with the mayor’s killer.

Eleni Returns to Springfield

Jennifer Roszell, who played Eleni Andros Cooper on Guiding Light from 1995-2000, 2001-2002, will be returning to town on December 4. Mallet brings her back to town as a surprise for Marina.

Since leaving GL in 2002, although she came back for one show in October 2006 for Marina's induction cermony when she became the youngest detective in Springfield PD history, Jennifer has been active in the New York theatre scene. She has also guest-starred on Law & Order, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit and Damages.

13th Annual Super Soap Weekend Is in 5 Days!

The 13th and final Super Soap Weekend is almost upon us (Nov. 15-16 at Disney's Hollywood Studios in Orlando, Fla.), and Daytime Dial will be there. Featured guests are:

All My Children
Rebecca Budig (Greenlee Smythe)
Bobbie Eakes (Krystal Martin)
Melissa Claire Egan (Annie Lavery)
Ricky Paull Goldin (Jake Martin)
Vincent Irizarry (Dr. David Hayward)
Thorsten Kaye (Zach Slater)
Susan Lucci (Erica Kane)
Cameron Mathison (Ryan Lavery)
Alicia Minshew (Kendall Hart Slater)
Eden Riegel (Bianca Montgomery)
Aiden Turner (Aidan Devane)
Darnell Williams (Jesse Hubbard)

One Life to Live
Kristen Alderson (Starr Manning)
Brandon Buddy (Cole Thornhart)
Kassie DePaiva (Blair Cramer)
Michael Easton (John McBain)
Farah Fath (Gigi Morasco)
Susan Haskell (Marty Saybrooke)
John-Paul Lavoisier (Rex Balsom)
Erika Slezak (Viki Davidson)
Jason Tam (Markko Rivera)
Brittany Underwood (Langston Wilde)
Bree Williamson (Jessica/Tess Buchanan)

General Hospital
Bradford Anderson (Damian Spinelli)
Brandon Barash (Johnny Zacchara)
Julie Marie Berman (Lulu Spencer)
Tyler Christopher (Nikolas Cassadine)
Jason Cook (Matt Hunter)
Rebecca Herbst (Elizabeth Webber)
Kimberly McCullough (Robin Scorpio)
Kelly Monaco (Samantha McCall)
Kirsten Storms (Maxie Jones)
Jason Thompson (Patrick Drake)
Greg Vaughn (Lucky)
Laura Wright (Carly Jax)

I will be at the media breakfast on Saturday morning interviewing the stars, and would like your input on what I should ask them. Give me some questions (and whom to ask) in the comments section, and I'll do my best to answer them. I have only a few minutes with each actor, so I'll try my best to cram in as many questions as possible!

Interview: Catching Up With Mario Lopez

It is an inevitability that when one mentions Mario Lopez, A.C. Slater from “Saved by the Bell” comes to mind. Since leaving the world of Bayside High, Mario has tried it all: nighttime dramas (“Nip/Tuck”), daytime dramas (Dr. Christian Ramirez on “The Bold and the Beautiful”), sitcoms (“The George Lopez Show”), reality shows (“Dancing With the Stars”) and Broadway (“A Chorus Line”).

Mario has added another item to his resume: TV host. Mario is the newest host for the entertainment television show “Extra.” He took over hosting duties from Mark McGrath this past September, and he promises a different “Extra” for his go-round.

“The whole show is different,” Mario tells me. “We have a new set, a strong Internet presence that is very interactive. We’ve got fans asking stars questions, stars asking other stars questions. Also, I am the solo host, rather than having a co-host. It’s very conversational and very loose and fun, and the whole deal is different.”

This isn’t the first time Mario has hosted a television show. It all began with “Name Your Adventure” on NBC, which was a Saturday-morning kids’ show dedicated to making the dreams of teens come true. Mario explains: “That’s what kind of started it. I just had to be myself and not work with a script, and that’s pretty much what started the whole hosting thing. That was awhile back — I was still doing ‘Saved by the Bell.’”

It wasn’t until a decade later that a cutting-edge cable show and crazy-popular dance competition caused Mario to create more than a blip on many people’s radar screens. And Mario is thankful for all of the opportunities that have been presented to him as a result.

“Things were going great, and I was feeling blessed with momentum, because I was working on ‘Nip/Tuck’ around the same time I got ‘Dancing With the Stars.’ It just seemed that things were coming together around that time, and I was thankful for that opportunity and for everything that is happening now.”

For Mario, it was a natural move to host “Extra.” He explains: “I’d been a part of the team for a couple of years doing the weekend show. At the time I think I was a little young; it was maybe too early to step in the big chair at the time. ‘Extra’ is just a wonderful opportunity that I am enjoying right now. I am loving it, and I’m having a blast.”

So what sets Mario’s “Extra” apart from the other entertainment shows on television? “We’re not too gossipy; we try to be informative and entertaining. Any time I have some of my friends come out, whether it’s Eva Longoria or George Lopez, it’s going to be fun. I love having my friends on the set because it’s always fun just messing around.”

Fun is what November sweeps is about for viewers of “Extra.” While Mario wouldn’t divulge any state secrets, he did let me know a little of what they have in store for us: “We’ve got some good people lined up to come in, and fun pieces we’re going to do. I am definitely fired up about it.”

(Check your local listings to see what time and station you can catch Mario on “Extra.”)

Y&R: Such a Tease!

• The passion between Victor (Eric Braeden, pictured) and Ashley erupts.

• After walking the streets of Paris, Nick and Sharon can’t resist temptation and ­end up in a passionate kiss.

• Friends and family return to Genoa City to mourn the loss of an icon.

• Noah’s behavior turns for the worse. Will his antics lead Nick and Sharon back together

• Jack confronts a closed off Phyllis about Nick and Sharon’s relationship. Will she be able to stay quiet or will he buy her lies?

ATWT: Such a Tease!

•Sage plays a cruel trick on Janet.

•Luke asks Noah for a big favor.

•Dusty can’t deny his attraction to Josie.

•Emily (Kelley Menighan Hensley, pictured) needs Paul’s help. ­

GL: Such a Tease!

• Lizzie is outraged when she finds out who is the suspect for her kidnapping.

• Reva’s overconfidence puts her in danger.

• Buzz (Justin Deas, pictured) puts Natalia to the test.

• Coop divulges a secret affair­. ­

B&B: Such a Tease!

* A new president of Forrester Creations is announced.

* Stephanie is infuriated by Eric’s decision.

* Rick finds the perfect way to get under Ridge’s skin.

* A series of events gives Taylor (Hunter Tylo, pictured) hope to reunite with her lost love.

* Deception leads to the end of a relationship.