Eileen Davidson is back in familiar territory: She has returned to The Young and the Restless, and Ashley is back in Victor Newman’s arms. This time, however, Ashley and Victor’s relationship is a more mature and kinder love. However, there are still those who would try to tear them apart (Adam, this means you!). After all, this is a soap opera.
Eileen, actress and author — her second book, Dial Emmy for Murder, was just released in June — talks about this go-round with Ashley and Victor, as well as being a murder-mystery author.
Now that Ashley has returned to Y&R, are you glad that you get to further explore her relationship with Victor? I know that many fans feel there is more to discover there.
Eileen Davidson: “The writers are definitely taking this down a completely different path than I thought they would, but that’s great. It’s a great way for these two characters to get reconnected this time around, maybe get some closure, and it’s a really interesting story line to play.”
Was coming back to the Y&R set like riding a bike?
ED: “It feels very familiar, since I know this character very, very well. But on the other hand, because the story is so unpredictable — because of Ashley thinking that she might be losing her mind and trying to hold on to her sense of sanity — it’s challenging from that aspect. It’s a different facet of the character. Even though she’s had emotional problems before, it’s never been quite like this, where someone from the outside is the one doing this to her.”
Tell me about playing Ashley and suffering from a hysterical pregnancy.
ED: “A lot of people don’t know that this is a real, physical situation that can happen to women who are so emotionally connected to being pregnant that their bodies can actually mimic a pregnancy when the baby is lost. It’s hard to understand. People wonder how she can still look big even though a baby is not in there, but it is her body that is creating this ‘pregnancy.’”
Were you excited to play this story line?
ED: “I’m always game for anything, and this seemed very interesting and different, and something I’d never seen done before. The fact that this does happen and it’s not just a contrivance makes it all the more interesting. Also, with how much Ashley wanted this baby, and how much she thought that maybe they should have had a child together years ago when she made a choice to have an abortion, with that being strong enough to create a pregnancy is just really cool.”
Victor finally takes down Sabrina’s statue. Does this make Ashley feel more secure in her relationship with him?
ED: “I don’t think she ever felt threatened by Victor’s previous relationship with Sabrina. I think she was very respectful of that relationship. Victor realizes it’s time to close that chapter of his life and move on.”
Tune in next week as Eileen talks mystery, murder and her latest book, Dial Emmy for Murder.
Thursday, July 02, 2009
Interview Y&R: Eileen Davidson Is Game for Anything, Part 1
Days Casting News
Soap Opera Digest has reported that Days of Our Lives is bringing back Justin Kiriakis in the form of Wally Kurth. Wally was last seen in Salem back in 1991. First, Crystal Chappell is returning as Carly, now Wally is back as Justin. Could Judi Evans be far behind as Adrienne?
***UPDATE: Well, this dream of mine won't be coming true, as Judi has signed onto As the World Turns, and her scenes will begin airing in August. Darn! ***
And speaking of the Kiriakises — this is the perfect time to bring back Lawrence (for Carly) and Vivian (for every Days fan).
[Is it too much to hope for that Missy Reeves (Jen) and Matt Ashford (Jack) could come back as well? Pretty please?]
Wally's first airdate is Aug. 10.
Wednesday, July 01, 2009
Catch Up With the Southern Belles of SOAPnet
(Photo Credit: SOAPnet)Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Days: Such a Tease!
NEXT WEEK:
•Nicole finds Stefano indoctrinating Sydney into DiMera way of life.
•A game of strip poker is played at the Horton Cabin.
•Chad tells Will that he’s Mia’s boyfriend.
•Bo warns Nathan to beware of Melanie (Molly Burnett, pictured).
•Chloe is rushed to the hospital.
Thursday – Philip tells Victor to back off of Stephanie.
Friday – Sami asks Rafe to move in with her.
B&B: Such a Tease!
•Ridge reveals the devastating truth.
•Owen goes to great lengths to avoid Nick... and for a good reason.
•Stephanie (Susan Flannery, pictured) urges Taylor not to give up.
•Two long time nemesis approach the end of an era.
•Wedding bells ring in paradise.
Y&R: Such a Tease!
•Sharon makes a life altering sacrifice that could cost her everything she loves.
•Victor is blackmailed but will be take the bait?
•Mac finally makes a decision about her future with Billy.
•Phyllis (Michelle Stafford, pictured) is arrested after a friend betrays her.
•Cane receives his DNA results.
GL: Such a Tease!
•Everyone gathers for the Bauer barbecue.
•Natalia gets the shock of a lifetime.
•Alan (Ron Raines, pictured) comes between Phillip and James.
•Reva grows suspicious of Josh.
ATWT: Such a Tease!
•Paul (Roger Howarth, pictured) pits Damian and Dusty against each other.
•Casey agrees to keep Margo's secret.
•Alison is shocked by a kiss from Hunter.
•Emily puts the pieces together and confronts Larry.
Monday, June 29, 2009
Interview: Jane Krakowski Loves Her Comedic Freedom
Jane Krakowski first came onto the Hollywood scene in the small, but very memorable, role of Cousin Vicki in National Lampoon’s Vacation. She then landed a few daytime parts (on Search for Tomorrow and Another World), as well as guest-starring roles on prime-time shows and some feature films.
It wasn’t until her turn as Elaine Vassal on Ally McBeal that she became a household name. And with her co-starring role in the critically acclaimed sitcom 30 Rock, she is a bona fide star.
While many would claim that her current character, Jenna Maroney, is a bit dimwitted, Jane refrains from playing the stereotypical “dumb blonde.” Jane explains: “I never think of playing any character as limited in the intelligence department. Like with Jenna, she is just so self-absorbed and deluded about her status in the world. There are different ways to go about it. They can be flighty, but they have their own agenda, basically. I am glad that people know I am purposely making these choices.
“I love the characters I get to play. The outrageous comedy that we are allowed to do on 30 Rock — since many of us are playing characters who are temperamental actors — it gives us so much freedom to do ridiculous things. We established a world of almost farcical comedy. It’s so much fun for us to be able to go so far in that realm.”
30 Rock has slowly but surely been gaining more and more respect and much-deserved praise since its debut in 2006. “The build of 30 Rock might seem pretty slow in comparison to when I was on Ally McBeal. Within 14 episodes, the show had won Best Comedy at the Golden Globes. I don’t think it happens very often that it happens that fast. You could feel the change in the air; it was really taking off.
“With 30 Rock, at first so few people knew we were even on the air. When we got to the Emmys after our first year, we were up for a few prizes but we weren’t winning any. We thought we were going to go home empty-handed. We were literally getting our cars checked out so we could get into them and go home, when suddenly they announced that 30 Rock had won for Best Comedy. That really took us all by surprise. That was the first big indication that more and more people knew we were around.”
Jane is quick to deliver praise where praise is due when it comes to the success of the show. “It all goes back to the writing. Every accolade that Tina Fey has won has been so well deserved, because she and the entire writing and producing team make this show happen. NBC gives her the freedom to do what she wants to do, because they love her so much and trust her so much.”
Another thing that sets 30 Rock apart from other sitcoms on the air nowadays is its ingenious use of famous-name guest stars. “Tina made a very conscious choice with the guest stars, which was never to write a part FOR somebody famous. If the guest star could fit into the story line once a part was written, then great. That’s what I think makes it work and not come off as gimmicky.”
In fact, the third season ended with a cavalcade of musical artists performing in a benefit show for Jack Donaghy’s father — another excellent example of great “famous-person use” with the casting of Alan Alda. “This year I felt that the writers kept topping themselves with each episode. It was a great season for all of us. The fact that we got to end the season with such a musical extravaganza with some of the greatest music stars in the world, made it a great celebration to end the third season.”
GH: Such a Tease!
Robin and Patrick fear they’ve made a horrible mistake.
Alexis has her dirty laundry aired in public.
Sonny and Jason clash over Michael.
Jax attempts to blackmail Claudia.
Kristina refuses to forgive Alexis.
Sonny realizes what’s best for Michael.
Ethan accuses Rebecca of wanting Nikolas for real.
Jason makes a decision about Michael.
Robin points the finger at a different murder suspect.
Carly panics when she finds out what Michael’s up to.
Dominic seeks out Kristina.
OLTL: Such a Tease!
Natalie and Jared put the pressure on Kyle (Brett Claywell, pictured).
John comes up with a plan to help Cole.
Rex and Gigi share a happy reunion.
Natalie and Jared are out for blood.
Stacy gets an unexpected visitor.
Nora invites Bo on her evening out with Clint.
Stacy’s up to her old tricks.
Todd and Tea fall into bed together.
Jessica leans on Brody for support.
Starr prepares for her wedding.
Dorian tries to make things right for Langston.
Blair’s bothered by Todd and Tea’s closeness.
AMC: Such a Tease!
Liza fears Amanda will recognize her baby.
Ryan suspects that Annie killed Stuart.
Ryan ends up making things worse for Kendall.
Zach puts the screws to Madison.
Amanda wants answers from Jake.
Tad urges Jake to tell Amanda the truth.
Things don’t look good for Kendall.
Randi threatens to expose North’s unsavory past.
Randi tries to make a deal with North.
Erica gets more than she bargained for when she confronts Annie.
Kendall’s fears get the better of her.
