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Q: As a tribute to Tuc Watkins and David's impending departure from Llanview (*sniff, sniff*) I decided to revisit some classic Dorian & David moments. What are your thoughts now that your "partner in crime" is leaving?
A: I think he is a HUGE TALENT...and since you have current material and vintage David/Dorian on this site--I am sure I won't be the only person who thinks he's gotten even better and better-looking with time...what's better than a 10? Because he is off the charts...he is also a gentleman, and a great team player...a loyal friend, and good spirited co-worker. I know I'm not the only one on the show having major separation anxiety. Q: David really was a thorn in Dorian's side when first in Llanview, wasn't he? And yet the two of you always had that great sexual chemistry, even while Dorian was paired with Joe(y) and David with Tina. Was that part of the plan when they were casting David? Or did it evolve in the writing as (then Head Writer) Michael Malone observed you and Tuc on screen together? A: I don't know the answer to that question...maybe Michael Malone does...back in that day, I remember regretting that once Dorian and David were forced into "marriage" they didn't show a lot of our "domestic" life together...a version of "War of the Roses" would have been a treat with Tuc...but I cannot be trusted because even when Nathan Fillion played "Joe" (oh dear, my heart rate just went up) there was some special energy that came off the adversarial tension with David that was so much fun to play. And how often does an actress that looks like me and plays the kinds of parts I always get cast in get to dress up like Marilyn Monroe in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes.. and then blindfold and tie Tuc Watkins to a bed? Wait, have I been doing Daytime Drama or porn lite? Q: Fast forward a few years to David Vickers:The man with the deadly, million dollar kiss! Poor Aunt Betsy, she never stood a chance, did she? A: Okay, the whole Aunt Betsy story was made as good as a New York cheese cake by the delicious Lois Smith. She is one of our country's greatest character actresses. It was an honor to work with her. Q: Unfortunately you can't tell from THIS clip, since she only makes a brief appearance as a corpse (I'm working on a LIVE Aunt Betsy clip). But how funny is it that Aunt Betsy finally passes on at David's hands...er...or rather lips? A: I love that line: David, she hasn't passed out, she's passed AWAY!" 
Q: And I love that when the paramedics wheel away Aunt Betsy's body, you're standing there wearing her pearls! Too funny - it cracks me up every time. Who came up with that?
A: It was my spur of the moment idea to put on Aunt Betsy's pearls...I asked Tuc if it was too much...he said "No do it!" Part of the joy of working with him was the collaboration and partnership creatively. Yes, it's true, a good deal of his funniest lines, he wrote himself...and a lot our our "schtick" those funny bits, spoken or physicalized were co-created by us on the spot. We work fast and listen to each others suggestions eagerly...no ego block...because we are so in synch. Q: Next up - the jail scene. Actually, Dorian seems to spend a lot of time in jail, how do you feel about that? A: I LOVE PRISON SCENES...LOVE THEM...LOVE THEM LOTS! I love working in flat shoes, with little or no make-up and yes that's my naturally curly hair you are looking at in this tape. One of my favorite past storylines was during Paul Rauch's tenure as Exec Producer. He thought putting Dorian in prison, without her jewels and glam would make me miserable for the entire summer the story ran...instead I had a ball...and so did all the actresses hired to be inmates with me...we met in dressing rooms or went to lunch together...and colluded and collaborated to make those scenes as detailed and gritty or even campy as the old "Women Behind Bars" pixs. The choice of this show is brilliant, and I thank you for finding it because it is so beautifully directed. It isn't easy lining up camera angles between those bars...and it's shot impeccably. 
Q: Did you really throw that shoe & get it to fly thru two sets of bars? That's some aim! A: Yes, I did get the shoe through the bars...but it was dumb luck...they were planning to go back and do an "insert shot" and have a prop man step in and do the toss for me, and when I landed it in the first take...the crew gave me a hand when we finished the scene. That is my one "sports glory" moment...and I felt rather proud and lucky too. I also love that the scenes gave Viki, Dorian, David, Adriana, and Bo a forum together...gives a good feeling of what makes the heart and soul of One Life beat it's unique tempo. Q: Yes, it's one of my favorite episodes. As is the one with David & Dorian pool side. It's got everything - sweet, funny, sexy, romantic... 
A: I think it's romantic too...and don't you love that dress? Susan Gammie our Emmy Award winning costume designer takes care of "Dorian" and me so beautifully...that pool set is very narrow though it doesn't look that way...and I don't want to use this forum to dispel any further illusions...whatever people may carp at Daytime Television about, we are in the magic business big-time...that's what our viewers need and want...magic, romance, and respite from reality programming and the news...and a break from their own lives....I feel proud of that part of our programming...you want real people you can watch one of the JUDGE shows or Jerry Springer. Like the gorgeous Hollywood movies of the 30's and 40's , we're in the positive escapism trade...so the make-up and hair are better, the clothes are better, the towns folk are uniquely better looking...mascara may run but a good daytime series should never run out of heat or hunger for what the next day will bring....I will now step down from my soap box. |
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