One of the most talked about couples in the history of OLTL is Dorian and Mel. Mel Hayes was an instant favorite with fans, partly due to the way his portrayer, Stephen Markle burst upon the canvas and infused every scene with his special brand of charisma. But it was the magical chemistry he shared with Robin that made Dorian and Mel a lasting couple in the hearts of fans. Together they created an onscreen couple that was complicated, intelligent, loving and always passionate, even in their disagreements…especially in their disagreements. And until the day he “died” (they never did find a body, so I say he’s still alive somewhere) they ignited sparks together.

So it was only fitting that for the 40th anniversary episodes last summer, Head Writer Ron Carlivati gave us a much awaited reunion between Dorian and Mel. And in keeping with that theme, I thought it might be fun to chat with Robin and catch up with Stephen Markle a.k.a. the indomitable Mel Hayes.

CP: Thanks for agreeing to take part in this interview. What a treat to have you once again breathe life into Mel Hayes. But before we talk about Mel, I’d love to hear about some of your other acting gigs.

RS: You have to know, Stephen brings to Daytime Drama YEARS spent in the theatre playing the greatest roles.

CP: I know you played Lear at CenterStage in Baltimore not long ago. How was that experience?

SM: Playing King Lear is a great, great privilege and humbling.

RS: He is a gift…to watch, to work with…his respect for his fellow actors and the craft… he is a genuine ARTIST…and I don’t use that term casually.

CP: You made a lot of fans very happy this summer when you returned to work on OLTL. How do you as actors re-establish the strong emotional and physical bond that existed between the characters when you haven’t worked together in years and don’t have extensive rehearsals?

SM: Be lucky to have a soul mate, a fellow conspirator of excellence. Learn your lines before you hit the floor.

CP: How rare is it to be that in synch with your scene partner?

SM: Rare, rare. Impossibly rare.

RS: Knowing how little time we’d have at the studio, I suggested that on Sunday when he flew into NYC, we meet and go over the material…we both loved it…exactly how it was written.

CP: How much collaboration goes on between the writing, directing and acting? For example, the moment when Dorian jumped into Mel’s arms was so joyful…Was that scripted? Was that the director?

RS: Since you asked, I did ask Stephen how his back was –

SM: It’s great!

RS: Okay…I said…If I jump into your arms when I see you would that be okay? And he said –

SM: You jump, Bird –

RS: I guess in my dream scenario, I would have jumped…and fallen on top of him - the reverse of the first Mel/Dorian scene.


CP: I LOVED that moment when you took your hat off and asked how you look, and Robin’s reaction to it. It was one of my favorite moments, and you two gave me a lot to choose from.

SM: Thanks. That came to me on the floor about ten minutes before we shot it. Something you said, Bird…or I said…?




RS: When you said “how do I look?”…well, I loved how Stephen looks and Dorian loved how Mel looked.

CP: The set-up and the dialog were a bit ambiguous at times...Did Dorian see Mel's ghost? Was it a figment of her imagination? Is he still alive somewhere? And what’s with this “Angel Mel”?

RS: Is he alive somewhere? He is certainly alive as far as I’m concerned! And whether he’s been a hostage or a captive in Columbia or whether his spirit comes to Dorian, as long as I have Stephen, I’ll be happy. Stephen, would you come back if they asked you?

SM: I’d love it! The option is always open. It would be great to see a man (or a spirit) put back together by the love and zeal of a woman.

RS: If Mel and Dorian did get together again…Robin’s JOY factor would go way UP. I cannot predict what might happen, and frankly it’s so in other people’s hands. But if they gave Stephen and me the chance to work together again? I PREDICT AND PROMISE: IT WON’T BE BORING!!!!

CP: Boring could never be an option with you two! Thanks so much for taking the time to share your thoughts with us!