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THE KIMBERLY MCCULLOUGH INTERVIEW – GENERAL HOSPITAL

September 27, 2008

Kimberly straigt hair.jpgJUST WHAT THE DOCTOR ORDERED

Kimberly McCullough serves up her prescription for soap success!

By Michael Fairman

Year after year, Daytime Emmy award winner Kimberly McCullough has been heralded for her moving, brave and believable performance of Dr. Robin Scorpio, the HIV-positive heroine on ABC’s General Hospital and its prime-time spin-off GH: NightShift.

Her HIV storyline began back in 1995 when she contracted HIV after having unprotected sex with then-boyfriend Stone Cates. What followed was one of the most compelling and moving portraits ever seen on daytime television. Robin not only had to watch her boyfriend die of AIDS, she also had to find the courage to cope and live with what had befallen her. This fall, Robin’s storyline marks another first for daytime soaps—she gives birth to her own child. Through her remarkable portrayal, Kimberly has been a constant in the fight against AIDS, as well as a hard-working actress and humanitarian. No stranger to the spotlight, this month she delivers the opening speech at AIDS Walk LA.

Listen to the audio:

[powerpress]

MICHAEL:

Kimberly, you play the historic character of Dr. Robin Scorpio, the only HIV+ long running character on a daytime soap. It carries a lot of social importance, because people watch to see how Robin deals with her life and the issues surrounding living with HIV. How do you feel about that?

pregnant.jpgKIMBERLY:

I think it’s exciting, and it’s a different kind of attention that is paid to it. It’s just not the lover relationship storyline, because things have changed so much since when my character, Robin, was diagnosed. So, that is really cool.

MICHAEL:

Robin is living with HIV, and now is an expectant mother. How far do you think we have come since AIDS was first diagnosed and portrayed on television, to now in 2008?

KIMBERLY:

We didn’t really know much about

it when it first came in to our culture. We have come a long way, and certainly, there is a long way to go. People are living long lives, and that’s why the baby storyline is important, because most people don’t know that HIV+ women can have healthy babies.

MICHAEL:

Did you do a lot of research on pregnant women with HIV? God willing, in the “GH” storyline, will Robin have a healthy baby?

KIMBERLY:

From the beginning of the story, they have been as responsible as they can be, and because it is an HIV related story, you want to give people hope. I don’t foresee the baby being positive. I think the smarter thing would be, to portray a baby that was healthy.

MICHAEL:

When you first learned that “GH” was going to give your character, Robin, HIV+, how did you feel about that?

KIMBERLY:

That was 15 years ago, and I knew nothing about AIDS at the time. As far as character development, I thought it was really ballsy and a good idea.

MICHAEL:

Have you received any feedback from HIV+ women who are pregnant, and who are thrilled that you are portraying their concerns and struggles?

Patrick and Robin.jpg

KIMBERLY:

I have talked to a few HIV+ women who have children. I think they are just happy to see anyone who is going through something difficult, portrayed appropriately in the media. They want an actress to play it positively on TV. It helps them to relate to the character. This one woman was telling me that her kids were being made fun of in school, and other mothers’ would not let them look at their kids when they had AIDS, when in fact, they didn’t at all. It would be so cool if those people could watch the show. Entertainment has a way of getting into the minds of people who generally wouldn’t think that way.

MICHAEL:

On “GH” Robin is involved with Dr. Patrick Drake, who is HIV-. In their relationship, Robin is a very independent woman who seems to be resistant to marrying the man she loves and who wants to marry her. There seems to be so many manufactured arguments to keep them apart. Why?

KIMBERLY:

It’s very manufactured… it’s drama and soap. In general, Patrick and Robin have a more realistic relationship, meaning a relationship you would find in real life, which I like. It’s not too campy and over-the-top. Their problems are real problems; not some bad guy is going to kill them, and it’s not some, “Who’s the daddy?” story. It’s a real issue that people deal with, whether it is AIDS, or some other sexually transmitted disease.

MICHAEL:

Why is Robin constantly declining Patrick’s beautiful marriage proposals?

KIMBERLY:

I think it’s just for drama, and I have to justify it as an actress to portray it, but it’s like… finally, she does.

MICHAEL:

Why does Robin finally say, “Yes”?

KIMBERLY:

Her issue was that she thought Patrick was doing it because he should, not because he really wanted to. In a way, I do understand, because I do have a lot of similar issues to Robin… the intimacy issues and things like that. But it’s true, when you are dealing with somebody like that, you have to prove it to the ‘Nth’ degree before they believe it, you know.

MICHAEL:

But, she’s damaged because of other relationships; she’s afraid she could lose somebody or dies, and not be there for her child. Is that put into how you portray your character?

KIMBERLY:

Yes, because for her, Patrick committing to Robin, and the prospect that she might die and she may leave him alone, she knows what that feels like. I think ultimately why she does say, “yes” and agrees to marry Patrick is: (A) She does believe he really wants to marry her. And (B) if the worst thing was to happen, and they were to get married, and she dies, he would have rights to the child. Otherwise, he wouldn’t. And (C) She wants to be married.

JaggerandRobin.jpgMICHAEL:

On “GH NightShift”, in a recent episode Robin was talking to Jagger (Antonio Sabato Jr) about his brother and her ex-lover Stone, who died of AIDS on the show. Patrick overheard that perhaps it might have been better if both Patrick and she were HIV+. It was a very important scene that I think goes on in real-life with people in those relationship dynamics.

KIMBERLY:

My guess is that it does happen both ways. Some people are OK with it, and some people are not. I have a friend who has Herpes and she deals with that all the time. In a way, it’s a similar issue, but not because AIDS is a lot more serious. You are putting yourself at risk by being intimate with someone, and that can be really scary.

MICHAEL:

You have had three phenomenal leading men on “GH”. The first, of course, was Michael Sutton, who played the HIV+ Stone Cates, and eventually died of AIDS. How was working with him?

KIMBERLY:

It was interesting, because in real life Michael and I were very different. Michael and I had a good working relationship and never hung out outside of work. Mainly, because he was a lot older than me… and a lot cooler than me. I was just a dorky teenager, and he was this hotshot Beverly Hills kid. I was very intimidated by him, but for whatever reason, on camera, it worked.

michaelsutton.jpgMICHAEL:

One of your finest moments as an actress was in the scenes where Stone dies. Do you feel it was some of your best work?

KIMBERLY:

I absolutely do. Thank you for saying that. It was one of those things where the story took over. That’s one of those things, when you play a character so many times and so many days, it sort of becomes ingrained and you don’t really have to act anymore. It takes on a life of its own. Everyone in the studio had been with us, and it was really heavy. Our storyline was about life and death every day. I remember when

we did that scene; the cameramen and the men were crying and sobbing. Everyone was able to relate to what was going on at the time. Everyone knew, especially here in LA, someone who died of AIDS.

MICHAEL:

I lost my two best friends. One died in 1987 and the other passed away in 1989 and that was pretty difficult. I watched them both die. It was hard to say good-bye to them.

KIMBERLY:

Had they made peace with it or were they angry?

MICHAEL:

No, I think in the end they had made peace. I don’t know how they did it. I went to see one of my friends who went back home to die with his parents. My other best friend was in a coma in the hospital before he died. Personally, have you known people who died from it?

KIMBERLY:

I didn’t back then, I was a kid. You also have to remember, as you know, a lot of that stuff was hidden. I had a family member die, and it was not said, “He died of AIDS,” but everyone knew he died of AIDS, you know that kind of thing. People did not talk about it, especially if you were a gay man and your family wasn’t cool with that, you had cancer, not AIDS. I am sure there was more people that I did not know had AIDS, because back then, you could not be as forthcoming about it.

MICHAEL:

Robin was next involved with Jason Morgan, played by Steve Burton. How was working with Steve?

KIMBERLY:

It’s funny. I feel like Steve and I had great chemistry also, but our chemistry was based on a friendship. I felt like we had a lot of fun together, and I felt it was more innocent than the other relationships he had on the show which were all sexually-driven. Because his character, Jason, had amnesia at the time and was re-learning things, it was like we could be more playful and innocent about the whole thing.

Jason Thompson.jpgMICHAEL:

Now you are working with the wonderfully talented Jason Thompson as Patrick!

KIMBERLY:

First of all, we are really good friends in real-life. As an actor, he is willing to experience everything. He is really sensitive and vulnerable.

MICHAEL:

And Jason is a great crier.

KIMBERLY:

There are not a lot of male actors that

want to be seen crying or even go there. Jason also has a great sense of humor,

and for whatever reason, we have a competitive, playful thing that worked from the very beginning. We just have so much fun working together.

MICHAEL:

Over the years, have there been other favorite scenes you’ve had, as Robin?

KIMBERLY:

I had a fun scene that airs on “GH NightShift,” with Tristan Rogers (Robert) who gives me the talk. I don’t know if it happened to you, but it happened to me. It’s where your parents tell you everything they have ever wanted to say because they think they might die. So that was a rough scene for me to do, because I have actually had that experience in real life. It was really successful and beautiful for me. I really liked that scene. Other than that, I really enjoyed the scenes with the girls at Jake’s, drinking shots….

MICHAEL:

…. You’re kidding!

KIMBERLY:

They are really special, because I have formed a lot of great friendships. Kent Masters King (Lanie), Minae Noji (Kelly), Sonya Eddy (Epiphany), Nazanin Boniaidi (Leyla,) and Claire Coffee (Nadine), are all really good friends of mine now.

MICHAEL:

Does portraying a doctor on TV get tiresome, or do you like it?

Kimberlyand girls.jpgKIMBERLY:

I like being a doctor. It was a good challenge coming back to the show. When I was away from the show, I was not able to play my age because I looked like a child. So, it was a good grown-up challenge to come back.

MICHAEL:

Now, with being the face of HIV on daytime soaps, and seeing the current state of affairs with the disease, both domestically and globally, where do you think we’re at, as a country?

KIMBERLY:

It’s rising in young female African American women. That says to me, it’s an education problem, and a lot of that is politics and I won’t go into that.

MICHAEL:

You play such an iconic soap character, as Dr. Robin Scorpio, is there some storyline you would love to do but haven’t had a chance to play?

KIMBERLY:

I think because she wanted to be a mother so badly, it would be interesting if she fumbles through the whole thing, and she really isn’t a good mother. I think it would be really funny. I think it would be fun to play and for her to admit she needs some help.

MICHAEL:

What was your feeling on Robin’s “Video Blog” of her pregnancy? I didn’t like it! It was so ridiculous.

finolaandTristan.jpgKIMBERLY:

I hated it! I thought it was playing down to the lowest common denominator. You could tell I did not like it because I just rambled through all of them.

MICHAEL:

How is it to work with your on-screen mom and dad again on “GH NightShift”, Finola Hughes (Anna) and Tristan Rogers? Will we see more of them when season 2 of the show ends, and will they cross over to “GH”?

KIMBERLY:

It’s awesome. I am pretty sure Finola will be there for the birth and the wedding. It’s just that both Finola and Tristan are such phenomenal actors. They have a very long and complicated history on the show, and fans love to see that, and it’s incredible to watch them work together. They are really good to work with.

MICHAEL:

You have walked in The AIDS Walk before, yes?

KIMBERLY:

I have done it several times in San Francisco, New York, and in Los Angeles lots of times. I am walking this year and we have already raised $30,000 for our team… “Team Scrubs”!

MICHAEL:

Is “Team Scrubs” a fan group? I hear they come to walk from all over the country.

KIMBERLY:

They do come. I am not sure how we are going to do it this year, but the first year anybody could do it and sign up as a team member. Last year, they were able to just donate to the team members. Basically, there is a message board called the, “Scrubs Message Board”, and those people really take it upon themselves to raise money for the team. Whether they walk or not, is up to them.

MICHAEL:

Who might participant this year in AIDS Walk Los Angeles from “GH”?

KIMBERLY:

My guess it would be Jason, Minae, Sonya and me, and it will be those people who essentially work in the hospital on the show.

MICHAEL:

You have been asked to give a speech this year at the beginning of the AIDS Walk.

KIMBERLY:

Yes, at the opening ceremony of the AIDS Walk, and I have no idea exactly of how I am going to say it, but I would like to talk about policy. It’s really important right now because of the upcoming election. Some of my speech will have to do with Robin having a baby on the show and how cool that is.

MICHAEL:

Would you go to Africa and help fight and bring even more awareness to the pandemic of AIDS globally?

KIMBERLY:

Of course I would!

Kimberlyhairup.jpg

MICHAEL:

Will ABC Daytime continue their commitment of telling Robin’s ongoing story?

KIMBERLY:

I think it benefits them. It’s a talking point. I heard Brian Frons (President, ABC Daytime and SOAPnet) make a speech about how soaps are talking about certain issues and he brought up my character. It gives credibility to the soaps, and as long as they believe that, and that they are reaching people, they will continue to tell her story.

MICHAEL:

Are there ever times when you see a script and you don’t agree with the lines and you take issue with it?

KIMBERLY:

Yes, all the time. But, I am just an actress. I am not the writer of the show. I only have so much control. I try to put my two-cents in, and yeah, it’s a television show, and I am not the one in control.

MICHAEL:

Do you believe that “giving back” is important?

KIMBERLY:

I was just talking to my friend about this, because I was watching everyone talking about Sarah Palin on CNN. Oh, my God! I did not know if I wanted to throw up or cry. I am so infuriated. I feel like the main thing that frustrates me, is that sense of, “Well, I worked so hard for it, so I get to keep it.” It’s that whole greed thing. Then, if you are not greedy you are called a Socialist, because you want people to be successful. It’s so far from being a Socialist; it’s not even funny. If you had a lot of money you wouldn’t think twice about helping somebody who doesn’t have it. I think it’s just greed and being self-centered, when people do not give back.

MICHAEL:

Do you contribute to charities and how do you discern which ones to give to?

KIMBERLY:

Anything that moves me at the moment, I do. AIDS is something that happened, and then I became passionate about it because of my career. So, I have given a lot of money to AIDS.

MICHAEL:

Do you remember when your character was first were diagnosed with HIV and the powerful statement that it made with your viewing public?

KIMBERLY:

What comes to mind is when we first started the story, and I was thrust into the world, and that’s when a lot of that stuff would happen. When we would do an, “ABC After-School” special, I was able to get in to all these places, such as hospices and what not, that I would not have normally been exposed to

MICHAEL:

Was it hard to go to hospice?

KIMBERLY:

I am an observer, which is who I am as a person. So, it was kind of interesting to me to see how people handle death, and at that time having no hope. Things have changed. I have heard recently that they are happy that Robin is portrayed as someone who is living their life. They have AIDS, and they are just living their life, but they still come across people who don’t want to be friends with them, and they still have these old, bigoted ideas. You may not think it exists, but it very well does. So, it’s kind of like, “OK, yeah, we have dealt with the issue. We know a lot more about AIDS, and OK, we know you can’t get it with you breathing on me, but at the end of the day I don’t want to be friends with you.” It doesn’t change it that much, except in the community that is educated. That is why the education part is so important, because educated people don’t isolate other people just because they have a disease.

MICHAEL:

For those who don’t know, what are the fundamental differences of shooting the primetime spin-off, “GH NightShift” and the daytime soap, “GH”?

KIMBERLY:

There is a huge difference. I shoot “GH, on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. I shoot “NightShift” Thursday and Friday. We have more time to shoot on “NightShift”. We have two days to shoot one episode, where on “GH” we have one day. The way the structure of the story is set up, the stories are wrapped-up in each episode, so it gives you a chance to play an arc within an episode, as opposed to an arc for three or four months on the daytime version.

Patrickhug.jpgMICHAEL:

We hear there is a big cliffhanger ending on “GH NightShift”. Is Robin in the mix?

KIMBERLY:

Yes, it airs October 21. Robin will be in the cliffhanger. I don’t know how it’s going to play out, but I feel cliffhangers are kind of pushed reality. Anyway, it’s definitely an exciting cliffhanger!

MICHAEL:

Will things get back to normal for you and your alter ego, Robin, when it ends?

KIMBERLY:

It doesn’t end for awhile for me. The next few months of Robin’s life are really fun and crazy. We go into Patrick and Robin’s wedding and then I have the baby.

MICHAEL:

Do you think the gay audience has been vital to the success and endurance of Dr. Robin Scorpio on daytime?

KIMBERLY:

Totally. Especially back in 1995 when we first started it, and that was very interesting. It was taking the girl next store, the girl that everybody loves, and giving her a disease that back then, was considered a gay man’s disease. So it was really cool for people who would normally just write it off and go, “Well, it’s your fault because you are gay.” They are not able to say that if they love the character of Robin Scorpio. I think it was good for the gay community, and the conservative heterosexual as well.

MICHAEL:

When gay men approach you, what things do they say about your portrayal of Robin?

chadandKyle.jpgKIMBERLY:

They say things like: “She is so strong and happy and living her life, even though she has this thing.” I think they are happy to see someone positively portrayed, whereas, their lives may not be as positive and is very scary. It’s not all peaches and roses, but if you are going through something difficult, it helps to see something that is positive.

MICHAEL:

Recently, Adam Grimes (Kyle) and openly gay actor Chad Allen (Matthew) have embarked on a new gay love story on “GH NightShift”. What are your thoughts about that?

KIMBERLY:

Oh, it’s so awesome! It’s so good. Chad is so sweet and such a good actor. I think it’s so exciting that he is getting to play a gay character now, after coming out.  Adam is not gay, he lives with his girlfriend. But, that is also cool because he is not a gay actor and he and Chad are great together! Their whole storyline is not based on the fact that they are gay. I don’t know, because I am not a gay man, but I feel like the way they are portraying Kyle, is pretty cool.

MICHAEL:

How would you explain who Dr. Robin Scorpio is at her core, to someone that has never been introduced to her?

kimoncouch.jpgKIMBERLY:

Her core is survival. Even as a child she was faced with all kinds of life and death situations. She survived on her own or with the help of others, but mainly on her own. Even when she turned HIV+, she found a way to deal with it. Ultimately, that’s her greatest flaw; because she is so concerned with surviving on her own that existing with other people is hard for her. She is controlling and always in other people’s lives, and a busybody that way. In her own life, she can’t just relax and be happy. She is always second-guessing everything.

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Days Of Our Lives

Matthew Ashford and Melissa Reeves Talk Return to DAYS for Doug’s Funeral, Susan Seaforth Hayes, and Their Enduring Friendship

April 14, 2024

Last week, Days of our Lives celebrated the taping of their 15,000th episode which is tentatively scheduled to air on December 3rd. The story will feature emotional and heart-tugging scenes of Doug Williams funeral and honor his portrayer, the beloved Bill Hayes, who passed away on January 12th at the age of 98.

While the actors, producers, and crew took a lunch time break to pose for some pictures and speak with the press, they knew they would have to get back to taping the funeral, which was going to make it a tough day, but also cathartic for all who loved Bill Hayes.

Several returns have thus far been announced including; Melissa Reeves reprising her signature role of Jennifer Horton (a part she first played in 1985), and Matthew Ashford as Jack Deveraux. Reeves had last appeared on the show back in 2021, and she was replaced by Emmy-winner Cady McClain in her absence when Jennifer was in storylines. In real-life, Melissa had moved full-time to Tennessee along with her husband, Scott Reeves (ex-DAYS, GH, Y&R). Now, and as previously reported, Reeves will first appear back on DAYS for the Thanksgiving episodes with the Hortons.

Photo: JPI

Michael Fairman TV caught up with Matt and Melissa during the 15,000th episode celebration to get their take on: being back for these special episodes, how it has been working with and watching Susan Seaforth Hayes portray Julie’s grief over losing Doug, and how they have supported each other through the years. Check out what they shared below.

Melissa, you are back on the set of Days of our Lives for this very emotional and special moment in the series history. How does it feel?

MELISSA: Oh, my goodness. I am honored. I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else but to be here for Bill. He was like my real-life dance partner. He taught me how to ballroom dance. And to be here for Susan, of course, who’s just been our sweet hero this whole week. We’re just following her lead. She’s just been this incredibly strong example for us in the midst of this trial and season of her life. She is like just lifting us all up with her. It’s been incredible.

I was at Bill Hayes memorial service which was truly incredible and I know at the time you were in Tennessee. It was moving and celebratory of his life, all at the same time.

MELISSA: That’s all I have heard. I have to watch it on You Tube. They said it was just a real celebration of his life and I love that.

Photo: JPI

This must be difficult for Susan Seaforth Hayes depicting the death of Doug, when she is still grieving the loss of her beloved husband. (Susan pictured above with the returning Stephen Schnetzer who plays her on-screen brother, Steve Olson).

MELISSA: I’m sure Susan has those moments at home by herself, but she’s so good at being a leader and leading all of us. We’re following her, you know, and she’s like, “This is how I want to feel today.” And we’re just going along with her, you know? It’s so sweet.

Photo: JPI

How is it to see Matt Ashford again live and in-person?

MELISSA: You know, Matt and I can go years without talking, or seeing each other, and then the minute we see each other we’re chatting away.

MATT: Melissa was out on set doing a scene yesterday on the phone talking to a stage manager; as she was telling some really tough news on the phone. I’m like crying in the background, literally, I’m off-stage crying.

MELISSA: And then we get like back into normal life, and we’re like, okay, “What’s happening? What’s happening with this … or what’s happening with that?”

I had read, Melissa, that you were in touch with Matt about if there night be a possibility for you to reprise your role as Jennifer for these special episodes?

MELISSA: Yes. Well, Matt was like, “Hey! Would you want to come back? “And I was like, “Matt, you know, I would always come back. ”

MATT:  Every time I come here to Days of our Lives, they ask, “Where’s Missy? How’s Missy?” Everybody backstage says, “I miss her.” All of the crew is asking about her and saying, “It would be nice to see Missy. Nothing wrong with you Matt, but …”  They said, “Where is she?” I said, “She wants to come!”

Photo: JPI

There are some beautiful photos of Missy and Bill and Susan thorough the years that I found. It just reminded me of just the deep and entrenched history we all have had with the show, personally and professionally.

MATT: Missy is roughly the age where Francis Reid (ex-Alice Horton) was when she started the show, which is just crazy.

Photo: JPI

I’ve always said Missy was going to be the next generation Alice. Do you feel that Jennifer is the heir apparent matriarch of the Horton family?

MELISSA: Yes. I mean, this has been greatest blessing of my life, and that would be great. I told Ken Corday (executive producer, Days of our Lives) when I was 17 that this show would be my life. Ken always told me, “This is your home,” and I’ve always felt like that.

How have gotten through the scenes watching Susan Seaforth Hayes as Julie go through the loss of Doug?

MATT: Susan is bringing her best performance life for her and Bill. I mean, she’s a showbiz baby. She always has been one hundred percent, and she’s doing it for him, and this is who they’ve always been. So, you’re seeing this amazing performance colored by her life. She has her private life as Susan, but she has enough plugged into Julie that she’s done amazing work. The director, producers and writers are giving her room to live in these moments and it’s quite wonderful.

Photo: JPI

Have you already broken down in tears during the taping?

MELISSA: Yesterday, but today’s taping of the actual funeral I think they want us to try and be just more celebratory.

MATT: I mean, it is a beautiful long life for Bill Hayes and his character of Doug Williams, and so it will be about that. Then, you get a bunch of us together in the church pews, and there’s going to be hijinks.

MELISSA: We all have been through the waves of grief. You have that awful cry and then all of a sudden you feel okay.  There are those family situations we are portraying where you’re like, “What do we do? What do we do now? You know, no one knows what to do. But, it’s so sweet. I’m looking forward to seeing how the scenes all turn out.

So, are you glad that Matt and Melissa are back for the 15K episode and Doug’s funeral? From what we can tell, it’s going to be quite an emotional journey for Days of our Lives fans, and especially the performance of Susan Seaforth Hayes, 

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Days Of Our Lives

Ron Carlivati Talks on Decision to Make Days of our Lives 15000th Episode About Doug’s Funeral, and Previews Chances for WGA Award

April 13, 2024

This week, Days of our Lives celebrated the taping of their 15,000th episode. In of it itself, that is an incredible accomplishment for the long-running soap opera currently streaming on Peacock.

However, this on set gathering was a bit different. Though the show is celebrating their achievement, they are also in the middle of taping scenes surrounding the death and the funeral of Doug Williams, played by the late Bill Hayes, who passed away on January 12th of this year at the age of 98.

As previously revealed many longtime favorites are back to honor Bill and the character of Doug including: Gloria Loring (Liz), Melissa Reeves (Jennifer), Matthew Ashford (Jack), Maree Cheatham (Marie), Victoria Konefal (Ciara) and Stephen Schnetzer (Steve) to name but a few.

Photo: JPI

Michael Fairman TV was in attendance and spoke with Days of our Lives head writer, Ron Carlivati to gain some insight into how the 15,000 episode was crafted and the decision to honor the character of Doug Williams and Bill Hayes as its epicenter. In addition, Ron weighed-in on this Sunday’s April 14th WGA (Writers Guild of America) Awards, where he and his writing team are facing off with General Hospital for the daytime drama prize. Here’s what Ron shared below.

Was this your idea to make the 15,000th episode centered around Doug’s funeral and passing?

RON: It was. When you’re looking at it, and laying out the calendar for the whole year and you see 15,000 is coming up, we’re like, “What are we going to do?” And then, we got the news that Bill had passed away and something kind of clicked. I was like, “We should honor Doug on that show.” So then, we started to kind of build around that … when does he pass away? How does he pass away? Who could come back? You know, it’s a lot.  I’m very pleased with the returns that we got as there’s so much that you could do. We wanted everybody we could get. So, we put together a wish list and Janet Drucker (co-executive producer, Days of our Lives) made it happen.

Photo: JPI

You have Melissa Reeves back as Jennifer, when the role was last played by Cady McClain. What has it meant to have Missy back for these shows?

RON: It was so nice to see Missy Reeves. I think Cady has done such a good job, but on the 15,000th episode to see Missy as Jennifer, it’s a big deal. So having her was great, and overall, the milestone was a big undertaking, because you want to live up to it. You want the 15,000th episode to be good. Now, it has a lot of real emotion that you’re playing. because for the cast and the crew they’re honoring Bill Hayes just as much as we’re honoring Doug Williams.

Photo: JPI

Was it hard for you and the team to write this episode?

RON: Yes. I’ll tell you why it was hard to write.  When I wrote, for example, Asa’s (Phillip Carey) death on One Life to Live or Victor’s (John Aniston) on DAYS, Asa is a different type of character. Like, you could have characters going, “Oh! I’m glad he is dead.” You could have different points of view, but with Doug, you’re not having that. Every person loves this man. No one had a bad relationship with him. So, you’re challenge as a writer is how do you make it that not everybody’s saying the same thing and doing the same thing. And so, we tried to find ways to make the episode about all the familial relationships and yet, how do you make it about Doug and yet broaden the scope.

Photo: JPI

I had spoken to Susan Seaforth Hayes (Julie), a week after Bill’s memorial, for an interview. She said that she felt very fortunate that you did include her on discussions of how you would tackle Doug’s passing. How did that conversation go?

RON: First, I attended Bill’s funeral, which was incredible. I said to so many people it was an emotional service, but it was hard to be sad at this. The guy had an incredible life and it was an incredible celebration. And so, you’re sitting there watching this knowing that you now have to write something similar. And how do you write something that lives up to what you just witnessed? I wanted to talk to Susan to get her thoughts about, you know, how much do you want this to be about keeping Bill separate from Doug. How comfortable are you sharing your grief. She was incredible to talk to. It was a great chat.

You’re in the middle of taping these major scenes for the 15,000 episode to air in December. How do you think it’s going? Have you seen any of the scenes?

RON:  I haven’t seeing anything. I mean, we were still making changes to the script up till this morning!

Photo: JPI

The Writers Guild Awards are this Sunday, April 14th and once again this year there are two daytime drama nominees, General Hospital and Days of our Lives. How are you feeling about your chances this year?

RON: It is often just GH and us in the category. I’ve won three years in a row, so I’m kind of feeling like it’s their turn.

Photo: JPI

What episodes did you submit for contention? If I recall, they had to do with Victor’s memorial.

RON: The episodes we submitted were centered around Victor’s funeral. I think one has story with Vivian (Louise Sorel). We had some fun stuff, we had some emotional stuff at Victor’s death, and I am pretty sure that our submission was three episodes right around that time.

Did you make the decision to go with those episodes because there was a mix of humor and drama?

RON: I like to have some humor, but it was also the funeral, then there’s Sarah (Linsey Godfrey) giving birth, and then Vivian’s crashing the reading of the will. So, we had a lot of fun and it’s hard sometimes to pick three that tell a story, as opposed to submitting for the Daytime Emmys, where the writing team only submits two shows. So, we shall see how it goes on Sunday.

Courtesy/Peacock

So, are you looking forward to the emotional 15,000th episode of Days of our Lives? Do you think DAYS will take home the WGA writing award for daytime dramas for the 4th year in a row? Comment below.

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Days Of Our Lives

(INTERVIEW) Eric Martsolf Previews DAYS Stars on ‘Weakest Link’, How He Fared in the Game, Plus Welcoming New Tate, Leo Howard

April 2, 2024

Tuesday night on NBC’s Weakest Link (9 p.m. ET/PT), the stars of Days our of Lives test their knowledge, and try to win big money for the charity of their choice on the newest season of the popular game show hosted by Jane Lynch. In case you miss it, you can also catch the episode on Wednesday streaming on Peacock.

The question on everyone’s mind is … who will be revealed as Salem’s weakest link? Who will be left standing at the end of the game? DAYS favorites: Eric Martsolf (Brady) Brynn Dattilo (Lucas), Galen Gering (Rafe), Martha Madison (Belle), Victoria Konefal (ex-Ciara), Zach Tinker (Sonny), Tina Huang (Melinda) and Lindsay Arnold (ex-Allie) play while literally having the task of throwing their co-stars under the bus. The contestant who receives the highest number of votes leaves the game throughout, as Lynch declares their exit with the now iconic phrase, “You are the Weakest Link. Goodbye.” 

Michael Fairman TV caught up with Eric Martsolf, who daytime fans know is great as a host in his own right and oh-so-fun at playing any trivia game you throw at him. Martsolf gave us the inside scoop of what it was like to be on the set and backstage in a rather nerve-wracking environment, and trying to come off as smart while Jane Lynch roasts you at the same time!

Photo: NBC

In addition, Eric shared his thoughts on the new Tate, as Leo Howard takes over the role of his on-screen son from Jamie Martin Mann on the April 5th episode of Days of our Lives, plus working with Emily O’Brien as Theresa, and the loss of the legendary Bill Hayes. Check out what Eric had to say below.

Did you know about the game before? Had you watched the original version of the Weakest Link, or this latest incarnation?

ERIC: I was very, very familiar with the game because I found, as someone who enjoys hosting, that has to be one of the best hosting gigs out there because they just have extreme liberties in belittling the contestants, and it’s all done in jest of course, but it’s great. Jane Lynch is a master.

Did you get to meet Jane Lynch before she hit the stage for the taping?

ERIC: I don’t think any of us met her prior to being on the set. So, we’re standing there behind our podiums and these cyber lights just point all in one direction. At one point when we’re out there, it was kind of a hurry up and wait thing. We’re just like, “When is this going to start?” Then, here Jane comes and in all her glory in a beautiful navy-blue suit. She just prances onto stage and just glares over at us, and starts making fun of a silly soap opera actors like you wouldn’t believe. It was just great. I’ll let the public see what how she crucified us. But it was all done in fun.

Photo: NBC

Did she crucify you?

ERIC: I don’t think anybody got out unscathed to be honest with you.

For those that don’t know the game, you try to eliminate those that are the weakest in answering questions.

ERIC: Correct, and therein lies the problem. Historically, I think the Weakest Link is comprised of contestants that don’t really know each other, and in this case, you have not only coworkers, but almost family members because we all know each other very, very well. It’s a tight circle and even more so when you’re on the same show. So, we all went in into it pretty nervous because the premise of the game is to expose the inadequacy of people’s knowledge of general facts and information. So, essentially, you’re voting each other off because you don’t think they’re as smart as you are and that they’re the least smart in the group. So, I mean, that in itself is pretty, pretty tough to swallow. It was really hard, because you have to look at your friends in the eye and go, “yeah, I don’t think you’re going to get the next couple questions. You’re not the smartest, you’re not the crispiest chip in the bag. I’m going to let you go. ”

Did you feel bad about some of the eliminations?

ERIC: At one point, without giving away any spoilers, I voted off someone that without a doubt, has more smarts and education than I do. I just felt silly. But, you know, the way the game was going, I just felt it was the right. There is a bit of strategy involved. I’m worried about the airing of this particular episode because I did fumble some questions that people are going to turn their heads and go, “Really? You didn’t get that one?” It’s so much easier to answer these questions at home in your pajamas than it is, you know, looking at Jane Lynch in the eye with 6,000 lights at your face in front of cameras. Your brain tends to wander. So yes, we all had had some answers that we couldn’t believe we didn’t get at the time!

Photo: NBC

Did it get very competitive?

ERIC: There was little competition there. If I recall, it’s Galen and Bryan that went at it a little bit and had some laughs. But again, I can’t stress this enough, it was all done with fun. At the end of the day, every one of us wanted to win. I think the smartest person did actually come out victorious.

Now in the game, for those that have never seen it, you’re on your podium, and then Jane gives a question, right?

ERIC:  It’s a firing squad of questions. You only have a certain amount of time to answer. If you get the correct answer or the wrong answer, you immediately, go to the next contestant and you have a certain amount of time. And then, at the end of that line of questioning, everyone gets to vote as to who they believed was the biggest dummy in the group. (Laughs) Some questions are simple. You know, “What color is Santa Claus’ suit?” And then, the next question is “What is 648,000 times 14?” or what’s the population of some obscure country? So, that was the biggest challenge. Someone else might get, “What is the main ingredient of a banana split?” And my question could be like, “How much is 9,430 times x 59 million?” There’s an intimidation factor that Jane Lynch brings to it when she’s staring you down.

Photo: NBC

When the cast finished the entire game, what happened backstage?

ERIC:  The best part was there were these post interviews that the Weakest Link conducts where you have to go into a dark black room. I think my first question was, “How did you feel about that wrong answer?” They don’t let up. They just keep jabbing at you. “Did you feel ridiculous getting the wrong answer to that fourth-grade level question?” (Laughs) There was also a lot of trash talk with that happened after the show. It got so competitive. If I recall, we were all supposed to go out together and get a meal with everybody, and that never happened. They’re like, “I’m not eating lasagna with you right now. You just voted me off!” Now, even the first person that gets voted off, you’re going to be shocked, because I thought this person would probably win it. In the game, you want the best people to remain on the panel because that’s what drives up the money.

Photo: JPI

Later this week on DAYS, we will see the debut of your new on-screen son, Leo Howard, taking over from Jamie Martin Mann as Tate.

ERIC: How about that?  I just did a post on Instagram, because I saw that Jamie Martin Mann had liked and hearted a post about Leo Howard coming on the show. I just thought that was so classy of him. That’s the way it’s supposed to be, “This is the new guy. Embrace him. He’s good. I’ve met him. He is a good guy.” It’s about handing off the character baton sometimes, sort to speak. I was really proud of those guys. I reached out to Jamie. He just wants to go to college and be a student. I understand that. That’s important.

Photo: JPI

Is that challenging for you as an actor since you’ve built this relationship with the one guy as your son, and now you’ve got to pivot and create a different kind of energy with someone else taking on the part?

ERIC: Leo Howard has been in the industry for a while, with some very good credits to his name. He brings a certain charisma to this role that I think people are really going to love. And yes, he’s older, but he plays younger, and he has that ability and he’s pulling it off brilliantly. I can’t wait for people to see him, but of course I miss Jamie. Emily O’Brien (Theresa) and I really grew to love him very quickly because the storyline got so deep, so quickly, with the drug intervention and then him getting beat up in in prison. I mean, as a father, that’s the kind of stuff that you have nightmares about, you know, your kids being in pain.

Photo: JPI

I still love the fact that Emily O’Brien is still noticeably wearing a blonde wig as Theresa. What are your thoughts on how the transition has been for you, and for her pivoting to a completely different role?

ERIC: I hadn’t worked with Emily much before, because Gwen and Brady never really crossed paths. We all saw the transition that she had to make. When I became Brady, the character hadn’t been on the map for three years.  When she became Theresa, she walks out one gate and comes through the other as Theresa. We all had a good giggle about it. That’s hard to ask an audience to go,  OK, I’m Gwen, now I’m Theresa.” I was scrolling through X (formerly Twitter) and I saw a couple posts from fans that said how they were really weary, at first, about accepting Emily O’Brien as Theresa. But after today’s episode, they shared, “I’m loving her as Tate’s mom, and the chemistry she has with the family.” I texted Emily and I said, “I just want to let you know that you’re just bringing it home really brilliantly, and people are starting to come around.” I think they’ll do that with Leo Howard too.

Photo: JPI

What had it been like without the iconic Bill Hayes (Doug Williams) coming to work and being part of the Days of our Lives cast since his passing?

ERIC: You really do miss that presence in the hallways. He was a song and dance guy and I am a song and dance guy. as well. I kind of find myself the lone singer in the makeup room sometimes, but I could always count on Bill. He’d be humming some old tune from the sixties. I’d start humming along and he’d just kind of lean over and take a look at me, and give a little smile. Everyone else was probably irritated at us, but we just kept singing along. and it’s like 6:30 in the morning. I think Bill was a lot like the late John Aniston (ex-Victor), in the sense that I don’t really feel like he felt he was working. He was just always having fun right up until the end. That little number he did with his wife, Susan Seaforth Hayes (Julie), and Dick Van Dyke (guest starring as Timothy Robicheaux), where he was singing along, he was just living it. It was so cute and so adorable to watch.

Photo: JPI

Your final tease for the Weakest Link tonight is, “Fans should watch because …”

ERIC: Fans should watch it because if they thought we were smart before, wait till they see the show.

You can check out the cold open for tonight’s Weakest Link “Days of our Lives special” below.

Now let us know, will you be watching Eric and his co-stars, past and present, attempting to showcase their knowledge on the ‘Weakest Link? Intrigued to see Leo Howard and Eric in scenes as new Tate and his father, Brady? Share your thoughts in the comment section.

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