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Andrea Evans Chats On Her Latest Project Hidden Gems, OLTL, Erika Slezak, & Her Daytime Roles!

Photo Credit: Jago Soria

She’s synonymous with daytime drama for her memorable roles as: Tina Lord on One Life to Live, Tawny Moore on The Bold and the Beautiful, Patty Williams on The Young and the Restless, and Rebecca Hotchkiss Crane on Passions.  While soap fans dearly miss seeing Andrea Evans every day on their screens, the talented and clever actress has been busy with films, and her own projects.

In her latest entertainment adventure, Hidden Gems, Andrea, along with her producing partner Minh Collins, have created a new concept for a “unique” travel show, which has comedic actress Tara Erickson along for the ride with Evans.  These two very disparate women come together and check out some of the more intriguing, fabulous, and little-known places in America, and seem to get themselves in a whole heap of trouble while doing it!  As Andrea details, think of the 1991 motion picture classic Thelma and Louise as a sort of prototype for Hidden Gems.

On-Air On-Soaps caught up with Evans to find out details about the Hidden Gems Indiegogo campaign, and how fans can participate in the series fundraising efforts.  Plus, this being the 48th anniversary week of the beloved One Life to Live, Andrea discusses some of her most famous scenes, reflecting on her time there, and working alongside daytime legend Erika Slezak (Viki), and what she has thought of Stacy Haiduk’s turn in her former role as Genoa City’s Patty Williams.  In addition, you will learn what soap opera Evans could see herself on in the future.  So, let’s hit the road with Andrea, and find out what she had to say about it all.

So watching the Indiegogo teaser for Hidden Gems, it seems like a reality show, crossed with some scripted elements, and crossed with travel.  How would you explain the concept?

Courtesy/HiddenGems

ANDREA:  It’s kind of a weird hybrid.  I worked with this director on a film and we hit it off so well that we started our own production company, and optioned a couple of films, and came up with this show idea, because I love to travel, and he loves to travel.  We found that we both had gone to the same places that nobody ever heard of, and had great times.  So, that is how the Hidden Gems idea was born.   However, when we started shooting it we hired Tara to come with us.  She was so fun and wild.  Then strange things started to happen on the shoots.  We then kind of altered what we were doing from a simple travel show to a “Thelma and Louise” hit the road.  I think fans will see me in a different way than they have before, which is me out on the road having fun, and being a little wild and crazy with Minh and Tara.   They will catch me reacting to things, and it’s not entirely scripted.   You won’t just hear, and I don’t want to hear, that the “Ritz Carlton is a beautiful hotel.”  (Laughs)

When watching the teaser, I thought it was a very fun amped-up version of “Andrea Evans” you were playing.   Is that how you view it?

Courtesy/HiddenGems

ANDREA:  Well, (laughs) it’s not the glamour puss that people are use to seeing me play, but I love to travel, and I have a little rebellious side.  And as I say in the clip on the teaser, “I’m going rogue a little bit.”   In my off-soap career, I like to have fun, and do projects that interest me.  This was a riot to shoot.  The whole reason we are on Indiegogo is that we have some interest and a showrunner.  If you look at travel shows there is no “Thelma and Louise” about two women traveling.  One way to protect ourselves, and our idea, and our concept, is to shoot a few episodes ourselves first, which is why we are doing the Indiegogo campaign.

How did you find your on-screen sidekick, Tara Erickson?

ANDREA:  We had auditions, and talked with people.  When I met her we instantly clicked.  I thought she was hysterically funny.  She is very different from me, so we wanted that. We wanted someone quirky and still attractive, and to have someone else in a bathing suit, because God knows, I hung up my bikini a while ago! (Laughs)  I wore my bikini and my underwear on TV enough! (Laughs)  As for the reference to “Thelma and Louise”, I am more the Susan Sarandon to her Geena Davis.  But, at the same time in the teaser, I don’t tell my husband where I’m going!  Tara is more of a comedic actress, and I am known, whether I am funny or not, as a soap actress.

How much funding do you hope to raise through the Indiegogo campaign?

Courtesy/HiddenGems

ANDREA:  It’s a flexible goal, but we need about $4-$5,000 per episode just to complete them.  We try to put perks in there that we think those who contribute, and my fans will be interested in, and would like.  One of the biggest perks is that they could be on the show, and part of one of the road trips.

Where would you like to shoot and travel to, if you make more episodes?

ANDREA:  We have been researching travel places to go that are luxurious, fun, and a bit weird, and places people don’t even know about.  For instance: we have been researching route 66, and in Nevada there are all types of “alien” things that people don’t even know about.  There are crazy mansions in Northern California with doors, stairs, and rooms that were built, because the “spirits” told people to do that to protect themselves!  We are going to shoot right now in the U.S., but we would love to eventually shoot out of the country, because there are so many unique and unknown places around the world.

One Life to Live celebrates its 48th anniversary this Friday on July 15th.  It premiered on that date back in 1968.  I was thinking about you, and if it was still around, or was revitalized again, it would be great if Tina could come back and drop right back in the story!

Courtesy/YouTube/ABC

ANDREA:  Oh, absolutely!  One Life to Live is one of the great loves of my life.  I miss it dearly.  I think it’s a crime they took it off the air.  Happy 48th to One Life!  I know it still lives in a lot of people’s hearts.

Recently, I came across a clip from One Life, which was the set-up of the Marco Dane (the late Gerald Anthony) murder!  Looking back on it, it was still one of the best stories ever plotted, and there was you and Erika Slezak in the middle of it.  Wasn’t Tina being framed by Marco via a porn picture? (Laughs)

ANDREA:  What happened was Marco Dane was putting innocent 16-year-old Tina’s face on naked women and making porn!  Viki found out about it.

Do you ever talk to, or stay in touch with, Erika Slezak?

Courtesy/ABC

ANDREA:  Not that I talk with her a lot.  However, I was very touched when my mother passed about a year and half ago.  Erika really worked hard to locate me through people and to find me, and it was so nice to hear from her.  She was sending me her love and condolences.  Erika knew my mother, because when I started on One Life I was so young.  She got to know my mother very well, and it was so sweet of her to do that.  Erika is a lovely woman.  It’s a shame she is not on TV.  She is so talented, and wonderful.  So much about what I learned in this industry I learned from her.  She should be working and current.  I am just sorry that no one else has realized that and put her back on TV, because she should be there.

Every time I have been a segment producer for the Daytime Emmys, and they are looking to do a clip package from classic moments from the soap, one would always come across footage of Tina going over the Igazu Falls in Argentina!  It’s still iconic years and years later.  Where do all of those scenes sit with you when you reflect back on your time on One Life to Live?

Courtesy/ABC

ANDREA:   I started on the show so young, and I have to be honest, I was not even aware of the show before I started appearing on it.  But One Life to Live became such a huge part of my life and my career.  It’s funny, you see people who become very indentified with a character, and that character is indelibly created in people’s minds. Some people resent it, and some people love it.  I personally love it.  I take great pride in it, and I take great pride that my audience, whom I love, still adores it.  To be iconic in anyway in this industry is a blessing, and a huge, huge compliment.

What do you think of what happened to your former Y&R character Patty Williams since you have been gone from that role?  She is “crazy Patty” now, as played by Stacy Haiduk!

Courtesy/CBS

ANDREA:   Not only was there a change in the character, but she grew quite tall! (Laughs)  Patty went crazy!  I remember I went back to Y&R as Tawny from B&B one day, which was really strange.  And Stacy was on the same day, so it was kind of weird, but we did not share scenes together.  Tawny was looking for Amber before she returned to The Bold and the Beautiful.  Originally, I was not available to reprise Patty, because I was working, but I think Stacy did a really, really good job, and the character had gone an entirely different way.

Would you go back to doing a soap if a part came up?

ANDREA:  It’s not like I have been away from the soaps for too long, but yes, absolutely.  They are always a part of my life.  I love them!  I would be more than happy to return to The Bold and the Beautiful, or do one of the two shows I have not appeared on yet: General Hospital, or Days of our Lives.  I love the medium, and I totally support it.  Yes, I love doing other things, and have been building up my film portfolio, but daytime is always a part of my life.

If they could write a really good part for you on Days of our Lives, I could see you shaking things up in Salem.  What do you think?

Courtesy/IMDB

ANDREA:  You know the truth is: Days of our Lives is a soap I have always wanted to do, because I think I would fit in it really well.  I also have to say I am very protective of my career, and my brand, and my fans.  And for me to come back to do something, it doesn’t have to be a role that goes on forever, it could be a short run role that has a certain amount of pop to it.  I would choose a role that is important, and that has to be right.

Tawny Moore was great trailer trash on B&B!  Would you say that she was one of your favorite roles of your career, as well?

ANDREA:  I loved Tawny, and I had been assured she would be coming back to the canvas at some point.  Adrienne Frantz (Amber) and I have remained very close.

To sum it up, for us to see more antics from Andrea Evans, what are your hopes for your project, Hidden Gems?

ANDREA:  I hope people will love, and support it, and hopefully be on it!

Watch Andrea’s Indiegogo campaign video for Hidden Gems below.  Then let us know what you think of the concept? Would it be fun to travel with Andrea and her crew during filming? What did you think about her sentiments on One Life to Live, playing Tina Lord, and Erika Slezak?  Would you love to see her return to daytime on Days of our Lives, GH, or back as B&B’s Tawny? Share your thoughts in the comment section below!

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I’m still heartbroken over not getting my daily fix of One Life To Live! It’s a damn shame the idiots over at ABC took off one of the Best Shows to ever grace its network! It’s also a shame that Prospect Park’s failed attempt to bring it back happened! I watched all 40 some Episodes of the Reboot from Prospect Park and loved every minute of it! I thought they were doing a great job. Was it everything it was on ABC? No! Of course not! But it was pretty damn good! There’s no Actress better than Erika Slezak Period! Through Daytime or Primetime! She should be gracing our television’s on a daily basis! Robin Strasser is also another amazing actress we should still be seeing! I miss Dorian & Viki so much! It would also be great to see Andrea Evans on our television screens again! There’s so many Extremely Talented Stars we don’t get to see anymore! And that’s really ashame! Happy Anniversary One Life To Live! I still hope we get to see you again one day!

So true. Erika and Robin are awesome actresses along with so many of OLTL’s actors. They should be on daytime.

Kyle,

You took the words straight from my heart. I ache for our beloved One Life to Live. I am fortunate enough, read that old enough, to have seen the very first episode of One Life to Live on July 15, 1968 and instantly fell in love with it. All the wonderful characters and actors who have come and gone throughout the years were such a joy to watch. And I agree with you totally. Erika Slezak and Robin Strasser should be gracing out television screens this very minute. And Andrea Evans made Tina Clayton Lord Roberts unforgettable. They are not the only ones. I’ve always said One Life to Live has the strongest cast of any show on television. Even very young and/ or inexperienced actors who are not very strong grow and learn from working with the best of the very best.

Like you, I watched every episode of the Prospect Park series and loved every second of them. I was truly look forward to seeing what would happen next. Some fans have hard feeling about Prospect Park. I do not. At least they tired to keep bringing us the very best daytime drama there ever was. I will always be grateful to them for that.

I will never forgive the alphabet network/mouse company for taking our beloved One Life to Live from us.

Happy Anniversary One Life to Live!!!!!!!!!!!!! You are NOT forgotten and I too still hope to see you again someday.

Very nice interview with a consummate pro. I studied with a top soap Casting Director back in the day, and she bragged that Andrea Evans had a nearly photographic memory! And how sweet of Ms. Evans to mention Erika Slezak…two lovely women. Andrea’s new travel show sounds truly delightful, I hope a cable network picks it up.

I want her on GH….

I got into One Life right before they announced it was being cancelled and it was great TV for it’s last year on ABC. I really enjoyed Andrea making a brief return and thought it was a multi layered character.

I’ve been watching old OLTL episodes and am currently in mid-July 2008. Andrea’s Tina is back in a lackluster and disappointing storyline (IMO) but it sure is great seeing Andrea in the role again. Tina was always a favorite character of mine and I will always be thankful to Andrea for this and wish her well.

THIS actress was THE Patty Williams!

You should have asked her about her time on Passions. Her Rebecca character was truly memorable.

Thank you for an interesting and up to date interview with one my favorite actresses, Andrea Evans. Andrea is always a class act; I would love to see her on soaps again! Looking forward to checking out Hidden Gems!

I loved her on Passions, she and Liza Huber were delicious as mother and daughter villains. They were the best characters next to Tabitha and Timmy.

Love this woman. She always gives 100 per cent no matter what.

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The Young and the Restless Favorite Michael Damian and Janeen Damian to Chat Live on the Michael Fairman Channel

The Young and the Restless fan favorite Michael Damian (Danny Romalotti) along with his real-life wife, Janeen Damian, currently have the most popular streamed film on Netflix as of Monday, March 18th, with their production of Irish Wish starring Lindsay Lohan.

The couple are set to visit the Michael Fairman Channel on Tuesday night, March 19 at 8PM ET/5PM PT. Michael and Janeen will talk about: the film project, Michael’s current story on Y&R as Danny is is being pursued by long-time rivals, Christine (Lauralee Bell) and Phyllis Summers (Michelle Stafford), his musical career and more. Y&R fans recall that Michael hit #1 on the charts with his rendition of “Rock On”, which has been a staple throughout his career.

Janeen and Michael have produced over 17 films together and for Irish Wish, Janeen Damian wore multiple hats as its Director, Producer, and screenwriter, while Michael not only was a producer of the film, but recorded its theme song, Wild Irish Heart. The film also possesses a soundtrack with other notable musicians and singers including: Earth Wind & Fire, Adam Ant and even Lohan’s sister, Aliana, has two songs in it.

Photo: Netflix

This marks the Damians second outing with Lohan who previously appeared in their holiday film, Falling for Christmas. In the story of Irish Wish, book editor Maddie is head over heels for the author she works with, Paul (Alexander Vlahos), until he falls in love with her best friend (Elizabeth Tan). Putting her feelings aside, Maddie travels to Ireland for their wedding, where sparks fly with a charismatic photographer (Ed Speleers) until an accidental wish turns her life upside down. She wakes up engaged to Paul and racing toward a walk down the aisle she’s not sure she wants anymore.

Photo: Netflix

Throughout the history of the CBS soap opera, Michael has returned on Y&R several times including in: 1981–1998, 2002–2004, 2008. 2012–2013, and his current run 2022–present.

Photo: JPI

You can watch the livestream with Michael and Janeen below.

Now, if you cannot attend Tuesday night’s livestream event, drop your questions for Michael and Janeen via the comment section.

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Clint Howard, Brother of Ron Howard, to Make Guest Appearances on The Bold and the Beautiful

The Bold and the Beautiful is bringing Hollywood veteran actor, Clint Howard, to the CBS soap opera for a two-day appearance.

On the daytime drama series, look for Howard to play a homeless man, who according to Deadline, “provides pivotal clues to a mystery.”

The actor is on the set at CBS Television City taping his episodes which will air on April 26 and April 29.

Photo: AP

Clint also has a famous brother, actor/director/producer, Ron Howard. Both Clint and Ron got their starts on The Andy Griffith Show (1962-1964), He later went on to be featured in the TV series, Gentle Ben in 1967.  Most recently, Clint appeared in 2023’s Star Trek: Strange New Worlds.

Together with his brother Ron, they wrote The Boys: A Memoir of Hollywood and Family that was released in 2021. The memoir chronicles their lives from childhood stardom to adulthood and becoming Hollywood icons.

Now the question becomes, is the homeless man as played by Howard going to have some major intel into what happened to the ‘late’ Sheila Carter (Kimberlin Brown)?

Share your thoughts on Clint Howard coming to B&B and what “mystery” do you think he will be involved with via the comment section below.

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Days of our Lives Star, Greg Vaughan, Gives Health Update and Thanks Everyone for Their Support

Greg Vaughan (Eric, Days of our Lives, ex-Lucky, GH, and ex-Diego, Y&R) provided an update on his health on Sunday, March 17th. Vaughan had previously shared that he had become ill during a trip with his sons to Colorado, and had developed altitude sickness when he was having trouble breathing accompanied by terrible headaches and landed in the urgent care.

Now on St. Patrick’s Day, Greg took to his Instagram and shared how he is feeling now, and to thank everyone for their love and support.  As it turned out, Vaughan was diagnosed with high altitude pulmonary edema, commonly known as HAPE. However, he is on the mend slowly and surely.

In his new video post, the DAYS favorite started by expressing, “I just felt such an appreciation and gratitude for everything. . reaching out. Your prayers have been felt. It’s been a struggle, but I’m over the top. And, taking this moment just to say I didn’t realize the things that I was going through. My (original) post was simply just to educate, put some information out there and some things that I was feeling, just share that information and the struggle that I was going through, which I didn’t quite understand. And it wasn’t because I’m stubborn or just because I’m a father, a man, and didn’t want to go to a doctor. It is just something I thought was so minor that I could overcome it, just by taking care of myself.”

Photo: JPI

The Daytime Emmy winner then revealed his actual diagnosis, “So, basically my situation was high altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE). With some good friends, doctors that had reached out to me, it kind of gave me some understanding on the aftermath, which was very, very beneficial.”

“But I’ve been resting, taking care of myself even though I live in a hamster wheel,” said the dad of three teenaged boys. “I gotta get up and, you know, do my normal domesticated stuff, eventually. I’m tired of laying down in this bed, but, I am feeling much better.”

Photo: GVaughanIG

Talking on his confusion of trying to understand what could have been ailing him, Vaughan expressed, “I couldn’t quite figure it out, even though I was emphasizing and professing to my children going on our spring break getaway about hydration. I professed it. But, even though I was acting on it, it had a greater effect on me, and for which I did not even think, because my head was such in pain, and I was in a very bad state of mind – not being able to be out there with my kids on the mountain, enjoying their time, as well. I thought I was doing the right thing. Unfortunately, my lungs were full of fluids and my head was in severe pain and even migraine pills didn’t even help. So, I just want anybody that goes into the Colorado Mountains to know, it is no joke. It is this very serious thing which I guess is why they call it the Mile High City.”

Greg had a mountain of ‘thank you’s’ to give for the outreach he received from his original post, “For everybody internationally, wherever you are, I love you and I appreciate you and just the time and the thoughts that you’ve shared with me,” said Vaughan. “I didn’t realize that it would make such an impression on so many people around the world. I feel tremendously loved and I can’t say it enough. I’m good. And I appreciate you.”

Photo: GVaughanIG

The actor concluded his video with, “To all the family and friends that have reached out to me, man, it means the world. So take care of yourself, enjoy your spring break with your families. It’s Saint Patty’s Day, obviously. I wish I could be out there.” Vaughan added, “I feel loved and touched and I can’t emphasize that enough. I’ll take better care of myself, promise you will do the same.” Before he signed off, Greg shared, “Just know, that I’m alive and well and breathing, and I’m sore. So, be well, take care. I mean it. Thank you, tremendously.”

Glad to know that Greg has been on the mend, and shared his appreciation for everyone that reached out to him during this trying time? Comment below.

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