Dancing with the Stars

Anne Heche Talks Dancing with the Stars, Another World’s Vicky/Marley, Ellen DeGeneres, Standing Up to Discrimination

September 30, 2020

Photo: ABC

America is getting reacquainted with Daytime Emmy winner, primetime Emmy and Tony nominee, actress Anne Heche This talented dynamo has taken to the ballroom dance floor on the new season of Dancing with the Stars with her pro dance partner Keo Motsepe. Daytime soap fans are thrilled to see her again after her unforgettable performances at twins Vicky and Marley on the beloved Another World early in her professional career.

While everyone had a heart-stopping moment on Monday’s episode of Dancing with the Stars, when Heche and Motsepe found themselves in the bottom two- they were saved by the judges and will dance into next week!

Michael Fairman caught up with Heche prior to Monday’s show from her home in Los Angeles for a new interview feature on The Michael Fairman Channel on You Tube. Their conversation covered many points throughout Anne’s career, from her difficult upbringing detailed in her memoir, “Call Me Crazy”, to how she landed on Another World and life on a soap opera, to making the decision to leave, to having her career in film and TV reach a critical impasse when she was in a relationship with Ellen DeGeneres, to life now with her two children and of course, being a celebrity dancer on live TV on this very different season of DWTS.

Here are just a few of the highlights from the chat with Heche below.

Photo: ABC

Speaking on performing on the Covid-19 season of Dancing with the Stars, Anne expressed:”You can’t define a moment that’s getting on to that ballroom floor, and all of a sudden you know you are on live television. Dancing with the Stars is usually done in front of a live audience and it’s not this year. So you only have the other dancers as your audience, but stepping out knowing the responsibility that I was taking on for Keo, that I was taking on for myself, and then that click – and you get four clicks – and then you go. You don’t know if you’re going to be able to do it. I will go as far as I can go as an artist. But when judge Derek Hough said ‘You made me smile’, that was my intention. That’s why I am doing this more than anything. Yes, I want to learn, but I am here to entertain in a world where there is little entertainment (right now), where it’s live, it’s now, and it’s happening in this moment. We can’t feel each other, but you can look at my face and know that whatever dedication I have to do this, I will do to the best of my ability. I have been given the opportunity to perform for an audience who is at home to give one thing – that is the joy with the entertainment that I bring.”

Photo: NBC

Soap opera fans will always recall Anne’s sensational portrayal of twins Vicky and Marley on Another World from 1987-1991. To this day, it remains one of the all-time greatest in the genre, and at that time, daytime fans knew that Heche would eventually go on to an even greater mainstream career in motion pictures and television and Broadway. Anne’s road to Bay City and Another World happened the day after she graduated high school (she was discovered there) and landed in New York and at Another World producer and director John Whitesell’s office, where she learned now only was she playing one part, but two!

As Anne recalls it, Whitesell said to her, “What you don’t know is that I auditioned you for two characters because you’re going to play twins. And by the way … that Bahama Mama T-shirt you wore, and obviously you thought you should repeat it, because you’re wearing it in your screen-test, and you’re wearing it now, get it off! Vicky is the sexy one, so go figure it out! Your first day you’re going to be in a hot tub and you’re talking to your dad, because you just lost a million dollars. I’m like, ‘What?’. Whitesell continued, ‘Yeah, it’s a bubble bath … and don’t make me regret this decision, because I am the only person who wanted to hire you.” After that moment, Anne took on the dual roles still not knowing much of anything about daytime and she became a fan favorite. Throughout the interview, Anne recalls her time working with Kale Brown (Ex-Michael Hudson) (Ex-Anna Stuart (Ex- Donna Love), and Tom Eplin (Ex-Jake McKinnon).

Heche had made the decision to exit Another World and was going to quit acting with the intent on going to the Parsons School of Design, when her agent called for her to go out for a role in a film that starred Jessica Lange in which he landed the role. Noting that the production team at Another World moved all of her scenes to the end of the day so they could tape Vicky and Marley’s departure (so she could go be in the movie), Anne next found herself in a Motel 6 on location in Nebraska when the Daytime Emmys were being handed out in 1991, and she was nominated for her Outstanding Younger Actress.

As Heche recalls, “I’m watching the Emmys and I win and I’m eating a cheeseburger on a bed by myself in a Motel 6 in Nebraska and they say ‘she can’t be here … she is a new movie with Jessica Lange.’ I won an Emmy on a bug-infested bed in a Motel 6 in Nebraska and at that moment said, with a cheeseburger in my mouth, ‘Does this mean I’m supposed to be an actress?” (Laughs)

Photo: JP

Anne’s relationship with Ellen DeGeneres was a highly-publicized from 1997-2000 for their public appearances together which later backfired on Heche’s career. However, through Heche, the needle moved forward to pave the way for same-sex couples to be able to express their love publicly. As she reflects on that time in her life, she expressed: “I was told not to go to the premiere of Volcano if I took Ellen, and I looked at the suits standing in front of me, and even Ellen said, ‘You listen to them, Anne. You can’t go with me.’ This is four days after I met Ellen. I said, ‘If I had met George Clooney and four days later I was taking him to a premiere we would not be having this conversation.” This is the moment I realized what discrimination feels like. because, even Ellen is sitting here telling me not to go to the premiere.’ I said to Ellen, ‘You just came out Tuesday night on Ellen (referring to DeGeneres then comedy series) and you are sitting here right now and you are telling me to not bring you to my premiere as my date?!’ So, even Ellen did not agree with me. Then it happened again in front of President Clinton. I put my arm around her. She said, “You’re not allowed, you can’t do that.’ I said, ‘I will not be discriminated against.”

Watch the entire video interview with Anne below.

Then let us know, are you rooting Anne on during her run on DWTS? What are your favorite Vicky/Marley moments portrayed by Anne on Another World? What do you think about the comments she shared on Ellen DeGeneres and what happened throughout her life and career? Share your thoughts in the comment section.

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newest oldest

Guest

sonniorsolita

Who is the Another World character/actor pictured with Anne? (not the magazine cover but the publicity shot) He looks familiar, but I can’t place him.

Guest

James R. Poissant

That’s Russell Todd who played Jamie Frame.

Guest

Bill smith

Russell Todd who played Jamie

Guest

Momo

I think he was the second Jamie. Laurence Lau played Jamie 86-90.

Guest

Michael (not Fairman)

He was actually the fifth “adult” Jamie, if I am remembering correctly. The first three were Tim Holcomb, Richard Bekins, and Stephen Yates (an interesting choice, given that Yates had played a different character on the show in the mid-70s); Lau was the fourth, and Todd was the fifth and final.

Guest

Jeff

Yes that is Russell Todd, who took over the role of Jamie Frame from Laurence Lau, who was Anne’s first leading man along with Tom Eplin’s Jake McKinnon.

Guest

Momo

Anne was fantastic on AW. I still remember and love it. I was heartbroken when she left. I didn’t think they would be able to find someone to fill her shoes, but they did. Still, Anne was my favorite. I think she’s doing a good job on DWTS. She seems so happy.

I also enjoyed Anne in the TV show set in Alaska.

Guest

Mark Coronado

Anne will always be my favorite soap star. Vicky/Marley was just sensational tv.

Guest

Zoie

Love this, love Anne. Great interview Michael

Guest

Jeff

The year was 1987. I was a closeted gay teenager living in the Midwest attending a pretty large high school. The 80s weren’t an easy time for everyone. And that particular year was one of the worst of my childhood besides ’83 losing my Dad. Call me crazy but often soaps were an escape for me, as they are for millions of people, especially during the 80s. Many gay or straight men watched soaps, or at least during summer breaks, etc. Everyone knew who “Bo and Hope” were on DAYS, which my siblings and I grew up on due to… Read more »

Dancing with the Stars

Julianne Hough Replaces Tyra Banks as New Co-Host of ‘Dancing with the Stars’

March 20, 2023

After Tyra Banks revealed she was stepping away from Dancing with the Stars, a new co-host needed to be named and it looks like the reality-ballroom dance competition series has found their gal.

Julianne Hough, will rejoin the series, but this time as the new co-host alongside Alfonso Ribeiro. Hough has previously appeared on the dance series as both a pro dancer and a judge.

With Julianne returning to the ballroom, she will be reunited with her brother, Derek Hough, who will be back at the judges table for the show’s upcoming 32nd season streaming on Disney+.

The new co-host has twice won the mirrorball trophy with celebrity partners, Apolo Ohno and Hélio Castroneves, during Dancing with the Stars fourth and fifth seasons on ABC.

As for Tyra Banks, last week, she told TMZ that she felt that it was time for her to exit DWTS and focus on her business and entrepreneurship, and that she would also be producing more TV but behind the scenes.

What do you think of Julianne replacing Tyra in the ballroom for season 32 of DWTS? Comment below.

Breaking News

Tyra Banks Exiting ‘Dancing with the Stars’

March 17, 2023

Yesterday, Tyra Banks dropped a bombshell when speaking with a reporter from TMZ, while out for a stroll.

Banks shared that she’s not going to be returning as host of Dancing with the Stars, and has decided to focus on the business and entrepreneurial side of her career, plus producing behind the scenes entertainment projects.

This morning on Friday, Banks confirmed the news to Deadline.

Tyra had joined DTWTS in season 29 when she replaced longtime host, Tom Bergeron. She also became an executive producer of the reality-ballroom dance competition.

Last season, DWTS streamed exclusively on Disney Plus, and was taken off the ABC network. During the last season, Tyra co-hosted the show with Alfonso Ribeiro, although she still presided over the ballroom competition.

Thus far, there has been no news of the next season of the series, although it’s expected to return. In addition to Banks, dancer Mark Ballas along with the previously announced departure of dancer Cheryl Burke, leave the show with some shoes to fill.

Check out Tyra’s chat with TMZ below.

So, glad Tyra has checked out of Dancing with the Stars? Share your thoughts via the comment section below.

Breaking News

Hollywood Reacts to the Death of Former ‘Cheers’ Star Kirstie Alley

December 6, 2022

Over the last 24 hours, friends, colleagues and former co-star have paid tribute to Kirstie Alley, the former Cheers and Veronica Closet star, who passed away at age 71.

On Tuesday, a rep for Kirstie Alley confirmed to PEOPLE.com that the actress died from complications from Colon Cancer.

Alley rose to fame in 1987 as Rebecca Howe on NBC’s Cheers. For that tole she earned a Golden Globe for Best Actress and an Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy series in1991. In 1994, she received her second Emmy win for her portrayal of Sally Goodson in David’s Mother.

Some of her other roles included: Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan (1982), Summer School (1987), Look Who’s Talking (1989), It Takes Two (1995) and Drop Dead Gorgeous (1999).

Alley also starred on in other TV sitcoms such as: Veronica’s Closet, Fat Actress, Kirstie and Scream Queens. She later appeared on two reality series: A&E’s Kirstie Alley’s Big Life and was a celebrity competitor on season 12 of Dancing with the Stars.

Alley’s children, True and Lillie broke the news of their mother’s death via an Instagram post: “To all our friends, far and wide around the world. We are sad to inform you that our incredible, fierce and loving mother has passed away after a battle with cancer, only recently discovered. She was surrounded by her closest family and fought with great strength, leaving us with a certainty of her never-ending joy of living and whatever adventures lie ahead. As iconic as she was on screen, she was an even more amazing mother and grandmother. We are grateful to the incredible team of doctors and nurses at the Moffitt Cancer Center for their care. Our mother’s zest and passion for life, her children, grandchildren and her many animals, not to mention her eternal joy of creating, were unparalleled and leave us inspired to live life to the fullest just as she did. We thank you for your love and prayers and ask that you respect our privacy at this difficult time.”

Photo: KAlleyIG

Kirstie’s controversial relationship with Scientology had been much talked about in the press and through her years in Hollywood. The late actress shared in the past that through Scientology, it gave her the strength to climb out of her drug addiction and depression. In her 2012 memoir, The Art of Men, she noted that she stumbled upon Scientology at a very dark period in her life; that for 26 days, she drove from Kansas to Newport Beach, California, to visit a Scientology center, stopping periodically along the way to buy drugs. After, she said Scientology helped her kicked her addition, Kirstie then became a devotee and spent decades publicly defending the church and building friendships within it, but later in life, she found some of those relationships fracture such as with Leah Ramini.

Greg Vaughan (Eric, DAYS): “I am beyond thankful to have had the pleasure to embrace your love, laughter & kindness!!! All my love & prayers”

Finola Hughes (Anna, GH): “#rip #kirstialley one of a kind”

Maksim Chmerkovskiy (DWTS) “My dearest Kirstie, We haven’t spoken lately and I’ll tell you everything when I finally see you, but for now I want to say that I love you very much and I wish you the most peaceful rest. You were one of the most unique people I have ever met and easily one of the brightest moments of my personal and professional life. Some of our relationship is heavily documented. Most of it is known to select few. All of it was like a wild rollercoaster. From Maude to DJ Lil Buttercup you were always all in for life. As I’m typing this, memories of our time together rush to my head, I remember how absolutely wild you were and I start to tear up. Something you’d absolutely hate. And now I can’t help but smile because I remembered exactly what you wanted me to say at your funeral. Don’t think I can do it here… I thought you’d be around forever. I wish we spoke often. Thank you for everything. I love you Kirstie Alley”

Photo: NBC

Ted Danson (ex-Cheers, ex-Mr. Mayor, ex-AW): “I was on a plane today and did something I rarely do. “I watched an old episode of Cheers. It was the episode where Tom Berenger proposes to Kirstie, who keeps saying no, even though she desperately wants to say yes. Kirstie was truly brilliant in it. Her ability to play a woman on the verge of a nervous breakdown was both moving and hysterically funny, She made me laugh 30 years ago when she shot that scene, and she made me laugh today just as hard. As I got off the plane, I heard that Kirstie had died. I am so sad and so grateful for all the times she made me laugh. I send my love to her children. As they well know, their mother had a heart of gold. I will miss her.”

Kelsey Grammar (ex-Cheers): “I always believed grief for a public figure is a private matter, but I will say I loved her.”

Rhea Perlman (ex-Cheers): “Kirstie was a unique and wonderful person and friend. Her joy of being was boundless. We became friends almost instantly when she joined the cast of Cheers. She loved kids and my kids loved her too. We had sleepovers at her house, with treasure hunts that she created. She had massive Halloween and Easter parties, and invited the entire crew of the show, and their families. She wanted everyone to feel included. She loved her children deeply. I’ve never met anyone remotely like her. I feel so thankful to have known her. I’m going to miss her very, very much.”

John Travolta: “Kirstie was one of the most special relationships I’ve ever had. I love you Kirstie. I know we will see each other again.”

Jamie Lee Curtis: “I’ve just heard the sad news that Kirstie Alley has died. She was a great comic foil in Scream Queens and a beautiful mama bear in her very real life. She helped me buy onesies for my family that year for Christmas. We agreed to disagree about some things but had a mutual respect and connection. Sad news.”

Share your thoughts on the passing of Kirstie Alley in the comment section below.