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THE BREE WILLIAMSON INTERVIEW – ONE LIFE TO LIVE

By Michael Fairman

Published

18 years ago

on

breemain.jpgIf you have had the chance over the last five months to watch Bree Williamson navigate between Jessica and her two alters, Tess and Bess, you have been watching heavy dramatic story almost day in and day out, played by one singular actress.

In this “On-Air On-Soaps” feature interview, we go back in time over the harrowing and compelling plot points that all One Life to Live fans have been witness to. From Tess locking her sister Natalie and beau Jared in a basement room with a bomb ready to explode, to her losing her baby after giving birth alone in a cabin. Then, Bess popping out and switching Jessica’s baby for Starr’s and being admitted to St. Ann’s for some deep psychological evaluation and attempts at integration. Coming home and seeing the new animosity between her and her sister Natalie, and the reveal that Jessica did want Natalie dead. Then, connecting with a new man also in deep emotional trouble and learning to love again after the death of her husband, Nash. You could say it’s been quite an emotional roller coaster!

I chatted with Bree and we discuss the complexities, joy, and sadness of playing this intricate storyline.

MICHAEL:

It has been so amazing to watch your performances playing three personalities, Jess, Tess and Bess. Has there ever been a time during the storyline that it was confusing for you?

jess_chloe.jpgBREE:

No. The writers write them really well. The way that each one is written, you don’t have to put the name on each line because you kind of know who said what. That makes them a lot easier for me, and they are all three different. Posture helps a lot, and just changing the way your body is for each character helps me a lot.

MICHAEL:

Those amazing scenes awhile back where she is jailed in her own mind… Is it difficult to play the different parts in that scenario?

BREE:

There was one episode where we did all of them in one day. It was just me at the studio, which was kind of lonely, but it was a lot of work. Even memorizing the scenes where I say all the lines was difficult. You just have to get through it and do the best you can. The writing is great, and it’s exciting story.

MICHAEL:

Agnes Nixon created the multiple personality disorder storyline originally for Viki. It has played magnificently by six-time Daytime Emmy winner, Erika Slezak, over the years. Now you are the second generation taking over that storyline, which is fascinating. When you were handed this and knew what was going to happen, did you think, “Great” or were you fearful at all?

breenash.jpgBREE:

When I first found out I was so scared. It was very intimating. The first time I got to play Tess was when the whole Nash storyline happened. Even before Nash, I was having such a great time. I don’t even remember what my life was like on the show before I had these alters. It was so exciting to create Tess, because someone else played Jessica before I got there. Erin Torpey played her. So, I had strict guidelines in which I had to play Jessica. But with Tess, I got to do whatever I wanted with her, because she was so much fun, and free, and awesome. Recently with Bess, it’s been a great acting exercise and I learn so much when I go to work now. It’s so challenging, and I am very lucky.

MICHAEL:

We learned awhile back, the awful truth that Jessica did want harm to come to her sister Natalie, and that was not just Tess wanting that. Did you know that it was going to be written that way? Jessica just stood back and let all of the awful torture that Tess did to Natalie and Jared happen!

BREE:

I knew that was coming, and it’s only half the story. It’s awful! I love what they are doing with the sisters, with them fighting and having this whole sibling rivalry. Down deep it’s convoluted and confusing with different personalities. On the surface, it’s very normal, with both of them wanting the love and affection of their mother. I saw a recent air show where Natalie was asking her mother to take her side, and I think that’s true to life with siblings. Usually, they are always trying to vie for their parent’s attention. It’s great to play and a great story.

jessnataliefight.jpgMICHAEL:

The big secret, of course, is the “Baby Switch”. Chloe is really Starr’s baby. This all took place last November with brilliant writing from Ron Carlivati, with all the stories intersecting. It was so riveting for the audience to witness. Probably one of the best all time sweeps story delivered by “One Life to Live”, and they have had some of the best!

BREE:

It’s still continuing. Some stories have this great inter-connection and they fizzle out. But this one keeps going and the stamina it has is amazing. There’s going to be story forever and ever, and ever. That’s what soaps are all about!

MICHAEL:

Jessica is not going to know what Tess and Bess did for quite awhile. Is that safe to say? Although she has been having more memories of things here and there.

BREE:

You are right. I have not read the script on that yet, so it could go on for a while. And Kristen Alderson as Starr is just the sweetest. It’s so great to work with her, and I am really excited for when those scenes come out and I get to play with Kristen.

MICHAEL:

I loved when there were scenes between Todd and Tess! It was like Evil and Evilene. How did you like working with Trevor St. John?

BREE:

It was so much fun! I loved going to work everyday to work with Trevor. I loved going to work every day and being his partner in crime.

MICHAEL:

Did Erika Slezak give you pointers, tips or advice regarding the Disssociative Identify Disorder storyline and playing the beats of it?

bree_erika.jpgBREE:

Erika is really great with that. She has this quiet guidance that she gives. I kind of ask for it. I will get stuck and she will just gently guide me a little bit. I never asked her for help, but she quietly guides me and I think it’s so nice. I think that’s the kind of mentor you would want to have, and that she is. She is the best-case scenario. She is an amazing mentor, and the woman to look up to of the cast.

MICHAEL:

How do you like working with your new “hot” love interest, Mark Lawson as Brody Lovett?

BREE:

I am such in a good place at One Life to Live. I mean, look at the people I get to work with! Mark is the sweetest and the best guy, and I adore him. When I heard they were putting us together, I was so happy.

MICHAEL:

I hear Mark is a dedicated actor.

bree_mark.jpgBREE:

He is very committed and has an excellent work ethic. He takes it all very seriously. Jessica and Brody have built this terrific friendship, and there is a kiss coming up. It’s complex. But their relationship will stay complex and heartbreaking for a while.

MICHAEL:

Do you ever watch the air shows or look at your work after it is completed?

BREE:

I do watch it. I think it’s important to have an interest in yourself and your show. So, not only do I watch myself, but I watch most of the shows when I can. It’s a really good show right now! We put on really good TV!

MICHAEL:

Did you do a lot of research in preparing for your multiple personalities on “DID”?

BREE:

I did. I was a psychology major in school. I did some research, and of course, you rent “Sybil”. In order to write “DID” in the way it’s been medically documented is not good for story telling. They try to remain as accurate as they can and keep the momentum going, but it’s not as medically accurate. For instance, there are some cases with people who have really distinct personalities, and most of the time it’s more of a fluid thing between the different people. It just makes it more interesting to tell the story that way, having them so distinctive.

bree_dress.jpgMICHAEL:

And what did you think of Sally Field as “Sybil” when you did your research?

BREE:

She is amazing, and she was incredible in it. I took a lot away from that performance.

MICHAEL:

One of the most gut-wrenching scenes I have ever seen was when Tess was giving birth in the cottage, with the bloody graphics and the way it was shot. It was so intense and well told. And Erika was playing Niki Smith, who helped Tess!

BREE:

It was so sad. I loved working with Erika that day. It was really interesting to see Niki in such a different way. She was so
hard, and then she repented for what she
had done to Jessica, and she was kind!
They were really smart scenes.

MICHAEL:

And then Tess realizes something went terribly wrong!

BREE:

That I didn’t like. She was saying, “Why aren’t you crying?” It was awful and so sad. I hated going to work that day. It was too sad for me.

MICHAEL:

You are one of the best crier’s on daytime right now. Is it easy for you to have the tears flow? I mean, the emotional stakes are always so high if you are performing a scene as any one of the three gals you play.

bree_glamourshot.jpgBREE:

I mean, yeah. I cry easily. It’s sad. It’s sad material, and as long as you allow yourself to feel it and to understand it, and go along with the journey, the tears are the easiest part. That’s how I do it. You have to be available, and Ron (Carlivati) will write you a good story. He has already written it for me, and it’s sad and I just have to feel it.

MICHAEL:

From a character perspective, of all the people on the Llanview canvas, who would you like to have more scenes with?

BREE:

There are tons of people. I would love to work with Tika Sumpter (Layla) more, and I would like a friend on the show. I’m a big jerk, and I lock people in rooms, so who wants to be friends with me?
(She laughs)

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Beyond the Gates

‘Beyond the Gates’ Marquita Goings on Hayley’s Pregnancy, ‘Friendship’ with Leslie, and Working with Timon Kyle Durrett (Exclusive)

Published

13 hours ago

on

October 25, 2026

By

Marquita Goings

When Beyond the Gates concluded last week’s Friday cliffhanger, Hayley (Marquita Goings) received some life-altering news! Up in her suite at the Bowman, she had decided to take a home pregnancy test. As she watched the timer, nervously, when it was time to check the results, it confirmed she was indeed carrying a child. This causes Hayley great angst as she threw it to the wall and screamed, “No!”

This development sideswipes and turns her next move upside down! Previously, Hayley had met with her cousin Randy (Maurice P. Kerry) who finally presented her with the requested new ID to start a new life, and for her to go after another rich man and scam him, like she tried to do with Bill Hamilton (Timon Kyle Durrett).

Hayley’s new identify was to be that of Carey Jenner, …a nanny! Hayley didn’t want anything to do with kids. Randy had told her it was the perfect identify to infiltrate a wealthy man’s home and heart. Now, that Hayley’s pregnant presumably with Bill’s child, what will be her next move?

Hayley and Randy

Photo: CBS

THE LATEST IN THE LIFE OF HAYLEY LAWSON HAMILTON

During a livestream chat with Marquita Goings on You Tube’s Michael Fairman Channel, the actress talked about what Hayley pregnancy would mean, what other men in the Fairmont Crest universe might she set her sights on, and her odd, yet “friendly” relationship with Leslie (Trisha Mann-Grant), plus working with her leading man, Timon Kyle Durrett, who this week’s goes for gold in the Outstanding Supporting Actor category at the 53rd annual Daytime Emmy Awards.

Opening up about Hayley realizing she may be pregnant which prompted the home pregnancy test, Goings shared, “That was good timing with Leslie. With her saying, ‘Oh, you’re gaining weight,’ and Hayley just has to go throw up.”

Now that it has been confirmed that Hayley is pregnant, it will be interesting to see how she plays this off, because as Goings stated, “She said she was pregnant already twice, I think. She was back and forth with Bill, like, ‘Oh, I’m pregnant, and then all this happened, and then losing the baby at Uptown.’ I guess now we’ll have to see (how this plays out).”

Courtesy/CBS

RANDY AND LESLIE UNLIKELY ALLIES?

As for her cousin, Randy, with whom Hayley keeps asking for new passports and fake ID’s, does she have any true familial feelings for him? “A little bit. I hate to say it,” shared Goings. “I feel like Hayley definitely loves her cousin. She appreciates her cousin, but they’ve always had this dynamic to where she’s bossed him around. She’s always helped him in a sense, although he’s helping her too, but when she scams, she’s the one going through everything, making the money. She’s playing him, but deep down, she cares about Randy.”

Beyond the Gates fans love the soapy goodness of two bad girls seemingly becoming frenemies when Leslie paid Hayley’s bail! Now the two chat over food and sundaes, as Hayley’s keeps getting sick at the sight of anything she would have to put down her stomach due to her pregnancy.

“Hayley doesn’t fully trust Leslie. She feels like she’s a scammer and they’re kinda two peas in a pod to some degree,” declared Marquita. “She probably doesn’t trust her because of Hayley knowing her own ways. She’s like, ‘Okay, why does she want to be close?’ But then it’s like, ‘Oh, wait! She bailed me out of jail of all people!”

Timon Kyle Durrett and Marquita Goings

Photo: CBS

TIMON KYLE DURRETT GOES FOR GOLD

While becoming pregnant may have given Hayley a second chance at a marriage of convenience to Bill, who else might Hayley target next? Goings weighed-in, “It definitely needs to be someone with some wealth because of her being money hungry. Like Isaiah (Lami), he doesn’t have anything. So he wouldn’t do her any good. And of course, he could be like eye candy, but he’s already in a relationship and he doesn’t have the tools. So, I don’t know. I don’t know if it would have to be someone new?”

Marquita also had high-praise for her co-star, Timon Kyle Durrett and was thrilled for his Daytime Emmy nomination. “It’s deserving. I cannot wait for the Emmys. I will be there. I have most of my scenes with Timon and I have a lot of fun with him. I also love my scenes with Karla Mosley (Dani Dupree) too. Just working with Karla alone is a joy. She’s amazing. I will say this, being my first time being on a soap, just watching her handle the pacing and just learning all the things, is a great example of how to do this medium.”

So, what do you think of Hayley being pregnant? Will she get Bill to take her back if she is carrying his child? Do you think it could be another man’s baby? What do you think of Hayley being frenemies with Leslie? Are you rooting for Timon Kyle Durrett and Karla Mosley at this week’s Daytime Emmys? Weigh-in below.

 

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Interviews

Joe Hendry Talks WWE Microdrama Collab ‘Agent of Shadows,’ New Music, and What’s Next! (Exclusive)

Published

2 days ago

on

October 23, 2026

By

Joe Hendry

The motto, “I believe in Joe Hendry” is catching on even outside the WWE Universe! The Scottish-born pro wrestler is having a banner October (well not so much on this week’s Monday Night Raw), but with the release of his new album Beyond Belief and appearing in WWE’s first-ever microdrama Agent of Shadows in its partnership with vertical leader ReelShort.

On Friday, October 23, ReelShort launched Agent of Shadows on its mobile-first storytelling platform that is available in more than 100 countries, reaching more than 70 million monthly active users.

Hendry joins fellow WWE stars Drew McIntrye, Jacob Fatu, plus Booker T, Michael Hayes and Nikkita Lyon and more in the cast as they mix it up with microdrama leading men, Chase Mattson and Marc Herrman, in the action-packed series.

Photo: ReelShort

A NEW FRONTIER FOR WWE SUPERSTARS

As the story begins, the world’s greatest secret agent must protect and care for his 6-year-old daughter while posing as her nanny. Now, without revealing his true identity, he must win his daughter’s (and her mother’s) trust, while secretly thwarting corrupt suitors, mafioso strongmen and even a megalomaniacal billionaire who’s using his family to get to him. What could go wrong?

Michael Fairman TV chatted with Hendry on his ascension and rise in the ranks of the WWE, bringing his brand of satire, music and singing to sports entertainment, plus his thoughts on branching out into the acting world of motion pictures, microdramas and more. The full conversation can be seen with Joe on You Tube’s Michael Fairman Channel.

Photo: ReelShort

JOE HENDRY ON PLAYING … JOE HENDRY

Unlike the other WWE superstars in Agent of Shadows, Hendry is taking on the role of … himself! Seems like it may not be then been too much of a stretch to play or is it? Joe explained, “I don’t know how much of this I’m allowed to reveal, so I’m sure there’ll be a lot of fun in discovering what that is. But what I will reveal is what I think is the best thing about my involvement … everyone else plays a character and I play Joe Hendry. So, I’m very pleased about that.”

Speaking on his background, Joe explained, “For those of you who don’t know, I’ve been a wrestler for 14 years, but I kind of had a mainstream crossover in 2024 when my music video became a meme. It did really well in the charts.  I’ve now been able to carry that forward and I’m in one of those positions where I can just appear as myself.”

“This is the first film-type project I’ve been a part of,” elaborated Hendry. “I think that’s why WWE stars crossover so well into movies, because we’re so used to having to do everything in one take, whereas in Hollywood you may get as many takes as you need. In microdramas, you can look at these chapters as well. So, let’s say you manage to get through the first give chapters on your way to work or whatever, you can always come back to that. I think’s its a smart combination for storytelling.”

Photo: WWE

NEW LP TRACK LIST INCLUDES ‘FIRE LOGAN PAUL’

Back on October 5, Hendry released his LP Beyond Belief filled with hilarious and clever send-ups. The track list includes: Tables, Ladders and Chairs, Fire Logan Paul (the social media phenom and pro wrestler), Give Joe Hendry Every Single Belt and more. Hendry added one more favorite, that is his latest single and music video!

“The other main one is If You Don’t Love Joe Hendry, and the lyrics are, ‘If you don’t love Joe Hendry, then, you’re a useless piece of … ‘ So, I think we should fire Logan Paul, and I think we should give Joe Hendry every single belt. I just think these are sensible messages we have to get out to the world.”

The album was completed in what some would consider lighting speed! “We had a lot of fun recording these, but it was done so fast. It was actually a lot of pressure to get it done. I wrote the album except Fire Logan Paul in a span of four days.  It was pretty intense. We recorded all the vocals in five hours, which is insane,” recalled Joe. “But it’s kind of what I was talking about before. In WWE, everything is done live. We do not have retakes. So, I think being a WWE superstar has prepared me well for producing other forms of media quickly.”

Photo: WWE

TEENAGE DREAMS BECOME A REALITY WRESTLING RANDY ORTON

Back in the squared circle, Hendry has been in a feud with the Judgment Day, and in particular of late with JD McDonaugh on Raw. But taking a look at his rise from NXT to TNA to WWE, Joe reflected on his heart-stopping moment at WrestleMania 41 against one of his legends, Randy Orton.

“I remember being 15 and kind of imagining being a pro wrestler. I also remember specifically thinking, ‘What if I had a feud with Randy Orton?’ And then, I became a wrestler when I was just about to turn 25 and all these years later, it happened!

“It such an unlikely story,” said Joe of getting the call he would be facing the 14-time WWE champion. He added, “I’m so grateful that I’ve had that moment early on in my WWE career and it kind of takes the pressure off, because it doesn’t get any bigger than that. So now, I can focus on my goal which is just to get better all the time; improve as a wrestler all the time. I can see the progression in myself. I’m gaining skills and confidence all the time.”

Photo: WWE

SHOULD JOE STAY GOOD OR TURN BAD?

The proverbial question had to be asked, “Does Joe prefer being a babyface or would he like to see a heel turn? Hendry replied, “Interesting question. Never say never. You just never know. Anything can happen in the WWE. It’s funny, originally, my character was designed by me to be hated, and people just happened to like it! You can’t force it. The audience is going to tell you. They are a huge part in dictating our paths as wrestlers.”

Check out Joe in Agent of Shadows by visiting ReelShort.com to download the ReelShort app on Apple and Android devices. You can also check out @ReelShort on YouTube.

You can also watch our full conversation with Joe Hendry now on the Michael Fairman Channel below.

Now let us know, will you check out WWE’s first microdrama, Agent of Shadows? Do you get a kick out of Joe Hendry’s songs and how it relates to his feuds in the WWE and his rise in the ranks of pro wrestling? Hoping Joe stays a babyface or would you like to see him turn heel? Weigh-in via the comment section.

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Beyond the Gates

‘Beyond the Gates’ Mike Manning Talks Smitty’s Emotional Visit with His Mother (Exclusive)

Published

3 days ago

on

October 23, 2026

By

Mike Manning, Smitty

This week on all-new episodes of Beyond the Gates, as Smitty (Mike Manning) continues to be framed and in hot water for the murder of Dr. Lia Whitmore, he gets some familial back-up when his never-before-seen mother, Jenny Smith arrives in Fairmont Crest to see her son.

Jenny is played by Jennifer Van Horn who made her Beyond the Gates debut on the Wednesday, October 21, which was the same day that Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Daytime Drama Series Emmy nominee, Mike Manning participated in a livestream chat on You Tube’s Michael Fairman Channel.

In story, as Smitty was at home, he received a surprise visit from his mother, who resides in Ohio. Jenny came to support her son through this difficult time. Smitty made note of his disappointment that his father didn’t come with her on the trip, sharing that he knows his dad has never been comfortable around wealth or the Duprees.  Smitty also acknowledged how his father didn’t approve of becoming a journalist or moving to the DMV.  Later, when Smitty’s husband, Martin returned (Brandon Claybon) he walked in on Smitty getting a pep talk from Jenny.

Mike Manning

Courtesy/CBS

SMITTY’S MOM ARRIVES

Manning addressed how he had to keep the appearance of Smitty’s mom on the down low. “I do have a mom now. Yes.! I couldn’t talk about it to anybody.  Jennifer Van Horn who plays my mom was so lovely and so nice, and she was great. I love Smitty having some backstory and having a parent.”

And there could be even more Smitty drama to come! Mike shared, “They mentioned Smitty’s father too, so they kind of plant the seeds for maybe more to come, which is nice. I think it really shows that there’s just one more level to the community that is surrounding Smitty. One of my favorite scenes from this entire storyline is when Smitty gets hauled into jail and the entire Dupree family shows up and they all start taking shots at Jacob (Jibre Hordges) and everyone at the police station.”

BEING EMBRACED BY THE DUPREES

Manning,  in particular, recalled a moment from fellow Daytime Emmy nominee, Tamara Tunie (Anita Dupree). “I loved when Anita goes, and this is not verbatim, but it was something along the lines of, ‘If Smitty’s not home for dinner, you’re gonna be hearing from Anita Dupree.’ Then, Vernon (Clifton Davis) says something, and Kat (Colby Nixon) comes in and she’s giving him so much sass. I remember watching the episode just being so touched that the entire Dupree family is wrapping around Smitty like this shield, this cocoon.  So, it makes this storyline of him being framed a little bit easier to swallow.”

Jennifer Van Horn

Courtesy/CBS

MORE OF SMITTY’S BACKSTORY TO BE REVEALED?

Speaking of the scenes between Smitty and his mom, Manning felt, “It was very touching. He spoke about how he loved his mom for what she sacrificed, It was one of those mother-son things, but it was poignantly done. I would like them to explore that more, and Smitty’s family, because, I think that it’ll also help inform some of the dynamic between Martin and Smitty. We know that Martin comes from a long line of successful people, whether it’s in entertainment or politicians. His grandfather’s a senator. So, we understand that he grew up in the country club, basically. We don’t really understand where Smitty grew up yet.”

The two-time Daytime Emmy winner also explained that he has his own origin story for Bradley “Smitty” Smith: “Obviously, I have an idea in my head with the backstory that I’ve sort of decided for Smitty, whether or not that’s exactly what the writers are going to throw at me,  eventually, who knows? But, I certainly have an idea of why Smitty is the way he is, why he’s so driven, why he takes risks, why he’s so hungry to prove himself and be successful in journalism and everything else.”

You can check out a scene between Smitty and his never-before-seen-mom, Jenny below. Followed by our live chat with Mike Manning after the episode aired.

Now let us know, do you hope Beyond the Gates explores more of Smitty’s backstory? Did you enjoy the debut of Jennifer Van Horn as Smitty’s mom? Share your thoughts via the conversation below. And make sure to catch Mike on the 53rd annual Daytime Emmy Awards streaming next Friday, October 30 to see if he takes home his third gold statuette!

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