Interviews
The Cady McClain Interview – The Young and the Restless
Photo Credit: Courtney Lindberg
Over the last few months, Daytime Emmy winner Cady McClain has taken over the role of Kelly Andrews on The Young and the Restless from Daytime Emmy winner Cynthia Watros, and released her very personal memoir Murdering My Youth. This should come as no surprise to anyone who knows the talents of this hard working actress, who is also an author and a filmmaker that always immerses herself in creative projects and different ways of self-expression.
McClain, who has been a prominent name in daytime soaps for decades, first with All My Children as Dixie, and then on As the World Turns as Rosanna, joined the cast of the CBS soap opera in 2014 and was immediately paired romantically on-screen with her former Pine Valley friend, Peter Bergman (Jack Abbott). As the two characters draw closer … what will happen when Phyllis (the incoming Gina Tognoni) comes back to Genoa City and finds these two are intertwined? And just what is Kelly’s relationship with Ben, err, Stitch (Sean Carrigan)? In this interview with On-Air On-Soaps, Cady in her own inimitable style – with grace, humor, and intelligence – weighs-in on what might happen next to her latest on-screen incarnation … Kelly!
But before we get to what’s going down in Genoa City, we took the opportunity after being riveted and heartbroken reading Cady’s memoir, to talk to her about the tumultuous events that shaped her early life including; the sexual abuse suffered at the hands of her father, growing up in an alcoholic environment, her mother’s emotional and damaging outbursts, and how as a young child actress and even later into her early years on All My Children, she was footing the bill for the family and being used, for all intent and purposes, as their meal ticket! The story is haunting, but true. And at the conclusion of our chat, we came away with how Cady triumphed over her own tragedy. Here’s what she shared …
MICHAEL:
When did you actually come to the decision to write the book, Murdering My Youth? Was there any hesitation to bare your soul to the world in this way?
CADY:
Courtesy/Cady McClain
It was about five years ago that I started to write the story, and I originally started writing it as a fictional tale. I wrote the entire book in the perspective of a third person, and then in the last year people kept pushing me to make it my story. That was really terrifying. I kept feeling like I had to warn everybody in the first few pages. I would be saying, “Don’t worry if this upsets you!” I put all these codicils in the front of the book to sort of make it OK for everyone, and that was a real process. Probably the last year of writing the book was the hardest. I wrote it because I had to, because I lived with this story inside me for so long, and for some reason writing it was not just cathartic in the way it released it, because I have been dealing with it and releasing it for my entire life. For me it was about putting the personal into an artistic form, especially when putting it into words. It becomes a story that no longer belongs to me; it belongs to the world.
MICHAEL:
You talk about the horrors and difficulties you suffered at the hands of your parents. As a child actress, and throughout your early career, your mother would live off the money you made. Did you feel at some point you were carrying mother around as a baggage, since you were in essence financially supporting her? Were you still able to still find inside your heart love for your mother?
CADY:
Well, I absolutely loved her, and I felt she was my responsibility. She was like a crazy child, and sweet and adorable in a lot of ways. I remember doing a drawing when I was a little girl of a giant elephant on the back of a young girl, and that’s how it felt. The elephant was just terrified. I felt incredibly grateful that I could be strong and take care of her, but at the same time the things she did that were wounding were very hard to understand. Also, the reason I wrote the book was to come to some compassion for her since she was wounded very deeply as a little girl. I wanted to think of her as a person, and not as a mother who had to be fully responsible to a child … that was me. By doing that, I felt more powerful, and more at peace. I had to do the same thing with my dad. They were adults … but they were children.
MICHAEL:
Courtesy/ABC
The sexual abuse early on in your life from your father you carried with you into your professional soap career, because you would have to play, as any leading actress would, love scenes! How did you conquer the fear that would come with that given the traumatic event in your life?
CADY:
My very first love scene on TV was with Michael Knight (Tad, AMC). I was stiff as a board and I was terrified, and this is one of the reasons I will be so grateful to Michael ‘till the day I die. He was always incredibly intuitive and sensitive to me as a young girl. He was incredibly kind. He understood, and that helped me a great deal. What was harder was when the production couldn’t make any adjustments for me! Even when my mom died, I was working five days a week, and kicking holes in the wall from the stress and the difficulties of everything. They wrote scenes where men would grab me and drag me across the room, and they had a stunt coordinator, and thank God for him! He got me, and he saw me freaking out! The funny thing is being here at Y&R and starting to have some love scenes again … I have to admit I was nervous. I hadn’t done love scenes in a while. I had just gotten married, and so thank God for Peter Bergman (Jack)! Peter is a total gentleman, and we had these conversations. And this is the thing … I sought out the help of good men. Good men will help you get through this crap. So thank God for the good men here, and at home, who allowed me to have my fear and work through my fear. The whole point is… you’ve got to get to the other side! I don’t want to stay stuck in hell. I like sex! I don’t want to live as a victim of one experience.
MICHAEL:
… And in the book you detail that while at AMC was when you were having the hardest time emotionally.
CADY:
Photo Credit: HutchinsPhoto.com
Yes. It was prior to my mother’s death, and leading up to that. I was cutting my hair all the time! I don’t know if anyone remembers the “Many Looks of Dixie”. (Laughs) I almost had my hair shaved off! It’s a funny thing. A woman’s hair is her mane … her sense of power. You can always tell how a woman is doing by her hair! (Laughs) Like, “Oh! She’s a bit Cruella de Vil today!” (Laughs)
MICHAEL:
It’s interesting that in your book, and when you read other performers stories, they always seem to get the acting, or performing bug, early on when they are children; when they receive an instant form of gratification when they perhaps sing, dance, or impersonate someone in front of the family, and see that they can entertain.
CADY:
There is a sentence in the book: “This is how performers are made. It’s when you can affect the happiness of another person by your entertaining.” It’s how I became an actor. I would tap dance and people would be happy. It was like, “Hey, I will dance and sing. I am making money. Are you happy now? Here, take the money!” I always think, though, that I have been a creative person my whole life in terms of the outlets of writing, filmmaking, and songwriting…
MICHAEL:
… And Suzie F*cking Homemaker!
CADY:
Courtesy/TOLN
(Laughs) And Suzie! And even my short film Flip Fantasia was inspired by me walking through Central Park going, “I have so much baggage!” I was thinking that I am literally dragging a dead body, my mother, around! And that is where the idea for the film came from. I thought I will turn this into a comedy, because it’s so bad that if I don’t laugh, what am I going to do? I am going to jump off the Brooklyn bridge. And that’s not cool; we don’t want to do that! (Laughs)
MICHAEL:
What has been the reaction you have received from people that have read Murdering My Youth? Have others shared their personal stories with you?
CADY:
People with mothers who beat them, or people that were raped as children, all kinds of people have written me very, very personal stories; and how they have lived with this sense of fear as adults, and feeling alone, and unconnected to other people. I think for me, one of the greatest gifts of this book was my way to not have anybody feel as alone as I did. What makes us happy is to feel connected to one another and understood, and that sense of connection and understanding that makes life worth living. You can move forward from things. For me, to have that response from others was great.
MICHAEL:
Your sister is mentioned throughout this book, and in your story. It seemed at times you were the one to take the brunt of the abuse from your parents.
CADY:
Courtesy/CBS
My sister gave me permission to write this book, but she was by no means unscathed from the horrors. I just did not tell her story; this is my story to tell. My sister deserves her privacy. She is not a public person, and she is not on television, but we did go through this very much together.
MICHAEL:
You mention well-known former Hollywood children’s agent, the late Iris Burton. What a potty mouth on her!
CADY:
She was a children’s agent and my first agent for close to six years. I remember she would say crazy things like, “Let me see your feet, honey!” or “Never wear that T-shirt again.” She kind of was the beginnings of Suzy Homemaker! (Laughs) Iris was kind of a monster.
MICHAEL:
Has your husband Jon Lindstrom (Kevin, GH) read Murdering My Youth? Was he aware of much of your personal stories before you revealed them publicly?
CADY:
He knew some of it. Most of the times he would want to hold me for a long time. He is a great guy and a great hugger, too. The love of a good person can really make things alright, and maybe that’s why in soap operas we tell stories about love. We are all looking for that!
MICHAEL:
Everyone knows from your past work that you often have very high stakes and emotional scenes! Do you think your work on the soaps has been, in a way, cathartic for you?
CADY:
Courtesy/CBS
It is not therapeutic; it’s an art form. I love when a scene is well-structured and well written, and I have a good scene partner and a good director. It’s like a dance. It’s dancing and everyone knows their steps. It’s like Dancing with the Stars! There are steps you must follow, and if you screw it up, you can screw up the whole dance. There are times it can drain you. I remember there was a time on As the World Turns where I was crying every day for five weeks straight about this baby. I was ready to throw the baby out the window! (Laughs)
MICHAEL:
In a recent interview with On-Air On-Soaps, Y&R head writers Jean Passanante and Shelly Altman discussed your work as Rosanna on As the World Turns as one of the reasons they knew you could play the part of Kelly Andrews. Rosanna had an edge. Does knowing that Jean, who was at one time the head writer of As the World Turns is writing for your character, give you hope that Kelly will be written to your strengths?
CADY:
Kelly is very different than Rosanna, or Dixie. She is a fully adult woman with a really screwed up childhood … surprise! (Laughs) Kelly has a lot of secrets. I don’t see her as necessarily manipulative, but she is genuine. She give her “male friend” Stitch a really hard time. I was able to see in Kelly a strength inside all of that brokenness. Depending on what they write, and Jean knows that I can do, which is awesome, this character can be terrific! It’s nice to have people writing the show who know what I can do.
MICHAEL:
Photo Credit: Getty Images
Were you surprised you got cast in the part of Kelly?
CADY:
Shocked! Cynthia Watros (Ex-Kelly) is a powerhouse. She was a real presence in this role, and she has a real strength about her. So when they called me and said, “You’re in the running for the part,” I was like “Oooh!” Then I thought: “How can I convince them that I would be right for this role?” So, I put together this reel. I had to prove what I can do, and I had to have people go to bat for me. Then I had to prove myself once I got the job. To get the opportunity is fantastic, but to keep the opportunity is very nerve-wracking! (Laughs)
MICHAEL:
Coming to Y&R can be nerve-wracking because there are some heavy hitters in the cast! Did you want to make sure it did not become the “Cady McClain Show”? Sometimes it’s important in soaps, when people take over from another actress or are added into the canvas, that they are not shoved down the audiences’ throat too quickly.
CADY:
I think one of the most important things to me was to make sure that everyone here knew I respected them, and was happy to be a part of the show, and that I am not here to step on anyone’s toes, but to be an ensemble player. This is not about me… it’s about being a member of the ensemble. That’s how I am happiest, and that’s how I work best. It also shows consideration for all the people who are working here for so many years. I think everyone knows by now that I feel grateful to be here, and that I care about the show. I want to do the work, and get out on time, and go home, and be with my husband and my dogs, and have a life.
MICHAEL:
Photo Credit: HutchinsPhoto.com
What is going on between Stich and Kelly? Do you know what their “true” relationship is to one another?
CADY:
Kelly knows who Stitch is to her. Their relationship is incredibly complex! When their relationship is revealed, and you find out more of their history, it’s a devastating revelation for all involved. I love working with Sean Carrigan (Stitch). He is hilarious and really fun, and works really hard on all of his scenes. We even text each other about how to develop our relationship more as actors working on characters. He’s super cool.
MICHAEL:
So here you come to Y&R, and lo and behold, you are paired with your former AMC cast mate, Peter Bergman (Jack)! What did you think about that, initially?
CADY:
The most beautiful thing is just looking at him in the glory days of All My Children, and the soaps, and being in New York when AMC was the top-rated show, and the world was young and we were all innocent. The Internet did not exist, and we did not have cell phones! We might as well be braiding our hair and singing love songs like hippies! (Laughs) It was sort of post-70’s magic. It was a magical time. When we moved down the street to the new studios, suddenly we became a corporate entity, and the show lost some of its sparkle.
MICHAEL:
How is Peter Bergman to act with? Is he any good? (Laughs)
CADY:
Courtesy/CBS
(Laughs) The most amazing thing about Peter is he has been here for 25 years, and you would think he just got the job yesterday. He treats every scene with a passion and conviction, and he loves what he does. Peter was so excited to work with me, which was so heartwarming. We have had the same tales working with former AMC director Henry Kaplan, who was in my book. Henry would say, “Do you love her? Well show me!” We would say those silly sayings to each other before a love scene to break the ice with one another.
MICHAEL:
So Kelly is truly, truly into Jack?
CADY:
She really likes him. He is a nice guy, and sexy, and a turn-on for her. I don’t think she knows why. She is just drawn to him. He is smart, and sophisticated. Kelly is well-read and fought her way out of a tough upbringing to make herself into somebody, and to her Jack has become all of those wonderful things – confident in himself – and he has a rich history! Apparently, Jack has been a bit of a playboy! (Laughs) Girls tend to find that very appealing … men who have experience. It just means they know what they are doing when they get under the sheets, and that is good to know. I prefer a little expertise, if you know what I mean! (Laughs)
MICHAEL:
And Kelly had now slept with Jack! How was that? (Laughs)
CADY:
Peter and I sat around the dressing room and I said to him, and I love doing stuff like this. I said, “What do you think Kelly and Jack’s sex life is like?” And we go, “Multiple Orgasms!” (Laughs) Peter Bergman said that! Why do you think Jack has had so many women! (Laughs)
MICHAEL:
Courtesy/ABC
Phyllis is coming back in the form of two-time Daytime Emmy Winner Gina Tognoni! What do you think of Gina being cast in the pivotal role?
CADY:
I am thrilled that Gina has been cast. I am a fan of her work, and am in awe of her talent. I can’t wait!
MICHAEL:
You know when Phyllis wakes up out of her coma she is going to come back for Jack! And who should have her claws into her man? Kelly! I see fireworks!
CADY:
That seems like it’s ripe for that! I do love a good catfight! I remember I did one with Maura West on As the World Turns, where it was so much fun. So we shall see what happens when Phyllis returns.
MICHAEL:
Where is Kelly at with her relationship with Billy Abbott?
CADY:
Billy has moved on, and they have made it very clear to each other that it was one time, and he made a mistake. There is still a connection. When you sleep with somebody you kind of know them a little bit better, and you have been intimate. I think it’s odd now that she is with his brother, but everybody seems to have done that on Y&R! (Laughs) These things do happen in real life, and we are trying to be adult about it. But these stories are great because they turn into really tangled vines.
MICHAEL:
Courtesy/IMDB
When you joined Y&R, David Tom was playing the role of Billy Abbott, and soon Burgess Jenkins will be taking it over. What are your thoughts on the acting switch? Have you met Burgess yet?
CADY:
I met Burgess yesterday and he was lovely. As a recast myself, I know how overwhelming the whole new world of Y&R can be! I am looking forward to working with him and exploring more of the dynamic between these characters! I hope I get to have a lot more with “Billy” soon!
MICHAEL:
Who in the cast made you feel the most comfortable from the minute you landed at Y&R?
CADY:
I am so grateful that Melody Thomas Scott (Nikki) is who she is. She does set the tone. She is just the loveliest star of the show. We did a scene where she said, “I was just so mean to you, I have to hug you now!” When I first got here she screamed to me: “Welcome to the loony bin” while wearing her slippers with her script in hand! I just adore her.
MICHAEL:
Some fans online at first seemed to want to reject the notion of you as Kelly, and then they seemed to come around. You are very active on social media, so what is your take on the fan’s reaction?
CADY:
Photo Credit: Sue Coflin/Max Photos
The fans online have been so supportive. I love when people have watched All My Children, or As the World Turns, and say, “Well now I am going to watch Y&R because we love those characters, etc!” And I am very interactive and accessible on Twitter, and Facebook, and stuff. So I definitely read everything. Even people at the beginning were like: “I don’t know if Cady is going to work as Kelly!” However, they seem to be coming around, and I am so grateful for that. I am doing a different take on the character and I am happy that they are supporting me, and their verbalization, if you will, of that support. But I will say; message boards are not for the weak of heart. It’s tough though, sometimes comments do hurt. I want to say, “Please don’t hashtag me if you want to say something mean!” (Laughs) Enjoy your meanness, but please don’t hashtag me … or my boss!
MICHAEL:
Recently, one of my favorite things you wrote on your website blog at CadyMcClain.com was the piece on your nose! What prompted you to do that?
CADY:
So one day I was looking up most popular searches for my website blog. So I put in “Most Popular Searches”. It said, “Cady McClain” and then “Cady McClain’s nose”! I thought that was so bizarre. (Laughs) I guess it’s not a secret anymore that I have a prominent nose. So, I thought I would address it, laugh at it, and so I wrote a blog about it. The nose is out of the bag! (Laughs)
MICHAEL:
So here you are the number one rated soap, The Young and the Restless. Who else would you love to get the chance to work with that you haven’t had the opportunity to have scenes with yet?
Photo Credit: Courtney Lindberg
CADY:
I have not had the chance to work with Christian LeBlanc (Michael) and Greg Rikaart (Kevin). I think those guys are amazing, and Steve Burton (Dylan) is amazing! I have not worked with him either. There are so many good actors and actresses on this show. It’s great to work with people who have been in the business as long as I have. You can sort of talk to each other in short-hand, if you know I mean. It’s like being a professional tennis player. You want to play against the best, and hit the ball back to you, and let me tell you, some of the best are right here in Genoa City.
Days Of Our Lives
Matthew Ashford and Melissa Reeves Talk Return to DAYS for Doug’s Funeral, Susan Seaforth Hayes, and Their Enduring Friendship
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,
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
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.
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
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.
Mark Consuelos Celebrates One-Year Anniversary as Co-Host of ‘Live’ Alongside Kelly Ripa
DAYS Alum Tanner Stine to Appear in ‘Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story’ Starring Nicholas Chavez
Soap Vet Christopher Cousins to The Young and the Restless
More of the Story on ‘General Hospital’ Star Josh Kelly’s Latest Film Role in ‘The Workout’
51st Annual Daytime Emmy Nominations Set to Be Announced
General Hospital’s Steve Burton Reveals the Emotional Scene He Almost Could Not Get Through
Y&R’s Eileen Davidson Delivers the ‘Power Performance of the Week’
Days of our Lives wins WGA Award for Daytime Drama Series
Matthew Ashford and Melissa Reeves Talk Return to DAYS for Doug’s Funeral, Susan Seaforth Hayes, and Their Enduring Friendship
DAYS Alum Tanner Stine to Appear in ‘Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story’ Starring Nicholas Chavez
General Hospital’s Steve Burton Reveals the Emotional Scene He Almost Could Not Get Through
Y&R’s Hayley Erin Previews Her Role in Horror-Thriller ‘New Life’
‘The Golden Bachelor’s’ Gerry Turner and Theresa Nist to Divorce Three Months After TV Wedding
‘Tamron Hall Show’ Fire Forces ‘The View’ Hosts to Evacuate Studio
WrestleMania 40 Night Two: Cody Rhodes ‘Finishes the Story’ and Defeats Roman Reigns for the WWE Universal Championship with Run-Ins by The Rock, John Cena & The Undertaker
-
General HospitalApril 12, 2024George Russo to Appear on General Hospital as Carmine Cerullo
-
Days Of Our LivesApril 13, 2024Ron Carlivati Talks on Decision to Make Days of our Lives 15000th Episode About Doug’s Funeral, and Previews Chances for WGA Award
-
General HospitalApril 15, 2024General Hospital’s Steve Burton Reveals the Emotional Scene He Almost Could Not Get Through
-
RecapsApril 14, 2024Y&R’s Eileen Davidson Delivers the ‘Power Performance of the Week’
-
Days Of Our LivesApril 14, 2024Days of our Lives wins WGA Award for Daytime Drama Series
-
NewsApril 12, 2024Y&R’s Hayley Erin Previews Her Role in Horror-Thriller ‘New Life’
I had no idea Cady had such a hellacious childhood. The book sounds compelling and I will read it. And yes, I do remember she (Dixie) went through a period of changing her hair almost every month it seemed. Love, love, love reading about her experience with two of my favorite actors from daytime–Michael Knight and Peter Bergman–it always came through that both actors are very gracious and lovely.
I hope the writers can write decent stories for Kelly–she deserves it.
Thank you for the very interesting interview, Mr. Fairman.
Love and respect for this true star who keeps daytime alive with other greats. She had much responsibility while so young on AMC and delivered and still delivers. She is a strong, positive team player. And her book, it is brave and it has helped me, as a survivor of very similar abuse…and I am a man, these things do happen to men, too. I am so glad she is happy and I do think Cady may be part of daytime’s resurgance “in new ways” after all, bless her.
I love you and Jack together and I am thrilled you are on Y&R…hope we find out the Stitch connection soon!!!
This was a mistake to recast. i liked the other kelly. I really hope Phyllis never comes back
We have got to give our actors time to settle into their characters (for example–David Tom really deserved a fair chance). Cady is finding her stride and I really enjoy her scenes with Peter Bergman.
Well sorry Phyllis is coming back. So you better get ready.
I love her!
Love Cady, too! I was thrilled she was cast as Kelly. She works well with Peter/Jack, too.
My hope is that the audience gives her a minute to settle into the Kelly character and make it her own. Please, dear God, give Cady good script !
PS Susie F*cking Homemaker is a riot. Hope Cady does more 🙂
Thank you Mr. Fairman for this interview with Cady McClain. It is always nice to be ever so enlightened as to what make actors tick they way they do. You covered some sensitive material with Cady. But , also delivered it in a way that allowed to be professionally presented. Some of the the tools of Cady ‘ s personal life that was afore mentioned., I did not know. Through your interview, I’ve learned how much of an overcome Cady is and where she draws her strength from. I used to watch her as Dixie on AMC. Kelly seems like a much different character than Dixie.
I look forward to seeing how Cady will pull off the layers of Kelly and expose her us viewer in full character. I think her placement in Genoa City is a great asset to the show. So thanks again for bringing this interview to devoted fans like me.
Cady is a class act, always has and always will be. I knew she would be perfect for the role of Kelly Andrews when they announced their decision to recast, and I was right! I paired her and Peter in my own webseries in 2012, and it’s almost as if I saw this coming from a mile away!
She is a strong woman to share her back story, and I applaud her through everything for doing it. It takes a strong and confident person to admit the things she’s admitted, while still holding strong in her own life. I applaud her for that!
Suzy F*cking Homemaker is hysterical; I love the comedic side that Cady has, and hope that Y&R will be able to play off of that in the future. Cady’s connection with the Y&R is strong and sustainable, and I cannot wait to see her inter-mingle with the rest of the heavy-hitters. She was the absolute perfect choice for Kelly Andrews, and I hope we have decades worth of material from her! Cady and Maura’s catfights on As the World Turns were always strong and fierce, and it makes me wish Maura was still Diane. But she’s doing fabulous work over at General Hospital as Ava Jerome.
I look forward to seeing Kelly interact with more of Genoa City’s elite cast; I hope she does get those scenes with Christian, Greg and Steve like she would like. Would love a friendship between Nikki and Kelly, too. I feel like Nikki could use a real girlfriend now that Katherine is gone.
Stranger things have happened like Nikki and Ashley being cordial, and Lauren and Christine having lunch together!
Loved reading this. Never really read too much on actors but its good to know a little about where they came from and how they translate that into roles.. Having said tthat, its hard not to judge character since all we see is their tv role. I liked cynthia watros’ version of kelly but now I tthink cady has a good chance to make the character more her own. Cozy for her and jack! Always liked her friendship with Lilly! And can’t wait to see the connection with stitch, hope its intense.
Admire her as a person and respect her as an actress, but sorry I don’t like her interpretation of Kelly. CW’s Kelly was dark, and you could tell the character was beaten down by life, but Cady’s Kelly is too light and almost bubbly that the transition is hard to adjust to.
I get the character is moving on, and has a new outlook, but I just feel something of the character’s personality was lost in the recast and I think it would have been more interesting to see CW take on Kelly learning to be vulnerable as Jack worked to bring down her walls.
Don’t get me wrong, I think Cady is doing what she can coming in at such important time in the character’s development— and perhaps it is was the writing that changed Kelly more than Cady did– yet IMHO I believe Kelly was more interesting complex character when CW played her– now I could take her or leave her.
Sorry, I don’t like her very much. I never liked the character of Kelly so it is hard to appreciate any one in that role. But I did prefer the original lady.
Cady is truly an inspiration to me and many others. Her book is a fantastic read that I encourage everyone to read. She’s one of a kind.
Cady is a huge upgrade from Cynthia. I can now believe that this Kelly and Jack would actually be together and I see Cady and Gina blowing their scenes out of the water! Cady, great job on Y&R and a greater job of overcoming your horrific childhood.
AWESOME INTERVIEW!!!!! And, as an actress, Cady McClain TRULY ROCKS!!!!!
Wow… Heartbreaking. Thank you for the very interesting questions.
I am not a fan of the recastt. The character has taken a very sharp turn which I don’t think is bad. The old Kelly was always angry. I think there is such a drastic change in character that you forget how Kelly first came to be. My problem is that I feel Cady is wY over the top n every scene. Not a fan f the acting.
How do we know if her story of abuse is true? It is easy to say bad things about the deceased.
Not so easy to think someone would make up such a horrific lie stemming from the unfortunate acts of the adults that were responsible for the care and well-being of a child. Not to speak ill of the dead, but what were the parents thinking? Just goes to show how God takes care of children and how strong it made her. I was a victim in some of the same ways, so it is not so hard to believe. What happened in your life that made you so cynical?
What happened in your life that you automatically believe every accusation made is true? I don’t know these people and either do you.
One does not normally question something like this without a good reason. What makes you think her story of abuse is not true?
this is my most favorite response of Ms McLain :
The most beautiful thing is just looking at him in the glory days of All My Children, and the soaps, and being in New York when AMC was the top-rated show, and the world was young and we were all innocent. The Internet did not exist, and we did not have cell phones! We might as well be braiding our hair and singing love songs like hippies! (Laughs) It was sort of post-70’s magic. It was a magical time. When we moved down the street to the new studios, suddenly we became a corporate entity, and the show lost some of its sparkle.
I love knowing and sharing with people… that I grew up in the 60s, 70s, & 80s…. before internet… before cable… before cell phones…
every thing went to heck and handbasket there after.
I cherish the memories that folks like… can recall and dream… we had the best of times.. and magical instilled
imagination, festive, endorphin, electrolytes, testosterone… whatever makes us trigger
is ours
Ms. Cady McClain : congrats on your new position @Y&R
Ms. Cady McClain : congrats on your nuptials with Jon Lindstrom
Ms. Cady McClain : you are not alone in your childhood trauma
Ms. Cady McClain : Thank you
Ms. Cady McClain : you are an invaluable presence in our genre
my best to you always
sincerely
Ms. McClain has always been a class act. <3 her.