General Hospital
The Kelly Thiebaud Interview – General Hospital
Courtesy/IMDB
When Dr. Britt Westbourne (Kelly Thiebaud) first appeared on the scene at General Hospital, she was a man-eater scheming her way into the hospital shower with handsome new widower, Dr. Patrick Drake (Jason Thompson)! Britt knew that at the time the then mousy Sabrina (Teresa Castillo) was going to be trouble for her desire, especially when she realized that Sabrina had fallen for the good doc and his daughter, Emma (Brooklyn Rae Silzer). What’s a bitch suppose to do next to try and keep her man? Well, of course, fake a pregnancy! And boy did Britt ever! And that story beat provided the beginning of the amazing tale that has been woven by GH, and through the performance of Ms. Thiebaud!
On-Air On-Soaps chatted with Kelly, who has become the true breakout star of the series, and who over the past few months has embodied the character of Britt so well that it has fans wanting more and more, as she literally tries to tap dance her way around her lies and deception only to have it all collapse around her! To top that off, it turned out that Britt’s mother is none other than the notorious Dr. Liesl Obrecht (Kathleen Gati) and her father is Cesar Faison (Anders Hove)! Talk about the evil genes … this gal has got them, and yet who knew that we could start to feel empathy for the doctor that nurse Felix (Marc Anthony Samuel) originally dubbed, “The Britch”?
So does Kelly relish playing the deliciously evil Britt? What did she think of some of the more implausible moments in her storyline? How does she think this tale of “Who’s baby does Britt have?” will ultimately play out? And what about her new leading man, Tyler Christopher (Nikolas)? You will come to find out Kelly was a bit thunderstruck upon meeting him for the first time, and much more. And yes, Kelly is dating GH co-star, Bryan Craig (Morgan), and the striking beauty weighs-in on why he is the guy for her. So here we go … our chat with the hottest actress in soaps today … Kelly Thiebaud!
MICHAEL:
Kelly, did you not have a clue of where your character was heading? From the ultimate bitch, to being pregnant, to now actually having many fans rooting for her?
KELLY:
Courtesy/ABC
Not at all! Where my story has gone from where I started has been a shocker! I was even shocked when the character got pregnant. I did not expect any of it! It’s been a shock and a great surprise to me, as well.
MICHAEL:
When they came to you and said you were going to be pregnant, did you know who the father of the baby Britt was carrying was going to turn out to be?
KELLY:
No, I did not know. I knew that it wasn’t mine half way into playing the pregnancy, but it has not been revealed to me that it is someone else’s child that I am carrying. It has, but in a very inconspicuous way (Laughs).
MICHAEL:
Well, as you can surmise from all indications on the air shows and with the audience, they are convinced the baby is Dante (Dominic Zamprogna) and Lulu’s (Emme Rylan)!
KELLY:
Courtesy/ABC
It’s been interesting reading everyone’s comments on social media about whose child they think it is, and stuff like that.
MICHAEL:
Were you awestruck at Britt’s character development? Here she was the bitchiest character in town, and the writers and you have humanized her, beginning when we see her mother, Dr. Obrecht, slapping her!
KELLY:
Of course, I did not want to play this one layer of her just being a shark and a bitch. I am really happy that they brought in her family, and a back-story so people understand kind of her lack of love, and lack of empathy for other people, and kind of not knowing how to deal with and interact with people. I am really happy that they did that, because it gives her even more layers. It explores who she is more. I was always looking for ways to go against the bitchiness and try to make her someone with flaws, which is what she is and not just be the bitch. No one is just a bitch. There are always reasons behind that.
MICHAEL:
One of the best soap scenes in a long time came about when Britt was going into labor and she was stuck with Sabrina at that time. And from there, the snarky remarks, the shouting, the irony of it, was hilarious. Did you not have a good laugh with that?
KELLY:
I did! (Laughs) We had a lot of fun, actually. It was one of my favorite scenes that I have shot. We had great writing, and it was a perfect situation with the actors, and the writing, and with everything. We let loose and had fun with that situation, and it came across great, thankfully.
Courtesy/ABC
MICHAEL:
Did you and Teresa Castillo (Sabrina) ever have a moment together of, “I can’t believe we are saying these things to each other?”
KELLY:
Not really. We are kind of just in it, and we just committed to the material.
MICHAEL:
Did you see the all the buzz last week when the ratings came out for General Hospital for the week of September 2nd? It said that the September 5th episode was the most-watched telecast of GH in nearly over 2 years in Women 18-49, and Women 25-54, and in nearly 8 months in Women 18-34 key demos, and it centered on the imminent birth of Britt’s baby!
KELLY:
I did! I could not believe it! I want to check to make sure that fact is right! It is just so overwhelming. The writing is so important, and the way things are edited, so I can only take a little piece of that credit and trust me, I do pat myself on the back for the work that is good. But there are just so many other people involved in episodes, and ratings, and the show. and all of that. It is kind of emotional for me, and awesome.
MICHAEL:
You and Teresa were at the receiving end of some fan pushback when you first came on to the scene as rivals for the heart of Dr. Patrick Drake! But look how it has come full circle, where for the most part you have won over the viewers with your portrayal! Was it daunting at the beginning for you on GH?
KELLY:
Courtesy/ABC
I think I understood the mentality of the fans. The great thing about working on a soap is that you are in people’s homes every single day. And, that is different than any other genre of entertainment. The viewers are really committed to the storylines, and the characters. Robin (Kimberly McCullough) has been on the show for decades. Her’s and Patrick’s story was a huge one on the show, and people loved it all. I understood it and I did not take anything personal. I love my character, and I love playing the bitch, and the person that just can’t get anything right. She has all these issues and has all these different emotions, and is busy covering up her lies. It is so much fun for me. I knew people were going to hate me going into it. And, I knew it was something that I was going to be an outsider in, and I have just been overwhelmed by the love and appreciation that people have for my character. It has been really phenomenal for me as an actress to see the whole thing unfold.
MICHAEL:
Honestly Kelly, I have not seen a metamorphosis like this for an actress, and a character, on a soap in I can’t remember when. And, I have been covering this genre for decades. (Laughs) This whole journey of Britt, and for you, has been incredible. And right now, the character of Britt is on FIYAH! (Laughs) Recently, one of the more heartbreaking scenes was when Nikolas brings Britt’s baby to her in the hospital and she does not want to hold him. Did you think this was going to dovetail into a post-partum depression storyline?
KELLY:
Courtesy/ABC
No, but I understood it completely when I read it, and it made so much sense why she did not want to bond with the baby at that time. I don’t know if I am just getting used to how things work on a soap, but over the last couple of weeks with the material I have been given I have really been able to access it easily, and get there emotionally and understand it. I put myself into this situation, and thankfully the outcome has been good. I have been really proud of myself for what I have done, and extremely thankful for every one else being appreciative, and thankful for where the character has gone, and what I have done as an actress. In soaps things get presented to you not that far in advance before you shoot them, so things can be a shock to me as they are to the fans. It’s all been really exciting! And, so exciting to see what happens with Britt, and Britt and Nikolas, and that has been a huge blessing for me as an actress to get to work with Tyler Christopher (Nikolas). I am loving us together.
MICHAEL:
You have you own leading man! Britt had her own guy, finally! (Laughs)
KELLY:
I know, and a stellar one at that!
MICHAEL:
Photo Credit: Kathy Hutchins
How was it when you first met Tyler?
KELLY:
I honestly was a bit star-struck, because when I was watching GH was when Nikolas and Emily had their love story. I fell in love with their romance and their relationship. So when I heard Tyler was coming back to GH, and that they were going to try us together and see what happened, and how fans would relate to that, I was kind of flipping out! Still to this day, there are times when I am a little bit uncomfortable and not myself thinking, “It is Nikolas!” It has been awesome. Tyler is very supportive and talented as an actor to work with.
MICHAEL:
It is kind of implausible right now for many in the audience as to why Nikolas is digging this girl? What is the deal? He has seen her lies and manipulations, yet he is standing by her! But Nikolas does have a penchant for damsels in distress, although I wouldn’t exactly call, “The Britch” a “damsel”! (Laughs)
KELLY:
I know, I have even been asking myself that, “Why is Nikolas there for her?” I think Britt thinks that, as well. It doesn’t make any sense why this person would continue to look past her flaws and mistakes, while everyone else want to stay away from Britt. But, Nikolas is continuing to be there for Britt, like no else before has. I think that is what makes it very special.
MICHAEL:
Do you think that Britt truly loves her baby? Does she want to be a mother?
KELLY:
She does love the baby, but I don’t know if I would say that she wants to be a mother, but I think you can say that she, given the opportunity, would like to right her parent’s wrongs. That is how she looked at it when she had the kid. Even though she was going to be scared, she wants to be everything for the baby that her parents weren’t to her. I definitely feel like she genuinely loves the child.
MICHAEL:
Courtesy/ABC
There is one big hurdle for Britt coming up, and that was set up pretty brilliantly by General Hospital head writer Ron Carlivati and his team. It appears that Britt knows the truth about Dante and Lulu’s baby. So, if Britt does know that her baby is theirs, then once again she is a complete and utter bitch! How are they going to redeem her then?
KELLY:
I don’t know! Honestly it’s like, “ugh!” That is something else she has had to juggle with Nikolas as well, because he has been this amazing man who stepped up and done so much for her, and there are just so many things that she is lying to him about. And that makes her uncomfortable to have to do that, but it’s just the circumstances surrounding the whole baby thing. I don’t know if it read this way to the audience, but in the show that aired last week in the scene where Maxie comes to see Britt in the hospital, in my mind, as the actress reading it, and hearing Maxie say, “She gave up her baby”, that whole conversation that they had was Britt’s acceptance that, “I am going to do this then. So, if you are going to give up your kid, then no one will ever know whose child I have. I am going to keep this kid then and I am going to be the most amazing mom to the child.”
MICHAEL:
Let’s talk about a few of your other GH scene partners. First, Britt has had a conspirator in all the baby madness and that was with Brad! How is working with Parry Shen (Brad)?
KELLY:
Photo Credit: Thomas Montalto
Parry is awesome, and he came in and has been so professional. He is very talented, and I did not know how long his character was going to stay around, but it’s been around as long as it has, because he is really good! So I did not know at first, and I don’t think he even knew at first, that the character was gay. He has done such a phenomenal job with that.
MICHAEL:
Also, many fans love the scenes between you and Kirsten Storms (Maxie)! Both of your characters are holding some powerful secrets that could explode at any moment. How is working with Kirsten?
KELLY:
Working with Kirsten … I love that. I wish I had an opportunity to work with her even more. She is so much fun, and so experienced on the show. Fans love her, and we have fun bantering back and forth.
MICHAEL:
Did you think the reveal to Patrick that he is not the bio-dad of Britt’s child dragged on way too long? Towards the end of that secret, Patrick ended up wanting the child to be his and to have an opportunity to raise a son. Were those scenes challenging and difficult to continue to play for you and Jason Thompson (Patrick) ?
KELLY:
Courtesy/ABC
It did drag on for a while. I can’t speak for Jason. They wanted Britt to be wrong for him, and for Britt to still want him and be in love with him. I think her motive to committing to keeping the baby a secret was because she knew that Patrick could provide what she wanted for her son, and she wanted to have this family she never had, and she knew that Patrick could give her that. I just had to keep reminding myself of that, when I would get frustrated with having the story being dragged out as long as it was.
MICHAEL:
At what point did Britt not “love” Patrick, anymore? She was quite obsessed with him.
KELLY:
It was not a point of not loving; it was a point of being tired of being looked past. Even an obsessive person can obsess over someone before either someone gets murdered; (laughs) or you kind of just get tired of it not going anywhere. She is not like a psychopath, although some people may disagree with me on that comment.
MICHAEL:
Courtesy/ABC
Let’s go back a second in that story! When you read that Britt was going to march in to the Nurses Ball with this huge over-sized coat and expose she is pregnant to Patrick and all of Port Charles, what did you think? Did you have a laugh about that one?
KELLY:
I did have a laugh about that! I was like, “Are you kidding me?” But I have laughed about a couple of things like Baby Ariel being set on fire! There have been a couple of moments that are like, “Is this really happening?” But at the end of the day it all played out really nice. It was very dramatic with what played out at the Nurses Ball. But I guess that is what it was supposed to be and it served a purpose. So yeah, I was rolling my eyes a bit! (Laughs)
MICHAEL:
For fans who believe in the reality of it, can you please tell us that you and Brooklyn Rae Silzer (Emma) do get along in real life? (Laughs)
KELLY:
Courtesy/ABC
Oh, my God, yes! Every time I would see Brooklyn she would come up to me and give me a hug, and I am very friendly with her mother. Our first scene we had together, in which she runs away, I said to her, “You know this is make believe, right? You’re awesome!” She is a champion and super professional, and she gets it.
MICHAEL:
Truly, Baby Ariel tinkling on Britt, and then she inadvertently throws the doll onto the charcoal grill at the 4th of July barbecue, was one of the funniest stunts I have seen on the soaps which featured you and Brooklyn!
KELLY:
I know! But, did I think it was going to land up on The Soup? No! I totally didn’t! It was funny, and when I read it like I said earlier, I kind of rolled my eyes at it like “You have to be kidding me?” But again, it was well-suited for the character. Britt just can’t do anything right, even when she does try to do good, she just can’t and it just fails epically, and honestly it was a very fun scene to shoot. We all had a good time with it and did our best with it, and it turned out great.
MICHAEL:
Courtesy/ABC
Kathleen Gati has also taken off in the role of Dr. Obrecht, and has been kept around much longer than probably anticipated on GH. Britt’s mom is a monster! She has been amazing to watch, too. What are your thoughts on the Britt and Dr. O dynamic?
KELLY:
It’s been kind of tough, honestly, but it actually works in my favor. Dr Obrecht is so ridiculously over the top and crazy. Every time I work with Kathleen, I am discovering more about Britt’s mom that I didn’t know. I did not know exactly who she was and stuff. But it has been great. Kathleen has embraced that character and all the craziness, and I love working with her. I am so excited she stuck around as long as she has, because I did not know what was going to happen with that, and if it was just going to be a one time thing with my mom and she is out, or if we are actually going to have a storyline here. They have turned it into that, because Kathleen is so great.
MICHAEL:
Patrick really laid into Britt for all of her deceit! Do you think Britt actually knows of Robin’s whereabouts?
KELLY:
Courtesy/ABC
She knows her parents are psycho and crazy, and that they have done some horrible things, but she does not know the connection of Robin and Patrick, to all of that. She does not know a lot, and that is why every time there is a scene between Britt and her mom, more gets exposed. She is kind of learning as much as everyone else is.
MICHAEL:
So in Britt’s mind, Robin really “died”?
KELLY:
Yeah! She does not know anything about Robin.
MICHAEL:
What are your hopes for Britt in the future? She has just been through hell right now!
KELLY:
It is hard to say, because I want Britt to find love, but I don’t want it to be this perfect love romance situation, which it rarely ever is in soaps. I would love for this Nikolas and Britt storyline to really go somewhere. And, for her to finally experience what genuine real love is like, and mix that all in with all the crazy flawed layers of who is she, and kind of have all that and a relationship too, if that is at all possible! (Laughs) I am not ready to give up the crazy and malicious side of her. (Laughs) I think that is what makes her great!
MICHAEL
Courtesy/ABC
No! You can’t ever lose the malicious side to her. It’s to fun to watch! I am confident that once this whole baby mess gets resolved, Britt will find herself in another situation in which she will be manipulative, awful, and keeping a secret! (Laughs)
KELLY:
Yeah, I am sure they will have an easy time doing that, because those GH writers are pretty creative!
MICHAEL:
Was being on a soap something on your radar as an actress? Did you watch soaps growing up?
KELLY:
My mom never really watched soaps, and I didn’t have family members who would be watching TV when I came home from school. That is a story I hear from fans sometimes that they watched the show growing up with their grandmothers. I did not start watching soaps till I was in my early to mid twenties. GH was the only one that I watched because I thought it was the most real and authentic soap that there was. It never was something where I said to myself, “Oh! I want to do this.” My career has gone in that direction for now.
MICHAEL:
Bryan Craig (Morgan, GH) and you are dating! What happened when the two of you first met?
KELLY:
Photo Credit: Hutchins Photo
Our storylines don’t ever cross. He had been on the show for at least a month and I had never met him, and we were just randomly out in the parking lot at the studio at the same time one day during lunch. We were on our phones and I think we both kind of noticed each other. Then, it kind of went from there and he asked me out.
MICHAEL:
And you said, “Yes”?
KELLY:
Well, I said, “Wait a second, we will see.” (Laughs) And then coincidentally, we ended up at the same place one night just by chance and had a really good time. Then, things went from there.
MICHAEL:
Why is Bryan a good guy for you? Why do you think the relationship is working out so well?
KELLY:
The list is very long … it is just easy, effortless, and perfect. I was a little hesitant at first. One reason was that we work together, but he continued to surprise me the more I got to know who he is. It’s just really, really nice, especially when you work in this industry and you work in Hollywood, it’s hard to meet genuine people who are just real. He is so much more than what he is aesthetically. His personality is awesome, and he is a really good person and he makes me happy.
MICHAEL:
Photo Credit: Thomas Montalto
Have you watched Bryan’s work as troubled Morgan? What are your impressions? It can be tough on a relationship in Hollywood when two actors date. However, some have been very successful at it.
KELLY:
Of course, I love his work on the show. I think people think that when you are in the industry you don’t get affected by things, such as your significant other having to make out with other people, and that we do. We are real people, but the good thing is that we don’t work together, so we don’t get sick of each other, if that is even possible, because we spend so much time together that I don’t know if we ever would get sick of each other. But, it’s hard, my character is taking off and having a romance with someone that he is going to have to deal, and his character is doing things with other people that I have to deal with. But, we have an amazing relationship and we communicate very well, and the friendship comes first, and works more than anything I have ever experienced.
MICHAEL:
What can you preview that fans should be on the lookout for coming up for Britt?
KELLY:
Now she is moving into Wyndemere, and there are some things that happen with the baby that are unexpected, and Nikolas and Britt kind of team up and try to solve the situation.
MICHAEL:
Courtesy/Tumblr
Do you hope that the baby drama will finally resolve and come to an end, so Britt can just move on from that?
KELLY:
I kind of do, and I kind of don’t. If the baby drama ends that means I would not have a baby anymore, and I kind of like playing that side of her. The new baby drama, which has to be exposed, I do wish that part would come to an end sooner than later. It kind of takes a turn for the worst once Britt moves in with Nikolas. Britt gets a visit from her mother and things go really, really south fast. I definitely hope that does not get drawn out to long, but I definitely would like to have this baby for a while, and see it what happens.
MICHAEL:
Carlos (Jeffrey Vincent Parise) is arriving this week in Port Charles and is a man from Sabrina’s past. Do you think Britt is going to use his arrival to stick it to Sabrina?
KELLY:
I think she is done with that, and I think her new focus is not on that at all. Who knows? Sabrina and Britt might become somewhat frenemies! So we will see about that.
MICHAEL:
Courtesy/tumblr
In closing, GH really struck gold with this perfect match of actress and the character she plays, with you as Britt. When you look back at your GH experience thus far, what are some of your favorite moments? Knowing, as we all do, that there is plenty more to come in the future!
KELLY:
One that does not get talked about is when Britt walked to Patrick’s house, and I think it aired right around New Years, and I showed up in just a trench coat and Britt is flashing him, but Sabrina answers the door. That was kind of fun. Then there was the Baby Ariel burning which is at the top of my list. Another top one was when Britt gave Sabrina her baby to take to the hospital. That was pretty heavy, and then all the stuff with Patrick when Britt revealed to him that it wasn’t his kid, and the fighting. It was so anxiety-filled and emotion filled. It was a really tough week for me personally, having to do that every day. But, the experience I have had on GH thus far has been incredible.
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I have loved Britt since the beginning. Her character’s beginnings kind of remind me of Brenda Barrett’s character who schemed Karen away from Jagger as a teenager. Now, Brenda wasn’t quite as devious as Britt has been but Britt is a little older than Brenda was so I give that up to the age of the characters when introduced on GH. Also, Brenda had a bad daddy too in Harlen Barrett as Britt does in Cesar Faison. I also think that Britt had a similar upbringing of being unloved or unwanted as Brenda did. So, I have always been kind of sympathetic to Britt…she could be an early Brenda or an early Carly. Both ladies joined the show as bad girls but became enormously popular and routable. Bad girls do well on GH!!! So, some of the audience turn around with Britt’s character was no surprise to me.
I also think Tyler and Kelly are well matched and have good chemistry. I think this is one of the rare times in Soaps were on paper the characters histories make for an interesting story and the actors off the page spark. I really hope GH ceases the opportunity with Britt and Nikolas because there isn’t anyone else on GH who can understand the upbringing Britt has had and love her in spite of it.
I am reminded of a quote from Kimberly McCullough (Robin Scorpio Drake) who said there has to be something the lovers see in each other that is their own, that no one else sees. It’s secret between them.
I love Kelly and Britt so I can wait for Robin’s return and her to find out all of her mother’s secrets and the story with Nikolas to pick up. I am ready for the baby story to end though…want to move on to some Brik love in the afternoon!!
Kelly is a pure dynamo of an actress! Her portrayal of Britt (the “Britch”) has become an integral part of why I faithfully tune in each day. The character is played with passion, depth, dark humor and pathos. Kelly is a major talent who has made “Britt Westbourne” into an enigmatic, 3D force to be reckoned with and has elevated GH to its greatest level to date!
Thank you for another great interview and thank you Kelly too. I can’t wait to see what happens with Kelly’s new storyline and love interest.
Will Britt & Robin have any scenes together @ the hospital or anywhere on set?
OK…. it’s late…. i’ll read the interview tomorrow.
Kelly Thiebaud.
far and away…..
“…who has become the true breakout star of the series, and who over the past few months has embodied the character of Britt so well that it has fans wanting more and more,…”
“…our chat with the hottest actress in soaps today … Kelly Thiebaud!”
even I can’t argue this.
period.
of course… after Kelly Sullivan.
of course… and in contention…. Jenn Lilly, as Theresa Jeanne Donovan.
of course… and in contention… Chrishelle Stause, as Jordan Ridgeway.
Serial goes on… who’s In and who’s out… always a hotbed of fodder.
ie: the romance – potential leading man… In Nicholas… is off the charts… simmering… implosion
Really enjoy Britt and Nik together
I always felt that the better story was Britt involved with Patrickt till Robin returned. Then we saw she and her mom were in on Robin’s kidnapping. This perfect nurse handed Robins life doesn’t work and still doesn’t. NO WAY do I believe that Patrick would even have to choose between Robin and the nurse. It is insulting and ridiculous. With that said I like KT because she seems genuine and embrassed her character even with the slanted writing to make her so evil that the nurse looks better. She doesn’t have an ego like another newbie and understand fans. She is talented to get fans to like her even with the heavy hand writing Happy she got an interview but tired of the actress/nurse being brought into KT and others interviews. Interviewers need to stop forcing this actress/nurse on viewers.
Right on, Cathy! So many of us have had enough of that “sugar-dipped chupacabra,” to last a lifetime!!!! Given Britt’s looks, brains and KT’s talent at portraying her character, there should never have even been a contest about who would win Patrick’s attention. The way Britt was painted as the villain and she “who will not be named” was touted as this magnificent, magnanimous angel of mercy was beyond the pale….absolutely nauseating!!! And although I am ecstatic to see Dr. Westbourne paired with her prince, I still will never forgive the “Lords of GH” for subjecting us to that “Putrina” nonsense for this past year…it was a waste of time and space that other better deserving cast members could have used in a more productive fashion. For the life of me, I simply cannot understand the unnatural attachment the producers have to that nitwit nurse!!!! Lastly, I do not recall people being rude about KT taking up with JT on the show…from all that I had read before starting to comment myself, the big brouhaha was with that OTHER coupling that was foisted onto poor Patrick…..
Patrick and Sabrina are boring and lame..we know it almost everybody know it..doesn’t mean Patrick and Britt were better ! Wake up, almost no online bashing for Patrick and Britt’s ‘pairing’ for the simple and sole reason it was almost non-existent..it did end up before it has begun ! Otherwise you bet everybody who had whine and whine about it the same way they did/still do about boring Patrick and Sabrina story.
And actually at the beginning with the icky ‘shower sex’ and the boring date scenes between Patrick and Britt took place, lot’s of people complained/bashed about it !
Perhaps it was more the what than the parties involved…to be perfectly candid, I find the notion of shower sex, broomcloset nooky, or whatever, in a place of work to be distasteful….and that extended to Patrick and Robin’s frequent dalliances around the hospital, too! Work should be work, play should be play and never the twain should meet….
Sorry not digging Britt with Nikolas one bit. Maybe more as a sibling relationship. When he’s near her its more like she’s the bad little sister, & he’s putting her in check. Which makes more sense. I don’t see much chemistry romantically with them at all. Especially once he finds out the baby is Lulu’s. I like Britt better when she’s scheming, she’s a better villain. Not what Nikolas needs.
Britt is the gift that keeps on giving, and I am so happy that the actress who launched the role is enjoying the kudos she so richly deserves for her portrayal of the deliciously devious doctor!!! In addition to offering great entertainment value in each and every scene in which she appears, KT has the distinction of providing one of the most priceless moments in GH history: The “Babydoll BBQ!” It was so over the top, horrifically hilarious that even now, months after the fact, it is still totally unforgettable. (I only hope we will be treated to it again in a flashback….) Add to that the pathetic legacy Dr. Westbourne’s screwball parentage brings to the canvas, i.e., the “crazydaddy” secret she is still harboring, not to mention the wince-inducing relationship she has with her amusingly acidic “mutter, ” and you have complete drama nirvana! For that utterly genius maternal link alone, we have to credit “Britt” with being the best new character that PC has seen in decades….just think, if it were not for KT and KG’s grotesque mother-daughter pairing, we may have never been a party to Dr. O.’s multi-talented, musical star turn or her dancing queen insanity! “The Great Gati” probably would have simply remained a “mad scientist ensconced in her Swiss clinic,” never to be afforded the chance to unleash her inner “torch singer !” What a complete tragedy that would have been!!!! Hence, thank you KT for skillfully creating your character to such colorful life, along with all the divine familial baggage that accompanied her!!!! We are forever grateful!
Phenomenal, beautiful, talented actress playing a superiorly developed multi-layered character. I haven’t seen anything this phenomenal since the early days of Phyllis on Y&R or Carly on GH. Kelly is one of the reasons I stay tuned in. Thank you, Ron and Frank, for creating Britt, and thank you, Kelly, for portraying her so beautifully!
Another great interview Michael!!! I think Kelly is doing a great job playing a character that I continue to hate!!!
I love the character of Britt and her portrayal is amazing. Sadly I think Theresa isn’t getting nearly the praise she deserves in this story. If we didn’t care so much for Sabrina to win, then we wouldn’t have hated the Britch so much. I hope there is a happy ending along the way for Sabrina, Patrick, Robin, and Britt.
Uh, some of us NEVER hated Britt!!!!! On the other hand……well, let’s just say we were ACCUSED of being haters for not rooting for that insipid, annoying babysitter!
I would never presume or accuse. I like that dufferent people can take sides. I loved to hate Britt. She was, and is a villian. There is nothing wrong with loving her or hating her. I love to hate her cuz she is a grwat actress and drives story. I respectfully disagree with u, in that, I was rooting for Sabrina. I liked her bond with Emma. I am just hoping for happy endings for all…..so we can all enjoy our faves for a long time.
Since Sapbrinas ex boyfriend Carlos is part of the mob, maybe she ends up getting shot and dies in Patricks arms after Carlos reveals Dereks true idenity?(Carlos is arrested for some mob crime and reveals Dereks indentity court right after Alexis has fallen in love with Derek and they are married. Derek/Julian persuades Alexis to defend after revealing he is also Sams daddy…
Sorry for mistakes: it should read during his court trial, and Alexis to defend him…
Niks relationship…imo…will turn her into a better person…i doubt this but i want the baby to be Patrick and Robins…Britts mutter could pull that off…i want MORE OF BRITTS MUTTER and hope shes hiding in Windmere…maybe Dr.O has an identical twin she switched places and she really is Britts mutter…good way to keep her around once Anna catches the evil twin…when Robin returns will she be the real Robin or a fake sent by Dr.O ?
OOH!
love that… Dr. O could have a twin… you are ON!
that would be fabulous…..
you know.. the headlines speak for itself…. and GH is on TOP.
Britt and her Mother…. Dr. O… are the “IT” couple.
so… why…. NOT? GH? writers/producers listen to the fans… this would make for a coup…. the likes of which we haven’t seen in forever.
FUN, FUN, FUN… intriguing, interesting, intelligent…..
you’re pretty good at this…. especially… love that fans are loving this story line. add in Nicholas… and, it’s a DREAM….. TEAM…. with “Mutter”
Nope ridiculous and PATHETIC is all i see in these ‘ideas’..there is campy and there is too silly to live Campy.
you know… I have to add in… to fully evolve and full circle… that “abandoned” daughter…. Britt… who now has her “own” child….
having Britt fully realize HER Life… and seeing her with her nuMother… would be a FULL Treat.
you know… those mother/daughter duo….
ala Marian/Liza, AMC
ala Susan/Emily, ATWT
there are so many more… brain freeze…
but, nuDr. O could be like AMC Enid – AMC Edna – AMC Marian – Y&R Mary/Paul…
just that domineering… protective… fuss budget… comical… her nose in to everything and every one….
I dont know if you ever watched Another World…but in the late 60s and early 70s there was another popular mother/daughter duo…Ada who was kind, and her scheming daughter Rachel…Rachel in her young years was like an early version of Britt who made many attempts and sometimes succeeded in stealing Steve Frame(she got pregnant by him while married to Russ Mathews) from good girl Alice Mathews(Russ’s sister) which was far better than GH similar triangle with Britt, Patrick, and Sapbrina…in the storyline Steven was presumed killed in a helicopter crash and Rachel married the wealth Mac Cory and their love changed her into a softer, more nicer person. I predict a similiar outcome on GH…Britt will fall in love with Nik and marry him(after a few harmless cliche` soap obstacles of course) and like AWs Rachel, Britt will become a better person but with an occasional scheme or two. Patrick, i always enjoy your comments and replies…same with Shay, Mary F and a few others i cant recall as of this writing…lol…thanks 4 the reply!
Any device that will provide more tales of the “Westbourne Women” is a win in my book! Kathleen Gati is a gem of a character actress who can do no wrong and KT is the most effervescent addition to GH in eons. However, while I can see plenty of room for Britt to redeem her tarnished image, I cannot imagine any way that Dr. O. (or her less evil doppelganger) could possibly be as entertaining without that tart Teutonic tongue and mirthful malevolence that the “Mad Mutta” possesses…for me it is merely unthinkable! What I would propose would be for the cunning chanteuse to continue to mysteriously (but regularly) pop up ala Helena C….still at large for her crimes, but always a step ahead of Anna D and Company. In doing so, she could adopt any number of clever disguises and identities, so that we will be able to look forward to many ingenious, intrepid incarnations of the original Dr. O. for the foreseeable future….a “two for one treat!” and a special surprise each and every time she visits with a different cover character!!!!
I’m all 4 the different disguises…i can see her even turning up as a man…Britts uncle? lol
Desperate times call for desperate measures!!!! The possibilities are endless….as long as “Mutta” makes return engagements to the Floating Rib’s karaoke “open mike nights,” I’m in!!!! The other interesting prospect to this idea would be “Schatzi’s” priceless reactions each time her crazy mother pops up in unexpected places and situations….I really think this could serve as a useful method to keep Gati indefinitely!!!!! Hope someone passes it along to “Cartini!’ Hahaha…..
Well, to sum up you want to watch Passions..right ? You know it is cancelled..time to MOVE ON !
@Judith…Sorry, NEVER watched “Passions”….always thought it sounded beyond ridiculous! The only soap I have tuned into (on and off….) over the past decade has been GH…..
To jimh (and Patrick, too!!!)…I just read a VERY juicy spoiler about our most favorite ladies….sounds like it gonna be GOOOOOD!!!!! ; )
I dont know what you read but i love the suspense just knowing you said its going to be good…
Well, “Dr. O.” figures prominently into it, so what more does one really need to know? I don’t want to ruin any surprises, but I certainly can’t wait!!!! It’s been toooo long since we saw The Mad Musical Mutta!!!!! Hope she’s warming up her vocal chords….. : )
I would like for them to change the story from the baby being Dante and Lu Lu’s to Dante and Britt’s baby.
poor Lulu..why ?
Judith, I have grown to love Britt and Nick. I think the baby brings out the best in Britt. I don’t care for LuLu at all. There is something about LuLu’s personality that is off-putting. Also, I can imagine all kinds of conflict if the baby were Britts and Dantes. Which would make for some very entertaining story-lines.
I’m over it. They have shoved new character after new character to forefront of this show. I can read the writing on the wall – After all of the noise that Ron & Frank have made about GH history (heck, Frank keeps posting pictures of Steve & Audrey Hardy), they don’t want to actually use it. When was the last time you saw Elizabeth for any length of time? And now despite the teasing of Elizabeth and Nikolas we come to find out that the story is now Britt & Nik? Now we’ve got Sabrina who has not only a leading man on the show but now a past love. I can watch entire episodes in 10 minutes. 28 years of watching and the only other time I’ve been this disgusted with this show is when they killed Jake.
LOVE Britt and she totally reminds me of the soap characters from Guiding Light and General Hospital in the 80s! I love BRITT
Thank you for this interview! I have loved the Britt character from the very beginning. I wanted her with Patrick at first because, I thought they had more chemistry together than Patrick & Sabrina, but I am loving the direction this story is going. I am absolutely loving Britt and Nicolas. It’s weird but I hardly paid much attention to Nicolas in his scenes with Liz but, now I cant tear my eyes away.
Patrick did not have any chemistry with Britt..and with Sabrina is not better..this triangle was a major FAILURE from beginning to end. That is all.
p.s: i can totally pay attention to Nick in his scenes with Liz. ha.
GH
Monday: 2.2/2,852,000
Tuesday: 2.3/2,995,000
Wednesday: 2.3/2,956,000
Thursday: 2.0/2,631,000
Friday: 1.9/2,442,000
FYI she gave birth on a FRIDAY. Nothing is worse than false marketing research. I think the Liz fans have been disenfranchised enough that they should give Nik and Liz one story line together instead of a newbie he has no compelling history with.
She gave birth on Monday 9/9/13, continued on to Tuesday 9/10/13 when she discovered there was somthing wrong with her baby and then she was next shown at the hospital on the 9/11/13 lying in bed as Nik brought in her baby. Friday’s date was 9/13/13.
I still think she’s Anna’s daughter. She has Finola’s eyebrows.
That would be neat! What if Obrecht couldnt have kids so she somehow got herself impregnated with Anna’s innards? It would explain the cold non motherly way she treats britt. I think there are many things yet to come here.
I enjoy watching the show again, because of the Nik and Britt scenes. I hope they let Nikolas has real love this time and no more chasing after Elizabeth.
Also, not sure if they can write the story differently but if Britt could be the real mother of Ben that would be fantastic. Her mother said something to her recently about screwing up the relationship with Patrick that she had to find another baby daddy to get pregnant. That comment gave me hope that Britt is really the mother of Ben.
Who knows, in the soap world they can even have Nikolas as the real daddy. Dr. O is creative enough. 🙂
Breaking News
GH’s Vinessa Antoine Lands Primetime Series Will Make Canadian TV History!
General Hospital
Dominic Zamprogna Speaks Out On His Decision To Leave GH, His Final Scenes With Emme Rylan & How Dante Exited The Canvas
A few weeks ago, General Hospital fans watched as one of the series beloved stars, Dominic Zamprogna (Dante) exited the show in scenes opposite his longtime on-screen love interest, Emme Rylan (Lulu). For nine years, Zamprogna brought authenticity, emotion, and heart to the son of Sonny Corinthos (Maurice Benard) and Olivia Falconeri (Lisa LoCicero) to life. While Dante’s journey started out with a bang, literally (thanks, Sonny!), over the years it appeared he was taking a backseat in meatier storylines. All the while, Dante and Lulu remained one of the more popular duos with the viewers.
After much reflection, Zamprogna decided it was time for him to walk away from a place that became his second home. His desire now shifted to play different characters in different projects, but it was not without taking many things into account with his life-changing decision.
Michael Fairman TV talked with Dominic to glean more insight into: if there was anything GH could have done to make him sign on the dotted line again, what went down to make those final scenes seem so rushed, how it was to say goodbye to his co-workers in front of the camera and behind the scenes, if he would consider a return at some point, and how would he feel if GH now planned on recasting Dante, and much more.
For us; we recall meeting Dominic for the first times just six months into his time at General Hospital for our first interview together. We were instantly struck by his sincerity, humor, and his eagerness to learn from some of the best in the business. Now exiting as a “soap vet“, per se, it is a full-circle moment that we had the time to conclude his GH journey with this conversation. Here’s what Dom had to say about it all.
What were the factors that contributed to your decision to exit GH? Was there a pivotal moment where you were feeling, and recognizing, that you were underutilized that you felt you needed to make a change?
DOMINIC: When you named me the “Most Underutilized Actor of 2017!” (Laughs) Well, my plan was never to stay forever. But half-way through my second contract, Emme Rylan (Lulu) and I were approached by our producer on set, who said words to the effect of: you guys have been on the sideline, time to get you into the game. That led to the Dante cheating storyline, which gave us story for about a year … which was great! But as that ended, so did any subsequent storylines, it seemed. In the year that followed, I started entertaining thoughts of leaving. By the next year, I started talking about it with my wife, Linda, who had started to notice that maybe I wasn’t happy anymore, and I wasn’t. That’s not a good feeling, especially if you’re bringing that energy home with you. Then, I made the mistake of going on social media, which is a terrible place to go sometimes. But fans were saying the same sort of things I was feeling. Was it all due to story or lack-thereof? No. I was starting to crave playing other roles, and that’s hard to do when you’re under contract.
Were discussions even had with Frank Valentini (executive producer, GH) and the powers-that-be about your feelings of dissatisfaction over not being utilized more in storylines?
DOMINIC: The discussions happened late. Not until the negotiation process, actually. I’m no squeaky wheel I guess, but I also don’t feel it’s in my job description to be one. I did put out a few ideas here and there, but they didn’t happen. I know other actors have tried the same and it didn’t lead to anything for them, either. I was a creation of Bob Guza (former head writer, GH), and maybe I was spoiled by the amount of great writing I received while he was there.
Photo Credit: JPI Studios
There had to be some sadness in walking away from GH.
DOMINIC: Oh yeah… it was sad. I built that character, and now here I was walking away from it, and essentially my second family. That’s been the hardest part. Lifelong friendships were made, and memories. However, it’s been over a month and a half since I’ve been at GH and I feel happy. I’ve been up in Canada shooting Tin Star, which has been a great experience. I’ve stayed in touch with everybody and I miss everybody, in fact, I just spoke to Mo (Maurice Benard) yesterday, and I’m in class with Emme (she won’t leave me alone). But, I feel like I made the right choice for me at this moment.
To clarify; were you actually trying to work out a deal to stay put, but both sides just could not hammer things out to a satisfactory conclusion?
DOMINIC: We did try to work out a deal. After more talks and conversations, I felt maybe we were going to get things done. I was being told things would change and maybe shift things in the direction we wanted to go. But at the end of the day, it’s gotta be in writing. I feel like I’d been told similar things in the past which hadn’t come to fruition. I was also reminded that it was me who needed to sign my name on that dotted line and live with that decision, and I chose not to do so.
If someone would have said to you: “We have an “A” story for you, and you are going to be driving it,” would you have been more apt to stay?
DOMINIC: There was talk about us sitting down and talking about storylines, but that didn’t end up happening, not sure why. And even if it did, I don’t know that it would’ve changed my mind about leaving, anyway. But just to be clear: I have no anger towards anybody. It’s all a business at the end of the day. Both sides did what they felt was right. For me, I just felt this chapter had come to an end.
Photo: ABC
When, and how did you tell on-screen scene partner, Emme Rylan that you were leaving? Was she happy for you and your decision?
DOMINIC: Emme knew really early on. Once January rolled around I was like: “I have been thinking for the last six to nine months that I am going to go.” I wanted her to know, because we have been a couple for five years on the show. Emme was very happy for me. I went, “Wait a minute! Don’t be this happy. I’m leaving.” (Laughing)
What happened when you told your on-screen mom, Lisa LoCicero ?
DOMINIC: She was sad, but she is also said, “You’re in your prime, go see what’s out there!” I wouldn’t have done this move if I did not get support at home. My wife is the rock and the one that makes this household go. Some things outside the show were starting to happen; I had a nice screen-test for a pilot, and then I booked these four episodes of Tin Star. When you have choices in life; you have power and control over your future. I think Emme and Lisa as actors realized that. That’s what made them happy for me … for the future. The last nine years were exciting. However, when you can have a little bit more say in what you are doing on a day to day basis, that is empowering. So, in saying, “no” to something, and saying, “Thank you, but that’s not what I am looking for right now,” that can feel good.
Photo Credit: JPI Studios
It was a shame that through all the regimes that they rarely wrote any scenes between Dante and his father, Sonny. What was Maurice Benard’s reaction when you told him you were leaving?
DOMINIC: It has been pretty publicized that he and I were dissatisfied at the lack of storyline, or scenes together. Maurice asked the powers-that-be, “Why aren’t we working together more?” We never had a clear answer as to why. He didn’t know from one day to the next what was happening with my contract talks. Mo saw me smiling one day and asked, “So does that smile mean you’re staying?” And I said, “No, that smile is because I’m leaving.” (Laughs) I said that more to mess with him, and make him sad. He said, “As long as you are good financially, then I am all for anybody getting out of here and seeing what else is out there.” Really, Mo talks people into leaving so he can get more screen-time. (Laughs)
Let’s talk about the final airshow, and the story that came out of left field to facilitate your exit. Was that written quickly to accommodate a shooting schedule or contract completion? It felt rushed to the viewing audience.
DOMINIC: Left field is right! I still had a week and a half left of work when they found out I wasn’t going to re-sign, and within twelve hours I had six exit scenes written. So, it wasn’t done to facilitate anything but a set (Lante’s house), I think. My final tape date was May 18th, and Emme and I had scenes on the Wednesday or Thursday before that. I guess they wanted my last scenes that aired to be with Emme, and that might have been the only scheduling day that worked for the set and the actors, and maybe that’s also why it felt so rushed. All I could assume is that they didn’t think I was really going to leave so they didn’t plan for it, or they chose to protect themselves in this way, by not making a big deal about it. I had another week of scenes in the PCPD with Chase (Josh Swickard) and Michael (Chad Duell) that was shot afterward. But they had nothing to do with Dante’s “secret mission!”
Photo Credit: JPI Studios
I thought, “Wait! Is that it? Is this Dominic’s final show? Dante doesn’t say goodbye to his mother… his father … or his son, Rocco?
DOMINIC: Yeah, that was tough for me. After 9 years you think you’re going to get a little bit better of a send off. You also, hope they’re going to honor the character. Dante wouldn’t leave to go to the 7-eleven without saying goodbye to his mother and kids. Maurice and I talked about that. He said, “I guess, they don’t want people to feel really sad. You and me doing some goodbye scenes, people are going to be devastated.” I agree with that. However, I also think it’s a soap and that’s what fans want … good, ole drama. I would have loved to have had scenes with Sonny, Olivia, and Dante’s kids, but when you make a decision like this, how you leave on-air is not up to you. Both parties are going to handle it how it’s best for them. I was very grateful they gave Emme and I something to seek our teeth into.
They were very sad scenes. You are one of those actors that can take the material and connect with it while delivering it in a very subtle and heartfelt way. How was Emme after your final scenes?
DOMINIC: She was kind of crying the whole time, going “Damn you! Damn you.” I was having fun with it, because I love making Emme cry. It’s not a very difficult thing to do. (Laughs). We were both pretty teary-eyed, actually. Then, when we finished the scenes and I looked over and I saw how upset the crew was, that’s what really got me. Barbara, one of the camera operators actually jokingly apologized; suggesting that if my last shot was blurry it was my fault! As an actor, when you make the crew feel something it kind of gives you some extra good feels. That was always the best feeling, talking to Craig (our stage manager), or Donna (head of makeup department) after a scene to get the honest truth on how you did. I’ll miss them.
Courtesy/ABC
Viewers, watching Dante have this flashback about the guy who was responsible for Lulu going overboard the Haunted Star a few years ago, probably needed a moment to connect the dots. Some viewers were going, “What? Dante is going after the guy that tried to drown Lulu from two years ago?”
DOMINIC: When I read that in the script even I went, “What?” Who’s that?” I had no idea, either. (Laughs)
Then there was this: Dante was so hard on Lulu for her pursuing her dream as a journalist and how it inadvertently got Nathan killed. Then all of a sudden in your final scenes, Dante has a line to Lulu in which he says something to the effect of: I understand now – you got to do, what you got to do. In story, prior to these scenes it was leaning more towards Dante and Lulu were going to break-up over what had recently transpired.
DOMINIC: Which, who knows? If Dante had stayed in Port Charles it could have been the direction they were going in. It certainly looked like they were building toward conflict, conflict, conflict, but with me leaving it was much sweeter to leave on the note that we left on, instead of Dante leaving, because he can’t deal with being around Lulu. This all leads me to believe that they didn’t want to do anything too permanent to give them time to make the proper decisions.
Courtesy/ABC
What was the last day of shooting like for you? Was it hard to get through?
DOMINIC: It felt like a regular day, and my final scenes were up towards the end of the tape day. They had a cake afterwards. Frank briefly spoke and introduced Maurice; who said a bunch of sweet words. That meant a lot to me. I said “goodbye” to everybody and took some photos, and that was it. I already had my room packed up. Once you’re ready to go, you’re ready to go. Afterwards, I went out with Ryan Paevey (Ex-Nathan) and Jeffrey Vincent Parise (Ex-Carlos) for some beers and wings at the bar down the street. It wasn’t until everybody came back after a two-week break that it felt real, because then I was receiving text messages from people saying, “We’re back. Why the hell aren’t you here?”
The door has been left open for Dante to return. Would you ever come back?
DOMINIC: Of course, at some point. But it might not be my choice, they might recast. They told me they won’t, but who knows what’ll be done. Do I think you can just recast a role? No, I think it’s always a tough sell, but they’ve done it with bigger names/characters than mine. I would be a little surprised, only because there hasn’t been much story for Dante in the last three years. For me, as of now, I’ve moved on, and I’m very happy with my decision and my life. It’s sad in other respects, don’t get me wrong. I’ve read things that people have said on Twitter, and I want everyone to know I’ve seen it all and it means a lot to me. People have been beautiful to me. I’m truly overwhelmed by the love. I thought there would be more of, “Who cares?” when fans found out I left. I must have done something right during the years I was at GH.
Did you think when you made the decision to leave they would kill-off Dante?
DOMINIC: No, not at all. I don’t think killing off Dante would be a good idea, especially after they killed Nathan, and also because of the climate we live in with police involved shootings and violence, in general. In a perfect world as an actor, you crave the opportunity to have one last moment with the other characters that have been important to your character over the years. That’s all I would have wanted for myself, and Dante. I’ll take what I got though. It was extremely meaningful because of what Emme and I had and built. I feel we got to the heart and soul of those two characters in a pretty short amount of time in our scenes.
Courtesy/ABC
Speaking of Nathan, I think thus far those funeral scenes, which you were wonderful in, and the story arc revolving around his death, are GH’s best bet for an Emmy in the Drama Series category next year.
DOMINIC: I agree. It was so well-done. We’d all would like to go out like that! Tragic, but it made for great TV and great soap. It was phenomenally well-acted across the board. Lots of Emmy reel stuff for Michelle Stafford (Nina) and Kirsten Storms (Maxie), and Kathleen Gati (Liesl), and hopefully for our directors and crew, also. They did an amazing job bringing that to life.
This now leaves Josh Swickard as the lone cop now by default on GH. he PCPD is notorious for being the worst cop shop in the history of soaps! (Laughs) They can’t ever solve a crime.
DOMINIC: (Laughs) I know! What is Josh is going to do? Maybe between Chase and Jordan (Vienssa Antoine) they will solve crimes. Maybe, they’ll bring on a new cop. Josh is a great guy and I enjoyed working with him. At the beginning, we had that contentious relationship between the two guys. That would’ve been fun if it lasted longer, where they had this continual real dislike for one another. Who knows? With Dante gone, maybe they will start solving some crimes! (Laughs) Maybe now the PCPD will be the greatest police unit in the USA.
Courtesy/ABC
Over your nine years at GH, would you still consider that your best storyline was coming on to the show and then having Sonny shoot Dante, only for it to turn out that he just shot his own son?
DOMINIC: Yes, I think you have to. That was my intro. They had this story planned eight months before they even cast the role. To get to that moment, was a classic soap cliffhanger. I grew up watching soap operas with my grandparents, and if they had been alive for that scene they would have lost it, because it was something that ‘old school’ soap fans would really dig. For me, doing that story felt so special. ABC also pumped it with the promotion, and the promos, and the TV spots, and amped it up. I didn’t feel it disappointed. It was actually the audition scene that I had to perform to get the part! Then six months later you get to say these lines that got you the part, and you hope you don’t whiff on the softball.
While putting together and producing the GH 55th anniversary tribute package for this year’s Daytime Emmys, I included that moment between Sonny and Dante. I remember watching the complete scene before editing it and the dialog was so good. It still holds up to this day.
DOMINIC: My manager was at the Emmys that night, and said what a great moment that was. I meant to thank you for that, because I really appreciated it being in there.
Courtesy/ABC
Are there any other scenes that come to mind that you are most proud of?
DOMINIC: I also really loved the scenes with Max Gail (Mike). He is a special guy. There was so much in our scenes; where Dante finds him with Avery in the stables. Those moments are going to stick with me for a long time.
On June 28th, the airdate of your last episode, you posted a tweet to the fans that read: “The love you guys have given me over the years and continue to give is overwhelming. It is I that must thank YOU!” I thought that was extremely touching and very appreciated by the fans.
DOMINIC: I was thinking, “Man, I have to thank you, because I would not legitimately be here if you hadn’t liked this guy, Dante.” It was bringing tears to my eyes reading what people were saying, and seeing how much love I was receiving.
Tell me about your role in the British-Canadian production of Tin Star?
DOMINIC: It’s a recurring role, I’ve been working on it since March. It’s something very different from what I’ve been doing the last 9 years. Can’t give much away, but I play a hired gun type of guy. There are some great scenes and moments, and I was lucky enough to work with Christina Hendricks, John Lynch, and the legend, Tim Roth.
Photo Credit: JPI Studios
Do you feel now that you have had some time away now from GH, and have been playing another role, that the thought of playing Dante for you at this point is like: “Been there. Done that?”
DOMINIC: I would never say Dante is done forever. Right now for me, he is. They left it open, hopefully they left it open for me, but every actor hopes that. We want our cake and to eat it too! I want to leave right now, but I want you to want me to come back some day. No one wants their role to be recast. But it’s an important character, so I guess we’ll have to wait and see. Who knows what the future holds. I left on good terms. Just so everyone knows; I didn’t spring something on GH on the last day of my contract. It’s important that I let people know that I didn’t just wake up one day and say, “See ya”. This also wasn’t about money. Sure, we want to be paid what we believe we’re worth. But this in no way was about me asking for the moon, or I was going to leave. It was a very, very difficult decision.
So, what do you think about how GH wrapped up Dante’s story for Dominic’s exit? Would you like him to return to GH sooner than later? Do you think the role of Dante was problematic to write for? What were your favorite scenes of Dom’s during his time at GH? Let us know via the comment section below.
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B&B Preview – Week of June 18, 2018
Y&R Preview – Week of June 18, 2018
Drake Goes Back to His Roots With ‘Degrassi’ Cast In Haywire High School Reunion In ‘I’m Upset’ Music Video
72nd Tony Awards: De Niro Gets Bleeped, Garfield’s Speech, The Band’s Visit Tops & Parkland Students’ Emotional Performance
InterviewsJuly 7, 2018Jonathan Jackson Talks Avery’s Love Quandary, Saying Goodbye To ‘Nashville’ & If He Would Return To General Hospital
General HospitalJuly 14, 2018Dominic Zamprogna Speaks Out On His Decision To Leave GH, His Final Scenes With Emme Rylan & How Dante Exited The Canvas
The Young and the RestlessJuly 12, 2018Y&R Cliffhanger Friday: Victor and J. T. Come Face To Face?
Breaking NewsJuly 9, 2018General Hospital’s Wedding To Die For: Will Michael’s Plan Succeed Or Be A Major Fail?
Breaking NewsJuly 14, 2018GH’s Vinessa Antoine Lands Primetime Series Will Make Canadian TV History!
Days Of Our LivesJuly 8, 2018DAYS OF OUR LIVES: Ben Fights Off His “Killer” Instincts As Rob Scott Wilson Delivers Power Performance Of The Week
Breaking NewsJuly 10, 2018GH’s Maurice Benard Takes On Role Of Police Captain In New Film, ‘Equal Standard’
Breaking NewsJuly 9, 2018Roseanne Barr Announces She Will Be Giving Her First TV Interview Since ‘Roseanne’ Cancellation