Interviews
The Robert S. Woods Interview – One Life to Live
Courtesy/ABC
If there is a sentimental favorite at this year’s 39th Daytime Emmy Awards, look no further than Robert S. Woods! “Woodsy” as those close to him call him, received a nomination in the Outstanding Lead Actor category in the final year of One Life to Live. And who in soapland doesn’t know that the heart and soul of the show, and that salt of the earth character that you could trust above anyone else, was the beloved Bo Buchanan.
An understated performer who can break our hearts, or make us smile, Bob Woods has been giving performance after performance for over three decades on OLTL. And it wouldn’t be such irony, that on Emmy night, it would be Bob’s turn to take home the gold for only the second time in his accomplished career. When you think about his body of work, and in particular last year, he had enough to rival any one of his competitors.
On-Air On-Soaps spoke with the popular Woods to get his thoughts on finding out he landed a nomination, and to find out how life is after One Life to Live. And, we took this opportunity to discuss Bo’s last scenes in the series finale, and the shocking alternate ending that no one knew about! We have to share with you that throughout our conversation, Bob had us beaming with pride, holding back the tears, and laughing and smiling. It was emotional, heartfelt, and direct, exactly what you would expect from this daytime legend. And as you will learn, Bob is just as devastated as all of you are that Llanview is no longer on the TV map. So here we go with our special Emmy interview, and more with Robert S. Woods!
MICHAEL:
What fantastic news, Bob, that you were nominated (and deservingly so) for your work as Bo Buchanan in the Lead Actor category. How did you find out the news that you received the nod?
ROBERT:
Courtesy/ABC
I was out working in the backyard, and I heard my wife, Loyita, screaming, “You’re kidding?” I think Billy Warlock and Julie Pinson called her and told her! (Laughs) I did not know the nominations were coming out that day. I was talking with Leah Webber, one of our producers at One Life. She was handling all of our submissions. She was working on material with an echo in the room, because everyone was gone. Leah is the one that pulled out some scenes for me, bless her heart!
MICHAEL:
All of your fans and colleagues are so thrilled for you that you got recognized for your work in the final full year of OLTL. Did you speak with your OLTL co-nominees, Eddie Alderson (Matthew) and Erika Slezak (Viki)?
ROBERT:
I called Eddie right away. I have watched that guys since he was very young. Hillary B. Smith (Nora, OLTL, now Stacy B&B) says, we have watched him grow since he was three. When Kristen Alderson (Starr, OLTL now GH) started on the show she was five or six, and so Eddie had grown up in the studio. He was being a prop man. He used to help the prop department and strike the sets! I heard from Erika Slezak and she congratulated me, and so did Hillary. Frank Valentini called, too, which was nice. He has been working his butt off at GH!
MICHAEL:
You must have been thrilled! This is coming at such a bittersweet moment with the beloved One Life to Live canceled, and now you receive this recognition!
ROBERT:
Courtesy/ABC
If you had asked me, “How would you feel if you found out you were nominated?” I would think, “Geez, I don’t know what I would feel.” But I was grinning from ear to ear. I think a lot of it is that it is so sentimental. One Life to Live is gone. I still can’t believe it. I thought I would be gone some day, but I never thought One Life would be, nor that ABC would not have those three mainstay daytime dramas all together in their daytime lineup.
MICHAEL:
There is such a hole in people’s hearts who followed One Life to Live for decades, or even if they were new fans. Many are having a hard time dealing with the fact that they can’t see Bo, Viki, Nora, and everyone in Llanview anymore on a daily basis. I have to say, it does feel really odd. A huge piece is missing and it feels like this big chunk was cut out of the ABC daytime lineup!
ROBERT:
I have days where I keep thinking, “I better look at my scripts.” Then I go, “Wait. Oh no. I don’t have to go back.” I went through that for a long time after we taped the final episodes. We are looking back at November 18th of last year when we taped our last episode, and then the last airdate was January 13th of this year. I just remember it was Friday, the 13th! I miss talking to the camera guys, and Michael Easton (John, OLTL now GH). We have been playing phone tag forever. It’s just weird that you can’t go in and walk through the door and see people that you knew and have a kind of reunion. That is what I always thought when I left the show years ago. I thought I would be able to pop back in now and then. And that it would always be there to go home to.
MICHAEL:
And fans are hoping that somehow the show will get another lease on life and be resurrected, but so many hopes have been dashed!
ROBERT:
People are always asking me, “Do you think OLTL will come back now that ABC realized they goofed?” They ask that especially in light of The Revolution tanking, but people in the cast and the production have moved on in just six months. It’s just a shame. We were doing very well. But if the network felt they had to do something they should have cut the show back to a half hour, as well as All My Children, and have two half hour shows and then GH! Then some day when everything gets reinvented again, they go to an hour.
MICHAEL:
Photo Credit: Robert Milazzo
I always said, “thank God” when ABC decided to cancel The Revolution. However, instead of airing the GMA Summer Series in its timeslot for the summer, they should have taken that nine weeks and brought back One Life to Live to wrap it up properly and give a semi-bone to the fans. But now, since that’s a matter of getting the actors, the sets, and the costumes all again, that would prove difficult. We will have to work on OLTL: The Movie!
ROBERT:
We have Frank Valentini and Ron Carlivati over at General Hospital now, and so what are you going to do? It’s a sad thing. I never thought it would happen where we would not be on the air.
MICHAEL:
I will never forget the day you, Hillary B. Smith, and me taped that final video interview together at the last OLTL press junket back in November. I so recall the three of us looking at each other with such disbelief and sad faces, that we were actually taping a farewell interview together after decades in the genre!
ROBERT:
That was a strange day. It was sure not what I had in mind. I said, when I came back to the show after I was gone for a couple of years, “Either they will carry me out the door or throw me out the door, but I was going to stay.” Then the minute I got older, I could see retirement a couple years down the line. I will say the schedule was really tough towards the end. We were maybe doing three or four shows a day. It was harder and harder to remember all the lines.
MICHAEL:
On a happier note, I think you had a great year last year. In my mind, you had a lot of strong material to choose from. What did you end up submitting for the Emmys? I heard you changed it up from the pre-noms to the final round. Is that true?
ROBERT:
Courtesy/ABC
Yes. I changed it up. In the pre-nomination, I went with the barn showdown scene with Clint. Bo was going to shoot him and Asa’s hat was in it, and all of that. Then in the second go round, and for the final round of judging, it was about when we had to make a decision about Matthew, when he was pretty much soap opera brain dead. (Laughs) It was about whether we were going to pull the plug on him, because his heart was a match for Clint. Clint was going to die if he did not get a heart transplant. So I submitted a scene with Erika Slezak, where Bo says, “How do you give up on a child? But if something is not done, do I end up killing my brother by refusing to help him?” It was one of those back and forth moments, and Nora comes in at the end of it. I think the scenes start with Bo coming out of Matthew’s hospital room, and then he turns the corner and there is Viki. It was kind of cool, because way back in 1979 I came in the door and sat down in a chair and said, “I am in love with you, Viki!” You know my screen test for Bo was with Erika!
MICHAEL:
I know you can’t have a better scene partner than Erika Slezak!
ROBERT:
Oh, God! And when you watch the scenes, Erika really went to bat for me! She was good with everybody, but there was something a little different about it when you look at all the scenes from that day. There was a lot of material also with Eddie Alderson as Matthew that I considered was strong, too.
MICHAEL:
Why did you make the decision to switch reels?
ROBERT:
Courtesy/ABC
I did not think in a million years I would get nominated for anything, and with the show being gone. I just thought, “It’s over, and no one is going to give us a second thought from One Life.” So my favorite scene was with Erika. But then I found Leah Webber initially submitted the barn scene. She sent me stuff that I could watch via You Tube, and so I watched them at home. I have to say the barn scenes with Jerry verDorn (Clint) were fun!
MICHAEL:
I really wish the Daytime Emmys were judged and gave recognition for a body of work through the eligibility year, instead of just scenes from one episode. Then when comparing it against other actors, it can often times feel strange and then it makes the whole process more of a game, even though in the end, the Emmys are a game!
ROBERT:
The whole thing over the years, and how it evolved, became about campaigning with different shows. There was the issue of block voting, too. That happened on CBS with Guiding Light and As the World Turns. I don’t think we ever did that on One Life to Live. Jill Farren Phelps, when she came to our show as executive producer, she was like. “Well, I know how to do this. This is what we have to do to win.” I will tell you how you get nominated? You submit good work, and if they like it, you win. But I guess Jill’s approach was about how to get nominated. We never did that at One Life. If you had something to show that was good, and something you are proud of, we would go for it.
MICHAEL:
Now if I recall, the year you won your Daytime Emmy was the year the Emmys weren’t televised! Now I think there is something to this! (Laughs) They might not make it to television again this year!
Courtesy/ABC
ROBERT:
Yeah! And it’s so funny. Somebody told me, “I will be watching!” And I went, “Well, I don’t know what you’ll be watching.” (Laughs) And usually the next year after you win, you get to present the honor in the Lead Actress category. I was all excited because that year was Erika Slezak’s first Emmy nomination. And Paul Rauch, our then executive producer, had us on location the night of the Emmys! We were downtown in Greenwich Village and the character of Delilah was running away from some sailors who were chasing her. I was there for when I won my Emmy and it’s just that it wasn’t televised. I just remember, I thought it was cool being there and my first time being nominated, and I was just kicking back, because again, I had to work at the show late. I did eventually get to the Emmys, but missed the dinner part with my date, and a buddy of mine, who went with me. Paul was not a big fan of the Daytime Emmys. I will never forget the expression on Robin Strasser’s (Dorian, OLTL) face. She was presenting my category. All of a sudden her eyes widened, and she took a deep breath with a big smile and I thought, “Oh, you have got to be kidding me?” (Laughs)
MICHAEL:
What do you think of your competition in the Outstanding Lead Actor category?
ROBERT:
It’s a good group. It’s a veteran group with guys who have all been around for a long time. I have met John McCook (Eric, B&B) before, but briefly. The other three guys I have known forever. I met Maurice Benard (Sonny, GH) when he was on All My Children. Tony Geary (Luke, GH) and I go back a long time.
MICHAEL:
There was such disappointment that OLTL was not nominated for Outstanding Daytime Drama Series. This show can never catch a break, even after it’s canceled!
ROBERT:
I know there were some good shows in their submissions. Judging from our last fan club gathering, nobody could understand what happened and why we were canceled? You know traditionally, we were that middle child. The network was always worried about the lead-in and keeping it going. Then, you have the strong finish with GH. Everyone always talked about GH and AMC, and we were like, “Hello! Over here!”
Courtesy/ABC
MICHAEL:
In January, the final episode aired. There was no one more moving in the final episode than you. Those scenes between Bo and Matthew, when Matthew names his baby boy Drew after Bo’s late son, was so touching! But then, when Bo tells Nora he loves her, as he is about to walk out the front door, we all sobbed! Did you watch the finale?
ROBERT:
I did watch the day it aired. I had a lump in my throat, too. Eddie and I were talking before we did it, and even when the script came out. Eddie said, “I think we are going to have our moment. We are going to have a moment!” This is the last show and we were going to have our moment, and the same with Hillary. It did feel like our goodbyes were very real, and especially walking out and being able to turn around, and just when you think it’s over and then Bo to say, “I love you, Red,” and that’s it. The last words out of your mouth, and there was a lot of history there. It was nice way to end. We shot an alternate ending in case the show was going to the internet, and if I was not going to stay with the show.
MICHAEL:
Oh, my God! What was the alternate ending for Bo?
ROBERT:
I went out the door and a guy was there with a gloved hand and dressed in black. There is a hand over my face, and Bo is about to fight and then he realizes, “Oh, it’s you guys.” And then he gets taken away and out for some clandestine thing from the old days. It would have kept it going, but the way it worked out it just ended with a moment of Bo and Nora looking at each other with nothing planned. So much of what we did was like that. It just came right out of the moment, listening to each other, and trusting, and our timing. Hillary and I had that big ten-year gap. I forgot how easy it was to work with her and how well we worked together.
MICHAEL:
Courtesy/ABC
The final press junket also included a timeout when the cast gathered on the set to take the final cast photo of One Life to Live. And I know they put Asa’s hat in the shot as a special memory of Phil Carey (Asa). That must have been very emotional for you.
ROBERT:
Yes, they put Asa’s hat there, and it was so tough looking over at it during the photo shoot and remembering Phil Carey. There are so many things I remember. I have posters and memorabilia that I had framed. One day, Phil showed up with something and went, “Here Woodsy! You like this kind of shit.” I looked at it and it was the front page of the Banner and it said, “Asa Buchanan is dead.” I framed it and hung it on my wall, and right behind that the prop guys are saying, “Anybody seen that newspaper?” (Laughs) But Phil would walk off the set with things like that and have things framed! (Laughs) I said to somebody, “You know, we all have been lucky to have worked with a guy like that. “ He is the last of a breed.
MICHAEL:
If Frank Valentini would find a way to work Bo into GH, would you even be interested in going?
ROBERT:
Oh, I don’t know if they ever could. Michael Easton came up with an idea that if McBain ever got in a jam, he looks up and goes, “Thank God. Where you been?” And I turn around and fans see its Bo! Usually, it would be me in trouble, and John would come rescue me. Michael Easton said, “Is it something you would do?” And I said, “It sounds cool and if I was working with you, I would do it.” But that was just us talking. But honest to God, GH is GH. They have enough people from One Life on there now. It’s their show. It’s got to be tough when you have invested in the show, and you have been an actor who has been there years and years and years, and then you have all these new faces. You can understand them pondering, “Well, why don’t you think about us?”
MICHAEL:
So right now are you done with acting?
ROBERT:
At this particular point right now, I really don’t want to act. I like to watch people act and go see some plays and watch TV. I love Mad Men, Castle and Smash. Right now, I am happy with what I am doing. Loyita and I are not at each other’s throat, where I need to go find something to do. We are still a great team. I was on One Life to Live 30 years over a 32-year period. And I have had to memorize so many lines for so many years. I said to a friend, “I have probably said more during my time at One Life than a lot of big movie stars have had to memorize in their whole life!” It’s a lot of work and it’s so fast.
Courtesy/ABC
MICHAEL:
In closing, I have to say, I don’t think there will be a dry eye in the house if you were to pick up the Daytime Emmy in June for Lead Actor. You want to win, don’t you? It would be such a terrific cap on your daytime career!
ROBERT:
You know what? I would be grinning for the rest of my life if I was to win. I can’t say, who cares? There have been years in the past where I did not care if I was nominated because I have one already. And then I watch friends of mine like Tony Geary and Peter Bergman (Jack, Y&R) who are multiple winners, and especially Tony. And then I thought, “Maybe it would be good to have another one.” Tony must have them all over the place. (Laughs) I would be very happy and proud if I won. I would be so grateful. I had the good sense to come back to the show after I left, and made the choice I did to stay as long as they would keep me. One Life was very good to me, and it gave me one helluva life!
43
What a wonderful man he is. I miss him.
And now we have him back! I am so grateful to Mr. Kwatinetz!
Awesome interview Michael! I adore Bob Woods. I have to say that with all of these interviews, you can tell that the actors adore and trust you. It is easy for them to open up and share with the rest of us….and you always ask the questions that are on the fans’ minds. Thank you!!
I love you, Bob. I miss you so much. I wish you all the best. No matter what, you are and always be a winner in my heart.
Love Bob Wooods. Thanks for the interview.
Omg, what a SAD, SAD interview!!! I want Woodsy to win so much more now!!!!!! I miss OLTL so much!
I hope Robert wins. I loved the character of Bo, and how he interacted with all the other actors. Bo & John McBain, Bo & Nora, Bo & Viki, Bo & Matthew, Bo & Rex… he just seems to be the perfect guy to get paired up with in front of a camera. It was always such a joy to watch his scenes. Hopefully, his wonderful work will be recognized with an Emmy!
Omg I LOVE & MISS you Woodsy SO much & HBS. There’s a HUGE hole in my heart everyday since the shows been off. I still cannot FATHOM, how & WHY this show was canceled!!!! Some *%#%!+ obviously had it in for you guys as well as AMC & it’s disgraceful. No disrespect to GH, but oltl’s storylines were so much better & so real!!! The actors brought there all to the table everyday. Not seeing Victoria Lord on my screen anymore is a hard pill to swallow & even more heartbreaking our beloved Bo & Nora (red) Now all… Read more »
I knew something would have happened with Bo at the end, but honestly thought it would be a heart attack and he would die. But I’m glad that OLTL ended the way it did for Bo’s family. Bob Woods is a master at his craft, subtle yet powerful. His relationship with the cast, in particular Hillary Smith and Eddie Alderson, translated seemlessly on screen. You really felt they were a true family. I hope he wins that Emmy!
I miss Bo so much, I love Robert S. Woods SO MUCH.
God this interview made me cry!
Great interview. We all miss you Bo! We miss Llanview. We want you all back. I watched from day one and thought you all were 100% better that GH! I stopped watching them a long time ago but never missed a day of OLTL. Their transition to GH takes getting used to, but Ron and Frank have made the show so much better along with the OLTL actors!
Miss OLTL everyday. Another great interview.
what a sweet sad interview. I hope he gets his grinning ear to ear 2nd win… Tony needs to share! 😀 As much as it hurts us OLTL fans to have lost our show, characters and actors, I feel so bad for the cast and crew to have lost their family and friends having had worked daily with each other for decades on ‘our show’. ABC-duh has hurt so very many people with their crappy decisions. Bob and OLTL need this win, and hopefully Erika will win as well. Thank you Bob for 30 years of being in my family… Read more »
Well, MIchael. You did it! You now have topped yourself with this interview with my favorite soap actor af all time, Bob Woods. I have always felt he was effortless and as realistic as any actor could be, and so natural and believable. I would love to see him pop up on GH, and then they could get rid of of their overload of actors. He would be a real stable influence amidst all the craziness. I can only hope to see him acting again.Love this interview, and love Bob Woods.
i ahve always loves bob since he was on the waltons years ago,,,,,,,,,,i really miss seeing him on a daily basis……….♥
Ethel, The waltons? When? I don’t remember seeing him and I never missed a episode unless I forgot seeing him, I have watched one life to live since the day it started so many years ago. God am I getting old. I miss seeing him every day to and I hope he takes home the emmy.
he was a doctor & maryellen was a nurse at the same hospital – as a matter of fact they had a thing going but she married kurt…………..lol
Thank you, Robert Woods, “Woodsy” for all the years of Bo. Your acting was true to life. I miss the show more than I can say. Nothing can replace it. I don’t watch any daytime TV except for GH and sometimes Dr. Oz. But neither fills that spot in my life. I wish you all the happiness, good health, and luck in the world. Maybe sometime you can be lured out of retirement for a movie or guest shots on some great nighttime show. Castle??? (but not as a bad guy- never!)
Great interview! Thanks Michael and Woodsy! I hope Nathan gets the powers to be at Castle to get Robert for Castle’s father! That would be so great! If he could win the Emmy with Erika and then do Castle for a few episodes and get nominated for a Castle episode… would be even better!!! Enjoy your time off Robert!
I have loved Bob woods since I started watching oltl back in 97 and after 15 I love him even more . He’s such a class act I hope he takes home the Emmy it’s been my pleasure to watch him on my tv screen for all this time. I miss him,Hillary ,eddie and erika so much . Wish him all the best ill be rooting for him for sure.
What a wonderful interview Michael. Robert S. Woods is a class act and I pray he wins. this interview gave me goose bumps reading it and hearing his answers to your questions Very interesting questions. Michael, I also liked your Idea about rapping up One life to live now that the revolution has been properly canceled we need a good ending. I would rather have it back, Myself I can’t give up on my favorite soap there is always hope. When Robert said he still feels like he still has scrips to read I feel the same way when the… Read more »
Great interview Michael !!
Love Bob Woods and the character Bo – for years.
Really hope he gets that Emmy win.
Miss OLTL every day…still so sad. 🙁
Go, Bob Woods, Go–Yay! 😀
Thanks for the great interview. I really cannot believe that OLTL did not receive a nomination for best soap. As far as I am concerned, it deserves every emmy nomination. Miss OLTL so much. Love Bo thanks.
WOW, I didn’t think I could feel any sadder about losing OLTL but reading this wonderful article broke my heart-again. Brings it all back-all the great story we’ll never see & all the dear, dear cast members we love & miss so much. Bob had some great ideas on saving the shows. Too bad nobody cared enough to listen then we would not all be in this awful boat. Bob was a mainstay character of the show and I love him so much. I wish him every happiness & most of all I wish for him & Erika to please,… Read more »
I dont think we will ever not feel sad and get our hearts broken over and over again every time we hear about One life to live. The loss of that soap has sure hurt a lot of people.And to have lost it for that nauseating show the revolution that has been canceled makes me want to cry. I will never understand the logic of abc/disneys thinking in destroying their afternoon lineup of good programming for garbage talk and food waste of time programs that are just awful to watch.
On OLTL alway’s liked Bo & Nora..Liked when Bo & Nora danced together on OLTL………..And the burgers and fries they liked eating………………..I wish Robert Woods the best at the daytime emmy’s………………I would like to see him WIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
That was so sweet, They use to do it all the time dancing and eating my favorite kind of junk food, then they broke them up, I was so sad and it was such a long time before they finally got back together again, Some couples should just be left alone and they are that couple. Just because they get married doesn’t mean they cant be on a roller coaster of adventures in their lives and stay happy, which they were. How I miss One life to live, will my heart ever stop aching for my favorite soap and characters… Read more »
I miss OLTL a lot too…I miss landview , Landfair !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! IAnd there aren’t to many shows that I feel this way…This soap definetly made an impression on me……Only one other show made me feel this wa and thet was Beauty and The Beast from 1987-1990……..I was heart-broken when the series was cancelled in 1990…………….At this time this was one of my favorites, including OLTL………………………………….I bought all 22 episodes of Beauty and The beast..Like watching them from time to time…I wish they would do the same for OLTL…It would be a lot of DVD’s to say the least………Yes I would… Read more »
I also loved beauty and the beast another show that was cancelled that should have gone on but linda hamilton left, that messed up everything, Ron perlman couldn’t get the ratings up being alone everyone liked it being the beauty and the beast together. Yes another wonderful, well written. descent show.
Unfortunately Linda Hamilton did want to leave my sister use to have a huge poster of Ron Perlman as the Beast and please don’t hit me but he was so sexy as The Beast!!!
Such a lovely interview! Thanks Michael, even though it made me cry. Robert Woods sounds like a great guy and he played the role of Bo so beautifully! Words cannot express how much I miss OLTL and AMC. Bo and Nora are my favorite soap couple of all time. My emotions are split between mourning for our soaps and extreme anger at ABC/D for their stupid and greedy decision to cancel them. I wish Bob Woods nothing but good things in his future life. Thanks for the years of entertainment!
My heart hopes Bob Woods wins because he really is a nice guy but sometimes I just think they check the box if they recognize the name and who does’t know Tony Geary but let’s share the wealth and give it to Woodsy.
This interview made me cry I so miss OLTL ands especially Robert Woods who was and always will be a class act! I am so glad the Revolution tanked if only to show ABC how wrong they were to cancel such an awesome, iconic ,irreplacable, heartfelt show.
Robert Woods has to win! He’s a great actor! I really miss OLTL! Nothing will ever take it’s place. All the actors seem to really miss it too. I never hear AMC actors talk the same way. A great interview! Thanks!
He is a class act!! I miss OLTL & Mr. Woods.
I love Bob Woods, as I think everyone from One Life to Live, Cast, Crew and Fans, do. This is a FAN-tastic interview you conducted with Bob/Bo, and as a big fan of his, I thank you so much – it is sooooo great!!! I would dearly love to see “Woodsy” take home the Emmy – it would in a way be an honor to all the cast and crew of OLTL – a final tribute to everyone associated with the Soap!!! Bring it Home – Bob/Bo!!!
They don’t make actors or men like Bob Woods anymnore. GOD BLESS HIM and his family.
GH would be lucky to have an actor like Bob Woods join the show. It is so sad we cannot have OLTL back,
GH needs to go too!!! So lame.
Please havea OLTL special to tie up all loose ends…love Bob Woods, favorite of all time. All the best to a great actor. Thanks for years of enjoymen!
LOVE Bob Woods and the entire cast of One Life. Unbelievable still that the show was Cancelled. The Powers-that-be Made A huge Mistake.
I met Robert Woods years ago at a make a wish dinner dance and he thought I was linda Ronstadt! I will always remember that and sometimes wonder if he does as well. I wish him all the happiness life can give! I wish I had a chance to talk to him more that night. It will always be a special night in my life to have met him and all the other stars there!
Interviews
Y&R’s Executive Producer Anthony Morina Talks On Daytime Emmy Drama Series Win For Neil’s Memorial & Honoring Kristoff St. John
Last Friday night, The Young and the Restless was named the Outstanding Drama Series at the 47th annual Daytime Emmy Awards broadcast on CBS. The show won on the strength of their submissions, which centered on the death of Neil Winters; including when the residents of Genoa City find out of his passing, and the subsequent heartbreaking memorial service in his honor.
However, what made those hours of television unlike anything seldom seen; were not only was Genoa City saying goodbye to Neil, but the cast was saying their goodbyes to their beloved friend and colleague, Kristoff St. John (Neil) who had passed away suddenly back in February of 2019.
Y&R’s executive producer, Anthony (Tony) Morina accepted the award for the top-rated CBS Daytime drama during the Emmy telecast, which now makes Morina a five-time Daytime Emmy winner himself!
Michael Fairman TV chatted with Tony on the series emotional Emmy win, and what it meant for him to win the gold for these incredibly moving and special episodes that were at its epicenter paying tribute to Kristoff in the best way the soap opera could. Here’s what Tony shared on the Y&R Drama Series victory and more.
Photo: JPI
Congratulations on your Outstanding Drama Series win. The episodes that you submitted were at every level, so gut-wrenching, sincere, and beautiful. What did you think about the process that you went through to make these right for Kristoff and the character of Neil?
TONY: Occasionally, when you are in this business, as you know, you work so hard to achieve certain things, sometimes you think you’re achieving something, and you’re not, and sometimes something shows up that surprises the heck out of you, and this was kind of it for me. But what didn’t surprise me, of course, were the actors’ ability, the director’s ability, and the crews’ ability, and for these episodes it was at such a high level. Sometimes there is an emotional element, or an otherworldliness thing that takes over.
Photo: CBS
Yes, because it was all so real and raw; in that we were watching the characters who loved Neil Winters mourn him, but we were also watching all the actors who loved their co-star.
TONY: When everybody was in that church set and were giving their eulogies, it felt like everybody was so behind each other, and everybody just cared for each other so much because they cared so much for Kristoff. All the eulogies that people were doing were a page and a half to two pages. They were really long, but you could feel the emotional tension, and you could feel how people just felt. Kristoff was a very unique special person, who ended up going through some rough times, but he really was beloved. Sometimes you love people, and sometimes you say somebody is beloved. Whenever you saw him, he put a smile on your face. He made you feel like he really cared about you. Those shows came together really out of this feeling of love. We did two whole shows that day. We did that whole show and the show that came after it. I don’t know how many hours of a day it was, but people had so much emotion attached to it that those shows really kind of took over themselves with everybody just trusting and letting go and supporting each other. I got a text from Peter Bergman (Jack, Y&R) saying how it was one of the greatest experiences he’d ever had in terms of how it all came together. Those shows just meant a lot to us, and I really felt that if we didn’t win, I’d be perfectly fine with that, because I was just so glad that we were able to do these episodes, and people got to see it.
Photo: JPI
At what point did you decide, “We are going with this to submit for the Emmy!”
TONY: I actually knew that day. I think, I actually said to Josh Griffith (head writer and Co-EP Y&R), “This is going to be our Emmy show … or one of our Emmy shows.” The other show when everybody finds out Neil died was an incredibly powerful show to me too, but I knew that day when we shot the funeral that you rarely see that kind of rawness. When you get into this business, and you want to become an actor, it’s tough, but you know that in the end what you want is to get into a position where you can share who you are as a person in an artistic way. I think the Neil memorial gave people a way to say, “This is why I do this because I get to really share myself, and I get to express how passionate I am and how much I care about other people.”
Photo: JPI
Shemar Moore (Ex-Malcolm) came back to honor his dear friend and on-screen Y&R brother. How was it having him on set with you to share this experience?
TONY: Shemar was amazing. He was there until the bitter end of our tape day. He could not have been kinder and more supportive of everybody, and really laid out his emotions, and it was like that with everybody. I would say this was the the most amazing experience I have ever had.
What do you think Kristoff would say? I think he would be very proud that you gave Neil a real proper sendoff.
TONY: Absolutely. I also think Kristoff, would have thought that Neil deserved it, and would have loved it, a, it’s an interesting question because you have got to say to yourself, “Does Kristoff feel he deserves it?” As a character, he’d definitely feel he deserved it. He was a part of that community. He was a part of Genoa City. Those were his friends and his family. Would Kristoff feel he deserves that? I don’t know if he would have felt he deserved it, but I know he would have loved knowing how much people cared for him. I think that would have meant the world to him. I really do.
Photo: CBS
I loved your acceptance speech. I thought it was one of the better ones of Emmy night.
TONY: Thanks so much. Matt Kane (publicist, Y&R) has been amazing. He gave me a lot of guidance on where to go, and my wife, Sally (Sussman Morina) really helped write the speech because the rules were you’ve got 30 seconds. I really believe in the notion that when you have an opportunity to speak in front of people about something, it has some meaning to you and to other people. I think you have to put thought into it because how many opportunities do you get in life to share about yourself and how you feel about people? So, I really appreciate you saying that.
Photo: CBS
What did you think of your Y&R actors: Bryton James’ (Devon) and Jason Thompson’s (Billy) major Emmy victories?
TONY: Well, personally, I am enormous fans of both people. I like when nice, good people have nice things happen to them, and you know them. First off, I was so happy for Bryton because I know he and Kristoff were close, and I know he was deeply affected, as Christel Khalil (Lily, Y&R) was, as everybody was, but they were like family. I love Bryton personally, and he laid his heart out there. As for Jason Thompson, people think the world of him, and I think he is an unbelievable actor. I taught for years, and I have worked with a lot of actors, and I think Jason has such control of his work. I’m impressed by him. I’m just as impressed by who Jason is. I think he’s deserved it other times too, and this was his first win; which must be very special for him.
Photo: deCazotteFacebookPage
During the In-Memoriam tribute on the Emmy broadcast, former producer, Lisa de Cazotte was also featured. What can you say about your time working with her at Y&R and over your career?
TONY: I’ve known Lisa De Cazotte since Santa Barbara when Paul Rauch (former executive producer) brought her there, and that’s where we first met. Lisa was probably my favorite producer to ever be in the booth with because she let you be yourself, and she let you do your job, and yet, she still had control over the room and the studio. She was a great touchstone for me, because when you are in this position, you need someone to bounce stuff off of or just say, “Am I really being an idiot here?” because we were old friends, she could say, “Tony, you’re being an idiot.” (Laughs) We miss her terribly. She was really a loved person, and she was just fantastic at what she did. I just miss her as a friend.
Photo: JPI
And of course, the In-Memoriam featured the late Y&R co-creator, Lee Philip Bell who also passed recently.
TONY: Yes, and that’s what was interesting about that speech I gave, because you had to mention those three people: Lee, of course, Kristoff, and Lisa – three truly linchpin important people in daytime drama for many years. Losing all three made it a particularly rough year for The Young and the Restless family.
I also wanted to talk about Eve LaRue (Ex-Celeste Rosales), who had never won a Daytime Emmy but she did for her work on Y&R! She was very emotional and moved by her win as Outstanding Guest Performer in a Drama Series. What can you say about Eva?
TONY: She is such a lovely person and she did a great job for us. I’m just glad for her because I know she had ever won before.
Photo: JPI
One of the clips shown on the Emmy broadcast that Y&R chose for air from Neil’s memorial was Victor’s emotional eulogy; which Eric Braeden delivered so beautifully. I know how found he was of Kristoff; so it made that on-screen moment all the more heartbreaking. What can you say about Eric?
TONY: Eric feels as deeply as anybody who I have ever known. Really, he can come across sometimes as a certain kind of image for people on-screen, but he cares deeply, and is the most supportive actor of every other actor. Eric has a depth and is a fantastic actor, and he knows how to use his talent. He actually called me last night and left a message. He just said, “Hey, I saw you on TV,” and then he just laughed for 5 minutes. It was really very funny. He’s not used to seeing me on TV, and so he just laughed. It was hilarious.
What did you think of Y&R’s win for Outstanding Drama Series knowing they submitted the episodes of Genoa City finding out Neil had passed, and his funeral? Share your thoughts on Tony’s remarks via the comment section below.
Interviews
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Days Of Our Lives
DAYS Thaao Penghlis Chats on His Daytime Emmy Nomination & How He Makes Tony DiMera One of a Kind
He has been one of the longstanding cast members of Days of our Lives and certainly of Salem’s notorious DiMera Clan; and while Thaao Penghlis may be off our screens for a time and then comes back again; though the years one thing has been true, he delivers top-notch performances in a way that is uniquely ‘Thaao’.
This year at the 47th annual Daytime Emmy Awards to be broadcast on Friday night, June 26th at 8 p. m. EST, Thaao is vying for the Outstanding Lead Actor prize amongst a formidable group of other daytime favorites. And this makes it two years in a row that Penghlis has received an Emmy nomination although this time in a different category.
As fans know, Penghlis takes the art of acting seriously, and expects other he works with to bring their A-game, just as he does time and time again; whether it be playing DAYS dashing Tony or the evil Andre or when he portrayed Victor Cassadine on General Hospital.
Michael Fairman TV spoke to Thaao to get his thoughts on: receiving the Emmy recognition and what it means to him what he thought about his nominated scenes, plus what he might be doing at home during the ceremony, and where he hopes Tony DiMera’s future is headed. Here’s what Thaao shared.
Photo: JPI
Tell me about what scenes you submitted that landed you a Lead Actor Emmy nod!
THAAO: Well, the week I came back to DAYS, I had 11 shows, and this material was from one show of three I did one day! When you think of other actors doing 150 shows, and I did less than 50 this past year, my choice is kind of limited. So, when I came across these particular scenes, which were with Eric Martsolf (Brady) and with Arianne Zucker (Nicole), what I liked about it is that usually when you see other peoples’ work, its histrionic, it’s great tears, it’s drama – and what I was able to put together had a through line and an arc from beginning to end. It makes it very logical when somebody is following your story, and you can show a whole ebb that makes sense. I had some lines that were really difficult to say, like, “Coming back from the dead is not easy.” When I get lines like that, I throw it away, and because of that, it becomes humorous. I have to say I work well with Arianne. She was great. I found in the past, when I have worked with some actors, they step on your lines. I found the best way to stop that is I put my hand up, and I say, “Hey!” and everything goes silent. They go into shock mode, and I say, “I haven’t finished,” and then I go on. (Laughs) So, when Kristen as Nicole starts to talk to Tony the way she does, and she says, “You’d better behave…” I thought, “This is a DiMera you are talking to,” so, I just snapped back at her. I gave her a, “Hey!” So, she shut up, froze, and I went on.
Photo: JPI
Would you say your reel was more comedic … or both funny and serious?
THAAO: It is both. There are subtleties to it. There is a teacher I know in Australia, and she is very critical. She said, “I want to see your work.” I showed it to her, and she wrote back, “Oh my, God. How did you make those transitions so readily?” I went, “Oh. How did I do it?” I didn’t think of that. I think it’s an old technique. It’s called having to do 3 shows in one day, and you had better get your stuff right, and it’s about how do you make a scene work? There is one director who I did a miniseries with who said to me, “Where did you get your training from?” I said, “Daytime.” He said, “My God. You certainly know how to have a camera follow you,” Well, the camera has to follow your movement. So, when I finished a transition, I’d move to another spot, and the camera had to follow me. So, what happened in the arc of this Emmy-nominated piece is that I took charge and controlled the scene so that it became a scene of lots of transitions. And of course, charm, I did all of what I thought Tony would be. He is a DiMera. I have one of those looks. I don’t know where it comes from, maybe it’s as I get older, but I’ve learned how to work the camera where I may slam something first to get your attention, and then the camera comes onto your face, and you’re going, “Oh, what the hell is he thinking?” So, I can play the dark side quite readily, and yet in my real life, I’m not so bad. (Laughs)
Courtesy/ABC
You have Thorsten Kaye (Ridge, B&B) and Steve Burton (Jason, GH) also in your category, and these guys who are obviously been soap veterans like yourself. What do you think about the group you have been nominated with?
THAAO: I never worked with Steve Burton, but hear good things. I know Jon Lindstrom (Kevin/Ryan, GH). He’s a lovely actor. I have worked with Jason Thompson (Billy, Y&R). He’s a lovely actor. He is well-trained. So, it is nice to see that the nominees are all vets.
Right, they are all vets. It seems like a good group to be with.
THAAO: I agree, and I love that the Daytime Emmys are coming back to television. I think it is an upswing when they think of daytime dying. I think whoever made this happen is taking on the responsibility of taking daytime back. It is why people love novellas. People love the story, they love to follow the characters, and we’ve got fantastic fans. I mean, what would we do without them? You can’t sustain the show without them, and you pay a price, you have to know how to entertain them because once they know who you are and what you’re about, they get bored. So, you have to be ahead of your audience all of the time. That’s what I have always tried to do with both characters that I’ve played on DAYS
Photo: JPI
They’re doing a virtual ceremony this year. How do you think you would dress while watching the ceremony?
THAAO: You don’t wear a tux in your house, do you? So, I’ve invited some people for a celebratory time. Lauren Koslow (Kate, DAYS) and her husband Nick Schillace (head of make-up, DAYS) and Leann Hunley (Anna, DAYS) are some of my great friends who have been very supportive of me through some tough times this year, and I’ve got a friend who has got a wonderful restaurant, and he is going to cater it. Probably it will be a group of 10. You know, could you imagine being here on your own, in a tuxedo, with a glass of champagne? (Laughs)
I know, kind of awkward! (Laughs) You’ll put something nice on for the big night, right?
THAAO: Yes, you know me. I’m always dressed. What would you suggest? Sweatpants on the bottom and a tuxedo jacket! How about that? (Laughs)
Photo: JPI
Now, you have been previously nominated for Daytime Emmys, too!
THAAO: Yes, and last year I was nominated as well for Outstanding Guest Performer. So, it’s kind of nice to be back-to-back, and in 2008, I was nominated for Lead Actor when I played the clown in the Tony and Andre storyline. Thank God, DAYS recently DAYS had James Reynolds (Abe) wining in the Lead Actor category. I thought, “Wow.” That was for years and years of good work that he’s done, and also, Greg Vaughan (Eric) wining for Supporting Actor was very nice, but we haven’t had that many wins in the acting categories over the years.
Photo: JPI
DAYS tapes so far ahead of air; that what was once a seemingly major concern has paid off swimmingly during the coronavirus pandemic. The soap is the only show to have enough episodes in the bank for months ahead when production shut down and enough even when other shows go back into production. Who would have thought?
THAAO: We used to think it was ridiculous that DAYS taped eight months ahead, but look at us now! Who would have thought is right?
What would you love to see happen with Tony when DAYS does resume filming new episodes again?
THAAO: I’d like to go back and play the head of the DiMera family. I’ve never been granted that, and I think, at this stage, with the way I worked with Joe Mascolo (Ex-Stefano) it would be nice to see the transition just like Michael Corleone did in Godfather.
So will you be rooting for Thaao to take home the gold as Lead Actor in a Drama Series come Emmy night? Do you hope DAYS writes Tony into upcoming story, and if so, how would you like to see him on the canvas? Comment below.
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