Exclusive interview with ROBERT BRIAN WILSON

Handsome and muscular actor Robert Brian Wilson was born in 1962 in California. Wilson made a solid and impressive film debut as tormented teenager Billy Chapman in the notorious and controversial sicko Santa seasonal slasher classic Silent Night, Deadly Night (1984).

But we, SB fans, loved him as Channing Capwell jr. on Santa Barbara (1984-1985 and 1991). Killed in the very beginning of the first episode, although he appears only very episodically during flashbacks throughout the show, the memory of Channing Capwell Junior does not cease haunting at each turn the main members of the Capwell clan.

Robert Brian Wilson, who "left" acting in 1992, has grant an exclusive interview to Santa Barbara Blog, rembering his beginnings, the controversial slasher movie, Santa Barbara of course and sharing his current life with all of us. Enjoy!

Can you tell me something about the young Robert Brian before his acting career?

I was born in Long Beach, California. As a child I loved all types of sports. I played baseball, basketball, swimming! When I was very young we moved to nearby Cerritos, California. It was there that my parents had a swimming pool built for the family. Me and my sister and two older brothers spent many days out at the pool! We all enjoyed playing and competing. As a teenager I continued being very active athletically. I also added soccer, and water skiing to my list of things to enjoy. Although, my favorite sport in high school was football.

I had lots of fun growing up. Lots of great friends in my neighborhood, always playing in the streets of our tracked homes!

I have wonderful parents and a great family. We love and care for each other very much! I am very proud of my brothers and sister. All of them very successful, and more importantly they are good, caring people with great hearts! (You would like them)!

Robert Wilson as Billy on "Silent Night, Deadly Night"

How acting came to you?

I was discovered by a talent manager from Hollywood. I was in Palm Springs with my girlfriend (now my wife, Michelle) enjoying a spring break from college. We had just finished dinner and we were exiting the restaurant when this gentleman approached Michelle and I and asked if I were a actor. I said no, I am not. He said, he would like to represent me in Hollywood. I asked why he thought he could represent me?what was it? He said he watched me all night, he had watched me interact with the waiter staff, he and watched me interact with Michelle he even watched how I behaved when I paid my bill. Needless to say, all of this made me very uncomfortable. I never had any desire to do anything in Hollywood. I thought he might be a bit strange. As our conversation ended he handed me a business card and asked that I call him the following week.

Michelle and I discussed it further, she said I should check it out. I said Hollywood? really? you think this guy might be legitimate? And she said yeah I think so?  Go and meet with him! If he's a weirdo, walk out!

I made the appointment. And the following week I was on my way to Hollywood. I entered his office and he was on the phone. One phone to his ear and another one was ringing...he was legitimately doing business. A very short hello and he handed me a script. He said go over it and will read through it in a little while. And he continued on the phone. He asked me on a couple of occasions if I was ready to read through it? And each time I replied not just yet. About the fourth time he asked, and I was about to say no again, was when he said oh come on man, let's just do it! I was very nervous, I had never done anything like this before. We stood in the middle of his office face-to-face each with a script in hand. We began reading through the script, and as each moment passed I became more and more comfortable with simply reading back and forth. When we finished he said good, you can read! I didn't know exactly what to think of that? Then, he said let's do it again. This time as we are reading through the script if you feel provoked in anyway to move, to run, to shout, whatever? To act on it. Again, a bit confused I said ok. We began reading through the script the second time. About half way into the reading he "poked" at me as he was saying his lines. I didn't like it, it kind of pissed me off.  But, I just continued reading and did nothing about it. We continued and then he poked me again, this time I grabbed him about mid chest and began him moving in backwards toward the wall as I was reading my lines! That's when he said OK!OK!OK!stop!stop!stop! YEAH! He said you can do this!!  I wasn't sure exactly what had just happened, but he was happy! I said why? How do you  know? He said, he wanted to see if I would be honest in the moment. If I would react or not? He said I was right on cue! He asked if I enjoyed it? At the time I really didn't know what to think. It was the first time I've ever experienced anything like it. I think I responded "yeah, that was great"! The adrenaline rush from that moment was similar to that which I used to experience playing sports! Then, he said seriously, this business, if you are interested does require a solid commitment. He added, I'm ready to take the next step if you are?  I told him thank you.  And that I would need to discuss this with my parents, and of coarse Michelle.

I guess it's pretty clear what happened next... I said yes! He said fantastic! He then sent me to a photographer where I established some head shots and a portfolio. I began acting classes, We put together a resume.  I then signed a contract with theatrical agent. And, began my Hollywood experience.

Robert Wilson as Billy on "Silent Night, Deadly Night"

I believe your first major role was the hot Psycho Santa on the horror cult “Silent Night, Deadly Night” (1984). I read somewhere that your feelings about the movie have been controversial. Is it true?

Yes, I was 23 years old when the film came out. There was quite a backlash from various groups of people who disagreed with the movie. And let's be honest the film is truly intense horror. And then to top it off it was our beloved Santa doing all of the killing. Lots of negativity surrounding the movie. The film was removed from all theaters country-wide. It was at that point I did an interview with one of our largest news magazines. In that conversation I agreed with the films critics... that the film was too over the top! Also, they started advertising the release of this film around Christmas? Not Santa! Obviously, people were not ready at Holiday season to see Santa running around sleighing and slashing the neighborhood. I think the production would have been better served to release it around Halloween? With all of that said and me being a young actor, for business reasons alone I needed some separation.  I wanted to work again! And there was a big cloud hanging over this film at that time. That is why I did not condone the film at that time.

Over 30 years have passed since the release of the film. My view has changed. When you are a young actor you do your very best to perform well in every opportunity. I auditioned for this film just as many other actors did.  I accomplished what I set out to do, I landed he job! This is an "R"rated film. I think that means mature audience only.? 

Now I embrace the film. It's funny, it's provocative and scary. It tells the story well. Confused Billy Chapman and the sad story which became his life. Ha! Sympathy?

Last and certainly not least! The Horror fans!! Wow, they are the absolute best film fans in the world! They love their films! And now I very humbly cherish their support!

Then you moved from Psycho Santa to Santa Barbara, I mean the NBC show. How “Santa Barbara” came to you? It happened before SNDN, right? Do you remember something about your first audition?

I made the movie in 1983.  I believe, Santa Barbara was first broadcast in 1985 or 86. I first read for the part of the younger brother Ted Capwell. The producers decided I was too old for that role. They asked me if I might be interested in reading for the role of the older brother Channing Capwell. Although, they explained it came with a cost. The cost being that Channing would be killed in the first episode of Santa Barbara's existence.  The story line was "who killed Channing Jr.  Of course, as I have said before... I was looking for work! I took the job. And it turned into many reappearing opportunities in flashback scenes!

Do you ever met the creators and EP of the show, Bridget and Jerome Dobson? Any memories of them?

Yes. I received a final call back to read for the role of Ted Capwell. It was on that day that I briefly met both of them. I recall them being genuinely very kind!

Robert Wilson as Channing jr on "Santa Barbara"

“Santa Barbara” opens with the murderer of this hero of the modern America, during a reception given in his honor in the Capwell mansion. The death of Channing Junior marks the end of the dreams of glory of his father too. Do you remember something from that day on the set? I mean, it was the first episode of a new born show, can you remember the atmosphere around you and how you felt?

The set was beautiful. I had never seen a daytime TV studio like it. The lighting and scenery was incredible. This was NBC's brand new state of the art studio in Burbank. I felt a sense of excitement being that it was the first episode of Santa Barbara. I recall everyone being very much on point! In my opinion Santa Barbara's production value was as good or better than any day -time show to this date. Not only the cast but the crew were always most professional! Looking back it was truly an honor to be a part of it.

All major characters were suspected to be the killer. From then on it begins the major show storyline: “Who shot Channing jr?”. But finally, it will turn to be that it is Sophia, his own mother, the author of the fatal shot. It was a very well written storyline with many exciting twists. The revelation was a very emotional scene . Did you happen to watch something at the time? Do you remember something from that day on the set? I believe everyone was forbidden to reveal something before it aired…

I'm sorry to say, at that time I wasn't very involved in the day-to-day processes of the Santa Barbara production. A lot of time had passed since the first episode. My guest appearances were not as often. As always, I recall the production being as professional as ever.

One of the major twists I was talking about it was that during investigations we found out that Channing jr, the golden boy, had a secret homosexual relationship with Lindsay Smith, a friend he seems to have met at the time of his law studies. Did you know you played the first gay male character on daytime television? How do you feel about that?

Wow, really? I wasn't aware. But great!

Do you have any memories from the set, anecdotes with other actors?

No not really. Unfortunately, after the first year, my involvement with Santa Barbara was minimal. Although, as I have mentioned the cast and crew were always most professional.

Do you know that Robin Wright debuted on SB as your younger sister, Kelly Capwell? Do you remember her? Any memories?

Unfortunately, I didn't have any scenes with her. Although, when she was working on other parts of the show while was around she was always very kind and very professional.

Paul Burke (CC), Ava Lazar (Santana) and Robert Wilson (Channing jr)

Now maybe you can solve a mistery: in 1991, seven years later your debut on SB, the producers brought back your character from the death.  His ghost came to haunt Eden, his younger sister. He even ended up possessing her and claiming revenge after all these years. Becomed him, by procuration, Eden tried to kill Sophia. Since Channing's face was half obscured, I'm not sure that you were the actor. Can you confirm that they called you to bring back Channing after all these years? 

Yes, I recall being called back for scene in the mirror. All of the lines spoken on my behalf were done off-stage. On some occasions the would replay, or use my likeness in flash back scenes.

Robert Wilson on "Dynasty" (1988)

What happened to you after SB and why you left the acting career?

I left the acting business to do the best by my family. At the time, Michelle and I  had our two young sons. I wanted a job that offered me and my family more consistency. Acting was no longer the most important thing in my life. Acting can become a very selfish, ego driven endeavor. My main focus was and still is my family. I would not sacrifice family for Hollywood. I created new avenues of income. Michelle and I purchased a home in Burbank, Ca. This is where we had our daughter. I am extremely proud of my family.  My children's achievements are far too many to mention. I never questioned my choice to leave Hollywood. The moment my first child was born I knew that my life had changed. In that instant I became acutely aware that my life was no longer about me. It was about my family. Michelle and I doing our very best to provide, nurture and grow our children to be the best they could be. Looking back...I have not one regret leaving Hollywood when I did. I do not believe that my family would be where we are, had I continued. Note; in the very near future my family will be raised, and caring for themselves. At about that same time I will be retiring from my current occupation. At that time, I plan then to make 100 percent return to Hollywood. I cannot wait!

At the end of our interview I have to thank you for your kindness and to tell that you were the most beautiful boy I ever seen on screen. I really had a major crush on you when I was 10 years old. What is beauty for you?

Beauty to me is more than just what pleases my eyes. Beauty to me is what moves and touches my soul. With that said, I see beauty all around me, from the grandest expressions through music and film, to the simplest moments, like a beautiful day, or a kind and genuine gesture from one person to another. People with good hearts are most beautiful!

Lane Davies on stage...in Prague

Have you always dreamed of seeing Lane Davies on stage? Fine, now it’s more than possible. Lane Davies (ex-Mason Capwell) will direct and play Don Quixote in “Man of La Mancha” at Divadlo Na Pradle in Prague. Based on the novel by Miguel de Cervantes, this play within a play mixes fact and fiction, starting with Cervantes himself in prison, staging the story of Don Quixote as his defense – inspired by the real-life trial of Cervantes as a heretic. The original 1965 Broadway production ran for 2,328 performances and won five Tony Awards, including Best Musical. The show, performed in English with Czech surtitles, runs from May 18 to June 17, 2107. What are you waiting for? Buy your ticket on Prague Shakespeare Company and enjoy! I’ll be there in May 23. 

Oh, Nathan (Lane’s handsome son) has a role too in the play.

Wolf Muser plays Adolf Hitler on a web series

Wolf Muser as Hitler

A glimpse into an alternate history of North America. What life after WWII may have been like if the Nazis had won the war. This is the synopsis of the sci-fi series The man in the high castle (2015-) produced by Amazon and based on the 1962 novel of the same name by American science fiction author Philip K. Dick. At the time of the events in The Man in the High Castle, Hitler is in his early 70s and is rumored to be in poor health, possibly suffering from Parkinson's Disease. And who else better than Wolf Muser (Marcello Armonti on Santa Barbara) could play the evilest character ever? No one, of course. After leaving Santa Barbara in 1985, Muser never stopped working and still he is always very busy as a guest star on several successful tv series, like Bones, Grimm and many others. 

Where are they now: ROBERT BRIAN WILSON

Handsome and muscular actor Robert Brian Wilson was born in 1962 in Cerritos, California. Wilson made a solid and impressive film debut as tormented teenager Billy Chapman in the notorious and controversial sicko Santa seasonal slasher classic Silent Night, Deadly Night (1984).

But we, SB fans, loved him as Channing Capwell jr. on Santa Barbara (1984-1985 and 1991). Killed in the very beginning of the SB first episode and although he appears only very episodically during flashbacks throughout the show, the memory of Channing Capwell Junior does not cease haunting at each turn the main members of the Capwell clan. "It was a difficult decision I had to make quickly," said Wilson. "I had tested for the role of Ted Capwell, which went to Todd McKee, and they asked me if I would be willing to play Channing even though it would be limited... very. I thought about it a bit and decided it was work and somebody had to do it. Since the character wasn't going to be too recognizable, they hope they could work me in later in another role."

Robert had regular recurring roles on the soap operas Search for Tomorrow (1986) and Generations (1990). Wilson did guest spots on TV shows as Dynasty (1988). Moreover, Robert can be seen in copious flashback footage as Billy in the delightfully twisted sequel Silent Night, Deadly Night Part 2 (1987).

Wilson quit acting in 1992. Today he’s 53 years old and, although he has remained completely out of the limelight ever since, he’s still managed to do very well for himself. He opened up an extremely lucrative trade show business, which has allowed him to purchase homes in New York and California. He also met the love of his life, who he married and fathered three children with. 

UPDATE: In 2016 Wilson reprised his acting career starring on the tv movie "The Wrong Roommate" with Eric Roberts and Vivica Fox. Are you curious to see Channing jr coming back from death?

NANCY LEE GRAHN shares her abortion story

In a very personal blog post for the nonprofit organization A Is For, which is dedicated to advancing women's reproductive rights and ending the stigma against abortion care, Nancy Lee Grahn (Julia Wainwright on SANTA BARBARA) shares that she chose to have an abortion in her mid-20s.

 The Emmy-winning actress reveals that despite using birth control, she was "shocked, scared and overwhelmed" to learn she was carrying a child. However, she explains she was never uncertain about what she had to do.

 “I knew I was not ready, prepared, or willing to be a mother at that time,” she writes. “I never once wavered in my belief that this was not the man with whom I wanted to, or should raise a child. Simply put, I was resolute in my decision to terminate my pregnancy, and grateful for those that tirelessly fought for my right to make that decision about my own body, and my own life. I was relieved that I lived in a time where I would not be shamed, confronted or harmed by others while walking into my nurturing doctor's office for this safe and legal procedure.”

 In the personal essay, which you can read in its entirety here, Grahn also shares that she feels no regrets about having made the choice to give up her child. “The entirety of my short pregnancy and abortion was a deep and transcending experience. It is my story. It is my truth, and no one else's,” she writes. “It belongs to me, and I cherish it. It helped me evolve as a person, and fueled my desire to be a good mother into actual manifestation when I gave birth almost 20 years later to the love of my life, Kate. It was ultimately a profound experience for which I have no regrets.”

 (soapcentral.com)

Proud of you, Mrs. Grahn.

Where are they now: WOLF MUSER

Wolf Muser was born on October 23, 1950 in Germany. He moved to the United States at early age where he graduated from college at the UCLA in Los Angeles, California, in 1968. Mr. Muser has an acting career which started in 1975 and in 1983 he appeared as Kurt Voightlander on CBS drama Capitol. Muser starred on SB from January 1985 to June 1985 as Dr. Marcello Armonti, stepson of Countess Armonti, who turns to be the real identity of Sophia Capwell. After leaving the show ,he had roles in TV series such as Matlock, MacGyver, Murder She Wrote, Walker Texas Ranger, The West Wing, Alias, Boston Legal, The Bold and the Beautiful and Desperate Housewives. Wolf Muser currently is 65 years old, still acting and lives in Los Angeles.

Where are they now? - SHERILYN WOLTER

 

Sherilyn Wolter was born on November 30, 1951 in Clarksburg, West Virginia, USA. When, at 20, Wolter decided to launch out herself in a career of actress, she quickly obtained a role in a TV show entitled B.J. and the Bears which lasted several seasons. Then in 1983 she was hired for General Hospital as Celia Quatermaine, until the day the producers of Santa Barbara call her. "One of the writers of the soap for which I worked had been just engaged for Santa Barbara. He recommended me for a role that he had especially written for me. My character names Elena Nikolas, explains the actress. To preserve her anonymity, she makes her called Eleanor Norris. She is in fact the illegitimate daughter of C.C. Capwell, and holds her real identity secret in order to be able to move with complete freedom in the family and to create dissension there. And she does not abstain from it !" When the role was proposed to her, Sherilyn Wolter was enthusiastic. "The proposal fell one cannot better. For three years, I had interpreted a finical character in another soap. By reading the scenario, I immediately knew that the role would be appropriate to me."

She just played the role from April to October 1987, but she was able to give a so great performance that she is rightly considered one of the best villain ever of SB. I still can remember how much I was shocked when Elena died in CC's arms, saying "Cruz killed me...dad".

After leaving the show, she also briefly replaced Hunter Tylo as Taylor Hayes in The Bold and the Beautiful in 1990, and appeared as George on Guiding Light in 1993. Wolter played a blinded artist in the 1989 film Eyewitness to Murder, Mitch's girlfriend in the first season of Baywatch (1990) and Justine Strickland in the 1992 miniseries Judith Krantz's Secrets. Then she has also made numerous guest appearances on several television series.

She left Hollywood in 1994, has never married, has no children and is currently residing in Hawaii selling sarongs in a shop there and writing a class to teach acting for non-actors.

 

 

Where are they now: KERRY SHERMAN

Kerry Sherman stayed only two seasons in Santa Barbara. However, she marked by her sensitivity and her talent the televiewers of the whole world. The death of her character, Amy Perkins, in the fire of a restaurant, upset the public as that of Mary DuVall who was played by Harley Kozak. Since her departure of Santa Barbara, in 1986, the actress Kerry Sherman preferred to do a break in her career, but not because of a lack of proposals : tender Amy in Santa Barbara wants to devote a maximum of time to the education of her two daughters, Erin and Kate.

"If you wish to have children, you must know that they completely upset your life", Kerry Sherman said. "Thanks to my daughters, I learned that I will perhaps never be a good actress, nor a personality, but I know that now I am someone very generous, very patient who give a lot of love. And my daughters return it to me. I like to know that they need me."

The actress had her first daughter, Erin, when her character, Amy Perkins, gave also, in Santa Barbara, birth to a baby. But the fiction did not join reality : Kerry Sherman did not marry the father of her daughter, Jack English, a camera operator. Five weeks after the childbirth, the courageous actress took again the way of the studios, in company of little Erin. "She accompanied me on the stage of Santa Barbara, because I nourished her with my breasts. That lasted for four months, then Jack stayed at home to care of her. He stopped working for one year to raise her." But when her companion returned to work, Kerry Sherman felt terribly guilty to give up her daughter to the however expert hands of a baby-sitter. "I phoned the house several times per day to take news of her. I never spent only one weekend without Erin. I took her along everywhere I went, to winter sports as in the restaurant !"

It is maybe this guilt feeling that pushed Kerry Sherman to give up her role of Amy Perkins and she finally left acting career two years later, in 1988.

Today she is a wonderful 62 years old woman and she is a Marriage and Family Therapist, working with clients who are struggling with mood disorders (including depression, anxiety, and Bipolar disorder), relationship problems, the after effects of child and adult sexual assault trauma, grief and loss, adjustment to work or school, divorce, stages of life and career changes.

My Exclusive Interview with LINDA ELIN HAMNER

 

 

 

It is a great pleasure for me introduce you this exclusive interview that Linda Hamner granted to the Santa Barbara Blog. Linda Hamner has been a writer her whole professional life: everything from a technical writer to a TV writer (SANTA BARBARA, GENERAL HOSPITAL, ANOTHER WORLD, AS THE WORLD TURNS, CAPITOL, TEXAS, RITUALS). In 1991 she won an Emmy for her work on the daytime serial SANTA BARBARA. She is also the co-author of LETTERS FROM CLEO AND TYRONE and the author of BOOBS OVER HOLLYWOOD. Enjoy her memories about our favourite show, characters, writers & co.

How do you came to the daytime show Santa Barbara?

I was on SB twice during the period you mentioned. I was hired initially by Bridget and Jerome Dobson in 1986. I left the show about a year later. In 1991-1992, I was re-hired by Executive Producer John Conboy. It was during this time, I won my Emmy for my work on Santa Barbara. Again, I stayed for about a year. During 1988 and 1991, I worked on other soaps, specifically GENERAL HOSPITAL. Sorry I can't be exactly sure of the dates, as all that paperwork is buried in boxes in my garage. I'm pretty sure those are the dates I worked on SANTA BARBARA

 

What can you told us about Bridget & Jerome Dobson (SB creators)?

Bridget & Jerome Dobson

Bridget and Jerome had a unique voice in soap operas. They brought a quirkiness and humor to their show. It was a pleasure working with them. When I first was hired by them, the outline writers met weekly in their lovely Bel Aire home. During those sessions, which included Bridget, Jerome, Chuck Pratt, Maura Penders, Frank Salisbury and myself, we would create outlines for each episode for a week of shows. These outlines defined the structure of each episode. These would be written as narrative descriptions of each scene. We would specify what set the scene was to play in, what characters were involved, the main thrust of the scene, and finally, the tag of the scene. Once these had been reviewed/revised by the Dobsons, they would be delivered to the scripters who would actually write the script, including the dialogue. I would have to say that it was certainly one of the most civilized writing experiences of my professional life.

We also worked out of the NBC Studios. If I remember correctly, we had meetings with the network there, but that part is fuzzy in my memory. I do remember very distinctly that Bridget and I shared the same taste in jewelry. I remember one time I was wearing a new necklace, and Bridget said, "I think I'd like to snatch that necklace off of Linda's neck." Which of course she didn't.

I was at the NBC Studios when the Dobsons were locked out. I remember police or security guards blocking the entrance to the studio. It was incomprehensible to me that the creators and the heart and soul of the show could be locked out of their own show. That was a very dark time.

Do you remember what caused the rupture between the Dobsons and the network?

I'm sorry but I'm unable to answer the questions about the lawsuit. I never knew the specifics. The person to ask would, of course, be the Dobsons. They're the only ones who really knew what they had to go through to get their show back. It was a difficult period for the writers, of course. We continued to work as we had contracts. I remember very little about the day the Dobsons were barred from the studio: I remember the policemen guarding the doors; I remember how horrified and stunned we all were with this event; I remember we had to get shows on the air. I was also there when they returned to the show. It was a very, very happy day for all of us who love "Santa Barbara."

Do you were in touch with the SB actors or it was forbidden?

I always kept my distance from the actors. In fact, we were encouraged to do that. Sure, we saw them in the studio, exchanged friendly greetings, etc. But if you got too close to an actor and that actor suddenly got a big storyline, other actors might think the new storyline was a result of the actor and the writer being friends. And that might or might not be true. In fact, on one soap that I wrote, there were colored lines painted on the floor. One color indicated where the actors could go; another color indicated where the writers could go, etc. I thought that was ridiculous. Just use common sense. Actors often had problems with storyline or dialogue and they either spoke to the producer or the headwriter. Those of us who wrote outlines or scripts were usually not involved in those conversations. I always thought the actors did a terrific job, and if they had complaints about scripts or storylines, they absolutely should speak up. After all, it is their faces on the screen, not the writers.

SB was accused of being almost totally focused on Cruz & Eden (mostly during Jill Farren Phelps tenure). Do you think that it was a deliberate and right choice?

Eden (Marcy Walker) & Cruz (A Martinez)

Cruz and Eden are indeed a super-couple. A. and Marcy were magic together. I had the pleasure of writing for them during both my stints at "Santa Barbara." I know Jill was very fond of A., so it doesn't surprise me that she wanted to focus on Cruz/Eden. For me, though, the balance was absolutely right when the show had Cruz/Eden, Mason/Julia and Keith/Gina. In each case, these were characters that we, the audience, wanted to be together. It became the responsibility of the writers to keep them apart so they didn't become complacent and boring. We loved Cruz and Eden because they were both such good people, who came from such different background: Cruz was a cop, and Eden was the Golden Girl who lived on the hill. There were bound to be problems and tensions as they came together. Mason and Julia were different. They were both professional people whose careers were important to them. They had an edge that fascinated us, but we knew, deep in our heart, that they belonged together. Often when I was writing them, I would say, "Poor Julia. Don't let your heart get broken again." And Keith and Gina... Crazy Keith and Gina... Both manipulative, up to all manner of mischief and skulduggery. What kept Gina from becoming a villain though was her absolute, unconditional love of her son, Brandon. Again, huge kudos to the Dobsons for creating unforgettable, unlikely couples. I swear I would have been happy writing those three couples for the rest of my life.

Did you found some differences between working on SB than on other soaps?

All the soaps I worked on (SANTA BARBARA, GENERAL HOSPITAL, ANOTHER WORLD, AS THE WORLD TURNS, CAPITOL) worked pretty much the same way.

The headwriters wrote long-term story and supervised all writing tasks. The breakdown/outline writers would meet weekly with the headwriters and plan the next week of shows. Typically. each breakdown writer was responsible for one episode. In a narrative format, they would structure the show, describe each scene (including the set, actions and time), and indicate the tag of the scene. This is a narrative outline for the episode. The headwriters and breakdown writers would meet with network executive and show producers. They would give notes (often quite extensive). The breakdown writers would then revise the breakdown and submit the headwriters. The headwriter would make any additional changes and then send them to the script writers, who would then actually write the script.

It's very much of a team effort. I enjoyed the structure of this process.

Did you ever have the chance to meet Robin Wright (Kelly Capwell) during your first stint on SB?

Kelly Capwell (Robin Wright)

Naturally I saw Robin frequently as her dressing room was next to the writers' room. She was always pleasant and professional. I remember she always brought her dog into work. I think he was three-legged. I immediately thought she was a person who cherished animals, as I do. Animals are my passion, too. I have a blind, deaf dog and we have a very close bond. What was outstanding about Robin was her stunning, natural beauty. She came into the studio every morning without an ounce of make-up and she looked flawless. I was thrilled to see the success she has had in film.

Minx Lockridge (Judith Anderson)

Patrick Mulcahey told me that Jerry Dobson told him that Dame Judith Anderson (Minx Lockridges) used forget her lines, so they put some signs on the set on which she could read her lines. But she could not see very well, so she could not read it. So when she forgot a line, Nic Coster tried to help her, for example saying: "Mother, you're trying to say that Augusta is acting like a dog in heat?"...

As writers we were instructed not to give her too much dialogue. I was rarely on the set, though, so I really don't know what went on there. Sorry I can't be of any help of this one. It doesn't surprise me that Nic Coster would help her out. He was always a favorite of everyone's! And, of course, the fans loved him. They were Nic's Chicks.

　

　

　

　

Jeremy Jackson arrested over stabbing allegations

According to TMZ former “Baywatch” and “Santa Barbara” star Jeremy Jackson has been arrested on suspicion of attacking a woman with a knife. At the tender age of six, Jeremy Jackson got his first taste of show business, booking his first successful commercial for Mattel. From this Jeremy exploded onto the commercial scene starring in dozens of national network ad campaigns including television and print. In addition to his commercial work in 1990 Jeremy dabbled in daytime television with a seven-episode run on the soap opera Santa Barbara, playing a young Derek Griffin in some flashbacks. Jackson is accused of stabbing an unidentified female when she allegedly tried to stop him taking her boyfriend’s car from outside her home in Los Angeles in August. Jackson, 34, left the scene after the alleged altercation, and police officers subsequently arrested him at a hotel. He has been hit with felony charges of assault with a deadly weapon and making criminal threats. The 34 year old could face up to seven years in prison if convicted. The arrest is the latest legal trouble for the actor following a previous arrest earlier this year  when he was accused of attacking a man at a hotel in April.

Where are they now: ROBERT ALAN BROWNE

In July 1984 Robert Alan Browne originated John Perkins’ role in the daytime soap SANTA 

BARBARA. When his son Joe was accused of the murder of Channing Capwell Junior, John does not support Joe. He powerless attends his arrest, then his trial. Although Joe does not cease protesting his innocence, John inside of him, believes him guilty. Then when Joe was released, after five years of imprisonment, and that he decided to return in Santa Barbara, John didn’t even take the trouble of going with the other members of his family to welcome Joe. John firmly advised to him to leave the town and to rebuild his life elsewhere. After few months father and son were reunited, but John found the death in the spectacular earthquake which strikes Santa Barbara in November 1984. John dead in the middle of the casualties, with Marisa at his side. He was besides the only victim of this terrible shake. After leaving the show, Browne starred on movies like PSYCHO III (1986) and many tv show as T.J. HOOKER (1986), LA LAWYER (1986), MURDER SHE WROTE (1992) and COLUMBO (1991). Then he left acting in 1995. He came back to Hollywood in 2010 playing John Rexx on GOLF MILLIONS. 

A Martinez and Thaao Penghlis join DAYS OF OUR LIVES

A Martinez and Thaao Penghlis

According to Soap Opera Digest, A Martinez (ex-Cruz Castillo, SANTA BARBARA) has been cast in DAYS OF OUR LIVES in a new role (Eduardo) “that will have many connections in Salem”. Martinez received eight total Daytime Emmy Awards nominations for his work on Santa Barbara. His numerous other credits include General Hospital, One Life to Live, The Bold and the Beautiful, The Bay, Longmire and California Solo.  In other news, Thaao Penghlis (ex-Micah De Angelis, SANTA BARBARA) who has played Tony and Andre DiMera on and off since 1981, and was last seen in 2009, is back filming at the set. “It is an excited situation and Josh [Griffith] has imagined a wonderful character”, Martinez said. Josh Griffith was hired in February 2015 as co-head writer of Days of Our Lives, alongside re-hired former head, Dena Higley. Griffith began his writing career on Santa Barbara in 1988 and continued writing for the show until 1991 when he moved over to One Life to Live.

 

 

 

Frank Runyeon (ex Michael Donnelly) Makes a Heavenly Appearence on The Young & The Restless

Frank Runyeon, well known for his previous daytime roles as Steve Andropoulos on As The World Turns, Father Michael Donnelly on Santa Barbara, and Forrester Williams on All My Children, is set to appear on May 28 and June 2 to a Genoa City resident as an angel named Angel on The Young and the Restless, according to TV Insider. “I'm L.A.-based and, apparently, they [Jill Farren Phelps and Chuck Pratt jr] were looking for a guy who looks sort of Biblical and Chuck thought of me. I mean, who else is so stupid they'll walk around with a beard and long hair looking for a job in Hollywood? Me! I'm that stupid! And it's such an interesting thing to play an angel. I mean, how do you do that exactly? There are no rules, so I just sort of winged it. Hey, if Brian Frons could play God on “Santa Barbara”, I can certainly do this!”, Runyeon said.

Runyeon, who travels part of the year doing one-man shows in churches, is also writing a book entitled, Escape From Hollywood: An Actor's Unlikely Journey to Faith. A very similar path to Marcy Walker’s one.

WHERE ARE THEY NOW: Ismael 'East' Carlo

Ismael 'East' Carlo was born in 1942 in Puerto Rico but he was raised in Spanish Harlem, New York. He started appearing in a couple of TV shows back in the seventies, like his debute role in Caribe in the lady killer episode. Nine years later he joined the cast of the newborn NBC’s Santa Barbara as Ruben Andrade, SB Mexican family’s patriarch.  Last member of the Andrade family to appear to the screen, Ruben is a straight man, who remains anchored in traditional values considered as exceeded by the new generation. He left that role in February 1985, after just six months from the beginning of the show. Ruben will disappear of the show with Kelly and Joe's wedding. As time goes by, the Capwells will forget him completely. And when his wife Rosa will come-back on the set in 1991 and will date Rafael Castillo, we will discover that she is not with her husband any more, without any reason given for it. After leaving SB, he starred on many shows, like Miami Vice, Baywatch, L.A. Law, Renegade, General Hospital, Prison Break and True Blood. He has been married two times with three children. East remains a familiar face amongst the Salsa scene and is recognized by his VJ appearances in many Southern California Puerto Rican day festivals.

John O'Hurley joins DEVIOUS MAIDS

According to the Soap Opera Diget, John O’Hurley (ex Stephen Slade on SB) has joined the cast for season three of DEVIOUS MAIDS, which kicks off June 1. O’Hurley tweeted a photo of him on set with Susan Lucci (Genevieve on the show) and Rebecca Wisocky (Evelyn), along with the question, "What do you think of my leading ladies?”. We don’t know yet which role he will have on the show. Could he be Susan Lucci’s new love interest? After leaving Santa Barbara in 1991, the actor has worked nonstop in prime time until today. Seductive and secret character, Stephen Slade (briefly portrayed by actor Richard Hatch) arrives in Santa Barbara as a movie director. But he’s hiding a secret desire of revenge: along with Ethan Asher, Craig Hunt and Derek Griffin, he is one of the orphans in search of the truth about the death of their friend Cassandra, died as a child after having been adopted by the Capwells. In my opinion, that storyline, named “The four avenger orphans mystery”, was one of the worst occurred on the show. Its sole value was to show us a then-unknown Leonardo DiCaprio, who played young Mason Capwell in some flashbacks. 

My Exclusive Interview with FORRY SMITH

Forry Smith is a former professional athlete who was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in 1976 as a wide receiver. After a short stint with the Bills and the Seattle Seahawks, Forry returned to his hometown in Waterloo, Iowa, and began his second career as a high school English teacher and varsity football coach. After seven rewarding years in the teaching profession, he decided to make a career change. Lured to Hollywood with a passion for acting, Forry spent the next twenty years in pursuit of the often elusive dream. During that time, he booked dozens of guest-starring roles on nighttime television, countless commercials, a handful of major motion pictures, and in 1992 a two-year contract on Santa Barbara as Reese Walker. He fulfilled one of his dreams a short time later, writing and co-starring in his own movie Paparazzi… a film he was asked to write by Mel Gibson. Forry and Mel worked together on the film We Were Soldiers and experienced several run-ins with the paparazzi that inspired the film.

You came to Santa Barbara in March 1992 and you remaines with the show until its end. Can you tell us how you got there? Even the audition. All you can remember, please.

The producers had done a nationwide search for my character and couldn't find the right Reese Walker. When I came into the room, the head writer, Pamela Long, said I was exactly what she was looking for...

The Walkers

In the USA “Santa Barbara” always remained in the bottom of the rankings ratings. Together with Kim Zimmer, Sydney Penny and Eric Close you were part of the last-ditch effort to save the show.  Maybe they think that some new blood could be good for the show. Do You felt this kind of responsibility? Do you have some pressures? Which was the atmosphere around you?

SB revolved around two rich families and the producers thought bringing in a blue-collar family (not rich) would strengthen the audience. They were right. I never felt any pressure to save the show, and the Walker family became very popular with the fans. It's too bad NBC gave up on us when our show won the EMMY 4 out of the 8 years it was on the air. They were cheap!

Reese came to Santa Barbara and stealed (as a joke) the vintage car that Kelly has given to Cruz. Then slowly the Walker family came together. Despite being close friends, soon the rivalry between Cruz and Reese explodes. Reese was jealous of the relationship between Cruz and Jody. In reality, however, what about the relationships between you and A?

A and I were instant friends. We hung out together... loved rehearsing together. He's a great guy who is very talented and I will always cherish our friendship. I also continue to have a great relationship with all the members of my Santa Barbara family... Eric Close probably is the closest to me. I miss them all very much and wish them nothing but happiness.

Eric Close and Sydney Penny

Reese had two children: BJ (actually Cruz' daughter ) and Sawyer. BJ was the daddy's girl. Reese was always very protective of her. Instead, the relationship between Reese and Sawyer was much more conflicting. Both of them have a passion for boxing. Is box also your passion? Can you give us a professional and human portrait of Sydney Penny and Eric Close?

Boxing was NOT my passion. I was a professional football player (American football). Sawyer loved his father very much and was always competing with him (me) to show him (me) he was better. In real life, Eric and I don't compete over anything. We're very different and have tremendous respect for each other's talents. Sydney Penny loved horses...loved to ride. I'm sure she still does. She's very athletic and one of the sweetest women you'll ever meet. I LOVED working with her.

Kim Zimmer played your wife, Jodie. Reese was extremely jealous of her. And we can not blame him. Kim Zimmer seems to be a true force of nature. How was it working with her? 

I loved Kim. It was my first experience at doing daytime television, and she had already won a couple Emmy's as Best Actress on Guiding Light. She taught me so much. She IS a force of nature, but they hired me because I wasn't afraid to stand up to her! Kim and I had great chemistry together, but I was always very respectful of her real-life husband. The intimate scenes can be very awkward. I think you truly have to care about the person you're acting with to make it work. I love Kim and miss her very much. We were all very sad to see the show cancelled because we were all so close.

Kim Zimmer and Forry Smith

Jealousy erupted to the point of separating Reese and Jodie. So Reese has an affair with Andy Klein. But during the last episode of the soap, Jodie and Reese came back together. It seemed like a happy ending a bit 'rushed. If the soap had not been canceled, do you think that Pam Long would have break the couple Reese and Jodie?

Are you familiar with the expression "star-crossed lovers"? Reese and Jodie would have tried to get back together, but there would always be something in the way that would prevent it. I think they were a great couple, but it was always more fun to watch them struggle. In daytime television, when a couple finally gets together, it tends to get very boring. As an actor it's much more fun to play a character who is in conflict than a character who has an easy time.

In 2004 you wrote and co-starred in your own movie “Paparazzi”, a movie you was asked to write by Mel Gibson. How did you find yourself in the shoes of the writer? In the film you play Deputy Walker. Is it a tribute to SB or was a coincidence?

I was in a movie called "We Were Soldiers" with Mel, and we were filming near Atlanta, Georgia. Everywhere Mel went, the paparazzi were all over him to the point of him wanting to chase them away. I told him I would write a movie where the star gets to kill a few of them, and he laughed and thought it was a good idea. I named my character Deputy Walker as a tribute to my character on Santa Barbara. Several people noticed that I had done that! I thought no one would really notice.

In 1992 Paul Rauch was the executive producer of the show and Pam Long was the Head Writer. Which are your memories of them?

Paul Rauch was a very hard man to please at first. Every actor he hired had to prove himself for a few months before he would move on to the next actor. He yelled at me one day for having my hands in my pockets, and I yelled back at him. He never bothered me again. When the show ended, he confided in me that I was one of his favorites. Pam Long was a great writer. She knew exactly what every actor's strengths were, and she would write material that best suited those strengths. I would work with either of them again in a minute!