Soap Opera Uncensored: Issue 22

by Nelson Branco

much pain. I was looking for Emmy reel stuff, and there was some material I couldn’t even watch because it was too painful. If a scene is too emotional, I can’t watch it. I’m repelled by it. I don’t want to watch that.

  It’s called excellent acting.

  I feel uncomfortable watching that kind of emotion from myself. I’m OK doing it, but I’m repelled watching it. At the end of the day, I have a real fun time at work. I love what I do. The only time I had a problem was a couple of years ago when I felt I couldn’t control my emotions. It was just hard. And I’m not complaining because I love my job. It’s cool. I needed a little happiness because I was playing [pathos] at work and coming home to it. I needed a trip to the Caribbean! [Laughs]

  Thank you for sharing! Do you think Nick is the love of Phyllis’s life?

  I think Jack is definitely the love of her life, too. There’s just something she feels differently with Nick. Nick brings out something in Phyllis that she likes. She doesn’t feel bad about herself when she’s with him. He has so much life and love in him that she feels that, too, and he brings that out in her, too. Isn’t that how we all are supposed to feel in real relationships?

  Yes. I have to say the way you look at Joshua Morrow is so unbelievably transcendent; it’s intoxicating and palpable. Phyllis loves Nick. Fact. But, on the flipside, you get to play the other great love someone can have and that’s companionship with Jack, which is an equal but different love.

  I’m lucky. They give me a lot of great stuff. Sometimes some stories are better than other but, regardless, they basically all turn out fun.

  That’s because you are in them! Also, Nick’s big pipe helps!

  You mean, his huge penis? Yeah, that’s true! [Laughs]

  Do you remember if it was in the script when Harmony called Phyllis “Miss Phyllis” or did Debbi Morgan adlib that?

  I don't remember that...

  Did you like working with Jeff Branson? Phyllis and Ronan developed a fan base rather quickly.

  I loved, loved, loved working with Jeff! It was a true joy! He really just wanted the story to be great. He was totally professional. Love Jeff.

  Which actors did you admire growing up?

  Meryl Streep. I think she’s sublime and genius. And I hear she’s kooky and fun. Shirley MacLaine and Debra Winger. TERMS OF ENDEARMENT was probably a turning point for me as an actress. I’ve probably seen that movie 25 times. Those are my faves…. Who else of the dudes? Jack Lemmon. Phillip Seymour Hoffman. Oh, and Gena Rowlands… she had phenomenal stuff with John Cassavetes….

  Just want to say: You inspire this industry!

  Thanks for wanting to speak to me.

  I’m no dummy.