Did you know, that Though McKenzie Westmore (Sheridan) loved the wedding dress she wore during PASSIONS's double wedding, she decided that more casual attire may be the way to go when she gets married in real life. "I am so over wedding gowns right now," she declares. "[The dress I wore on the show] was beautiful, but it was so heavy; I don't even know how much it weighed. By the end of the day, I had knots going down my back because it was so heavy around my hips. I couldn't wait to move on to a new outfit. When I get married, [I'll] probably [wear] shorts and a T-shirt ... or a nice, little sun dress."
Did you know, that After revenge-seeking Gwen manipulated resources to ruin her ex-fiance, Ethan's bliss with Theresa, Natalie Zea (Gwen) feels the need to defend her character's honor. "From what I hear, fans are not convinced that Gwen genuinely cares about Ethan," she shares. "But if she's not in love with him, I don't think that she would have kept going this whole time. Anything that happens to him that could potentially hurt him or that has hurt him, whether she has contributed to it or not, I think it's terribly painful for her. But she's a girl on a mission right now, so she can't focus on [his feelings]. I think that's where people get confused, thinking that she doesn't care about him. I like to believe that she does -- or else why bother? Even if she has a .005 chance of things working out [with her and Ethan], she has to hold on to that."
Did you know, that Donning a wedding dress has become quite routine for Lindsay Korman (Theresa) over the past two years, thanks to Theresa's fantasies about her wedding day. But the good-spirited Korman isn't going to let playing dress up spoil her own nuptials ... when the time comes. "Because I've been in so many [wedding gowns]," the actress smiles, "it's going to make me really, really appreciate the day that I wear the true and honest dress for my husband-to-be -- the man who I'm going to spend the rest of my life with. I think it's going to be a wonderful day."
Did you know, that Jesse Metcalfe (Miguel) believes reading and acting go hand in hand. "I read a book every week or two because I think reading is the core building block of acting," says the actor. "When you read, you make mental pictures for every sentence. That's what acting is. So, every time you say a word, it's not like you're just saying it, you're having a thought with it.
Did you know, that While attending a publicity event for PASSIONS's best-selling novel, Hidden Passions, Juliet Mills (Tabitha) received "the biggest compliment." She met a group of professional writers who work their lunch hours around PASSIONS every day. "[It's] very impressive that those journalists take time out to watch," smiles the actress. As for catching every episode of the soap herself, Mills admits, "I don't watch every show because I just don't have the time. When it's a show that has special effects or something that I want to see, I tape it. I tried to see all the Bates Motel [themed] shows. [The strawberry-shampoo twist] was a bit of an anticlimax, but at least I wasn't dead!"
Did you know, that Josh Ryan Evans (Timmy, Passions) was prompted to throw a party after a glass was thrown with bad aim on the Passions set. During a scene with Robin Strasser (ex-Hecuba), the actress accidentally hit Evans with a "Martimmy" glass. Although apologies would have been enough for Evans, Strasser treated him to a gift certificate to his favorite Mexican restaurant. "I kind of thought, 'If [Strasser] had meant to throw the glass at my face, then this [gift certificate] isn't enough.' But she didn't, and it wasn't her fault. Accidents happen." Though Evans could have spent an incredible night gorging himself on chips and salsa, he decided to share in his tasty fortune. "I used the gift certificate a better way than just using it myself," he says. "We took the money and bought everybody at Passions a fiesta. [We had] a little afternoon treat of salsa, chips and dip, virgin margaritas... It was taquitos and quesadillas for everyone � a little fiesta we could all enjoy."
Did you know, that Just like his character, Julian, Ben Masters wants everything -- and obsesses until he gets it! "I'm the worst," laughs Masters. "I'm so sick and twisted. I get a bug in my head about buying something, and I better go ahead and get it because I know it's going to bother me until I do. Then, of course, I buy the extended warranty for another $150. I can't help it: I love gadgets." His latest purchase? A portable DVD player.
Did you know, that Galen Gering and his character, Luis, have at least one thing in common: They both have soft spots for children in need. "I like to work with kids because they really don't have a choice," explains the actor. "A lot of them are immediate victims when they are brought into this world, whereas we, as adults, can make a conscious effort. I'm certainly in a position now where I can give back something to people, and that's rewarding to me. I work so much that oftentimes, it makes it difficult for me to have that one-on-one helping experience, but I reach out when I can. I always think I can do more."
Did you know, that Though he prefers his pecs to be of the rock-solid variety, Rodney Van Johnson (TC) knows that whipping his PASSIONS script into shape takes precedence over hitting the gym. "If I get too involved in [working out], I start losing track of everything else and my studying will drop off," admits the actor. "I don't balance that well; I'd love to fix that."
Did you know, that Natalie Zea (Gwen) shares her secret to making her PASSIONS character someone viewers love to hate. "You can't have a successful villaIness or evil character unless [the viewers] can see something of themselves in that character -- whether it be good or bad," smiles the actress. "I try to make her multifaceted and colorful while making sure there are identifiable characteristics other than her bitchiness. The audience should love to hate her because of the decisions she makes. It's important for me to play up the over-the-top, larger-than-life aspect of Gwen because that's what makes her fun to watch!"
Did you know, that Lindsay Korman (Theresa) isn't scared to say she would love to work with Molly Stanton's Evil Charity, "Sweet little Theresa wouldn't know how to handle [Charity's] evil ways," smiles Korman. "It would be so much fun to see Theresa's reaction to the whole thing. The lightning bolts and scary eyes would probably freak her out!" In the meantime, Korman just sits back and enjoys the devilishly good show her co-star puts on. "Molly did such a great job as Evil Charity. I can't wait until they bring her back."
Did you know, that Searching for the right evil laugh for Hecuba brought the witch's portrayer, Robin Strasser, back to her childhood and taught her to follow her mother's act. "I didn't have to go train," admits Strasser. "I just though of when my mom would play the part of a witch when she read to me [as a child]. Her performance was so good that I burst into tears and couldn't stop crying. At first, she didn't realize how upset I was so she kept doing it. I begged, 'Mother, stop doing that witch.' Now, I love the Hecuba cackle!"
Did you know, that The decision to be with Gwen or Theresa tore Ethan apart for months. In the midst of Ethan's struggle, Gwen's original portrayer, Liza Huber, decided acting wasn't her PASSION and left the show. "She pulled me aside," explains Travis Schuldt (Ethan), "and said, 'Before you find out from someone else, I want to tell you I'm leaving.' " His first response? "I asked her if there was anything I could do to make her change her mind," reveals the actor. "But she had made the decision, and I respect that. It's her life, and she needs to do what she needs to do." As for the new Gwen, Natalie Zea, Schuldt is very pleased. "I think she's really talented," he smiles. "She's different, but she's doing a great job."
Did you know, that Believe it or not, whenever Josh Ryan Evans (Timmy) catches an episode of his soap, it's like he's seeing it for the first time. "I only have one type of memory -- short term," admits the actor. "Once I say my lines, they're gone. I can't even remember what I did in the scene before, which is good. I'll be watching the show, and I'm like, 'What's happening?' "
She points out that songs heard during love scenes or montages are often different. One song used during a Sheridan and Luis love scene was Van Morrison's Someone Like You in the U.S., but here in Canada, it was Wished Upon A Star, performed by Heather Sullivan.
You didn't know Canada got such special treatment!
Demirjian goes on to say, if fans are interested in obtaining Wished Upon A Star, they can contact the composer, Ron Alan Cohen, via e-mail at [email protected]
Did you know, that As a twin, Bruce Michael Hall (Reese) has had to share most things with brother Seth - except the notoriety of being a television star. So is their any sibling rivalry between the brothers? Happily, their isn't, Hall notes, especially since PASSIONS's fans don't leave his twin out. "[Seth] loves to come out here and go to events with me and stand on the side," Hall smiles. "He loves when people ask him for his autograph and take pictures. He thinks it's fun."
Did you know, Oh, what a difference two years make -- especially for Dalton James (ex-Hank), who worked odd jobs during his two-and-a-half-year acting break between his brief gig on BEVERLY HILLS, 90210 and his role on PASSIONS. "I waited tables," recalls James. "The Christmas before [PASSIONS] started, I was working at a Christmas tree lot for about two weeks to make some cash. One night, I had gloves on and tree sap all over me, and this girl [who] recognized me from My Father the Hero wanted to take a picture with me. It was weird, but I learned you could be [somewhere in your life] one day, but the next day could be completely different!"
Did you know, that Josh Ryan Evans (Timmy) loved playing the 8-year-old Grinch in Dr. Seuss's How The Grinch Stole Christmas. "I worked with [Director] Ron Howard very closely," smiles Evans. "He let me give him my opinion on what I thought was the best camera angle. Of course, he would say yes or no, but the fact that he listened to what I had to say was amazing. And Ron was absolutely astonished when he realized we go through a 200-page script every day at PASSIONS. We went through an eighth of a page a day on Grinch. It was a piece of cake, but nerve-wracking at the same time because I was in five-and-a-half hours of makeup, and it was very uncomfortable. But it was so worth it because it's a wonderful movie -- a new classic!"
Did you know, that Though he makes his own decisions on how to play the often outrageous Julian Crane, Ben Masters gives credit to an impressive -- and inspiring - British actor. "I base a lot of the Julian stuff on a [1987] British film called Withnail And I," relates Masters. "It's perhaps the funniest movie I've ever seen in my life! And I really admire the choices [actor] Richard Griffiths makes; he plays this overweight, twisted drunk." (Sounds like Julian, with extra pounds!)
Did you know, that Settling in his new home with wife Jenna has encouraged Galen Gering (Luis) to pursue his PASSIONS home front -- decorating and landscaping, "Right now, I'm really into [furniture pieces] that are from Bali and India - unique stuff," reveals the actor. "Our furniture is masculine: big pieces made of wood that have details to balance it out." Lucky for Jenna, he also loves to be in the yard. "When I'm not at work, I usually spend three or four hours in the yard."
Did you know, that Bruce Michael Hall's (Reese) involvement in ACES (Association for Children for Enforcement of Support) recently brought the actor to Congress to plead the case of single-parent children. "I was really nervous," recalls Hall. "But once I started talking about the issue, I realized I wasn't the only one getting emotional. The magnitude of who is paying attention to this issue is overwhelming, and I'm very thankful."
Did you know, that Lindsay Korman (Theresa) gives kudos to PASSIONS co-star Donn Swaby (Chad) for his direction in the play Fool For Love. The production, which Korman performed with Travis Schuldt (Ethan) and musician/co-writer of "Kiss Me" Mark Provart, ran at the Little Victory Theater in Burbank, CA from September 30 to October 15. "Instead of telling us what he wanted us to do, Donn suggested things or asked us questions about the characters," explains Korman. Besides being open to the actors' opinions, Swaby was understanding of their double-duty schedules. One day, he realized that between PASSIONS and the play, Korman was functioning on only four hours of sleep. After a run-through of her monologue, he let her go for some much needed R&R. "I was so thankful for that," Korman recalls.
Did you ever notice that scar on Galen Gering's (Luis) right eyebrow? "I was in a bar fight in New York when I was about 17," reveals Gering. "I got cold cocked and had to get stitches."
Did you know, that Ben Masters (Julian) knows firsthand what it's like to be a diehard PASSIONS fan. "I've seen every episode," Masters says proudly. "Lately, I've really been looking forward to seeing what Evil Charity is up to." So, how does he feel about the drawn-out storylines some viewers are complaining about? "The thing about a soap is that when the audience is finally given a present of something being resolved, it's like, 'Oh my God, it finally happened!' The buildup isn't like [prime-time] shows -- it might last eight months. But then: the climax. Isn't it worth it?""
Did you know, that McKenzie Westmore (Sheridan) has sported several hairstyles in the past year, but none have been as dramatic as the result of her last trip to the salon. "it wasn't just me who wanted a change," smiles Westmore. "It was NBC and [PASSIONS] Executive Producer Lisa Hesser. We had all talked about it and did not like the direction [my hair] was going. We decided it looked very unnatural as one color and needed more depth." Because McKenzie's hair couldn't get any blonder, they took the darker route ... and didn't stop there. "We all agreed that my hair needed to be short again," adds Westmore. "Then Lisa pulled out a picture from when I [presented at] the Soap Opera Digest Awards and said, 'This is the hairstyle we want back!' "
Did you know, that Bruce Michael Hall's (Reese) PASSION to help single parents receive the child support they deserve recently earned him the honor of ACES's (Association for Children for Enforcement of Support) national spokesperson. "I consider my brother, Seth, and I to be part of the lucky few," smiles Hall. "Our father voluntarily doubled his child support payment. Too many single parents are working three jobs just to feed their kids." And Hall is putting money where his mouth is. Portions of the Hall Twins 2001 calendar will be donated to ACES. "Hopefully, we'll be able to raise money to supplement the 78 percent of child support payments that aren't being paid," adds Hall. The calendar is available on Hall's website: brucemichaelhall.com.
Did you know, that Being an actress on a soap hasn't cured Jade Harlow's (Jessica) star-struck syndrome. "I keep bumping into celebrities," smile Harlow. "And I don't know how to act around them. A vast majority of people in this business are gorgeous. So I'm constantly worried about looking stupid, and I end up talking about the [dumbest] things. I don't even know how to act around the people I work with -- they're all so beautiful!"
Did you know, that Having kids is something James Hyde (Sam) and his wife, Sue-Ling, are looking forward to in the near future. "We might start a family this year," reveals Hyde. "I visualize for some reason us having a girl first."
Did you know, that It doesn't have to be Teacher Appreciation Day for Jesse Metcalfe (Miguel) to thank a special mentor in his life. "I'd like to say 'Hi' and thank my history professor, Mr. Merritt," smiles the actor. "I didn't really like school. But Mr. Merritt really encouraged me to be my best -- not just in my schoolwork, but in life in general. He had a big influence on my life, and I appreciate that!"
Did you know, "You didn't know I could rap, did you?" grins Bruce Michael Hall (Reese) as he imitates the popular rapper Eminem, a.k.a. Slim Shady. "Nobody would believe it -- a blonde-haired kid from Missouri that raps!" Actually, Eminem hails from Kansas City, MO, close by Hall's home town of St. Joseph, MO. "Over holiday breaks, we're often at the same bars. People crows around me screaming, 'He's on PASSIONS!' Then, Eminem walks up and [takes all the attention]. There are two [celebrities] in that town, and I end up at the place with the one who's a superstar! I'm going to stand in the corner and wait till I get a big movie deal."
Did you know, that Meeting Maureen McCormick (ex-Rebecca) left Galen Gering (Luis) in awe. "She's part of a show that's a chunk of modern America," says Gering. "Marcia Brady [McCormick's character on THE BRADY BUNCH] is a cultural icon. She was tangible, whereas Olivia Newton-John [Sandy, Grease] wasn't. I couldn't compete with John Travolta [Danny, grease], but I could handle Peter Brady! When I saw Maureen on the set for the first time, the light was hitting her eyes, and she was Marcia - I even [envisioned] a football bouncing off her nose!"
Did you know, How can Miguel not notice Kay's blatant attempts to get his attention? His portrayer, Jesse Metcalfe, explains, "He couldn't possibly imagine Kay liking him because they grew up together and are best friends. He thinks of her as a friend in the same way that he has guy friends. For a while he was totally clueless, and she was making it pretty obvious, but that's how the story works. It'll be interesting when and if he finds out that Kay has been scheming."
Did you know, that prom night was a big steppingstone for Theresa, but even more of an achievement for her portrayer, Lindsay Korman, who explains that filming the scenes for the raging storm that hit the prom boat was an experience she'll never forget. "I did my own first real stunt They offered to get [me] a stunt person, but it was something I wanted to experience. So they dropped hundreds of gallons of water from this chute that splashed through the portholes and knocked Theresa down. That was really me!"
Did you know, that after playing dorky Reese for a year, Bruce Michael Hall has found traces of his alter ego slipping into his everyday life. "Sometimes, when I'm out with friends and we're standing in line at the grocery store, I'll be really bored," shares Hall. "And I slip into [Reese]. I'll have my shoulders slumped forward, just kinda looking around with a dumb look on my face, and my friends will be like, 'Bruce, you're being Reese.' "
Did you know, that Kim Johnston Ulrich's (Ivy) run-in with Mel Gibson proves that even actresses get starstruck. "I was working on the show NIGHTINGALES, and Mel was shooting Lethal Weapon 2 on the sound stage next door," explains Ulrich. "I complained to one of our producers on the show [that I hadn't seen him yet]. Then, while I was shooting a scene, I heard the producer say, 'Excuse me! Make way, there's a visitor to see Miss Ulrich.' I said, 'I'll kill you!' I was in a little nurse's uniform, and Mel Gibson is standing there with his leg all bloody [for the movie]. And he said, 'Is there a doctor in the house?' "
Did you know, that It's particularly fitting for Donn Swaby (Chad) to be working for the Peacock Network: He's been an NBC daytime devotee since he was a child. "My babysitter was an avid watcher of DAYS OF OUR LIVES and ANOTHER WORLD," Swaby explains. "I used to resent her watching the soaps because I wanted to watch cartoons, But then I got hooked on them." At this year's Soap Opera Digest Awards, Swaby finally got the chance to express his admiration to Stephen Schnetzer (ex-Cass, AW). "I went up to him and said, 'Hey, man, not to make you feel old, but I used to watch your show and I loved it!' " smiles Swaby.
Did you know, that As T.C. pushes his daughter into the tennis career he couldn't have, his portrayer, Rodney Van Johnson, hopes to lead his 1-year-old son, Quincy, away from following in his daddy's footsteps. "I don't want my son to be in this business," says Van Johnson. "I wouldn't say, 'I want you to go off and be an actor.' I would not push him in that direction because [actors] are never really completely in control -- they are pretty much puppets. I would tell him to produce, direct and/or write because I would like to see my son have more input!"
Did you know, that A gal is heartbroken and wants revenge because the love of her life has fallen in love with her best friend. It's a good JERRY SPRINGER topic, right? Not according to Taylor Anne Mountz (ex-Kay). "It's a universal thing that's happened to practically everybody," says the 18-year-old actress. "There have been times in my life when I've bawled on my bed because some guy I liked went out with my best friend. That's why [Creator/Head Writer] James E. Reilly does such a good job writing scenes for Kay. Every girl can relate to her."
Did you know, that Though he loves PASSIONS. Travis Schuldt (Ethan) rarely watches it. "I really can't stand to see myself on TV," admits the actor. "When I do watch myself on-screen, I spot mistakes that I made everywhere. So, I decide whether or not I'm going to continue watching the show within the first few minutes. Although, I was in a short film with my friend in Dallas, and I actually watched it all the way through!"
Did you know, that Juliet [Mills, Tabitha] and I have a great relationship," smiles Josh Ryan Evans (Timmy). "She's like an adopted English nanny. She's taught me so much. She gave me a great birthday cake and a great present -- a kitten, who has the stage name o Fluffy [laughs]. I call her Samantha after Samantha the witch [from BEWITCHED], and Princess, as in Princess Tabby."
Did you know, that Josh Ryan Evans (Timmy) developed a special friendship with ALLY MCBEAL star Calista Flockhart (Ally) while guesting on the show. So it's no surprise that Flockhart looked out for his well-being during the taping of a tricky scene. "One time, [my character] was being carried by this woman and Calista said, 'We've got to stop taping it from that point soon - Josh is going to get hurt,' " he reports, 'because I was being transported in a very awkward position. I said, 'Don't worry about it, Calista, I'm not going to be hurting tomorrow.' " She said, 'I bet you are.' " Turns out that he should have listened to his co-star -- and Flockhart wouldn't let him forget that. "The next day, I was limping in to work," Evans admits. "I was very stiff and it hurt. She said, 'Josh, are you sore?' I said, 'Yeah.' She said, 'What did you say? Was I right?' She made me and everybody stop and said, 'Was I right, Josh?' I said, 'Calista was right, I hurt today,' aloud to everybody. She went, 'That's all I wanted to hear.' "
Did you know, that McKenzie Westmore (Sheridan) says she always knew she wanted to be an actress. "Well, actually," she admits with a laugh, "I went through a period when I was little when I wanted to be a veterinarian because I love animals." There was also a brief point where she considered following in her Academy and Emmy Award-winning father's footsteps as a makeup artist. "I had seen an article on my dad that called him 'the last of the living dinosaurs.' That crushed me. So I thought about going into makeup at that point. I thought, 'I don't want the family name to die. I want to try to carry it on somehow.' And then I realized that's not really what I want. I love acting and I always wanted to be in front of the camera and not behind it. So I figure, I'm still carrying on the name, just in a little bit of a different aspect."
Did you know, that Lindsay Korman (Theresa) moved to Las Vegas as a teen-ager. She attended high school there and went to UNLV. Her parents own a shop in Las Vegas specializing in Mexican imports. When Lindsay was a teen-ager she appeared in commercials for her parents' shop and finally got a job at the (no longer there) Sands Hotel in a show called "Viva Las Vegas."
Did you know, that Travis Schuldt (Ethan) recently performed in and directed a play. The following article is from SOD.
Did you know, that McKenzie Westmore's (Sheridan) father created the "Luis" mask that is used on Passions? Her father is a longtime hollywood makeup artist.
Did you know that, Bruce Michael Hall (Reese) has an identical twin brother named Seth? Below is a brief article from SOD.
Did you know that, Josh Ryan Evans (Timmy) found his niche early in life. Despite being one of the smallest actors in Hollywood at 37 inches, Josh has already proven he has staying quality. By creating and distributing his own business cards before he was even a teenager, Josh landed a spot on "The Dancing Baby" ice cream commercial, which led to his role in "Baby Geniuses", where he played all the babies and did all the dancing. His co-star in that, Peter MacNicol, introduced him to David E. Kelley, who cast him as recurring guest Oren Koolie on "Ally McBeal", a child lawyer who gives Ally a hard time. His role on "Passions" is his first contract role in a TV series. He can be seen in the upcoming film "The Grinch" (with Jim Carrey). He's finishing up high-school right now, and when he's not at school or the studio, he's at home working on a series of children's books ("Learning Little by Little: Life Lessons for Little Ones"), or spending time with his family (one brother is 6'4!), and his cat. He's also a huge StarWars fan.
Did you know that, Chea Courtney (Angel Girl) is the daughter of Pete Rose who played with the Cincinnati Reds of major league baseball and was later banned for life from baseball and the hall of fame for alleged betting on baseball. Pete Rose denies he ever betted on baseball and continues to petition to get his lifetime ban revoked so he can enter the major league baseball hall of fame.
Did you know that, Galen Gering (Luis) is featured in this year's People Magazine "The 50 Most Beautiful People in the world 2000" issue. It is on sale now, so if you want it go get it.
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