We Love Soaps TV Compilation: Drake Hogestyn Interviews 2011-2012

We Love Soaps TV sat down with longtime Days of our Lives star Drake Hogestyn (John Black) for three interviews in 2011 and 2012 on the set and at fan events. Check out all three in this compilation video that also includes Days legends Deidre Hall (Marlena Evans) and James Reynolds (Abe Carver).

We Love Soaps TV Compilation: Jo Weil Interviews 2010-2015

We Love Soaps TV (and affiliate Serial Scoop Now) interviewed German soap opera star Jo Weil (Verbotene Liebe) four times between 2010 and 2015 when he visited New York City. Check out all our interviews in the compilation video below.

A We Love Soaps Reunion on 'Tub Talks with Damon'

I recently taped an appearance on Tub Talks with Damon, the fascinating new talk series from longtime We Love Soaps writer, and my partner in crime, Damon L. Jacobs. In addition to offering our takes on current soap opera stories, we also dished on our favorite interviews and the Indie Series Awards. And yes, it all happened in a bathtub. Watch my episode out below, and be sure to check out the entire series.

Interview Archive: Maurice Benard (2010, 2011, 2013)

We Love Soaps has always enjoyed speaking with Emmy Award-winning actor Maurice Benard, who has played Sonny Corinthos on General Hospital since August 13, 1993. Below are links to three separate interviews conducted with Benard: December 2010, June 2011, and April 2013.

December 2010
Part 1 - Benard discussed performing live, how he got into acting, playing comedy, working on All My Children and landing the role of Sonny.

Part 2 - Benard shared memories from his General Hospital career, working on his latest indie film, being an animal love, and learning to "live in the moment."

June 2011
Part 1 - Benard discussed Sonny's evolution on GH, and his ongoing struggles maintaining symptoms of Bipolar.

Part 2 - Benard shared more about his experience of portraying Sonny, keeping the role fresh, dealing with Vanessa Marcil Giovinazzo (Brenda) leaving the show, as well as his own future aspirations.

March 2013
GH50 - Benard said it was "an honor to be on the show as long as I have been on" at General Hospital's 50th Anniversary event at the Paley Center. He also previewed his upcoming movie The Ghost and The Whale.

WLS Interview Archive: Claire Labine

Claire Labine

EDITOR'S NOTE: Reposted from November 2009.

I had the honor and privilege of talking with the eloquent and wonderful Emmy winning writer Claire Labine recently. In case you missed it, here is the complete seven part interview.

Part One - Labine discusses her writing process, reflects on her early career, and how mothering contributed to her understanding of soaps.

Part Two - Labine discusses her battles with ABC, struggles with recasts, and the psychological underpinnings of the Ryan family.

Part Three - Labine discusses controversial storyline choices on Ryan's Hope and General Hospital, and her reaction to the criticism that her work is “too depressing.”

Part Four - Labine dishes about life at General Hospital, the pressures of continuing the Luke and Laura legacy, inventing Sonny and Brenda, and why Jason Quartermaine was given amnesia.

Part Five - Labine shares insights into what happened when she went to work on One Life to Live and Guiding Light.

Part Six - Labine shares more about her struggles with Guiding Light and Paul Rauch, plus, the absurdities of focus groups.

Part Seven - We conclude by discussing Labine's life after Guiding Light, her health, and future hopes.

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Claire Labine Answered YOUR Questions

Claire Labine

EDITOR'S NOTE: Reposted from February 2010.

The Divine Ms. Claire Labine took extra time last December to answer YOUR questions, in response to her We Love Soaps interview in November. Here below are the answers to your questions:

Part One - The Emmy Winning writer answers YOUR questions pertaining to her influences, the writers she admires, and her history of writing on daytime.

Part Two - She responds to more comments and questions about the current state of soaps. Plus, what role did Claire play in the creation of The Bold and the Beautiful?

Part Three - She answers your questions about Ryan's Hope. Including network battles, cast turnaround, and what Maeve Ryan would say about Sarah Palin!

Part Four - The Divine Ms. Labine answers your questions about General Hospital, including reflections on writing for Jonathan Jackson, Maurice Benard, and her plans for the beloved Ward family.

Part Five - She answers your questions about One Life to Live, including how she helped Ron Carlivati, her fascination with Todd and Tea, plus her secret about Wendi Mercury.

Part Six - She answers YOUR questions about Guiding Light and Love of Life, including what the real plan was for "Holivia" [Crystal Chappell + Maureen Garrett].

INTERVIEW: Kim Zimmer on GL, Indie Soaps & the Future

Kim Zimmer is a daytime legend after receiving eleven Emmy nominations, four wins, and coming in at #2 on We Love Soaps 50 Greatest Soap Actresses.  But how has she been coping in the year since GUIDING LIGHT went off the air?  And is she in touch with her "lesbian side" enough for Crystal Chappell's VENICE? The Divine Ms. Zimmer gave us the answers during the GUIDING LIGHT So Long Springfield Cruise Bon Voyage party. [EDITOR'S NOTE: Watch the video here.]

We Love Soaps: What about this cruise are you most excited about?
Kim Zimmer: My husband is coming with me. We will be married 29 years on August 29th.  So we’re using it as a little honeymoon anniversary celebration.  Unfortunately I think this is going to be our last group effort as a GUIDING LIGHT team with our GUIDING LIGHT fans.  I’m really sorry about that.  We have looked forward to these events, to be able to get together and shoot the shit.

We Love Soaps Interview Archive: Susan Flannery

Susan Flannery came in at #1 on the We Love Soaps countdown of the 50 Greatest Soap Actresses Of All Time. The talented and generous Emmy and Golden Globe winning actress spoke with us in 2009 for an in-depth interview offering insights into her career on television, films, as well as her participation in helping other actors get the benefits and residuals they deserve.  In case you missed it, please enjoy this inspiring interview with a true daytime legend.

In Part One - The talented actress reflects on her early acting career, and her role as Laura Horton on Days of our Lives.

In Part Two - Ms. Flannery shares how she got the time off from her soap role to do The Towering Inferno, and how the sixty minute format changed Days of our Lives.

In Part Three - The Emmy winner shares her decision to join The Bold and the Beautiful, as well as her off-screen activism.

In Part Four - Ms. Flannery reflects more on her proactive role in advocating for actors' rights, and shares thoughts about Stephanie Forrester's psychological problems.

RELATED:
- Susan Flannery Surprise Salute Video
- Susan Flannery Surprise Salute Video
- 50 Greatest Soap Actresses: #1 Susan Flannery
- 30 DYNAMIC DUOS OF DAYTIME: #27 B&B's Stephanie & Sally, #7 Stephanie & Brooke
- Susan Flannery Leaving THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Exit Plan Revealed For Stephanie Forrester

Facundo Rodriguez & Gary Cowling Interviews at the HUSTLING Season 2 Screening

WE LOVE SOAPS TV traveled to Tribeca Cinemas on Monday, November 19 for a special HUSTLING Season 2 screening. Damon L. Jacobs spoke with returning actor Gary Cowling, who also performs numerous jobs behind the scenes as well, along with sexy newcomer Facundo Rodriguez, currently starring in two theater productions at the same time ("All About Meat" and "Confessions").

Watch the interviews below:

Jessica Press, Sharon Washington & Daphne Rubin-Vega Interviews at the HUSTLING Season 2 Screening

WE LOVE SOAPS TV traveled to Tribeca Cinemas on Monday, November 19 for a special HUSTLING Season 2 screening. Damon L. Jacobs spoke with the stars Jessica Press, Sharon Washington and Daphne Rubin-Vega, who offered a few teases about the new season.

Watch the interviews below:

Sebastian La Cause Interview at the HUSTLING Season 2 Screening

WE LOVE SOAPS TV traveled to Tribeca Cinemas on Monday, November 19 for a special HUSTLING Season 2 screening. Damon L. Jacobs caught up with the show's creator and star, Sebastian La Cause, who gave us a preview of what's head for his character, Ryan Crosby aka Rod Driver, and the show. Watch our interview with the Indie Soap Award winner below:

Jake Silbermann Teaches Fight Scene Technique!

WE LOVE SOAPS TV's Damon L. Jacobs spoke with AS THE WORLD TURNS alum Jake Silbermann last fall about "Derby Day," the story of the Ballard brothers of Hot Springs, Arkansas, that he starred (and earned rave reviews) in.

Jacobs asked Silbermann to teach him the secret of how fight scenes work on stage (It's all about perspective!").  Check out what happened in the fun clip below:

EXCLUSIVE: Camila Banus & Blake Berris Talk DAYS OF OUR LIVES (WE LOVE SOAPS TV)

As season four of our web series, WE LOVE SOAPS TV, continues, Damon L. Jacobs travels to Mohegan Sun in Connecticut to speak with DAYS OF OUR LIVES stars Camila Banus (Gabi) and Blake Berris (Nick). Banus and Berris talk about his recent return to the soap, Gabi's transformation over the past two years, and what's ahead on DAYS.

Banus also had some interesting comments on the Will storyline:  "I think that you're going to be pleasantly surprised.  I think the show in general has been working, and specifically some of the directors have been working, on making this as real as possible for Will.  A lot of the scenes coming up with him are going to shock some people.  It's amazing because shocking is one of the best things you can do in the entertainment business."

Watch the interview below:

'We Love Soaps TV' Interview: James Reynolds & Drake Hogestyn Talk 'Days of Our Lives'

As season four of our web series, We Love Soaps TV, continues, Damon L. Jacobs travels to Mohegan Sun in Connecticut to speak with Days of Our Lives stars Drake Hogestyn (John) and James Reynolds (Abe). Reynolds and Hogestyn talk about staying fresh in a long-term role, a recent moving performance, and what's ahead on DAYS. Watch the interview below:

EXCLUSIVE: Suzanne Rogers & Shawn Christian On DAYS OF OUR LIVES Past, Present & Future (WE LOVE SOAPS TV)

As season four of our web series, WE LOVE SOAPS TV, continues, Damon L. Jacobs travels to Mohegan Sun in Connecticut to speak with DAYS OF OUR LIVES stars Suzanne Rogers (Maggie) and Shawn Christian (Daniel). Rogers and Christian talk about past, present and possible future DAYS storylines. Watch the interview below:

EXCLUSIVE: Kristian Alfonso & Lauren Koslow On DAYS OF OUR LIVES, Twitter, Sisterhood & More (WE LOVE SOAPS TV)

As season four of our web series, WE LOVE SOAPS TV, continues, Damon L. Jacobs travels to Mohegan Sun in Connecticut to speak with DAYS OF OUR LIVES stars Kristian Alfonso (Hope) and Lauren Koslow (Kate). From Lauren's life on the farm to Kristian playing life without Bo, it's a fun backstage look at two of the soap's most beloved actresses. Watch the interview below:

WLS Interview Archive: Ian Buchanan (February 2010)

We Love Soaps had the privilege of speaking with the multi-talented and impossibly handsome Emmy-winning actor Ian Buchanan in February 2010.  Please enjoy this five-part interview as he reflects on insta-stardom on GENERAL HOSPITAL, his tenure on THE BOLD & THE BEAUTIFUL, and his work with The Citizen's Band.

In Part One Buchanan discusses his modeling career before landing GENERAL HOSPITAL, and how fear has shaped some choices.

In Part Two we look back on his success as Duke Lavery and on prime-time television.  Which TWIN PEAKS actor delivered his pizzas? Find out here!

In Part Three he shares aspects of his experience playing virginal psychiatrist James Warwick on THE BOLD & THE BEAUTIFUL, winning an Emmy, and how his own therapy has helped him to make positive changes.

In Part Four he speaks about life as an outsider, fun as the vampire leader on PORT CHARLES, and for the first time ever, he discusses openly his ill-fated role as Dr. Greg Madden on ALL MY CHILDREN.

In Part Five the insightful and outspoken talent shares more about his work in a traveling circus called "The Citizens Band," as well as reflections on his illustrious career.

Damon L. Jacobs is a Licensed Psychotherapist in New York City who specializes in treating grief/loss, depression, stress management, anger management, addiction, HIV issues, and bullying. He is also the author of the popular book "Absolutely Should-less: The Secret to Living the Stress-Free Life You Deserve," currently available at Amazon.com. For more information about scheduling a speaking engagement, please email him at Shouldless@gmail.com, or check out www.shouldless.com

WLS Interview Archive: Jacklyn Zeman (October 2009)

In October 2009, We Love Soaps spoke with GENERAL HOSPITAL's Jacklyn Zeman as she reflected on her 35-year career on ABC soaps, and the wisdom of hard life lessons learned. Read our in-depth interview in five parts below:

Part One - Zeman recalled her daytime experiences on EDGE OF NIGHT, ONE LIFE TO LIVE, and discussed the psychological backstory behind the Spencer family dramas on GENERAL HOSPITAL.

Part Two - Zeman looked back on two groundbreaking storylines, how Bobbie Spencer helped women [and men], and her process of portraying grief after B.J.’s death.

Part Three - Zeman shared her experience of being back-burnered on GENERAL HOSPITAL, coping with ageism on the show, and the power of transformation and change in her life.

Part Four - Zeman discussed changes on screen and off screen. Plus, what she would have done differently knowing what she knows now.

Part Five - Zeman recalled her favorite stories, her least favorite moments, and how she really felt about the creation of Carly.

The Dos and Don'ts of Marriage: Lessons Learned From Watching Soap Operas

It's been four days since my Times Square wedding where I tied the knot with Kevin Mulcahy Jr. in a ceremony officiated by AS THE WORLD TURNS star Colleen Zenk.  We've already lasted longer than some celebrity marriages! One of the highlights of that perfect day was the Best Man speeches at the reception.  My Best Man, We Love Soaps' Damon L. Jacobs, author of "Absolutely Shouldless," gave the final speech and spoke about how we met and bonded over growing up as fans of daytime drama.  Damon closed his speech with a very cute list he created, The Dos and Don'ts of Marriage, based on his viewing experience as a lifelong fan of daytime soap operas.

Husband and Husband. And Colleen Zenk Officiated Our Wedding!

We added a line to our wedding script familiar to soap opera fans: "If there be anyone present who has reasons why these two should not be married, please speak now or forever hold your peace!"

As Colleen spoke the line, I looked around a crowded Times Square while flashing back to many of Barbara Ryan's weddings and other interrupted soap weddings over the years.  I half expected someone to emerge from the TKTS line to speak up.

I'm not sure what the thousands of tourists who were surrounding us thought but many cheered and took pictures along the way so we assume they whole-heartedly approved.



Below are a few other photos from our special day.