Nelson Branco's Soap Opera Uncensored: Issue 39, Page 2
Nelson Branco
that! Where is Cane? [Laughs]
What’s Lily’s thinking? Does she just blindly love this man?
Lily’s just a doormat. She’s a hopeless romantic. If I were Lily, I would kick him to the curb.
He has a big penis, basically!
I think so! That’s probably what keeps her there. I’ve done that before! [Laughs] What can I say? TMI? TMI?
What’s it been like absorbing actors from other shows?
Yeah, I know. We’ve, like, adopted everybody! It’s great. A lot of new people but that means fewer stories for you! That’s not so great. It’s awesome, really!
Your Mom is here tonight so who’s watching your son?
His Dad. Finally! [Laughs]
When you see this in print, you have to know that statement could be taken out of context…
I don’t know. I’ve had a bit too much champagne. Whatever. I said exactly what I meant.
SUSAN LUCCI: PRESENTER
What did you think of this year’s Emmy telecast?
I don’t know. I haven’t seen it. I saw Agnes Nixon’s clip package but that’s it.
It’s been almost a year since our beloved Pine Valley went off the airwaves… have you found closure yet?
Tonight was very helpful. The executive producer told me they wanted to produce a tribute to Erica Kane and to me… then, I knew I could say some things that were close to my heart. The Academy gave me that opportunity. And to thank the fans and to say how much respect I have for this medium… and how grateful and joyful I am to be a part of it.
By the way, I thought your pre-Emmy nom reel was excellent and I was sad you didn’t make the final nom list. But congrats on the DEVIOUS MAIDS pick-up! Tell us about that.
Thank you so much! Yesterday I got off the plane in L.A. from New York, checked my phone and there was a message from my agent saying that DEVIOUS MAIDS was picked up by Lifetime! We’re starting in March. I’m so excited to start. I loved filming the pilot very much. Even from the table reads. This cast is fantastic. And to work with Marc Cherry…. He’s enthusiasm and creativity… I just love his work and being able to work with him. After doing ARMY WIVES this season, I’m very excited to work with Lifetime again.
What do you take away from AMC after all these years?
Well, I was there my entire life. The opportunity Agnes Nixon and ABC gave me literally shaped my life. So, I take away everything. When I say, “I’m grateful,” I mean that from head to my toes. And what fun! I meant what I said tonight: I was given this incredible, dream part. A part of a lifetime. The glamourous, contemporary, deliciously flawed Erica Kane!
What do you think Erica Kane is up to now? I often find myself wondering, “What kind of trouble is Erica up to now!”
[Laughs] I often think that, too! I always think that means that’s a great sign of writing. I always compare AMC and Erica Kane to a great novel. You never want it to end. So, yes, I wonder, too! I don’t think she’s the one who got into the cross hairs!
Do you know anything of the alternate ending that was filmed?
I don’t think that was AMC. I think that was ONE LIFE.
There were other AMC actors who said there were other scenes filmed.
Maybe other scenes but not an alternate ending.
How much is your DEVIOUS MAIDS character like Erica Kane?
Well, that remains to be seen! [Laughs] She’s more vulnerable, off the top of my head. She’s new to me, too, because I only did the pilot. There are so many possibilities with her. When the show wasn’t picked up by ABC, I was so sad because I couldn’t play this part and work with Marc Cherry. But now I can!
Is your character a diva?
Well, she does live in one of those Beverly Hills households! We’ll see. Marc is such a creative, visionary mastermind so there’s a lot that remains to be seen. I’m eager to see what happens.
It was great to see you and Erika Slezak together again on screen. Have you two privately spoken about what happened this past year with ABC cancelling both your soaps?
Well, thank you. We hadn’t had a chance yet but when we go out for dinner, I hope we do. It’s been a horrible journey for both of us to go on together.
Would you consider bringing Erica Kane to Port Chuck to flirt with Sonny Corinthos? Several ONE LIFErs have made the trek….
I would love to work with Maurice Benard again. So far, they have not asked me. It’s a wonderful show.
Were you happy GH was renewed?
Yes, absolutely! Oh, yes, of course. If the timing was right, I would love to be on GH. I have another new show coming out in December as well, DEADLY AFFAIRS, which shoots in New York. I have a lot to do.
What about DALLAS?
I think my character is still in jail! [Laughs] Maybe we could go out to Paris and shoot again.
Frank Valentini gave an interview saying not to count out AMC and ONE LIFE….
I think there is no doubt that AMC and ONE LIFE have brand equity. No doubt about that. I don’t think there was any question about that! I couldn’t see why they couldn’t rise again. I mean, Erica Kane is the Phoenix rising from the ashes. I mean, sure… it’s more of a production question.
You didn’t mince words in your soft-pack version of your memoir, ALL MY LIFE. Were there any hesitations? No regrets?
When something is taken out of context, it can be regrettable. The publishers at the time asked me if I could do that. I said, “I feel so raw that I couldn’t sort stuff out,” but they wanted me to be raw. I tried to be fair. I simply chronicled what I witnessed. I wrote that for the fans. They were so passionate. I mean, they crashed the switchboards at ABC. I was left being asked so many questions by the fans: Why did this happen?
SOAPILEAKS:
This Week’s Hottest News, Gossip, and Reviews!
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL, CBS/CTV — The Bold and the Beautiful-Ish!
• Gone too soon: Who else got whiplash with Sean Kanan’s recent blink-and-you’ll-miss-him appearance on B&B? Well, don’t worry because, in this week’s SOAP OPERA DIGEST, it sounds like Kanan will more than likely reprise his role sooner rather than later. Whew. There’s far too much story to mine by having Deacon on the B&B canvas. Moreover, and most importantly, Deacon is one of those rare catalysts who can shake up an entire show just by showing up and paying the price of admission!
• Oh, Matula: I ran into the beautiful (moreso in person, actually) at the CBS After-Emmy Party and gave her a quick lesson on how to pick a reel. For the past two years, Matula has chosen dreadful material to submit to the Academy. How bad? Like, horrifyingly bad. Which is sad, because I thought Matula would pull a Jennifer Finnigan by now. Let’s hope she takes my advice.
• When Linsey Godfrey debuted as the beautiful Caroline Spencer, many thought the actress didn’t live up to the hype on screen. But when I hung out with the newcomer at the Emmys, I found out very quickly that she’s more stunning in person. “I know,” she sighs. “Even my Dad says I look more beautiful in person. I don’t photograph that well on TV.” Join the club, sister.
• In story 411, Dayzee and Marcus prepare to wed in the Forrester manse. However, Marcus begins having second thoughts. DIGEST hints that this wedding may not even happen. Apparently, Marcus has an explosive secret. Hmmm…. Maybe he didn’t pass his ESL test? Regardless, it’s nice to see a black couple jiggy down the aisle on this show. In fact, has this even happened on B&B before?
DAYS OF OUR LIVES, NBC/GLOBAL — Did Susan or Kristen Fake Stefano’s Death?
• The Dark Knight Rises: In story 411, thanks to Lucas and his big mouth, the truth about EJ’s paternity is revealed to Salem this week on DAYS providing the tall drink of water with a motive in Stefano’s murder. But we know EJ didn’t plug anyone (that will happen between EJ and Will; now that would be a groundbreaking alibi for the murder in question).
Let’s review: Stefano was about to tell the world that EJ isn’t his son and cut him out of his family/fortune,
so don’t you think that’s enough motive for Susan or Kristen to come back to town to make it look like Stefano died? I still think EJ is a DiMera, though. Well, I hope. Also, it’s pretty safe to guess that Joe Mascolo will be back on the canvas soon (either when EJ is sentenced or Eileen Davidson debuts). After all, if the outspoken actor was really fired, you know he’d pull an Eric Braeden and speak out against DAYS like he has in the past. Or he’d have re-joined B&B by now.
• Say goodbye to Patrick Muldoon and Christie Clark on July 24.
• Salem Musings: This hot actor playing Andrew is promising, non? And how long before Gabi goes completely bat-shit cray-cray and tries to kill half the town? See ya, Camila Banus. Actually, I don’t mind the actress and I certainly don’t think she’s the worst younger actress on soaps today, like some critics think.
GENERAL HOSPITAL, ABC/CITY — Kimberly McCullough Returns… For Good? Is GH Recasting A Role?
• On this week’s cover, SOAP OPERA DIGEST has a jaw-dropping GH preview: Fan fave and Emmy winner Kimberly McCullough is returning to GH to appear as a figment of Patrick’s drug-induced imagination. But UNCENSORED is hearing McCullough may be back for good — and sooner rather than later. “A few fan faves are headed back to GH,” whispers an insider. “And they’re not ONE LIFErs!”
• This casting notice just came in: [MALE]
What’s Lily’s thinking? Does she just blindly love this man?
Lily’s just a doormat. She’s a hopeless romantic. If I were Lily, I would kick him to the curb.
He has a big penis, basically!
I think so! That’s probably what keeps her there. I’ve done that before! [Laughs] What can I say? TMI? TMI?
What’s it been like absorbing actors from other shows?
Yeah, I know. We’ve, like, adopted everybody! It’s great. A lot of new people but that means fewer stories for you! That’s not so great. It’s awesome, really!
Your Mom is here tonight so who’s watching your son?
His Dad. Finally! [Laughs]
When you see this in print, you have to know that statement could be taken out of context…
I don’t know. I’ve had a bit too much champagne. Whatever. I said exactly what I meant.
SUSAN LUCCI: PRESENTER
What did you think of this year’s Emmy telecast?
I don’t know. I haven’t seen it. I saw Agnes Nixon’s clip package but that’s it.
It’s been almost a year since our beloved Pine Valley went off the airwaves… have you found closure yet?
Tonight was very helpful. The executive producer told me they wanted to produce a tribute to Erica Kane and to me… then, I knew I could say some things that were close to my heart. The Academy gave me that opportunity. And to thank the fans and to say how much respect I have for this medium… and how grateful and joyful I am to be a part of it.
By the way, I thought your pre-Emmy nom reel was excellent and I was sad you didn’t make the final nom list. But congrats on the DEVIOUS MAIDS pick-up! Tell us about that.
Thank you so much! Yesterday I got off the plane in L.A. from New York, checked my phone and there was a message from my agent saying that DEVIOUS MAIDS was picked up by Lifetime! We’re starting in March. I’m so excited to start. I loved filming the pilot very much. Even from the table reads. This cast is fantastic. And to work with Marc Cherry…. He’s enthusiasm and creativity… I just love his work and being able to work with him. After doing ARMY WIVES this season, I’m very excited to work with Lifetime again.
What do you take away from AMC after all these years?
Well, I was there my entire life. The opportunity Agnes Nixon and ABC gave me literally shaped my life. So, I take away everything. When I say, “I’m grateful,” I mean that from head to my toes. And what fun! I meant what I said tonight: I was given this incredible, dream part. A part of a lifetime. The glamourous, contemporary, deliciously flawed Erica Kane!
What do you think Erica Kane is up to now? I often find myself wondering, “What kind of trouble is Erica up to now!”
[Laughs] I often think that, too! I always think that means that’s a great sign of writing. I always compare AMC and Erica Kane to a great novel. You never want it to end. So, yes, I wonder, too! I don’t think she’s the one who got into the cross hairs!
Do you know anything of the alternate ending that was filmed?
I don’t think that was AMC. I think that was ONE LIFE.
There were other AMC actors who said there were other scenes filmed.
Maybe other scenes but not an alternate ending.
How much is your DEVIOUS MAIDS character like Erica Kane?
Well, that remains to be seen! [Laughs] She’s more vulnerable, off the top of my head. She’s new to me, too, because I only did the pilot. There are so many possibilities with her. When the show wasn’t picked up by ABC, I was so sad because I couldn’t play this part and work with Marc Cherry. But now I can!
Is your character a diva?
Well, she does live in one of those Beverly Hills households! We’ll see. Marc is such a creative, visionary mastermind so there’s a lot that remains to be seen. I’m eager to see what happens.
It was great to see you and Erika Slezak together again on screen. Have you two privately spoken about what happened this past year with ABC cancelling both your soaps?
Well, thank you. We hadn’t had a chance yet but when we go out for dinner, I hope we do. It’s been a horrible journey for both of us to go on together.
Would you consider bringing Erica Kane to Port Chuck to flirt with Sonny Corinthos? Several ONE LIFErs have made the trek….
I would love to work with Maurice Benard again. So far, they have not asked me. It’s a wonderful show.
Were you happy GH was renewed?
Yes, absolutely! Oh, yes, of course. If the timing was right, I would love to be on GH. I have another new show coming out in December as well, DEADLY AFFAIRS, which shoots in New York. I have a lot to do.
What about DALLAS?
I think my character is still in jail! [Laughs] Maybe we could go out to Paris and shoot again.
Frank Valentini gave an interview saying not to count out AMC and ONE LIFE….
I think there is no doubt that AMC and ONE LIFE have brand equity. No doubt about that. I don’t think there was any question about that! I couldn’t see why they couldn’t rise again. I mean, Erica Kane is the Phoenix rising from the ashes. I mean, sure… it’s more of a production question.
You didn’t mince words in your soft-pack version of your memoir, ALL MY LIFE. Were there any hesitations? No regrets?
When something is taken out of context, it can be regrettable. The publishers at the time asked me if I could do that. I said, “I feel so raw that I couldn’t sort stuff out,” but they wanted me to be raw. I tried to be fair. I simply chronicled what I witnessed. I wrote that for the fans. They were so passionate. I mean, they crashed the switchboards at ABC. I was left being asked so many questions by the fans: Why did this happen?
SOAPILEAKS:
This Week’s Hottest News, Gossip, and Reviews!
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL, CBS/CTV — The Bold and the Beautiful-Ish!
• Gone too soon: Who else got whiplash with Sean Kanan’s recent blink-and-you’ll-miss-him appearance on B&B? Well, don’t worry because, in this week’s SOAP OPERA DIGEST, it sounds like Kanan will more than likely reprise his role sooner rather than later. Whew. There’s far too much story to mine by having Deacon on the B&B canvas. Moreover, and most importantly, Deacon is one of those rare catalysts who can shake up an entire show just by showing up and paying the price of admission!
• Oh, Matula: I ran into the beautiful (moreso in person, actually) at the CBS After-Emmy Party and gave her a quick lesson on how to pick a reel. For the past two years, Matula has chosen dreadful material to submit to the Academy. How bad? Like, horrifyingly bad. Which is sad, because I thought Matula would pull a Jennifer Finnigan by now. Let’s hope she takes my advice.
• When Linsey Godfrey debuted as the beautiful Caroline Spencer, many thought the actress didn’t live up to the hype on screen. But when I hung out with the newcomer at the Emmys, I found out very quickly that she’s more stunning in person. “I know,” she sighs. “Even my Dad says I look more beautiful in person. I don’t photograph that well on TV.” Join the club, sister.
• In story 411, Dayzee and Marcus prepare to wed in the Forrester manse. However, Marcus begins having second thoughts. DIGEST hints that this wedding may not even happen. Apparently, Marcus has an explosive secret. Hmmm…. Maybe he didn’t pass his ESL test? Regardless, it’s nice to see a black couple jiggy down the aisle on this show. In fact, has this even happened on B&B before?
DAYS OF OUR LIVES, NBC/GLOBAL — Did Susan or Kristen Fake Stefano’s Death?
• The Dark Knight Rises: In story 411, thanks to Lucas and his big mouth, the truth about EJ’s paternity is revealed to Salem this week on DAYS providing the tall drink of water with a motive in Stefano’s murder. But we know EJ didn’t plug anyone (that will happen between EJ and Will; now that would be a groundbreaking alibi for the murder in question).
Let’s review: Stefano was about to tell the world that EJ isn’t his son and cut him out of his family/fortune,
so don’t you think that’s enough motive for Susan or Kristen to come back to town to make it look like Stefano died? I still think EJ is a DiMera, though. Well, I hope. Also, it’s pretty safe to guess that Joe Mascolo will be back on the canvas soon (either when EJ is sentenced or Eileen Davidson debuts). After all, if the outspoken actor was really fired, you know he’d pull an Eric Braeden and speak out against DAYS like he has in the past. Or he’d have re-joined B&B by now.
• Say goodbye to Patrick Muldoon and Christie Clark on July 24.
• Salem Musings: This hot actor playing Andrew is promising, non? And how long before Gabi goes completely bat-shit cray-cray and tries to kill half the town? See ya, Camila Banus. Actually, I don’t mind the actress and I certainly don’t think she’s the worst younger actress on soaps today, like some critics think.
GENERAL HOSPITAL, ABC/CITY — Kimberly McCullough Returns… For Good? Is GH Recasting A Role?
• On this week’s cover, SOAP OPERA DIGEST has a jaw-dropping GH preview: Fan fave and Emmy winner Kimberly McCullough is returning to GH to appear as a figment of Patrick’s drug-induced imagination. But UNCENSORED is hearing McCullough may be back for good — and sooner rather than later. “A few fan faves are headed back to GH,” whispers an insider. “And they’re not ONE LIFErs!”
• This casting notice just came in: [MALE]
