DANA SPARKS has answered YOUR questions! Of course, we got tons of questions for Dana, but we chose ten that DANA personally answered!
Now, you can send your questions to TRACEY ROSS! We'll pick ten questions and Tracey's responses will be posted right here on the site!
Just follow these really easy instructions. Send an EMAIL to passions@nbci.com and make sure to put MAILBAG and the actor's name you are writing to in the subject header! In the body of the email, include your full name and mailing address.
READ ON FOR DANA'S ANSWERS!
From Mary Mathis: Was it hard playing both Grace and Faith? How were they different and how were they alike?
Dana: It was hard because the show was just getting started and the days in general were very long. The amount of time it took was very difficult, because I had double the dialogue. And it was strong stories for both characters at that time. It’s easier to look back on them now and see the differences and similarities than when I was in the midst of it. Faith was much more distrusting of life and people in general. She had bad things happen which made her very cautious. Grace is very accepting and hopeful, and sees the good side in everyone first…second…and third! How were they alike? People tell me they had very similar hair!
From Victoria Shute: Would you like to see Faith come back?
Dana: I think we’re due to have Faith come back because now there’s Tabitha and Hecuba. Charity’s on her own! And Kay’s bad too so Charity needs some help!
From Aimee Murphy: What is it like playing the wife of such an amazing looking man as James Hyde?
Dana: I’ve done my homework in that department for the past eighteen years with my own husband!
From Gary Stevens: Have you ever made a tomato soup cake in real life?
Dana I haven’t but I’ve just decided that at some fan gathering I’d like to have a tomato soup cook-off and I’ll be the judge! So many fans have made it and said it was good. So I think there should be a bake-off.
From Victoria Shute: If you could play another character on the show who would it be and why?
Dana: Julian. Doesn’t everybody say that? He’s deliciously evil and everyone still adores him!
From Joseph Lane What’s your favorite part about being on Passions?
Dana: Do I really have to choose one? First there’s the general concept of what Passions is and that’s it’s a different kind of soap. James Reilly has written so much strangeness into it and humor too. It’s fun to be on a soap that’s making other soaps step up. Also, having been on other shows either as a regular or as a guest, I’ve never seen a show with such a close cast. Everyone gets along—it’s really unusual and great.
From Karen Duke:If you were really Kay’s mom, what advice would you give her?
Dana: That’s a big question! The problem is I really am Kay’s mom, but I haven’t given her much advice, have I? If I had a daughter like Kay in real life and knew what she was up to, I think I’d have to start with a psychologist. She’s got some real deep seeded problems there! And everyone thought Jessica was the bad one!
From James Ryder: Who in the cast would you like to have more scenes with?
Dana: The entire Lopez-Fitzgerald clan. We’re supposed to be such close friends on the show, but in reality, we haven’t done all that much together. It might be boring, but I’d like to all get together and just have a good day, where nothing bad happens! I’d love Grace and Pilar to just have a really nice day!
From Gayle Baker: What was it like being in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade?
Dana: It feels like it was a dream. It was so surreal- just the excitement of being in it. We got up so early that morning and got into cars and went to the parade. Then we sat in a bus and waited to get on our float. It was really cold. Finally, we got on the float and waited 30 minutes, but it didn’t go anywhere and we were cold. So Galen, Deanna, and I went back to the bus for coffee but then we freaked out because the float started moving. We thought we were going to miss the float! So we ran back and got on but then it moved 15 feet and stopped for another twenty minutes! We were all so frantic and worried about missing our float…but really how can you miss a float? It moves so slowly! Once we got going, the first big group we came upon was about 300 cheerleaders and they all started screaming like we were The Beatles and chanting Passions. It was so cool!
From Teresa Lisanne: How do you like to spend your days off?
Dana:Once I’ve caught up on my life, I like to go with my husband and our dogs in the jeep and go out to breakfast. We give the dogs all the leftovers. Then we come home, and maybe do a little gardening. I love to play golf with him too. Or we try to get out on the lake…go for a boat ride and go swimming.
READ ON FOR JADE'S ANSWERS!
From Danielle Schultz: How has your life changed since you joined the cast of Passions?
Jade: I changed states, which is a big deal. I established my own life out here in California with my own friends. The job has really given me confidence to not give up. I thought before that an acting career was just a dream, but it’s given me the courage to continue to pursue my dream.
From Stephanie Le: If you had magical powers, what power would you like to have?
Jade:The power to read minds! Of course you’d probably learn some stuff you wouldn’t want to know, but it would help to know where you stand with people, how others view you, and whether you’re coming across as the kind of person you want to be.
From Angela Viscusi: Where do you see yourself twenty years from now?
Jade: Hopefully with my own stamp!
From Amanda Purcell: If you could do a scene with one character you don’t normally interact with, who would it be and why?
Jade: I’d love to do a scene with Hecuba because Robin is so amazing. You can learn so much just by watching her. She brings so much to a scene. I think it would be a blast--it would bring everything up to a whole new level. Besides Jessica never gets to do anything fun and evil!
From Jennifer Bowen: Are you and Jessica anything alike?
Jade: No. We’re so different it’s not even funny! First of all, I am in no way a vegetarian! I love meat. Also, I don’t think I’m naiive. Jessica gives and gives and gives of herself and her emotions and doesn’t need anything back---like with her sister and with her mother. I’m more of a “give and take” person. If I pour my heart out to you and you don’t respond, I’m not going to keep doing it. But that’s probably just the difference between someone who’s 14 or 15, like Jessica, and someone who’s nearly 18, like me.
From Samantha Furner: What made you go into acting? Has it always been a dream for you?
Jade: Yes, it’s always been a dream. But that’s all it was for the longest time. I wanted to pursue it, but I didn’t think of it as a reality. And now that it is, it’s strange, but it also feels like the most natural thing. I really can’t picture myself doing anything else.
From Katie Perion: Did you ever imagine that you’d be on a soap opera?
Jade: My first audition ever, television wise, was for a soap. Everyone said they could totally see myself on a soap, but I never saw that. But being on a soap, especially one that’s untraditional like Passions, is a lot of fun. Everyday is a learning experience. If I didn’t have Passions, I wouldn’t know the business as well as I now do. You see every different aspect of it. And you’re definitely not babied!
From Lisa Dimick: What is your favorite part about playing Jessica?
Jade: As an actress, it’s really challenging to play someone sweet and innocent. I’m usually stronger with the more dramatic stuff. So, it gives me the opportunity to flex that muscle. Also, Jessica doesn’t have a solid storyline right now, so she can kind of change and grow up in front of the audience. There’s not a concrete set of rules with Jessica…you can see what the audience likes and what they don’t.
From Kimberly Dickson: Would you like Jessica and Reese to get together?
Jade: I just think it would be cool if Jessica had any friends, a boyfriend…anyone! As far as Jessica and Reese, we’ll have to see. But it would give me an opportunity to do more with Bruce, who’s really talented.
From Krista Smith: What do you like to do when off the set of Passions?
Jade: Just hang out with my friends, and go to movies and concerts. I just saw Charlie’s Angels! Just your basic everyday normal stuff. I’m not into the club scene or sports…but I like to do anything besides those two things!
READ ON FOR BROOK'S ANSWERS!
From Jackie Pimpinelli: What inspired you to become an actress?
Brook: I would have to say my love, Chris, because I’d always been intrigued by acting and never had the inner confidence or strength to go after it, which is needed in this business. Chris was there for me and built me up. He gave me the confidence and love to go after what I really wanted but was scared to go after. He knocked down all that fear that was there and let me just go for it. And I love it!
From Annalicia Malley: Is it hard to juggle Passions and having valuable time with your son and husband?
Brook: At times, yes. We have long hours here at Passions and my time off is very precious. We make sure that time is definitely quality time. I also have a new system. I don’t learn my lines at home any more. I always learn them here—either the day before in my down time or I’ll come in early the day I have to work to get ready. That way when I’m home with my family I can give 100% of my attention to them.
From Julie Hamanaka: Where do you see yourself twenty years from now?
Oh my God! Little Chris will be thirty. I’ll be a grandma! LOL! Hopefully I’ll be at a place in my life where I can pick projects that are fun and also good quality. I also hope to have a couple of more kids. And I want lots of time to spend with Chris to enjoy one another.
What gave you the courage to go on with your acting even with major roadblocks in your way?
Brook: I think if you want something, then a roadblock shouldn’t stop you. I can’t think of anything in life where there aren’t roadblocks. But if you know in your heart that what you’re going after is real to you, then the roadblocks don’t even seem like roadblocks.
From Melissa McNair: What do you like most about being a mother?
Brook: The best parts about being a mom are the small moments. Like when little Chris asks questions like “Where does milk come from?” or I tell him that “Yes, a hamburger does come from a cow.” When you have conversations about little things like that, it reminds you what’s important. It’s easy to get caught up in things that aren’t important.
From Melvina Cook: Do you find it difficult to play the role of a teenager, who is falling in love for the first time?
Brook: No, not really because my first love is still my love! So I actually enjoy it because I get to relive those awkward moments between a boy and a girl who really like each other but are scared of that feeling inside of them. When you’re an adult everything is so planned out, but when you’re a kid you don’t know “the plan.” You’re open to “just be.”
From Christy Alder: Do you have a love for sports off screen? If so what is your favorite?
Brook: I do love sports. I love to get down and dirty, like diving for a ball in softball. Unfortunately, I haven’t had time to play lately. I also love watching sports! Especially basketball and football. Go Colts! Edwin James just ran over two hundred yards and I was so excited. All three of us love watching football and basketball.
From Felicia and Wendi Vega What was your first reaction when you found out you got the part of Whitney?
Brook: I was so excited because I was always striving for a character that was goal-oriented and not the typical “boy crazy” teenage girl. Whitney has goals and a purpose. She knows what she wants in her life. She doesn’t drop it all because she feels love.
From Priscilla Soto: If you could change one thing about your character what would it be?
Brook: I think Whitney needs to be more honest with herself and not so scared of her feelings and scared of her parents. I wish she would stand up to her parents and say, “I know you guys want this for me, but I’m having feelings for this guy. I’d like to date him, but it doesn’t mean I’m not going to play tennis.”
Alexandra Leiwant: When you were little what did you want to be when you grew up and did you ever imagine you’d be on a soap?
Brook: When I was little I wanted to have ten kids and be a mom. I never dreamed that I would be on television at all, much less that it would be my life. But it goes to show that when you are surrounded by love, anything is possible!
READ ON FOR BEN'S ANSWERS!
From Wendy Mollette: What’s it like working with Kim Johnston Ulrich?
Ben: It makes me happy when I arrive at work in the morning and know I’m going to be working with her. She’s a fantastic, beautiful, talented woman who I love very much.
From Annie St. Fleur: Where do you draw all your energy to play such a complex character?
Ben: From the graveyard in my personality! Seriously, from past experience, and from observing different people--like how some waspy East Coasters with green pants with lobsters on them treat people.
From Alex Hachmeister: Is it fun to play a bad guy, or would you rather play the good guy?
Ben: I would much rather play the part I’m playing. There are many more colors in, as you put it, “a bad guy.” I don’t like playing anyone that you’d loan the keys to the car to.
From Doug Merrick: Where do you think you would be if you weren’t on Passions?
Ben: Most probably playing golf in Palm Desert, California with my beer drinking friends.
From Kim Quast: Would you ever want to be as powerful as Julian in real life?
Ben: Not for one second. I think that kind of power would be too much responsibility. I like life to be a little simpler than that.
From Jenny Reyes: Is the way you portray Julian now the same as when you first read him? What ways have you changed him using your imagination?
Ben: I think he’s basically the same as he was when I started because this is the way I did my screen test and they seem to have foolishly bought that! If anything has changed, it’s been my feeling of freedom to do strange things with the character. I feel more comfortable doing the part and people seem to buy Julian’s ridiculous antics.
From Amanda Kvortek: If you could have one big thing happen to your character within the next year, what would it be?
Ben: I’d like to have an affair with Grace Bennett and show her what the real recipe is for tomato soup cake.
From Rania Korban: What is your biggest achievement in life?
Ben: That’s a difficult and sad question since I don’t look at my life and feel I’ve achieved anything at all.
From Marisa Ballard: What’s the single most important thing that you want to see revealed about the Crane family?
Ben: That they really do a lot of weekend charity work for the homeless.
From Magdalena Komoriko: Is the voice you use to portray Julian naturally like that or do you change it for your character on the show?
Ben: The voice is basically the same. The accent is a little more East Coast “snot.”
READ ON FOR LINDSAY'S ANSWERS!
From Sherry and Jamie Spinks: What’s the best thing you’ve achieved since being on Passions? What is one thing you feel you’ve missed out on since starting on the show?
Lindsay: The greatest thing I've achieved was being able to write a song and express myself through music and share it with you. What do I miss out on? Sleep!
From Nicole Kosovic: I’m 12 years old and wondering how does it make you feel that there are young viewers who look up to you as much as I do?
Lindsay: I think it’s unbelievably beautiful that you feel the way you do. And not only do I feel honored by this, but it inspires me to continue to do and believe in the things I do. Thank you.
From Ashley Pinsonneault: In your life, who’s your role model/ who inspires you and why?
Lindsay: My grandmother has inspired me since I can remember because she’s such a good person with an amazing heart and an open mind.
From Daniel Flores: Do you have a diary at home like Theresa does?
Lindsay: Actually, I do have a diary and I try to stay as current as I can. I think it’s important to keep a diary because it gives you an opportunity to reflect on life and the choices you’ve made.
From Matt Ortega: What’s the best thing about playing Theresa Lopez-Fitzgerald?
Lindsay: That she’s the most optimistic human I’ve ever been in contact with. And she’s so full of love and positive energy.
From Monique Barnett: What did it feel like performing your original song on the show?
Lindsay: It was such a special and memorable moment in my life because music is another way of communicating the truth. I felt like I had been blessed yet again by God.
From Amanda Spittle: What is the one thing in your life that makes you feel most proud of yourself?
Lindsay: My two babies, Nikki and Princess. By the way, they’re my doggies!
From Ashley Chong: What does fate mean to you?
Lindsay: If you keep the faith, it will happen.
From Cassie Cobb: What’s your favorite way to spend your days off?
Lindsay: Sitting on my couch with my two dogs watching television.
From Allison Smith: Theresa is a hopeless romantic and a dreamer. Are you as passionate about life and love as she is?
Lindsay: Yes I am, however I wouldn’t go to the extremes that my character does. I wouldn’t dress up in a disguise to stay close to the man I love!
READ ON FOR GALEN'S ANSWERS!
From Shannon Burkhart: If you could write a scene between Sheridan and Luis, what would happen between the two of them?
Galen: They would rip each other’s clothes off and make passionate love all night long!
From Shireen Ahmad: Luis still hasn’t realized he’s in love with Sheridan. When did you realize you were in love with your wife?
Galen: When we met. It was pretty much love at first sight.
From Mindi Warwick: Would you ever risk your life like you do on the show for the woman you love?
Galen: Yes, of course.
From Melissa Rebstock: If you got to write the scene in which your father and brother came home what would you make happen?
Galen: We’d have a nice barbecue, share some family secrets, and then they’d leave. There’s only so much screen time and I can’t have them taking it all up! LOL!
From Erin Kay Callaway: What is the hardest obstacle you’ve ever had to face?
Galen: Dealing with the loss of people I love.
From Amber Rettberg: What were some of your favorite pastimes as a child?
Galen: Riding my Big Wheels. I tore that thing up! I would also take things apart and make them into other things. I was a little inventor. I thought I was going to invent all different things and patent them. I was fascinated by electronics and stuff like that.
From Laci Hardy: There have been so many scenes where you had to save Sheridan. Which one is your favorite?
Galen: I liked the one where we swung on the cable in Paris. That was fun to do. I did the stunt—it was awesome, but scary! I had to swing backwards into the wall. I was like a human ragdoll.
From Angela Gaytan: What other storylines, other than the Luis-Sheridan story, are you most interested in? Which storyline would you like to get involved with?
Galen: I kind of come in and out of a lot of storylines. The one I’m not at all involved with is the Timmy and Tabitha story. That would be fun. They do outrageous stuff. I’d like Luis to fly on a magic carpet and be evil!
From Alyson Araque: What was your high school experience like?
Galen: I had a good time in high school. I went to Eagle Rock High School in Los Angeles County. Most of my friends graduated when I was in tenth grade, so after that I didn’t have a lot of close friends. I wasn’t in any one group—I did well in sports and academics. I hung out with a lot of different people. I wish I went to high school by the beach, though!
From Kim Krasnesky: What’s the most important thing you’ve learned doing Passions?
Galen: There’s a lot to be said for working hard and being prepared. Also, you should always be nice and courteous to the people you work with.
READ ON FOR KIM'S ANSWERS!
From Ambreen Sadiq: Which of Ivy’s characteristics do you admire the most?
Kim: Her tenacity! Her never say die attitude!
From Tara Martiniuk: Since Ivy always has a crazy plan to get Sam to fall in love with her again, what has been the craziest thing that you have done to get the “man of your dreams?” Or what has been the craziest thing someone has done for you?
Kim: I don’t know that I ever did anything really crazy. When I was younger and working at a bank as a teller, a guy came up and slid a note with words cut out of a newspaper--like a ransom note. I immediately thought I was being held up! Then I realized he was asking out me out on a date. I went out with him.
From Lena Mehas: If you could change one thing about yourself what would it be?
Kim: I’d be younger!
From Trisha Robicheau: If you had to be stranded on an island with one person who would you pick, other than your husband?
Kim: My son. Or maybe whoever turns out to be the winner of “Survivor!”
From Angie Alvis: Do you think your acting has changed throughout your career?
Kim: In a sense, it’s similar because the way you act is innately who you are. I am who I am, so that doesn’t change. It’s changed in my level of confidence and my comfort level. I don’t question my choices.
From Sophyia Sine: How is working on Passions different from working on As the World Turns?
Kim: Because Passions is a new show and As The World Turns had been on forever when I was on, there’s not the same amount of backstory. Here, we’re kind of making it up as we go along. On As the World Turns, even though my character was new, I was working with characters who’d been on forever. They had very established stories and knew exactly what was going on. Passions is supernaturally based so it’s easier to justify things because anything goes! As the World Turns is more reality based.
From Danielle Schultz: Which one of Ivy’s plots to win Sam back was your favorite?
Kim: Probably the most fun was the stuff that recently aired on the boat—sneaking on the boat and tossing everything over. It was fun to shoot. The water was cold though!
From Alia Ahmed: If you could give Ivy any piece of advice, what would it be?
Kim: Move on! Go to Europe and find a young Italian!
From Anna Modzelewska: What is the hardest decision you’ve ever had to make?
Kim: Thankfully I haven’t had to make very many hard ones. When I was first pregnant we did an early CBC and it was abnormal. Then we did an amniocentesis and when we were waiting for the results I was wondering what I would do if there were a problem. That was hard. That month was just hell. Luckily it didn’t come to that, because everything was fine.
From Leahna Lopez: If you could write the scenes in which Ivy’s daughters come home from boarding school, what would happen in them?
Kim: I actually think about that all the time! We have to assume that they are Julian’s daughters so they are probably conniving, manipulative young women, who are used to getting their own way. I think sparks would be flying all the way around. I think Ivy loves them, but she has probably never gotten along with them very well. They probably resent her affections for Ethan. So, they are probably troublemaking women out to get their mother at every turn. If Noah Bennett came to town, I’d have one of them go after him!
READ ON FOR JAMES' ANSWERS!
From Maria Batista: Do you think your character could ever give in to Ivy Crane?
James: Anything is possible! She’s tough! Sam definitely realizes what would be won and lost if he did give in. Future stuff that comes up with Ethan’s paternity might affect things. It definitely won’t affect Sam’s love for his wife, but it will have trickle effects. In soaps, you can never say never!
From Alicia Fennemore: If you were in your character’s position with Ivy, what would you do?
James: I probably would have told Grace about Ivy a long time ago. That way it wouldn’t be a problem over and over again. I would have told Grace the truth and worked it out.
From Hilda Hufalar: Do you ever get nervous on the set during taping?
James: Probably the only time I really get nervous is if I’m not prepared. If you’re prepared there’s no reason to really be nervous. But there’s always a certain kind of nervous energy, like you might get right before “tip off” because you always want to do well. I think everyone has that—and you should have it to make you feel alive and in the moment.
From Gloria Madrill: How has your life changed since working on Passions?
James: It’s given me a lot of stability. Being in this business, there is no stability-- you work on one show and the next thing you know you’re unemployed. I really wanted to be in California. Right before I got this job, I was in New York and then in Miami, and then I was shooting a show in New York. I had just started looking for apartments but my wife hated New York. This show gave us the opportunity to be where we want to be. I love the California weather! Life is really good. I have no complaints in my life right now.
From Missy Rosenthal: Which character on Passions do you think is most like you in real life?
James: I would say Sam is the most like me, but he’s still a distance from who I really am. He’s close in the way he loves his wife, works hard, and wants to get ahead. Other than that, I don’t have children, and obviously, I’m not a cop!
From Portia Knight: If you could write a scene on Passions what would happen in it?
James: I’d write a scene with my son Noah and me or a scene with all of the Bennett kids. Something would happen that would be great for them and then we would all share it. Noah coming home would be a great moment for all of us. And then, after Noah comes home…we would all find out that Julian is broke and Chad came into all the Crane money. Julian would be working for Chad as the butler. Ethan would be my son and he and Noah would become best friends. Ivy would be working at Walmart. Grace gets her memory back and realizes she’s married to a rich man. She goes off with him and leaves me with the children. TC shoots himself in the foot! Eve goes back to being a jazz singer. Luis becomes detective and then District Attorney and marries Sheridan. They have six kids. Theresa and Ethan get married and they live happily ever after. Martin comes back and they realize that the Cranes owed him a lot of money. Pilar and Martin get the money and move to the Caribbean. Miguel and Charity get married. Timmy becomes a real person and becomes the mayor of Harmony! Tabitha still lives next door and still causes havoc!
From Kaylee Mitchell: What in life are you truly passionate about?
James: Right now, I am passionate about starting a family, my work, and my wife. With these things in my life, I wake up every day and thank god I’m alive.
From Amanda Dishman: What were you like as a teenager?
James: I started out as a troublemaker. I was always into sports. My sophomore and junior year I really concentrated on my schoolwork. I could have graduated the summer after my junior year. In my senior year I played sports and took it easy with academics. I didn’t have a steady girlfriend until senior year.
From Tisha Whittington: What philosophy do you try to live by everyday?
James: To wake up everyday and believe in yourself. If I don’t believe in myself, nobody else will. To know that whatever happens everything will be okay. Also, to always stay positive. Always look at things as if the glass is half full.
From Shannon Willingham: If you were really Kay’s father and you knew about her devious plans, what would you do?
James: I would step in immediately and try to find out where all this came from. I’d try to sit her down and tell her there is a better way to go about getting a boy!
READ ON FOR EVA'S ANSWERS!
From Marie-Eve Mongrain: Which character on the show would you pick as a love interest for Pilar and why?
Eva: That’s a tough question. It would have to be someone who is up to par with Pilar’s moral standards—so I guess it would have to be Sam. He’s loyal and upstanding, like Pilar.
From Kristina Lahham: If you were told that you could write one episode, what would happen in it?
Eva: Martin would come back. Pilar would have more selfish qualities in terms of putting herself before others for a change. She would quit working for the Cranes. Pilar has so much more to offer than just being the Crane housekeeper. I’d love to see her being more useful in a professional sense.
From Angelica Nunez: Have you ever been turned down from a role you really wanted because of your nationality?
Eva: For the most part, I’ve never read for anything that wasn’t Hispanic, so I’ve never been turned down because of that. Unfortunately, it’s very tough in this industry for minorities to get an audition for something where they’re looking for a “Suzie Smith.”
From Megan Elizabeth Colvin: What’s it like playing the virtuous devout Catholic mother on Passions after playing such sexy vixens in the past?
Eva: It’s definitely refreshing. I’ve learned a lot about myself playing Pilar. I wish I was more like her. I’ve learned to think before I speak and to be more in control when I do speak. As of late, I’ve told my husband that I really like Pilar now. I dig her. She’s so stoic. She’s so loyal. There’s no alternative for her other than waiting for Martin. That’s who she is.
From Missy Rosenthal: If you were really Pilar and your husband and eldest son disappeared and you were left to take care of the three kids, how do you think you would react? Would you stay as held together as Pilar?
Eva: That’s a big hypothetical! I would hope that I could stay as together. But because our personalities are so different, I think I’d be more curious, and investigate more. I think I’d be more courageous in terms of asking questions to find out why he disappeared.
Caitlin Orvell: If you could, what would you choose to be the reason of Martin’s disappearance?
Eva: Definitely not because he didn’t love me! I’ve thought about this. I think he chose to leave for the safety of his family. From the scripts, he comes across as a family man. So, it must be that he left for the sake of the family.
From Stephanie Skogen: Aside from the language, how do Spanish soaps differ from English speaking soaps?
Eva: There are two major differences. One is that the Spanish soaps only run for eight months to a year. The other is that the Spanish soaps always have a female and male lead, a costar and then everyone else is a bit player. Here we’re all in an ensemble.
From Kim Smidt: Pilar is so honest and hardworking. If she were to cut loose, what would she do?
Eva: She’d probably still wind up doing charity work! When you’re that type of person, charity work lifts your spirits. I also believe, like Pilar, that the more you give the more you get back. So, to let loose, she’d help even more than she does. She’d help others besides the Cranes.
From Shannon Resenhoeft: Which character on Passions is most like the real you?
Eva: Ivy Crane! Because I say what I mean and I do what I say!
From Kay Gallivan: What do you think are the characteristics of a great mother?
Eva: For me, the number one thing is to be non-judgmental. And also, to be kind, accepting, forgiving, and loving.
READ ON FOR DONN'S ANSWERS!
FROM ANGELA SKEENS: Have you had to give up a lot to get where you’re at in your career?
DONN: No. There is such a thing as sacrifice which, to me, means prioritizing, or setting certain things aside that you may want but only because you’ll get something better or you’ll eventually get that thing later on. It’s a way of delaying immediate gratification. I don’t believe in putting my life on hold for anything. I try to reach my goals but I also enjoy the process. Life is not a means to an end, life is the means.
FROM STEPHANIE KEWIS: What are some of your favorite scenes that you have performed on Passions?
DONN: Some of the really emotional scenes with Brook (Whitney). I don’t have just one.
FROM AMY WARNER: What were you like as a teenager?
DONN: I was very social, very outgoing, and very involved. I played guitar in my rock band. I was very big on extra-curricular activities--weight lifting, track and field, drama, school newspaper, speech and debate, literary magazine, and the art magazine, which I co-founded. The list goes on.
FROM KAREN POWELL: If you could choose any actor to be on Passions, who would you choose and what kind of role would they play?
DONN: I’d have Samuel L. Jackson playing my dad. Or Ed Norton could play someone from Chad’s past.
FROM BETTY STEVENS: If you could write any scene for Passions, what would happen in it?
DONN: Chad and Whitney would drop their guard and get it on!
FROM ERIKA DESMOND: What is your greatest fear?
DONN: Hurting other people.
FROM JOEL RYDER: What do you consider your greatest achievement?
DONN: Every day is a great achievement for me. I live one day at a time. You try to do as much as you can everyday.
FROM NANCY DAVIS: What are your best and worst qualities?
DONN: My best qualities are: intelligence, youthfulness, silliness, patience, and level-headedness. My worst qualities are stubborness, and thinking too much.
FROM SUSAN BINKS: If you could go back in time, what one moment in your life would you want to relive?
DONN: The night I lost my virginity.
FROM LISA EMERSON: What’s your idea of a romantic evening?
DONN: Generally doing something that my date and I will find fun and also allow us the opportunity to share something emotional or intellectual which would bring us closer. For example, and this is cliched, candlelight dinners still go a long way. But a night spent at home with Chinese takeout, a Blockbuster video, a bubble bath for two, and candles lit in the bedroom goes a lot further.
READ ON FOR MCKENZIE'S ANSWERS!
From Kimberly Eisch: What were you like as a teenager? What kind of feelings and emotions did you have?
McKenzie: I was pretty much the nerd and the ugly duckling. I didn’t have many friends until I got into the Performing Arts High School, which was a place for all of us to express ourselves. There was no popularity contest there. We were all on the same level. Everyone was there to devote their time to their chosen art. That’s when I blossomed. When I was a little girl, I was extremely shy--to the point where I was afraid of all human beings! I did Raging Bull when I was three and a half and I was fine, but after that I would bury my face under my Mom or Dad’s leg whenever we were in public. My parents put me in acting class to open me up. I would come to life on stage, but then once I was off stage, I went right back under my parents’ legs. When I hit about 12 I started to come out of the shell. But school was tough. I was made fun of. I can sympathize with kids who go through that. I’m so happy to be living proof that you can get through it.
From Megan Boccardi: What motivates your acting every day, despite long hours and intense scenes?
McKenzie: The love that I have for the art of acting. I’ve been training and taking classes since I was five. I’ve grown a love for it. It’s a wonderful way of expressing myself. It’s also very therapeutic—especially yelling scenes! I don’t get angry in my own life so it’s a release. Other than that, just making my parents proud motivates me. They’ve been with me through all the years of struggle. They’ve been completely supportive.
From Michelle Coburn: Who is your inspiration in life?
McKenzie: My whole family-- my parents, sister, and brother. They have all been so supportive of me. I was the baby of the family so they all watched out for me. They helped me achieve my dreams. They were there for me when things didn’t go my way, telling me it would be okay. My Mom and Dad would talk to me about prayer and spirituality, which helped me get through things. We were able to talk on that level of looking to God for guidance.
From Amy M.: If you could go anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?
McKenzie: I’d really like to go back to Paris. I didn’t get to see enough of it when I was there with Passions. I only had one day to go sightseeing and it wasn’t enough. It was a tease!
From Marcia Layne: If there were one thing that you could do during your lifetime, what would it be?
McKenzie: I would really like to start a different bunch of charities. I’d like to have my own animal sanctuary for abused animals and programs for gifted children. I want to help animals and children as much as I can. That’s another driving force for my acting—to help out. I’ve been working with St. Anne’s, which is a charity for battered mothers who have had to leave home, since I was 13. When I was 13, my parents had a birthday party for me. I told them that I didn’t want any birthday gifts. I wanted all the kids to bring baby gifts and then I donated them.
From Nyieshia Ashley: What is your favorite episode of Passions?
McKenzie: Pretty much anything with Timmy! And when I watched the first tango with Sheridan and Luis I thought – wow they can really do something with these two characters. That’s the first time I saw it. And I also really liked the episode in which Tabitha thought she lost Timmy. It made me cry.
From Carla Gajdosik: Do you believe in love at first sight?
McKenzie: I have a hard time believing in love at first sight. You can have attraction at first sight, but then it’s a matter of building a friendship. Love comes out of a friendship and years of practice. It’s a long process. If there’s an example of love at first sight though, it’s my parents. My Mom was modeling wedding gowns at Universal and my Dad was doing makeup. The first words my Dad said to my mom were, “Do you want to get married?” Three months later they were married and now they’ve been married thirty-five years. But that’s a rare case. I believe it can happen but most often it has to come out of a friendship.
From Sally Gillespie: If you could give Sheridan one piece of advice, what would it be?
McKenzie: Probably not to be so quick to accuse. She should try to listen a little bit. I mean, I can understand why she acts how she does because of her track record and because of hearing “Luis” on the phone. But I think she should look at the fact that he’s saved her life countless times—there must be a reason he’s done that!
From Pam Henderson: Sheridan is always talking about finding someone who will love her for who she is. What do you think is the most important factor in a relationship?
McKenzie: The heart and the soul. Finding someone you don’t want to change—someone you love for who they are.
From Maribel Aurellado: What accomplishments have given you the most satisfaction in your life?
McKenzie: What I did for St. Anne’s charity when I was 13. And now, getting Passions so I can continue to do that kind of charity work, only on a different level.
READ ON FOR TRAVIS' ANSWERS!
From CARRIE SCHILL: If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
TRAVIS: I would make myself smart!
From CELENA PANE: I know Ethan is planning the "perfect wedding," what is your ideal wedding?
TRAVIS: It would be someplace exotic and very private—only close friends and family. I’d want the atmosphere to be casual, but romantic as well.
From YVONNE PERDUE: What, if any, is your special charity that you like to contribute to and why is it important to you?
TRAVIS: Any charity having to do with breast cancer because my mother is a survivor. That’s had an impact on my life. I also think causes for literacy are important. It’s upsetting because so many people in this country can’t read.
From JANAE VANO: Do you believe in fate?
TRAVIS: Only when it's good fate!
From ANDREA HOLLOWAY: What was the strangest job you had before joining the cast of Passions?
TRAVIS:I did construction work one summer. Actually, demolition work. I teared down air conditioning ducts and walls. It was tough. Lots of grunt, dirty, tough work. I had a new respect for construction workers after that.
From JESSICA BAKER: Why do you think you and Lindsay have such good chemistry?
TRAVIS: Lindsay and I are both very laid back and very friendly. We like to flirt, so that also translates into good on-screen chemistry.
From KATIE HILLIKER: What is your favorite childhood memory?
TRAVIS: Hitting a home run in little league baseball. I told my sister I was going to hit it for her and then I hit it.
From CARI GOLDHAMMER: If you could have been in any movie, what movie would you have wanted to be in?
TRAVIS: Lawrence of Arabia. It’s one of my favorite movies. It’s one of those movies that when you watch it, it puts you in a whole different world. I would have liked to be part of that world—to experience it first hand.
From MELISSA MEOLA: If you could write your own scene for the show, who would be in it and what would happen?
TRAVIS: It would be between Ethan and Julian. Ethan would tell him he was going to another continent to help the revolutionaries fight their war. Julain would either say, "Give me a break, son.” or he’d say, “I’m going with you!”
From MONIQUE FENDERSON: What's the hardest decision you've ever made?
TRAVIS: Whether or not to eat dessert knowing I’m doing a shirtless scene the next day.
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