Barbara Niven (ex-Liz, OLTL, 2002-03; ex-Brenda, B&B, 1996)
Soap Opera Digest: Let me just say that I’m very jealous that you got to kiss Josh! I think most women were jealous, actually.
Barbara Niven: Hey, I didn’t complain when I had to do it [laughs]! He’s really cute, isn’t he? But he’s also a really good actor. I think he’s going to end up being a big star one day.Digest: I’d say he’s on his way. Did you guys know each other beforehand?
Niven: I knew of him, but this was the first time I got to work with him. They have a great cast over at LAS VEGAS.Digest: You also did FRASIER this year. What was it like?
Niven: That was a lot of fun, too. It’s such an amazing cast — everyone is so talented. It’s a shame it had to end this year, but I think it went out on top. I’m glad that I got to be a part of it. I think FRASIER is definitely up there with the great shows that are always going to be remembered.Digest: I agree. I also keep seeing you in the Outback Steakhouse commercials, where you and your girlfriends ogle the waiters. That’s a fun spot. What was the idea behind it?
Niven: It’s supposed to be like, girls’ night out, sort of like a SEX AND THE CITY-type thing.Digest: You usually don’t associate women going out for a steak.
Niven: I know! I liked it because I thought it was a little different.
Digest: You’ve also appeared on COLD CASE and the Disney Channel movie TIGER CRUISE. What have you been doing with yourself aside from acting?
Niven: I actually did an informercial for this fitness program called “All the Right Moves.” It’s a combination of yoga, Pilates and dance conditioning. I lost eight-and-a-half pounds on this and 13 inches. It sucked it up, got rid of gravity.Digest: That sounds like a great program.
Niven: It is. I’ve also been continuing to lecture about eating disorders and doing some writing.Digest: What type of things are you working on — scripts?
Niven: Yes, I do some of that. I wrote a pilot for a series with a couple of my girlfriends. We have it out with a few people. I’ve written a couple of screenplays that have been optioned, but not made. I like to write about life that it’s funny. I wrote a romantic comedy that I love. I like to write about people.Digest: Well, you’re supposed to write about what you know, so it sounds like you’re on the right track.
Niven: I hope so! We’ll see what happens. Getting picked up [by a network] is the hardest part. Oh, I’m also going to be hosting something from the Travel Channel. I don’t know yet what that is, though.Digest: Hopefully, you’ll be hosting something in Hawaii … or in the Carribbean.
Niven: That would be nice! It’ll probably be something about hotels or vacation spots. It should be fun. I really like watching that channel, actually, and getting to see all these places.Digest: It’ll be more fun being at them, though.
Niven: Definitely.Digest: Do you still keep in touch with anyone from ONE LIFE?
Niven: Yes, I got back into my acting class, which Robin [Strasser, Dorian] is in. In the class we’ve got Doris Roberts [EVERYBODY LOVES RAYMOND], Jenna Elfman [DHARMA & GREG], John Glover [SMALLVILLE] and all these legends. It’s such an amazing, inspiring place to be. I did a scene from From Here To Eternity. Anyway, as I was going [from OLTL], Robin was coming. But when I first got the show, we had dinner together. She’s a great broad.Digest: Would you want to move to New York City again?
Niven: Maybe. I consider it my great New York adventure of my life. I’m from Oregon and all my life I wanted to live in New York. I wanted a little New York edge. I had to leave L.A. to find out how much I love it here [in California].Digest: Do you still watch the show?
Niven: When I get a chance. I like to watch because I get to see my friends.Digest: It sounds like life is good for you right now.
Niven: It really is! I just got back from Mexico and I’m going to be taking a trip to Alaska and Canada. I also got a new condo, which I’ve been remodeling. I feel like this is a great time creatively … everything is really terrific.Digest: I’m so glad to hear that. Keep us posted about any new projects.
Niven: I will, thanks. Meantime, tell everyone to feel free to go to my Web site: www.barbaraniven.com.
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