It was a sad day in Port Charles when dedicated nurse Leyla Mir became the second staffer to succumb to the deadly biotoxin that infiltrated General Hospital. Her portrayer, Nazanin Boniadi, addressed her exit in the pages of Digest but here are a few more thoughts the actress wanted to share with fans.
Soap Opera Digest: Were you surprised to learn that Leyla wasn’t going to survive the biotoxin crisis?
Nazanin Boniadi: I can’t say that I was. I think part of the issue with the character was that she didn’t have any real family ties to Port Charles. It wasn’t like she was from a major family or connected to anyone in any way, so without that kind of strong family anchor, it was another clue that she would go before her time, so to speak [laughs].
Digest: What were some of your highlights?
Boniadi: Leyla’s mother coming on for two episodes was great. I am glad I got to explore that dynamic a little bit. And that stuff with Spinelli and his fantasies. That was fantastic. I actually thanked Bob [Guza, head writer] for that, too. I understand how his hands were really tied with the canvas so full with such wonderful actors. Just to be a part of that canvas was a blessing for me.
Digest: It was so sad that unlucky in love Leyla finally found Mr. Right — right before she died.
Boniadi: If anybody’s been watching Leyla from the first season of GH: NIGHT SHIFT, they know that she’s been very successful professionally but the one thing she’s always been striving to find is the man of her dreams. So, if you look at it in that light, her passing at that time was bittersweet but it really came full circle for her.
Digest: True. So, what’s next for you?
Boniadi: I am working on something right now with the very lovely and talented Michelle Forbes [ex-Sonni/Solita, GL], who’s currently a series regular on HBO’s TRUE BLOOD. She had a great stint last year on IN TREATMENT. She has recurred on PRISON BREAK and 24. She’s very accomplished. So, she and I are both leads on a short film directed by John Goldman, who directed Sandra Oh [Cristina, GREY’S ANATOMY] in a short film in 2005. It’s a good group of filmmakers and we’re hoping it gets into some great film festivals. We’re very excited. We all like to continue working [laughs].
Digest: Would you ever do another soap?
Boniadi: I’m always up for new challenges. I’ll go wherever there’s a great story to tell and a rich and fulfilling character to play, whatever genre that will be in. That’s what I am really looking for.
Digest: Think Leyla might have a twin sister we haven’t met yet?
Boniadi: You never know, right [laughs]?
