After being an integral part of ALL MY CHILDREN for over three decades, Julia Barr said goodbye to Brooke on Dec. 20. "Things changed and decisions are made for any number of reasons," responds Barr of AMC's decision not to renew her contract. "Generally speaking, I've had an excellent run. It's been 30 years — which is something astounding to me — and I've enjoyed it and had a great deal of fun while doing it 90 percent of the time."
Soap Opera Weekly: Did you ever consider going recurring when it was offered to you?
Julia Barr: No. I knew that it was time. I had been anticipating this for a while, which is actually better because you have a lot of time to think about what you'd like to do and what you would never consider doing. You get your ducks in a row. And I've had some interesting talks with my agent recently because I have not been a free agent technically for 30 years. So to me, that's exciting no matter what I chose to do or not do. It's funny because my daughter (Allison Hirschlag; ex-Lizzie, GUIDING LIGHT) graduated from college in June and she has a degree in theater. She's going to take some time off and try her hand at showbiz. I feel like even though we're completely different, we're sort of also the same right now. She's starting out and I'm re-starting out, in a funny little way.
Weekly: Do you have any idea what you would like to do? Another soap, film, theater?
Barr: Theater has always been my first love, but at this point, I'm open to a lot of things. I'm going to be very selective about whatever possibly comes my way, but I'm very open. I'm going to lay low and decompress around the holidays, but after the first of the year, we'll see what's out there.
Weekly: In the future, would you be willing to come back for big weddings or funerals in Pine Valley?
Barr: Like I said, I was anticipating this, so I had a lot of time to think about that and the feeling was: I've had a good run and it's been great. Now it's time to say "so long," and move on. I just feel that's the best way.
Weekly: Who will you keep in touch with?
Barr: I'm particularly close to Jill Larson
(Opal). We hit it off. And David Canary (Adam/Stuart). I've had relationships with everybody, but they are probably the two people I will definitely maintain a relationship with. I'm still friends with Vasili Bogazianos (ex-Benny). He and my husband and I go out to dinner periodically.
Weekly: Any final thoughts about your departure?
Barr: It's funny, because in a way, I'm ready for a change. It's just the lay of the land. Daytime TV has been changing for a while and they make certain decisions based on what they think their needs are. It's not something that is good or bad, it just is. I've been anticipating this for a while. Even though I will miss the show and obviously the people that I've had such a wonderful time with all these years, I'm looking forward to being a free agent. But I do feel bad. Because when people become involved with a show that they watch and love — where they've known the characters for years — it's hard. Daytime is a different kind of medium than any other; that's why it's so long-lived, because it's had this endurance. I mean, our show has been on for 37 years in January. You see these characters you love go through their own history in the way your friends and family do. Obviously you're not connected to them that way, but it's still an emotional attachment.
Weekly: Is there anything else you want to say to your fans?
Barr: Just that I hope that I've done the best job possible through the years in terms of portraying this character they've come to love. No show can survive without fans. I have to say that through the years, mine have been extremely vocal when they were happy — and when they were upset. Particularly a smaller group called The Barr Association. They're wonderful people. They've loved the show and the character. I have such appreciation for all of their wonderful words, kind thoughts, support and loyalty through the years. I certainly will not forget them. And I will keep them apprised on my Web site (www.juliarosebarr.com) of anything that I'm going to be involved in.
Weekly: They are still very upset. We've received so many e-mails here at the magazine about how much they love both you and Brooke.
Barr: That's lovely, that really is. Brooke is one of those characters that would be a good friend. She would be someone who in times of duress you could go to. So I'm very touched that you've gotten such a wonderful response. I hope they continue to enjoy the show. I don't want them to be too sad or upset, because it's not an end — it's a beginning.
Note: She may have said goodbye to Pine Valley just last week, but Barr is already finding herself busy. The actress, who is the spokesperson for The Fund for Animals, is embarking on even more charity work. "We're currently getting our note card project off the ground in helping out smaller shelters to do some of their own fund-raising," she explains. "There's a list of shelters that we're going to be sending cards to so that they can start a little grassroots fund development on their own." For more information go to www.juliarosebarr.com/shelters.htm.
