Emily Harrison (Bridget Forrester)
Birthday: June 13
Hometown: Louisiana, MO
Sibling: A younger brother, Justin

Soap Opera Digest: Is it intimidating to replace someone like Jennifer Finnigan, who has won two Emmys for the role?
Emily Harrison: I would say that it's exciting. Not many times as an actor do you have the opportunity to step into such an esteemed role. Jennifer has already paved the way and made Bridget such a lovable wonderful character that people respond to, so she did all the hard work. I just stepped into an awesomely written role and I hope I can do as good a job as she did.

Digest: Was it hard for you to come on so soon after Jennifer?
Harrison: I don't know if there's ever really a good place to come in when you're switching actors. It doesn't feel hard — yet.

Digest: What do you want to bring to Bridget?
Harrison: I think the fundamental characteristics are going to be the same. I think Jennifer brought a lot of herself to the role and what I bring to the role will be different. I hope I'll be able to keep the basics the same.

Digest: What's your perception of Bridget?
Harrison: Bridget sees the good in people and she's a very forgiving person. She's young, but she's had experiences with love before that didn't work and she's a little hardened. I think she's trying to live her life very much in the moment. When she is with Oscar, she's devoting all her attention to him, but I think there are times when her mind drifts back to Deacon. There's a part of her that still loves him and wants the best for him. But I think she's trying to focus all of her energy on Oscar and she's trying to make that work.

Digest: Are you prepared for the comparisons to your predecessor?
Harrison: I know there are going to be people who loved Jennifer and that's going to be hard for me to step up to the plate to. I can't please everybody, and I'll do what I can. She wasn't the original Bridget, so I'm sure she had some of the same problems and obstacles to face.

Digest: We hear this job happened pretty quickly for you.
Harrison: It was so fast. I tested on a Monday and found out the following Monday that I got the job. I started the week after that. I actually just had a baby a few months ago and I was planning not to start auditioning again until pilot season, but Brad [Bell, executive producer/head writer] made the call to my people.

Digest: He already knew you?
Harrison: I actually met with him last year for a different role. It was something that didn't end up happening. But this is a much better role.