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DAYS OF OUR LIVES Interview
DAYS's Mary Beth Evans: From Pies to a Play
— By Janet Di Lauro
Perennially busy, Mary Beth Evans (ex-Kayla, DAYS OF OUR LIVES) is at it again. Aside from her home projects, her blog on hybridmom.com, and her thriving pie business (her mini-pies sold like hotcakes over the holiday season via Williams-Sonoma), she's also appearing in a hilarious play at The Blank's 2nd Stage Theater in Hollywood.
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Mary Beth Evans
— JPI
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Soap Opera Weekly: Last time we spoke, you were making 12,000 leaves out of dough to decorate your mini-apple and pumpkin pies for Williams-Sonoma, when your industrial kitchen informed you they couldn't do it. How did that go?
Mary Beth Evans: [laughing] It turned out to be 34,000 leaves, because Williams-Sonoma wanted another run of pies. It was total insanity. It meant me in my house, day in and day out, cranking out those leaves. When I was finally done, it was like, "Okay. Enough of that. Moving on." It was a nice accomplishment, and I learned a big lesson.
Weekly: How did the pies sell?
Evans: They did incredibly well over the whole winter. It was one of the top sellers in the Williams-Sonoma catalog. So that was groovy, and they loved me there. I can continue on in a different way...like never doing leaves again.
Weekly: At the moment, you're currently starring in a play. What can you share about it?
Evans: It's called Barbra's Wedding, and it's a comedy. Daniel Stern, who was one of the bad guys in Home Alone, wrote it. It started February 11 and it's been incredibly fun and time- consuming, because it's a two-person, one-act [play].
Weekly: What's the premise?
Evans: The play is about this couple who lives next door to Barbra Streisand when she gets married to James Brolin, and the intrusion of all that. Barbra isn't in it. We just talk about her. It's also about the husband and wife's relationship; the blowout of their marriage and, then, them coming back together. The husband — played by Wilson Green — is an unemployed actor, so this wedding is like a giant neon sign of how he's not working and he's not invited. I'm the wife, Molly.
Weekly: You also appeared in an episode of NIP/TUCK, didn't you?
Evans: I did. It's funny. If you ever want to be a plastic surgeon, it would be from that show. Not from my husband (Dr. Michael Schwartz), who is a plastic surgeon. My boys love the show, even though it's just so bizarre. My scene was with that incredibly cute guy.
Weekly: Julian McMahon, who plays Christian?
Evans: Yes. In person, he's so incredibly dreamy. I'm not joking. He's so hunky-cute. And he's nice and normal.
Weekly: NIP/TUCK is a pretty risqué show. Did you have to flash any skin?
Evans: No. My part was one small scene. Very benign. And all my clothes were on. It was fun.
Weekly: What else have you been up to?
Evans: I've been doing a lot around my house, repainting rooms and a lot of garden stuff. It's funny. I was painting a room a little while ago. Then, all of a sudden, I was like, "Oh, my God! I have to go get my hair colored." So I had to finish up the painting, clean everything up and put it away, and take off. It never ends with me. I'm always doing something. I am an obsessive project person, because it keeps me out of the stores.
Weekly: I know you're still in touch with people over at DAYS OF OUR LIVES. What were your thoughts upon learning that Frances Reid (ex-Alice) had passed away?
Evans: I got an e-mail from Jolene Rizzo, who was my makeup person on the show. We get together and walk about once a week. When I read it, my heart skipped a beat. I felt so sad. Frances was such a cool lady, sassy and kind of irreverent. As time went on, she would come in to work with her helper and her walker. She would look up at me and go, "Mary Beth. How are the kids?" She remembered so much about me and my life, and always had something funny to say. Stephen [Nichols, ex-Steve] also shared her dressing room, when we were last on DAYS. We were always in there. The thing I'll remember most about Frances is that she [remained] young and hip. She had class and spunk. I tip my hat to Ken [Corday, DAYS's executive producer], because he kept bringing her back, and always considered her a big part of the family at Days. I really respect him for that.
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How wonderful to catch up with Mary Beth! It sounds like she is really staying busy and I would have loved to see her play. What I would love even more is to see her on Y&R. I hope the folks over there see what a huge coo it would be to bring the best actress in daytime to the #1 soap!
I miss Mary Beth on my TV Screen! I want to see her back permanently on a show somewhere, STAT! I think Tucker McCall needs a certain blond hair, blue eyed lady to spar with! I got to see Barbra's Wedding and Mary Beth was fantastic in it! She really has good comedic timing and her and Wilson had great chemistry. Mary Beth was wonderful in it, loved it! Thanks for the interview! Glad to know she is still out there doing things! I miss her on the my TV though!
So nice to see an interview with MBE. I miss seeing her on my TV. I love that she has gotten a few guest spots, but I want to see her everyday. I wish Maria Bell would bring her to Y&R. I would like to see her play a character totally different from Kayla. Of course I would like to see her paired with Stephen again, because I don't think any two people on daytime TV have more chemistry than SN and MBE.
I've long-since thought Mary Beth's talent far exceeded the opportunities provided by daytime, and I'm glad to know I'm not alone. I loved her as Kayla, and subsequently enjoyed her as both Katherine and Sierra, but this woman is too talented to be propping, falling off parapits or recurring anymore. She's got 'it', and let's hope this little foray into the world of theatre gave a few new people (people who know people) a chance to see it! As much as I want to see her back on TV soon, I want to see her finally get the roles and recognition she deserves! Way to go, Mary Beth!
Thank you for your piece on Mary Beth I enjoy hearing what she is up to and miss her so much on my TV screen. I have loved her in all her roles on Daytime soaps and hope she pops up somewhere else soon. I would love to see her on Y&R, any show would be lucky to have her on it, give her the material and she can deliver. Come on Y&R, snap her up quickly !!!!
Thanks for the interview. It's nice to see Mary Beth so busy. I'd like to see her do whatever she wants that will fulfill her creatively. She has such comedic timing she'd be perfect for a sitcom. No matter where she lands I will be there watching.
Thanks, Soap Opera Weekly, for this chance to catch up with Mary Beth! I've loved her work for 20+ years and I always follow her projects, whatever they may be. Mary Beth won me over years ago, and continues to impress me all the time. I hope she gets another opportunity somewhere, whether it be daytime or primetime. I know that whatever she lands on next, I'll be watching
Thanks, SOW for this interview! I was fortunate enough to see Mary Beth in the recent production of Barbra's Wedding and she was indeed fantastic! I've been a fan of Mary Beth's since I was in middle school, and I've always found her to be one of the most talented, beautiful and genuine actresses in daytime. I miss seeing her on my screen, but I can't tell you how exciting it was to see her onstage. She has wonderful comedic timing and made the most of every second onstage. I will absolutely follow Mary Beth wherever she may land, and after seeing her in this comedic role, I can't help but hope it's in primetime.
Love Mary Beth! So great to hear from her and know just how busy her life is! I sure do miss seeing her on a regular basis. With any luck, that will hopefully change. I know she said in another interview how she was open for anything, and how much she liked and respected Y&R! Let's hope they snatch up this talented actress!!! I know I would love it!
Loved the Mary Beth interview! She definately keeps herself busy in many areas...but this fan would love to see her busy on Y&R! No doubt there would be a place for her on the #1 soap.
I love getting updates on Mary Beth and her new projects. Her performance in the play was exceptional and seeing he popping up on great prime time shows lately has been refreshing and attention grabbing. Don't get me wrong, I loved her on the soaps..I'm just more interested in seeing what else she will do rather than go to another soap, like Y&R right now.
IMO Mary Beth can do anything. I saw her in Barbra's Wedding and she was funny and endearing as Molly. I've followed her for many years and loved everything she has done. I would love to see her in primetime where she can show off all those talents more than she can on a soap; however if she does get on another soap I will be glued to my TV watching. This is the 3rd play I've seen her do and she is great on stage too, so would love to see her do more theater work. She such real and genuine person, and I wish her the best in her private and public life.
Mary Beth is such a delightful person and so very talented. I'd love to see her on a primetime show, especially one with a wicked sense of humor. As much as I've loved her work with Stephen, I'll admit it bugs me that some fans seem to think she has to be attached to his hip all of the time. She's so capable of standing on her own, as is he. He's been amazing on Y&R. She was outstanding in Barbara's Wedding. Looking forward to seeing her again.
I love hearing what Marybeth is doing nowadays. She's a busy lady for sure. I would love to see in a primetime comedy. Whatever she does on screen next, I will be watching.
I agree, although Steve and Kayla were a great supercouple, both actors would be just as great separately as together--just as Stephen is currently on Y & R. I look forward to seeing MBE in more primetime guest appearances or starring in a primetime series--or anything else she wishes to do. She seems like such a cool person and is so talented. Thanks for the interesting interview.
Man, I wish I'd known about Mary Beth's play, I would have definitely gone. She's an awesome actress and I love the idea of seeing her do comedy. Congrats to Mary Beth on the success of her play, her company and seemingly her life. She's a delightful person and I wish her the best of luck. I hope she gets work soon, whether that be daytime, primetime, cable or onstage. She'll surely rock whatever she gets!
I wish I knew Mary Beth was in a play! I live near enough that I could have gone to see it. I've followed her from show to show, was thrilled that she returned to DOOL, and I was really upset when she left again. She's just really great! I've watched Y&R since I was in high school, though, and I don't agree about her going to Young and the Restless right now. I like Stephen Nichols just as much as I like Mary Beth, so I'm so happy to see him on my show, and I would love to see them together again, but it's not like they would be Steve and Kayla there, so I'm in more of a hurry to see Mary Beth do more plays so I can come see one! I didn't know she was on Nip/Tuck, but I saw her on SVU last year, and I did a double take! She looks so great! I hope she does more prime time or live theater. Great article!
Great article! I'm so glad to see that you continue to cover her. I flew to LA to see Mary Beth in "Barbra's Wedding," and she was so good. She has so much talent and and brings a genuine, compelling performance to everything she does. I have no doubt that we'll be seeing her in more roles in the future. I hope she does more in prime time. The role on Nip Tuck was small, but rich and compelling; made a big impact. She'll be great in whatever role she's in next.
Thanks for this great article SOD! I have been a Mary Beth fan since I was just a kid, but she never fails to surprise and impress with her talent. All I can ask for is that the next role she lands is on a show that appreciates her and challenges her, like ATWT did. I would also REALLY love to see her do some more comedy (she was SO hilarious in "Barbra's wedding" and other comedic roles/storylines she's played)! I can't help but hope she does daytime again (where we can see her regularly. Whatever role she takes on next, I will be watching.
Thank you so much for interviewing Mary Beth Evans. It's nice to have an update on what she is doing now and I must say I am amazed at all she does. I have long thought she was one of the best actresses on television and I hope to see her on my TV again soon.
Love Mary Beth. Great interview. Hope she comes to Y&R next but whatever the case I will be excited to see her anywhere on my screen.
I just want to see Mary Beth. I won't dare be picky. I would love to see her on Y&R whether or not she is paired with Stephen, because its an LA based soap that is well written (unlike GH, Days). So yes I love her whether she is "attached to the hip" of SN or not. Thats why I want whats best and she loves working in daytime. But if she gets a great role on AMC or primetime I am there too. Am not gonna be picky about it.
Mary Beth keeps herself so busy I am inspired by her energy. Wish I could manage half of what she does! Regarding her work.: If it's a crime to love seeing Stephen and Mary Beth paired on screen and theatre, I am guilty and won't apologize. "Attached at the hip" seems to make the actors happy as it makes me to watch them. But if they are ready to do other things i support that too. I would love to have her on Y&R but then I simply wish to see Mary Beth anywhere as long as SHE is happy.
just want to add a big reason I want her on Y&R isn't to do with Stephen, it's about Sheffer who wrote such good material for Mary Beth on ATWT and Days. He is writing at Y&R now and he is a MBE fan too.
I totally agree with you Ellie B. oh I forgot about sheffer. I support anything as long as MBE is happy! can't wait to see her again as I couldn't go to the play. the primetime roles are tough to get because there is so much reality tv and at least half of the so called dramas are based on twenty somethings. I don't think I'd get too excited about seeing her play someone's mom once in a while on a show like that. I am spoiled and won't be happy with 3 tiny primetime appearances a year. there is much more opportunity in daytime and especially Y&R for her age range. And I love knowing I will see her 3 days a week on a soap. But if she lands a big role in primetime or movies I would be ecstatic about it too.
"Attached at the hip?" Interesting choice of words. I don't see anyone saying they think SN and MB should be attached at the hip. Simply that they enjoy seeing them work together and apparenty the actors themselves like it as well since they have been doing it off and on for 25 years. Please don't insult those who would like to see MB on Y&R by making it sound as if they are not true fans if they don't want to see her on her own. Those of us who truly adore MB want to see her on Y&R because it is the #1 rated soap and because Stephen himself has said what a joy it is to work there. Why wouldn't we want the same for her?
Christina...loved your post! Many of us love Mary Beth but are expected to 'follow others' and their ideas.
Great post Christina, ICAM.
So let me get this straight because I am confused. Wanting Mary Beth on Y&R= expecting SN and MBE to be attached at the hip and that's being used as a judgment call against her fans and Stephens? I am a longtime fan who has watched Mary Beth in everything she's appeared in since the 80s with and without Stephen and I am not about to stop now. But the fact is that it's tough out there as an actor over 35. No denying it. If Mary Beth can get a contract role anywhere I will be happy. If it's on any well written show including Y&R where I can see her regularly I will be over the moon. If I am expected to feel like that's wrong because Stephen is on Y&R, I find that ridiculous. I for one am not buying into that campaign. Thanks for the great posts Angie, Christina and Ellie B!
I love Mary Beth and was so happy to see this interview. I've enjoyed seeing SN on Y&R lately too. I don't think these two have to always be paired...they've got great chemistry and clearly love working together, but, I like the idea of seeing them each explore new things. And let's face it...top rated or #1 soap just doesn't mean much anymore.
LOL it makes me laugh when fans pretend they want the best for an actor and then suggest they aren't right for a show or a role. If Y&R will have her, that's a job and those are not easy to come by in Hollywood. Just ask the million starving actors out there. As a fan I would think you would want her to get any job no matter who her costars are.
Why are we talking about Y&R? She didn't mention Y&R in her interview...is she up for a role there? I'm confused as to where that's even coming from. SOD - loved reading about what Mary Beth is up to since leaving DOOL. She's an awesome actress and I can't wait to see what she does next.
I think folks mentioned Y&R because this is a message board and they are expressing their desire to see MBE go to Y&R. In fact, she did mention in a recent interview that Y&R is a great show and she would be open to going there. I think the "joined at the hip" comment upset some people and that is why they felt the need to express their opinion. Personally, I have watched MB since she was on GH and I love her in everything. She is a talented, beautiful and lovely person. Would I be excited if she ended up on Y&R? Of course! I have watched Y&R for many years and think she would be a wonderful addition. But I will watch her no matter what she does.
Thanks, Kim, for the explanation. I guess I was confused because I thought this was a place to add reader comments regarding the article, vs. a message board. I agree MB is a wonderfully talented lady, and I'd be happy to watch her on any show. As someone above mentioned, in this era of daytime, I imagine it would be great to get any role, on any show. My question was about why we were limited those hopes to Y&R. I'll extend that and say I hope she gets work soon. Anywhere.
This is not a message board. It is a comment section for the article. It is very low class to argue with each other through these comments. They are supposed to be commenting on the article and not to yell at each other like "typical" catty soap opera fans. No wonder people like me are giving up every day and are considered nutty by the producers, because we can not just like actresses anymore we have to agree with the agenda of they're fan base or get yelled at when we are trying to comment on a magazine article. SOW, thank you for the article. Like I said I thought it was great. She is one of my favorites. I am so glad you covered her even though she is not on a soap opera right now. If she ends up on my soap fine. If she doesn't fine. I will always like her and hope I can see her in a play one day. Please ignore the small amount of arguing fans in this comment thread who think what they are doing and attacking other comments is ok. There are so many people like me I know it. I will con
Where do you get off telling people what is ok to post? Its not a message board but its a public forum nonetheless, and if you dont want to hear a lot of opinions that sometimes conflict why do you bother going to public forums? I saw no cattiness. I saw people who disagree with each other's opinions. That happens anywhere you go. Real life too!
I heard everyone say they want to see her whether or not they wanted to see her with Stephen. That seems like a concensus. I want to see her too. Anywhere she goes :)
Love to catch up on Mary Beth's never ending roller coaster ride. Due to a personal malfunction I was unable to attend the play but my heart was there. I continue to love and support her in all that she does and wants in her personal and professional life. From her gardening to acting from wife and mother she is truly and insertion and a star all on her own!
Cobaltblue i think people are upset because someone insinuated that we only want to see mary beth with stephen painting us all with the same brush. Bad reaction was to one post only and I see where they come from. I also want to say thanks for this article soap opera weekly. Graet to hear what my favorite actress is up to. For me I will watch her anywhere I have many reasons for wanting her to go to Y&R. None of those reasons have to do with being paired with Stephen Nichols. They can be brother and sister on the show for all I care. I want her on Y&R because I only watch soap operas she and Stephen are on. I watch for them only and done being a soap fan. I am selfish maybe but I don't want to tape two soaps. It is the best written soap Y&R and being on a soap opera means I get to see her a lot more than in nighttime tv.
Em, I totally agree with you! Since we are on the discussion, I will say that I would love to see Mary Beth on anything at this point! We shouldn't close the door on anything. I am just like you, yes I want to see her on Y&R for purely selfish reasons myself. Easier for me to watch my two favorite actors on one show and not have to pick up another show. I am just now getting into Y&R and it is hard to just "jump" into a show. I love seeing that MB is staying busy, but it's not something that we get to see her all the time in, that is all I want. If a daytime show (any of them BTW) can do that for me, I am all for it. If its something in primetime, fine with that also. I am one of the lucky ones that got to see her perform in the play, but that is not an option for everyone. I am really glad it was a good experience for Mary Beth, she is really exceptional at live theater. I would say it is ultimately left up to Mary Beth what is next on her plate. We will be seeing her soon I am sure.
Thank you so much for this great interview! I've missed seeing MBE on my TV screen so it's a treat to hear from/about her. I am one of those who got to see Barbra's Wedding and MBE was fabulous in it. She's very talented and will be a great asset to any show.
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