Soap Opera Digest: Welcome back, Jay.
Jay Pickett: Thank you. It was great to be in the daytime world for a few days. It was a nice chance to get back in front of people and remind them of who I am and what I can do.

Digest: How was it to return to your old stomping grounds?
Pickett: It was really bizarre, to be honest with you [laughs]. It was really great to see everyone, and everyone was so gracious and sweet. It made me realize what a great time we had on PORT CHARLES. On the one hand, it seemed like two weeks had gone by [since the show was canceled], but on the other hand, it was like a lifetime ago. I walked on the set, and [saw Director] Bill Ludel, who I've known since way back at DAYS OF OUR LIVES [ex-Chip, 1991-92], and it was like, "Hi, Jay," "Hi, Bill," and that was it. We got right down to business, like we had just worked together.

Digest: How did you prepare to take over as Alcazar?
Pickett: I knew he was a dark character and he has a relationship with Skye. [Head Writer] Bob Guza [Jr.] and [Associate Head Writer] Elizabeth Korte, two people I've always had tremendous respect for, briefed me on the character and his history and told me everything I needed to know. Then, they said, "Good luck. Thanks for doing this for us." I said, "My pleasure," and went about doing the work.

Digest: You originated the roles of PC's Frank and DAYS's Chip. Was it strange taking over for someone else?
Pickett: It was. I tried not to get too involved because I knew it was temporary, but [Alcazar is] the type of character any actor would love to play. He's involved in the mob. He's dark and mysterious. The first thing I thought was that I liked the way this guy dresses [laughs]. So, I felt right at home playing the guy. I know it must have been odd for people to all of a sudden be talking to a new Alcazar, but it was all cool.

Digest: Have you kept in touch with any of your PC co-stars?
Pickett: I talk to a number of people. Marie [Wilson, ex-Karen; Meg, AS THE WORLD TURNS] and I still keep in contact. She's doing so great and I'm so happy for her. And [Julie] Pinson [ex-Eve; Billie, DAYS]. I'm so happy for her and what she's doing. We get to talk occasionally. And Thorsten [Kaye, ex-Ian; Zach, ALL MY CHILDREN et al]. They've all gone on and are doing great. And they're three of the nicest people you'd ever meet in your life, too. They all deserve success and I'm so happy for them.

Digest: Have you caught any of the PC reruns on SOAPnet?
Pickett: Yes, actually. I've been TiVo-ing it. They're doing Time In A Bottle right now, and I didn't have the whole thing on tape, so I've been TiVo-ing every episode and watching it and really enjoying it. I'm really proud of the work that we did.

Digest: Have you been working on any other projects?
Pickett: I've done a number of independent things, and I've been working very hard to form a production company. With any luck, I will produce an independent feature later this year. We've got a couple of scripts optioned. I've learned a lot about producing and been broadening my horizons. Things have been really positive.

Digest: Would you ever come back to daytime if the right role came up?
Pickett: I have to say that going back and doing GENERAL HOSPITAL made me realize how much I do enjoy the whole family atmosphere of a soap, so yeah, if something came along, I would definitely consider it.