Soap Opera Weekly: When you signed onto Y&R, how much did you know about Colleen?
Adrianne Leon: I knew of Colleen and JT's relationship, and I'd seen Lindsay's (Fonseca) work on her last day. A lot of the Colleen fans came over to my Adrianne Leon board and started posting things like, 'We just want you to know that this is what is was, so you don't screw things up. We really want to support you.' I skimmed through it, but I didn't want to go into detail, because I did want to come in and have a fresh start with the character. Coming in as a recast was stressful already, so trying to mimic what she did…. I got this [role] for a reason — something I did — so I didn't want to lose that element. Plus, the character's grown up. She's still the same person, but she's 20 now and she's had a year of college. She's been in New York for a year, and New York itself can change a person. I wanted to bring that fresh element to that character.
Weekly: What were Colleen's expectations upon returning to Genoa City?
Leon: She's coming back with a whole new determination to get what she wants. I don't think she has any expectations set in stone, but it's always hard to see your first love with someone else. Seeing that everybody is a big fan of Kevin Fisher? She was definitely not expecting that.
Weekly: How much does Colleen have in common with Brook Lynn, the GENERAL HOSPITAL character you left behind?
Leon: There are similarities, but Brook Lynn was very street. That element of class and respect [wasn't there], though it could have been there, because she's a Quartermaine. It's just that she was raised by Lois and touring rock concerts all year long. She would go up and hit people. Colleen wouldn't. Colleen's a little classier. She's strong, not street.
Weekly: Whom did you work with on your first day?
Leon: Colleen's dad (Brad, Don Diamont). He was great. He said, "We can run it as many times as you want. If you need anything...." He's so professional, so it was calming to work with him. And Darcy (Rose Byrnes, Abby) — she is the cutest ever. I'm so in love with her. My first day was basically with them and it went well, but I was worried because when it comes time, I'm used to going into that street, "Whassup?" thing. With Colleen, you just can't. It doesn’t match the character.
Weekly: Is there anyone you're looking forward to kissing?
Leon: I have to tell you, there are a lot of cute guys here. As long as they keep 'em coming, I'll be happy.
Weekly: What are you looking forward to most at Y&R?
Leon: I was just excited to play a different character. I love Brook with my whole heart, but it's always exiting when you get to pick up something different and get out of your everyday routine. I'm looking forward to the challenge.
