While their B&B characters often butt heads at Spectra, Pierson Fodé (Thomas) couldn’t be a bigger fan of scene partner Alex Wyse (Saul) in real life. “I need to take a moment to compliment Alex on his work because he is such a talented actor, and his comic timing is impeccable,” Fodé praises. “I love each and every time I get to act across from him and we are allowed the opportunity to really dive into a funny moment. Of course, the serious and dramatic are all good, but Brad [Bell, executive producer/head writer] will also allow us to manipulate the scene into this funny, cheeky thing where no matter what they’re discussing, they end up fighting over the girl [Sally]. It’s been a pleasure to engage in that banter, and it’s perfect because as men, they are polar opposites in every possible way. Not to mention the fact that Alex is also this talented Broadway actor, and he just brings a totally different vibe to the character because of his extensive theater background. I really love that about him.”
Nadia Bjorlin (Chloe), who started on DAYS in 1999 as a teenager, marvels that these days, she’s one of the vets. “It’s crazy because now when there are new kids on the show I’m like, ‘Oh, it’s the kids,’ ” she chuckles. “I’m like, ‘When did I grow up? I’ve been here how long?’ ” The point was especially driven home when she worked with Olivia Rose Keegan (Claire). “I asked, ‘How old are you?’ ” recounts Bjorlin. Keegan answered that she was 16, prompting Bjorlin to blurt, “Oh, my God! I could be your mother!” When Bjorlin disclosed her age, it took Keegan by surprise. “She said, ‘Wow, I would have never thought you were that old [laughs].’ I was like, ‘Yeah, I know. Thank you. I used to be one of the kids and now I could be your mom.’ It’s so weird. I’ve literally and figuratively grown up here, so I’m really curious and interested to see where Chloe is going next.”
Thanks to her multiseason run on THE REAL HOUSEWIVES OF BEVERLY HILLS, Eileen Davidson (Ashley, Y&R) has become acquainted with Andy Cohen, the host of the HOUSEWIVES reunion shows as well as the Bravo channel’s WATCH WHAT HAPPENS LIVE WITH ANDY COHEN. “I love Andy,” enthuses the actress. “He’s a really nice guy and just a super-kind human being. I consider him a friend, but it’s not like we hang out. When we’re not filming HOUSEWIVES, I don’t see him very often because he’s all the way in New York, but we do text with each other.” Not surprisingly, Davidson’s hectic day job has made getting together with Cohen a challenge. “I have so much fun being a guest on WATCH WHAT HAPPENS, but I haven’t been on very much anymore,” she admits. “They ask me to come all the time, but I can’t because of my Y&R schedule. It’s unfortunate because I would love to go, but it’s just one of those things. Andy was even next door to Y&R not too long ago to shoot LOVE CONNECTION, which he also hosts, and he invited me over. But even with him so close, it didn’t work out because I was just too busy with Y&R.”
This year marked only the second time since her GH arrival that Ava attended the Nurses’ Ball, and while things never go well there for the character, her portrayer, Maura West, was delighted to be included. “I was glad Ava got to be there this year,” she reports. “I do enjoy it. I don’t mind the long [taping] hours. It’s slightly stress-free and relaxed, if you’re not one of the performers. There’s less pressure because usually there are fewer lines on those days. And, I like to chat! The actors don’t get to see each other outside of work that much because L.A. is so sprawling and everybody’s so busy, but on those days, you can sit and talk. I talked to Kin [Shriner, Scott] and we just laughed our asses off.” West says that she would welcome the opportunity to take the stage at next year’s ball. “Oh, I would absolutely love it! I would get nervous — I get nervous about anything — but I think it would be so great if Ava and a couple of the other questionable ladies did ‘Cell Block Tango’ or something like that. It would be wonderful! I’m not like my son Joe; I’m certainly not gifted with a stunning voice on its own, but I can sing in character!”
Photo credit: Steven Bergman