Catching Up With Michael Swan
Soap Opera Digest: Why was your stint on GL so short?
Michael Swan: I agreed to the role just for fun because it’s GUIDING LIGHT and it’s a Procter & and Gamble show, so why not? I went in and the work did not materialize. I relayed my unhappiness to the then-executive producer, but he pretty much couldn’t do a damn thing about it. So it was between that and them not having an idea of what they wanted to with this character. I tried to create something for them and half the people were behind that and then half were not. So I ended up having hassles on the set with which direction this character was going. I don’t know what the hell is going on with Procter & Gamble, but I don’t think some of the people over there have all their lights on in the old marquee. I love the work, but when it becomes not fun, why do it? I didn’t become an actor because I wanted to have hassles and stress and not get things done the way they should be done in a responsive and entertaining way, so when it’s not there, it’s not worth doing.Digest: We’re surprised you haven’t popped up on ATWT again.
Swan: I wasn’t. After all, they did a whole story in Scotland [in 2002] without Duncan. So what does that tell you? I saw [Executive Producer] Chris Goutman at Martha Byrne’s [Lily] St. Jude’s benefit. I had a couple of drinks, sat down with him and said, “Look, anytime you need Duncan back, you just let me know. I’ll be happy to work for you anytime.” He said, “Okay, fine.” I think the powers-that-be at Procter & Gamble didn’t like Duncan. There would be no other reason to do a Scottish story without the Scot. How dumb is that? So, I don’t think there’s much of a future for Duncan, unfortunately, because he was a great character and fun to play. But I don’t make the damn decisions. It’s just, “Give me the lines and I’ll say them and go home at 6 o’clock.”Digest: Have you ever considered doing voice-overs?
Swan: I have done a few. It’s a real difficult business to break into, but I’ve been told that I have too much of an announcer’s voice and they don’t want that. They want something new and different. Although when I hear commercials, I sure hear a hell of a lot of that announcer effect. I’ve never really had the passion to pursue that. I’m too busy doing other stuff. It’s not like my life isn’t full.Digest: You’ve kept busy making personal appearances at RV shows. How often do you do that?
Swan: I do anywhere from a four-day to a 10-day show every month. They’re all over the place. I just got back from Oregon and then back down to Southern California. I’m in Northern California now. I take my own coach to wherever I need to go.Digest: How are your kids?
Swan: They couldn’t be better. They’re both going to college. They’re out of the nest and having a great time. I just saw my daughter the day before yesterday. She needed to get her car fixed, so I had to spring for a few bucks, but that’s what dads are for. Other than that, they’re really terrific.Digest: What’s going on in your personal life?
Swan: I’m still single. I’m actually too busy to be dating.Digest: Are you still in touch with Bobbie Eakes (Krystal, ALL MY CHILDREN; ex-Macy, B&B)?
Swan: I saw her last April when she first moved out to New York. She’s one of my favorite human beings on the planet. We’re so fond of each other and we’re really good friends.Digest: Darlene Conley (Sally, B&B) misses you. Do you have a message for her?
Swan: Please tell Darlene I’m going to call her soon. I called her a couple of months before she broke her leg and we never got back to each other. She’s a great gal and I loved working with her. I hope we can again soon.
Conversation
All comments are subject to our Community Guidelines. Soap Opera Digest does not endorse the opinions and views shared by our readers in our comment sections. Our comments section is a place where readers can engage in healthy, productive, lively, and respectful discussions. Offensive language, hate speech, personal attacks, and/or defamatory statements are not permitted. Advertising or spam is also prohibited.