Catching Up With Shanelle Workman
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL alumna Shanelle Workman (ex-Gaby) has a lot to be happy about: She’s marrying the man of her dreams (on Sept. 9) so she’s planning a wedding, and she’s in talks to join another soap.
Soap Opera Weekly: Can you tell us a bit about your fiancé (David Gray)?
Shanelle Workman: He’s an actor and he works a lot. He was just on SHARK (as Russel).
Weekly: How did you meet?
Workman: It was love at first date! We met three years ago, but we had this mutual friend who did everything she could to keep us apart because she was interested in him. She went as far as to say I wasn’t his type and to tell him I didn’t think he was attractive — all unbeknownst to us. Our egos stepped in, so that was it. We never spoke of it in three years. We stayed acquaintances, but he says he was carrying this torch for me. Finally, last October we were both single. He said, ‘Can we please go on one date?’ I said yes. Then, when I showed up, it was boom! The chemistry came out all at once. I finally stopped and said, ‘What happened at the barbecue three years ago? Why am I all of a sudden your type?’ He was like, ‘Don’t play dumb. You said I wasn’t even attractive!’ Then everything came out. We got played! We’ve never left each other’s side since. He said, ‘I know you’re going to be my wife,’ and proposed two months later.
Weekly: What became of that “friend”?
Workman: Neither of us is friends with her anymore. We absolutely confronted her. She stepped all over herself, not knowing what to say, and now she’s cursing our wedding (laughs).
Weekly: How was the engagement party?
Workman: Fantastic. Adirenne (Frantz, Amber, THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS) threw an amazing party for us at her house. She got great food and a wonderful cake. She’s been the best maid of honor I could ask for. Her and Bree (Williamson, Jessica, ONE LIFE TO LIVE) are sharing the responsibilities. Bree’s in New York, so it’s harder for her, but she’s been there every step of the way, too. I made two of my best girlfriends on [B&B and OLTL as Flash]. I’m still close to John-Paul (Lavoisier, Rex, OLTL), too. We talk a lot. He’ll be at the wedding as well, with his girlfriend Ashley. My fiancé and I just went to visit him and Bree in New York.
Weekly: How has work been?
Workman: I’ve been guest starring on (Disney Channel’s) CORY IN THE HOUSE and I’m in talks with a daytime show — but not one I’ve been on.
Weekly: Is it true you also have been teaching?
Workman: I started Actor 4 Reel Actors Workshop (www.act4reel.com) a year ago and it’s grown tremendously. I have 35 students, and my fiancé teaches along with me. It’s become a partnership. He works so much as an actor and he brings a different level to it: He’s a grown man and I’m a woman, so we tag team people. It’s fun. I work with adults and kids. One of my students, Luciano Rauso just did Disturbia, and Logan Browning just did the Bratz movie with Paula Abdul. My kids are working!
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