As Marty Saybrooke No. 2. prepares to bid farewell to ONE LIFE TO LIVE, Digest checked in with her portrayer, Christina Chambers, to find out what went wrong with Marty and what’s next for the actress. For more details on Chambers’s firing, pick up the October 16 issue of Soap Opera Digest.
Soap Opera Digest: We’re told the decision to write out Marty was for storyline reasons. Did you sort of see it coming?
Christina Chambers: Well, I think when you work daytime and you get scripts, you keep reading what’s happening to your character and you’re like, “Hmm….” You keep wondering how far they’re going to take it and if the character can be redeemed and you hope that it’s gonna go that way, so as you’re reading these things along the way, you kind of see what could possibly happen.
Digest: Do you think that the fans had a little trouble separating how the character was written this time around from the fact that this is a new face playing the character?
Chambers: Absolutely. Whenever you do a recast, it’s always going to be a little bit of a struggle. It’s unfortunate that they picked up with Marty 15 years in soap time down the road. I think the fans were ready to pick up 15 years ago with the character with her traits and that’s not what was given to them.
Digest: Well, you certainly have fans rallying in your favor. They’re sending lollipops to ABC Daytime honcho Brian Frons and calling it “The Sucker Campaign.”
Chambers: I love lollipops! That’s hysterical. I did not know that. I can’t even tell you the outpouring of fan support I got when I first came on the show to play Marty. Fans I’ve had from before have been wonderful and then I just accumulated all these wonderful people who I met outside the studio and so many e-mails and letters. I want to thank them for all the support they’re giving me now. And, of course, everyone wants to know about the hot men, about Michael [Easton, John] and my adorable[on-screen] son [Brandon Buddy, Cole].
Digest: What’s it like working with Michael Easton?
Chambers: He is wonderful, gracious and generous. If there’s ever any hard scenes — well, in daytime, we don’t do a lot of high emotional stuff [laughs] — he does everything he can for who he’s in a scene with and will even ask you, “Is there anything I can do to make this easier for you?” And he’s got this really dry humor that I appreciate and will miss.
Digest: Every woman watching soaps wants to know what’s it’s like to kiss John McBain.
Chambers: Well, Marty knows what it’s like [laughs].
Digest: In some ways, this must be a mixed blessing since you were commuting from California.
Chambers: Oh, absolutely. If I could mix the two together, that would be great, but California is where our home is right now. OLTL was really gracious in scheduling me either at the beginning of the week or at the end of the week. They couldn’t have been more accommodating. I was really blessed as far as being able to get back twice a month to see [her husband] Brian.
Digest: And you get to go home to your dog, Riley.
Chambers: I get to get attacked every morning by my big, white fur ball! For people who are dog lovers or animal lovers, you’ll understand why it’s great to be able to have them around every day and wake up to them. They’re just so happy all the time.
Digest: So what’s next for you?
Chambers: I’m hosting Take-a-Hike for breast cancer on October 13 [in Los Angeles]. A dear friend of mine just had a double mastectomy and she’s six months surviving and she’s beautiful and radiant and will walk it with me — three miles. I would love for anybody to come out and support.
Digest: How about career-wise?
Chambers: My pilot will be airing on October 8. It’s really exciting. I actually shot it right before I did this and it’s called EXES & OH’S. It’s a single-camera sitcom on a new cable station called LOGO, and my [recurring] character is Heather. It’s a really sweet, wonderful pilot.
Digest: What types of shows or films are you interested in auditioning for?
Chambers: I have a special place in my heart for the sitcoms. SCRUBS is one of my favorite shows, and ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT. I would love to do some laughing for a change.
Digest: So you got a little tired of crying as Marty?
Chambers: Little bit. Poor Marty. I am in no way saying I didn’t love playing her. I loved playing her every minute. I think she’s a wonderful soul.
Digest: Would you ever consider working in daytime again?
Chambers: It 100 percent is based on the character. My criteria for anything I read is if I connect to the material and if I understand her and can get inside her skin and make people see what I see. But absolutely, if the right part were open, of course. There are so many people I love and adore in the daytime world that I would love to see and work with. But yes, I’m going to focus on laughing.
To keep up with the actress, visit www.christinachambers.com.
