Soap Opera Digest: How did PASSIONS come about?
Marla Gibbs: Well, I read that they saw me on HOLLYWOOD SQUARES and decided that I would be right for that character…. I never worked a soap before.Digest: Did you watch soaps?
Gibbs: I really don’t have time. I’m always out and about. But I’m making it a point to watch PASSIONS.
Digest: How would you describe Aunt Irma?
Gibbs: Irma is crazy; she is absolutely out of her tree, let me tell you. But she is a fun character.Digest: Who have you worked with so far?
Gibbs: I’ve worked with Tracey [Ross, Eve], my niece on the show, Amelia [Marshall, Liz] and Rodney [Van Johnson, T.C.]. Now, I’m working with James [Hyde, Sam], Kim [Johnston Ulrich, Ivy], Justin [Hartley, Fox] and Ben [Masters, Julian]. Everybody is so great, the cast the crew. Leigh Taylor-Young [Catherine] and I bank at the same place; she is a doll. Everybody is wonderful; they’re just beautiful.Digest: Does anyone ask you for acting advice?
Gibbs: Only Oshun [Smith], our hairstylist, who is an aspiring actor. I’ve talked with him quite a bit. But the others really have a handle on what they’re doing.Digest: Are you used to the soap schedule yet?
Gibbs: I get [the script] at night, and I know what I’m doing the next day, so I’ve adjusted to that.
Digest: Did they disguise you?
Gibbs: They made her a little older because everyone knows that I’m 30. I don’t know why you’re laughing because I’m dead serious. But I put on a gray wig and other than that, I feel that the essence of the character comes from within. So, I try to bring that, and hopefully I bring it well.Digest: What was your first day like?
Gibbs: The first day on the set was very good. I got accustomed to watching the different directors work. The first day, I had one director, and the next day, I was looking for the same director, but we had another one. I said, €˜Oh, okay.’ I guess we’re working with four or five directors, and each one has a different style; it keeps you on your toes. It doesn’t allow you to get into a pattern, so to speak. You really have to be able to adjust constantly. I think that’s good.Digest: Did you watch your first episode?
Gibbs: It was my birthday, so I was out and about, and I made it back to see the end of it. From what I saw, I liked it. I didn’t get to see too much, but I will remedy that. I’m hoping to get some tapes.Digest: What did you do for your birthday?
Gibbs: I got a facial and took care of some errands cause I’m the middle of remodeling my house. I went to dinner at P.F. Chang’s with my family, and some friends dropped by, so that was great.Digest: You’ve been living in L.A. for several years….
Gibbs: L.A. is home now. I came from Chicago, so I’m fond of saying that I’m from Chicago, and I’m not going back unless it’s absolutely necessary. I love California.Digest: What was your first paid acting job?
Gibbs: It was in Detroit; it was JUVENILE COURT. It was much like THE PEOPLE’S COURT. I didn’t know how it worked. They sent me pages of dialogue, and I memorized all of it. I got there and thought that I was going to use it all. I was so up for it, but all it was was that you read it and knew it so when the judge asked you questions, you knew the essence of the story. So, that was my first stint.Digest: What other projects are you working on now?
Gibbs: I’m going to do a play in Philly called Let the Church Roll On. I’m doing an imitation of Tina Turner doing, “What’s Love Got to Do with It,” complete with outfit and dance. We did that once here, and the audience was on the floor when I came out. Then, it’s up to God what I’m going to do next. He has been handling my schedule very well, so I’m keeping my hands off of it. In the meantime, I’m finishing my house; I’ll get my furniture in, get ready for carpeting and wait for another job to come along so I can pay for all of it [laughs].Digest: Would you like to stay at PASSIONS longer?
Gibbs: Well, yes. I would like for the character to grow, have more depth and do some different things. Perhaps they’ll think of that.
