ICYMI – Nancy Lee Grahn Interview

You Asked, She Answered!

GH’s Nancy Lee Grahn (Alexis) Tackles Your Burning Questions.

 

Q: I had just about given up hope of ever getting another great Alexis love story when Julian came along. What do you think made the audience fall so in love with “Julexis” and were you/are you surprised by how passionate their fans still are?

-Angela R.

A: Great question. I think it was a combination of a few things. It had been a long while since Alexis had a spark. She was menopausal, uninterested in romance and quite frankly, I felt, uninterested in anything. They had yet to give her a passion, whether it be relationship-oriented, career-induced, or otherwise. She was room filler. Not only did that make Nancy uninterested, it made my character uninteresting and thus the audience. A woman without a sparkle in her eye for anything is not one I want to be or play or think anyone wants to watch. So, when they brought Julian into her life, Alexis got a sparkle and Wil [deVry, Julian] acknowledged it as an actor and it caught on fire. A spark is all it takes.

 

 

Q: Nancy, do you ever have the opportunity to provide input on story? If so, when do you feel strongly enough to offer your thoughts?

-Lara T.

A: I have opportunities. In other words, I am always heard, just not necessarily listened to. The writers have no obligation to implement my input. That being said, I’ve learned to pick and choose my battles and weigh the import of that which I choose to fight for. I will tell you that I feel very strongly about them taking the issue of domestic abuse, regardless of the reasons why, to task. I believe that the relationship between Julian and Alexis is worth digging deep for, but the acknowledgment of the abuse, the gravity of it, the repercussions of it, must be dealt with. I think peeling the onion of the violence these two characters grew up in, how it unfolded into their relationship, how the attraction to each other is a result of the familiarity of it and all that goes with it … is freaking interesting and time-sensitive. We are in a revolution of sorts right now as a culture and laying it all on the line right now, warts and all, can be as interesting a story as I’ve ever been given in daytime thus far.

 

Q: The “Davis girls” are my favorite family on TV. Can you share your thoughts on each of your TV daughters, Kelly [Monaco, Sam], Haley [Pullos, Molly] and Lexi [Ainsworth, Kristina]? And thank you for all the years of entertainment!

-Julie I.

A: I love these women. There is an aspect of each of them that inspires me as a mother. I love that I play a single mother of three unique women. This is unlike any other daytime soap. Haley is dependable, professional, sick smart, and independent at 19. At that age, I  was calling my mom every day and crying! Lexi travels the world by herself and stays in hostels. I can’t even read a map. Kelly has the street smarts of an alley cat and can win a DANCING WITH THE STARS trophy. I valet park to avoid alleys and would end up in the ER during the opening credits of DWTS. They challenge and outwit me every day, and they are three of the easiest women to love on a daily basis.

 

 

Q: I wish we got more scenes of Alexis with Danny and Scout. Do you have any funny stories about working with the little kids on the show?

-Mark J.

A: Danny is a dream and so are his parents, which is not always the case. Scout is a peach, and if she isn’t, they go get her twin sister.

 

Q: Nancy, I just love you as an actress, but my question for you is as a mom. My only daughter is going off to college next year. What is your advice for me on how to cope when she leaves? I know you went through this recently with Kate. Thank you and lots of love!

-Lynn K.

A: Well, I got lucky in that she is at USC, which I can get to in 50 minutes, 23 minutes in no traffic. I can also see her whenever I want to because of the disguise the makeup and hair people gave me for when I stalk her at school. You will cry for two weeks straight and then be so happy that they are thriving, you will stop.

 

 

Q: What are your best memories of working on SANTA BARBARA? I fell in love with you the first day you were on as Julia and have followed your career ever since.

-Jessie B.

A: The writing. The innovation. The creativity. The fearlessness. The steady job. The paycheck … in that order. SANTA BARBARA was unlike any other daytime drama. It was unparalleled.

 

Q: I started watching in the Ned/Alexis era, so I loved the election story! What is Wally Kurth like to work with? Also, do you ever see yourself retiring from acting? (I hope not!)

-Marcus F.

A: He is so fine. And never!!!!!

 

 

Q: Alexis is my favorite character on GH. I loved you on SANTA BARBARA, so when you came to GH, I was just thrilled. What does it mean to you to have been a part of the show for almost 22 years now? Here’s to 22 more!

-Grace W.

A: It is extraordinary and has provided me with a life I never dreamed possible. Actually, I must have dreamed it, or it wouldn’t have manifested. I am forever grateful.