What A Twist!
After 72 years, GL aired its final episode last week, leaving soap fans across the globe in tears. Reunions, returns, pregnancies and wedding surprises aside, there was one shocking twist in GL’s final week that viewers never expected: Alan’s death from a heart attack. Ron Raines chats with Digest about his alter’s sudden, tragic end and what he thought about the Emmys GL tribute.
Soap Opera Digest: Your final scenes with Grant Aleksander, when Phillip discovers Alan on the bench, were wrenching! How’d you maintain your composure?
Ron Raines: You just do it! It was in one take. Alan had rigimortis very early on [laughs]. I was sitting straight up so Alan died with his head held high, which I thought was kind of funny.
Digest: When Ellen Wheeler told you what she had planned for Alan, what was your reaction?
Raines: I was surprised but I thought it was great story. She said, “And if we’re picked up [in the future], we already know how we’re going to bring you back!” It was terrific, and how the wrap up of Alan is a full circle. He, of all people in the town, to see the light so to speak and change. It’s really very powerful, I thought and I hope fans felt that way.
Digest: I think fans were utterly shocked and truly didn’t see it coming. I didn’t read a single spoiler regarding Alan’s death, especially after the surgery was a success.
Raines: I was really thrilled about that, too. People kind of said, “Oh, this is something we don’t want to leak out. Let’s protect this.” It was a powerful surprise and even the people who knew it didn’t say anything. There were people outside [of GL] who told me later that they knew but they didn’t tell.
Digest: I loved the Alan/Buzz scenes last week as well.
Raines: Of course, I love working with Justin [Deas, Buzz]. I adore him. I also thought that Grant did an incredible job. There were so many layers. I’m proud of my colleagues.
Digest: What do you think about turning Springfield’s villain into a hero?
Raines: I know there are those, including myself, saying that Alan could never change. Then there’s that part of me that thinks maybe that [the bone marrow transplant] indeed was his epiphany and since he has conquered this demon inside of him, he did change. Then I’m like, “Well then he wouldn’t be any fun!” You’ve got to have an a**hole to stir things up! I loved playing that.
Digest: Are you satisfied with the way the rest of GL wrapped up?
Raines: Yes I am. This is very complicated stuff, to wrap up all these characters in some way. It’s amazing.
Digest: You told me before, however, that this storyline was your favorite.
Raines: Oh, yeah. It was driving, emotional, real and something to really sink your teeth into as an actor. I just really thought it was written well. Jill Lorie Hurst, I can’t believe what she’s done the last few months writing-wise. She’s incredible. Just about the time we started to get our pace [after the production model change], some other kind of insanity would happen and then the show got cancelled. It’s like we never landed. For her to write this kind of story, with all this insanity around her and deadlines, it’s amazing what she’s done. The creators of the story really deserve a terrific amount of credit in my book.
Digest: What responses have you received from fans regarding Alan’s death?
Raines: On my Web site, they’re just very thankful for how fitting it is that Alan finally found peace. It’s nice to hear it. I’m very moved by the feelings of these people and how much [GL] has meant to them and how much they’re going to miss it. I’m just kind of blown away by it, to be honest with you.
Digest: Now that it’s all over, what’s it like not having to get up and go to the studio?
Raines: Well, it’s been kind of relaxing [laughs]! I’m finally sleeping well. I am liking kicking back a little. We were all very tired. It’s been stressful, emotional and a terrific ride the last four months, especially. What I was so impressed with was the character of the [GL] company and how we bonded even more and never once did the work ethic falter or slip. They realized they were taking the show across the finish line and how many lives it had touched. I’m proud to be a part of the end of this great historical show. I was really moved by our cast. I can’t say enough.
Digest: But you’re still keeping busy!
Raines: I did a show in Omaha and I’m going to San Francisco next month to sing for the President’s Cup. I’m singing big band, 30 minutes in a big gala type of thing. I’m really excited about that and get to meet some great golfers, Tiger Woods. Then I’m doing Little Night Music in Detroit for all of November, basically. So, I’ve got things to do!
Digest: Thoughts on the GL tribute at the Emmys?
Raines: Well, you know, it wasn’t very much but at least it was something. They made the effort. You can always nit-pick but a minute in television is a big deal.
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