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From the Best of Soap Opera People, Dec 1987
In case you're having trouble reading the text, I typed it out and posted
below the scans.
below the scans.
I understand you've just written a screenplay...when did you find the
time?
When you want to do something badly enough, you create the time...between
scenes at the studio, late at night, etc. It took about seven months to
complete, and hopefully it will go before the camera this fall.
What's it about?
It's a psychological horror/thriller with the working title of Demon.
Are you going to act in it?
Yes. I will play the leading character.
Have you written anything before?
Yes, with my writing partner, Steve Meigs. We did a couple of projects--a pilot
for a series and a feature film. Demon is my first "solo" project. It will be
produced by RMC films, the same company I did Impure Thoughts and
Funland for last year.
You also keep busy on the stage. Since you enjoy doing Shakespeare
so much, do you study other actors in the parts you will do, or just go
for it on your own?
Of course, I've seen other actors perform the classic roles, since the classics
are my favorites. I'm sure bits and pieces have crept into my performing, but I
like to think the end result is my own.
What about The Taming of the Shrew?
That was a wonderul experience for me, since it was part of the inaugural
season of the Georgia Shakespeare Festival. I love the character, the play,
not to mention Georgia. Petruchio is a character you can have a great deal of
fun with every night.
I feel Mason has as many shades of character as Shakepeare gave his
people, and you do the character perfectly. Is it wrong for me to prefer
you in the modern role versus Shakespeares?
Thanks for the compliment. Everyone has their own preferences. In all
honesty, though, I tend to doubt that Mason will be around in 500 years.
Shakespeare's characters have endured since the 1500's, and will probably
last until the end of civilization.
Do you enjoy working on Santa Barbara?
Very much. I like working every day, and developing a character, putting him
through the same kind of changes we all go through ourselves.
Are there an special actors you enjoy working with?
We have one of the most talented and professional casts ever assembled for
daytime. It wouldn't really be fair to single out any one person.
On a personal level, are you involved with anyone special?
Usually I like to keep personal things personal. And private.
In general then, are you romantic?
It depends on the person and the circumstances.
Are you sensitive?
I then to be overly sensitive.
What is your biggest fault?
Next question, please.
What is your best feature?
Physically? I don't know if I have one...seriously, on the stage, it's my height
and my voice. On television, it's probably my eyes and my voice.
Are you a loner, or do you need people around?
Both. I need to have a lot of time alone to think, to sort things out. I also like
people a lot--preferably one-on-one. I don't generally like crowds or large
groups. I'm basically very shy.
Did you ever do anything crazy as a youngster? The reason I ask is
that you seem so poised, cool, calm and collected. It's hard to imagine
you doing anything crazy.
That's because you don't know the real me. I am the exact opposite of that
description. I just keep it well-hidden, except from a few very close friends. As
for my childhood...
What are your long range goals? Personal and then professional?
Someday, I will probably get married and have children. Eventually, I'm not in
any hurry. Within the next five years, I want to be spending most of my time in
Georgia, alternating between statge, film and television, and acting, writing,
directing, producing projects that are originating in Georgia. You don't have to
live in Hollywood anymore to have a career. Georgia is becoming an
entertainment source. I was born and raised in Dalton, Georgia, and the area
will always be "home" to me.
Do you live in a house? How do you ever get time to take care of it?
I have an apartment in Hollywood that's so small, it almost takes care of itself.
I have a cabin in the San Bernadino Mountains that I used to take care of.
Before SB, I spent a lot of time "puttering" around, and I even built a deck that
wraps around the cabin. I hardly ever have time to get away lately, so I've
hired a local resident there to look after things for me. I miss having time to
work with my hands, go fishing, etc.
What kind of woman do you prefer?
It varies according to my moods and needs at the time. I always look for
humor and intelligence. It helps if she's nice to look at, too.
Tell me a short version of what you do on your rare days off.
Sleep. I've become very good at going comatose on short notice.
time?
When you want to do something badly enough, you create the time...between
scenes at the studio, late at night, etc. It took about seven months to
complete, and hopefully it will go before the camera this fall.
What's it about?
It's a psychological horror/thriller with the working title of Demon.
Are you going to act in it?
Yes. I will play the leading character.
Have you written anything before?
Yes, with my writing partner, Steve Meigs. We did a couple of projects--a pilot
for a series and a feature film. Demon is my first "solo" project. It will be
produced by RMC films, the same company I did Impure Thoughts and
Funland for last year.
You also keep busy on the stage. Since you enjoy doing Shakespeare
so much, do you study other actors in the parts you will do, or just go
for it on your own?
Of course, I've seen other actors perform the classic roles, since the classics
are my favorites. I'm sure bits and pieces have crept into my performing, but I
like to think the end result is my own.
What about The Taming of the Shrew?
That was a wonderul experience for me, since it was part of the inaugural
season of the Georgia Shakespeare Festival. I love the character, the play,
not to mention Georgia. Petruchio is a character you can have a great deal of
fun with every night.
I feel Mason has as many shades of character as Shakepeare gave his
people, and you do the character perfectly. Is it wrong for me to prefer
you in the modern role versus Shakespeares?
Thanks for the compliment. Everyone has their own preferences. In all
honesty, though, I tend to doubt that Mason will be around in 500 years.
Shakespeare's characters have endured since the 1500's, and will probably
last until the end of civilization.
Do you enjoy working on Santa Barbara?
Very much. I like working every day, and developing a character, putting him
through the same kind of changes we all go through ourselves.
Are there an special actors you enjoy working with?
We have one of the most talented and professional casts ever assembled for
daytime. It wouldn't really be fair to single out any one person.
On a personal level, are you involved with anyone special?
Usually I like to keep personal things personal. And private.
In general then, are you romantic?
It depends on the person and the circumstances.
Are you sensitive?
I then to be overly sensitive.
What is your biggest fault?
Next question, please.
What is your best feature?
Physically? I don't know if I have one...seriously, on the stage, it's my height
and my voice. On television, it's probably my eyes and my voice.
Are you a loner, or do you need people around?
Both. I need to have a lot of time alone to think, to sort things out. I also like
people a lot--preferably one-on-one. I don't generally like crowds or large
groups. I'm basically very shy.
Did you ever do anything crazy as a youngster? The reason I ask is
that you seem so poised, cool, calm and collected. It's hard to imagine
you doing anything crazy.
That's because you don't know the real me. I am the exact opposite of that
description. I just keep it well-hidden, except from a few very close friends. As
for my childhood...
What are your long range goals? Personal and then professional?
Someday, I will probably get married and have children. Eventually, I'm not in
any hurry. Within the next five years, I want to be spending most of my time in
Georgia, alternating between statge, film and television, and acting, writing,
directing, producing projects that are originating in Georgia. You don't have to
live in Hollywood anymore to have a career. Georgia is becoming an
entertainment source. I was born and raised in Dalton, Georgia, and the area
will always be "home" to me.
Do you live in a house? How do you ever get time to take care of it?
I have an apartment in Hollywood that's so small, it almost takes care of itself.
I have a cabin in the San Bernadino Mountains that I used to take care of.
Before SB, I spent a lot of time "puttering" around, and I even built a deck that
wraps around the cabin. I hardly ever have time to get away lately, so I've
hired a local resident there to look after things for me. I miss having time to
work with my hands, go fishing, etc.
What kind of woman do you prefer?
It varies according to my moods and needs at the time. I always look for
humor and intelligence. It helps if she's nice to look at, too.
Tell me a short version of what you do on your rare days off.
Sleep. I've become very good at going comatose on short notice.