August 17, 1999
Non-Spoiler Articles

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TV Guide - August 7, 1999

TV’s 16 SEXIEST STARS

It takes more than a fabulous face or a buff bod to be one of the sexiest stars on TV: You need that certain special something to make you simply irresistible. Who’s got it this year? TV GUIDE teamed up with Entertainment Tonight to decide – and after lots of heated arguments, here’s our hot list.

Patrika Darbo

As the Big Bad Mama of daytime drama, Patrika Darbo has defied – and redefined – all the rules of soap sexiness. The plus size star plays Nancy Wesley on NBC’s Days of Our Lives, a kittenish Lady Macbeth determined to shove her lithe and hunky husband, Craig (Kevin Spirtas), up the ladder of success, no matter whom she terminates on the way. “Power is sexy, and so is confidence,” notes the Texas-born Darbo, who has gained a lot of the latter in recent years. “In high school, I decorated the gym for the prom, then went home. The guys would never take a fat girl, because they couldn’t live it down.” Today, she’d do it differently. “Id say, ‘Screw it!,’ go by myself and have a good time! I may not fit the norm of what’s ‘sexy’ today, but if this were 1899, I’d be taking Diamond Jim [Brady] away from Lillian Russell.” Says Spirtas: “Take it from this beholder: Patrika is one very beautiful package – inside and out.” - Michael Logan

Soap Operat Digest

RECAPS – Party Favors

Mike’s hearing begins. Carrie is called o testify. Gregory accuses her of supporting Mike because she was jealous of his relationship with Ali. Not true, Carrie insists. Under oath, Craig admits that Mike wanted to get rid of Ali. When Ali takes the stand, Mickey is tough on her. In private, the arbitrator says he thinks it’s clear that Mike promised Ali the job in return for sexual favors. Mickey is stunned.

Question: If Mike loses the lawsuit, what will Nancy do if Craig (Kevin Spirtas) is named chief-of-staff?

Patrika Darbo replies: “She’ll probably go on a shopping spree! She needs new clothes to be the wife of the head of the hospital.”

Soap Operat Digest

CALENDAR – BIRTHDAYS

James Reynolds (Abe, DAYS) birthday is Tuesday, August 10.

Soap Operat Digest

IT’S ONLY YOUR OPINION

The letter by L.I., who complained about your comments on thin women, annoyed me as much as your comments annoyed her. She said, “If you have a problem watching thing people on TV, don’t watch!” Well, that is all I ever see on TV: women who feel they have to look like a stick to be entertaining. I read your magazine every week, and I never got the impression that these women have eating disorders. L.I.’s final comment is what prompted this letter. “You’d better balance [your comments] by taking aim at the overweight.” Give me a break. There is so much fat bashing in this country it is not funny. I applaud DAYS OF OUR LIVES for giving Patrika Darbo [Nancy] a chance to show that an overweight person can be beautiful and have a great-looking guy. Her storyline is one of the few reasons I watch that show. – K.B., Norwalk, OH

Soap Operat Digest

DANCE FEVER

On Daytime, Some Actors Can’t Wait To Bust A Move, While Others Find They Have Two Left Feet

Ah, the magic of television. The lights dim, the crowd parts… and suddenly, your favorite soap characters are waltzing and whirling with the carefree grace of vintage Fred and Ginger. Looks so easy, doesn’t it?

“People have NO idea what it takes to do one 45-second dance sequence,” laughs James Horvath, a professional choreographer responsible for many of the routines seen on GUILDING LIGHT, AS THE WORLD TURNS and ANOTHER WORLD – everything from lambadas to country line dances, salsas to stripteases – over the past four years. “There are a lot of hurdles you have to overcome if it’s going to look good.”

Most obviously, actors with two left feet may be called upon to master complicated moves on a moment’s notice. “You learn the dance in the morning, and then you have to do it in the afternoon,” groans OLTL’s James DePaiva (Max). “The choreographer comes in and says, ‘Okay, this is the fox trot. Here’s what you do.’ And unless you’re someone like Bob Woods [OLTL’s Bo], who was always a ballroom dancer, it’s really difficult.”

Jerry ver Dorn (Ross, GL) concurs. “With a lot of TV dancing, the job is just to make sure the woman is at a good camera angle,” he notes. “It’s not that hard. But then Ross and India had to tango, and I had never done the tango in my life.” Enter Horvath – and a kamikaze training course. “Jim used to work with us civilians,” ver Dorn laughs. “He knew he wasn’t working with Broadway hoofers, so he made the dance very mathematical and easy to pick up.”

When all was said and done, ver Dorn was so pleased with the results that he considered putting the tango episode on his Emmy reel earlier this spring. “It wasn’t embarrassing, as I had feared,” he muses. “It WOULD have been embarrassing if anybody had sat in on rehearsals, though. It’s funny because all the crew saw was what we did during the actual taping, and then they were like, ‘Who knew he could dance?’ “

Actually, ver Dorn was lucky – at least he and co-star Mary Kay Adams (India) had music to move to. Most of the time, the hapless actors have to sway to a beat heard only in their heads. “The main reason for this,” explains BOLD AND BEAUTIFUL former Supervising Producer John Zak, “is that if music is played to the floor and the microphones pick it up, we have no option of making changes in post-production.”

To illustrate that necessity, Zak points to Kimberly’s last birthday party. During rehearsal, her portrayer, Ashley Lyn Cafagna, Mick Cain (C.J.) and a choreographer got jiggy with the Abba classic, “Dancing Queen.” Once they had memorized the song’s rhythm and tempo, the actors did their moves for the camera. Then, while the scenes were being edited, the producers learned they could use the song – but not Abba’s actual version of it. “We had to record a ‘sound-alike,’ “ Zak sighs. “Same feel and style as the Abba original so it matched what the actors had done onstage.”

Working on scenes like this is NOT the way (uh-huh, uh-huh) the actors like it. “It’s virtually impossible,” DePaiva recounts. ‘What they tried in the past was using strobe lights to let you know the beat of the song. That didn’t quite work. Nowadays, if you’re lucky, they’ll stick a little earplug thing in your ear, and you can have some idea of what you’re dancing to. But sometimes, you don’t even get THAT.”

If it sounds a little weird, just imagine how it looks. “We’ve got Christie Clark and Roark Critchlow bopping around in [Carrie and Mike’s] cheesy Las Vegas motel room… and in reality, no music’s coming out of the radio,” laughs DAYS OF OUR LIVES Executive Producer Ken Corday. “And then when we’re in a public venue like the Penthouse Grill, we’ve got all these couples in the background, and it’s a little odd to see them shuffling around to air.”

In scenes sans a soundtrack, one of Horvath’s methods is to perform the routine behind the cameras while the actors are dancing in front of them. “That way, they can see me moving and stay in sync without hearing the music,” notes the choreographer, who says his ultimate goal is not to create world-class dancers, but comfortable actors. “Some of them don’t have a lot of aptitude for dancing, and many of the older, male contract players really don’t like doing it at all,” he admits.

Right, but not everybody performs snake dances (like B&B’s Taylor), or takes off their clothes for cheering crowds (like GL’s Cassie). “Some things are harder than others,” nods Horvath. “I did all of Cassie’s strips and that was tricky – because how do you strip and take things off without actually exposing something that shouldn’t be exposed on daytime TV?” The solution: fringe attached with Velcro to actress Laura Wright’s (Cassie) bra. “”That was a funny day. The cameramen were like, ‘We may need to do this again.’ “

And sometimes, the actors are like that, too. B&B’s Mick Cain, for one, would gladly redo the hustle if asked. “I was really into the disco routines,” enthuses the actor, whose prior training in jazz, modern and ballet dancing (“There are always cute girls in those classes”) helped him absorb the choreographer’s same-day lesson and improvise a bit, as well. “I was a little nervous at first, but I was able to fall back on the steps I already knew, which made it easier.”

In fact, easier than he ever imagined. “That disco music starts playing, and you can’t help but feel it. All of a sudden, you’re just having too much fun to be conscious of the cameras.” Cain laughs. But just try telling that to Linda Dano (Rae, OLTL; ex-Felicia, AW). “As much as I love dancing with my husband, Frank,” she muses, “I don’t like having to PEFFORM dance; I always feel silly. We had to do a little dance number for a last scene of ANOTHER WORLD, and I kept thinking, ‘I must look like such a good.’ “

Of course, it could be worse – as GL’s ver Dorn knows full well. “I only had to do the tango,” he shudders, “but I think Reva [Kim Zimmer] had to do the macarena.”

Soap Operat Digest

CLASSIC LINES – Some Of TV’s Funniest Lines Are On Soaps

DAYS OF OUR LIVES – (Sami tries to get Carrie and Austin to dance together. They politely decline.) Sami: “What – are you two having some sort of senior moment?”

Soap Operat Digest

SOAP CHARACTERS WHO NEED TO GO TO SUMMER SCHOOL

Ali McIntyre, DAYS OF OUR LIVES – Course: Basics Of Law

We know that Nurse Ali doesn’t need any help with her, uh, bedside manner, but since she’s deep in the throes of a sexual-harassment suit against Mike, a little pre-law instruction might be judicious. Who knows? Maybe she’ll become so enthralled with the law, she might actually consider a career change. (Or shift her attentions to some cute law professor…)

Soap Operat Weekly

INDUSTRY INSIDER – DAYS HEAD WRITER UPDATE

Lorraine Broderick assumes head writing duties at Days of Our Lives Aug. 16. Executive producer Ken Corday said in a statement: “Lorraine Broderick and I have become friends over the last five years, and I have found a great writer for the future of Days of Our Lives in Lorraine, and I believe that she will be very satisfying to all the viewers. Stay tuned…”

In the statement, Broderick added: “I am thrilled to be joining the Days of Our Lives family. It is truly an honor and a pleasure to be working with such an extraordinary group of producers and writers, and I look forward to writing for their very talented cast.”

Soap Operat Weekly

RECAPS

Mike, Ali and Carrie testified in the sexual harassment hearing.

Soap Operat Weekly

WISH I’D SAID THAT

DAYS OF OUR LIVES – Craig and Nancy talk to Ali about her upcoming psychiatric evaluation.

Ali: I’ll be in Mike’s office if you need me.

Craig (to Nancy): If we need her, we’ll just check the Internet under http://www.totallywacko.com

Soap Opera Weekly

VIEWERS’ VOICE – This Week’s Questions

In General

What was the most romantic scene the week of Aug. 9?

Who was your favorite performer the week of Aug. 9?

Which character should have a personality transplant, and why?

What was your favorite moment the week of Aug. 9?

Send your answers by Aug. 16 to Voice 33, SOAP OPERA WEEKLY, 261 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10016. They’ll publish your responses in Vol. 10 Issue 38. You can also respond by e-mail to SPWvoice@aol.com

Soaps Opera Update

Roark Critchlow (Mike, DAYS) – It's time for him to leave Salem

Fans will definitely miss the ongoing saga of Mike and Carrie when Critchlow leaves early this fall.

It took years for DAYS OF OUR LIVES' Roark Critchlow to finally get a storyline that he could sink his teeth into. Then after years of patiently sitting on the backburner, the actor finally got his wish and Mike was plunged head-first into a love triangle with the very-married heroine Carrie.

Unfortunately, just as things started heating up on screen, the actor decided that his heart was no longer in Salem… and he told friends and fans (via his website) that he was leaving the soap.  What will he do? Critchlow is looking forward to launching a career in primetime and film. He's also part-owner of a film  production company called Too Proud Productions. According to the company's statement, Critchlow is their ticket to the big time and they plan on "capitalizing on Roark Critchlow's talent and leading-man stardom." The company also seeks to "define him as a major player in the industry – make him a household name."

Will the show recast? Although DAYS has never shied away from recasting the role of Mike numerous times, the show says that this will be the last time… for now! Instead, Mike is going to be leaving town with several other characters. Critchlow tells Update that he's looking forward to pursuing new opportunities.

Soaps Opera Update

Lisa Linde (Ali, DAYS) – Her DAYS are numbered: She's too bad to be saved!

Sure, Nurse Ali is a little demented. She's a little out of touch and perhaps could use a bit of therapy to help her work out her "Dr. Mike" issues. But fans couldn't help but love Lisa Linde, who joined the cast of DAYS OF OUR LIVES in May, 1998.

Linde would have loved to have had a longer run on the show, but understands the storyline has taken her down a road where's she's no longer salvageable as a character. She believes the role on DAYS has given her visibility and will lead to other work for her. She's had a "truly terrific time."

Fans can be sure they'll see Linde again. The talented actress is likely to find success in TV or films. At this time, the role will not be recast, and sources say her departure will be connected with that of Roark Critchlow (Mike) sometime this fall.

Linde's father is country songwriter Dennis Linde, who wrote Elvis Presley's "Burning Love."

Soaps Opera Update

RECAPS – Mike Suffers A Setback

Carrie is stunned when Mike admits to sleeping with Ali. He tries to assure her that he never abused his power. When Mike asks her if she believes him, Carrie is unable to respond. Mike is faced with a hostile hospital staff, who thinks it would be best if Mike resigned from the hospital. Ali also manages to woo the press to her side.

Soaps Opera Update

GOSSIP… DAYS Star Gets Funky!

Patrika Darbo (Nancy) takes dance/exercise class from Patsy Pease (Kim).  "It's kind of an Afro-jazz-funk workout at her Tae Kwan Do studios where she studies that discipline. So she can work the heck out of you and then beat the heck out of you if she wants!" Darbo laughs.

Soaps Opera Update

DAYS MAY HAVE A NEW HOME

DAYS executive producer Ken Corday is rumored to be shopping around for megabuck property to build a studio compound that will revolutionize how soaps are produced in the future.

Soaps Opera Update

EDITORS' CHOICES'

DAYS OF OUR LIVES – As if she aged almost overnight, newlyweds John and Marlena's daughter Belle greets her parents' return with a series of questions, such as how John got the gashes on his forehead. Like her siblings, Belle is quite vocal about her opinions, and inevitably lets her mother know that she is quite grown-up now and can handle knowing things, such as the fact that Mike and Carrie had an adulterous affair!

Soaps Opera Update

CRITIQUE – Who's The Best Husband?

When it comes to real-life marriage, the best advice is to not judge a book by its cover; you never know what's really going on. As for soaps, we really are in a position to judge those hubbies – from the sweet to the suspicious – and we aren't holding back! We've rated them from one to ten (ten being the best).

DAYS' Austin Reed – Austin and Carrie might have been the DAYS couple of the decade, but not much of it has been Austin's doing. While Austin let his strings be yanked by master puppeteer Sami, Carrie stood by his side time and time again. Carrie's teeth must have ached from all the gritting she did waiting for Austin to finally make her his wife. When if finally happened, we thought Austin would appreciate his wife for her loyalty. No chance. As soon as damsel Sami crooked her distressed finger, Austin was at her side, neglecting Carrie at every opportunity. Of course, Austin finally realized that his marriage was in trouble and tried to reclaim his wife, but by then, Carrie had finally given in to her feelings for Mike.

Soaps Opera Update

SOAPS' SEXY MEN

Drake Hogestyn – John, DAYS

Like a fine wine, DAYS OF OUR LIVES' John Black just gets better with each romantic day. As we waited for his most recent wedding to Marlena, we just knew that the ceremony would be elegant, the bride and groom would be picture perfect, and their honeymoon scenes would be absolutely breathtaking. Young soap stud wannabes could benefit from watching Drake Hogestyn in a love scene – the way he sweetly strokes his co-star's face sends us into shivers! One look at those knowing, good-humored blue eyes, and female fans know that this hunk will keep surprising and delighting them for years to come. When he's on screen, Marlena's fans can sit back and sigh, secure in the knowledge that their heroine will be loved and cherished as she certainly deserves to be. Pair his looks with a strong, protective side… and John Black is simply irresistible!

Soaps Opera Update

Kate Is Falling For Nicholas

DAYS' Lauren Koslow: Kate is being charmed by him!

"Ever since she first saw Nicholas, there has been this kind of strong attraction between them. It really has taken Kate completely by surprise... at least, that's how I've played it. It's as though she sees this one person – Nicholas – and she is just completely blown away by him.  This kind of thing is so unexpected for Kate. She's the kind of person who is always in control, and this is something that just doesn't happen to her.

It's really interesting because she knows that he is in an alliance with Vivian AND he knows that she knows about it. Kate has extremely negative feelings towards Vivian. She hates her. That's why she is so confused by her feelings for Nicholas."