Halloween Chat

Oct 31, 00

 

Juliet Mills: I'd like to say hello, and Happy Halloween to all you witches and wizards out there!
Robin Strasser: Happy Halloween to everyone, and may all your witches come true.

Cramer: Robin, were you hesitant about working on a new soap?
Robin Strasser: Since the offer to do a new soap came from "Passions" and the character was a 300-year-old witch, no, I was not hesitant. I felt as if I was being invited to a great party. It was time to have some fun.

Anastasia Lenox: Happy Halloween to the top most favorite witches on Daytime! Hi, Juliet and Robin! I'm glad you could come chat with us fans tonight. You both do a great job on "Passions!" I love both your roles. Keep up the good work, or should I say evil work. What's it like being on such a unique soap opera?
Juliet Mills: I'd never been on any other soap, but all I can say is that it's just great being on a show where there are so many talented people who are so happy to be where they are and doing what they're doing. We were all there at the onset of "Passions," and most of us had no experience in this genre, which is so different from anything any of us had done. But it's great fun, and as Robin said, it's time to have some fun. It's a lot of fun, and a lot of hard work to make it fun. It's not fun if you're not prepared--it's absolutely terrifying! But if you do your homework, it's a great deal of fun.
Robin Strasser: To keep the party analogy going, it takes an awful lot of hard work to throw a really marvelous party. You work hard on the theme, the food, the decorations, the guest list. But then on the night, the magic happens and that's what's so incredible to me. I've done 'standard' soap operas before, so people have asked how this is different, because "Passions" uses so many special effects. It has to do with the actors' preparation before the show, and it's really a terrific show.

Cramer fan: Robin, did you have any reservations about working on another soap so soon after leaving "One Life to Live?"
Robin Strasser: I feel a little like the widow who is accused of marrying too soon after the demise of her beloved husband! But in fact, I'm a working actress, and nothing can convince you how much you love working more than not working can. I was delighted to be invited to this particular party. I did miss my friends and co-workers on "One Life to Live," but I was in negotiations that went the wrong way, and what was I to do? Throw myself on a funeral pyre? I don't think so!

Galen lover1: What is it like acting as a witch, and later facing reality? I mean, some people out there think your plots are just crazy, and others are totally fascinated. How do you guys feel about this?
Juliet Mills: I suppose it's just letting one's imagination run wild, and that's what this show is all about. The way things are today, there is a lot of magic and wizardry around and we all have psychic abilities that we don't work with very often. There are things out there we don't really investigate or empower ourselves with, and I think everyone in their heart knows they're there. So maybe things that aren't seen with the eye are possible. I think people across the board are drawn into the show--people of different ages, men, women, children--if it appeals to that imaginative side of their nature. It's a chance to investigate some sorts of psychic phenomena which are around us if we care to see them. At the same time, "Passions" is a send-up of soap opera, and it's a very fine line. But if it's all real all of the time for us, then it's possible for the audience to believe it. Also, there's a great deal of comedy if people are 100 percent sincere. That can be very funny! So that's what we aim for, and sometimes it works and then it's really, really good and special. We are getting better at maintaining that excellence.
Robin Strasser: That's what I thought when the show first aired. There was all this talk about why and wherefore, what is going on with daytime television, where is it going, what does the audience want? I thought that James Reilly headed in the right direction with heightened reality, the supernatural, and this quirky group of people. The human experience had already been hashed and rehashed, and when you find these Byzantine sub-plots that belong on "Jerry Springer," then you do have to go to a classy new realm. Juliet, did you ever watch "Dark Shadows?"
Juliet Mills: No, I never did, but I like the sound of it! I feel it's a compliment.
Robin Strasser: There were a lot of stage actors in the cast, and it was fully fleshed out. You can see it now on cable, so if I knew the wonderful young actors on "Passions" better, I might wink at them and tell them that they'll be watching "Passions" years from now on cable! It will definitely fit into that classic genre.

Timmy N Tabby 4Ever: Juliet, how would you best describe yourself?
Juliet Mills: Do you mean me as me, or me as my character? Myself, I am an optimist. I am a very good cook, a very good gardener, and I hope a very good actress. Those are the three things I've always wanted to be. I have such a great role that I have such fun with. Lady Tabitha is such a character, and James Reilly is brilliant with the characters he's created. I'm celebrating my 20th wedding anniversary next month to Maxwell Caulfield in a marriage that many believed would never last. We're going to drive up the coast to Carmel as we did when we got married. I'm very, very happy. My father, Sir John Mills, is 92 and doing a one-man show, and my mother is going on 90. We're all going home to England for Christmas, so I suppose at this time in my life, I'm feeling very lucky. I thank God and the universe for all my good fortune.

Tabby Lenox: Robin! I love that gown you wore. Do you know who designed it? It is gorgeous!
Robin Strasser: That was made for me, right at the studio. The designer is Jane Ganiger, and she was sort of inspired by the idea of a lady pirate. There were drawings done of it, and an interim costume made which we showed the producer. You know, in the old days of Hollywood, they wouldn't dream of sending an actress on without costume tests and makeup tests. They wanted me to look quite special. I love the outfit! I love becoming totally disguised. Getting into that dress-up costume makes me feel really fearless as an actress, because I can do some creative hiding. So it's not me, Robin, saying I wish my hair or hips were different. It's me, Hecuba, and I love it. They may never get me to do another part without a wig!

Magnificent Megan: Juliet and Robin, I think you are both such amazing actresses, but how do you manage to balance family and work?
Robin Strasser: The decks are fairly clear for me--my sons are grown, and I'm single. So I really need to go to work to fill my empty life, OK? LOL!
Juliet Mills: It's very simple--you just have to keep your priorities straight and not let the work take over so you don't have a life. I have to be very disciplined when I work, and take time to be normal. I usually come home and cook dinner after my show, and eat it with my husband. That's our time together, and I enjoy the relaxation of being in the kitchen, chopping and sipping wine and chatting with Max. I think if you want to make it work, you can do the things you're still responsible for at home. It doesn't matter how many hours you have to put in; you can do it.

Tim Tim38: Juliet, do you have anything to do with the writing of the new "Passions" book that comes out in January?
Juliet Mills: No, I don't actually. It's being written by one of the top romance writers, under the guidance of Jim Reilly, of course, because it's all the background of Harmony and its residents going back 300 years. I am going to promote it for them. I'm in the process of reading it now, and it draws you in, as does the show. You get hooked on these weird people!

Kquish: Do you know about other characters' parts, or are you basically informed only on your own?
Juliet Mills: Basically, when you read the script you know about the other characters' plots. So we know what's going on if we read the script, which we don't always have time to do!

Giggles ML: Robin: How long did it take to do your makeup and preparation to get ready for the scene in the mineshaft?
Robin Strasser: It takes about an hour and a half to get suited up. But when I'm ready, I feel bewitching!

Belka03: I know that you both have characters which are unlike any others on other soap operas. How much versatility would you say you have as an actress on "Passions" because of its unique plot?
Juliet Mills: Speaking for myself, I have a lot of characters that I play, and Tabitha is always acting anyway. She's something different to everybody.
Robin Strasser: I like the fact that the part is totally different from anything I've ever done on daytime or nighttime or in the theater.

Jenny: Juliet, what was it like transforming yourself into someone really old, like you saw in Hecuba's mirror?
Juliet Mills: Well, I can't even take the credit for it-- it was makeup artist Toby Lamm who transformed me, then I had a wonderful wig and I was transformed. Then all I had to do was look in the mirror. That was pretty easy, really!

Faith XVI: Hey guys! I was wondering if Hecuba is a good witch or an evil witch?
Robin Strasser: She's probably 75 percent of one, and 25 percent of the other, and stay tuned to see witch is which!

Timmy N Tabby 4Ever: Do you both have any plans to do movies or primetime in the future?
Juliet Mills: Sure, I like to do other things. This isn't the end of my career or the last thing I'll do. I've spent most of my working life in the theater, and that's where I come from. I look forward to doing many more projects in the theater, and anything else that comes along. Actresses like to work, and if you get an exciting part in a movie or in some far-off place, that's the wonderful thing about this business. You never know what's around the corner.
Robin Strasser: I would love to! I'm freelancing, so I'm up for any of it. I just did a part in an independent feature, and a little part on "Grosse Pointe," which could be recurring. I think you just need the patience and fortitude to hang in there, whether you're an 18-year-old actor, or an 80-year-old one. I'm still amazed at Sir John's one man show! Juliet, I think I found my role model, no doubt about it.

Anastasia Lenox: How many hours a day does filming take up? Do you get a fair share of free time?
Juliet Mills: I was so busy thinking about your nickname Anastasia--where have I heard "Lenox" before? Sometimes filming takes half a day, and sometimes it takes all day and half the night. It depends on the scenes and whether they're condensed onto one set. Sometimes we do two or three shows at a time, so you never know. But on the whole, we do get free time. You start early, you finish early; you start late, you end late. So it works out pretty well.
Robin Strasser: I find it a pretty efficient and compassionate schedule. Maybe that should be com-Passion-ate!

CrANe LF: Juliet, on the scenes where you have to carry Timmy, is that hard for you?
Juliet Mills: Yes it is hard for me, and I don't carry him as much. They try to save me from it, because he's quite heavy, about 40 pounds. It's not the actual carrying, but sometimes I have to lift him, or stand around holding him while they set the lights, etc. My arms and back ache, so it is tiring sometimes. But I have a massage once a week, and that's my reward. You deserve it, girl!

Anastasia Lenox: How did you like working with Ben Masters for the first time, Robin? Is he as much of a jokester as people say he is?
Robin Strasser: He is the most wonderful actor, and so much fun to work with. I had a hard time not letting it seem that Hecuba had an instant crush on him!

CrANe LF: Juliet, if you weren't acting, what would you be doing right now?
Juliet Mills: That's quite a difficult question, really. I probably wouldn't be working. I'd be quite happy being at home, being a wife and writing and reading. I don't know what other profession I'd have-- it's probably too late for me to do that now--but maybe some sort of hands-on healing, like massage where one could help people raise their spirits and their health in some way.

Timmy N Tabby 4Ever: What are the most important things in your life?
Robin Strasser: My family, my friends. My dog Scooter. Having the ongoing experience of still feeling curious about life and being in a learning experience, with the hope that I will grow to be a wiser and better person on the planet.
Juliet Mills: I think that's great! Ditto!

Gandalf 1019: How long does it take to produce one episode?
Juliet Mills: One day. Sometimes, if we're going to have a day off, we have to do two episodes in one day. We have to pay for our day off.

Jonathan Leung: Juliet, who does the voice of Evil Charity?
Juliet Mills: Evil Charity does! But it's tampered with electronically.

Tabby Lenox: If you could choose a romantic love interest for each of your characters, which handsome, sexy Harmony man would it be?
Robin Strasser: I want Julian badly! (But don't tell him, everybody.)
Juliet Mills: I think the only romantic interest I can imagine for myself would be some warlock, because I have Timmy and he's all I need.

C Mikles: Juliet, I have followed your career from "Nanny and the Professor" to the guest spot you did on "Wonder Woman." How does being on "Passions" compare to your other gigs?
Juliet Mills: It's more long-term. It's very theatrical, and I love it, because that's where I've done my best work. This character, this part, has a wonderfully theatrical flair that I really enjoy. So it compares very well. I've had some great roles in my life, including Shakespeare and Restoration comedies, so I feel it's all prepared me for this role in some way. This is probably the best part I've ever had.
Robin Strasser: Have you performed on stage with your parents?
Juliet Mills: I never have! Isn't it terrible? I've wanted to for years, but it never came about. Once it almost did, but my father went off to make a movie. It's one of my regrets, Robin, I must say. I'd love to work with him on the stage, because he's a wonderful actor.

Aeryn20: Robin and Juliet, I think that your portrayal of Hecuba and Tabitha are near perfection. You both have such amazing parts. I am majoring in film, so can you give me any advice about pursuing a career in the entertainment industry?
Robin Strasser: Don't give up your dream if it's the only thing that will make you happy. Persevere.
Juliet Mills: Don't take "no" for an answer. You have to be able to take the rejection over and over and over again, and not let it get you down, or take it personally. Keep going forward with a vision. It's a magical business, and it can happen for you as it can happen for anyone.

AbErCrOmBiE gUys: Juliet and Robin, do you and any other members of the cast ever have sort of a casual time together without all the lights, producers, etc.?
Juliet Mills: I don't have any casual time with anyone!
Robin Strasser: I'm so new on the show that I'm just happy they say hello to me in the makeup room!

Sekhmet70: Robin and Juliet, what sort of hobbies do you have outside of acting?
Juliet Mills: Cooking and gardening, and I sew and knit. Old-fashioned things like that.
Robin Strasser: I'm also a cook, so sometime in our "casual" time, it would be great to cook for you, Juliet! I love to hike, and I live about an hour north of LA where there are wonderful mountains.

Gina Baby55: Robin, do you like revealing all the secrets to all the characters in "Passions" with your mirror?
Robin Strasser: Oh yes!

Tim Tim38: Juliet, will we see your daughter pay another visit to the show, or will the writers create a character for her?
Juliet Mills: I'm sure she will pay another visit to the show, yes. And who knows? That's a good thought. She's a very funny girl, and a good actress.

Belle fan: Hi Robin and Juliet, Happy Halloween. If you could have any supernatural power, which one would each of you choose, and why?
Robin Strasser: I would love to fly. Not on a broomstick, in a bit more comfort than that! But that idea of instant transportation is appealing.
Juliet Mills: Astral travel, that would be my first choice. Being able to be somewhere just by thinking it.

SM3: Is it hard memorizing all of those lines?
Juliet Mills: Sometimes.
Robin Strasser: You still have to put the time in, you know. It doesn't matter how long you've been doing it. Nothing beats preparation and practice.

Anastasia Lenox: Do you keep up with the show and watch yourselves on TV? Besides your own character, if you could play any other character, who would it be?
Juliet Mills: I can't really see myself as another character. I do try to watch the show occasionally, but I miss it an awful lot. Then it goes away, and you never see it again. But I've been trying to keep up with the last couple of weeks because of all the special effects. It looks so great, and it's such fun. But I don't religiously watch every show and tape it to watch myself. I just hope it's OK.
Robin Strasser: I'm quite happy with the part I'm playing. It's brand new, but nonetheless, it has great potential and fun to it. As the character, I haven't had a kind word to say about anyone! So who knows where that will take Hecuba.

Gina Baby55: Do you both enjoy having so many younger fans?
Juliet Mills: Oooh, yes! Very much so. I always seem to have had younger fans, because the series I did, "Nanny and the Professor," was also for younger viewers. They're very loyal and enthusiastic.
Robin Strasser: I'd say the same thing.

Robothead790: Any truth to the rumors of a "Days"/"Passions" crossover? Like say Marlena in Harmony?
Juliet Mills: No! But I'm just a troublemaker. I don’t really know.
Robin Strasser: Oh really? I didn't hear that! It must have gone over my head.

Queensgal: What was the best Halloween costume you ever wore?
Robin Strasser: I had this wonderful flapper dress that Halston had actually made for Liza Minelli, and I wore that with a headband and a feather. I felt awfully glamorous! I'll go for the glam, given any opportunity.
Juliet Mills: This year was pretty good—Maxwell and I went as exotic birds. I found these feathered bird masks that we bought in Venice years ago, with beautiful plumage. We had cloaks and feathers, and nobody knew who we were! We went to a "Passions" Halloween party, and nobody recognized us so I think that was one of our best.

Two Trails Red Lewis: Hecuba, how do you like living underground?
Robin Strasser: Well, the set is so glorious that it makes the basement seem awfully top-drawer, doesn't it? It's very nice.

Oojenoo2000: Juliet, what is it like being the main villain on the show?
Juliet Mills: It's fun being bad and wicked. It seems like there's someone even badder coming down the pike here! Hecuba's pretty pretty bad, and she's been practicing down in the bowels of the earth for a long, long time, ever since I sent her down there. She's a very powerful witch, and seems to have it in for people, so there will be lots of shenanigans for the two of us.
Robin Strasser: I can only hope. That would be wonderful!

Bigfan: What's your favorite Halloween memory?
Robin Strasser: I grew up in New York, and we used to trick or treat for UNICEF. I don't know why they no longer do it, but I thought it was a really wonderful thing for children to do. I remember as a youngster being so proud of collecting money for children who were less fortunate. Of course, you'd also get candy! But it was nice to be able to do that.
Juliet Mills: Halloween isn't such a big thing in England, so I never trick or treated until I was here. When my children went, I went too, so I suppose going out with my kids here was my favorite memory. In England, we have Guy Fawkes Day on November 5, to commemorate the blowing up of Guy Fawkes who was conspiring against the government. We have fireworks on that day, so October 31st isn't such a big deal there. So my happy memories are here with the kids.

Passions: Thank you both for coming tonight! Any final thoughts you would like to leave us with?
Juliet Mills: I'd just like to say thanks for coming to this chat, and I'm so glad you enjoy the show. We all love doing it for you. Happy Halloween, and keep believing in magic.
Robin Strasser: I couldn't say it any better than Juliet just did, so I'll ride on the tailwind of her broomstick!

 

 

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