Live Chat With
Glow By Jabot Teens
David Tom (Billy), Ashley Bashioum (Mac) David Lago (Raul)
& Lauren Woodland (Brittney)
July 26, 2000
Hosted by SoapCity.com
Ashley: Hey guys what's up?
Lauren: Hi, everybody!
D. Lago: Hello everybody!
D. Tom: Hey, how's everyone doin' tonight?
lil_pix2003 asks: Ashley and Lauren, are you two friends in real life?
Lauren: Yes, we are friends in real life. We get along together real well!
Ashley: That goes for me too.
Marty2634 asks: Hello David T. Describe what it was like growing up in a family of actors and actresses?
D. Tom: It's been great, everyone has been really supportive of each other through the years. It makes learning lines easier and we congratulate each other a lot.
coko2010 asks: Hi Ashley, David, David and Lauren I wanted to know what made you want to become an actor and what did you do to become a good one?
D. Lago: Uh, geez, what made me become an actor?... Well, my experience was I was nine years old they turned one of my favorite cartoons into a movie. The movie was Popeye and the actor was Robin Williams and I knew I just had to become an actor. So a friend of the family had been in the business and at fifteen I called her and she introduced me to an agent who started lining up auditions.
Ashley: Definitely the reason was because of my brother; he made me want to become an actor because he had so much fun with it. He got me into it. My brother's manager wanted to bring me out to LA; he got me an agent, and here I am!
Lauren: Well, I can't really remember a time when I didn't act, I've done it since I was about 6 years old. My first job was an Oscar Meyer wiener ad. And the director told me I would work a lot if I were in LA. So I moved to LA and that was it.
D. Tom: I've been acting since the age of 3, did my first commercial at 5 and knew that I wanted to do it as a career by the age of 10.
beanpole2781 asks: Lauren, was it hard "taking over" a character that had already been played by someone else?
Lauren: No. Because the character that I play is sort of a brand new version of Brittany. She's very different. She's more confident and she's a little more manipulative. And I never looked back at anyone else's work when I started the character or started my work on the show.
laurla3 asks: DT, your scenes are fantastic with Peter Bergman, his addition to this whole story line makes it all the more enjoyable...do you think he will continue to back B&M's relationship?
D. Tom: Sure , he'd rather back us than back Jill!
hottie_15_2000 asks: Ashley, is your character Mac like you are in real life?
Ashley: Not really. I don't have an attitude like her. I'm not nearly as depressed as she is. I'm not really like Mac at all.
Dani4847 asks: How do you feel about working with Michelle Stafford?
D. Lago: I think she's a riot, she's great, she's funny, she's easy to work with.
D. Tom: She's an extremely interesting woman and a lot of fun. I haven't really had a scene with her directly but she is a lot of fun, very entertaining on the set.
Lauren: She's a live wire.
Ashley: Yeah, I think she's hilarious. I worked with her a lot because she's my boss.
Lauren: She's got a lot of energy and she's a lot of fun. I think Phyllis and Brittany have sort of a meeting of the minds.
red_chic15 asks: Was the prom episode a different experience for you all than the other episodes?
D. Tom: The only difference was the number of extras, which made the scene more difficult to block and choreograph and so it took a lot longer to film. That was about the only difference.
Ashley: For me, there were a lot differences because of the high heels, lots of make-up and big hair. I had to keep my posture straight, which was hard.
D. Lago: Yeah it was really long hours; there were things that had to be done after the prom stuff; it was really tiring; ...there were a lot of people; if something's not going right--someone has to slip you a line; there's a lot of long hard hours.
Lauren: Yeah, I agree. It was tiring and it took a lot longer. And it took a toll being the kind of production it was. We were in 3 1/2 inch heels for 8 hours at a time and that can become extremely painful when you're doing that. But it was a treat too because of it was a different set.
poetry_gal_7_26 asks: Ashley - your talent as an actress is captivating. Do you plan on staying with the show while pursuing college?
Ashley: I'm going to see what my life is like when it comes to that point. That's not for another 2 years. I plan on going to college. If the show is still there, great. But I want to have something to fall back on.
steffiebby asks: David T. Who did you play on Salute Your Shorts? I loved that show, but I don't remember you ever being on it.
D. Tom: I played the character Sponge in the pilot and then I was REPLACED! Oh well...
luvshemar asks: Lauren- what was it like working with Nathan Lane on Encore! Encore!?
Lauren: Oh, it was fantastic. He's a sweetheart and really funny and really smart. And you know, I worked with Nathan and also Glenn Headly on that show so it was like being on Broadway sort of. It was a treat.
kelseytapp asks: David (Raul) is it true that you are going to be Nina's long lost son and won't that make you somehow related to Billy?
D. Lago: I'm not sure; a lot of rumors are floating around.
umanayana asks: Hey have any of you guys been on any of your fans web sites yet?
D. Lago: I checked out one or two of them; I don't remember which ones; they were really cool and I thank them.
Ashley: I go on the Internet every day. When I need a break I browse... they've all been very nice. Very flattering!
Frog4N6 asks: Ashley, some viewers have commented that Mac always seems to have a *scowl* on her face. Is that intentional? I mean do they tell you to look depressed all the time?
Ashley: Yeah. Mac is a troubled girl! She can't have the love of her life... wouldn't you be depressed?
rosabellek asks: :) Do the four of you feel that your story is realistic in portraying what teens go through in real life?
D. Tom: Yeah I thinks it's pretty realistic with a definite soap opera twist of course. I can remember being 17 and being head over heels in love, so I think yeah it comes pretty close.
Lauren: Oh, yeah. I mean, it's very typical. It's typical of many relationships. Teenagers or adults. But teenagers especially fall in love with lots of people. The scenario is totally possible, it does happen.
D. Lago: Sure although I think it's a little over dramatized that there is still a reality to it; I remember in high school hanging out with my buddy and thinking that his girlfriend is hot. Overall I think it's one of the most realistic teenage story lines that I have seen out there.
Ashley: I think everyone's pretty much covered the bases already and I'm sorry but I have to go back to work. I'm sorry I couldn't stay longer... duty calls! Good bye and thanks!
kekelovejags asks: To both David's what do you guys see in Mac? No offense Ashley.
D. Lago: I've been asking my self that; I think the fact that Raul is a very concerned and caring guy helping people with problems and in Mac he found a very troubled girl with no one to talk to. So on that level he got to know her and later started falling in love with her.
D. Tom: I see the innocence and naturalness in Mac which is what Billy is interested in and attracts him most to her.
missbirdini asks: This one is for everyone. I'm asking this for my sister Marcy, who just had her wisdom teeth taken out today and couldn't be here. So here it goes, have any or all of you guys ever had your wisdom teeth taken out? Were you in a lot of pain?
D. Tom: I had my wisdom teeth taken out last February and was in pain for about two weeks and then it was still weird in there for about another month. The experience wasn't great but wasn't that terrible either.
D. Lago: I had all four taken out 5 days before I started the show. I did the first month and a half of Y&R with four holes in my mouth.
Lauren: Mine are impacted. And I get x-rays once in a while to make sure they're not moving my other teeth around.
animedivas asks: Do you feel that your characters have a profound effect on other teens lives?
D. Tom: I like to think that I have some kind of influence especially on the teens. My fan mail's been great and rather supportive of that.
D. Lago : Actually, yeah I do. I get a lot of letters and e-mails; I get a lot of letters that say they want to be like Raul; they wish they had someone in their lives like Raul; how they want to be like him; he inspires them to do better; something like that.
Lauren: Well, I think one of the great things about drama is because it reflects what's going on in our personal lives. And I think our story line lends itself to that. Although, I do feel sorry if someone out there can relate to what Brittany is going through right now.
roxy20000002 asks: This is for Lauren- What are some similarities between you and Brittany?
Lauren: I think we're both ambitious. And determined. We want to get what we want...and quickly. And passionate. We're both passionate.
oldsitcomfan asks: I loved the prom story. Did any of you get to go to your own Prom?
D. Tom: Yes I did and it was a lot of fun.
Lauren: Yeah, I went.
rooboy_23 asks: David Lago, is Raul going to be an evil guy like Michael Baldwin?
D. Lago: Again I don't know; as of right now in the story line not at all; again this is a soap opera and anything can happen.
regal300 asks: Lauren: Have you ever done prime time movies before?
Lauren: Yes, I've done movies of the week.
regal300 asks: David Tom: Did any of the veteran actors on the Y&R take you under their wings when you first started on the soap?
D. Tom: Well I had my sister Heather there to help out but in general everybody was really supportive, it was great.
karin_n_jim asks: What do you guys do in a regular day on the set?
Lauren: Lately, I need to be at the set at 6:30 in the morning. I get into hair and makeup right away. Then I block around 7. Which is where the director choreographs the scene and tells you when you move. I go to wardrobe, then to makeup. Then to the stage for my scene. Then I'm out anywhere between 10 and 1.
tasegirl asks: David Lago - Do you think your character is a person desperate for love or just a regular guy in love with Mac? Puppy love maybe? Or is it something else?
D. Lago: I would say it's puppy love just because of how old we are; I'm sure in our own lives at that age we'd all swear it was true love and I would think that Raul at this stage would think that it's true love as well.
collectibles4sale99 asks: David Tom what is your favorite movie?
D. Tom: Oh boy, I have a lot of favorite movies and not one in particular. All the Alien films, American Beauty was a great film.
the_mrs_robinson_2000 asks: Hey guys, you all do fabulous work - so who is the most playful in real life of the group?
D. Lago: I don't know I guess I am a playful guy; I like having fun--whether it's playing ball or just hanging out; I like having fun.
Lauren: I think he's the playful...
D. Tom: You're the most playful of the group Dave, bad boy...
Sara_G_2001 asks: You are all fabulous actors and actresses.
What advice can you give me cause I want to pursue a career in acting.
Lauren: I would say first, do some local theater. Make sure you really like it. That it's something that you want to do. Then submit any training you've had to a list of local agents. Then get a great acting class. Then audition, audition, audition! And be incredibly patient ...and persistent. And go for it!
savedcrb asks: For everybody: Do you have friends from other soaps?
D. Tom: I do, I'm friends with Jensen Ackles and Marissa Tait from B&B. And Donny Jeffcoat from One Life to Live.
D. Lago: I'm friends with Kirsten Storms from Days and Jay Johnson from Days.
david_D. Lagolover asks: Do you guys watch the shows that you tape?
D. Tom: No I don't 'cause I'm my own worst critic, I'd rather hear what the public has to say about my work. If I do see it I just tear it to pieces, it's no fun.
Lauren: Yeah, I hate watching myself. I don't like it. For the same reasons.
D. Lago: Unfortunately my mom is a huge fan of the show and she tapes it every day. I don't watch every show; if there's a show in which I'm interested I will ask about the air date and watch it, and see if there's anything I want to correct.
rooboy_23 asks: David Tom, would you like for Billy to cross over to the Bold and the Beautiful?
D. Tom: Well it is our sister show after all, sure I'd love to do a cameo.
dmstrot asks: To everybody, What in your opinion makes Y&R the best soap?
D. Lago: I would just say that the talent is incredible; I think it's an amazing cast; everybody just fits the character; and everybody is cast perfectly.
Lauren: Yeah, I think the story line is more realistic and more easy to relate to than any other soap. And I think the characters are deeper.
bri0117 asks: David Tom, why is Billy still stringing Brittany along? Is there really a future for you and Mac?
D. Tom: I think the main reason that he's still with Brittany is so Jill won't get suspicious. The future with Mac...who knows?
lavgood asks: Lauren how do you keep that great figure of yours - is it age or workouts
Lauren: Ahhh...That's very sweet! It's nice to hear. I exercise a lot. I run between 8 and 15 miles a week. I do weights about twice a week. And I eat very, very carefully. Hard work. It's hard work for all of us but we have to be in bathing suits in front of a 100 million people so...
luckygirl_752 asks: David T.- You're so cute!! Where is your favorite place to go when you are on holiday?
D. Tom: I'm kind of a nature guy, like on the 4th of July we went to Arrowhead and did some water-skiing, mostly excursions like that.
snboorder asks: What is your favorite scene you guys have done so far?
D. Lago: I like doing the emotional stuff; I'm just now getting some scenes that I can do some homework on; I guess the whole week that Billy was about to die; I had to cry; It was good getting the chance to show my range.
D. Tom: I think when I was unconscious. Just kidding, some of the best I've had were with Jill and with John too, and with Peter Bergman.
Lauren: Yeah, I think some of my best scenes were with Jess Walton also, who plays Jill. She's really a great actress. For some reason we've really had great scenes together.
rosabellek asks: Lauren : Were you upset about leaving Sunset Beach? What are your thoughts on Sunset being cancelled?
Lauren: Yeah, I was upset. I liked being on that show while I was on it. Too bad that it's off the air now because I think the cast was good. I'm just glad that I'm on Y & R right now.
billy_is_beautiful asks: DT - congratulations on your Emmy win! What did you do to celebrate?
D. Tom: We partied there in New York, a lot of fun.
angieangeleyes asks: DT- In a recent issue of Soap Opera Digest, Lauralee Bell said you where the sexiest person on soaps. How do you feel about this title and do you feel your fans are focused to much on your incredible good looks and not enough on you acting?
D. Tom: That's great to hear, to be completely truthful, my acting is the most important thing to me and it's always best when people come up to me to talk about my work.
mapie70_2001 asks: To everyone, who is your favorite character or story line in your show?
D. Lago: My favorite character is Michael Baldwin, I like watching Christian work; he's an amazing actor; he makes incredible choices. Definitely Christian.
Lauren: My favorite character is Victor Newman. Because I think he's so specific, but in a really GOOD way. I mean, when I think of Y & R I think of Victor Newman. And I love the way Eric Braeden plays him!
D. Tom: I'd like to trade places with Jess Walton once, Jill's devious but has her loving side as well.
syossetshopper asks: Does Mr. Bell ever come on the set to watch the scenes?
D. Tom: He has an office up on the third floor, I'm sure he's peering down on us and on B&B as well. They're his trademark, legacy, sure he watches.
s_yar_99 asks: Do the writers consult with you guys for wardrobe and do they ask for your opinions on the teenage scenes?
D. Lago: First of all we have a pretty hip wardrobe department. If there's something we don't like they'll change it; the writers are right on; the producers and directors will let us change something as well.
D. Tom: Yeah, we have input into what we wear, not a whole lot.
Lauren: We can pick and choose but they do go shopping for us.
Time is limited and we pick from what they get. Most of the time is fun. But I mean we dress for our characters. I would never dress Brittany for myself, I mean it's a whole different attitude.
tubbiesplay asks: Who are the people that inspired you guys (cause your my inspirations).
D. Lago: My inspiration was and is Robin Williams from day one; he's the reason why I started acting.
Lauren: I get inspired at the strangest times. I can't really pick one person or time.
D. Tom: The person that's inspired me the most and is one of my idols is Robert Deniro and Joe Pesci too, the big juicy, actors. Al Pacino as well.
angieangeleyes asks: Do you all get much fan mail and do you read and reply to it yourself?
D. Lago: I actually do read every single one of the letters and actually respond back to some letters; I do send pictures and letters, and it is actually me; it is really my signature. I actually read all the letters and e-mails.
charmgirl02 asks: What is the most exciting thing about doing this Glow by Jabot web page
Lauren: I think what's exciting is it's cool that we're all together in the scenes most of the time. And I think with the video cameras on us all the time, it lends itself to a lot of good story line opportunities. And hey, Soap City will be having the Glow by Jabot website starting Aug 3rd online. So check it out.
cj337_2000 asks: Do you guys suggest any good schools to go to for the performing arts (i.e acting)?
D. Tom: Well of course Juliard and NYU have great acting programs. If you're looking for just classes, depending on where you are, check the yellow pages. In LA (Van Nuys) there's a great school called the Young Actors Space, check it out.
mandy_21738 asks: The first time any of you were on the air, were you nervous?
D. Lago: You're always a little nervous when you start a new job; before I actually taped my first scene I was there for two hours; I walked around and everybody was really nice and ever since then I haven't had any butterflies.
Lauren: I get nervous if I don't know my lines. Or if I feel like I haven't had enough time to prepare for a scene. But we have to go ahead and shoot anyway then I get nervous.
D. Tom: No, I wasn't nervous because everybody made it so easy for me, my first scene was with Jess Walton, it was very chill.
energy-star asks: Does all the publicity, filming, and interviewing ever get to be too much? What do you do to relax??
D. Tom: Get out of town. I enjoy communicating with the public about the story line but when it all gets to be a bit too much I turn off the cell and hit the road.
Lauren: I like publicity a lot too. But if it all happens in a short period of time on top of working and other things that happen in your life it can become overwhelming. Whenever it gets stressful I take a short trip or I stay AT HOME inside. You know, play with my dogs...
D. Lago: I don't mind the publicity; if it wasn't for the fans-people dedicated to the show we wouldn't be around. What I do to relax is just stay home, play guitars, drums, have some friends over and just hang out.
D. Lago: Well everybody thank you for logging on and chatting with us...don't forget to log on to the Glow by Jabot stuff at SoapCity.Com...there's a lot coming up...so stay tuned.
Lauren: Goodbye everybody. I had a lot of fun talking to you tonight. Take care.
D. Tom: See you later everyone, can't wait to talk with you again and keep on watchin'!!!
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