TV Guide Online Interview With:
David Tom
Billy Abbott, The Young and the Restless
May 9, 2000
The Young and the Restless became even more of a family affair last year when David Tom, real-life brother of Heather Tom (Victoria), joined the cast as troubled teen Billy Abbott. Nepotism, you say? Hardly. The young actor had impressive credits on his résumé, including the film Pleasantville, prior to arriving in Genoa City.
Tom has snagged an Emmy nomination as Outstanding Younger Leading Actor, and if anyone's going to dethrone three-time champ Jonathan Jackson (ex-Lucky, General Hospital) next week, it's going to be him!
Tom, whose twin, Nicholle, played Maggie Sheffield on The Nanny, recently sat down with TV Guide Online on the outdoor patio of the CBS commissary to discuss his foray into the soap world, being a child actor and his plans for the future. — Michael J. Maloney
What perceptions of daytime did you have through Heather?
It looked like fun. She was doing a lot of great stuff. I looked at her work and thought it was cool. She got to work every day and do some acting. (Laughs) That's what I was most jealous of, especially when I wasn't working. I saw coming onto the show as a great opportunity.
You had worked regularly according to your bio. Were there droughts?
Oh, yes. Basically, I didn't work between the ages of 16 and 19. I'd do a little thing here or there, but nothing where I could say, "Yeah, I did some work." After Pleasantville, I started to get out and was working more. I lost some weight around that time, too.
You look great. How did you lose your weight?
I've found that it's what you eat. It's exercise, too, but I'd have to say so much of it is diet. The first couple of weeks on a diet suck. I remember thinking, "God, I want a cheeseburger!" But now I don't even crave it or soda or any of the other junk. I used to have a few sodas a day, but I've found that I just can't eat that way.
Hollywood is still on a youth kick. Did you think about your chances of becoming a film star before you signed with Y&R?
No. I knew I wanted to accept it. Work is work. I would like to do some films later on in my career. Right now, I'm so happy to be here. Everybody here has been great.
What's it like having Jess Walton (Jill) for a TV mom?
She's one of my favorite people to work with. I haven't worked with everyone yet, but Jess is just great. When I see that I'm working with Jess, I don't have to worry. I read the scripts, make my choices and that's it. It's not hard to relate to someone who has her kind of talent. It makes my job easier.
What advice did Heather give you about daytime?
Mostly technical advice. Soaps are run so differently from other types of projects. I'm not used to putting out eight or nine scenes a day. I'm used to putting out a scene and a half a day at the most. Film takes a lot longer.
What's the difference between being a child performer and an adult actor?
It's two different worlds. When you're a kid, you can be up against maybe 12 other people for a part. When you're an adult, you're up against everyone in the United States who wants to act. The competition is fiercer. The transition isn't easy. When you're younger, it's about having a cute face and being able to say the line. If you can act, all the better. But a cute face isn't going to last forever. You have to show dedication and passion.
What got you and your sisters into the business?
My mother. She started us on the journey. She started us in catwalking (runway modeling) at Marshall Field's [department store in Chicago]. We started very young. I remember crying. I was 3 and had no idea what was going on. You see all these [camera flashes] going off. Later, I started doing commercials, and then television and films. This is what I want to do in life. If I'm on the street someday begging for change, I'll still be acting. It's all I know and all I really care to know. It's what I was put on this earth to do. I really love it.
Congratulations on your Emmy nomination. How did you find out about it?
Thank you. My publicist, Thom De Lorenzo, called me at 5 am the day they were announced. He left it on my machine and I called him back as soon as I heard the message. I'm very excited about the trip to New York.
What scenes did you submit?
Scenes where Billy tells John that Jill was never there for him while he was growing up. And scenes where Billy tells Jill that he doesn't want to stay in Genoa City.
Are you familiar with your fellow nominees' work?
Yes. David [Lago, who plays Raul] and I hang out all the time. He's a great guy. I'd much rather see someone from the show win if I don't.
Wasn't David up for the part of Billy, too?
Yes. He read for Billy. I guess they brought him in [for Raul] because they really liked him.
How does that work on the set with you both having the same name?
He goes by David and I'm "D. Tom." Actually, there are more Davids than just the two of us. There's [producer] David Shaughnessy, a few others, and me, too. It can get confusing.
One thing confuses me just a bit regarding Raul: His name is spelled "Raul" in the credits but you pronounce it "Ral." Is that a nickname?
The show actually wants me to pronounce it "Ral." I thought it was "Raul" but it's "Ral." I think it's very Wisconsin-ish. I had never heard it before. It's different. If it's short for something, I don't know.
Who on the show haven't you worked with that you'd like to?
[Smiles] Heather. But I'm not really sure how they could do it.
Victor and Jill had a relationship shortly before she remarried John and became pregnant. There's buzz that Billy is actually Victor's son, which would make Billy and Victoria half siblings.
I had read that Billy might be Victor's son. I don't think the show will go in that direction, though. I think it'd be a long time, if ever, that I'll get a scene with Heather.
Y&R is famous for honoring its core families. Since you play Billy Abbott, you could probably stay on the air as long as you like. Do you think about the future?
No, I really don't. I'm the type of guy who crosses bridges when I come to them. Like I said, eventually I'd like to do some features. But I'll see where things take me.
Have you ever had one of those "twin" moments where you're nowhere near Nicholle but you can tell what she's thinking or feeling?
Not really. I would like to think that if she were in some kind of trouble that hopefully I'd know.
Your mom must be proud of the three of you.
She is loving it. She started us in the whole business. She's really the backbone of the whole family.
What does your mail say?
People want Billy and Mac to get together. [Smiles] Hopefully, that's not too far away.
What keeps you busy away from the set?
My friends. I read. I play the drums. I'm not in a band, but I do get together with some guys to play. I like to have a bit of R&R. A day a week is nice. I like to sit back and relax and just hang out. A big project of mine is my house. I recently bought one and it needs a paint job. A buddy remodeled my bathroom and I helped out with that.
Which projects are you most proud of?
I liked Swing Kids a lot. It was about a revolt against Nazi power in Germany through swing music and dancing. I played Robert Sean Leonard's younger brother. I was 14 when I did that. I liked Pleasantville, too. I felt I did some good work in that. And, of course, on Y&R, too. Billy's a great character.
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