Sweet Hearts
Soap Opera Digest
Feb. 20, 2001
By Rober Waldron
On YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS, teens Billy and Mac are caught on a romantic see saw: They got cozy on the sly last summer, but then called it off. Now, Billy is whispring sweet nothings in Brittany's ear, and Mac is feeling the blues. And let's not forget sworn enemies Jill & Katherine. If Jill's son were to go steady with Katherine's grand-daughter, it could trigger World War III. Despite the obstacles, Billy & Mac long to experience first love together. David Tom (Billy) and Ashley Bashioum (Mac) open up about their characters - and real-life romance.
Digest: What was it like the first time you saw yourself playing a romantic scene on TV?
Ashley: My first kiss was with David Lago (Raul) I was afraid to see it. I had other people watch and then asked, 'Did it look normal?' I didn't want to think 'Do I actually look like that when I kiss'"
David: I don't watch anything I do. It doesn't matter how good or horrible I may have been, I'll tear it apart, chew it up and spit it out.
Digest: Some scene can be very explicit - for instance, some sutff between Billy and Brittany. How do you prepare with a co-star?
David: Trust is a big part of it. You want to be open and have fun; Lauren [Woodlans, Brittany] and I joke. It's just another scene.
Digest: Last fall, Mac walked in on what appeared to be a steamy encounter between Billy and Brittany. What did you think while watching them?
Ashley: I was happy I wasn' tin Lauren's position. She handled it much better than I would have.
David You're still 17. You've got another year before you have to worry about those type of scenes. [Teases] But after that ...
Digest: When you're in a real-life romantic situation, do you ever find your behavior mimics your on-screen performace?
David: All the time. For instance, the way I kiss or give a hug. When you're in that moment, there's something you find attractice about the other person. Those choices can be used in your acting.
Digest: Ashley, when you're in a tender kissing scene with David, what do you find attractive about him?
Ashley: Um .... [blushes]. It's very embarrassing to answer in front of David.
David: [laughs and smiles playfully]: What do you like about me?
Ashley: You have nice lips.
David: Thank you ... You have a beautiful smile.
Digest: Ashley, what's the first thing you find interesting about a guy?
Ashley: His eyes {laughs at David, who's fluttering his eyes] That's very cute, David.
Digest: When you're running lines in the dressing room, do you rehearse kissing?
David: With those moments, we like to see what happens on-camera, so it looks like the first time, not fake or planned.
Digest: A kiss is so private and intimate, yet you have an entire crew watching. Is that embarrassing?
Ashley: Actually, romantic scenes are no more difficult than argumentative scenes. It all depends on the [acting] choices you have to make.
Digest: David, your previously worked in film and prime-time. When was your first on-screen kiss?
David: Actually, it was on Y&R with Vanessa Evigan (ex-Brittany) Someone on the set took a photo, which people at Y&R signed, I've got it at home frames.
Digest: How would you describe yourself at 16?
David: I was very shy. Dating and relationships didn't start until after I was 17.
Digest: Once you got past your initial shyness, was it easier to open up?
David: Oh yeah. Once everything is established - the first kiss goes okay and the chemistry's there - then everything falls into place.
Digest: Ashley, do you find shy guys mysterious?
Ashley: For some reason, I'm not attracted to shy guys. I like someone who's more outgoing and will talk to me.
Digest: Do you ever discover that outgoing guys don't live up to their image?
Ashley: Wow, have I found that out. I've had my heart totally broken.
David: [amazed]: Really??
Ashley: Yeah, and its not funny. It hurts.
David: I know: it totally sucks for you. I just think its funny that a 16- year old guy would do something like that: try to act like a player. It's rediculour. Actually, it's tacky and disgusting. I'm sorry your heart was broken.
Digest: David, have you ever had to intervene because some guy was being cruel to one of your sisters, Heather (Victoria - Y&R) or Nicholle (The Nanny)?
David: Heather has pretty much taken care of herself; Nicholle on the other hand.... In fact, the only fights I've ever seen in were becasue some guy tried to take advantage of Nicholle. I have to watch out for my twin. I'm also a guy, and I know what guys want.
Digest: Ashley, do you look out for your younger brother?
Ashley: Oh, yeah. There was this girl who was the biggest flirt - very annoying. I didn't know why my brother even liked her, but he had the biggest crush. She went out with him and then started hugging all these other guys. I was with another friend of mine, and I went up and confronted her. I have never heard my voice get so low.
Digest: At times, Billy can be very sensitive; he's not afraid to show his emotions. Ashley, woudl you find that appealing in a guy you were dating?
Ashley: Yeah, but Billy isn't always truthful to Mac. I like honesty.
Digest: David, haev you ever been intrigued by a girl at first sight?
David: First impressions make a difference. I like the way a girl handles herself, not just her looks. How she presents herself is very important.
Digest: Did growing up with two sisters help you understand what females find romantic?
David: They have me some pointers, definitly. Nicholle, particulary, is very traditional. She enjoys getting flowers, that type of thing.
Digest: When would you give a girl flowers?
David: not on the first date; that's cheesy.
Ashley: Yeah, the guy doesn't even know you yet. It makes you wonder 'What's this guy up to?'
David: Valentines's Day is a good situation. I'd bring chocolate, the whole thing. But I'd also wantt o be creative and origional.
Digest: Would either of you go on a blind date?
Ashley: From the stories I've heard, its not something I would want to try.
David: I've been on one blind date. I'll never go on another.
Digest: What happened?
David: It was awful. We were two completly different people who had nothing in common.
Digest: Did a friend set you up?
David: Yeah.
Ashley: That's never happened to me. I usually meet guys on my own.
David: Really? [teases] Because I know this guy .....
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