Yahoo! Chat  August 12, 1999
~David Tom & Jess Walton~

Jess: Hi everybody. I hope you are enjoying the storyline. We sure are. We can't wait for your questions! David: What's up everyone!

dutchess354 : Jess, can you relate to playing the mother of a teen since you have a teenage son yourself Jess: No, not at all! Only kidding. It is amazing some of the conversations I have with Billy are almost verbatim as those with my son Cole, though Jill is much more stupid as a mother than I am.

Queenie23_56 : David- Can you justify Billy's problem with his mother. I mean Billy really can't blame all his problems on her. John did raise him. David: No...I can't justify blaming all my problems on my mom. Some of them are my own, I think. David: I have to deal with them myself.

dla395first : are the writers planning to have Jill romantically involved with someone soon? Jess: I hope to hell they are! I'm very lonely, everyone hates me. I need somebody on my side.

Aquarius13100 : What role is Raul going to play in the Billy/Mac storyline? David: I think right now they're developing the relationship, they are getting to know each other. I'm really not quite sure where the writers will take it. Jess: Looks like a triangle to me, David! David: Yeah, it probably is....

RandyRiley : Jess, I heard recently that you have a feature film in the making that you are cast completely against the Jill role. What is the name of it and when can we see it? Jess: That is not true! Where did you hear that?

Aquarius13100 : David, what is it like working with an actress like Jess Walton? David: It's awesome. There's nothing better than working with a good actress. Jess: Thank you! Jess: I feel exactly the same way, we work together extremely well, don't we? David: I agree.

hergreatestfan73 : Jess, I certainly love your portrayal of Jill. Have you ever met Brenda Dickson, the other Jill? Jess: I met her many times passing in the halls when I was on Capitol and we were shooting right across the hall.

manolis_varnassinger : jess what do you think is the secret of the success of the show Jess: That has got to be the most commonly asked question. We all have the same answer. That is Bill Bell. One of the things he brings to this soap is the characters, the writing. Those are the two basic things. We obviously have an excellent cast and beautiful sets. There is a line that creates a family feel. David: I think the talent is some of the best on daytime television. Also I think that everybody kind of works as a team, everyone's there to get everything done the best they can. David: It seems to me like they will go over a take again and again until it's right.

hcarllee : David, i rented a movie you did from several years ago, STAY TUNED, it was hilarious, do you have any other film projects in development? David: Not at the moment. Pleasantville was my most recent, and then Swing Kids.

ling29803 : Jess, what's up with Billy's age? Isn't he suppose to be older than Phillip? Will they bring back Phillip older? Jess: Let me say that I really hope they bring Phillip back older then Billy. Jess: You really don't want us to age out children naturally. It is only be reaching maturity that we have good soap opera material. We have to take a little license to speed things up.

Queenie23_56 : When is Jerry Douglas returning? Jess: Not soon enough for me. I miss him. I think he is coming back in a week or so, I believe.

tw1gs : Jess, what is it like on the set? Do you feel like a different person when acting, or is it like an extension of yourself? Jess: Just the other day David and I had a scene where that kind of magic happened when you click into the other person's eyes. I forgot I was Jess and became Jill. He was Billy. Not David. That is what I live for. Jess: That happens effortlessly when two actors are really grooving together. The rest of the time I'm Jess.

Aquarius13100 : Is Tara Lipinski going to be introduced into the storyline with Billy/Mac at all? David: I'm not quite sure. I haven't gotten those scripts yet. It's a possibility. Jess: She's been recurring several times. David: It would be interesting.

crysteen20 : Jess how do you keep from laughing when calling Katherine names? Jess: We laugh so much during those scenes. You have no idea. David: I love working with you two! Jess: You know if you laugh they will yell at you, so you don't laugh. You save it for between the takes.

princessj_16 : David I was just wondering since you did so much already in the business if you have any other goals? David: My goals are to pursue acting as far as I can take it. This is what I'm going to do in life, the only thing I know how to do. I'm going to be around for many more years. David: Hopefully I'll do some features in the future.

oware_99 : Do you ever get to edit your lines or give input to the show? David: Quite a bit, actually. I think the producers kind of like it when we talk to them about our scenes, especially when I'm having conversations with Ashley (Mac) or David (Raul) to make it more of a teenage environment and the way teenagers speak. Like dude, bro, man...to make it more laid back.

dutchess354 : Jess, do you think Kay will help Jill through her detox and they will become friends eventually Jess: I just hate this whole thing. She's got to come charging up on her white steed and save me again. I hate it. That is probably what will happen. You can see that coming.

crysteen20 : David were u nervous during your screen test? David: The last audition I had wasn't really a screen test, but yeah, of course, there's always jitters in front of the big peoeple on the show, Bill Bell and Ed Scott and all them. David: It was a little bit nerve wracking.

happy_ash_85 : David and Jess what do you do for fun off set? David: I'm a musician, I play the drums. David: I love outdoor stuff, hiking, swimming, that kind of thing. But mostly music and being with my friends. Jess: I walk, swim and I love to read and go to the movies. I've started writing. Our children are going to college and I have more time on my hands. I like to travel, too.

Queenie23_56 : Jess, I just wanted to tell you that you're the sole reason I got addicted to Y&R in the first place. It makes my day go alot better when I can come home and watch you. Boy, I now sound crazy *laughs* But thanks for just being on TV! Jess: What a nice compliment! Thanks . You don't sound crazy, you sound like you have excellent taste. LOL Keep watching, some good stuff is coming up.

ohiochick_1999 : what do you like best about your job? David: The work! There's nothing better than getting on set and acting. That's my passion in life. That's the main thing I love doing! Jess: I would absolutely ditto that. It is all I've ever wanted to do. Fame was never important me. I love money, but it wasn't about that. It was about the work. We are so lucky that our job gives us so much camera time. 99% of actors would kill for this job.

Pretty_Lil_Lady217 : This isn't a question, but I just want to say, "David, you're so cute! Billy and Mackenzie need to hook up!" and to Jess, "I love you as Jill. She's a little too sassy, though, and she needs to lighten up on Mac... She also needs to stop drinking, for heaven's sake!" Jess: Mind your own business!! (but thank you)! LOL David: Thank you!

jazzdish : Jess and David: Who's the funniest person on the set? David: I would have to say Randy is up there. He's in the top three. Jess: Yes, Randy Hill our stage manager who is married to Heather, our director. David: But when Jess and Jeanne get together it can get funny! Jess: Scott Reeves and Don Diamont are very funny, too. David: Even watching Heather and Melody can be funny too.

RandyRiley : Jess, are you looking forward to Jerry Douglas' return? Are there any possible reconcilliation plans there? Jess: I'll bet you we don't, but I think we are going to have lots of scenes together. We have very deep feelings for each other. Pain, love, anger, everything with us.

sydney1228 : Hi Billy-are you and your sister going to have any scenes together-and how do you like working on Y&R? I've watched since I was a kid. David: I love working on Y&R. It's quite an experience. Yeah, I would love to have some scenes with my sister. I don't really think our storyline is going to coincide very soon. They might, I have no idea. But I would love to have some scenes with her. That would be really awesome.

DurangoIndustries : This question goes to Jess, Jess how long has this feud between your character and katherine gone for? Jess: 25 years. It is the longest running feud in soap opera history.

AllAmericanDreamGirl_15 : David,when did you first start acting and on what show?? David: I started when I was 3, I had a catwalking contract with Marshall Field, modeling clothes. David: The first TV thing, when I was 5 I did a McDonald's commercial. That started my lovem for acting. David: I did a little wind-up toy thing.

hcarllee : Hi Miss Walton, Hi David, Y and R rocks first off, my question is this, On camera, Billy and Jill do not have the Norman Rockwell ideal of a mother/son relationship, when the director calls, "cut' is it easy to slip out of your character's skins, and resume your day to day identities? Jess: Absolutely effortless. Really, on camera when it is rolling. You both feel good that the scene went good. David: In an emotional scene, I use personal things in my life to get me connected to a specific scene or situation. When it's an extrememly emotional scene it can take a few mintues to jump out and relax and calm down and get back into normal things. It takes a while to get into it. I'd love to be able to jump right out, David: But sometimes it takes a minute to relax and become David again.

jbear1198 : Hi Jess, I have watched you for more years than I care to admit, and love your work. Do you have any funny/outrageous behind the scenes stories? Jess: Thank you for loving my work. It is more years than I care to admit. Yes, I do. For those of you who remember... David Kimble, he was faking paralysis in his hospital. Jill said I know how to find out if he is paralyzed. Jess: Jill was suppose to stick her hand under the covers and grab his crotch. The prop people had gotten a cucumber and put it there. I reached down and the tape was rolling. Jess: They had put it in the refrigerator, and it was ice cold. Their was an expression on my face that they said was hilarious.

beautiful-blue-e : What is going to happen to Billy, since he has been in an accident? David: The accident creates some very interesting experiences for both Billy and Jill.

Queenie23_56 : Jess- Ok, when is Jill going to get a man? A whole discussion board wants to know! David: She's got a man -- me! Jess: Oh my god! Everybody wants me to have a man. Jess: I don't know. I want that so badly. I have a scene coming up with Keith. I don't know if anything will come of that. Write in please, to the producers and the writers. I'm in with you guys.

Mat_900 : where are the both of you originally from David: Chicago. David: Oak Park. Jess: I was born in Grand Rapids. Lived all over the mid-west. From 11-22 lived in Toronto and moved out here when I was 22.

Queenie23_56 : Jess- The day of the NE press conference, were you wearing blue slippers instead of heels? It sure looked like it! Jess: I want to know how so many people noticed that. It wasn't my fault. I asked the camera man if he could see my feet and he said no. I applaud you all on your sharp eyes. Jess: It was a mistake.

modelgrl_03 : billy are you and mac going to eventually date? please respond David: There might be something in store. Jess: It looks that way. David: It looks like ther might be something between Mac and Billy. MIGHT.

manolis_varnassinger : jess have you heared the soundtrack of the young and the restless and if you did what is your opinion? Jess: I think it is very pretty music.

manolis_varnassinger : David, what its like working with Peter Bergman and Eileen Davidson? David: Technically I haven't worked with them yet... I'm really excited to. I can't wait to start.

jazzdish : Jess, what's it like to work with Christian LeBlanc? You and Christian are my favorite actors on Y&R... Jess: Thank you. It is pure unadultrated hell working with him. Before, when we were talking about who was funny. He is hilarious and constantly cracking jokes. After coffee he is uncontrollable. David: Yes, he gets even worse! Now I know why they don't put him on in the morning. Jess: I would love to have a storyline with him. He is one of the finest actors on our show. He and David of course.

sarah_sarah_sarah_sarah01 : David are you going to be staying on y&r? David: Yes. I'm going to be there for a while, hopefully. David: I'd love to stay on for quite a long time.

choochie3 : Jess, How long have you been doing Y&R? You look more beautiful every year! Jess: How sweet. 12 years. I guess it will be 13 soon. David: What great fans you have, Jess! Jess: They are very nice.

manolis_varnassinger : david how did you get the role for the show David: I auditioned for it, about 5 times. Just went in, read a scene, kept coming back for it, and they ended up hiring me for it.

Queenie23_56 : Jess- What is your relationship with Jeanne like? Jess: We are good friends. We see each other at work a lot. We see each other off the set at public appearances together. We do that occasionally. I don't have any more fun with anyonr than with her. David: She's awesome.

RandyRiley : David, where do you see yourself personally and professionally in 5 years? David: Oh boy... five years? I'll be 26... I don't know! continuing doing what I'm doing, what I love, the acting.

Frog4N6 : Jess, you've been playing Jill for years now, What did you do initially to prepare yourself for the role? Jess: I really had no preparation because they called me up the same day the other girl stopped being Jill. It came on in one day. Jess: The prep in general is all your studying to that point.

Queenie23_56 : If you could play any character but yours- who would you pick and why? Jess: I would like to be Victor Newman. I too want to rule the world. David: That's pretty close to it! Jess: In the end, everything goes his way.

Queenie23_56 : Jess- I got a copy of the Masquerade Ball again, and let me say- your costume was the BEST! Very smashing! What was your favorite part of shooting those scenes? Jess: The guys fanning me. For those of you who don't remember. I was Cleopatra and had two slave men with big fans and they followed me around all night. At least I had two people to talk to since nobody likes Jill anyway. Jess: We did that for 3 entire days. The whole stage was the set. One night we slept over night because we didn't finish until 2 and we were due in at 5. We were giving each other foot massages. David: I think I came on set one of those days. I think it was Heather's birthday.

happy_ash_85 : David did you watch Y&R before u were on it? David: When my sister first came on I watched and kind of got addicted to it. David: I'm kind of a fan.

crackerjack2799 : Jess: I loved you on Capitol, and Jill is my favorite Y&R character. How do you think the two shows differ? Jess: Thank you. You know, they are very similiar. John, who was the producer of Capital, was also on Y&R before. He left his stamp here too. Jess: It was a half hour show and the scenes were shorter. It was about politics. I thought it was a real high quality show.

jazzdish : Jess/David: Which Y&R actor would you like to work more with? David: I haven't worked with too many of them yet. Most of my scenes have been with Jill or Mac or Raul. David: I have the best time working with Jeanne and Jess. They're just so much fun! Jess: I want to work with Mamie (Veronica Redd). The Abbott housekeeper. We use to have some great scenes. Jess: She's come back and broken her word to me.

winck59 : Jess, why has there never been any love interest between you and Jack again? Jess: I don't know. We would love to play that. It would be a complete storyline. The fans would adore it. I get that all the time. There is great chemistry between us. Jess: It would be so taboo, it would great. I hope they have that in the future.

smurf88_99 : Billy What's it like having a sister who is also on the set all the time David: It's great. There's nothing better. She helps me out with so much stuff, technical wise. It's nice having a family member to work with, even though we're not doing scenes together. David: It's good to spend time with my sister.

hergreatestfan73 : Jess, do you have any idea just how hilarious the scene was at the courtroom last year when Katherine said, "Jill Foster is destroying my life!" and you stepped around the corner and said, "Who's destroying your life, Katherine?"? I roared for ten minutes that time!!! Jess: Thank you. Those are some of my favorite scenes. Whenever we have scenes it is like putting on an old pair of gloves. They fit so well, and are so comfortable.

pameladeville : David did you go to Diane Hardin acting classes? David: Yes I did and I still do. David: It's a great acting program.

Di_s21 : David, how do you feel about Billy saying that he is 16 and independent when actually he should listen to this mother from time to time? Do you agree with that? David: I think all 16 year olds go through the little rebel stage in life. I definitely went through it when I was 16 so it's easy to relate to. David: I think I should listen to my Mom just a little more, show a little more respect.

crackerjack2799 : Jess: I loved it when Jill and Victor were an item, do you see that happening again? Jess: Never in a billion years do I see that happening again. I was so humiliated. It was fun to play at the time. Eric is great to work with.

daisyduke_10022 : Jess, who of the cast is most like their character? And the least like their character? David: Jess, you're not too much like Jill. You're not a mean person. Jess: Thank you honey! David: Most like their character... Victor? Jess: I would say Victor. Jess: Least like, I'd have to Jill. (LOL) Jess: We have the same opinion on that question.

itsmedc : Jess: With Lauralee Bell leaving for awhile, maybe they could hook you up with Paul!! That could be interesting!!! Jess: Paul has far too much good sense I think. Jill is so hungry it would be fine with her. But Paul has seen too many bad sides of her, don't you think?

happy_ash_85 : Do you think Esther's daughter will come back grown and come between Billy & Mac? Jess: Yes! Jess: I do think so! David: Ooh! that's interesting. Maybe! Jess: I sure think so, she's at boarding school by the way.

petluv510 : Jess, how did you feel when you were awarded the Emmy? Jess: It was indescribable. It was wonderful. The first time I'd only been on for two years. Nobody prepared me for the time stopping. The second time was even better. Both times were so surreal. It was the least realistic moment of my life. It was like stepping out of my body.

plot_1996 : What is the age difference between you and your sister David? David: Three years.

itsmedc : Jess: Out of all of the actresses who have played Jill, you're the best. Were you allowed to have your own input as to the direction you wanted to take your character? Jess: Thank you, at first we all tried very hard to have me do it as close as possible so the transition would be easy for the fans. Little by little my only personality bled through. We showed more of the flip side to her. Jess: It got much easier for me to play. Even the dialogue that the writers wrote at the beginning was in her pattern of speech. It was hard for me to learn the lines.

zsinger25 : David.....who's you favorite music group? David: My all time favorite is the Cure. David: I'm a big old school fan -- the Clash, Police, even traditional ska, britsh pop ska.

gone_nutz_1 : Jess: Do you think a friendship will eventually develop between Jill and Kay? Jess: I think. I already think it is happening, inspite of a very strange thing that is happening. I think they are so familiar with their animosity that it is becoming more comfortable. Jess: It is almost like they can decide to put it aside, such as Nina and the breast cancer, and now Billy. Jill wants to keep Billy there. It is almost like they say, yeah, we can fight in a few minutes, but right now lets take care of this.

Frog4N6 : Jess, were you shocked when they killed off Rex? It seemed so sudden. Jess: I was surprised and I just hated that he left. I was surprised when they got rid of the contract role of Jed Sanders, of course, when my son was killed. All the major characters that have gone have shocked me.

daisyduke_10022 : Jess/David, are you a morning person or night owl? David: I'm a night owl. Hardcore. Jess: I'm a night owl, and I adore it. I love the morning. I don't sleep much, I get about 4-5 hours of sleep. David: I like seeing the sun rise, but I usually haven't gone to bed yet... Jess: Yes.

need_99 : Jess- Who has been you most favorite husband or lover on the show? Jess: For different reasons. I loved the sense of romance Rex and I had. I loved the arguing with John Abbott. I thought the most passionate was the contractor, Jed, on the show.

Queenie23_56 : I say bring back Jed Sanders. Those scenes were the hottest things on TV. Wuld you like Jed to reappear? Jess: I would love it. I think it would be great. Overall the relationship I have with Jack, I love best with Peter. That sense of anticipation.

daisyduke_10022 : What is a typical day on the set like? Does the cast eat in the studio or go out for lunch? David: Usually you don't see too many people going to the commissary - people go out to eat. I've run into Jess a couple of times. I usually have lunch with Ashley (Mac) and David (Raul). David: We pretty much sit together while we're on the set. Everyone's a big happy family.

happy_ash_85 : do you have a special quote that you live by? Jess: "Follow your bliss." David: "Why be good when you dream of being great?"

greta104 : David, did you go to college? if so, where? David: I'm currently taking an extention at UCLA. I've kind of held off a little bit becuase the storyline has been a lot of work and I haven't had too much time. I'm taking some writing courses and stuff like that.

itsmedc : Jess: What has been your favorite storyline to date? Jess: There have been so many. I use to say the Rex, John, Jill storyline. When I was playing the two guys against each other. I love the one right now with my son. It is extraodinary...the depth. We've only just scratched the surface. We haven't begun to solve it. There is so much good stuff coming. Jess: We haven't begun to discuss Jill's jealousy about his father. David: I think it's coming up pretty soon, though. Jess: When Jerry comes back.

snowcricket101 : JESS and DAVID ...If there was a breakdown on the Young and the Restless , what other show would you two love to act on? David: If for some random reason Y&R was canceled, I'd probably want to start focusing on features and things like that. Jess: If I had to pick another show, it would be a David Kelly show, like Ally Mcbeal. I'm in love with comedies lately.

ivory134 : David, what is your favorite movie David: I really like Boogie Nights a lot. I'm a big fan of science fiction, so I really liked Aliens. Platoon was really good. David: There's so many! David: I'm a big Robert DeNiro fan. Anything he's in. The Awakening was awesome. he's done incredible stuff!

Eick_Jakiela : Jess, do you like the downward spiral Jill is on? I love your portrayal of Jill, BTW!! Jess: Thank you. When the downward spiral first started happening, I complained constantly about it. But I'm adoring it. Everywhere I turn I keep screwing up. I've never had more fun in my life. It is allowing me to flex my acting muscles. For a long time I was in supporting storylines.

PRECIOUS_1999_2000 : Jess and David why do you think infedelity is okay on soaps? Jess: I don't know that it is. David: I didn't think it was either. Jess: I don't think that it is considered that it is. They show it because it arises in life. People like to watch it. It educates. They may have had the same problem. I don't think they ever said it was right.

Frog4N6 : Have either of you ever visited the Y&R Discussion Board on the internet? You have a lot of fans there! Jess: My husband visits there all the time for me. I'm afraid to go there in case somebody has something really bad to say about me, and I get depressed. David: I'd like to go there, but I broke my modem accidentally. I gotta go get another modem!

justicegirl_97 : Do you ever feel strange that people are so interested in your lives and ask all sorts of questions? Jess: What a great question! Jess: I'm so use to it after all these years. When I first got on I couldn't believe anyone would be interested. That must be your experience now David. David: I'm taking it in stride. It's definitely new to me. David: I think it's kind of exciting. Jess: I just want to say, I'm just like you. It still feels strange. David: I'm still really new to it, so I haven't made an exact opinion on it yet.

abercrombie_chick2315 : are you both good at remembering your lines or do you look at que cards alot? Jess: I get cue cards printed up just in case I might blow a scene. I hardly use them, but I like them as a safety blanket. David: I don't have them printed up.

itsmedc : Jess: What conniving things can we look forward to with your character? Jess: I'm too busy treading water to stay alive to connive right now. I'm in a survival mod right now.

Ms_Sexy4ya : what do you like most about working with each other Jess: I like our sense of connection. David: Yeah. The attitude towards each other is real respectful Jess: I just like how similiarly we seem to approach it. David: It's an awesome connection, it really is Jess: You are so deadly serious about it and so am I. I love that.

honorurspirit1_99 : Jess,what would u do w/ your actress (jill) if u could write her script? Jess: Make her queen of the world. Have everyone bow to her will. Have all men want me. David: Puh-leez. David: LOL. Jess: I would make Victor my lackey, because he has been so mean to me.

sam_speck87 : David, how old were you when you realized you wanted to go into the acting career? David: I knew I wanted to be an actor when I was 10 or 11.

Zena5151 : Jess, how do you keep your school-girl figure? Jess: How sweet you are. Jess: Since I've been working five days a week, I don't eat very much. Overall it is the walking and the swimming. And this great book, Sugar Busters really worked for me.

j_dubb103 : Who was your inspiration? David: Robert DeNiro. he's one of the few masters of the craft, I think. He inspires me. I would love to be just like him. Jess: Marlon Brando was my first inspiration. In the later years, Daniel Day Lewis comes to mind. He is so intense. I just remember it and all of sudden, everything goes out of my mind, but what is happening now. Isn't that odd?

Jess: We love you guys! Keep watching, as far as I'm concerned, I've never seen so much stuff getting ready to roll on out! David: Thank you for letting me answer your questions! There's going to be some very interesting things happening. Goodnight!