return a secret. Genius. How hard was that? I knew something was up considering how press shy you are, and yet you went on a media tour announcing you weren’t coming back to ONE LIFE. Nicely played, sir!
It was easy. I just had to give non-denial denials. Nothing was pre-designed. They just said, “Don’t tell anybody.” That was as covert as it got.
Do you wish you could have stayed until the finale — or do you think it worked out the way it was supposed to?
I think it worked out the way it was supposed to. I got out at just the right time for myself and my family.
Victor being bound and gagged by a woman (again) — how perfect is that?
Well, he's no stranger to that. He must enjoy it. He allowed himself to be raped by Margaret Cochran, if you want to call it rape. I guess he’s into bondage.
Were you honoured to be in the show’s final shot?
Well, I’d like to think it had something to do with me but I’ve always maintained that it’s the writing that keeps an audience’s interest. It’s the writing that made people want Victor alive. I did a decent job with it, though.
Are you happy your character turned out to be Victor — not a rapist/murderer? It redeems Victor (and explains a lot) in many ways, especially the unforgivable and controversial rapemance between Todd and Marty.
No, who wants to play a redeeming character? Not me. I’d much rather be the rapist/murder. It’s far more interesting. There’s nothing more boring than a likable character. That’s one of the factors as to why the show was cancelled. I kept hearing from other actors how the powers that be were trying to make their characters likable. That’s the death knell for any character and any show.
How did you react when you learned you were Victor, not Todd? And named after the show’s original patriarch?
I said, “OK, great. I’m Victor.” My interest was piqued. At least it was something new. I had no reaction to the name. I didn’t even know who Victor Lord was, to be honest.
How did you feel about Irene describing Vic as “special?” What did that mean?
I had no feeling about it at all. You’d have to ask Ron Carlivati about what it actually meant. I made the choice that I was really good at long division.
Are you submitting yourself for a Daytime Emmy Award this year as Outstanding Lead Actor? You have nothing to lose; plus, there are fewer shows/and ONE LIFE got a lot of buzz with The Two Todds story.
I didn’t know the Daytime Emmys still existed. I thought the whole thing got canned. So I guess my answer is no.
Did you watch the final show? Thoughts?
I didn’t. Sorry.
[Slightly Joking] Who does Todd love more? Téa or John?
Well, of the two, John. After all, it was thoughts of John that brought Victor back from the precipice of death after being beaten by Cole. So at that time, Todd/Victor was in love with John. But FBI agent Ramsey is Todd/Victor's one true undying love.
Thoughts on Téa having Vic's kid?
Good for Victor. His boys can swim!!
Who is Victor’s favourite child?
I think he found Starr the sexiest.
Is Vic/Todd your fave role so far?
I guess so. Mostly because it’s the one I know the best. You really get to feel comfortable with a character over eight years.
Why do you think ONE LIFE has always been the ugly stepchild of daytime — yet the ultimate underdog, which ultimately defies the odds constantly?
I think it had a reputation for being the most corny of the three. Too bad we didn’t try harder to do away with that reputation. We would have kept defying the odds if we had.
Final thoughts, in hindsight, on your accidental visit to the world of soaps?
I feel really grateful to have done it. I was fortunate to have the work and to make the good friends and work with the great colleagues I did.
Do you share Victor's penchant for snark? Do you miss his sense of humour?
Sure, I can be a jackass just like everybody else. That’s interesting, I didn’t think Victor had much of a sense of humour.
Um, he makes me laugh more than anyone on soaps! Rumours abound you may be joining GH. Would you consider?
Yes. I’d give it consideration.
What’s next for you? How’s L.A.?
Got a film coming out in April here in L.A. and other major cities called IN THE FAMILY. Check it out. L.A. is fine. It ain’t New York but I really can’t complain. It’s January 19th and 70 degrees outside!
And, on behalf of your fans, you are missed and we can’t wait to see you on our screens again! Break an appendage out there.