can laugh about it now, because if you had interviewed me a few months ago, Oh my goodness! [Laughs]
Jill’s on the back burner. How are you playing where Jill’s heart is at with Colin? Because clearly it’s not on the page.
She’s totally in love with Colin.
Poor Jill.
Well, that’s what I think the character is feeling — and as an actress, I have to be true to it. I’m not interested in flirting with other men on the show. It’s been even written that Jill should be flirting but I soft-pedal it because I can’t go against that love. I can’t negate Jill’s love for Colin. I think Colin is the greatest love I’ve ever played on that show. Jill did really love Rex Sterling, believe it or not. Were you even born then?
Yes! Quinn Redeker, baby!
He was married to Katherine, who was replaced with an imposter. He fell out of love with the imposter and fell in love with Jill….but anyway, it doesn’t matter because Colin is the love of Jill’s life. And let me tell you: Jill is not going to get over him quickly. This love wasn’t a small thing. This is where it gets tricky, Nelson: When you’re playing a character for 26 years, and you have different writers come in and out, you still have to stay loyal to the soul and history of the character. Yet, you’re not the writer, but yet I’m bound to play this story the way they want. It’s very difficult sometimes.
One element of this story that I appreciated was the comedy aspect because I think you’re an amazing comedic actress, even though I don’t think you get enough credit for that.
Well, thank you.
What was it like working with two GH superstars, Genie Francis and Tristan? I think that’s one of the reasons you also gained a new fan base because I know a lot of GH fans came to Y&R to check out “Laura” and “Scorpio.”
It was their storyline… and I was just the catalyst.
[In my best Maggie Smith voice] I disagree with that, Lady Walton!
Genie and Tristan were brought in to be a couple, and I was just the foil. I loved working with Genie! I just love that woman. I loved the comedy that ensued when Gen found out Jill and Colin made love on her desk and she had to sterilize her desk. God, I thought I was going to die, it was so funny! I just can’t get enough working with Genie and Tristan. I mean, they’re daytime icons, so it was a privilege to work with Genie and Tristan. That’s the upside with having an influx of actors from other soaps on your show. We’re getting the best of the best.
And they get to work with the bestest, too! What did you think of Jill’s paternity retcon? Personally, I hated it.
It never felt real, and it’s been dropped, so it still doesn’t feel real. I loved working with Tracy, though. I like the fact that her new family ties make for fun holidays with the Baldwins, Gloria and Jill in the same room! [Laughs] But you’re right; I still think of myself as Jill Abbott because that was her name for so long. It’s been an adjustment… I have to remind myself I’m Jill Fenmore. It’s weird that Jill owns half of Fenmores — and fought for her stake — when she’s working at Jabot.
Are you submitting herself for the Emmys this year? You had some kick-ass stuff, especially with Cane’s death.
No! I’m done. I’ve told you that before.
I know, but I’m a dog with an Emmy, er bone!
I have my two Emmys and that’s good for me. One for supporting and one for lead… that’s all I wanted.
Don’t you want a Younger Actress Emmy?
Yes! [Laughs] Wouldn’t it be great if they accidentally did that.
Knowing NATAS, you never know — it could happen! [Laughs] Your contract is up. You staying or leaving?
I’m not sure. I’m not sure.
You’re going to re-sign; do you hear me?!
IDIOT RATINGS: January 23-27
Winner/Loser: B&B Surges; Y&R slips a bit!
Total Viewers
1. Y&R 4,963,000 (-98,000/-292,000)
2. B&B 3,626,000 (+155,000/+407,000) *three-year high
3. DAYS 2,539,000 (+11,000/-247,000)
4. GH 2,300,000 (+91,000/-387,000)
* Highest since February 2-6, 2009 (3,688,000)
Households
1. Y&R 3.6/11 (-.1/-.1)
2. B&B 2.6/8 (+.1/+.3) *two-year high
3. DAYS 1.9/6 (same/-.1)
4. GH 1.7/5 (+.1/-.3)
* Highest since January 4-8, 2010 (2.6/8)
Women 18-49 Viewers
1. Y&R 958,000 (-2,000/-74,000)
2. B&B 801,000 (+104,000/+176,000) *two-year high
3. GH 592,000 (+62,000/-189,000)
4. DAYS 531,000 (-66,000/-223,000)
* Highest since January 25-29, 2010 (806,000)
Women 18-49 Rating
1. Y&R 1.5/9 (same/-.1)
2. B&B 1.3/8 (+.2/+.4) *three-year high
3. GH 0.9/5 (+.1/-.3)
4. DAYS 0.8/5 (-.1/-.3) **ties low