What is the last gift that you bought
yourself?
A very pretty tan purse.
Who would you most like to meet?
God.
What is the most important thing that you’ve
learned from your mother?
Never build your happiness on someone else’s sorrow.
What’s the last song you’ve caught yourself
singing in the shower?
I took a Louisville slugger to both headlights, slashed a hole in
all four tires, and maybe next time he’ll think – “Before He Cheats”
Who makes you laugh?
Catherine Hickland (Lindsay) and all of my friends, my husband,
and first and foremost, my son, Phips.
What was your favorite television show when
you were a kid?
THE MILTON BERLE SHOW and also THE MONKEES – Peter Tork was my
favorite.
-Soaps In Depth, July 31, 2007-
How refreshing is it to actually see Hillary onscreen more and more each week? While she has yet to receive that long overdue, front-burner story, Nora’s character is finally involved once again and smack in the middle of OLTL’s mainstream. As I’ve watched Hillary interact onscreen with numerous actors – some of whom she’s shared very little screen time with in recent past – these moments have proven fascinating and compelling to watch. I see visions of the quintessential Nora who first stepped foot into Llanview back in 1992. This spitfire of a woman who once rebuffed romance, only to later embrace her humanness and love so fully and completely, has reemerged once again and reclaimed her place in the thick of Llanview’s action. Yet there is something decidedly different about this incarnation of the character. Perhaps it is all that transpired off-screen last year, perhaps it is reflective of better writing, or maybe a combination of both. As I now watch Hillary effortlessly slip into this character, I truly feel that the Nora I am viewing is the character that won fans’ hearts some fifteen years ago. Yet she is better for wear this time around – stronger, feistier, more determinate. She is bolder and wiser and sexier – yet tempered by love for her son and the acquired skill to stop every now and then, smell the roses, and express gratitude for the gift of another moment of life. Nora has emerged from her cocoon and as this metamorphosis unfolds a bit each day, Llanview feels more like home again. Nora is positively and without a doubt blossoming and coming full circle in life – and it’s about time.
I’ve said in previous columns that I believed in the element of fate. I recall stating that If Hillary was meant to leave OLTL last December, then that was her destiny. I also said that if fans’ cries were heard and should Hillary opt to stay, that we would not be disappointed because she would garner the treatment and respect she so richly deserves. While it has taken longer than we would like, I believe things are finally on an uphill climb. Nora is experiencing a complete rebirth right before our very eyes, yet one that is returning her character back to her roots and restoring those qualities that are essential to her development and longevity. Better still, all of this is occurring as OLTL’s new Head Writer has just assumed the reins, which means we can expect this to continue at a steady and accelerated pace. I must confess that I’m indifferent to many of the characters on OLTL’s current canvas, particularly the ones brought on within the past few years. That aside, Hillary unquestionably brings out the best in her peers each and every time. Her commanding screen presence and flawless execution of material demand that all sharing scenes with her put forth their most stellar work. So as Nora’s character is finally more involved on a daily basis, I’m thoroughly enjoying her interaction with actors whose characters have not impressed me and whom I would normally fast-forward. I truly believe this is a positive sign that Nora’s character is resurging and steadily working her way back to the front-burner. I am also convinced that Hillary will indeed receive that long overdue, “meaty” storyline which fans have been fighting for in her honor.
Perhaps one of the most significant changes consists of Nora’s reentry into the legal realm. How wonderful is it to see Hillary execute those courtroom scenes? Though we are treated to morsels here and there, it is absolutely refreshing to see Nora actually command the office of DA and assume the role of prosecutor. I must admit that I do not miss Nora’s days of being a defense attorney in the least. While the storyline material was compelling and Emmy-winning, I enjoy seeing Nora on the other side of the law and upholding justice on a widespread scale. Though seemingly familiar, it is new territory for her and only adds to the endless possibilities in terms of future story. When Nora first burst onto the scene, her character became immediately defined by strong ethics and principles, many of which were influenced via her connection to the legal arena. So in my opinion, it is wonderful to watch Nora sit on opposite ends of the legal spectrum since it reflects not only her growth, but provides Hillary with another dimension of the character to cultivate and explore. While each of us would give anything to turn back the clock and erase how Nora’s character was once minimized, our time and energy is better served by savoring the moment and moving forward. I believe our continued cohesion and outspokenness, coupled with a Head Writer who is vested in the show and its actors, will have made biding our time most worthwhile. In fact, I have a hunch that Nora’s best and most defining moments are just waiting to be penned.
One of the most interesting developments yet to unfold may indeed involve Nora’s love life. While all of us agree that Nora needs romance back in her world, fans remain split on whether they wish to see her rekindle old flames or find love with someone new. I still find myself emotionally attached to Bo and Nora as a couple, and the history they share is just ripe with unlimited story. I also find myself interested in the prospect of a Clint/Nora pairing, if only because of the ripple effect it would create for Nora’s character and other major players on the canvas. Honestly, I also believe the chemistry between Hillary and Jerry verDorn is off the charts, and that pairing their characters could pave the way for a Bo/Nora reunion and endless offshoots of story for Nora’s character. My greatest hope is that whoever wins Nora’s heart – whether it is Bo, Clint, or someone new – proves deserving of her affection. While Nora is years overdue for a rich love story, I wish to see a tale that is told with maturity, dignity and grace. I want all the bells and whistles, and if Bo and Nora are to reconnect, there should be dancing, dining, wooing and good, old-fashioned romance. The man who captures Nora’s heart must prove worthy of her, and this is where good writing shall be put to the test because fans will be scrutinizing every single detail. Our new Head Writer most certainly has his work cut out for him in this regard, but I would rather he take a bit more time to cultivate a rich love story for Nora, than merely creating something half fleshed out just to satisfy our hungry palates. Shall Bo reclaim Nora’s heart, or will she find herself drawn to someone else on the canvas? Will a figure from the past or a brand new mystery man sweep Nora off her feet? Time will tell, but in either case, my only desire is that the best man wins.
While much has yet to be scripted in terms of Nora’s character, there is one thing of which I am certain. Whatever unfolds regarding Nora’s upcoming story will unequivocally be influenced by Lindsay. I recall Hillary discussing the Nora/Lindsay rivalry in the first interview she gave with SID shortly after re-signing with OLTL. She stated that the rivalry would be revived, but with “a slightly different twist”, and this has me most curious and enthusiastic. I do maintain that the deep off-screen bond that Hillary and Cat Hickland share simply turns to magic whenever their characters face off onscreen. While I’m indifferent to these two women standing at opposite ends of a love triangle, I’m very interested to see where Carlivati takes this rivalry. I also believe that how Nora has grown in light of what her character recently endured will directly impact how this contention is played out and refueled. It’s most probable that a man shall stand at the center of their sparring – as one always does – but perhaps this will unfold in a very different manner than in times past. Either way, the impact that Lindsay’s character has on Nora is magnanimous, because she truly is the perfect foil. The conflict that Lindsay can create for Nora’s character is unmatched, and I have a hunch that our new Head Writer will carve out this rivalry in a way that is fresh, edgy and appealing. When I reflect upon how these two characters were so deeply intertwined – and recall the joint appearance Hillary and Cat made on ABC’s The View in order to discuss their characters’ relationship – I am reminded this was unprecedented for daytime. So as we sit back, enjoy the ride, and watch Nora’s destiny unfold, rest assured that it will be one chock full of twists, turns and conflict. Honestly, in light of all that’s transpired, I simply wouldn’t have it any other way.
Their naturalness with each other, and the relatability fans had with these two characters. They weren’t forced or thrown together. Their relationship developed out of their work together. It happened in spite of them. And there was a lot of respect and fun. They weren’t your typical soap couple.
Is Eddie Alderson (Matthew) as adorable to work with as he appears on-screen? – Cindy P, via e-mail
No. He’s a brat. I don’t like him at all (laughs). Yes! The reason he got the job is because all of us went upstairs and said, “Why don’t you just hire Eddie? He’s here. We know him. We love him. And he is Matthew.” That’s how he got the job. He’s been offered other things. He won’t take them. He said, ‘No, I have a job.’ He’s very loyal. He’s been great. I know that some fans are like, “I can’t stand the kid being a busybody,” but I love it. I love the fact that this kid has been through a hell of a lot and has decided he wants his dad and mom together. He’s being creative.
Have you ever wanted to explore the darker side of Nora? – Laura Hinsley, Port Washington, NY.
Didn’t we do that? We had her deal with Colin and start to go there. She was very attracted to Colin, which is why Troy was so hard for her to resist. I’m not really interested in the darker side of people, to be perfectly honest. I think what’s more interesting is watching people struggle with the dark side and come out on the light side. Lindsay is the one that has that struggle with the dark side. I think Nora’s struggle with the dark side is struggling with Lindsay (laughs). She brings out the dark side in her.
What is one thing that you do that would surprise people? Do you read trashy romance novels while soaking in the tub, or eat Chunky Monkey ice cream at two in the morning? Don’t be shy, own it! – Lynn Ferguson
“Don’t be shy, own it.” That’s so funny. People would be surprised by a lot of things I do. I play sports. I’m very competitive and athletic. I love to iron. I do! I iron my sheets. With my little phone and my headphones, I make my business calls and iron. I do all of my housework while I’m on the phone. Oh! Cards. Everyone knows I play games. Card games. Crazy eights, Scrabble, backgammon.
What is your favorite thing to do when you are not acting? – Denise K., Little Rock, AK
I’m doing it right now – I’m with my family. My daughter just came home. I play tennis, golf, hang out in the water.
I used to love when Bo and Nora would dance on the show. Do you dance or sing in real life? – Jennifer Tilly, Atlanta
Yeah. I love to dance. I used to do nothing but musicals when I first came to New York. I actually started singing when I was at Sarah Lawrence and I realized I had to sing in order to do theater. It really bummed me out because I’d been told all my life that I couldn’t sing. I took ballroom dancing lessons from the age of 7 on. That’s what we did every Wednesday night. And I made my children do it, too. On the show, all I have to do is follow Woods (Robert S. Woods, who plays Bo). It’s nice because he used to teach ballroom. However, I have taught him a couple of moves.
Would you like your character to pair up with Bo, Daniel or stay alone? – Hana Alvarez, Bronx, NY.
Yes, yes, and yes. I think she’s doing all three, which is great. It’s wonderful to have the diversity. You’re going to see all three of these things going on for a while. I hope they don’t forget that Daniel was a jerk. He was a pain in the…he was a pill. We don’t want him to lose his edge and lose that place where Bo is like, ‘Argh! I can’t believe she’s with this guy!’
What is your favorite movie? And what is the best aspect of your friendship with Catherine Hickland (Lindsay)? – Karen Yates, Bartlett, TN.
Moulin Rouge is one of my favorites. It was so well-done, so brilliant, so interestingly conceived and executed. The best aspect…she makes me laugh and she laughs at me. We think we’re funny (laughs). She makes me feel pretty and I make her feel pretty because we tell each other how pretty we are. She’s real honest. My kids love her, and she loves my kids. She’s got a big heart.
