I simply cannot believe the positive transformation OLTL has undergone in a few months’ time. While the show remains a work in progress – and while momentum has stalled a bit during the WGA strike – I couldn’t be more pleased with where Nora’s character is positioned on the canvas and how frequently Hillary has been featured. I’ve learned many lessons as a longtime soap viewer, and one of those is as follows. Not even the most insightful and talented Head Writer will please every fan base all of the time. So while cyberspace is flooded with a mix of criticism and adulation for Ron Carlivati, I challenge every Nora fan to reflect upon this time one year ago, when the most Hillary’s fans could hope for was a fleeting glimpse of her lying in a hospital bed and producing respirator breathing sounds for the viewing audience. I maintain that Carlivati has worked very diligently to reestablish Nora’s integrity and provide Hillary with meaningful dialogue, and I believe the strides OLTL has made since he assumed the Head Writer’s position have outweighed any negative impact inflicted by the ongoing writers’ strike.
If I wasn’t sold on Nora and Clint prior to this point, I certainly am now. It’s a matter of personal preference, and what makes “soapdom” such an exciting realm is that different fans cultivate different viewing preferences, especially when it comes to pairings. I’ve never been a staunch proponent of exclusive pairings, because the day of the “supercouple” has long since passed. Honestly, this saddens me to a great degree. I believe that one of the catalysts for the decline in soaps’ popularity consists of the fact that the network shifted from romance to shock value television, which alienated hundreds of thousands of viewers over the course of many years. Furthermore, fans that were promised a reunion of their favorite pairings were repeatedly disappointed as these reunions failed to materialize and represented casualties in ever-changing writing regimes and complex corporate agendas. This, in turn, alienated even more diehard viewers. So in one sense, the network may certainly be held accountable for contributing to the decline of its daytime dramas. On the other hand, networks that once created a very lucrative product in terms of the daytime medium are now unable to compete with cable television, Internet programming, and DVR technology. Add this to an overhaul in viewing patterns as established by a strong female workforce, and the network truly is as much a victim in the decline of the daytime medium as it is an offender. So while the reasons for a shift in daytime programming are complex and varied, we, as fans, have two options. We can either shun the medium entirely, or continue to find solace and pluck enjoyment from a venue that is fighting for survival.
I found no contentment in watching Nora be minimized and wondering whether Hillary would actually leave OLTL in both 2005 and 2006. So to see her character laugh, smile, cry, wince, kiss, banter and actually FEEL again is pure heaven for me. There is something very different about Nora’s involvement with Clint that I find refreshing. Quite honestly, if I had to sum it up in just one word, I would describe their connection as “sweet.” And no, by “sweet” I don’t mean syrupy or adolescent or devoid of substance. I truly observe a genuine sweetness and naturalness to their budding relationship, and it simply feels right to me. Perhaps the most wonderful aspect of their relationship is that it was nurtured slowly and based upon years of friendship. I simply think the chemistry between Hillary and Jerry verDorn is off the charts, and judging by their popularity on numerous soap message boards, as well as by the feedback Hillary received from fans when she was interviewed on “Buzzworthy Radio” last month, many viewers share my opinion. Perhaps it is because Nora has endured so much heartbreak and risen above one failed romance after another, or maybe it is because I’ve opened my heart and mind up to infinite possibilities since Ron Carlivati assumed the top slot. In either case, I find Nora’s relationship with Clint endearing, fresh and a wonderful prototype for how adult romance should be presented within the daytime realm.
Nora recently addressed something with Clint that broadened my perspective even further. Prior to the infamous “food fight,” Nora and Clint were chatting at the Palace Hotel, and Nora acknowledged both her trust issues concerning men and her “track record” in terms of past relationships. Nora also told Clint that she felt very comfortable with him, and stated that she felt more “herself” when with him than she recalled feeling in a very long time. I genuinely believe that this is the key to why Nora and Clint are appealing to so many viewers, and also why a great number of fans find their connection both intriguing and invigorating. Nora finally feels comfortable in her own skin again, after having her entire world turned upside down…and Clint is a huge part of her newfound transformation and reinvention. He has accepted her for the smart, witty and beautiful woman who stands before him, and has expected nothing in return except for honest emotion. Clint has listened when others wouldn’t, embraced her when no one else cared to take the time, and refused to judge her based upon past blunders or personal shortcomings. So I submit there is a great deal more to their relationship than simply pairing Nora with Clint because it’s convenient, or doing so because he is Bo’s brother. Their connection is electric, links every major character together, and possesses a spiritual basis that has been lacking on OLTL for quite some time, especially in relation to veteran actors and their characters.
I shall be the first to admit that the Clint/Nora/Bo/Lindsay food fight was a bit “over the top.” Yet as I was watching events unfold and laughing every step of the way, I was reminded of something Hillary once told Wally Kurth during an interview for SOAPnet’s now defunct series, “One Day With…” Wally and Hillary were chatting onscreen, and he posed the following question. He asked if there was ever a moment when Hillary struggled and questioned whether or not what was written for her character was something that Nora would actually do. Hillary responded and said that it isn’t the event per se, but it’s what the event brings out in the character that’s significant. I’ve kept these words close and frequently reflect upon them, because they’ve enabled me to weather the rollercoaster ride that we have endured throughout the years. So while the food fight may have seemed a bit silly or juvenile, I reflected on Hillary’s insight and walked away from those scenes with a fresh perspective. That specific interaction rekindled the Nora/Lindsay rivalry, created numerous offshoots of story in relation to how all four characters shall be further impacted, and raised the stakes as Nora swore to “out” Lindsay for faking her breakdown. True, OLTL is far from perfect and still in need of substantial improvement. Yet I take great comfort in knowing that Nora’s character is emerging as a force to be reckoned with as Ron Carlivati continues imparting his vision into the rebuilding process.
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
~ YAHOO CHAT ~
Hillary:
Hi! I'm thrilled to be here tonight at Yahoo
merm1 asks: Is georgie coming back? I heard a
rumor that the show wanted her back? How could she come back other
than a ghost?
Hillary: I can't imagine.
bnlin23 asks: What would you like to see happen
with Bo and Nora?
Hillary: Well, Nora would like everything to be
just the way it was in the begging, and Hillary would like to see
them break up and try to live without each other and realize they
can't, and date all over again.
Hillary: Probably before the dancing, a lot of
the looks, the dating...golf, tennis, remember those?
bnlin23 asks: What did you think of Nora sleeping
with Sam?
Hillary: I thought that if it had happened last
spring, it would have been a great twist, but I was not a fan of
how it happened in the fall.
Marty2634 asks: Hello Hillary, How are you
similar and different than your character "Nora" in real life?
Hillary: Nora is smarter than Hillary
Hillary: Hillary is funnier than Nora
Hillary: They're a lot alike except for Nora is
smarter. Nora is prettier than Hillary. Hillary is more natural.
Nora is heaver than Hillary. And Hillary's younger than Nora.
Hillary: And that's the truth!
bnlin23 asks: Which actors do you miss working
with?
Hillary: Benjamin Hendricksen from ATWT, Larry
Bryggman from ATWT. I miss John Laprino's presence in the
building. Crystal Chappell, Jennifer Bransford, who played Georgie...
I miss Scott Holmes, working with him on ATWT. That was just
sidesplitting hysterical fun.
Hillary: I don't work with many other actors, so
I miss just about eveyone on OLTL!
Hillary: I miss Gene Wilder, Alec Baldwin, Kim
Zimmer from The Doctors
pendley74 asks: Will the baby be Bo's?
Hillary: Nora doesn't think it can be Bo's, and
Hillary knows it can be. I don't know. What do you think?
ClaudineHBS asks: I met you in August on a studio
tour..you are the sweetest!!! do you ever get tired of the fan
adoration? You are the best!! :)
Hillary: I got your present at Super Soap weekend
and I really appreciate your support to Nora. I've had the best
time meeting everyone in the fanclub that HBSROCKS started, and I
was touched and thrilled to meet Christine and Claudia and Angela
and the whole gang.
Hillary: Theyr're a great group of people.
kathy217 asks: Hi Hillary, I have always wondered
how Todd could have been pardoned by the Gov of Pennsylvania for
stalking Nora in NJ? Did I miss something?
Hillary: Yeah, we all did!
Hillary: It amazes me. But that wasn't what he
was pardoned for -- he was pardoned for the rape. I never pressed
charges. He had escaped from prison and he was serving time when
he escaped and stalked me. Somehow, I never pressed charges. I
don't know why.
Hillary: He went back to prison to serve the rape
time and that's what he was pardoned for. So it was accurate that
the Pennsylvania governer pardoned him, but it was inappropriate.
SME_AR asks: Hi Hillary! First, allow me to
gush....You are one of my all-time favorite actresses. In my book,
you are right up there with Hepburn, Loy, & Lombard. My questions:
Is there any movie or theater role that you would like to play? Is
there any storyline that you would like a chance to tackle in
daytime?
Hillary: Well, there's always play and theater
roles I'd love to play. That's what actors do, they're chameleons.
They like to play different roles, no matter how big or small, as
long as they're challenging.
Hillary: I'd like to do an alcoholic storyline.
Nora was brought on as a person who has trouble with drink, and
I'd like to go and explore that.
Hillary: I'd like to have to do a court case with
a debility, either have her blind again or drunk, fighting against
something. That's the intersting thing, to see the challenge and
someone rising above it.
bnlin23 asks: What do you like to do in your
spare time?
Hillary: I'd like to have spare time in my spare
time!
Hillary: I don't have any spare time. I had two
days off today and didn't get off till teusday night. I didn't get
home from Florida till 1 am, and I had to get up at 6. Slept in my
dressing room Monday night. Today I was unpacking from Super Soap,
and trying to get my computer fixed for the kids, and tomorrow I'm
grocery shopping.... Hillary: I have family coming down for
Thanksgiving, and thankfully they know better than to ask me to do
the turkey! I do Christmas Eve. I make an awesome Christmas Eve
dinner.
Mary316 asks: Hi Hilliary. What is it like
working with Bob Woods?
Hillary: It's as much fun as it looks like it is,
only it's more so because I actually get to touch and kiss him. Ha
ha!
Marleysfan asks: How many hours do you spend at
the studio?
Hillary:
It varies each day. Entirely too many, how about that? Especially
now with the lockout. We spend all day taping - we've eliminated
blocking. We start at 9:30 and keep going till manaement
collapses. I don't think we've completed a full show. We're
falling behind, but we were way ahead.
TunaFisch asks: if she weren't an actress what
would she like to be doing?
Hillary: I'd like to be in interior design -
architecture, structure, that kind of thing. There's so many
things I'd love to do. I want to teach. People have asked me to
give seminars in auditioning and I've wanted to that. I'd like to
be a breakdown writer for soaps.
Hillary: I think I could do it, but it's always
said from the person who's not doing it!
Hillary: If it all ended tomorrow, I'd like to
take some time off, watch all the soaps and consult.
RedHawk21 asks: I would first like to say that
I'm a big fan of you and the show. My question is when you started
out in the acting field, who were your major influences?
Hillary: Angela Lansbury, Bette Davis, Meryl
Streep -- I used to watch her for her technique. I learned the
difference watching her between a technical and an intuitive
actress.
reorules asks: i am so happy to see a fortysomething mom to be it
is so awesome....more power to you and dont loose the baby those
story lines are cruel....this pregnancy will turn out???? right???
Hillary: Right! It'll turn out to be something...
kurLz42 asks: Did you find it hard to believe
that your character actually thought she could get pregnant with
just one shot at it considering her fertility problems? Also I've
had three children and I am pretty sure you can't get too much out
of a sonogram when you are one to two weeks pregnant
Hillary: Well, what does that tell you? If I was
1-2 weeks pregnant, then maybe I'm not one to two weeks
pregnant...
Hillary: In real life, I had a sonogram when I
was 2 weeks pregnant, to see if I was actually pregnant.
Hillary: What would you think if it was Sam's
baby?
Sandiwoods asks: We've all heard about Bob Woods
and his practical jokes. Have you ever been the recipient of one
of these jokes?
Hillary: Yes.
Hillary: (laughs)
Hillary: I have told many of the stories on
myself, and I just find that I don't think I need to tell any
more! Yes, most of these things lose something in the translation,
but I have been the brunt of many. And I like it more when he
nudges me and I watch someone else fall victim!
Hillary: One joke he set up for someone else, and
I fell into it, and he apologized. I was walking around with
toilet paper on my shoes!
griselda_j asks: First off, I must say Nora is
one of my favorite characters... when my husband and I first
started watching, he was convinced Nora and I are twins... he's
not QUITE as sure now, but... :) Anyway, have they made any
decision about bringing in a new head writer? And has the writing
changed any since Pam Long left - or is it too soon to know?
Hillary: The writing has changed incredibly since
Pam Long left. The quality is more thoughtful, more deep. Becuse
we're trying to unravel a lot of the problems we got into, one of
them being this pregnancy and the ramifications, and the fact that
sonograms were happening at 2 weeks.
Hillary: That happened because the storyline was
rushed into.
Hillary: In the last week, we've seen the scripts
from after Pam left, and what we're doing is slowing things down
and trying to unravel and find a place that's palatable yet
exciting for everyone.
Hillary: The writers are the same breakdown
writers -- we lost some, couldn't get them back, but rather than
bring on a whole new team Jill is working with the writers we
have, who are very good. We do need a head writer to map out
longterms stories.
OLTLfan_98 asks: Have they recast the role of
rachel?
Hillary:
no, not yet
edwinh_81 asks: What do you think of Bo and
Nora's wedding to be re-aired on Thanksgiving Day?
Hillary: Thrilled! I was so honored! I thought
that was pretty exciting. Usually it's the person who's been on 5
minutes, but I guess I'm a vet on the show now, and I think it's
nice and good that they're rerunning the wedding while we're about
to break up (or whatever's going to happen).
Hillary: It's been very interesting this year -
they started with the Georgie storyline, which was Pam Long, who
told a wonderful story. That was Woodw carryign that. He did some
wonderful work. Then through the rest of the story it was great...
and then you could feel the bottom coming out of the story,
thinking, where's it going? At that point I got an offer to do
another show, and I said I was going to stay because I didn't want
to walk out when I was working.
Hillary: Then I stopped working, and they went
off on the Todd thing, and it became about him running away and it
kind of unraveled, and they put Sam with Blair and Bo and Nora to
the back burner
Hillary: Then they realized it wasn't helping the
ratings, so they wanted to get Bo and Nora back in the front
burner, so Pam said "let's have Nora sleep with Sam."
Hillary: Jill, god bless her, worked her butt off
tyring to find a reason to get us into bed, and we got there. All
of us have been working more -- before Jill, only 3 were on
frontburners. I wasn't the only one in back
Hillary: When Jill came on, more of us were
weaving and dodging in and out of others' stories. It seems like
we're carying more balls, which is what there's supposed to be.
Hillary: That's what this year has been --
everyone's been poking in and out, and sometimes people are
carrying and sometimes they're not. You're seeing Nora and Bo
more, so that's why it feels like they're carrying more.
Sundropt asks: Did strong fan reaction to the
Nora/Sam tryst have anything to do with PL being let go?
Hillary: You know, I don't know for a fact, but
my assumtion is that it had a part, that it really took two
characters that were beloved and put them in positions that
weren't right for the characters. Not that Nora wouldn't have
ended up in bed with Sam -- there were many opportunities.
Hillary: There were some other moments that the
actors were having a hard time trying to understand why we were
doing what they were doing. I think they were smart to cut their
losses before they got in too deep, because it's salvageable now
dyejoy asks: A lot of women in Llandview seem to
had been robbed of their brains. I love Nora but that includes her
too. Any chance for a brain return any time soon?
Hillary: That's part of the reason for the last
question. Look at Tea. A highly competitive, interesting, smart
woman was reduced to spousal abuse and taking it. That's just
ridiculous. We've all had a brainectomy and we'd like to find our
own brains in our heads.
Hillary: But we're there! We've got a great
regime at ABC. Angela Shapiro is terrific. She really knows story,
and she really knows what makes a good story, and Jill is very
good with drama, so I think this is a very exciting time we're
heading into.
Hillary: I'm really excitied about what's
happening. We're in better shape than a lot of shows, and I think
it's because our cast has been through so much in the last 4 years
we know how to take care of ourselves and we're trusted to.
Hillary: Angela and Jill are taking care of us
now.
Marleysfan asks: Who would you most like to have
scenes with that you currently dont?
Hillary: Jim DePaiva. Nathan Purdee.
Hillary: I'm missing out on a friend, and Nora
and Max's relationship is really interesting. I love working with
Billy, he's so out there and so wonderful
Hillary: I get to work with just about everygody.
I don't get to work with Erica much. I don't get to work with
Robin Strasser much at all. We were voted new hot couple and now I
don't get to see her!
ClaudineHBS asks: Would you love to have Michael
Malone back?
Hillary: Of course I would! I think he's
fabulous.
Hillary: He created my character, but I love his
writing
Hillary: I'd like to get the combo of Josh and
Michael together back, because I think that was unbeatable.
gobluegirl asks: How would you rate playing Nora
versus other daytime roles you've played?
Hillary: I love Nora.
Hillary: I got to create Nora. I created Kit, and
I replaced Margo, which was created by a wonderful actress and I
got to re-create her, but I really felt I had explored all of
Margo there was to explore.
Hillary: Nora, I feel there are so many more
places where I need to go with her.
Hillary: I think this is a really exciting time
for the show -- I think the show is starting to take off, and that
it's going to be the crown jewel on the tiara that is ABC. We've
got all the right ingredients.
Sandiwoods asks: I loved the tango scene. The two
of you dance beautifully. My question is...Who is the better
dancer?
Hillary: That's apples and oranges. He's probably
the better dancer. I follow.
Hillary: But I can do just about anything. He
knows more because he did the cotillion stuff. I did dancing
school, but he's got more of a way on his feet than I do. My
center of gravity - I've got these long skinny lengs, and my
center of gravity is way up high, so I don't have the dancer
stance he does. He's the better dancer as far as that goes, and I
follow. I can show a little leg and get away with it!
kathy217 asks: Hillary, did you see Michael
Logan*s comment in TVGuide that with it*s new additiond, OLTL has
the best cast in daytime? I think OLTL already had the best cast
in daytime!
Hillary: Thank you!
griselda_j asks: Hillary, do the producers and
writers pay much attention to what fans on the internet have to
say? I've heard that on some shows, at least, net talk and e-mail
is taken less seriously... would we have more of an impact by
writing hard copy?
Hillary: Internet is very closely monitored, and
it is listened to. Letters are read too. However you wish to put
your viewpoint across it will be lsitened to. (But phone calls
aren't as listened to.)
cjrmall asks: Will they kill off Clint?
Hillary: No. They can't do that.
Hillary: There's no point in doing that. When you
have an actor who is willing to come back for special occasions,
you want to keep the richness and texture of the show.
Hillary: Clint is happy to go back to the ranch
for a while and maybe come back later. He's got a wonderful life
out there, and we'll miss him, but he'll be back
edwinh_81 asks: Is Jill working on bringing
members of Nora's family or bring back favorite characters from
the past?
Hillary: I don't know. I'm not privy to that.
Hillary: Nor should I be!
BigPun68 asks: Ms. Smith, What was is YOUR most
memorable MOMENT?
Hillary: In my life or in Nora's?
Hillary: In my life, I have so many memorable
moments...
Hillary: Starting from my first job, scouting,
first love, marriage, my children being born, to this very moment.
Hillary: All of them fabulously happy and
wonderful.
Hillary: In Nora's life, there are so many as
well... dancing with Woodsy... I think what stands out are the
rape, the trial, that was great. There was another trial where I
had to stall for Antonio, talk about mold spores and doing
ancienct Puerto Rican ritual stories. Dancing with Woods. Love
scenes. The biker bar.
Hillary: I loved the biker bar... all of that. I
can't pick one. There have been too many
DUKEBLUEDEVIL01 asks: DO you get alot of critism
still for sticking up for Powell when the rape happened to MArty
Hillary: No, I didn't get any criticism then!
Hillary: I don't remember that being an issue at
all.
CJS88_98 asks: I want Nora to guest on "The
Practice"
Hillary: Here's a trivia quesiton: Does anyone
remember Camryn Mannehim as being the rabbi who married Bo and
Nora? On Thanksgiving, you should watch!
LayaBuchanan asks: So glad that they updated
Nora's closet! Do you like to wear all those scarves?
Hillary: Yes, I'm a scarf freak. If I have a lot
of plain colored suits, the scarf brightens it. I wear them in my
personal life and I like them. They're all Armani, so I wouldn't
need that.
edwinh_81 asks: What do you Think of Nora with
Max and Bo with Lindsay?
Hillary: Sure! sounds good.
Hillary: I wonder if Cassie would like that.
She's begging for it. She just re-signed, too...
edwinh_81 asks: Do you think you have a chance
for an emmy this year? Your acting was wonderful during the
beginning of the Georgie story!
Hillary: Thank you! I have no idea. I don't
really pay attention to that stuff.
Hillary: I think eveyrone on our show has two
days they can put together to win an Emmy. That's all it takes. It
really comes down to who's nominated and that kind of thing.
Hillary: I'd much rather do a good job for me and
for the viewers than worry about the statue.
intimate_male_31 asks: do you miss working for
the as the world turns ??
Hillary: No.
Hillary: I miss my friends down there
Hillary: It's a completely different feeling on
the set and I miss the fun camraderie and the pace, but I really
love being at ABC. In the best of its times!
Marty2634 asks: Hello Hillary, Is appearing on a
Daytime Soap, good preperation for being on prime time tv or
working in movies?
Hillary: Soap operas are the best training ground
in the world.
CJS88_98 asks: Who is the better kisser -Woods or
Browne?Hillary: I hardly remember kissing Browne because it was so
long ago! My secret.
Attractive_F asks: do you think bo and nora will
ever part?
Hillary: Yes.
Hillary: If bo finds out I slept with Sam, it's
pretty much over.
Sundropt asks: Do you think, since both Nora and
Jess are pregant, that we'll get another baby switch story?
Hillary: I don't know...
Hillary: Everyone's been asking me that. I'm sure
it's entered their minds! Whether they'll do it, I don't know.
Hillary: It's the Rappaport sperm, running amock!
edwinh_81 asks: Do you see the ABC stirke ending
soon?
Hillary: I don't know. I hope so.
Hillary: It's a lockout. It's up to ABC.
jazzkitte asks: will Cord ever come back?
Hillary: Wouldn't that be fun?
Jazz25_98 asks: Is Todd a really good guy in real
life?
Hillary: Yes. Very much.
Marty2634 asks: Hillary, Which actors or
actresses on daytime, Do you most admire?
Hillary: For their work -- eliminate anyone on
our show so I don't offend anyone! I love Tony Geary's work.
Justin Deas -- he's probalby one of the best actors I've ever
woked with. I feel like calling GL and coming on just to work with
him again!
Hillary: Larry Bryggman is phenomenal. I admire
Michael Knight, I love watching his work when he's inspired. When
anyone's inspired their work is more interesting.
Hillary: I think Brad Hall has been doing
incredible stuff, I've been having fun watching him. Erica Slezak,
I like watching her work. There's so many people for so many
different reasons that I get enthralled and go, wow, that's great
stuff.
Hillary: Cynthia Watros, I loved her reel so
much. Kim Zimmer has the ability to do so much. There are bits and
pieces of everyone I admire.
griselda_j asks: I just recently saw you in "Love
Potion Number 9" - was that a lot of fun to do? What was it like
working with Sandra Bullock and Tate Donovan?
Hillary: I worked mostly with Sandra and I had
the best time. She and I were naughty together -- we had a great
time. There's a person who deserves every bit of success that's
come her way.
edwinh_81 asks: Would you have rather seen
Georgie live and terrorize everyone's lives or are you glad she's
dead?
Hillary: I would have liked to see her live a
little longer.
edwinh_81 asks: Do you think Fiona Hitchison
might return to OLTL now that she's left GL?
Hillary: Who Knows?
scottlindsley asks: Hillary, Not that politics is
the "big" thing on everyone's mind, But can we figure out a way to
resolve the problems without constant fighting and bickering by
our representatives?
Hillary: Which representatives are we talking
about? :)
Attractive_F asks: So could you ever really see
yourself pregnant now?
Hillary: Me, Hillary? Hillary: Oh, god... Yes, I
suppose I could... I think I'd love it, the idea of it, but the
reality of it, being pregnant and working, I couldn't do it. I've
got 2 wonderful healthy kids.
Hillary: I have 2 arms, to legs, 2 hands, 2
parents, 2 kids.. that's the way it's supposed to go, isn't it? :)
Hillary: These are great questions!
Marty2634 asks: Hello Hillary, I had the
opportunity to chat with Catherine Hickland on here in the past.
What is she like to work with on "One Life To Live"?
Hillary: She's a joy and a delight and brings a
smile to my day.
minnesotamale316 asks: It would be great to see a
cross over with nora appearing on amc to team up with walt willey
aka jackson montgomery
Hillary: I'd love to!
Hillary: I went over there briefly to do
something else, but they didn't do it. But I'd love to go over
there and spar with Walt and spur with Michael Knight.
bnlin23 asks: Are you going to re-sign with One
Life To Live?
Hillary: We're talking. Dont' worry your pretty
little head about it.
griselda_j asks: Is it hard to bring out "chemestry"
between you and another actor? You have such a warm comfort with
Bob Woods, and sparks with Kale Browne - is it natural or do you
have to work at it?
Hillary: Chemistry is a two-way street, but one
actor can fake it well. It's about trust and respect -- trust the
other actor to be there and respect the talent that supports them
there. If that trust and respect isn't there, you can fake it so
long, but not past that point.
Hillary: Trust, respect, vulnerability don't come
easily to a lot of people. You have to open yourself up and say,
here, take me. And that's something that I can do.
Hillary: But I can only get dropped on my head a
couple of times, and I stop being able to do that!
intimate_male_31 asks: tell Hillary, even though
I don't watch soaps as a rule, I got "hooked on ATWT because of
her and her acting ability! I think it is time to change soaps!!
GO NORA!!!!!
Hillary: Thank you
Hillary: Do you want me to go somewhere else, or
do you want to change soaps and come to OLTL?
shewolfnky asks: Is it True Roger Howarths leave
is just for 3 months?
Hillary: I have no idea.
edwinh_81 asks: Would you like to see Rachel turn
out to be RJ and Nora's child?
Hillary: We never figured it out.
Hillary: I would like them to go into that. Any
secrets are worth exploring.
kbroberts asks: What kinda music do ya like?
Hillary: I like all kinds. I love jazz, motown,
country western, rock... I just don't like heavy metal or most rap
griselda_j asks: Would you prefer to have a bit
of "down" time on OLTL to do some more movies or stay on the front
burner? What kind of stuff do you think about when looking at
options like that?
Hillary: One thing i've always said is that if
you work me, I don't want to go anywhere else. The work you can do
on a soap opera is so rewarding and fufulling... to be home every
night and work somewhere you're comfortable is so real and great
that if I can keep working on a soap I'm happy to do it.
Hillary: If I'm not working I'd want to be on
vacation with my family. Sitting around and not being used, that's
where it gets crazy
rodedw asks: HILLARY, WHAT IS YOUR OPINION ON THE
MONICA LEWINSKY/BILL CLINTON "AFFAIR"???
Hillary: The fact that we know so much about it
it is just unfortunate.
dxman1999 asks: how does it feel to be a star
Hillary: I don't know. I get up and brush my
teeth like everyone else in the morning.
Hillary: There's that sense of, you know, I set
out to do something, I achieved it, but like most people you set
yourself for the next goal and you work towards that.
Hillary: I'm very contented in my life, but if I
wasn't on a soap I'd still be contetendted. I was contented in
prime time. I just like being home on the east coast. I'm very
fortunate. I chose a profession to work in and I've beenable to
keep working. It's a competitive profession and I've been
competitive in it by those standards. That's what makes me feel
good.
Mono_Loca asks: Hillary, is RJ as good looking in
person as he on televsion?
Hillary: Yes!
SHARIBAR asks: HILLARY , HOW DO YOU STAY SO THIN
Hillary: I'm careful what I eat.
SHARIBAR asks: HILLARY WHAT ARE YOU DOING FOR
CHANUKAH
Hillary: I think I'm working!
edwinh_81 asks: I've always wondered about this
question did Nora cause the scar on Todd's face with her scissors
or did it happen some other way?
Hillary: It happened some other way. Someone hit
him on the head from behind and happened to get his cheek.
mtlhed0215 asks: Ms.Smith, is it difficult to get
into a normal everyday lifestyle after working as "NORA" on the
set for hours at a time? Do you get confused at times?
Hillary: I get confused at times, period!
Hillary: It's not confused, it's reacclimating
myself to my own life. You get so used to getting up at 5 to get
to work that the mornings you don't have to you're still awake.
Hillary: It's just setting aside, I'm going to
the city today, I'm not getting anything done.
mickijosong asks: Who would you like to sing a
song for Nora and Bo? If you had a love song for their storyline.
Hillary: Gosh... there's so many songs I wanted.
Garth Brooks' "Feel My Love," Joe Cocker's version of "How Do I
Make you Love Me," the Elton John song... there's Diamond Rio who
sings "You're Gone".
Hillary: Billy Dean... any of those really good
songs. I wanted to do an Aretha Franklin-Goerge Benson duet. My
tastes are very eclectic, so there's no one in particular I'd
like.
ClaudineHBS asks: Your hair is beautiful
short..as well as long..did Laurie cut your hair?
Hillary: No. Kathy DiFirio did it.
idiva_rent asks: Are you going to be at the
Macy's Parade on Thanksgiving.
Hillary: No, I haven't been asked to.
Hillary: I've never been asked to ride in the
parade
SHARIBAR asks: HILLARY ARE YOU MARRIED IN REAL
LIFE
Hillary: Yes, and I have two beautiful children.
jruthpa asks: Do you do your taping in New York
City? If so, what is your favorite restaurant?
Hillary: Yes, I do my taping there Hillary: My
favorite restaurant.. I don't have one in New York. Hunan Park --
they deliver to 66th street!
Marty2634 asks: Hello Hillary, What makes "One
Life To Live" such a fantastic show?
Hillary: I don't know. You tell me!
Hillary: The fact that you're a fan!
Hillary: We work hard. We try to be good.
bnlin23 asks: Are you attending the fan club
luncheon in April? Your most devoted fans will be there.
Hillary: I intend to.
kathy217 asks: I used to watch you on ATWT, and I
remember your real-life son playing Adam. He was so cute, how old
is he now?
Hillary: He's 10 now.
Hillary: And he was very good!
mtlhed0215 asks: Do you feel Rachel will be upset
about your pregnancy once she finds out?
Hillary: When she finds out I'm pregnant? She
already knows and already wrote a letter saying how thrilled she
was.
jell_ooooo asks: What is your zodiac sign?
Hillary: Gemini.
Hillary: I had a wonderful time. Thank you so
much for having me in your homes and on your computers. I hope I
answered all your questions.
Hillary: Stay tuned for the saga of will she,
won't she, the baby - will it or won't it be Bo's, will it or
won't it be Sam's...
Hillary: Will Bo find out and will he forgive her
if she finds out?
Hillary: Oy!
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
~ TIP SHEET~
How to Meet Some of the Actors: “Go to a public appearance, the fan club luncheon or Super Soap Weekend. People have told me that they wait in my line forever [at Super Soap Weekend], and I try to get there early and stay later. That’s the proper venue to get an autograph, and I really want to make sure that people who wait get one. Between venues, I’ll try to stop and sign as many as I can.” –Hillary B. Smith
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
~ SUPPORT HILLARY ~
Applause: Take a bow for a job well done.
Bribe: What I sometimes have to offer to get applause.
Cuddle: What I love to do with my kids.
Dog: Our golden retriever, Coppee. She's the loveliest dog, but also the world's dumbest.
Elusive: Fantasy land; my career, sometimes.
Flirt: Constantly. Sexual harassment is not dead!
Golf: I survived playing golf with Krista Tesreau (Tina). I've never laughed so hard in my life. She started out by telling me she cheats!
Honesty: The cornerstone of work.
Imagination: Vivid! I have a vivid imagination.
Junk: What my house is filled with right about now.
Kiss: Yes, as many as I can get!
Lake: We have this wonderful lake up by our place. Being there is as close to God as anyone can ever get.
Music: Love all kinds, but, unfortunately, I wasn't blessed with great musical skills. But that's never stopped me from destroying a good song.
Nonsense: What constantly comes out of my mouth.
Oasis: My husband.
Pursue: Most of my life I feel I've been in pursuit of something. I think that the important thing is to realize that one must take the time to enjoy the catch.
Quadrangle: Harvard. The quads at Harvard bring back school memories.
Reward: You can create your own rewards for whatever you want in life.
Sophisticated: Me! I've always been ahead of my years. I only hope that when I'm 60, I'm not going to act like I'm 80!
Thrill: Being here at OLTL
Upgrade: It's great when I fly coach every now and then someone upgrades me.
Vanish: I'd hate to think that we could vanish. I want to have mattered.
Whoopee: Different spelling, but Goldberg! Very funny lady.
X-rated: All those movies I wish I'd had the guts to do.
Yarn: I knit sweaters for my husband and kids and when I’m not knitting, I tell a good yarn.
Zest: For life, every day!
