This week’s guest is Hillary B. Smith, returning to One Life to Live next week as Nora.
Carolyn: Nora’s finally coming
out of her endless coma?
Hillary: She is. She opens her eyes and blinks a response. Then she
twitches in front of Matthew. So, there’s stuff happening, but I have no
idea whether she’ll get well.
Carolyn: OLTL wouldn’t have
re-signed you if they were going to make you lie in bed.
Hillary: One never knows, Carolyn. But I think they are planning to
get me up.
Carolyn: Did you watch the show
when you weren’t on?
Hillary: No. To be perfectly honest, it was painful because nobody
ever spoke about Nora. Nobody went to see her. So I thought, “You know what?
I can’t watch this.” It was a little sad. So, I stopped watching and
actually, I’m glad I did. I mean, I love to tune in and see what my friends
are doing, but now it’s really good that I didn’t because Nora is going to
have to catch up on everything.
Carolyn: You won’t know what went on, and neither will your
character.
Hillary: There you go. I was Method acting.
Carolyn: Is there a handsome
doctor in her future to help her?
Hillary: So far, just Spencer. He’s everywhere.
Carolyn: They’re not going to
call in a twitching specialist?
Hillary: I have no idea. I’m hoping I’ll have psychological problems
and they’ll have to bring Scott Bryce [John’s doctor] into my bedroom.
Wouldn’t that be fun?
Carolyn: Remind readers why that’s funny.
Hillary: Because Scott Bryce played my brother Craig for 6 ˝ years on
As the World Turns. I played Margo. He was also my roommate when I was
[commuting to] California doing Something Wilder. He was a guest star and
played my old high school flame. It was hysterical – we were supposed to
have this mad, passionate kiss, this complete soap moment, and we banged
noses. It was the most awkward thing!
Carolyn: Do you think you’ll
remember how to memorize lines?
Hillary: That’s a good question. That’s a muscle and I think it’s
atrophied. I’m looking forward to what Dena [Higley, head writer] is going
to write. We’ve got a year to find our way with this character – either put
her back in the mainstream and build a story, or at least get her some place
where the fans aren’t going to be upset [if I leave]. Nora just kind of did
a disappearing act. It was upsetting to me. Use it to push Paige and Bo
together. Make some resolution about Bo’s feelings about Nora. Have her wake
up and say, “I’ve always loved you,” and then die. Something that would
further Bo and Matthew along.
Carolyn: So, after a year you
have an option to leave?
Hillary: Yes. This was not ABC short-changing me. There were no
negotiations. It was a “No, thank you” on my part and that would be the end
of it – I think there was some confusion on that. Suddenly the end was there
and Brian [Frons, president, ABC Daytime] asked to speak with me. He said
maybe we need a little more time. I thought about it and I offered to extend
for a year. I wasn’t interested in doing more than a year as it was going. I
don’t want to be a prop, I want to work. If there is no room on the canvas
for me, then I will move on. That’s the way of soaps. I want the fans to
know that, because there were some people upset that ABC only gave me a
year, but this was my offer to them. They graciously accepted it, and we’re
both really happy with the arrangement. At the end of the year they might
turn around and say, “This is not working,” or I might say, “It’s not
working for me.” There are no hard feelings.
Carolyn: And I heard you have a
small bone to pick with me?
Hillary: This is going back many years from when I was in the train
wreck and you wrote about my French manicure. I laughed because I don’t have
a manicure. That was nice of you to say, but those are my fingers.
Carolyn: Okay, I won’t write about your French manicure while you are
in your coma. Anything else you want to yell at me about?
Hillary: No. But if you ever want to yell at me, just call me up.
Carolyn: Good to know!
By: Denise Balcarcel
Please enjoy a very special column, as I am joined in discourse by my good friend Ryan Clements, who is one of Hillary's staunchest fans. As many of you know, Ryan and I formerly co-wrote a weekly commentary entitled "Two Scoops" for Soapcentral.com, which provided an analysis of OLTL and all things Llanview. We were first connected through our mutual respect and admiration for Hillary, and she served as a common bond for what has evolved into a lifelong friendship and countless professional collaborations. I asked Ryan to join me for this month’s discussion, as OLTL prepares to celebrate forty years on-air next month.
DENISE: Ryan, it's simply inconceivable that One Life to Live celebrates its fortieth anniversary in July! Who could have ever predicted that Agnes Nixon's edgy serial would withstand the test of time and be a force with which to be reckoned four decades later? What comes to mind when I reflect upon OLTL and its endurance throughout the years is the concept of "staying power", especially in relation to actors and their characters. Ironically, some of OLTL's most significant characters originated with different actors. For instance, it is unthinkable to envision anyone other than Erika Slezak (Viki) or Robin Strasser (Dorian) portraying these historic figures, yet neither were on the canvas when OLTL first debuted. While Hillary breathed life into Nora's character as recently as 1992, she has placed an indelible mark on OLTL's canvas and been part of the show's journey and longevity for virtually the latter half of its existence. We've seen Nora weather many storms and evolve into such a dynamic and vibrant character, and her world is rife with a healthy dose of moral dilemma and hearty conflict now that Ron Carlivati has assumed the reins. Hillary has proven her "staying power" and relevance time and again, both as an actor and in terms of her character, and Carlivati has demonstrated a commitment to the history of the show and to a thoughtful use of its veterans. It is truly inconceivable that Hillary is nearly halfway through her existing contract term. Yet she has enjoyed more airtime during Carlivati's brief tenure than she did during that of the former writing regime…so the proof is in the pudding, as they say. While the general consensus is that Hillary still isn't front-burner and though fans are growing impatient with the pace of her current storyline, I have great faith in Ron Carlivati and it is evident that he has some wonderful things planned for her, one of which includes a full-blown rekindling of the Nora/Lindsay rivalry. OLTL exploded as June commenced, and Hillary was in the thick of the onscreen action as events unfolded. What are your thoughts on where things currently stand in relation to Nora's character, and by Carlivati’s commitment to revisiting the Nora/Lindsay rivalry with, as stated by both Hillary and the scribe in various media interviews, “a twist”?
RYAN: This really is an important milestone for OLTL! I mean…forty
years! I
never would have thought back in 1984 that I would still be watching this
show
and invested in the trials and tribulations of these characters. It's
really hard for me to fathom that I have spent twenty-four out of those
last forty years with OLTL and the citizens of Llanview. But here we are
on the cusp of a very special celebration for both viewers and actors.
And few should celebrate more than Hillary whose character has been given
a new relationship, a renewed feud, the guardianship of
a teenager, and her (previously lost) keen sense of judgment. It is
crucial to have a Head Writer who appreciates, values, and honors the
history of the show for which
he/she is writing, and Ron Carlivati knows the gem he has in Hillary
as well as within the other veteran performers you mention. Granted, not
every fan is rooting for Clint and Nora, nor is every fan clamoring for a
reunion of the long-passed Bo and Nora, but few can argue that it is
refreshing
to see more of Nora in Llanview, regardless of the person she is
romantically linked to. I
think what I love the most is the way history tends to repeat itself, and
that is evident in the rivalry between arch-enemies Nora and Lindsay. As
in the case of Viki and Dorian, Lindsay and Nora's explosive
confrontations are always fun and exciting to watch. Hillary and good pal
Catherine Hickland bring fireworks to the screen each time they squabble
and meddle in one another's onscreen lives. As the show nears its
anniversary, what better way to honor the history of Nora and Lindsay than
to revisit the
reasons why these two women could never be friends, despite the fact that
they
have so much more in common than they even realize.
DENISE: Absolutely Ryan, and while the Nora/Lindsay rivalry may appear redundant on the exterior, if you watch their character interactions closely, I submit that Carlivati is giving viewers a challenge by asking us to dig deeper. The current feud between these women simply isn't about the men in their lives. Nora's character has always represented truth and justice; in fact, I recall researching show history at one point and discovering that the name "Nora" has its roots in Greek and Latin, and translates into "the bright one" and "honor" and "light." I recalled this as I was reflecting upon where things currently stand between Nora and Lindsay and pondered what core qualities define Nora. Based upon what we know of Nora's character, is there any doubt why Michael Malone chose this name for her? Lindsay is Nora's greatest nemesis, and Nora has spent the last decade of her life suffering because of Lindsay's envy and insecurity. Yet I believe that perhaps what unnerves Nora more than Lindsay's actual behavior is the fact that Lindsay never faces its consequences, and instead uses her guile to gain sympathy and win allies. Having said that, here is why I see this character rivalry as taking on a new form. First of all, Nora and Clint share genuine affection for one another and are striving to build a relationship, and Nora is well aware that Lindsay would stop at nothing to destroy her chance at happiness. Second, Nora will always care deeply about Bo as they share a history and a child, so Nora is understandably concerned about his well-being and what pursuing a relationship with Lindsay may reap in the way of consequences. Nora is also on guard because of Matthew, and concerned about the impact Lindsay will have upon him as she is now tightly woven into Bo's life. That completely excludes the fact that Nora knows Lindsay faked her insanity to evade murder charges (again), yet she remains without proof in order to bring her to justice. Yet we see a completely different facet to this character rivalry with the infusion of Viki and Dorian, both of whom share a history with Clint, as well as with Nora and Lindsay. We have Dorian not only seeking revenge on Clint (fueled by his involvement with Nora), but actively working to destroy Charlie’s relationship with Viki….not to mention what transpired in relation to her hostile takeover of B.E. I would not at all be surprised if at some point that Nora and Viki square off against Lindsay and Dorian for what would undoubtedly promise to be the battle of the millennium! This doesn't even begin to touch RJ's feelings of resentment after being scorned by Lindsay, the eventual reveal of David as Asa’s son and its impact on the Buchanans, and Tina’s impending return to the canvas. So the Nora/Lindsay rivalry simply isn't about reconciling the past or watching Nora even the score, though both of these elements are highly significant. Carlivati is revisiting their history in order to create what I believe is that much needed "umbrella story" which OLTL has been starving for, and that which will simultaneously thrust Hillary into the forefront at long last. Their rivalry is truly morphing into something larger than both characters combined.
RYAN: Look at you digging up all of that name etymology! But I shouldn't tease, because based on what you have unearthed, Nora's name couldn't possibly fit her any better! It's interesting that two of the strongest female rivalries on the show (Nora/Lindsay and Viki/Dorian) are slowly beginning to merge with one another. Specifically, look at how vehemently Nora chastised Dorian for the calamity that took place following her shocking announcement at the Buchanan Enterprises stockholders’ meeting! After Nash's critical fall, the revelation of Jared's paternity, and the dissolution of B.E., Nora marched right on up to Dorian (who ironically thought the day was going to be all about her) and told her that everything which happened on that day is a result of her actions. Ooooh! I can see the foam frothing at the mouth after this confrontation, let me tell you! What is so special about this intersection of rivalries is that I can remember how close (to a degree) Nora and Dorian became years ago when Nora defended her against killing Victor Lord. These two fiercely determined and head-strong women had to put all personal feelings aside in order to work towards Dorian's acquittal. You would think that all these years later Dorian would remember all of the effort and attention Nora gave to her! But now that Dorian feels scorned over losing Clint to Nora, the gloves are off! And seeing incredibly powerful actresses like Hillary and Robin Strasser annihilate the scenes they are in together makes this new twist that Carlivati is giving viewers even more entertaining.
DENISE: Definitely! I also can’t help but wonder if Nora and Lindsay will join forces to seek justice in response to the chain of events Dorian set into motion. What’s completely ironic is that both Nora and Lindsay are actually on the same side of the table as a result of Dorian’s actions, as they sat back in horror and watched the men they care about suffer embarrassment and trauma as a result of what unfolded. Could Nora and Lindsay – these two archrivals – actually form an alliance in light of the destruction that Dorian waged? It’s probably wishful thinking on my behalf, and while any association between Nora and Lindsay would certainly prove short-lived, what a twist of irony it would bring! It’s also interesting you revisited the issue of Nora once representing Dorian in defense, because many years later, Llanview’s legal eagle will undoubtedly be prosecuting her to the fullest extent of the law and holding her accountable for her role in Nash’s demise. Furthermore, just wait until the truth surfaces about what Dorian did to Charlie! Dorian may find herself borrowing a page from Lindsay’s book and claiming insanity in order to worm her way out of facing the consequences of her recent actions, which will create a ripple effect and have forever changed the face of Llanview. What perhaps is most exciting is that Carlivati is revisiting history, revving up character rivalries, and mixing things up on the canvas by redefining just who is “friend” and who is “foe.” I’m also impressed that he is displaying a creative and clear vision for OLTL, and defining who he is as a Head Writer by staying the course he began paving last summer. It is my belief that while fan input should certainly be weighed and acknowledged, no Head Writer should pander to disgruntled fan bases in an effort to appease them. So though the first half of Hillary’s latest contract term got off to a slow and rocky start, Carlivati is definitely making up for lost time as swiftly as possible. There is no better way to usher in OLTL’s fortieth anniversary than to honor the show’s vets and utilize its plethora of talent, and I’m incredibly grateful that Hillary is a vital component of this extraordinary milestone.
I sincerely hope you have enjoyed our joint commentary in this month’s newsletter, and I wish to thank Ryan for the generous time and effort he donated in participation. Please look for future joint columns from us on occasion, and enjoy your June!
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~ SUPPORT
HILLARY ~
