- Hillary will attend a fund-raiser for AG Bell
for the Hearing Impaired and Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation
at The Grape at Phipps Plaza in Atlanta, GA on November 4, 2007 from
2-4:30pm. Tickets are $25.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~ SNAPSHOT ~
Dorian:
“I’ve just come from seeing Lindsay in her jail cell. It’s
taking a toll on her.”
Nora: “Then she should stop killing people.”
In a medium that thrives upon that “fourth wall”, whereby creating fantasy is the ultimate end game, we were bestowed an opportunity to penetrate that barrier as history unfolded. We find ourselves blessed to share in the life a woman who evokes the best within us and keeps us clamoring for more. When I asked fans to continue last year’s tradition by sharing what Hillary has taught them for which they are most thankful, and that which Nora has brought them for what they are most grateful, some common themes emerged. Everyone’s contribution is unique, for Hillary has impacted each of us differently throughout the course of our lives. Yet while she has touched each of us in a manner that is personal and distinctive, we all have experienced and learned from her honesty, humor, grace, and strength. Each time we view Hillary onscreen, or are granted an occasion to interact with her, we are reminded to be thankful for her presence in our lives. These shared experiences and moments are indeed traditions; they represent and build upon all that Hillary has given to us throughout the passage of time. This is what constitutes the true spirit of Thanksgiving; it is the ability to embrace what is before us and be grateful for those individuals who light our worlds on even the darkest of days. I now bring you the following heartfelt words direct from fans, all of whom embrace Hillary’s generous spirit in reflecting upon what she has given to them throughout the years.
Barbie from FL: “I am thankful to Hillary for attending our fundraiser in Tampa Bay last March and making it a huge success. Her spirit was felt throughout the room. The fans loved her as she made every one of them feel so special! Hillary has a contagious laugh which stays with you forever, and I feel as though I've made a true friend for life. I am thankful to Nora for always standing her ground and saying what she feels. She is a strong woman and knows what she wants out of life. She is also nurturing and kind, especially to her family and friends. Nora is a lovable character, very much like the woman who portrays her.” Beth from IN: “I’m thankful to Hillary for taking such a huge risk and having faith in her fans by giving us another four years. It’s really overwhelming to reflect upon all that happened in 2005 and 2006, and realize that she rewarded us by giving more of her life, and did so just because of how devoted she is to her fans. I will never forget that for as long as I live, and it’s something I also never take for granted. I’m thankful to Nora for learning from her past experiences and trying to carve out a new life for herself and her son. So many people in real life are faced with great hardship and are forced to start over because of circumstance. It’s really refreshing to see a strong, successful woman acknowledge the past, then put it behind her and move ahead in life.” Carole from WI: “I am very thankful to Hillary for showing me that it’s possible to balance a successful career with being a loving wife and mother. Women of my generation were made to feel that we had to choose between family and work, and Hillary is perfect example of someone who has pursued her dream while still placing her family first. I am thankful to Nora for being a character that I love more with each passing year; someone I can respect, admire, learn from, yet someone who is down-to-earth and unpretentious. She is the most real, multi-dimensional character on daytime, and just gets better with time!” Dawn from MD: “I am thankful to Hillary for being a generous, kind person that got me to start watching ‘One Life to Live’ fourteen years ago. I am also thankful to her for how she embraces her fans and for inspiring me over the years. Hillary is a beautiful person inside and out, and I am thankful that I had the opportunity to meet her. I am thankful to Nora for being a strong, independent woman that left a lasting impression on me when I was moving into adulthood. Nora was also a part of some of the best stories in the show's history, and they were so great because of her. Nora is the heart and soul of Llanview, and I am thankful that she has been a part of the show for so many years.”
Laura from NY: “I’m thankful to Hillary for her candor and her warmth. The very first time I met her was at the OLTL Fan Club Luncheon back in 2006, and I recall how she put me at ease when I first met her – and let me say that I was a nervous wreck! She came down from the table of actors and gave me a huge hug, and spoke with me for a couple of minutes and took a genuine interest in who I was, where I lived, etc. The fact that she spoke to me with such kindness and treated me so nicely will stay with me always. I’m thankful to Nora for so many things, but I guess what stands out in my mind is her sense of humor. This character has been through the ringer, and yet her ability to laugh at herself and reconcile the past is so inspiring. Also, she is the best mother in the world. I don’t think anyone loves her kids more than Nora, and that really moves me.” Lisa from CA: “I am thankful to Hillary for her amazing chemistry with her cast mates. She brings so much life and passion to her character, and watching her is always a pleasure. I am thankful to Nora for regaining her rightful place in Llanview. Nora has always been a powerful character, but the past few months have been a great reminder for the viewers. I look forward to much more of Nora in the coming year.” Marcy from CA: “I am thankful to Hillary for the warmth of her smile and eyes, and the genuine, down-to-earth quality she exudes. She maintained grace and sophistication even through all the controversy and uncertainty of recent times, and these are traits that cannot be faked or manufactured. Although I’ve never met her, I’m convinced she is a genuine person, with a good, kind heart. I am thankful to Nora for much the same. She is fiercely intelligent and nobody’s fool, and always tries to do the right thing…often with a little sass thrown in! (Well, I like the sass!). Nora may only be a character in a soap opera, but seems like a fully-realized person to me, so Hillary has not only done her job well, but brilliantly so. I’m simply grateful with all my heart to both the woman and the character for all the pleasure they have given to me over the years.” Martha from FL: “I'm thankful to Hillary for all the joy she has brought to my life in all the times at SSW and other events. I will never forget the time during the SSW Street Jam Parade when she took the time to wave at my friends and me as we yelled out to her. We all had attended her autograph sessions back in 2004, which was the last time she came to SSW. I pray she returns this year again. Also, it was a joy to meet Courtney in Nashville back in 2005 at Kassie DePaiva’s fan breakfast. Hillary is the best!!! I'm thankful to Nora for all the laughs she provides me during OLTL, especially those scenes with Bo, Matthew and Asa. Also, I love all the junk food scenes with Bo and the dances. I miss all the fun scenes Bo and Nora had as a married couple and hope they FINALLY reunite someday. I also hope to see Nora have some fun with Lindsay, along with more lines about not being able to cook. I really relate to Nora with all her take-out meals! I love Nora's humor!!! She brings joy and fun to every scene on OLTL, which is my reason to tune into the show!!”
Rosanna from CA: “I am thankful to Hillary for being the type of woman who doesn’t let adversity get her down. Even when her status on ‘One Life to Live’ was up in the air, this lovely woman held her head up high and gave her best, as always. Hillary represents the strength of days gone by, when integrity and honesty were foremost the best characteristics of a mature woman. I am thankful to Nora for being Nora! Just seeing her on my screen brings a smile to my face. Nora is a wonderful mother, a great friend, and a trusted advisor. Her intelligence in court is a joy to see. Her sense of humor adds a bit of sunshine to every day in Llanview. I would love to have a friend like Nora!” Roxann from PA: “I am thankful to Hillary for weathering the storm during contract renegotiations last year. I am thankful that Hillary continues to shine in each and every scene she is in. As to Hillary's alter, I am thankful to Nora for once again being the wonderful lawyer she is. I am thankful to see her smile and laugh when the occasion arises. I am also thankful that Nora has agreed for her and Matthew to live in the Buchanan mansion. Renee needs her there to help her cope with the loss of Asa.” Terri from PA: “I’m thankful to Hillary for allowing us to get to know her and for showing us that one can maintain sophistication and an amazing sense of humor under pressure – especially when circumstances dictate to stand one’s ground and fight. I'm also thankful that because of her, I’ve had the opportunity to meet some wonderful people that I’m proud to call friends. I'm thankful to Nora for embodying a strong, mature female character, which is not commonplace in today’s youth-oriented soap medium. No matter how vulnerable, and no matter how bad circumstances are, she always fights back. I’m also grateful that she is written and portrayed not just as a woman who is intelligent but that her casual, relaxed side is shown as well. She is not merely defined by her job or motherhood, but acknowledges her softer side, her sense of humor, her love of junk food, and her sense of self. My only hope is that she finds a man worthy of her! I’m also thankful to Nora for allowing me the opportunity to relate to her religiously, in terms of my Jewish faith.” Theresa from IA: “I’m thankful to Hillary for many things, but mostly for continuing to believe in her fans and in her character. I’ve had the wonderful opportunity of meeting her at fan events over the years, and her love for people is matched only by her passion for her work. I’m thankful to Nora for never surrendering her self-respect, for being able to admit her mistakes and learn from them, and for following her instincts and allowing them to guide her through life’s twists and turns.”
As we inch our way towards another holiday season, new friendships were forged and existing ones strengthened, with Hillary remaining the nucleus of our connection. Some believe the universe is arbitrary, choosing to unite people at random for a yet-to-be-determined cause. I am not one of those individuals. I happen to believe that people weave in and out of our lives with reason and purpose. That some individuals possess staying power – and the ability to change our lives in living by example – is not happenstance. I also believe that our path in life is defined by how and with whom we choose to share both our innate gifts and learned talents. Time and again, Hillary has extended her heart and her life to fans, and allowed that “fourth wall” to give way to an open door. It is by no sheer coincidence that this transpired; nor is the fact that we were joined together through her accidental. So as we enter a season of giving, and one that embraces tradition, we may have learned something new. Perhaps we have learned – as in the case of that “fourth wall” – that time-honored barriers are meant to be broken. Ritual is significant only if it fosters growth, and only if it brings us closer to those who matter most and continues to challenge our personal best. Anyone whose life Hillary has touched is incredibly blessed and unquestionably grateful. She compels us to want to give more of ourselves, and inspires us to create new ways in which to give to her. This is the simplest, yet richest gift any one person can give to another – and most certainly represents the true spirit of the season.
HIT
Nora’s back on OLTL!
No-nonsense, take-charge Nora is back in control on One Life
to Live, and not a moment too soon. The soap has missed her
tough (and loving) sensibilities and dry sense of humor.
Her return to form coincided with Asa’s death and the Woman of the Year dinner, where Nora was put in the awkward position of having to introduce her longtime nemesis, Lindsay. Nora was torn between being appropriately gracious or true to herself.
And Hillary B. Smith is seizing the opportunity to run all over Llanview with it. She plays ever note, every nuance, like a maestro with a finely tuned instrument. Nora is currently prosecuting Lindsay, who has come Llanview’s most beloved murderer. About once a day Nora has to assure someone (including her own son) that she is not letting her personal feelings cloud her judgment. When former stepson Will asked her to drop the charges against his mother, Nora firmly told him she had to do her job. Then she hugged him and agreed that they both missed Sam (her ex and his father).
Nora is one of OLTL’s most appealing characters, and Smith one of its finest actresses. So don’t call it a comeback – she never should have left.
-Soap Opera Weekly, October 16, 2007
“The first audition for a soap I ever did was Becky Lee Abbott on One Life to Live.”
-Ultimate Soap Fan Guide, Summer 2003