Nelson Branco's Soap Opera Uncensored: Issue 38 Read online

UNCENSORED that they happily steer clear of the Supporting Actor category when Jackson is in the running. I would too.

  When Jackson returns to GH — as many expect — could a Lead Actor stop be next? It’d be sweet to have Jackson tie with B&B star Heather Tom as the only performer to win in all categories — considering they played the offspring of daytime’s biggest superstars, Geary and Eric Braeden, respectively, and both grew up on soaps.

  Regardless, with a promising prime-time fall TV series, NASHVILLE, there’s no limit to Jackson’s future. UNCENSORED privately caught up with the actor moments before he took home his latest statue for his fearless portrayal of Lucky Spencer on GH.

  Congratulations on your umpteenth nomination. You and Heather Tom — last year’s winners — are expected to repeat once again, although she graduated to a new category, Lead.

  Thank you! It’s been so cool to have four guys [competing] from GH in Supporting Actor, too.

  I think this is the first time there’s no danger of splitting the GH vote! You are so winning. It’s a lock.

  Right… Oh, well, that’s very kind of you.

  Have you seen your competition’s reels?

  No, I haven’t. I mean, I’ve seen the other actors’ work over the years so I know they’re all talented. These awards are always unpredictable — you know that! I’ve had the privilege of being nominated several times, and there have been many years when I thought I was going to win and lost; and vice versa!

  Regardless, you have quite the excellent, proven track record: [You’ve won 5, lost 4.] I’m cheering for your former co-star and leading lady Rebecca Herbst to take home her first Emmy Award. Unfortunately, it’s taken a lot longer for the Spencer love interests to take home the gold. What would it mean to you if Becky won tonight?

  Everything. I really hope this is her year. I’m such a huge fan of Becky’s. It would be cool to win in the same category together. Lucky and Liz — that would be amazing. She does such amazing work. And she definitely deserves many statues.

  Many think GH is experiencing a creative renaissance…

  I know!

  And I know you left because you were exhausted from the emotionally draining storylines former head writer Bob Guza kept giving you. Sometimes I wondered if he was trying to break you! Heck, I was exhausted watching you and had to enter therapy after all the sturm und drang Lucky suffered this past year… Having said that, would you return to GH?

  Yes! I’ve already been talking to them about returning and we’ve gone back and forth with it, but with NASHVILLE’s schedule, it’s been tough and impossible because my new role is a full-time gig. But when NASHVILLE gets into a groove, and I get a three-month hiatus, I’ll return to GH and do a few weeks, for sure, I’m sure. I mean, if they’ll have me back!

  Oh, I think they will. Executive producer Frank Valentini is a master at pre-taping — that’s how he kept ONE LIFE under budget and boldface talent on the show like DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES’ Tuc Watkins. Have you been watching GH?

  I haven’t. But my son, Titus, has been on a few times playing Aiden.

 

  A future Emmy winner!

  [Laughs] Yes — if they introduced an under-five category!

  Genie Francis is nominated, too, this year. The Four L’s were recognized, which must make this year’s Emmys extra special. Are you sad that Francis is not playing Laura anymore but is on another show playing a new part on a competing network?

  I don’t know if “sad” is the right word. Perhaps “bittersweet” is more apropos. I love the fact that Genie is acting. She needs to be working because she’s great at what she does and she needs to be doing her thing. Listen, I’m excited for everyone in the Spencer family this year, including Nathan Parsons.

  Why are you such a phenomenal actor? I’m beginning to think you may be the most talented actor to ever grace daytime TV and definitely one of the most talented on TV in general. Is it effortless for you? To paraphrase Lady Gaga: Were you born this way? Those riveting scenes two years ago when Lucky found out Liz cheated on him with his half-brother Nikolas was one of the top three best acting moments in soap history. It broke that usually unbreakable threshold between reality and fiction to create art — a true honest, authentic moment in a land of make believe. Bravo.

  Wow; thank you! That may be the best compliment anyone has ever paid me. There’s a lot of soul searching involved. In those scenes you mention, I was on my knees every day in my dressing room hoping I would get out of my own way when the camera began rolling. I needed to be an empty vessel. Even Becky, Tyler [Christopher] and I would go off set to hold hands and pray together because we knew we were going somewhere deep. I don’t like going to those places without finding meaning. It can’t be just about a paycheque or self-indulgence as an actor. To answer your question, whatever you see from me is a direct focus on the spiritual reality of my character and what is taking place in the physical realm. I learned a long time ago to get out of my own way and just let the moments happen — and not force it. You need trust, as Bono said on THE GRAMMYS, “We depend on God walking through the room on our record and want to give thanks.”

  FYI: Bono was quoting Quincy Jones. You know what? Every time I see BREAKING BAD, I think you and Tony Geary could play the Emmy-winning roles acted by Aaron Paul and Bryan Cranston.

  You know what? I’ve actually heard a couple of people suggest that, too! I haven’t seen the show.

  You haven’t seen the show? Yikes. Regardless, your respective acting talents and styles are very similar. You don’t need any luck so go win the Emmy.

  Thanks!

  Where do you keep all your Emmys?

  My wife and I were just talking about that, actually. Lisa displays them because she’s prouder than I am, I think!

  She’s not the only one.

  COVER STORY

  NOMINATION ROAD

  It’s one of the oddest mysteries and oldest questions in daytime: Who do the Aldersons have to fuck to get an Emmy nomination for their enveloping portrayals on ONE LIFE TO LIVE?

  For decades, Eddie and Kristen Alderson have been snubbed by the Academy over and over again despite their riveting performances as Matthew Buchanan and Starr Manning.

  Well, clearly, Eddie figured out who to bend over because one of the most talented younger actors of his generation was finally recognized for his subtle yet powerful portrayal of a teen who happened to be born with worse luck than Lindsay Lohan!

  While his sister is still waiting for her nomination, I was jumping up and down when UNCENSORED ran into Eddie — a future movie star — on the red carpet.

  Who do you have to fuck to get an Emmy nomination?

  I don’t know! I don’t know... But this year, I lucked out.

  Fuck luck. You deserved it. It’s just nice that the Academy got its shit together. Your category, Younger Actor, is the race to watch: It’s neck-and-neck. Have you written a speech yet?

  I know, it’s a tough race this year! My mom and sister tried to talk me into writing a speech but I kind of want to wing it; however, I did write down some names so I don’t forget people. It’s really cool. I’m honoured to be in the same category as Chandler Massey, Nathan Parsons and Chad Duell. It should be a great night, regardless. And we’re all presenting, too! We’re presenting Lead Actor!

  I knew from the moment I saw your debut as Matthew that you’d be a big star. Was it a process figuring out you wanted to be an actor or were just born with the Alderson gene?

  I never thought about acting before [Matthew]. I was at the ONE LIFE studio all the time while Kristen was working and then, at age six, they asked me to get in front of the camera. Whenever they needed a kid with brown hair, ONE LIFE would use me because I had become so friendly with everyone. I said, “I’ll try it,” because Bob Woods talked me into it. I didn’t think I’d stick with acting but I did.

  Luckily, for us, you did. You learned from the best: Hillary B. Smith and Bob Woods. That’s quit
e the pedigree of Emmy-winning soap vets to have as on-screen parents. Bob’s nominated, too, so this must be an extra special night...

  It’s extra special, for sure. In fact, like I said, I may actually get to present him the Emmy because we’re presenting Lead Actor. That would make my night.

  Why do you think ONE LIFE keeps getting snubbed during Emmy time? I know it’s the red-headed stepchild of ABC Daytime, but usually shows like that get Emmy love.

  [Sighs and shrugs] I don’t know… it’s a process I simply don’t understand. There’s a lot that goes into it. You’re not supposed to do it for the awards but, of course, awards are nice and do help the stature of a show. But let’s be real, I’m more concerned about the fans and that they know the show is amazing and love it. That’s what really counts.

  Perfectly said, Master Alderson. Have you come to terms with the show’s death yet? Reached closure? Catharsis? Indigestion?

  Um, I don’t think I ever want to come to terms with the show’s death because I miss everyone I work with so much. It’s great to be here to see all my old friends.

  There’s going to be a ONE LIFE tribute tonight…

  [Smiles] Omigod, I didn’t know that! Well, that will make tonight pretty emotional then! That’s nice….

  Will you join GH? Everyone and