Soap Opera Uncensored: Issue 33 Page 3

category but it’s always failed me. This year, for DESPERATE I’m going to submit pure comedy.

  Really? I thought you did amazing work when Renee confessed to Bree that her mother committed suicide.

  Thank you. I’m going to try something funny and see if this works. But when I win an Emmy, I’m going to credit you for believing in me!

  You’ve lived quite the storied life and career. Looking back, are you surprised at the career trajectory of your career?

  I was surprised to become a recording artist. I look back and marvel at that because I only wanted to work in theatre and act and dance. I love being creative and having fun. I’ve enjoyed every aspect of my career.

  Any regrets?

  Let me tell you what my regrets have taught me: I’ve learned to listen to my body. Your body never lies and is a great barometer of what is right or wrong. Yes, it’s scary to react to things but the consequences of not doing anything are far worse. The older you grow, you realize that being yourself and speaking the truth and not being afraid to speak out is the only option.

  If you could do one more thing before you die, what would it be?

  Theatre. If I could do one more thing is to create a new role in a new project on Broadway that will go on to be reinvented for years to come. I’d like future generations to say, “Wow, I’m playing the role Vanessa Williams originated and made famous.” That’s a great legacy to leave behind.

  Are you dating?

  No. I haven’t had the time. Wrapping up DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES and promoting the book has kept me busy. My youngest daughter graduates from six grade soon so my thoughts are just vacation, vacation, vacation right now! Dating is… not my priority. Work and being mom is. I’m definitely open to dating though…

  I’m sure it’s not done with you, either!

  SIDEBAR: Vanessa’s mom, Helen, sounds off on her daughter!

  They say behind every great star is an even greater mother! And Vanessa Williams’ mother, Helen, certainly agrees!

  What did you learn about your daughter when you both wrote this book?

  There was only one thing I didn’t know. I’ve been almost aware of everything in Vanessa’s life. I didn’t know the particulars but I had a sense of what she’s been through.

  You’re just as beautiful as your daughter!

  Thank you. If you had a hair and makeup team you would, too! We have good genes, I guess.

  Do you have a favourite role that Vanessa’s played?

  KISS OF THE SPIDERMAN on Broadway because it showcased all of her talents: Singing, acting and dancing. It was the dream she always had since she was a young person. In her high school yearbook, it said under her picture: “See you on Broadway.” It was the proudest moment Vanessa’s father and I have ever felt.

  Vanessa’s also one of the most beautiful women in the world.

  I don’t see her outer beauty as much as I see her inner beauty. She’s a great mom. She’s a hard, hard worker. When she sets a goal in mind, she goes for it. When she auditions for a role, she’s always prepared. Last night, we were at the wrap party for DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES and one of the directors told me everyone is happy that Vanessa is always prepared for her scenes and that she’s a pleasure to work with. That’s good to hear.

  Did you know your daughter was a star from a young age?

  No. I didn’t know she was a star but I knew she was a hard worker and had talent. There’s a difference. When she was in middle school, I saw Vanessa in a production of LITTLE MARY SUNSHINE, and at that point, I said, “I think she’s really got it.” She shined on stage. We knew she had what it took to become successful. And we were right.

  INSIDE FEATURE

  SOAPS’ MOST POWERFUL PLAYERS

  Got power? These days, it seems soap opera power is an oxymoron. With only four daytime soap operas currently airing, there’s less autonomy in the business but there are still some very influential people in daytime TV. See if you agree with our 2012 list:

   

  1. BRAD BELL, THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL

  As the only soap opera gaining viewers — not losing them — Brad Bell’s campy series is experiencing another creative and ratings renaissance. In fact, many pundits say they wouldn’t be shocked if B&B finally overtakes its sister soap, ratings juggernaut Y&R (which has been bleeding viewers this past year) sooner rather than later.

  With an embarrassment of riches, Bell is also finally learning to balance his cast a little more as he re-focuses the canvas on the Spencer and Forrester clans from two warring fashion houses, Spectra/Marone Vs. Forrester. In addition, B&B’s rolling out its first gay storyline — involving gay icon Crystal Chappell and Joanna Johnson, who just came out of the closet in real life — which makes B&B more relevant than ever… just in time to celebrate its 25th year. In addition, B&B goes on location (Aspen, Mexico, Italy all in the last six months) more than any other soap.

   

  “Brad is the best boss you could ask for,” states Katherine Kelly Lang when UNCENSORED rang the beautiful star up. “He always has an open door and a kind heart. He is very talented! And I would agree: he is the most powerful person in daytime right now. The proof is in the pudding. The opportunities he has given us as actors and people are unforgettable. I will always be thankful to him.”

   

  B&B writer Michele “With One L” Val Jean concurs with one of her muses, telling UNCENSORED: “Brad is more than powerful,” she states. “He's also good people. We all know it flows from the top — and since Brad is kind and embracing and generous — the environment he's created at B&B reflects that, and really does feel like a family. Plus, he's fun. And he throws great parties!”

   

  2. FRANK VALENTINI, GENERAL HOSPITAL

  Assets: Produced last year’s best, highest-rated and under-budget ABC soap, ONE LIFE, which was cancelled; saved GH from the axe; convinced Finola Hughes, Kristina Wagner, Robin Mattson to return to GH; interacts with fans on Twitter; has taken over the promotion and marketing of the show; winning over the out-of-control GH egos on set and keeping them in line; cracking down on story leaks; throwing SOAPS IN DEPTH off set.

  Liabilities: He still works for ABC; still hasn’t learned how to pick an Emmy reel, which recently cost ONE LIFE major Emmy nominations; some fans are upset with ONE LIFE “overtaking” GH; Kristen Alderson’s transplanted Starr is a failure and he needs to fire her.

  Future Outlook: Cautiously optimistic… after all, he does work for soap killer, ABC.

  3. RON CARLIVATI, GENERAL HOSPITAL

  Assets: Wrote the best soap opera finale ever for our beloved ONE LIFE; creatively revived GH as its new head writer; GH has trended on several occasions; ratings are slowly increasing under his tutelage; joined Twitter to interact with his fans, psychotic or otherwise.

  Liabilities: Snubbed by the Academy once again; fans question whether Carlivati is writing GH or ONE LIFE; some of his plots are stolen from ONE LIFE and are painfully obvious.

  Future Outlook: One Hospital to Save or Kill?

  4. KATIE COURIC, KATIE

  Assets: Helped save GH by demanding the soap as her new talk show lead-in, refusing to replace the 49-year-old sudser.

  Liabilities: Can Couric convince loyal soap fans to tune into her talk show? Highly doubtful.

  Future Outlook: It’s daytime’s biggest cliffhanger!

  5. MICHAEL MUHNEY, THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS

  Assets: Helped lead the charge for Emmy reform and managed to overhaul the entire system; questioned the integrity of SOAPS IN DEPTH’s readers’ polls; made his controversial character, Adam, the most talked about character on the show; won over fans with the polarizing Shadam pairing; when he’s on the front burner, ratings spike; as outspoken as he is, he hasn’t suffered professionally; he’s one of the most talented actors working in the business today; stands up to fans on Twitter.

  Liabilities: Stands up to fans on Twitter; lost an Emmy nomination by his peers; his adventurous hair may end
up stealing his scenes one day; Y&R doesn’t use Muhney nearly as much as they should on-screen.

  Future Outlook: Bright… Muhney’s the future of the show. Now if only Y&R can see that.

  6. ANGELICA McDANIEL, VICE PRESIDENT, CBS DAYTIME

  Assets: Took over control of CBS’s daytime line-up on June 1; rumoured to be making changes over at Y&R; THE TALK, which she oversaw for a while, continues to increase in ratings and demos; hopefully, she can step in and deal with the out-of-control egos on the Y&R set — both on and off-screen.

  Liabilities: CBS isn’t known as the most gay friendly network so hopefully they’ll leave Karen and Dani’s love story alone on B&B. CBS took a hit in Daytime Emmy Award nominations… can McDaniel swing back the pendulum by next year? Y&R’s ratings need to be resuscitated ASAP. No one’s sure how soap-friendly and savvy McDaniel is yet.

  Future Outlook: Network interference hasn’t proven fruitful in the past but when it comes to Y&R, it’s most welcome. Tune in tomorrow, indeed.

  7. ERIC BRAEDEN, THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS

  Assets: Remains daytime TV’s biggest superstar; returned to the big screen in TITANIC: 3D.

  Liabilities: His contract is coming up for renewal; will he hold the show hostage again? The despised Shictor romance has further destroyed the iconic character; he hasn’t been gracing as many soap magazines covers as he used to.

  Future Outlook: Old and restless.

  8.