Post by GraceBe on Aug 21, 2008 7:53:43 GMT
Twisted Sister
By Nelson Branco
‘The Bold and the Beautiful’s campy wonder Jennifer Gareis is more than your average soap opera pin-up girl
TVGuide.ca: Congratulations on your Emmy pre-nomination earlier this year.
Jennifer Gareis: Thanks! Yeah, the fact that my peers recognized my work and singled me in such a tough category like supporting actress meant a lot to me. I was surprised I got that far at all in the Emmy process. We’ll see if I have better luck next year.
TVG: That must have meant a lot to you. Do you consider Donna Logan Forrester your breakout role or does the honour belong to The Young and the Restless’ Grace?
JG: Grace was a great, fun character. She introduced me to the wonderful of the Bell soaps. Grace was conniving and manipulative. Donna was a bit like Grace when I took over the role, but quickly she evolved into a more complex heroine. In fact, Donna’s evolution since her debut on the show has been pretty astonishing. Donna was a vixen at first, then a lady, and now she’s someone else. There are so many different layers and levels that Grace was missing.
TVG: Are you surprised how loyal Donna has become as a character?
JG: Yeah, it’s nice, huh? Donna has strong emotions for everyone in her family. She’s daddy’s little girl. Donna and Katie had a combative relationship, but they’ve gotten over those issues, I think — especially when Donna confided in Katie about her son, Marcus. And Donna has a very strong passion and love for Brooke. The Logan family is very important to Donna. She’s the nucleus of the family, I think. And now that Beth is back, the Logan family is complete.
TVG: What’s it like having prime-time TV vet, Patrick Duffy play your father?
JG: I love him! He’s very funny. With all the drama on the show, Duffy brings in a lot of comic relief. Of course, I’ve been a fan of his work long before he joined B&B. Who hasn’t seen Dallas? My favourite part of the day when I work with Patrick is when he swears because it’s like hearing my real-life dad cussing!
TVG: Every time I see you and Texas Battle [Marcus] in a scene together, I’m not sure whether you guys are going to make out or hug!
JG: Really? [Laughs]
TVG: Come on — when you were helping auditioning the role of Marcus, did you know the character was Donna’s long-lost son?
JG: No, I didn’t! When they first told me, “we’re casting a love interest for you,” I naturally responded, “Is he hot?” They laughed, before clarifying, “Believe me, you’re not going to want to think of him that way.” So… I was stumped because, hello, this is Donna! At first, I thought maybe the Logan’s had another half-brother somewhere, or Stephen wasn’t my real father. I never thought for once that they were casting a long-lost son for Donna. That was the furthest thing from my mind. And then when I found out about Marcus being Donna’s son, I was like, “Oooh, gross — I can’t believe I thought he’d be my new lover!”
TVG: Are we going to find out who the father is?
JG: Well, obviously Donna knows who he is. Or, at least I hope she does. I’d venture to guess he’s tall, athletic and black! As an actress I have my ideas of who I’d like it to be.
TVG: A couple rumours circulating suggest Shemar Moore (ex-Malcolm, Y&R) or Mykel Shannon Jenkins (Charlie Baker).
JG: Who knows! We’ll have to wait and see. It could be anyone.
TVG: That’s for sure. [laughs] Is it weird that Donna is married to Beth’s first love, Eric, who is also her sister, Brooke’s ex-husband? That must be some Thanksgiving dinner, huh? [laughs] B&B is incest on crack!
JG: When I first started B&B, I was so confused as to who was related to whom. They even gave me B&B’s 20th anniversary book to study the Forrester and Logan family trees, but unfortunately that didn’t help, because it confused me even more! I take it a day at a time, because every day I find out more twists and turns in these characters’ back story.
TVG: What’s it like working with four-time Emmy winner Susan Flannery (Stephanie)? She’s an icon…
JG: I know! Tell me about it. Everyone keeps asking me that question. But Susan’s amazing. She gives me advice and direction regarding my scenes and character — and she’s always right. For me, she’s my mentor. There’s nothing antagonistic about our real-life relationship — unlike Donna and Stephanie’s!
TVG: Are you bummed Susan plans on retiring in a few years?
JG: [turns serious] I hope Susan stays. She is B&B. Susan brings so much to the table both professionally and personally. To be honest, I don’t think the show would feel the same without her here.
TVG: You’ve brought back the classic camp performance to daytime. Who are your acting idols?
JG: When I was younger, it was Kim Basinger. Today, it’s Meryl Streep because she’s classic. Stylishly, Veronica Lake inspires me. ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D Yeah, sure, Missy... Meryl will be delighted to hear that
TVG: Did you always know you wanted to be an actor?
JG: No! I went to college for accounting and almost took a job at Ernst & Young but at the last minute, I said no. You know, I had to follow my dream, and I’ve pursued acting ever since. I started with entering and winning various beauty pageants before becoming a model. That led to acting.
TVG: Aren’t you still in school?
JG: I started school, and the second day of class, [B&B’s executive producer and co-head writer] Brad Bell called and offered me this part. At that point, I wanted to use my mind, I wanted to find a career with longevity. Basically, I wanted to do something other than acting. So yes, I’m still studying part time.
TVG: Do you handle all your own accounting?
JG: No, I have my own accountant because I’m too busy. But I do oversee everything... Maybe when I graduate, I’ll take over the business side of my career.
TVG: What’s it like working with the horniest silver-haired fox in daytime TV, Mr. John McCook [Eric]?
JG: It’s hard to keep a straight face around him, that’s for sure. He’s just a little boy. Even though there’s a huge age difference between us, there isn’t a gap there mentally. He acts like a 12 year-old. He’s young at heart. ;D ;D ;D We know you're only 12 in heart and mind, dear ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
TVG: At first, I assumed B&B was going to pair Donna with Nick Marone instead of Eric.
JG: I know; I did, too! In fact, when I first joined the soap Jack Wagner [Nick] and I actually taped a sexual fantasy scene but they ended up cutting it.
TVG: Beth and Donna are the only Logan women that man-whore Nick hasn’t slept with yet!
JG: I know, right! Give him time! [Laughs]
By Nelson Branco
‘The Bold and the Beautiful’s campy wonder Jennifer Gareis is more than your average soap opera pin-up girl
TVGuide.ca: Congratulations on your Emmy pre-nomination earlier this year.
Jennifer Gareis: Thanks! Yeah, the fact that my peers recognized my work and singled me in such a tough category like supporting actress meant a lot to me. I was surprised I got that far at all in the Emmy process. We’ll see if I have better luck next year.
TVG: That must have meant a lot to you. Do you consider Donna Logan Forrester your breakout role or does the honour belong to The Young and the Restless’ Grace?
JG: Grace was a great, fun character. She introduced me to the wonderful of the Bell soaps. Grace was conniving and manipulative. Donna was a bit like Grace when I took over the role, but quickly she evolved into a more complex heroine. In fact, Donna’s evolution since her debut on the show has been pretty astonishing. Donna was a vixen at first, then a lady, and now she’s someone else. There are so many different layers and levels that Grace was missing.
TVG: Are you surprised how loyal Donna has become as a character?
JG: Yeah, it’s nice, huh? Donna has strong emotions for everyone in her family. She’s daddy’s little girl. Donna and Katie had a combative relationship, but they’ve gotten over those issues, I think — especially when Donna confided in Katie about her son, Marcus. And Donna has a very strong passion and love for Brooke. The Logan family is very important to Donna. She’s the nucleus of the family, I think. And now that Beth is back, the Logan family is complete.
TVG: What’s it like having prime-time TV vet, Patrick Duffy play your father?
JG: I love him! He’s very funny. With all the drama on the show, Duffy brings in a lot of comic relief. Of course, I’ve been a fan of his work long before he joined B&B. Who hasn’t seen Dallas? My favourite part of the day when I work with Patrick is when he swears because it’s like hearing my real-life dad cussing!
TVG: Every time I see you and Texas Battle [Marcus] in a scene together, I’m not sure whether you guys are going to make out or hug!
JG: Really? [Laughs]
TVG: Come on — when you were helping auditioning the role of Marcus, did you know the character was Donna’s long-lost son?
JG: No, I didn’t! When they first told me, “we’re casting a love interest for you,” I naturally responded, “Is he hot?” They laughed, before clarifying, “Believe me, you’re not going to want to think of him that way.” So… I was stumped because, hello, this is Donna! At first, I thought maybe the Logan’s had another half-brother somewhere, or Stephen wasn’t my real father. I never thought for once that they were casting a long-lost son for Donna. That was the furthest thing from my mind. And then when I found out about Marcus being Donna’s son, I was like, “Oooh, gross — I can’t believe I thought he’d be my new lover!”
TVG: Are we going to find out who the father is?
JG: Well, obviously Donna knows who he is. Or, at least I hope she does. I’d venture to guess he’s tall, athletic and black! As an actress I have my ideas of who I’d like it to be.
TVG: A couple rumours circulating suggest Shemar Moore (ex-Malcolm, Y&R) or Mykel Shannon Jenkins (Charlie Baker).
JG: Who knows! We’ll have to wait and see. It could be anyone.
TVG: That’s for sure. [laughs] Is it weird that Donna is married to Beth’s first love, Eric, who is also her sister, Brooke’s ex-husband? That must be some Thanksgiving dinner, huh? [laughs] B&B is incest on crack!
JG: When I first started B&B, I was so confused as to who was related to whom. They even gave me B&B’s 20th anniversary book to study the Forrester and Logan family trees, but unfortunately that didn’t help, because it confused me even more! I take it a day at a time, because every day I find out more twists and turns in these characters’ back story.
TVG: What’s it like working with four-time Emmy winner Susan Flannery (Stephanie)? She’s an icon…
JG: I know! Tell me about it. Everyone keeps asking me that question. But Susan’s amazing. She gives me advice and direction regarding my scenes and character — and she’s always right. For me, she’s my mentor. There’s nothing antagonistic about our real-life relationship — unlike Donna and Stephanie’s!
TVG: Are you bummed Susan plans on retiring in a few years?
JG: [turns serious] I hope Susan stays. She is B&B. Susan brings so much to the table both professionally and personally. To be honest, I don’t think the show would feel the same without her here.
TVG: You’ve brought back the classic camp performance to daytime. Who are your acting idols?
JG: When I was younger, it was Kim Basinger. Today, it’s Meryl Streep because she’s classic. Stylishly, Veronica Lake inspires me. ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D Yeah, sure, Missy... Meryl will be delighted to hear that
TVG: Did you always know you wanted to be an actor?
JG: No! I went to college for accounting and almost took a job at Ernst & Young but at the last minute, I said no. You know, I had to follow my dream, and I’ve pursued acting ever since. I started with entering and winning various beauty pageants before becoming a model. That led to acting.
TVG: Aren’t you still in school?
JG: I started school, and the second day of class, [B&B’s executive producer and co-head writer] Brad Bell called and offered me this part. At that point, I wanted to use my mind, I wanted to find a career with longevity. Basically, I wanted to do something other than acting. So yes, I’m still studying part time.
TVG: Do you handle all your own accounting?
JG: No, I have my own accountant because I’m too busy. But I do oversee everything... Maybe when I graduate, I’ll take over the business side of my career.
TVG: What’s it like working with the horniest silver-haired fox in daytime TV, Mr. John McCook [Eric]?
JG: It’s hard to keep a straight face around him, that’s for sure. He’s just a little boy. Even though there’s a huge age difference between us, there isn’t a gap there mentally. He acts like a 12 year-old. He’s young at heart. ;D ;D ;D We know you're only 12 in heart and mind, dear ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
TVG: At first, I assumed B&B was going to pair Donna with Nick Marone instead of Eric.
JG: I know; I did, too! In fact, when I first joined the soap Jack Wagner [Nick] and I actually taped a sexual fantasy scene but they ended up cutting it.
TVG: Beth and Donna are the only Logan women that man-whore Nick hasn’t slept with yet!
JG: I know, right! Give him time! [Laughs]
I havent noticed... 
;D
