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Intervjuer
By: Matthew Miles Grayson, Dated: May 12, 1998
Sarah Buxton's alter ego may as well start signing checks Mrs. Gregory Richards. When she wants something, she gets it.
What kind of person steals someone else's baby, makes the mother think that the child was stillborn, then runs the poor woman out of town so that she can steal the lady's husband - all for the sake of a chunk of change that makes the iceberg that sunk Titanic seem puny by comparison?
Meet Annie Douglas, money-hungry mistress of manipulation. To fulfill the stipulations of her Daddy Dearest's will, the red-hot redhead has swiped Olivia Richards' son, given the tyke to Olivia's daughter, Caitlin (that's another story altogether!), and begun making bedroom eyes at Livvy's better half, Gregory. But despite appearances that Annie is the she-devil incarnate, she's really not bad, insists her portrayer, Sarah Buxton; she's just - all together now - drawn that way. "She does all of these really bad things to people because of her own past. Her father, Del, treated her so awfully. She just feels cheated in life."
But how did she get from Point A (being an incorrigible, not spoiled-quite-enough little rich girl) to Point B (being an unstoppable, too-smart-for-her-own-good gold-digger par excellence)? Here, in this special section, the actress who brings the vixen to vivid, vicious life recounts the highlights - and lowlights- of the youth that she gleefully is misspending.
It's My Funeral, I'll Cry If I Want To
Shortly after SUN's debut, Annie was thrown in the pokey for the murder of her dear, departed dad. But prison bars (and her innocence) soon proved to be the least of her worries. "Annie always pined away for Ben, who wasn't interested in her," recalls Buxton. "But when he came to her rescue in jail, she used this to her advantage. She played on his sympathies."
Unfortunately, Annie didn't have Ben's undivided attention. He was preoccupied with his new gal pal, Meg. "Annie hated Meg from the moment she laid eyes on her," Buxton states. "She sensed that Meg and Ben were growing closer, and she was totally jealous of their relationship."
After Annie staged a jailbreak and escaped in a coffin (which almost landed her in a crematorium), her feelings for Ben grew even stronger. "It was really a turning poingt for her when she snuck into her funeral and heard from Ben's own lips how much she meant to him," says Buxton, adding that afterward, even though Meg helped him try to prove Annie's innocence, "Annie wasn't grateful. She caused her a lot of trouble instead. She didn't like Meg or want her poking in her personal business, so she tried really hard to break up her and Ben."
All Annie could see was that, once again, she was being denied the one thing in life that she wanted. First, it was her father's love that she couldn't have; this time, it was Ben's affection. Or so it seemed....
Love And Let Live
Determined to win away Ben from Meg, as soon as the homicide charges against Annie were dropped (Elaine did the dirty deed), the ex-con came up with an elaborate scheme to feed the Midwestern innocent a line of bull so rank that any city slicker would smell it a mile away. "Annie knew how gullible Meg was," notes Buxton, "so she faked Maria's journals so that [it would appear that Ben killed his first wife and] Meg would be frightened of him."
The nasty plan worked at first, then backfired. "Annie manipulated Meg into a cave," syas Buxton. "But when Ben followed and got caught [with Meg in an explosion], it was horrible.
"Not only did Annie endanger their lives, she witnessed them making love. Annie's worst nightmare had come true. She definitely got a taste of her own medicine."
Yet Annie still believed that she and Ben had a future together. "Give her an inch, and Annie will take a mile every time," says Buxton. "She found out that Ben couldn't remember the cave incident and convinced him to go see a hypnotherapist. Then she snuck into the session and planted a post-hypnotic suggestion for him to call Meg by Maria's name."
When Ben got a clue, he gave Annie the boot once and for all. "At that point Annie realized there was nothing she could do," says Buxton. "She decided to let them play out their romance."
And once again, the one thing that Annie wanted flew out of reach.
Here Comes The Bride - Or Else!
Annie was down, but far from out. Opportunity knocked, and like a spider to a fly, she said, "Wont you come in?" Explains Buxton: "It was a major day for Annie when Charles showed up with a codicil to Del's will. It gave Annie a new thing to focus on, a new reason to scheme."
And thus, to live. Now, Annie is plotting like there's no tomorrow (which, for her, there isn't). She's got to marry Gregory by June if she is to inherit Del's fortune, and by God, she's determined to meet her deadline. "Annie wants to be in charge of her own life," says Buxton. "The codicil gave her that chance, so she will do whatever it takes to get her money."
So far in her quest, Annie has made pawns of Gregory's children and even used her beloved Aunt Bette to het her dirty deeds done cheap. "Annie started out using everybody but she definitely feels bad about using Caitlin, because she actually likes her," admits Buxton. "And at first, she despised Gregory. But now I think she is starting to feel something genuine for him.
"That's just like her, though," the actress sums up. "She jumps into something impulsively to get to the next level, then ends up having feelings about the situation - although she has a great ability to cut off her feelings, too."
So, as June approaches, will Annie be donning white and making Olivia see red? "I think she will," hints Buxton. "She's probably shopping for a gown right now."
"But," she concludes, "'that doesn't mean that the scheming will stop. Annie Douglas will be scheming until she's 101 years old."
By: Yahoo! Chat, Dated: October 11, 1997
Sarah Buxton's alter ego may as well start signing checks Mrs. Gregory Richards. When she wants something, she gets it.
Nbclive: Welcome, Sarah!
Sarah_Buxton_NBC: Hi! Thank you for joining us!
Cfbien asks: How hard is it to act on a daily soap?
Sarah_Buxton_NBC: The memorization is the hardest part. Getting up early. It's fun :-) The hours are not too long. It's mostly the memorization.
Nbclive: Another acting question....
Paulheusen asks: People often say that soap operas are the best training for an actor/actress? Based on your experiences on Sunset Beach, what do you think about that statement? Sarah_Buxton_NBC: I think you can learn a lot on a soap. I don't think you can learn everything about acting at all.
Sarah_Buxton_NBC: You can get some bad habits. But it teaches you to trust your instincts. And to think fast. Because the process is so much faster than any other medium.
Canteburytales asks: How many episodes per day do you film? When do you rehearse? Sarah_Buxton_NBC: I learn my lines the night before. Rehearse in the make-up chair. Then we have something called "dry blocking" where you get another opportunity to rehearse.
Sarah_Buxton_NBC: We film usually anywhere from 1-3 episodes. Because of location shoots, we sometimes do different parts of separate episodes.
Nbclive: Some of your fans want to know whether improvisation take place on "Sunset Beach" ?
Sarah_Buxton_NBC: Not usually. The producers like us to stay to the script.
Sarah_Buxton_NBC: Although, occassionally, when you have too many lines, improvisation happens.
Fine_texan asks: What do you do when your not at the beach?
Sarah_Buxton_NBC: I had a dinner party, the last time I had a day off... And I carved a pumpkin. And I go to the gym.
APeckLover asks: What advice would you give to a teenager who is intrested in acting on soaps? Abby
Sarah_Buxton_NBC: I would say...get into some acting school, and study. And then, get your photographs together
Sarah_Buxton_NBC: Then hit the agencies. Do school plays and get as much experience as you can.
Sarah_Buxton_NBC: When I was 7, I did a play with the kids on my street. We did everything: the sets, the costumes, hair, directing. So do whatever you can to start acting!
Macdaddy3297 asks: will you and Ben Evans ever get together on the show
Sarah_Buxton_NBC: I hope so! If I have my way. Right now, I just have to keep trying ;-)
Cfbien asks: Are you anything like your character on Sunset Beach?
Sarah_Buxton_NBC: Do you want me to be honest? :-)
Grain110 asks: Good evening Sarah, Wimbledon (UK) saying hello... you have a lovely voice.... can you sing?
Sarah_Buxton_NBC: I wish I could sing. Firstly, thank you for the compliment! Someday I will take singing lessons...I want to be in a band.
Praxis5 asks: What kind of music do you listen to?
Sarah_Buxton_NBC: I have a very eclectic taste in music... from rap to grunge to classical... I'm not really into showtunes, but I love "Rent."
AQuA_FiShY asks: Do you use cue cards??
Sarah_Buxton_NBC: We're not allowed.
Sarah_Buxton_NBC: Somedays I wish we could...the reason behind that is that it's distracting and you're not really in the scene (if you're reading).
Harv1 asks: Sarah - did you - do you watch soaps? which one's were/are your favorites? Sarah_Buxton_NBC: I was never really into soaps. I occasionally watched General Hospital, when I was in High School, because my friends watched it .
Sarah_Buxton_NBC: Now I watch "Days of our Lives" in the dressing room. But my favorite is "SUNSET BEACH"... I'm addicted!
Flowerbird22 asks: In the show did you ever have to do something that you didn't want to do
Sarah_Buxton_NBC: No...so far, so good! Because the character, Annie, has so many adventures...and I like that.
SuBeRules asks: Which is a better kisser, Dax or Clive?
Sarah_Buxton_NBC: Dax. Dax is a better kisser, but I definitely have fun kissing both of them!
Totallymarried asks: Are you friends with any of your castmates away from work?
Sarah_Buxton_NBC: Yes. I'm really close with Vanessa Dorman and Susan Ward. Believe it or not, Susan and I are very close!!! And Clive and Dax. I just kiss them both all the time! LOL
Totallymarried asks: How did you like doing the catfight with Susan Ward?
Sarah_Buxton_NBC: We had so much fun! Lots of times we had to stop because we were laughing so much!
Boardshorts12 asks: I am starting a Ska band and we need a lead singer call me if you are interested!!!
Sarah_Buxton_NBC: What's your number? What city do you live in?
Superculgenius asks: Do you ever get nervous during one of the love scenes?
Sarah_Buxton_NBC: Yes, sometimes I do get nervous, because there's a lot of people (crew members). But everybody's friendly...we're like a big family.
APeckLover asks: What is the most important thing in your life?
Sarah_Buxton_NBC: My family.
Iwatchnbc asks: Where is your sanctuary (the place you go to withdrawal from reality)?
Sarah_Buxton_NBC: I go to this hike up in the hills.
Harv1 asks: Sarah - what's your idea of an ideal weekend?
Sarah_Buxton_NBC: I like to go to the gym, and have dinner with friends, and go to movies... These are things I never get to do during the week, when I'm busy working.
IBC4 asks: What is the greatest thing that has ever happened to you?
Sarah_Buxton_NBC: I'll get back to that question.
Smack_daddy asks: What made you try out for this part?
Nbclive: Or what attracted you?
Sarah_Buxton_NBC: I just came back from New Zealand from making a film and my agent called me and asked me if I was interested. And it sounded interesting because of the combination of NBC and Aaron Spelling. And I really liked the character when they sent me the material.
Superculgenius asks: What is the funnest part about playing on Sunset Beach?
Sarah_Buxton_NBC: I love so much about it! The character is so much fun to play, because she is so "intricate." It's always a challenge and I find that fun.
Praxis5 asks: What are some challenges you've faced as an actress?
Sarah_Buxton_NBC: Staying employed is a big challenge. With different characters, there are different accents, the research. On "Sunset Beach," my biggest difficulty has been the amount of material, the memorization. But my memorization is improving!
The_wolverine asks: sarah did you play any sports when you were in high school
Sarah_Buxton_NBC: Yes! I was a gymnast on a professional team outside of school. In school, I played volleyball and track & field. But I love sports!
(note: we're getting our host re-connected...please standby)
Cfbien asks: Where do you want your career to go from here?
Sarah_Buxton_NBC: I'm very happy working on "Sunset Beach" ...but someday, later down the line, I'd like to do some films.
Flowerbird22 asks: do you have a boyfriend and if you do spill your guts about him
Sarah_Buxton_NBC: Well...I think I have a boyfriend :-) Alright, I'll spill my guts.... His name is Myc. He's a model, maybe you've seen him in Guess? ads. And he's VERY ROMANTIC.
Sheryl72 asks: How do you like working with Bette?
Sarah_Buxton_NBC: I love working with Kathleen (Bette). She's a very supportive actress, and she's always smiling and making me laugh.
Haoleteen asks: My highest speed is 85 mph on Interstate 40, what was you hightest speed you drove?
Sarah_Buxton_NBC: I guess...80mph, but please don't tell! Are you a police officer?
Ilovcrystal asks: do you sign autographs?
Sarah_Buxton_NBC: Yes, I do.
Sarah_Buxton_NBC: I'll be appearing in Tucson, AZ at the NBC Daydream Tour, November 5-9.
LdyGrog asks: Are you a regular internet user? if so, what part of the internet do you use?
Sarah_Buxton_NBC: I sometimes go to Yahoo! Chat... I just surf around. I haven't been online lately, just because I've been so busy. Today, I just picked up my e-mail.
Dorthy_from_KS asks: who do u think will win the world series?
Sarah_Buxton_NBC: Go Braves!
_Big_G asks: will u marry me??
Sarah_Buxton_NBC: Of course! Absolutely! :-)
Nbclive: And more people want to see you LIVE....
Bob1297 asks: Do you ever come to Canada i.e., Toronto, Ontario.
Sarah_Buxton_NBC: Yes, I do. I once did an episode of "21 Jump Street" in Vancouver... and recently, I did a film called "Listen" (also in Vancouver). Basically, for work, I'll go there. I just recently obtained dual citizenship, American and Canadian. My father is Canadian.
Easy_2_69 asks: Sarah is the press always following you
Sarah_Buxton_NBC: Sometimes. When I go to parties and events in NY and LA.
AQuA_FiShY asks: Do you wear a lot of make up on the show?
Sarah_Buxton_NBC: Yes, I do wear a lot of make-up. Sometimes, too much. But it's because of the lights.
Hawk12347 asks: Sarah, hello from IL! I'm a SB watcher, whens your movie gonna be coming out? by the way you're gorgeous!
Sarah_Buxton_NBC: Thank you so much for the compliment! And for watching "Sunset Beach." "The Climb" will be coming out next spring.
Icylove asks: when Annie was hanging from that post on the pier and later jumped off- were you really hanging and did you really jump off?
Sarah_Buxton_NBC: I was really hanging, with a harness. And lots of stunt people to help me. And I've never been so scared in my life! Because I'm so scared of heights. But it was my stunt double jumping off.
IElectra asks: ANNIE!!!!!!!! how do you like being the VILLAN!!!
Sarah_Buxton_NBC: I LOVE IT! It is so much fun... I feel blessed. I don't think I would have as much fun being the "good girl."
Cfree_SunBeach asks: Do you ever see your character giving up Ben and falling in love with Tim?
Sarah_Buxton_NBC: I could see that happening... They always say that tragedy brings people closer. The tragedy being: losing Ben.
Totallymarried asks: How do you like working with Peter Barton. I thought it was hilarious when he was running around in a dress.
Sarah_Buxton_NBC: I thought it was funny too. Believe it or not, those are his clothes! (just kidding!) I love working with Peter, he makes me laugh.
APeckLover asks: Are your eyes blue, or are they colored contacts? If they are real they are beautiful!
Sarah_Buxton_NBC: They're real! And thank you so much!
Bishob asks: what internet browser do you use? and what are your feelings about hackers?
Sarah_Buxton_NBC: Netscape .
Sarah_Buxton_NBC: I had fun playing a hacker. Annie is always so resourceful ;-)
Sparkly_15 asks: Where do you film Sunset Beach?? I've been to the real Sunset Beach and it's nothing like the beach on the show
Sarah_Buxton_NBC: We film in Seal Beach, which is right down the street from Sunset Beach. It's nothing like the Sunset Beach in Hawaii.
Sarah_Buxton_NBC: It's been fun, and thank you all for joining us and asking such wonderful questions. I'll schedule another chat soon! Goodnight, and have a wonderful happy Halloween!
(1) Where were you when you found out you had been nominated? Who told you? On the Annie set. [I had] just finished a scene with Kathleen [No one, Bette, Outstanding Female Scene Stealer nominee] and Gary Tomlin [executive producer] came out to tell us both. He congratulated us. It was very exciting.
(2) What are some of the reactions you got from friends, colleagues, etc.? They are just very happy for me, and told me [I've been] such a bad girl.
(3) Have you ever won anything before? Just my cat Tabatha in the 7th grade dance contest.
(4) Do you have a "lucky charm"? I do. It is a lucky clay miniature monkey that my Dad brought me from Japan when I was a little girl.
(5) What do you plan to wear to the Awards Show? I don't know just yet.
(6) What wouldn't you be caught dead in at the Awards Show? A pair of jeans.
(7a) If you win, who will you thank? First, I would thank [BEACH Executive Producer] Aaron Spelling. I would also thank my family, my teachers, all the producers and writers from SUNSET BEACH.
(7b)Who is the person you are most likely to forget to thank? I think I might forget to thank the kitchen sink.
(8) Where will you put the award if you win? I don't know, maybe my office in my apartment.
(9) If you couldn't attend, who would you want to accept the award on your behalf? (It can be anyone -- living, dead, extraterrestrial, etc.) My mom.
We at Health & Fitness magazine invite you to join us in meeting the ever-so-enchanting Sarah Buxton, daytime television’s newest soap opera vixen. Annie Douglas, who stars on Sunset Beach (NBC). Sarah was intrigued by our magazine and we offered to maker her out first celebrity cover feature spread.
H&F: Sarah, so are you from California? And how was it that you were "discovered"?
SB: Yes, I am a native of Southern California. When I was 15 years old, shopping around the supermarket one day, I was "discovered" by a Hollywood manager. I guess you can say my career started at that point.
H&F: What were some of your first jobs?
SB: I started in commercials; some were Mitsubishi, Coca-Cola, and Special K. From there I began acting and have had some interesting roles on TV and movies.
H&F: When did you first get into exercise and sports?
SB: When I was around 10 years old I was involved in gymnastics, training from 6am to 9am, 5 days a week, I would also run and lift weights. At that time my dream was to be like Nadia Comaneci. I also have always enjoyed water sports and activities, snorkeling and scuba diving.
H&F: How often do you work out now? And, What would be an ideal workout for you?
SB: I try to get in 3 to 4 workouts per week as my schedule permits. I take treadmill classes and step aerobics. I also practice Yoga regularly at the Yoga Zone with Steve Ross. When I have the time I like to on Yoga retreats. With my long work hours I find Yoga to be very helpful in keeping me more balanced.
H&F: Do you use a personal trainer to keep that fit body of yours in such great shape?
SB: No, but I am thinking of looking for one. I have always been involved in health and fitness. It’s really an important part of my life.
H&F: Sarah, what about your diet? Do you adhere to a special plan?
SB: Well I have been a vegetarian since 15. I love to cook. I eat lots of veggies, brown rice, and sushi and tofu for protein. Sometimes I crave junk food like pizza and ships and salsa.
H&F: Do you have a nutritionist? And do you take supplements/vitamins?
SB: Yes, I do have one. Nutritionists are great for putting you back on the right track with your eating habits. And yes, I do take a variety of vitamins and drink fresh juices regularly.
H&F: Do you have a beauty care regimn? Any particular products or tips?
SB: I love to get facials, massages, accupuncutre, body scrubs, and salt glows. I also enjoy spas with steam rooms and eucalyptus. They make me feel terrific! I use all natural types of products for the skin and body, and I also like aromatherapy.
H&F: Do you have much time to travel? What are your favorite cities?
SB: Not much. But in the past and when I can, I love to. Some of my favorite places are Italy, Spain and Tahiti, especially for all of the water activities. I really like to swim in the ocean. I love New York city, all of the "hustle-bustle" and people watching there is just never a dull moment. And Paris is also one of my favorites, I just wish I spoke French…well, c’est la vie.
H&F: Do you have any special hobbies?
SB: Yes, I am a potter. I love clay and pottery and throwing pots. It’s really hard on the hands and makes a big mess, but I have always enjoyed pottery. And of course I love to shop!
H&F: Now let’s focus on Sunset Beach. Was the audition process grueling?
SB: No, it wasn’t too bad. I read for casting, then the producers, an d I guess they thought I was just right for the role, so I got it and I am so happy to be a part of Sunset Beach.
H&F: Your role on the show is that of a vixen. How do you transform yourself to play such a character?
SB: It’s a role that is a lot of fun to play. Annie, has many different sides to her. I have to be mean and nasty and sexy and conniving. But, that just makes the role a lot more challenging for me. I think we all have different facets to our personality, including some we never show. Changing your personality for the character is just something you get into when you are acting.
H&F: What is it like to be on Sunset Beach being seen by millions of viewers everyday?
SB: We are all one big happy family. Everybody works really hard, and we all help each other out. The crew and staff is really excellent! We are seen in 40 countries worldwide. I get fan mail from all over.
H&F: Do fans want to know about your clothes, hairstyles and relationships on the set?
SB: They want to know just about everything. We have a wide range of viewers. There are a lot of young people, both males and females between 18 and 35. We like the idea of people growing with the show. We also hear from a lot of people that are at home due to illness and they tell us how they look forward to the show each day and how it brings them happiness.
H&F: What about all the hunky guys on the show? Any relationships?
SB: The guys on the show are great. I am single right now, and it really doesn’t bother me because I am so busy. The guys and I are good friends, which I think is best because it is hard to work with somebody and also be romantically involved with them.
H&F: As your celebrity grows, where do you want your career to go next?
SB: I really love what I am doing right now! I do like film a lot, the pace is not rushed and there’s lots of time for character building and development. I love little theater, maybe a play sometime. I have done work in TV, film and stage and I really like it all. What’s really important is spending time with friends and enjoying any free time that I do have.
By David Scott
Sarah Buxton made an out-of-the-way pit-stop on her way to New York for the Emmys. The actress went to Israel with castmates Clive Robertson (Ben) and Laura Harring (Paula) to promote their show. "The show airs at 8 every night and it's very popular over there," smiles Buxton. "I wasn't ready for the response. There were lots of screaming fans and people wanting pictures. It was a big deal, much different than I expected." With the recent tensions in the Middle East, security was understandably tight. "As an American, I felt a little uncomfortable having a bodyguard constantly looking up at the buildings and things like that," Buxton admits. "In Jerusalem, I felt a little bit more tension, but it was pretty cool."
