Patrika Darbo Chat
Transcript of Soapcity! A Patrika Darbo chat from April 27, 2000
Patrika: Hello, I'm Patrika Darbo and welcome to my chat
mattes614 asks: Patrika, what was your initial reaction when they announced your name as an Emmy Nominee?
Patrika: When they first announced my name I didn't realize that I was being read as a nominee. I thought they wanted me to come up and read the names I had. I was stunned and elated and cried I was so happy.
pngn_2000 asks: What would you do if you were in Nancy's place with Chloe, anything differently?
Patrika: You know its so hard to say, not having children. I've never had children either so I don't know how I would react to that.
hockeymom89_2000 asks: Patrika, what are your hobbies or interests outside of DAYS?
Patrika: Okay. I like to sew and read. I love to go to the theatre.
rosabellek asks: Patrika, Since we have met Nancy's father, will we also get to meet her mother?
Patrika: I don't know yet. I'm waiting to see if we will or not, too.
mattes614 asks: Patrika will you be doing any personal appearances on the east coast anytime soon?
Patrika: Not really soon, but I will in August.
Patrika: Nadia, Arianne, Julianne, and I are all going to New Jersey for a personal appearance.
simonlove_07047 asks: Patrika, was it hard for you as a large beautiful woman to break into the soaps with all those tiny women?
Patrika: I don't think breaking in is a good term.
Patrika: When I was asked to do the role I was very fortunate in that I had a lot of credits.
When they decided to create this character, Tom Langan and the casting director, they already knew my work and I was asked to do the role.
Patrika: I was a beautician on one show and a waitress on another soap.
Patrika: I did not go seeking this job, so it would be hard to say I was "breaking in."
Patrika: I know I'm unique. There are not a lot of women my size.
charma_2 asks: I've seen you in movies, which do you prefer?
Patrika: First of all, Days means a great deal to me. It has afforded me an opportunity to show what a well rounded actor I am.
Patrika: I did get to do a lot of great films. In film, you get a lot more time to prepare your character.
Patrika: But as an actor who knows how tough it is in this business, I'm grateful to do any and all of it.
twanda49 asks: Patrika, you have a beautiful complexion. Do you have any beauty secrets to share?
Patrika: Thank you. I just wash my face.
Patrika: I use Dove soap.
Patrika: And I take my make up off with Borgazea's makeup remover. That's my whole routine.
baller_3j asks: WHO DO YOU THINK IS THE BEST SOAP ACTRESS RIGHT NOW
Patrika: I would have to say that my co-stars are absolutely right up there.
Patrika: As a personal thing I think some of the people from my own show, Kristin Alfonso and Ali Sweeney and others are wonderful, I'm biased, I'm sure.
Patrika: I don't want to sound cliche, but for me to be nominated is great, truly an honor. To be a working actor means that we are talented. To say one is better than another can be a case of a better storyline, more comedy, more drama. To pick one over another, I wouldn't be comfortable doing that.
mols_girl_2000 asks: What were your dreams as a young lady of what you wanted to do when you grew up
Patrika: Be an actor.
Ekelly1999 asks: what is the best thing a fan has ever done for you?
Patrika: I think the best thing fans have done is to share their own lives and hopes and dreams with me. Things that are private that they can entrust in me.
Patrika: That they share their feelings is the greatest gift.
a362428 asks: How did you like working with Suzanne Somers and Patrick Duffy on Step by Step?
Patrika: I had a great time. Patrick is great fun and Suzanne is a great comedienne. We had great adult moments sometimes, away from the kids.
cute_t_pie_21 asks: Is Craig really a sweet guy off the show?
Patrika: Kevin Spirtas is one of the nicest human beings on the face of the earth.
Patrika: His generosity and support have no end, as far as I'm concerned.
bballdude33 asks: How is it working with Jensen Ackles??
Patrika: What a cutie pie. I'd like to bite those lips.
vermicious_knid79 asks: What was it like to work on "Daddy's Dying Who's Got The Will"?
Patrika: I originated the role of Marlene on stage.
Patrika: I played her for two years and then was asked to reprise my role in the film along with the lady who played the grandmother.
Patrika: We were the only ones from the original company. It was a great experience.
hockeymom89_2000 asks: Nancy, would you ever consider living anywhere else in the world besides California?
Patrika: Absolutely. I love Hawaii. If work took me somewhere in a series when DAYS was over, I would go. Life is to be lived to the fullest.
mols_girl_2000 asks: So what is it like to get to get up go to work and get to see a lot of hot guys?
Patrika: Mmmmm yum! It's wonderful. I work with some of the most beautiful people on earth.
Patrika: Drake, Kevin, Jensen and Stefano... Joe has his charm! There's Peter. WooWoo.
cooperativelearner asks: Hi Patrika! I am so impressed with your acting talents. I am also happy that a soap opera has finally realized that heavier women are beautiful too. Days is on the front burner of a great "real life" first by giving a heavier woman a key role. Could you give us a little insight on your character, her relationship with her husband, and where her relationship with her daughter is headed?
Patrika: Okay.
Patrika: Nancy Wesley is a character who adores her husband, Craig. Nancy would do anything for Craig. She's held a dark secret, she held her daughter back. She's caught between a rock and a hard place.
Patrika: It would be hard for me to tell you where the story is going. I'm just a couple weeks ahead of you. If I told you I'd have to kill you.
Patrika: It's a great storyline, and getting better and better.
hockeymom89_2000 asks: Patrika, who are your inspirations? Who do you draw strength from?
Patrika: I draw strength from the support from my husband and friends. My step father, who was only 4'2 inches. He gave me my most inspiration... the biggest little man in baseball.
Patrika: He was the traveling secretary with the Astros. He said if you can dream it you can have it. I got my inspiration from him.
bethan_OKI asks: You and Craig were a riot in the hot tub any more scenes like that
Patrika: Oh I hope so.
tennis_gal12 asks: How do you feel about Days of Our Lives not getting nominated for Best Soap Opera at the Emmys this May? I felt pretty bummed about it.
Patrika: I was very disappointed, as was everyone else. There were problems with ballots getting here from NYC. I think they're working on correcting any problems that occurred so they don't happen again. As disappointed as I am, the other shows are good too.
Patrika: To have TV guide vote us the second year as best soap means a lot. We'll wait until next year and wish everyone else luck.
pelee93 asks: Patrika have you picked out your gown for the award show?
Patrika: I have not seen it yet, but Christian Covington designs is making my gown.
Patrika: It's interesting how when you get more notoriety, people start offering you things. Before I got out there, she was there for me.
Patrika: I just hope I don't trip!
daisygrace24 asks: If Nancy could play any character on any soap, who would she choose?
Patrika: Who would I choose? Does it have to be female?
Patrika: I think it would have to be David Canary. He's been someone I've admired for a long time. Gifted actor, he gets to play the conniving and then the sweet brother. It's adventure to do that.
mattes614 asks: How do you like Nadia Bjorlin playing your daughter?
Patrika: She is absolutely wonderful. If I had a daughter in real life, I'd want her to be just like her.
roger_g_95825 asks: Do you ever feel that the writers go over the top with some of the storylines?
Patrika: I'm sure in our show, people often wonder what the brain stuff is about, but then there's passions with the doll that comes to life.
Patrika: There have been changes. Suddenly there's a woman of size in the soap, that's a new aspect. With Stefano, is it Hope's child John's or Stefano's. Keeping it interesting. The fans are presented with a choice.
Patrika: I do think the power of the pen is very important. Fans should write in and tell them what they think. The producers do pay attention.
punkrock_69_2000 asks: What would you say to people who would want to be a actor like you?
Patrika: I would say if that is your dream, and you can't live without doing it, do it.
Patrika: But if it's I THINK I might want to do this, forget it. Get as much education in the field as possible. Wherever your home town is, become a big fish in a small pond.
Patrika: Get your union card. Get ammunition. Then come to LA. When you get off the bus, get ready to say, how do you like your fries. Success is one in a million.
surprise2010 asks: How are the older adults of the show handling all the younger adults coming to the forefront?
Patrika: In the aspect that life moves forward
Patrika: We are a very supportive family.
Patrika: No problems with anyone feeling put out. Peggy and Frank are still a big part of the Days family. And Bo and Hope have Shawn grown up.
Patrika: It's the circle of life in anything. We have our matriarch Frances Reed.
loried23 asks: Hi Patrika! You do a wonderful job! Do you enjoy working with Josh Taylor? Didn't you guys meet on Hogan's Family?
Patrika: Many people cross from daytime to nighttime, like Josh.
Patrika: I never did the Hogan family though, so I've never met him before.
simonlove_07047 asks: Patrika - I just read something about you doing a celebrity auction I'm hoping to win the DAYS package! Can you tell me more about that? I think its here on yahoo.
Patrika: Perfect opportunity.
Patrika: Soap City and Yahoo are going to participate in an auction on Thursday, April 27, to benefit, the Actors Fund. It benefits all entertainment professionals, since the 1800s. It helps if we are down and out.
Patrika: If you need help with your rent or health problems.
Patrika: We're auctioning lunch with me and a backstage tour.
Patrika: Kevin and Nadia may come if they're not working.
Patrika: Starts on May 15. I just hope there's a lot of good bidding going on.
spicegrrl00 asks: Is Nancy really that materialistic, or is she just misunderstood?
Patrika: I don't know if she's materialistic. She grew up in a wealthy family, so to her it's normal.
Patrika: She likes nice things. Who doesn't. Misunderstood is probably a better thing but not quite the right word.
felix_agogo asks: Does Chloe really sing?
Patrika: Yes. When Nadia sings it is definitely her singing. She is a trained opera singer.
Patrika: Her father was Alf Bjorlin, renowned composer and conductor from Sweden. All of her siblings are musically inclined. She has a sister on Baywatch Hawaii.
Patrika: Come to Wesley's on Fanfare night and hear her sing!
Patrika: Saturday night, June 3rd at 7:30 sharp. We are putting on the Wesley's on Broadway. Suzanne Rogers, Kristin, Nadia, Jensen, are all performing.
Patrika: Let me get ready. I'm gonna bump it with a trumpet, baby, so be there.
mamacita_99 asks: Who is the one person you would most like to meet?
Patrika: In show biz? The world?
Patrika: Katherine Hepburn.
loried23 asks: Is Kevin a good kisser? He looks like he would be.
Patrika: Oh honey, be still my beating heart. You betcha.
allofthis2003 asks: What was your first acting job?
Patrika: On St. Elsewhere, I'm not sure. Oh no, it was a commercial for Hefty Hamburgers in Oregon.
farabera_2000 asks: Do you think Craig and Nancy will be brought to justice for what they did to Mike. Do you think Ali will ever come back?
Patrika: Well Ali may come back.. I don't know for sure.
Patrika: We have nothing to be brought to justice for.
Patrika: Mike made his own bed and laid in that bed with Carrie. Nothing else.
tennis_gal12 asks: I saw you on an old Roseanne and thought you were great on that show too. Do you enjoy acting on comedy or drama better?
Patrika: Comedy has always been easy for me to do. I've been afforded the opportunity to do drama on DAYS.
Patrika: I am pleased to be a well rounded actor, it's hard to choose.
mr_weens asks: Who is the father of Chloe? Hope it's not Stefano too!
Patrika: It's not Stefano. But at this point I'm not permitted to talk about that.
wes_shannon asks: I think Craig & Nancy would be great parents! Is there any chance of that?
Patrika: Oh my.
Patrika: I don't know, but it could happen, couldn't it?
stacylou99 asks: Does anyone from DAYS surf the net and read the Days message boards? If so, what do they think?
Patrika: To be honest, I think there are some people in our office who go thru things and see what the fans say, but it's an office thing. I barely get to my e-mail.
stacylou99 asks: Will the Wesley's get more caught up in John/Marlena and Bo/Hope storylines?
Patrika: It's hard for me to know where the writers are going.
Patrika: They've given Nancy chances to talk to Marlena. She's learning how to handle situations and Marlena helping her. She's just becoming a mother too.
Patrika: I'd love to work with Kristian and Peter.
Munk_Munk5 asks: Hey Patrika! Do you like sports, and if so, who are your fave teams?
Patrika: I grew up with the Braves people, so then my father went to the Astros. I do keep up with the Dodgers but the Astros are in my heart.
Patrika: I play baseball and basketball. I was a pitcher last year. I'm a jock.
jen_99_20_20 asks: Do you have any pets
Patrika: Yes. I have 2 dogs. The oldest is almost 14. A Cairn terrier.
Patrika: Like Toto in Wizard of Oz. Diabetic. Insulin twice a day. One eye. Heart problem. But doesn't know anything's wrong with him. He's fierce. All 20 pounds of him.
Patrika: My second dog I rescued while filming Daddy's Dying. She's Shepard, chow, Aquita, Lab mix.
Patrika: When I did Wheel of Fortune, I donated my winnings to the wonderful woman who runs a German Shepard Rescue. She's using the money to build new cages and runs for her old dogs who can't be adopted.
mamacita_99 asks: I think Nancy should take down Stefano. What do you think?
Patrika: I say yeah!
AR__18 asks: Will you become a "nice" character now that you have the Chloe storyline?
Patrika: I like the fact that she must be nice for her children. She'll be going through things though. She's tough on Chloe now, but we are not wicked parents. As long as my husband and I are in charge, I want things to go my way. She's here to stay.
jen_99_20_20 asks: What was the funniest scene you did on days?
Patrika: The traveling to Las Vegas with Lisa and Kevin.
Patrika: We walked to jail with two guards drugged by Lisa for the dance with the veils.
loried23 asks: What do you think about when you do the crying scenes? You do a wonderful job and you always bring me to tears when you cry because you make it so real. You always have a way of turning on the tears at the drop of a hat.
Patrika: I learned in acting a technique called sense memory. There are things in our lives that make us sad. I go back to that dark place, and remember how it was at that time.
stacylou99 asks: Is it true that Days will be filming in Ireland this summer?
Patrika: I hope it's because we've gone to find my daughter, if it's true!
charma_2 asks: If you can pass on one piece of advice, what would it be?
Patrika: That you follow your own heart and not do what someone else tells you to do.
Patrika: A life lived in fear is not a life lived.
mr_weens asks: Hi Patrika, I have two dogs too - a JRT and a Choco lab - I think it's awesome that Days has Nancy with two dogs. Aren't animals the greatest?
Patrika: They're the best. Absolutely.
Patrika: Since we're the top of the food chain, we have to take care of them.
rockingtina asks: Who is your favorite actor?
Patrika: Kevin Spacey who won this year. Brilliant work.
Patrika: All time favorite, Spencer Tracy, no longer with us.
Patrika: My brain is going blank.
magsters_99 asks: Patrika, I love your hair, where do they come up with all the cute styles?
Patrika: I have a wonderful hairdresser, Gary Allyn. We talk it over, and he performs his magic.
barker88 asks: Patrika, what is your favorite movie?
Patrika: I like old movies... The Uninvited. Ghost/Love story. Kinda scary, but then a great love story. Old movie, but wonderful.
Patrika: Gone With The Wind, southern girl that I am.
Patrika: The Greatest Show on Earth. Betty Hutton, a bundle of dynamic. She could sing, dance, act. She was a trapeze artist. She was it. That's what I wanted to be.
bandit17l asks: hi Patrika! I just wanted to say I admire your work! I am a 17 year old male fan. What do you look for in men? You seem so perky and nice. I just want to give you a hug!
Patrika: Anytime you meet me you can give me a hug. There's not enough hugs going around.
Patrika: Somebody who is open. Great smile.
Patrika: Treats me the way he wants to be treated.
shortie_722 asks: Ms. Darbo who do you want Chloe to end up with? (for a boyfriend)
Patrika: That Philip Kiriakis kid is a jerk. How dare he. But that Shawn Brady comes from a good family. Unfortunately, I don't think it's going to happen.
a362428 asks: Patrika, will you please post your email address?
Patrika: You can email me at toto@patrika-darbo.com. And my Website is patrika-darbo.com.
Patrika: I'm a little behind in my e-mail, so please be patient. If you've written me and haven't gotten a response, I had a virus and it wiped out all my e-mail, including the whole box. I lost it all.
Patrika: A lot of heartfelt letters came in, I apologize for not being able to answer. I just got pictures out.
sweetheart0101 asks: How many hours a week do you work?
Patrika: Our schedules fluctuate. Nothing this week. Four shows on 3 days next week. A long day when I shoot two shows. Hair and makeup and shooting can take only 4 hours. Other days 10 hours.
farabera_2000 asks: What do you find the most challenging thing about working on Days?
Patrika: Memorizing all the lines.
Patrika: It's some of the hardest work I've ever had to do.
Patrika: Daytime TV shoots a movie or episodic script in a day. When you do a sitcom, there is more time. On Monday you do a table read, block, then you go home. The next day you can work on changes.
Patrika: The next day, more changes, block, and rehearse.
Patrika: Next day, network reading, more changes.
Patrika: Friday you shoot the show in morning and again in afternoon. Generally you've had all week to prepare for a 22 minute show.
Patrika: On an episodic, they have 10 days to do what we do in one day.
Patrika: Lot of memorizing . Lots of work.
Patrika: Thank everyone for joining us. Bye!
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