How did the role of Jessica come about for you?I was in Vegas with a couple of friends and my mom called. She said I had an audition. I was thinking, “Oh, bring me down!” because I was hanging out with my friends. It was going to be one of my last auditions this pilot season. After pilot season, I was going to go back to Vegas, and I didn’t want to go back. Monday morning I went in at 11 am and read. I was asked to come back at 5:30 to read for the producers. I came back and at 7:00 they told me they were going to have me do a screentest. I did the screentest with Taylor Anne, who is a doll, and the next day they told me I got it. I was in shock. And they told me I was starting in two days. What was your reaction when you found out you got the part? First of all, I thought everyone was messing with me. I was at home in my pajamas, and my manager called and was asking me all these questions. Then she said she had to call me back. She called me back and told me I got it. I asked if she was just doing it for my self-esteem and she said I really got it! My mom was the first person I told. She said, in her Southern accent, “I can’t believe it. My daughter’s gonna be on a soap opera!” How long have you been in LA? We’ve come out from Vegas, where I’m from, every pilot season for the last two years. When I left this year in January, I said I wasn’t coming back without a U-haul to pack up all my stuff because I don’t like Vegas at all. It was nearing the end of pilot season, and I felt so defeated. When this happened, it saved me! Now, I’m going back to Vegas with my U-haul. Why don’t you like Vegas? I was the biggest dork in high school. I was the most popular unpopular kid. Everybody loved to hate me. Everybody in Vegas can’t take me out of that context of being the butt of jokes. The kids have to pick someone to make fun of, and it was me. What direction do you see your future taking? If I had it my way, I’d be acting forever. I love it. When did you know you wanted to be an actor? When I was a little kid, I always wanted to be the center of attention. When I was in junior high I did Grease. In high school, I went to a performing arts academy and didn’t get cast for anything—not even a chorus. I knew that atmosphere wasn’t what it was about—it was too superficial, too much backstabbing. Nobody was enjoying themselves. I wanted to try it professionally because I knew there had to be a way to do it and have fun with it. Did you watch Passions before you got the part? My friend from home is really into the show. She would always tell me all about what was going on. I was with her when I found out I had the audition and she knew all about Jessica. When I got the part, she started screaming. How does it feel to be playing a part that was played by someone else? Everyone’s been really nice and welcoming. There is always a pressure because Mary has her own fans. It’s hard to replace someone because everyone has a preconceived notion of how they want you to be. Filling someone’s shoes, especially someone as talented and beloved as Mary, will be difficult. It’s challenging but I’m ready to give it a shot. I’ve heard so many great things about her. I’d love to meet her. What was your first day like? They cut my hair, so I was adjusting to that. Everyone introduced themselves and was really sweet. Travis and Taylor Anne invited me to lunch. Taylor Anne and I clicked right away. We talk on the phone and hang out. It’s fun for us to fight on camera, because in real life we don’t fight. I was so nervous when they called me to the set. I just kept thinking—don’t screw up! If you could pick an ideal storyline for Jessica, what would it be? I’d like to see Jessica stand up for herself and get fed up with taking a backseat to everyone else. I’d also like to see her get a boyfriend. Or at least a friend! What do you like to do in your spare time? I love movies and music. I love going to concerts. What is your favorite movie? I really like horror movies, especially The Exorcist, Hush Hush Sweet Charlotte, and Whatever Happened to Baby Jane? I like Steel Magnolias. And of course, Drop Dead Fred! What’s your favorite television show? The Tom Green Show. You gotta love The Tom Green Show. Where do you see yourself ten years from now? Continuing seriously with acting. I want to get into film. I want to do anything thrown my way. I want to be absorbed in this for the rest of my life. What three words would you use to describe yourself? Complex, understanding, and accepting. Other Passions Interviews: Jim Reilly #1 Jim Reilly #2 Jim Reilly #3 |
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