With  Love  To...  The  SOAPS!
Y&R Fan Event Coverage - NEW   |   OLTL's  Melissa  Archer (Natalie)   |   GL's  Crystal  Chappell (Olivia; ex-Maggie, OLTL; ex-Carly, DAYS)   |   Soaps  In  Depth   |   OLTL's  Gina  Tognoni (ex-Kelly)   |   Y&R's  Michelle  Stafford (Phyllis)   |   Amc's  Walt  Willey (Jackson)   |   The  'Ripa'  Effect   |   Laura  Addicts   |   Kelly  Ripa  Haven


Amc's  Walt  Willey (Jackson)

In college, you majored in sculpture. You worked in retail sales and manufacturing. What made you decide to become an actor?
"I did a few plays in college, and got very good notices, so decided to give it a try so i didn't have to wonder 'what if?'..."

What do your children, Chance and Merit, think of their dad being on television?
"All they really know is that Daddy has the same job as 'Goofy', and since we're owned by disney and have several special events on Disney properties, they think that's very cool!"

What are your best memories from your days on Another World (ex-James) and Ryan's Hope (ex-Joe)?
"Working with Ving Rhames on 'AW' was a real treat, and filling the shoes of 'Joe Novak' on 'RH' was a real challenge given the actors that preceded me in this role."

Do you still talk to anyone from those soaps?
"Not really. I ran into Ving when he was doing 'The View', which tapes in the same building as 'AMC', and we caught up, and occasionally I'll see some of the others that are now on different soaps, such as Linda Dano who joined the ABC family."

You just came back from a comedy tour. How was it like?
"I'm ALWAYS just coming back from a comedy tour, as I've been doing it for 11 years now! It's always a great pleasure to entertain the fans in a way different from that which they are used to."

Do you think a breakfast with your fans at SSW is in the near future?
"I'm kept so busy at Disney hosting different venues every time, that i don't even have time for breakfast with myself!"

You are currently nominated at With Love To... The SOAPS! 's contest as Soapy Lead Actor of the Week. Any comments?
"It's always an honor to be thought highly of by those who have watched the show and supported me for all these (15) years!"

How has playing Jack changed your life?
"In so many ways... It's allowed me to use 'AMC' as a springboard for the comedy, and my many hosting duties, and of course, it's a pretty good living for a guy whose father worked swing-shift in the coal mines and glass factories for 45 years. Believe me, I know how fortunate I am!"

Do you think we, the fans, will ever get our wedding of Erica and Jack?
"Gosh, that's a tough one! I do have FOUR engagement rings invested in this woman, so..."

Some of your fans would like to see Jack with Simone. What's your take on that one?
"What a surprise!"

What has been your favorite storyline at All My Children?
"There are a coupe that come to mind: Jack and Erica in Paris, and Jack finding out the truth about his sister Christine."

If you could cross-over with your character - even for a guest appearance - to any of the other soaps - to a past or present storyline - which one would you choose, and why?
"Oh, I have crossaed over...to 'The City', as Morgan Fairchild's characters old boyfriend. We actually went off to London together...that's how she exited the show."

How is Susan Lucci in real-life?
"Incredibly kind, professional, caring, energetic, giving, and a little-known fact...over 6' tall!"

What are you most and least like Jack?
"I have much less a sense of decorum than jack, and he is infinitely more forgiving and patient!"

In Israel, we're currently watching 1996 episodes. Recently, Michael, Laurel's brother, said he's gay in class, thus being fired from his job as a history teacher. He went on The Cutting Edge, with Laurel, and a gunshot that was meant for him just killed Laurel :( How did fans react to this storyline?
"As I recall, the story was very well received, and we were given an award from GLAD for telling this socially important story."

Are you still in touch with Felicity La Fortune (ex-Laurel) and James Kiberd (ex-Trevor)?
"I ran into Felicity not long ago, and she had many things in the works: a book, her singing career--she's always busy! James is doing a lot of theatre all over the country, as well as painting quite a bit."

If you could bring three of your former co-stars back to Pine Valley, who would you choose?
"'Langley', the late Louis Edmonds, 'Travis', Larkin Malloy, and 'Laurel', Felicity LaFortune."

If you, Walt, lived in Pine Valley in real-life, which place would you hang-out in the most?
"Why the bar at the Valley Inn, of course! And 'Myrtle's'...love that redhead!"

Would you be interested in a chat with your fans at LOVE SOAPS ? It would be VERY much appreciated by all of us!
"Sure, after the spring and when I get caught up...how's June sound?"

[LOVE  SOAPS! 's NOTE: STAY  TUNED  FOR  MORE  INFORMATIONS!]

Is there anything you'd like to tell your fans?
"Thanks for all the great years and giving me an opportunity to entertain you in so many ways! You're the best!"

And thank you for these questions. Hope the answers are found entertaining as well!
Walt

Visit  Walt's  Official  Website!