LINDA DANO - NOVEMBER 24, 1995 - CIS/EDRIVE CHAT

© (Copyright 1995 The Soap Opera Forum and Entertainment Drive, LLC on Compuserve)

If you are on CIS, the GO word for soap conferences on eDRIVE is ESOAP

The following chat is reprinted here with permission.

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(Christa [Host])
We are about to begin our conference with Linda. She is sitting here reading all of your comments and loving it!

(RAY M. SEDORE)
hi linda

(Jack Hill)
Linda, thanks for joining us

(WHITE ZOMBIE)
Hello there

(Annie)
Aloha, Linda.

(Jack Hill)
How do you like the new sets that debut tomorrow?

(Kathy Biederman)
Hi Linda! We are glad you can be with us!!

(Steel)
Hi Linda

(Jesse)
Hi Linda, I recently started watching AW, and I think you are great!

(Judith DePiero)
Hi, Linda, Judith here, I think you are the best thing on A.W.

(Pat Chinner)
Hello Linda Dano, I am a big fan. I have watched Another World since Rachel and Alice Frame were fighting. Will the book that Felicia is currently writing on Another World be published for your many fans?

(Linda Dano)
God bless you Judith!

(Linda Dano)
I don't know about the book that Felicia is writing - I'm so consumed with John at the moment that I haven't typed much lately.

(Christa [Host])
The Soap Opera Forum is pleased to welcome Linda Dano to CompuServe's Convention Center.

Linda Dano is an accomplished television and feature film actress, television talk-show host, spokesperson, business entrepreneur, columnist, novelist and collector of seventeenth and eighteenth century antiques. Linda has played Felicia Gallant on NBC's "Another World" for over twelve years; a role which garnered her the Emmy Award for Best Actress in 1993. This role follows others on CBS's "As The World Turns" and ABC's "One Life To Live."

A fashion major at California State University at Long Beach, Linda still maintains a strong affinity for fashion and design. Her fashion accessory line for The QVC Network "Putting It Together with Linda Dano" is beginning it's third year. It was created for cost conscious women who enjoy quality, style, and variety in their wardrobe. "Strictly Personal," the New York based fashion consulting service which creates complete wardrobes to match a specific client's taste and personality has been owned and operated by Linda for more than a decade.

And now, join me in welcoming Linda Dano!

(Dane M. Warner)
hello

(WHITE ZOMBIE)
Welcome

(Steel)
Hi Linda

(Linda Dano)
Hi everybody! How wonderful that you all felt like spending Sunday evening with me!

(Jack Hill)
Welcome, Linda!! I am the Section Leader for AW in the Soap Forum and it is a JOY to welcome you to Compuserve.

(Annie)
Applause Applause Applause....Welcom Linda!

(Jesse)
Hi Linda! :-D

(Kathy Biederman)
Hi Linda! Welcome!!

(Jack Hill)
Linda, how do you like working with the new sets that we see starting tomorrow?

(Christa [Host])
Jack is our Another World section leader for The Soap Opera Forum! Thank you Jack for all your hard work in the section

(Linda Dano)
I'm soo thrilled with the new sets and we're so lucky to have our new producer Jill Phelps who made it all happen!

Question: From LOUISVILLE, KY:
(James R Zanewicz)
Linda, my favorite AW storyline was you, Wallingford, and Cass running around getting into hijinks after hijinks.. What is your most memorable storyline?

(Linda Dano)
There have been two - I agree with you - the time with Wallingford and Cass were the most fun-The alcohol storyline was the most challenging, but what makes me cry and feel proud of being on this show is the friendships like Steven and Brent and John.

Question: From JACKSONVILLE, FL:
(dawne anderson)
What happened to Randy Brooks and your supposed romance with him on AW?

(Linda Dano)
I don't know. We were told this was going to happen, he was hired to be my love interest, he was so excited about it, I like him so much, and they pulled the plug. I think they got afraid that you all would stop watching - I don't think you would have, but they thought so. And everytime we're together in a scene, we play it!

Question: From HONOLULU, HI:
(Steel)
Hi Linda, I talked to you twice before. We were wondering what designer you were wearing tonight?. Please include accessories.

(Linda Dano)
Thank You! I'm wearing a Anne Klein jacket from Loehmanns, a Vittadini T-Shirt from Boltons and the pants, god knows where they came from. But everything is about 5 years old, and still looks great. I have a hat on, and I had the hat made for me for 22 dollars. I would normally have on a hat that I had made for QVC, but I'm going on air tomorrow at 12 noon est so I had to send everything down to Pennsylvania, so if you are free tomorrow, tune in and call me!

(Jack Hill)
Linda, it seems that your character and Stephen's are going in different directions now. Have we started to see the end of Wallingford's? BTW, I am deeply saddened that a few narrow-minded people forced the show to abandon Felicia's romance with Marshall. The chemistry was SO strong!

(Linda Dano)
Wasn't it though! We really have a nice thing. It is a shame, it really is a shame! The opportunity to do something that hadn't been done! There had been a black white thing before, but never with a woman like me, my character, and never a black man and white woman. Someday, maybe, I hope so.

(Jack Hill)
Do you think that was the big stumbling block?

(Linda Dano)
Wallingfords is now become a frag. A frag is like a part of a set. A little part of the major set. I don't know if you are ever going to see Wallingfords whole again. It does seem like Stephen and I are going in separate directions, but never as friends. You will still see us together.

Question: From SASKATOON:
(Pat Chinner)
Wouldn't Micheal be a better choice for Felicia? I can't see her as a homewrecker.

(Linda Dano)
I know! I have a hard time with this myself, but I do love David Forsyth and it has been fun to have a love affair again, not that I have consumated anything! I don't think anything will really happen, but hey, I don't know, it might! I'd be a nervous wreck!

(Christa [Host])
Let's talk to Linda about her weight loss and how she accomplished it.

(Jack Hill)
Last year, you took names and phone numbers of folks who wanted info from you on the weight loss program you used (worked like a charm right, by the way). How many folks did you have to call the next day? (grin) Can you tell folks who may not know a little about it?

(Linda Dano)
It was for the first time the easiest weight loss I've ever done. I guess because I decided to take charge - I stopped doing all those crazy things we all do - starving and thinking about cheeseburgers and ice cream. I just made decisions that were positive rather than negative. I stopped depriving myself and Dr. Nancy Bonios really showed me the way. I listened to tapes, I watched a video, and 35 pounds later, I agreed to try and help others. If you need a new direction, call...

(Christa [Host])
The Bonios Plan - HelpLine- 1-800-760-5490 To order the tapes, please call 1-800-424-1777 (3 payments of $39.95)

(Linda Dano)
All I can tell you is that this is not about making money - this is about me sharing what worked for me. God knows how hard this is! And, as friends, I hope it helps you as much as it did me. Let me know!

Question: From NEW YORK, NY:
(Jonathan Reiner)
Linda, do you ride to the studio with other actors? If so, who is usually at your pick-up point?

(Linda Dano)
Yes, I do! I used to drive myself, I have a truck and I loved having the freedom to come and go, but after the Walter storyline where he kidnapped me, it made me so tired that I stopped driving myself. So, I meet the car at Sarge's Deli and we ride to Brooklyn. Most of the time Amy Carlson and my kid Robin Christopher. (Lorna).

Question: From SANTA CLARA, CA:
(Annie)
Hi Linda, I was wondering if the new hairstyle means Felicia is going in a new direction, or did she just "Wash that Man Right Outta her Hair?"

(Linda Dano)
(LOL) I don't know, kind of! I try stuff all the time. I don't have long hair, Annie, like the kids do, they get to put it up and back and so forth, so I have to do what little I can do to change my luck. LOOK not luck. Do you guys like it? Do you like it slicked back? Do you like the bangs? Or do you like my old hair style?

Question: From LOUISVILLE, KY:
(James R Zanewicz)
Linda, a while back on the show (the Zane days perhaps?) you had let your hair grow out and in a powerful closing scene you grabbed a scissors and cut it all off. Was this your idea that was worked in, or did the Powers that be suggest it?

(Linda Dano)
James, I actually had hair extensions when you saw my hair long, and when I grabbed the scissors and cut it all off, that was planned from the beginning and boy was I glad to get that out of my hair!

(Jack Hill)
Can you tell us what it was like making the TV-movie with Patty Duke? Do you have other outside acting projects in the works that you can give teasers about ? (grin)

(Linda Dano)
Patty Duke is just wonderful. I had such a good time doing this part. We became great friends. She is lovely - I just adore her. I am reading for something on Tuesday - keep your fingers crossed! Its always fun to go off and do something - it keeps you on your toes! The problem is getting the time off.

Question: From SASKATOON:
(Pat Chinner)
Do you have plans to stay with AW as long as possible? You always make my day. Thanks for being such a wonder part of my favorite soap.

(Linda Dano)
Thank you very much, Pat! As a matter of fact, I've just signed another 3 years so I'll be around for a while.

Question: From LONDON, ON:
(Ocean's Girl)
Linda, has there been a storyline that Felicia was involved in, that you wish had gone another way?

(Linda Dano)
Yes. I wish John had not died. I wish Walter had not been taken away. I wish I could have Brent back. I hate change. And I make such deep friendships that it is so hard when people leave.

Question: From CLEVELAND, OH:
(Kathy Biederman)
What other actors would you like to work with - either on the show or in something else?

(Linda Dano)
I would kill to work with Steven Bochco though he's not an actor. I would be so thrilled to work with Hopkins because you almost feel you can touch his soul. And I would like to work with Sean Connery because he's Sean Connery! On my show, I would like to have more scenes with Tom Eplin, because he is so irreverent, and hopefully in the future I have the opportunity to work with John Bolger, because he's so dreamy! Needless to say, I am thrilled that he is going to be involved with Lorna. I so approve! I also love Grayson McCouch. I would have loved to have a story with him. And then there's Tim who I do get to play with and work with. I must tell you I have known David Forsyth a long time, and we have been friends a long time, and I would never have dreamed that a story line with him would have worked, but I think now it does - at least I'm having a great time doing it. He is such a lovely actor, and a great ! Did any of you see David and Stephen and I being so silly on the Oprah show? Did you like it or hate it?

(Jack Hill)
When was Oprah?????????

(Christa [Host])
Let us know what you think!

(Judith DePiero)
Linda, Judith here, what do you hear from Alicia?

(Ocean's Girl)
Linda, do you ever wish to have storys that aren't so serious, maybe some comedy?

(Steel)
I saw it. I thought it was so funny. You have so many pins

(Jack Hill)
When did this Oprah show air?

(Linda Dano)
It aired about a month ago. I spoke to Alicia last night - funny you should ask! This is a kid who only calls me Mom, and calls me regularly! I love her! She's in LA working.

(Georgeanna Fullerto)
Do you pick our Felicia's wild outfits, and do you wear the same type off screen?

(Linda Dano)
or at least she used to be - she has toned down Felicia is a lot more flamboyant than I am - or at least she used to be - she has toned down quite a bit lately. But soon I think she will go back to being a little flashier - it's all part of the story! I love doing both, Judith, comedy with Steven is the most fun, but heavy drama, crying screaming, pain, anguish can be fun too, believe it or not. It's fun to get lost in a story, in a feeling, in a situation and to have to find ways to play it that's interestying and real and honest is so rewarding as an actor.

Question: From LONDON, ON:
(Fiona)
Have you ever wanted to get into comedy or sitcoms rather then serious work like Another World?

(Linda Dano)
Fiona, I have actually done sitcoms and films and comedy. I suppose if it's written well, whether it be comedy or drama, I like it. Sitcoms are probably the most fun because it's like doing a play that all seems to come together at the end of the week. I haven't done a sitcom in a while, but I would like to do one again before it's all over.

Question: From HONOLULU, HI:
(Steel)
The Gala of the Ryan Harrison Memorial Wing is coming up soon. Is any characters going to get hurt?. If so who?

(Linda Dano)
No - noone gets hurt, but something happens. I shouldn't say noone gets hurt- it depends on your interpretation of hurt - someone near and dear to me gets hurt, but that's all I'm going to tell you!

Question: From NASHVILLE, TN:
(Barb Schroeder)
Hi, Linda! Barb from Nashville here. I came in late, so if you've answered this already, I'll read it in the transcript -- I'd like to know how you got involved with HearrtShare. I love your work on AW! You're terrific!!

(Linda Dano)
BARB - Thankyou! Heartshare was such a success and that's because of people like you, so thank you again! The studio used to collect presents for all the children at Christmas that Heartshare took care of and that's how I got involved with it - and before you know it, I really got involved with it. Now I'm on the board and try to do all I can to raise more money. It's such a wonderful charity!

(Judith DePiero)
Linda, did you get a chance to see Ann Meisel and sign you art prints?

(Linda Dano)
I'm going there tomorrow, Judith, to sign the prints. Did you order one?

(Judith DePiero)
Yes

(Linda Dano)
Gosh , thank you ! Now we'll both have one!

Question: From SASKATOON:
(Pat Chinner)
Do you have any pets? I raise Pugs. Would you be a cat or dog lover?

(Judith DePiero)
I had the pleasure of meeting you last April in N.Y. anbd will be seeing you this April Hope you'll be there.

(Linda Dano)
Oh, boy, I am such an animal lover! I have at the moment two dogs, Llasa Apsos, Charlie and Chin-Chin Charlie is almost 2 and Chin-Chin is almost 13, and they are great pals. They go everywhere I go. I'll be there Judith! At the fan club luncheon. I hope you will all come! It is such fun to meet you - I hope you feel that way about us! If nothing else, you'll come and watch us make fools of ourselves on that stage! I hate that part! I don't sing or dance! And they make me do it!

Question: From TAMPA, FL:
(Liz Hekimian-Willia)
How much of the soap storyline and happenings do you know of ahead of time- weeks, months,etc?

(Linda Dano)
I think it depends - not months usually, but weeks, yes. Oh, I don't know, maybe months. Long-term stuff yes - I knew I was going to be an alcoholic, I knew it would last many months - I knew about the Justine thing, months ago, and they knew how it was going to end, so, yeah, I guess months.

Question: From HONOLULU, HI:
(Steel)
Is Justine coming back to Bay City?. If so, is she staying around for a while?. By the way there are alot of fans who think Laurie Michaels sent the threats

(Christa [Host])
On the Fan Club event....Contact Jack Hill in The Soap Opera Forum (GO SOAPFORUM) for more information. They would like to arrange a table for everyone to sit at.

(Linda Dano)
Justine is back in Bay City - BUT ..... Laurie Michaels is involved in that hospital problem! Are you trying to get me in trouble?

Question: From MONTREAL, PQ:
(Pegs)
Hi Linda - Peggy here from Montreal. AW is the best now that it has ever been. Excellent Actors / Great Stroylines / Smart Characters. Keep up the GREAT work and we will move up in the ratings before no time. I think you are great.

(Linda Dano)
Thankyou, Peg! I to think the show has never been better!

Question: From NEW YORK, NY:
(Jonathan Reiner)
Linda, can you tell us what it is like working with Jill Phelps. Also, any chance that you will get to do a dual role, a la Vicky's turn as Justine?

(Linda Dano)
I think that Jill Phelps is the best producer ever! Certainly the best one I have ever had! I will I'm sure never do a dual role. Primarily because I don't think Jill likes them. I have a hard enough time playing just one character!

Question: From NEW YORK, NY:
(Janet Granger)
What happened with "Attitudes" with Nancy Glass. I loved you on that show!

(Linda Dano)
Thank you Janet ! It was great fun with Nancy and Dee - the last year was hideous! They wanted to turn what I thought was a terrific show into a kind of Geraldo. I have never wanted to do one of those shows, so I quit! It was not a hard decision you know, even though financially it cut my salary in half, but I could look at myself and not feel embarassed. I hope especially now that these shows are coming to an end.

Question: From LONDON, ON:
(Fiona)
I know the Another World cast is close knit group of wonderful actors. Are there people there that you are really close with?

(Linda Dano)
Yes! Stephen, Robin ... gee it's hard because we are all close friends! But, as far as my real soulmates, it's Stephen and Robin.

(Christa [Host])
Okay folks, Linda has an early day tomorrow, so we are going to wrap up. We will make the formal closing comments and then open the floor up for you to say good-bye to Linda. The Soap Opera Forum would like to thank Linda for joining us tonight. Please be sure to watch Linda's appearance, "Putting It Together With Linda Dano," tomorrow on QVC at 12 PM ET until 2 PM ET. Available in The Soap Opera Forum, Library 7 ("Another World") are numerous photos from "Another World," to include pictures of the new sets of Bay City!

Thank you to everyone who made tonight possible to include Linda's publicist, Vivien Stern. Also we would like to thank Jack, Kathy, Aimee, Russell, Noah, and Kevin. Thank you all for attending tonight! Have a great evening.

(Judith DePiero)
Thanks Linda Love You Always Will

(Jack Hill)
Good night, Linda! Thank you once again for joining us!

(Kathy Biederman)
Thanks Linda! It was wonderful to have you with us!!

(Pat Chinner)
bye Linda, thanks for being you

(Jack Hill)
It has been an honor

(Barb Schroeder)
Thanks, Linda!!

(Steel)
Good Bye Linda. I really enjoyed talking to you.

(Liz Hekimian-Willia)
Thanks Linda-you're great.

(Georgeanna Fullerto)
Good night, Linda. Come back again soon.

(Fiona)
Thanks Linda for typing to us!! Good luck with the t.v. movie. Thank you for being you!!!

(Christa [Host])
Linda has a few closing comments for you as well....

(Linda Dano)
I want to say that tonight was really my honor! You are all so generous with your love and friendship towards me and everyone in Another World! We do love you, and thank you sincerely! Goodnight everybody!

(Christa [Host])
Thank you all!!! Goodnight!

© (Copyright 1995 The Soap Opera Forum and Entertainment Drive, LLC on Compuserve)

If you are on CIS, the GO word for soap conferences on eDRIVE is ESOAP

This chat was reprinted here with permission.