NBC Host:
Hi. Welcome to the NBC.COM chat room on the web.
Tonight, we have a special guest here in our New York offices at NBC: LINDA DANO of "ANOTHER WORLD."
Our question collection has begun so start sending 'em in!

NBC Host:
Before we begin this chat, here are a few background notes on our guest:

NBC Host:
Welcome, Linda, to our chat this evening. We're all very excited for this chat.

Linda Dano:
I am mostly here to tell the fans that David Forsyth sends his hellos.

NBC Host:
Ann, Daytona Beach Fla. Hi Linda, you are my favorite actress on tv. Is there a possiblity you will come to Orlando,Fl on your book tour. I know you will draw a big crowd.

Linda Dano:
Maybe. I wish I could tell you when and where I'll be, but the book publisher has not yet given me that schedule. I will probably be in Florida, but it may not be in Orlando. Maybe you could look up Frank but he is still on that 14th hole.

NBC Host:
Can you imagine leaving Another World, and if so, what could lure you away? Laura, Louisville.

Linda Dano:
If Stephen Bocho called, I am afraid I would have to leave or Tom Fontana of "Homicide".

NBC Host:
Jennifer Helfrich, Shrewsbury, Pennsylvania:
In taping daily soaps, how many weeks out of the year do you have to work - in other words how many weeks can you take off in a year for vacations, etc. ???

Linda Dano:
Because I have been there for so long, I have 6 weeks of vacation. But I also have weeeks that I could take for other work. If you add them all up, I could be gone from the show for about 3 months. Most of us only take 2 weeks of vacation.

NBC Host:
HI Linda! I'm a big fan of the John and Felicia romance. I just wanted to ask if your prefer doing your love scenes with David with his beard, mustache or clean-shaven? He's gorgeous either way! Lana, TN

Linda Dano:
I personally Love David with a beard and mustache which is strange, because I don't know if I would like Frank in that. I don't know, he is so sexy in that beard and mustache.

NBC Host:
Kate DiMayo, Chehalis, WAGood evening Linda and welcome to my computer. I have watched AW since it began in 1964. I love watching John and Felicia together. Do you think they will stay together or is John going to return to Charlene?

Linda Dano: I don't really know. You know, it was so rocky when they first put us together; so many of you hated it and then some of you started to like it. And now I guess we sort of have been accepted as a couple. Although knowing daytime as I do, it is totally possible that John and Sharlene will get back together. What do you want?

NBC Host:
Sheila, Vancouver, BC, Canada. Hey Linda! How are you? I was just wondering how you like playing "Felicia"? Also, have you ever been to Vancouver, BC before? If not, we would love for you to come.

Linda Dano:
Please invite me. I was there last year; I filmed the movie with Patty Duke on Lifetime. And I loved it. Please invite me and I will come again. Get someone to pay me and I"ll be there.

NBC Host:
Sheila, Vancouver, BC, CanadaAnother question I wonder about is: Is it hard to remember all those lines everyday? And do the directors let you ad lib some or must you stay to the script? Also who is one of the funniest people to work with?

Linda Dano:
The lines are not really hard when you have played a character as long as I have. I suppose that there is some ad libbing, but not much. I pretty much stick to the script. There are many funny people at "AW". I suppose that is why we all like each other so much. Stephen, Brett and Jackee were probably the funniest and let's not forget Cecile. We had a lot of laughs.

NBC Host:
Vanessa, Baltimore, Maryland. Hi, Linda, this is Vanessa from Baltimore,Maryland. I love your work. How do you feel about the show not going thru with the Marshall and Felicia storyline? I was disappointed. Will you be at the luncheon?

Linda Dano:
Yes, I will be at the luncheon. I was just in Baltimore doing "Homicide". I had so much fun. What a beautiful city you have. The show will air on Feb. 14. Thank you for liking my work. Marshall -- I was very disappointed that "AW" didn't do the Marshall Felicia story line. He was brought on to work with me to do a white and black story line. "AW" and P&G dropped out; they didn't explain it to you or me or Randy Brooks. I'm sorry.

NBC Host:
Just love you!! your outfits are great. Do you get to pick them out? do you get to keep them? What is going on with Jena, you long lost daughter? Connie, Cincinnati Ohio

Linda Dano:
The clothes are great. Yeah, I get to choose the things that are bought for me. Our costume designer, Shawn is brilliant. I get to borrow them and if they get used enough I even get to take them home and keep them. Funny you should mention Jenna. I spent all day talking about Jenna. Because Lorna is going to hide from Cindy and go to see Jenna….I should probably not say this. Alla Korot is terrific, living in LA, working and I'll be sure to tell her you asked about her.

NBC Host:
Do you think that with the new writing team on board that they would bring some old characters back like they did with Amanda. I would love to see Jena (Anna H.) and Dean back on board as well as Mitch. Did Felica ever divorce him? Chet, NYC.

Linda Dano:
Yes, I did divorce Mitch, but what does that mean in daytime? People come back that are dead. Anything is possible. I don't know about Jenna and Dean. I was asked that today because I was talking about her. At this point I have no idea and you know I would tell you if I knew.

NBC Host:
Linda you are so talented, which one of your accomplishments do you enjoy the most?

Linda Dano:
Thank you. I like a lot of things. I guess I like the acting best. I really do love to act. But I have to tell you, I had a great time writing this book. It was fun to sit down and talk and put it on paper and a thrill to see the finished copy. I want to do another book and that is in the works. I love being a talk show host. I am always asked if I am going to do it again. I don't know, it was a lot of work. Right now I am focusing on fashion and writing and the acting.

NBC Host:
Rosh, Saudi Arabia My name is Rosh (Canadian) from Saudi Arabia - Riyadh.... Keep up the good work on the show. My question is : who from the show do you consider as a closest friend?

Linda Dano:
Stephen Schnetzer. Cass. But, I have many friends. I suppose that is why I am so sad that Robin Christopher and John Bolger are leaving; they have become close friends of mine. Charles Keating and Anna Stuart are also great pals. As is David and Anna Holbrook.

NBC Host:
Susan Saint John, New Brunswick Canada. Do you know how to get a copy of Dreamweaver ? I have tried many times but it is now out of print.

Linda Dano:
I really don't. I have just been told there are places that specialize in "out of print books" which you might try looking up. Or even try calling Harlequin Romances in Canada. I don't know if they will have any, but maybe they could tell you who would.

Linda Dano:
And if all that fails there is my new book called "Looking Great. It Doesn't Have to Hurt." And, find me somewhere on the book tour and I"ll autograph it.

NBC Host:
From Tom, NYC. Linda, you really are a pleasure to watch, and you seem to nail every scene. What preparation helps you to get this kind of consistency in your work?

Linda Dano:
Bless you, thank you. I try to come from a place of reality. I try to really understand what I'm feeling in a scene. I'm more interested in the emotions than I am the words. I always ask myself before I start every scene, "What would I really feel if this were really happening to me," and then I do the scene.

NBC Host:
As an AW fan for over 15 years, it drives me crazy when they don't keep the characters consistant. Does it bother you, as an actress that they seemed to have forgotten Jenna or that you never finished the book on Frankie? Margo, Audubon, NJ

Linda Dano:
Oh boy. God, me too, me too, me too, me too. Makes me crazy. I hate the inconsistency. It's a battle that goes on every day. And, you as viewers if you're vocal about it in print or on the computer, you can let them know that they need to have closure in so many areas.

Linda Dano:
It's not good enough to change writers and have the new writers just drop everything. You have to finish it, it's like someone having a book and they rip out some of the chapters and you are supposed to accept that. It is hard to watch and makes me very insane.

NBC Host:
Angie, Forrest,Canada. Is Vicki and Bobbie Reno going to be killed?

Linda Dano:
Killed?!!! I don't think so!!!!!! Why? I don't know. They're very popular and very important in the show. No, they're not going anywhere.

NBC Host:
Irene Limburg, Pictou, Nova Scotia. If Felica isn't going to marry John Hudson do you think that TPTB would ever pair you up with Cass?
P.S. I really like your Web Page. Great way to keep incontact with your fans :)

Linda Dano:
Great. Credit goes to Barbara Schroder who has done the most magnificent home page for me. She knows I love her for it and let me say it again, thank you, Barbara. I think that is a possiblity of Felicia and Cass. There is always that dance that he and I do. We are such great friends that could happen. If that is something you would like, you should let AW know that.

NBC Host:
Sam, Boise, IDLinda, can you give me some hints to what Felicia will be doing in the future? Any new, exciting storylines?

Linda Dano:
Wish I could. I wanted Lucas to come back and I really rallied for it and I don't think it's going to happen. So if you'd like that, you could help me out here and start a campaign. He's willing.

NBC Host:
I am a student from the University of Washington. I just wanted to ask you how you got into acting and what a college freshman should go about doing so that he can possibly have a career in acting? Sam, Boise, ID.

Linda Dano:
The most important thing I think for being a good actor is having a real education. The more you know the more you can play. Study classes in psychology, History and English. Learn about the world you live in. Study people and get really in touch with your feelings and the freedom of those feelings. And believe me, you'll be one hell of an actor.

NBC Host:
Liz, South Carolina. DOOL holds a celebrity softball game here in the summer. Is there ever a chance that the cast from AW would ever do that?

Linda Dano:
I think they do baseball games in New York and NJ. You know, I think you have to call Mindy Shullman or write to her. She's the "AW" fan club pres. and she knows everything that is going on with all of us and she has a homepage.

Linda Dano:
I have a question for you. How do you like the new show on NBC -- Sunset Beach. What do you think?

NBC Host:
Linda...One of my favorite episodes was the one in which Crystal Gayle guest-starred (many years ago). Do you keep in touch with her? It seems like you two were pretty good friends! Aaron K. Thompson, New Brunswick, Canada

Linda Dano:
We did strike a very nice friendship and for a while yeah, we kept in touch. And I don't know, like all things you get busy and time goes by, and I know if she ever came to town or if I went down to where she lives in the south we would get together and have dinner. She was just great.

NBC Host:
Michael, Detriot MI. How do you like being On-line, answering all these quetions? It seems like you are having a lot of fun!

Linda Dano:
I am!!! I like this for some strange reason. I always have a good time talking to all of you. And I get an idea of what you like and you sort of get the idea of what I like. And it's fun, it's like we're chatting, so I like that!!!

NBC Host:
Sherry, Virginia. Linda I have been a fan of yours for years. I always admired you for your distinctive style. You seem to be your own woman. Was this something you learned along the way or taught to you by your parents. Much luck always.

Linda Dano:
Thank you. I learned a lot of my style from my mother and through the years I have developed my own look and my own feelings about myself, what I feel the best in and what look really says who I am. It's a long process and it's been fun finding me.

Linda Dano:
And it's fun to help other's find themselves. I suppose that is why I like dressing people, why I wrote the book and trying to take the terror out of looking great.

NBC Host:
Linda, you play both ends so well, do you prefer the funny scenes or the teary dramatic scenes? Laura, Louisville

Linda Dano:
That's hard to answer because I love them both and I love the extremes. I like being really goofy and I love crying. I believe in life that people are both; I am. I am very goofy in real life and I cry all the time.

NBC Host:
Kathy, OH. Hi, Linda! Do you have influence with the writers regarding your storyline? Can the fans influence the writers at all by letting them know about favorite characters or storylines?

Linda Dano:
You absolutely can influence story line. You have more power than you know. I don't know how much influence the actors have. I have gone in and asked for a story only once and it didn't happen. So. so much for my input. But you really do. They listen.

Linda Dano:
They are afraid of you. They want to make you happy. They want you to watch. So if you want John and Felicia to stay together that's what will happen. If you want John and Sharlene back together that is what will happen. If you want Felicia to be with Lucas, that will happen.

NBC Host:
Do you ever make guest appearances in Seattle, WA or Portland, OR. I live halfway between the two and would love to go to see AW actresses and actors. However, it does seem that most of the guest appearances are east coast.

Linda Dano:
I'll be on a book tour starting March 31. And, boy I'll bet I'll be in Seattle or close to it. I am sure I'll be in that part of the world. Check my homepage closer to March and I"ll have the schedule on there of where I will be. And, I would love to meet you.

NBC Host:
Hi, Linda! Are you and Anna Holbrook (Sharlene) having fun with your new "relationship"? Also, do you miss working with Alice Barrett (Frankie)?

Linda Dano:
We all miss Alice. That was very hard to live through, her death and the aftermath of that. It really felt empty. I love Anna Holbrook. We have had a "mixed" reaction to our latest story line development. It is a tad out of character for both of us that I am now her therapist, but we have been told that is ending. And, the struggle between Sharlene and Felicia has always been fun to play.

NBC Host:
Will you ever do another talk show? I really liked attitudes! Shauna, Montana:

Linda Dano:
I liked it, too. It was great fun. And I don't know if I'll ever do another one. I love the "Rosie O'Donnel Show" and the kind of show it is. If I was ever going to do a talk show again, it would be one that was fun, girlfriendy and a place to hang out. I don't know if there is room out there for a show like that. Maybe.

NBC Host:
Debbie, Canada. My name is Debbie and this is the first internet chat that I've ever done. I am a hairstylist and fashion consultant in Edmonton, Alberta Canada. I would have to say you were one of my greatest influences in the beauty industry. Thank you.

Linda Dano:
What a nice thing to say, thank you. And I love that this is your first internet chat. You're light years ahead of me. I hope that if I ever get to Edmonton you'll come and say hello.

NBC Host:
Do you ever go online and read the AW bulletin boards. I read one every evening. Do you, the cast, writers, or TPTB read and pay attention to them. Is this a good way of communication or is snail mail still the best way to get one's views across to AW? KellyBC@prodigy.com

Linda Dano:
I think you have to do everything. But I know our EP goes online, Charlotte Savitz. I don't know if TPTB at NBC and P&G are online. Alot of the actors go on-line. But, I think you have to do everything, just to cover yourself.

NBC Host:
Hi there from Jeffrey Gibson, Mobile, Alabama. I have watched the show since I was 11... If you could pick one of the men on the show for your character to have an affair with, who would you pick???

Linda Dano:
Wow, that is an interesting question because I love working with David. Charles and I have been together before so I can't say him, although I adored working with him. I would have said Grayson, but he's left the show. I don't know. Who would you think?

Linda Dano:
I'm not sure there is anybody that is there right now, that Felicia would be with.

NBC Host:
I love the show Homicide and can't wait to see you. What kind of character will you be playing?Margo, Audubon, NJ

Linda Dano:
I play a therapist/marriage counselor. I have 2 scenes. One is with Andre Braugher and then a second scene with him and his wife in the show, who happens to be his real-life wife. Her name is Ami Brabson. They were superb, lovely and nice people. We had a great time.

NBC Host:
What is your most embarrassing memory on the set of " Another World "? Tony Kane, Gettysburg, PA

Linda Dano:
I don't know. That's hard, I have been there so long. I am sure there's been several. Probably the day I took one of the side slates down. There was another time that I fell down a flight of stairs and I looked like big bird splattered on the floor.

Linda Dano:
Probably the most embarrassing moment, and I have never said this, was many years ago in a scene with Charles Keating. We could not remember the lines. And since I really learned the lines just before I taped, I thought, "Oh boy, I am going to get into such trouble."

Linda Dano:
Neither of us could learn them. We spent the entire lunch time learning them. That was the most embarrassing moment.

NBC Host:
Hi...My name is Megan Hughes...from Lincroft, NJ...I'm 11 yrs old...I love watching your show...and when I'm in school my mom will tape it...but I just wanted to ask if you really enjoy what you do?...and do you really write romance novels?..Thank you :) Megan Hughes, Lincroft, NJ

Linda Dano:
Megan, I really do enjoy what I do. It has many, many rewards. One of them is getting this note from you. I had some input in writing a romance novel called "Dreamweaver." But, my new book even though it's not romance is a book that I wrote.

NBC Host:
Hi, Linda it's Vanessa again. For those of us who can't get QVC, do you think you'll have a catalog out of your fashions and accessories? Thanks.

Linda Dano:
How sweet. I've just been told that you can go online to iQVC.com and order and see all of my stuff on 2/7. I will be on QVC on 2/7 at 9 PM and then back again all day on March 10. Let me know if that works. Drop me a note on my home page.

Linda Dano:
We just pulled up iQVC and it works. You put search, you put Linda Dano and you get a picture and description. You can get stuff from my last sale, right now. What are you going to buy?

NBC Host:
I've just recently begun to watch the show, and am surprised that i've gotten hooked!! How many hours a day do you have to work, what's the hardest part about your job?? Nicole Wesely, North Dakota

Linda Dano:
Getting up at 5:30 in the morning. The day varies in hours. Today I finished at 8:15 PM. But I didn't go in until 11:30. Yesterday I got up at 5:30 AM and got home at 9:00 PM. But other days I can be done at 11 in the morning. It depends, I don't work every day. It is a great job!!!!

NBC Host:
Do you find it difficult to "adapt" when a character is re-cast?

Linda Dano:
Yeah, there is always that getting to know them, accepting them, trying very hard not to expect a new person to do what the other person who did the role what they did. But most actors are so great and so willing that it just flows along and it works. I think you guys have a harder time than I do.

NBC Host:
Mehrr, PA - Linda, I love you! A lot of supernatural things have been happening on AW over the years. Do you believe in such things?

Linda Dano:
Yes, I do. Maybe not trips to Heaven and back, but I believe in the possibility of spirits and ESP and just stuff. I don't quite know what I believe but I think all things are possible. I even think I have maybe a spirit in my house in CT.

NBC Host:
Shelly, Elysburg, PA. Linda, I don't have a question. Just a thank you for all those great scenes with Wallingford, yourself and Cass. I remember after the show, you and Stephen did a small talk about Wally. Thanks for the great acting, and great memories.

Linda Dano:
He was pretty special wasn't he? Still missed, still loved. The show for me never has quite been the same without him.

Linda Dano:
I will be in LA for the Soap Opera Digest Awards. I will give you a scoop. I have now been hired by Soap Opera Digest to write a monthly column on Style. So I am going out to CA to interview and critque and talk to and then report back to all of you on (Soap Opera Digest).

NBC Host:
Thank you, Linda, for an excellent chat session. Here is the last question for the evening.

NBC Host:
Barb again. ;) Is it true that your knees buckled the first time you had a kissing scene with John Aprea? If so, I can't say I blame you! ---- Erin, NJ: How is John Aprea? I read that he shooting an independent film right now.

Linda Dano:
Yes, it's absolutely true. As embarrassed as I am. My knees buckled when I kissed him. He is so handsome, so wonderful. He is in CA doing an Independent film. I was hoping I could give you some news that he's returning but so far that isn't happening.

Linda Dano:
I will let him know that you asked about him and I"ll tell everyone at work tomorrow hello from all of you. Thank you for giving up your evening and spending it with me. It's 10:00 quick, turn on NYPD Blue. Diane is revealing her secret tonight!!!!!! Linda Dano:
That's where I am going now. Write to me anytime. I love hearing from you Thank you again. I love all of you for your generosity, your friendship and your support. Linda.

BYE BYE!!!

THANK YOU for a great chat everyone. :-)

Special thanks to LINDA DANO for taking the time off her busy schedule to chat with us.