Soapbox1 by Michele Dargan » Cameron Mathison

RyLee or GreeD? You Decide: AMC

Joshua — Fri, 21 May 2010 04:00:37 +0000

By Joshua

Ryan or David? Who should Greenlee choose?

One of the biggest front burner story lines on All My Children is the Ryan/Greenlee/David triangle, and there are a few reasons why I like it.

I’ll be the first to say that I don’t like Ryan (Cameron Mathison). I like the actor, but the character just doesn’t do it for me, anymore.

When I first started watching the show, I really liked Ryan, but recently he’s become too much. The only thing they could do to make him more of the Super Hero, I-Need-A-Damsal-In-Distress kind of guy that they are making him into, would be if they dressed him in a cape.

Then there’s David (Vincent Irizarry).

If you caught Monday’s episode, Greenlee mentioned that David has done some rather, ahem, bad things in the past. But now, they are married out of convenience, and David has fallen head over heels in love (which can be a dangerous thing).

Rebecca Budig (Greenlee) and Vincent Irizarry (David) Photo: Adam Larkey/ABC

They have history too – he was once her brother-in-law, while she was married to Leo (Josh Duhamel)

Now, David and Ryan are fighting to be the man that Greenlee (Rebecca Budig) comes home to every night.

And here is why it’s a good story.

There are two distinct camps. Those who like Ryan and Greenlee (dubbed Rylee by fans) and those who like David and Greenlee (dubbed GreeD by fans).

Rebecca Budig (Greenlee) and Cameron Mathison (Ryan). Photo: ABC/Carol Kaelson

Both of these groups have a big following, and I can’t help but compare it to 2008 when there was a split between the Rylee fans and the Ailee fans (Aidan and Greenlee). That story was done nicely.

Now, the downside to writing this well: If Greenlee ends up with Ryan, GreeD fans will be upset; and if Greenlee ends up with David, Rylee fans will be upset.

So where do you stand on the debate?

Do you enjoy the breath of fresh air that is GreeD, or do you believe the history between Ryan and Greenlee will pull them back together?

Who is the love of Greenlee’s life?

I made my stand on who I think Greenlee should be with on my All My Children post about new couples, but where do you stand?

Not enough history during AMC’s anniversary episode?

Kimi — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 20:24:22 +0000

By Kimi

Yesterday’s anniversary show wasn’t anywhere near what I was expecting, and that turned out to not be such a bad thing.

Interviewing the show’s characters in documentary style was a great way to not only fill in blanks on old and new characters and story lines, but also gave the show a modern feel. It probably also enabled them to show more flashes of clips throughout the show.

There were many moments that made me tear up, like Greg’s (Laurence Lau) admission that it’s hard to return to Pine Valley due to memories of first love Jenny (Kim Delaney), and some that cracked me up, like when Nina (Taylor Miller) declared her father Palmer Cortlandt (James Mitchell) was the reason she came to Pine Valley, and ultimately the reason she left with husband Cliff (Peter Bergman). Anybody familiar with their love story had to LOL at that one.

“Brooke who” coming from Erica was classic! Watching Hayley (Kelly Ripa) comfort Adam (David Canary) over Stuart’s death was long overdue.

LOVED watching reflections on the lives of Mona and Myrtle by Erica (Susan Lucci), and her thoughts on daughters Bianca (Eden Riegel) and Kendall (Alicia Minshew).

But Erica should have also mentioned her ONLY son Josh (Colin Egglesfield) during the “Loss” segment.

I found the focus on baby Gabrielle strange considering how she was conceived. I doubt Kendall would appreciate her sister predicting Gabby will be the strongest Kane woman of them all.

LOVED the quickie wedding flashbacks, ALL of them, along with all the Hubbard flashbacks.

Glad we got to see Hayley onscreen with her brother and chatting with Amanda (Chrishell Stause) during her interview. Wanted more flashbacks of the Dillon clan though.

Ryan’s (Cameron Mathison) interview was a nice subtle segue way into Greenlee’s (Rebecca Budig) imminent return. And it was great to finally hear straight from a Santos how much Julia (Sydney Penny) meant to them – but Edmond (John Callahan) doesn’t even rate an honorable mention by soul mate Maria? Huh?

Understandably, David (Vincent Irizarry) mentioned losing Babe, but not brother Leo (Josh Duhamel)? No flashbacks either? If nothing else why not at least try to capitalize on Duhamel’s current popularity. Duh!

LOVED Brooke (Julia Barr) and Opal’s (Jill Larson) recollection of daughters Laura and Jenny, but how could Brooke not lovingly recollect Aunt Phoebe (Ruth Warrick) as well?

Jacob Young is such an awesome actor, he made me feel JR’s pain all over again – but no mention of mom Dixie? And Joe (Ray MacDonnell) and Ruth (Lee Meriwether) could’ve mentioned Grandma Kate, Philip and Tara.

My gripes? Not enough homage paid to older story lines that got the show to the forty year mark. I know Charles Pratt wrote these episodes and either he lacked knowledge of AMC history or intentionally highlighted his story lines and characters. Or both.

Also, I thought Kendall and Zach (Thorsten Kaye) had already left town?

It was strange not seeing some originals like Alexa Havins (in my opinion, Babe’s most memorable story lines occurred during her run) and particularly, Marcy Walker’s Liza. She played such a huge part in AMC history, its a shame that fans didn’t get to relive any of that via flashbacks or dialogue.

But it was the vets, some of whom aren’t even on the canvas, that really made me long for those two full episodes even more. Nevertheless, this was a unique way to present forty years of All My Children history, and although there were holes, I enjoyed it. Did you?

Who’s coming? Who’s going? Plus AMC on The View

Kimi — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 11:00:21 +0000

By Kimi

Just read the great news that Chrishell Stause (Amanda Martin) agreed to remain in Pine Valley on a recurring basis. I was hoping for this since All My Children is moving to California soon.

Once Thorsten Kaye (Zach) leaves (or rather, when AMC leaves Kaye behind in NYC) there will be a hard-to-fill hole where Zach and Kendall (Alicia Minshew) used to be.

Thorsten Kaye as Zach Slater (ABC/Steve Fenn)

Now before Zendall fans start cussing me out, I’m not saying Amanda/Jake (Ricky Paull Goldin) will completely fill that void. But since I care about this couple, for this fan it will help soften the blow.

I am also looking forward to Walt Willey’s (Jackson Montgomery) return. It would’ve been dead wrong (no pun intended) to bring Greenlee (Rebecca Budig) back without her father.

Walt Willey ABC/Yolanda Perez

Hopefully, the new head writer will find a place for Jack on the canvas sans Erica Kane (Susan Lucci). Its been a long time since I felt Erica deserved Jackson anyway, and she’s pretty much emasculated him as it is.

I say bring back Brooke English (Julia Barr) permanently after the 40^th Anniversary show, and hook Jack up with her. That in itself would drive Erica crazy, especially if (when?) Ryan (Cameron Mathison) reunites with Greens (blech!)

Julia Barr

I’ve also heard rumblings that Greg Vaughan (ex-Lucky Spencer, GH) could come to AMC as the new Jamie Martin, and that would work for me. I felt he got a raw deal when they replaced him with Jonathan Jackson (who originated the role) on General Hospital. But I am partial to Justin Bruening since he’s so easy to look at (and already in California), so maybe AMC can lure him back. Too bad they killed off Babe (originated by Bruening’s wife, Alexa Havins). Hey! Maybe Krystal had triplets?

Don’t forget to check out The View this Friday (Dec. 11) as they “Celebrate All My Children” for an entire episode before the big move West! Scheduled to appear are: AMC creator Agnes Nixon, Susan Lucci, Debbi Morgan (Angie), Michael E. Knight (Tad), Cameron Mathison, Rebecca Budig, Vincent Irizarry (David) and a surprise guest.

Soap Opera Mania On Tour Stops in Cleveland: A Recap

soapbox1 — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 04:10:00 +0000

Our friend and fellow soap fan, LuAnne Cobb from Ohio, attended the third stop on the Soap Opera Mania on Tour Saturday in Cleveland and was kind enough to share her recap of the event with us.
Kara and I met LuAnne in the wee hours of the morning standing in the “All My Children” FastPass At Super Soap Weekend 2007 in Disney World and we met again over dinner at SSW 2008.
LuAnne is a longtime soap fan and an expert in the ABC soaps. Read and enjoy her recap of the third Soap Opera Mania event.
BY LuAnne Cobb
My friend Sue and I attended the third stop of Soap Opera Mania on Tour, being promoted by a Michigan company as a precursor to the 3rd voyage of Soap Cruise in January 2010.
We got to the hotel where the event was being held at 6:45 am, hoping to be the first in line (we were!) and stood in line until the doors opened at 10:00. We got a glimpse of 4 stars checking into the hotel at 7 am, just arriving from the West coast.
Around 9 am, we spotted Cameron Mathison and John-Paul Lavosier just finishing breakfast, so we stopped by to say hello.

LuAnne and Cameron
When the doors opened, Sue and I made sure to get front and center seats, which were set up in theater fashion in the shape of a horseshoe with a small stage in the middle. While waiting for the show to start we checked out the merchandise table, where there was shirts, hoodies, tote bags, photo albums and pins. We also picked up our event programs. Before the show started, Sue and I were both interviewed by Julie Clark Robinson, a local lady who reports for Soaps.com. Sue also was interviewed by a local newspaper reporter.
Shortly after 10, the event director Mike welcomed the fans and introduced Cameron Mathison (Ryan on AMC). Cameron then introduced John-Paul Lavosier (Rex on OLTL), Laura Wright (Carly on GH), Tyler Christopher (Nikolas on GH), James Scott (E.J. on DAYS & formerly Ethan on AMC) and Christian LeBlanc (Michael on Y&R). Christian then introduced Brandon Beemer (Owen on B&B), Austin Peck (Brad on ATWT), and Murray Bartlett (Cyrus on GL).
The fans were clapping and we were so excited! Getting to see nine great soap stars 10-feet away was my best experience since Super Soap Weekend in November!
The first hour was a question and answer session. Christian and Austin took turns handing the microphone to the fans. We asked both personal and storyline related questions and shared a lot of laughs.
Christian is a hoot, and also a long talker! After that, the stars split up in different parts of the room and lines formed for the fans to get autographs and pictures. During this time, Sue and I met with Cameron, Christian, JP, James and Austin.
I asked John-Paul who he hopes Rex’s father will turn out to be and he quickly said Bo. He shared his theory: Before Bo went to Viet Nam, he had his sperm frozen and somehow Roxy got it and Rex was born!
I also asked JP why his head was shaved and was told we would find out on OLTL in the next month. (Soap operas are shot four-to-six weeks in advance). All the ABC stars signed my 8×10′s that I made up from photos I took at Super Soap, along with 5×7 pictures that were in the program. I also bought a black t-shirt at the event and I had all the stars sign it with a silver Sharpie.
Austin created a very good humorous caricature on my shirt as well. After this, the stars were given an hour lunch break.
After a half hour, a director from Guiding Light, Adam Reist, spoke to the fans about scripts and sets and directing. He showed a few short videos and told us his background. I later told him that a GL alum, Melina Kanakaredes, is from my hometown and Adam shared a funny story with me from when he was in Akron for Melina’s wedding. I enjoyed meeting him.
The stars were back from lunch now, and it was time for a few lucky fans to act out a scene with their favorite stars. I was not picked, but my friend Sue got to act as an extra on stage in one scene. I laughed so hard at one point I had tears in my eyes. Cameron and JP were acting as fallen mannequins. Cameron was lying face down on the stage with JP lying on Cameron’s back half with his head between Cameron’s legs. It was hysterical! These actors can sure improvise in a heartbeat.

Once again there was a question and answer session, followed by a second meet and greet.
I met Tyler, Laura, Brandon and Murray.
Laura was gorgeous, Tyler looked tired, Brandon has the prettiest eyes, and Murray speaks with the softest Australian accent.
During the second session, the promoter gathered each star and filmed future promos with different fans. Sue sat next to her favorite, Christian, for probably 15 minutes while they filmed promos to run during future CBS soap telecasts. I jumped in at the end, along with Brandon, and Austin (who had his arm around me the whole time) and we filmed promos for the next Soap Cruise.
Hopefully I’ll get to see it on TV or on the web sometime! The program was over and we left around 5:00. The stars were also getting ready to leave and make a two hour drive south for their next stop on Sunday in Columbus.
I left with a smile on my face and wonderful memories for a lifetime.

An Afternoon With Four Soap Stars = FUN

soapbox1 — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 04:10:00 +0000

I spent Saturday afternoon listening to four of daytime’s hottest stars dish about everything from things they hope for their characters to their most memorable or favorite scenes.
And, seasoned journalist that I am, captured it in my notes to share with you!
More good news: I had one-on-one interviews with them and will post those blogs later in the week.
Soap stars Cameron Mathison (Ryan, All My Children), Bradford Anderson (Spinelli, General Hospital), Winsor Harmon (Thorne, The Bold and the Beautiful) and Christian LeBlanc (Michael, The Young and the Restless) appeared at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, FL.
All four will be taking part in the 2nd voyage of the Soap Cruise, which departs out of Miami on Jan. 22, where fans get to mingle with 15 soap stars on a four-day cruise.
And I attended it with my good friend, fellow journalist and rabid soap fan Sharon Robb from the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.
Two-hundred-plus fans joined us in a fun-filled two hour question and answer session and the fans (also rabid, but not literally) peppered the soap hunks with questions – no holds barred.
The guys ad-libbed everything and took their cues from the audience. It was great entertainment!
Christian ran around with the microphone from fan-to-fan and had the entire audience in stitches with his comments, while the others on stage engaged in repartee with him and the fans.

They started off showing clips of each of the actors from their respective shows.
Cameron asked the audience how they liked Christian’s clip.
“How many Emmys do you have…like 14?” he asked Christian.
To which Christian responded in mock modesty…”Ca-a-mer-o-n-n-n. Stop talking about my Emmys! It’s embarrassing.”
When one fan asked Bradford to sing with her, he called her up onstage to sing solo – and the two finished the song together!
Here are some other highlights:
Question to Christian: Are you going to get your dad out of jail?
Answer: Christian said he’s “thrilled” to be working with Michael Gross, who plays his father, River, on Y&R. Gross is best known as Steven Keaton on the 80′s sitcom “Family Ties.”
“He’s in jail because the feds caught him and my step-father turned him in. You know how that can be,” Christian answered.
From the stage Winsor said, “Sounds like bad writing to me!”
“Win-sor!” Christian said. “It’s a half hour….Only a half hour, isn’t that sad?” referring to the fact that B&B is a half-hour compared to the other soaps’ hour format.
“Just because we get paid more to do less work,” Winsor retorted.
Actually, the two actors film their soaps across the hall from each other in the same studio and the two constantly joke around with each other.
One fan asked Bradford if he would visit the fans at 1 a.m. at the Disney World gates – like he did last year – when he brought fans food and soda while they camped out waiting for Super Soap Weekend to begin. SSW 2008 is this weekend, Nov. 15 and 16.
Because he will taking part in Street Jam this year, Bradford said he has to take better care of himself and not stay up all night.
“Last year, I went out and kind of slept with the crowd on the concrete,” Bradford said. “I won’t be able to do that this year. Number one, because I’d be too tired and number two they forbid me to do that again.”
A woman told Cameron that she loved watching him on “Dancing With The Stars” and that his Superman number was the best dance of the entire season.
Cameron said, “It is phenomenally difficult beyond anything that I could possibly say and add to that I was traveling 3,000 miles to work full-time in New York (filming AMC). It was just insane, but it was fun. Pretty intense.”
A fan asked Winsor if his character, Thorne, will get a love interest.
“We’re in the process of shooting stuff right now regarding where Thorne’s heading with the love interest,” Winsor said. “She’s somebody new on the canvas.”
Question: What are the most difficult scenes that you’ve had to do?
Bradford said the most challenging scenes for him were when Georgie was killed on GH and he found her body.
“It was a great challenge and allowed my character to evolve,” Bradford said. “But we lost a great actress and a great character.”
Well, that’s all for now.
Check back here and I’ll have more from Hard Rock interviews this week.
Coming up this weekend, LIVE FROM SUPER SOAP 2008.

Come See The Soap Stars In Person In South Florida

soapbox1 — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 10:00:00 +0000

Remember last week I told you about four soap stars appearing at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, FL?
It sounds like a lot of fun and who doesn’t like to get up-close-and-personal with their favorite soap stars?
Well, I have some more info on the event. Check out the details below.
Special Engagement to Feature Q & A with
Cameron Mathison (Ryan Lavery, All My Children),
Bradford Anderson (Damian Spinelli, General Hospital),
Christian LeBlanc (Michael Baldwin, The Young & The Restless) and
Winsor Harmon (Thorne Forrester, The Bold & The Beautiful)
It’s your daydream come true…four of daytime television’s hottest soap stars are coming to Hard Rock Live at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino on November 8 at 1 p.m. for a special engagement. Tickets are on sale now.
This is your chance to get the scoop on your favorite soap opera story lines by participating in an exclusive Q & A session with some of the most popular stars on television.
Celebrities scheduled to attend are Cameron Mathison (Ryan Lavery, All My Children and Dancing with the Stars), Bradford Anderson (Damian Spinelli, General Hospital), Christian LeBlanc (Michael Baldwin, The Young & The Restless) and Winsor Harmon (Thorne Forrester, The Bold & The Beautiful).
All attendees will have a chance to compete in daytime trivia questions for prizes including a grand prize of a trip for two on Celebrity Cruises’ Soap Cruise Second Voyage sponsored by Soap Opera Weekly and Soap Opera Digest.
Visit www.soapcruise.com for a full list of stars scheduled to sail the high seas. The cruise features 16 of the most popular actors starring in soap opera dramas today.
Tickets cost $10*, all seats are reserved and available at the Hard Rock Live Box Office, open Monday – Saturday from noon to 7 p.m. Tickets also are available at all Ticketmaster outlets online at www.ticketmaster.com or charge by phone: Miami-Dade (305) 358-5885, Broward (954) 523-3309, and Palm Beach (561) 966-3309. Doors open one-hour prior to show start time. *Additional fees may apply.
About Hard Rock Live
Hard Rock Live, a state-of-the-art facility is attracting music, comedy and sports fans. This 5,500-seat indoor arena expands the ultimate entertainment experience at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. For more information please visit www.hardrocklivehollywoodfl.com.
About Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino features 71 tables offering Blackjack, Baccarat, Mini-Baccarat, Pai Gow Poker, Three Card Poker, and Let it Ride. More than 2,500 of the most popular Vegas-style slots and games are available to play on its 145,000-square-foot casino floor including Multi-Area Progressive Jackpots and Mega Jackpots. The Poker Room at Seminole Paradise is a 12,000-square-foot private room offering no-limit Texas Hold ‘em, limit Texas Hold ’em, Seven Card Stud and two dollar and four dollar limit Omaha Hi Lo games.
This Four Diamond, AAA-rated, 500-room hotel offers 16 restaurants and lounges, 40,000 square feet of meeting room space, a full-service, European-style spa, and 23 retail shops, 11 nightclubs, and Paradise Live – a 600 seat venue with classic music album performances in Seminole Paradise.
The Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino is located on State Road 7 (U.S. 441) in Hollywood, Florida. From I-95, exit Stirling Rd. and travel west to 1 Seminole Way. For more information, call (954) 327-ROCK, 1-800-937-0010 or online at www.seminolehardrockhollywood.com.

Soap Stars Appearing in South Florida

soapbox1 — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 09:00:00 +0000

Can’t get to Super Soap Weekend Nov. 15 and 16 to meet the soap stars at Walt Disney World’s Hollywood Studios in Orlando?
If you live in South Florida – or if you can get there – four of daytime’s favorite stars are appearing for a meet and greet from 1 to 3 p.m. Nov. 8 at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, FL. The cost: $10.00.
Did you read my interview last week with All My Children’s Cameron Mathison (Ryan)?

Scroll down below this entry and you can read it.
Well, Cameron is one of the four appearing at the casino.
The others are: Bradford Anderson (Spinelli, General Hospital),Winsor Harmon (Thorne, The Bold and the Beautiful) and Christian LeBlanc (Michael, The Young and the Restless).
Mathison, one of the busiest actors in daytime, is headlining Super Soap Weekend and he is also hosting the Soap Cruise, 2nd voyage, which departs Miami on Jan. 22.
There you can mingle with 16 soap stars while on a cruise with stops in Key West and Cozumel, Mexico.
Mathison, Anderson, Harmon and LeBlanc will all be on the cruise.
And more good news…You can register to win a trip for two on the soap cruise if you attend the meet and greet at the Hard Rock!
For more information, call (954) 327-7631. Or go to www.soapcruise.com for more info on the cruise.

The Road to SSW 2008: Interview with Cameron Mathison

soapbox1 — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 10:00:00 +0000

He has played Ryan Lavery on All My Children since January 1999.
That’s right….
The surprise interview I mentioned last week is none other than Cameron Mathison, one of the busiest actors in television and the headliner at Super Soap Weekend 2008 Nov. 15 and 16 at Hollywood Studios in Walt Disney World.

Photo credit: ABC/Heidi Gutman
I mean the guy is always on the go.
He’s perpetually in a front-burner storyline on AMC. He’s been in movies, primetime TV shows and the host of several shows including the SOAPnet reality show “I Wanna Be A Soap Star.”
And who can forget the crazy schedule he kept while jetting back and forth between coasts when he competed on last year’s “Dancing With The Stars.”
Cameron also can be seen as a special correspondent on ABC’s “Good Morning America.”
The guy has so much energy….He’s like the Energizer Bunny…No kidding!
Cameron is gor -geous in person! And, by the way, he’s as nice and gracious and funny as he is good looking.
And I know this because I was actually up close and personal with him onstage in the “I Wanna Be A Soap Star” contest during Super Soap Weekend 2006.
I was chosen as a contestant and got to act out a scene with Cameron. It was so much Fun!
Well, here. See for yourself.

This year will be his 11th year at Super Soap and it’s the first year that he’s been billed as the headliner. He’s co-hosting the “Street Jam” with “The View’s” Sherri Shepherd and he’s hosting “Casting Call.”
Regarding being billed as the headliner, Cameron said, “I don’t think it makes me any different than anybody else that’s going to be there. We’re all kind of all headlining together. I’ve been there a long time and involved in so many different aspects this year…but really we’re all headlining together as a team.”
Michele: What is the best thing about Super Soap Weekend?
Cameron: “Just a sense of excitement and appreciation and enthusiasm that you get from the fans there that you really don’t get anywhere else. You have fans come up to you and show their support [other places], but it’s just such a different vibe there. Enthusiasm is a good word and passion. And it feels really nice and we try to give it right back.”
Michele: Is this something you look forward to each year and how do you feel about the hoards of people that turn out each year?
Cameron: “There’s nothing about Super Soap that I don’t enjoy. I love the number of people, even if they’re grabbing at you as you’re walking through the crowd. It’s an opportunity for the actors to show our appreciation. We wouldn’t have our jobs if it wasn’t for them.”
Michele: Which aspect of the industry do you like the best and where do you find time to do it all?
Cameron: “All My Children” has been incredible with working around the scheduling. The hosting stuff is so much easier to work in with All My Children. Obviously, “Dancing With The Stars” was a [scheduling] nighmare for everybody at the studio. They were very involved in making adjustments so I could do that show. Being a special correspondent for Good Morning America – I literally find out what time I’m working on “All My Children” and plan on shooting a taped piece for GMA around that and then the live GMA show happens before “All My Children” even starts.
“I’ve kind of cut back on some of the other things I’ve done. I’ve just taken one or two side jobs at a time. There have been times when it’s been totally and completely insane, but those days seem to be done for now and it’s a little more balanced…In order to find time for that stuff, I only cut out my personal extras like playing golf or going to the gym. I never take away from time with the kids or time with the family. If I’m taking on extra jobs, I should be the only one to suffer for that.”
Regarding his favorite aspect of the industry, Cameron called AMC his family and described the show as being “a part of him.”
He also enjoys being a special correspondent at “Good Morning America.”
Being a special correspondent “has been something that has been very exciting in my career and I get so much fulfillment from that,” he said. “That plus being able to work as an actor on “All My Children” is a really good balance for me.”
Michele: What is it that you love about Ryan and what do you hate about Ryan?
Cameron: “The thing that I love about Ryan is that all the decisions that he makes – good or not so great – comes from wanting to help other people. I think he trys to do the right thing by other people. Even his flaws come from trying to do the right thing by other people. Even when he pretended to kill himself it was because he didn’t think he’d be a good dad and didn’t want to be a bad father to his kids. He always tries to do things for the right reasons.
“The thing that I don’t like about Ryan is it seems like he flip-flops his position on a lot of things lately and that gets frustrating as an actor. And I think it takes away from the strength of his character when he doesn’t stick to his guns about stuff. There’s been a little bit of flip-flopping – not only on his feelings for women but also on his decisions about what’s right and what’s not right. We’re in a bit of a transition period for Ryan and that’s been a little tricky for me as an actor. But overall I think he’s a great character and we have a great new head writer and I think it’s only getting better.”
Michele: Are you hosting “I Wanna Be A Soap Star” this year at Super Soap?
Cameron: “Yes. But this year it’s called “Casting Call.” It’s a once-in-a-lifetime chance for these fans to get up and act with their favorite stars. It’s so much fun to see how excited they are and to see the absolutely ridiculous stuff that unfolds in these scenes. It’s a lot of fun.”
Michele: What was your reaction to the fact that this will be the last Super Soap?
Cameron: “Initially, I was saddened by it because it’s been so much fun for us and for the fans over the years. But once I found out the positive I really kind of got it. I think we’re going to take the fun and energy and excitement from Super Soap Weekend and take it on the road…take it around the country. Some of the feedback we got from fans is that they wish we did this in their own backyards. So we’re taking that to heart and listen to our fans and bring it to everybody.”
Michele: What is it like to work with the “All My Children” cast?
Cameron: “It’s such a great cast and such a great family feeling and apparently it’s not always like that on some of the other shows. There’s not that same dynamic. It’s a real close feeling. Because of the economy, we’re not having a Christmas party this year. But all of the actors are getting together and we’re putting one together for the crew. We have just a really great dynamic going on at “All My Children.” We really look out for each other. We have a lot of support for each other. There’s a lot of close friendships there.”
Michele: Who are you closest with from “All My Children?”
Cameron: My three leading ladies: Melissa Claire Egan (Annie), Alicia Minshew (Kendall) and Rebecca Budig (Greenlee) is a very close friend of mine. I stayed with her during “Dancing With The Stars.” Even when she’s off the show, we’re very, very close. Thorsten Kaye, who plays Zach, is a buddy of mine, although we don’t hang out that much outside the show. We’re very close in looking out for each other. There’s a lot of friendships. I’ve been playing golf a lot with Jacob Young (J.R.). I could go on and on.
Cameron in action on All My Children

L-R: Aiden Turner ( as “Aidan”), Rebecca Budig ( as “Greenlee”) and Cameron Mathison (as “Ryan”)
photo credit: ABC/Lou Rocco

Keep AMC’s Cameron Mathison Dancing

soapbox1 — Mon, 15 Oct 2007 14:22:41 +0000

The fangs are coming out again among the Dancing With The Stars judges.
And that translates into All My Children’s Cameron Mathison (Ryan) needing soap fans to rally for him.
I say that because the judges’ fangs came out big time towards General Hospital’s Kelly Monaco (Sam) who danced in season one – ultimately coming out the champ.
The first couple of weeks they were brutal in their remarks and consistenly gave her the lowest marks – unjustly in my opinion.
This season, the judges are targeting another soap star: Mathison.
Last week, judge Len Goodman scored Mathison with a 7 and Wayne Newton with a 6.
A one-point difference between the two?
Come on!
Although I admire his great attitude, Newton didn’t come close to Mathison’s performance and Newton – rightly so – was eliminated last week.
And the week before, Judge Bruno Tonioli told Mathison he looks like Superman and dances like Clark Kent!
One thing that really bugs me about this competition is that every year they have contestants who have substantial dance experience.
This year it’s Cheetah girl Sabrina Bryan and Spice Girl Melanie “Mel B” Brown aka Scary Spice.
No wonder they both consistently come out on top. They both have dance backgrounds.
How exactly is that fair?
On top of all that, Mathison is working his tail off.
They show the rehearsals and he is a work horse.
That’s not even factoring in his demanding AMC schedule, where he is involved in a front-burner storyline, and the bicoastal travel.
AMC is filmed in New York City and DWTS in Los Angeles.
And on Tuesday night, after the DWTS results show, Mathison will host the live finale of I Wanna Be A Soapstar 11 p.m. (EST) on SOAPnet.
Bottom line: Mathison needs your help.
Dancing With The Stars airs tonight (Monday) 8 p.m. (EST) on ABC.
You can vote by telephone from the start of the show. I usually vote by phone during the show. It’s easier to get through that way. But you only have up to a half hour after the show ends to vote by phone.
The phone number to vote for Mathison and his professional dance partner Edyta Sliwinska is 1-800-VOTE4-07. There’s no charge by the way.
You can also vote online up until noon on Tuesday.
The third option is to text your vote, but it’s only for AT&T customers and there’s a charge. Click here to access the DWTS website.
The couple’s score is divided evenly between the judges’ scores and the fans’ votes. The couple with the lowest combined score will be eliminated from the ballroom at the end of the results’ show on Tuesday 9 p.m. (EST).
Don’t let that couple be Cameron and Edyta.
As the saying goes in Palm Beach County – Vote Early and Often!

AMC’s Cameron Mathison Competes on Primetime

soapbox1 — Tue, 25 Sep 2007 12:15:34 +0000

All My Children fans will want to tune in tonight to Dancing With The Stars, 8 p.m. on ABC to lend support to Cameron Mathison (Ryan Lavery).
Mathison could put the soap world on the map for a second time in season five of this popular primetime show. This season’s roster of 12 celebrities is the largest to date.
Kelly Monaco (Sam McCall on General Hospital) took the top prize in season one, boosted by the outpouring of soap fans who voted for her and kept her in the game to the end.
The three judges – Carrie Ann Inaba, Bruno Tonioli and Len Goodman – were particularly harsh on Monaco during the first two weeks – unjustifiably so in my opinion. Kelly really did a wonderful job, certainly as well as any of the other contestants.
And she showed tons of class.
When the judges lobbed cruel criticisms about her dancing, Kelly just stood there and listened.
Instead of responding with negativity, she practiced harder, coming back stronger and stronger each week – ultimately emerging the winner.
Now it’s Mathison’s turn and he’s going to need support from the soap world.
He has a lot on his plate. In addition to a front burner storyline on All My Children, Mathison hosts the SOAPnet reality show I Wanna Be a Soap Star and now adds the grueling DWTS schedule.
DWTS began last night with the six female celebs strutting their stuff – Jennie Garth, Marie Osmond, Jane Seymour, Sebrina Bryan, Josie Maran and Melanie Brown (aka Scary Spice).
Tonight, the men take the floor – Wayne Newton, Helio Castroneves, Albert Reed, Floyd Mayweather, Mark Cuban and Mathison.
Wednesday is elimination.
The star who gets the least number of votes gets booted from the show. Fans can vote online, by telephone or text message.
And as the saying goes in Palm Beach County – Make Every Vote Count!