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Erika Slezak Fan Club
Luncheon Report |
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Part
1: More of the Erika Slezak Luncheon Review held May 5, 2001
Erika expressed her fondness for Gary Tomlin, while asserting that she was
also a fan of Jill Farren Phelps. She described Gary as being efficient, calm and controlled. She added that, given
that he has worked all angles in the business, he knows every aspect of it inside out. She confirmed that the
cast and crew now get out of the studio much earlier than they did before, and that morale has improved. “He’s wonderful,” she stated.
She praised the new head writers, as well.
In response to a question about whether Viki is faking the return of the alters, Erika suggested that Viki began by faking, but that we don’t know
what happens after that. The ruse takes on a life of its own, she added, noting that some episodes are beyond Viki’s control.
She dismissed the idea that a pregnancy could be in the offing for Viki, given that Blair is currently with child on the show, and it’s highly
unusual for two leads to be expecting at the same time. Besides, she remarked, Viki has enough problems with the
children she has, what with two of them being missing. “How careless can you be with your children?” she
joked.
Erika confirmed that Ben and Viki’s storyline would lighten up once the situation with Gina is resolved. She dubbed herself “the world’s biggest
Niki Smith fan,” insisting that playing Niki allows her to let out her hostilities. She also admitted that she
misses Robin Strasser and wishes she would return to the show.
When asked what she and Mark bring to the table to make Ben and Blondie so special, she declared that they share a sense of humor, they genuinely
like each other, and they enjoy the back and forth teasing that is a large part of their relationship. She also praised Mark as having the same work ethic
that she does. He has never been late and takes daytime seriously, which scores big points with her.
A couple of questioners wondered if Erika would be interested in various outside projects. She responded that she would certainly love to do voice
work for an animated series, but she noted that many other actors are already in that field, and that it is very
difficult to break in to. She indicated that she would welcome the opportunity to do
theatre, but only if she could get a leave of absence from the show.
Erika picked the alters, Heaven, and the Old West as her favorite storylines, the latter in
part because she had always wanted to ride in a stage coach. She pronounced the experience to be decidedly uncomfortable.
She also admitted to enjoying her wedding to Ben, since she got to wear low heels and to sit down through much of it!
Some fans expressed their fondness for mobsters Jackie and Harry and hoped the duo
would continue on the show. Erika echoed this view, revealing that she has personally
lobbied for them. As expected, someone asked if she knew who killed Colin. Her response
was that she hoped everyone had done it, like the resolution to Murder on the Orient Express.
Erika picked Viki’s bedroom as her favorite set, namely because “I can lie down!” She also admitted to liking the Lord library, “because it’s
comfortable.” In response to a question about the way she delineates the alters, Erika stressed that, in real life, the
various personalities are not necessarily so different. On television, however, the audience needs to know
right away which character they are seeing, which means that she has to adopt defined mannerisms and clothing for each alter.
Someone commented on the fabulous work of director Jill Mitwell. Erika revealed that Jill
directs “moments,” and that she shoots things in such a way as to make the final product look incredibly romantic.
Fans wondered how Erika manages to keep things fresh after having played the same
part for 30 years. She insisted that, although the dialogue is frequently similar, it is never identical, and a major part of the job is
reacting off of other actors, which changes the dynamics from scene to scene. If you listen and react honestly, it’s always
new. Besides, she added, she’s been given so many bizarre stories that it’s all so different.
Finally, Erika was asked to address the current state of daytime. She pointed to the
advent of cable as being the catalyst for declining ratings, given that there is so much
choice now. She opined that the show’s current ratings would have led to cancellation
10 years ago, and she added that it’s hard to judge who is watching, since so many people tape or catch the show
on SoapNet.
Once the Q&A session was over, Erika moved over to a side table to begin the
autograph session. She was very patient and gracious, extending her stay long after the
official end time of 3:30, despite the fact that she was due to head to her daughter’s
dorm to help her pack up that afternoon. All in all, the event was a testament to Erika’s
grace and class. It was a joy meeting her, and the day will linger in my memory for a
long time.
Ann McGowan
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