HAVING IT ALL!

By Katherine Thurston

November, 2002

Today, Darlene Vogel (ex-Melanie, OLTL) is on top of the world! She is living a new life in sunny California, has a terrific new fiancé and her dream of becoming pregnant by forty has recently become a reality.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

However, it was only a little over a year ago; Vogel’s life tragically turned upside down. Vogel was fired from her job as “Melanie” on ONE LIFE TO LIVE, her older brother Tim suddenly passed away and shortly there after the tragic events of 9/11 took place. “At least I had a months notice, (with OLTL) and with that, I always say, when one door closes another opens. I was sad to leave my friends at OLTL, but I knew I would always keep in touch. My brother’s death was such a shock; he was the rock of our family. The oldest of six children and also the strongest. I’m so thankful I have such a great support system among my friends and family. They are really what kept me afloat.”

"I couldn’t keep crying everyday."

During this very difficult time, Vogel realized it was time to leave the East Coast. “I just knew when 9/11 happened it was time to go back to my home in California, and get away from all the sadness in New York. I couldn’t keep crying everyday.” Vogel further explained. With the help of her other brother, Vogel packed her belongings, called the movers and drove across country with her dogs in two days time. At first, Vogel was unsure if she had made the right decision or not. “I wasn’t ready, I loved NY, and being close to my sister-in-law in CT. The beaches [in California] are full of homeless, the dogs can’t run free. Everyone is in the business here. But then I adjusted, starting working on my home, enjoyed the weather and really rested from all the tragedies.”

Kale Browne (ex-Sam Rappaport, OLTL)

Her friendships with current and former OLTL cast members have also become an important part of her life, and Vogel has kept in touch with many of them. “Gina Tognoni (ex-Kelly, OLTL) lived with me for four months and now lives down the street. I see her about 4 times a week! Erin Torpey (Jessica, OLTL) stays with me when she comes out. I run into Ty Treadway (Troy, OLTL) at the gym, had dinner with Mark Derwin (Ben, OLTL) Saturday night. I also had a BBQ and had Kale Browne (ex-Sam, OLTL) and Jason-Shane Scott (ex-Will, OLTL), and the gang over. Vogel also stays in touch with Bob Woods (Bo, OLTL) every few weeks as well.

Moreover, speaking of Woods, Vogel recalled the first time she saw Bo in bed with Gabrielle, and she said she was like…. “WHAT? ALREADY? Geez, how they forget fast! I called RW, and said, “You really look like you’re having fun, I’m jealous!” He laughed and it sounded like he was happy, so whatever makes him happy makes me happy. But I thought, doesn’t Gabrielle lie ALL THE TIME?” Vogel laughed.

Although Erin Torpey (Jessica, OLTL) will not be living with Vogel permanently, she announced that she and Tognoni would be looking for a place in Santa Monica for Torpey in January. “Gina and I are so excited for her to be here. We have big plans for skiing and surfing. I am excited for Erin, most people her age haven’t accomplished what she has, and she needs to go out into the world and explore, see what happens! It will be strange for her at first, not to have a job to go to, but believe me; she will fit right in out here. She already has the right color of hair!”

“I was thrown into a car that was pulled out of a swamp, wrapped in saran wrap, my mouth duct taped, mud all over me, a bullet in my head, black eye...."

Earlier this year, Vogel headed down to Miami to film a guest spot on C.S.I.: Crime Scene Investigation, playing the part of “Mina Rittle,” which turned into quite an experience for the actress. “I was thrown into a car that was pulled out of a swamp, wrapped in saran wrap, my mouth duct taped, mud all over me, a bullet in my head, black eye, my eyes shut from honey, then they threw in three live bass, swimming around my feet! I thought, IS this what it comes to? Life after cable and soap star? It was hysterical. I have never had more publicity with a dead body in my entire career! It was in every rag magazine and on every preview.” Nevertheless, she got a nice three-week trip to Miami, and the cast was wonderful, especially David Caruso, she explained. “[Caruso] was always concerned if I was comfortable or not, especially when I was on the morgue table for four hours.”

Currently, Vogel is working on a writing a show, which she has had an idea about for years, and hopes someday her title will change from actress to producer.

Click here to continue and read about Vogel's exciting news!