DATELINE - April 2005Erica
DATELINE - April 2005
Erica
When it was announced earlier this year that the Soap Opera Digest Awards were once again going to be televised, I had mixed emotions. On the one hand, I was happy to see them back on the air and getting the attention they deserved, but on the other, I was disappointed that a lot Kristian's fans weren't going to have the chance to see her on the red carpet, or accept her Award because not everyone has access to SoapNet. I asked Kristian what she thought we could do to make it special for everyone and she came up with the perfect solution: "Why don't you come with me and cover it for the fan club?" So that's what I did!
The Awards show took place on Saturday, April 5th at the ABC Prospect Studios in Hollywood. This is the lot where General Hospital and Port Charles are taped everyday. It was unseasonably cool for Los Angeles in April, but fortunately the sun was shining and there were so many people milling about, I think the body heat helped! The dress code was described on the invitation as "Hollywood Hip." We weren't sure exactly what that meant, but I don't think anyone there looked more hip or elegant than Kristian. She wore a gold suit with matching lace camisole, a beautiful pair of diamond and pearl drop earrings and a diamond cross around her neck. Garry Allyn, one of the stylists at Days, was responsible for Kristian's gorgeous 'do. He set it in loose curls and then pulled it back in a pretty chignon at the base of her neck. For an extra romantic touch, he placed a small white flower on either side of the chignon.
Kristian and I arrived together and let me tell you, when she got out of the car, I don't think I've ever heard such screaming or seen so many flashbulbs go off at once! The fans were positioned right at the beginning of the red carpet, and Kristian posed for them as they snapped her picture and wished her luck. She made her way slowly down the red carpet as dozens of photographers took her picture. Next came the press. All of the soap magazines and the local media were all in attendance. Kristian had plenty of encouraging things to say about the upcoming Bo and Hope storyline. She also had to stop for a few moments and exchange baby stories with Vanessa Marcil (ex-Brenda, GH). Vanessa's baby boy is only a little bit older than Jack, so the two of them have a lot in common.
As we reached the end of the carpet, Kristian was spirited off to get ready
to present the first award of the evening with Peter and I was escorted to
our table inside the studio. Soap Talk and the production company
that put the awards show together really did a nice job. Several tables
were positioned in front of the stage and were occupied by actors from all
the shows, press, managers, producers -- you name it! I don't think
I've ever been surrounded by so many soap stars at one time! It was
very exciting. Behind us was theatre-style seating occupied by more
press and members of the production staff.
The only person at my table when I sat down was Kelly Moneymaker, Peter Reckell's wife. She is super nice and told me that her single, "Can't Live Without Your Love" (Bo and Hope's new song) is at No. 30 and climbing on the Adult Contemporary chart -- yay Kelly! We were soon joined by Linda Vaughn, publisher of Soap Opera Digest, and Stephanie Sloane, SOD Editor. Stephanie writes all of the feature articles on Days for the magazine. She is really sweet and a big fan of the show. At the next table were Days stars Alison Sweeney and her hubby, Dave; Kirsten Storms; Farah Fath; Kyle Lowder and Arianne Zuker; and Alexis Thorpe and her date. Michelle Stafford (Phyllis, Y&R) warmed up the crowd by jumping to her feet just before showtime and shouting, "Let's party!" She is so funny.
Peter and Kristian joined us at the first commercial break following their presentation of the Favorite Supporting Actress Award to GH's Nancy Lee Grahn (Alexis). The show taped live to tape, which means it went straight through for 90 minutes, allowing time for commercials. During the breaks, Kristian was up and visiting with her co-stars and with actors at the surrounding tables. She knows everyone and they all love her. She is truly held in high esteem by her colleagues in the business, but of course, that comes as no surprise to us. ;o)
The Favorite Couple Award was presented by Alison Sweeney and Bryan Datillo, who were delighted to announce Bo and Hope the winners. Peter got a kiss from Kelly and Kristian got a pat on the back from me before going upstage together to accept their awards. They thanked each other (several times -- it was very cute!) and then all of us. I was tickled when Peter told the crowd, "You haven't seen fans until you've seen our fans!" That made me very proud. :o) Kristian expressed her gratitude for all of our devotion and support over the years, and added "God Bless America" before leaving the stage.
Before I knew it, our special evening was over, but I have to say, it's something I'll never forget. It was such a treat to be there in person to see Kristian accept an award bestowed upon her by the fans. As thoughtful and considerate as she is toward us, I can't think of anyone who deserves it more than her. :o)