Eileen Davidson (CBS)
Soaps.com: Let's talk about Ashley's current storyline on Y&R. As an actor, I would imagine it's been great material to play.
Eileen: Oh, I'll say!
Soaps.com: Do you prefer to play Ashley as she has been recently (more emotional, and 'on the verge'), or as the more composed and controlled businesswoman we're accustomed to?
Eileen: I think everything has to have balance. It wouldn't be fun to be doing this character 24/7 for years - it's very draining, and it dredges up a lot of negative stuff. I'm having a blast doing it now, I haven't had a storyline like this in six years! I can really sink my teeth into it - I'm having a great time, but like I said, everything has it's time.
Soaps.com: Some viewers feel that the goings on at the Newman Ranch have become a bit too far out - what do you say to that?
Eileen: Well, they have! [laughs] It's totally insane! Just when I think its run its course a certain way, it takes a twist, so this is an ongoing saga that every time you think it's over, or there's going to be a resolution, something else happens. It reminds me a little bit of how Bill Bell used to write - there was always a very long arc, and I remember a lot of people thinking that it went on too long, and it was getting boring, and getting stupid, but there's always a payoff. I prefer this kind of storytelling over the short, one-month storyline where things just culminate quickly, and then you move on to the next thing. It's really kind of fun living this in real time, and going through what Ashley's going through. Having played her everyday, I'm really understanding her plight and commiserating with her. I understand how she came to be in this situation, where now she's just afraid of losing her child through being committed, or losing it physically, or through her husband - who she's just found out is double-dealing her - she doesn’t know who to trust. It's been interesting - she really has been driven insane in a slow, methodical way because of many things.
Soaps.com: She has a history [of mental instability] as well.
Eileen: Exactly. So, even if she was okay, the fact that people doubt her - even if she was perfectly fine - being doubted that way, and not having people believe her, would be enough to make her vulnerable.
Eileen Davidson (CBS)
Eileen: I really like everything Maria's doing. I've been given the storyline, and playing it, as you have been watching it - I'm maybe just a couple of beats ahead of [viewers]. So, in the beginning, I was like, "Oh, that's kind of nutty. Why would she be getting pregnant at this time in her life?" But as things start to unfold, it makes sense - and I think that's great soap opera! You shouldn't always be happy with what you're seeing - you should be torn - there should be controversy. That's what makes it work.
Soaps.com: How has your experience been with the change in actors playing Adam?
Eileen: I love Michael [Muhney]; I think he's fantastic. I had a great time working with Chris [Engen] as well, but I couldn't ask for a better replacement. He's a nice person in general, and he's a fabulous actor. I happen to think we work really well together. I worked well with Chris too, so it's been kind of a win-win for me. I was sorry to see Chris go, but on the other hand, that was his choice, and I'm just finding Mike is tremendous. He plays the character differently, and I like the way he plays the character.
Soaps.com: Viewers have just seen Ashley find out that Victor was behind her being fired from Jabot, and her subsequent encounter with Sabrina's ghost in the car. What hints can you give as to what's ahead?
Eileen: More craziness! [laughs] It gets more intense, and more twisted, and more confusing for her.
Soaps.com: So, it's going to get worse before it gets better?
Eileen: Oh yeah!! Different things are going to be resolved, like, the fact that Victor has done these things to Ashley, and she's never known - that comes out now and has a huge affect on their relationship.
Soaps.com: Viewers are looking forward to Adam getting what's coming to him.
Eileen: Well, I don't want it to happen too soon, because then I won't get to work with Michael anymore. I love the fact that Ashley's relying on him so much - it's like sleeping with the enemy, you know? It's just a lot of fun!
To get the scoop on Eileen's latest book, "Dial Emmy for Murder," be sure to check out Part I of this interview! Do you have a comment on this interview, or Ashley's storyline? Be sure to share your thoughts with Soaps.com!
- Candace Young
