Mary Beth Evans Surprising Soap Move!
Soap Opera Update – January 16, 2000
By Laura DeBrizzi
Update exclusive: A candid talk about her new gig and her famed Days role
“By her own admission, she loves it, she loves it, she loves it! Mary Beth Evans, fondly remembered by daytime fans for her roles as Kayla (aka Sweetness) on DOOL and Katherine on GH, is on a high because of her month long stint with ATWT. Perfect timing–and and interest on the part of ATWT executive producer Chris Goutman–made it possible for this California gal to take on Sierra Montgomery with a great deal of confidence and earnestness.
“I got a call that Chris Goutman had this part that he wanted me to come and do. I was already going to be in NY for Thanksgiving visiting my husband’s relatives and so I thought it would be great to do,” explains Evans of the events leading up to her Dec. 26 premiere. Although the actress had never seen an episode of the serial until her recent appointment, Evans does admit to hearing all about the “amazing” Hogan Sheffer (ATWT’s head writer).
“Hogan’s writing was so great for me,” compliments this mother of three. “It was the kind of writing that I like–interpersonal, feelings, histories. This is what Days was in the ’80’s.” And speaking of her former NBC stomping ground, what of the rumors that she will bring Kayla home to Salem?
“I have joking conversations with them periodically,” reveals the affable star, before adding with a laugh, “but nothing ever comes of it.” It’s not that Evans is opposed to returning to the show that catapulted her and Stephen Nichols to the zenith of all supercouples. Even today, Evans is amazed that she’s approached “at least every other day” by well-wishers who fell in love with Kayla so long ago. However, the grind of daytime is too much to consider when it was only last year that Evans returned to having a “normal” family life.
“I love working and I don’t think that I will ever give that up,” she admits. “On this day, I can’t imagine doing a full load again. It would depend, for Days too, if the timing was ever right. I think Stephen still has some time on his contract. I doubt that Days would ever bring the couple back without the two of us.”
Still, Evans wouldn’t rule out a return to Oakdale. “I wouldn’t sign a contract, but I would go back and do something,” she says of the place that made her feel “so comfortable. Chris Goutman was one of the greatest executive producers I’ve ever had a conversation with. He was relaxed and filled with a passion for making that show great by using its history and keeping its integrity. I love that!”
Maybe ATWT will get another treat from Evans next holiday season when she is back in town.
no comments