Denise Alexander Interview Archive (2010, 2013)

Actress and longtime soap opera star Denise Alexander was beloved by fans for her portrayal of Lesley Webber on General Hospital and Susan Hunter Martin on Days of our Lives.  

Early in her career Alexander voiced characters on multiple radio soaps before making her Broadway debut in “The Children’s Hour”. On primetime television she made appearances on classics Father Knows Best, The Twilight Zone and The Danny Kaye Show. In the early 1960s she moved to daytime TV on the CBS soap The Clear Horizon.

She joined the cast of Days of our Lives in 1966 as Susan, where she rose to stardom during her seven-year run. She left Days in 1973 and joined the cast of General Hospital as Lesley to help give the ratings-challenged ABC soap a boost. Lesley fell for Rick Webber (Chris Robinson) and became entangled in a love triangle with rival Monica Bard (Leslie Charleson). Lesley also confessed to the murder of David Hamilton, a crime her daughter Laura (Genie Francis) committed. Her acting earned Alexander a Emmy nomination in 1976 for Outstanding Actress in a Daytime Drama Series.

When storyline called for Lesley to be killed off in a car accident in 1984, fans became outraged. (Editor's Note: Alexander shared the what really happened back then, off the record).  It wasn’t until 12 years later in 1996 that it was revealed that Lesley was actually alive. In between the two soaps, Alexander appeared on NBC’s Another World as Mary McKinnon, working once again with Robinson during a portion of her three-year stint.  She last appeared on General Hospital in 2021.

Denise Alexander passed away in March at age 85, which led me to revisit the times we spoke (always by phone).  Below are my interviews with Alexander from 2010 and 2013 below.

First published in November 2010

ROGER NEWCOMB: You were involved in the industry when it was transitioning from radio to TV.
DENISE ALEXANDER: At the tail end of it. I got to do a little bit of everything.

Coming Soon: Today in Soap Opera History!

For years, I have published a daily "Today in Soap Opera History" feature for We Love Soaps. The column will be moving to Serial Scoop in October. Stay tuned!

'Serial Scoop Now': James Kiberd Previews "The Crusade of Connor Stephens"

Actor and artist James Kiberd is best known to soap opera fans for his 11-year stint as Trevor Dillon on ABC's All My Children. That followed a memorable run as Mike Donovan on Loving, and a few months as Dustin Trent on NBC's Another World. Following All My Children, he stepped in for a time as Hal Munson on CBS' As the World Turns. In addition to his work on daytime dramas, Kiberd is a talented artist and stage performer. He was named Best Actor earlier this year at the 2017 Midtown International Theater Festival for his portrayal of Big Jim in "The Crusade of Connor Stephens," a new play written and directed by Dewey Moss

In "The Crusade of Connor Stephens," extreme loss shakes a Texas family as it comes to terms with a tragic act of violence. In the midst of widespread media attention, their story becomes an allegory for the national debate over religion, tolerance and the seedlings of hate. With humor and resilience, they will confront the ghosts of the past and discover the brutal universal truths that define the American family in the 21st century.

In the latest episode of Serial Scoop Now (2.19), the multi-talented Kiberd talks about his time on soaps and his latest stage role. Watch below.

'Serial Scoop Now': 'Pride: The Series' Season 2 Premiere (Part 2)

The second season of Pride: The Series debuts later this month.

On the latest episode of Serial Scoop Now (2.13), host Roger Newcomb attends the Pride: The Series Season 2 premiere event and speaks with one of the shows executive producers, Ashley Mitchell, who stars as Trina. We also chat with Aaron Mathias (Garrett), Scott Michael Salame (Owen), director Michael V. Pomarico, Adam Andrew Rios (Sheeneda/Adam), Braden Bradley (Travis), Tony D. Head (George) and Geri Reischl, who played Jan Brady in The Brady Bunch Variety Hour.

"It was definitely a different experience, and it was a lot of work, but I really enjoyed it," says Ashley Mitchell, who was executive producer on a project for the first time.

Six-time Emmy winning former All My Children director Michael V. Pomarico appreciated the freedom of being outside the studio.

"Coming from a structured show like that [All My Children] to have the freedom with this show was really, really wonderful," he tells us.

Watch Part 2 of our Pride: The Series red carpet interviews below.

'Serial Scoop Now': 'Pride: The Series' Season 2 Premiere (Part 1)

The second season of Pride: The Series debuts later this month.

On the latest episode of Serial Scoop Now (2.12), host Roger Newcomb attends the Pride: The Series Season 2 premiere event and speaks with creator Dorell Anthony (who plays Kai) about the creation of the series, and what's ahead in the new season. We also chat with cast members Ilene Kristen (Eleanor), Lauren B. Martin (Tia), Jonathan Villanueva (Luis) and Terissa Kelton (Riley), who also serves as a producer on the series.

"I really wanted to create a show that gave back to people," reveals Dorell Anthony, "and give them a chance to express who they really are."

The iconic Ilene Kristen appreciates the creative side of working on independent productions.

"It's interesting to see people unleashing their creativity," she says.

Kristen also remembered legendary writer Claire Labine, who passed away earlier this year, and wrote years of memorable scripts for Kristen's Ryan's Hope character, Delia.

"Claire was the best writer that I've ever worked with," she explains. "When you got her scripts, you never wanted to change a line of them."

Watch Part 1 of our Pride: The Series red carpet interviews below.

'Serial Scoop Now': Jack Tracy Finds Creative Outlet with 'History' Web Series

Jack Tracy stars as Jamie in the new web series History.

On the latest episode of Serial Scoop Now (2.11), host Roger Newcomb chats with producer/director/writer/actor/attorney Jack Tracy about History, a new LGBTQIA scripted web series from Necessary Outlet Productions that explores the relationships, friendships and the sexual and gender politics of young gay men in New York City.

History follows Jamie (Tracy), a thirty-something gay New York lawyer, in the days after a messy breakup with his partner of five years, Jared (Andrew Lipson). Through juxtaposed flashbacks, the audience watches Jamie’s evolution—or lack thereof—on issues of intimacy, sex, gender role conformity and friendships as he rebuilds his life on his own terms.

In our interview, Tracy recounts his journey to New York, and from lawyer by day to indie creator by night, and shares how he brought his real life experiences to History. Find out more about this quickly rising young talent below.

'Serial Scoop Now': Ade Otukoya Talks 'A Taste of Honey' and Previews 'We Be Nurses'

Ade Otukoya - Photo by David Gaur / Courtesy of 74Aderemi Productions

On the latest episode of Serial Scoop Now (2.10), host Roger Newcomb chats with actor Ade Otukoya about his role as a Navy man named Jimmy in the Austin Pendleton directed "A Taste of Honey," currently playing at the Pearl Theatre in New York.

Otukoya then offers a preview of his character, George, in the upcoming 74Aderemi Productions television pilot We Be Nurses. He also shares the sage piece of advice he received from Phylicia Rashad.

Watch our interview below:

'Serial Scoop Now': Kurt Bantilan Previews Upcoming Roles in 'Dog Sees God' and 'We Be Nurses'

Kurt Bantilan stars as Jessica in We Be Nurses. Photos courtesy of Kurt Bantilan/74Aderemi Productions.

On the latest episode of Serial Scoop Now (2.9), host Roger Newcomb chats with actor Kurt Bantilan about his upcoming role in the Heights Players production of Bert V. Royal's award-winning play "Dog Sees God: Confessions of a Teenage Blockhead," opening in Brooklyn on September 9.

Bantilan also offers a preview of his character in the upcoming 74Aderemi Productions television pilot We Be Nurses. He portrays a transgender woman named Jessica in the series about a group of eight nursing students who come into their own as they become friends.

Finally, Bantilan offers insights into his popular Cooking with Kurt web series, which airs on YouTube.

Watch our interview below:

'Serial Scoop Now': Alisha Spielmann on Her Career and 'We Be Nurses'

Alisha Spielmann as Mary Catherine in We Be Nurses. Photo by David Gaur/Courtesy of 74Aderemi Productions.

On the latest episode of Serial Scoop Now (2.8), host Roger Newcomb chats with Indie Series Award nominated actress Alisha Spielmann (Producing Juliet) about her career journey from Minnesota to New York, favorite stage performances, and new role as Mary Catherine in the 74Aderemi Productions television pilot We Be Nurses.

Watch our interview below:

'Serial Scoop Now' #20: Thorsten Kaye and Linsey Godfrey at 'The Bold and the Beautiful' Pop Up Fan Event in NYC

The Bold and the Beautiful stars Thorsten Kaye and Linsey Godfrey chat with Serial Scoop Now host Roger Newcomb.

On the latest episode of Serial Scoop Now (1.20), we traveled to The Bold and the Beautiful Pop Up Fan Event in New York City on Monday, September 14 and spoke with actors Thorsten Kaye (who plays Ridge Forrester) and Linsey Godfrey (Caroline Spencer Forrester) about attending their characters' wedding reception with fans, Godfrey's favorite thing about working at B&B, Kaye's cross-country commute, getting feedback from fans, and more.

"I get to come to work with my favorite people, and be with my best friends everyday," Godfrey told us.

Kaye even shared his predictions for the upcoming NHL season.

"I always have to say the [Red] Wings because they're my team," says Kaye. "L.A. is still going to be tough, Chicago is still going to be tough."

Watch our chat with Kaye and Godfrey below:

'Serial Scoop Now' #19: Pierson Fodé and Ashleigh Brewer at 'The Bold and the Beautiful' Pop Up Fan Event in NYC

The Bold and the Beautiful stars Pierson Fode and Ashleigh Brewer chat with Serial Scoop Now host Roger Newcomb.

On the latest episode of Serial Scoop Now (1.19), we traveled to The Bold and the Beautiful Pop Up Fan Event in New York City on Monday, September 14 and spoke with actors Pierson Fodé (who plays Thomas Forrester) and Ashleigh Brewer (Ivy Forrester) about their characters, what it's like to watch an episode with fans, their favorite thing about working at B&B and more.

"It's nice to see it through their eyes, and not just my judgmental eyes of myself," Brewer said about watching Monday's B&B episode with the large group of fans in attendance.

"I love egging the crowd on," Fode added. "I become a little bit of a ham when people are involved."

Watch our chat with Fodé and Brewer below:

'Serial Scoop Now' #18: John McCook and Jacqueline MacInnes Wood at 'The Bold and the Beautiful' Pop Up Fan Event in NYC

The Bold and the Beautiful stars John McCook and Jacqueline MacInnes Wood chat with Serial Scoop Now host Roger Newcomb.

The Bold and the Beautiful came to New York City on Monday, September 14 for a Pop Up Fan Event that doubled as the wedding reception for the just married Ridge Forrester (Thorsten Kaye) and Caroline Spencer (Linsey Godfrey).

Fans were served a delicious meal before four cast members--John McCook (Eric), Jacqueline MacInnes Wood (Steffy), Ashleigh Brewer (Ivy) and Pierson Fode (Thomas)--were introduced the a packed ballroom at the Marriott Marquis. The stars answered questions from the festive crowd then everyone settled in to watch Monday's episode of B&B, a special treat for the fans in attendance who also got to watch the cast react, sometimes hilariously to what they were seeing on screen. No one was more pleased with himself than Fode, who stood up and egged on the crowd when Thomas leaned in to kiss Nicole (Reign Edwards).

After the episode finished, supervising producer Casey Kasprzyk joked that Ridge and Caroline had boarded the Forrester jet and were headed to New York. He then introduced Kaye and Godfrey, who walked in wearing the same clothes their characters were married minutes earlier. This was a very realistic wedding reception, with many familiar touches. Toasts were made, the scrumptious wedding cake was cut, the happy couple shared a first dance, and the bouquet was tossed (just over the outstretched arms of "Ivy" who was part of a large crowd vying to make the good luck catch).

At one point, Wood jokingly called Godfrey her new mommy, indicative of the lighthearted atmosphere of the event as well as the camaraderie among the cast.

After fans finished off their cake, the six B&B cast members began an autograph and photo session with the enthusiastic attendees.

At the end of the day, Serial Scoop Now was able to get a few minutes with the cast of the world's most-watched soap opera, who were fittingly visiting NYC during Fashion Week. In the first of three group interviews, we chatted with McCook and Wood about The Bold and the Beautiful feeling like a family, the old CBS Daytime variety shows, recent projects and New York theater. Check out the spoiler-free chat in our latest episode (1.18) below:

'Serial Scoop Now': 'The Under 5ers' with Alexandra Nader

The Under 5ers co-creator and star Alexandra Nader with Serial Scoop Now host Roger Newcomb.

On the latest episode of Serial Scoop Now (1.17), host Roger Newcomb chats with actress and writer Alexandra Nader, one of co-creators and stars of comedy web series The Under 5ers which recently kicked off its 10-episode second season.

"We know there's a million shows out there about twentysomethings trying to make it Manhattan, we just tell our own stories in our way," Nader explains.

Watch below:

'Serial Scoop Now': 'The Under 5ers' with Matthew Ryan Wilson

The Under 5ers co-creator and star Matthew Ryan Wilson with Serial Scoop Now host Roger Newcomb.

On the latest episode of Serial Scoop Now (1.16), host Roger Newcomb chats with Oregon native Matthew Ryan Wilson, one of co-creators and stars of comedy web series The Under 5ers which recently kicked off its 10-episode second season.

"It is a Three's Company dynamic with Girls content," Wilson says when describing The Under 5ers. "Take Three's Company and put them in 2015 and you have the The Under 5ers."

Watch below:

'Serial Scoop Now': 'The Under 5ers' with Sami Horneff

The Under 5ers co-creator and star Sami Horneff with Serial Scoop Now host Roger Newcomb.

On the latest episode of Serial Scoop Now (1.15), host Roger Newcomb chats with New York native Sami Horneff, one of co-creators and stars of comedy web series The Under 5ers which recently kicked off its 10-episode second season.

"The Under 5ers is very relatable," Horneff explains, "and everyone has gone through something we portray on this show--whether you've been on a bad date, or you've had a crazy boss, or you're trying to figure out who you are. These are all themes I think people can relate to, but we do them in a way that hopefully is going to make you laugh."

Watch below:

Serial Scoop Now #14: Jo Weil in New York City

Jo Weil in New York City.

The latest episode of Serial Scoop Now (1.14) features a visit with internationally acclaimed actor and entertainer Jo Weil, best known for his long-running portrayal of Oliver Sabel on German soap opera Verbotene Liebe, which went off the air earlier this summer. Weil's "Olli" had magnetic chemistry with Christian Mann, played by Thore Schölermann, earning them both fans around the world. Weil is currently appearing on another German serial, Alles was zählt, playing the role of Nick Danne.

During our chat, Weil talks about his soap roles, seeing "Hand of God" on Broadway (starring Big Bang Theory's Jim Parsons), creating new music, and more. We also discuss his dream of appearing on American soap The Bold and the Beautiful, and he shares a "secret" about how he likes to learn his lines.

Watch the episode below:

6th Annual Indie Series Awards Red Carpet Show - Part 4

Serial Scoop Now was on the red carpet for the 6th Annual Indie Series Awards on Wednesday, April 1, at the historic El Portal Theatre in Los Angeles. Host Michael Taylor Gray interviewed the stars of the web series world on the red carpet. Part 4 of our coverage includes Indie Series Awards founder and producer Roger Newcomb; Indie Series Network director Kevin Mulcahy Jr.; Thurston's Colleen Zenk and Susannah Wells; and Acting Dead's Jillian Clare, Lori Alan, Patrika Darbo, Brian Beacock, Jen Grable, Paul Nygro and Peter Allen Vogt.

Watch "6th Annual Indie Series Awards Red Carpet Show - Part 4" below:

'Serial Scoop Now': 6th Annual Indie Series Awards Nomination Announcement

Indie Series Awards founder Roger Newcomb hosts a special episode of Serial Scoop Now (1.4) to reveal the nominees for the 6th Annual ISAs. This year's host, Emmy winner Eric Martsolf (Days of our Lives), makes a special appearance. Use hashtag #ISA6 to join the discussion on social media.

'Serial Scoop Now': Jeffrey Christopher Todd

Jeffrey Christopher Todd as Tobias in The Young and the Restless.

Jeffrey Christopher Todd made his stage debut when he was 8 years old playing Kenickie in a summer camp production of Grease. From that moment on, he wanted to become an actor. After graduating from Hamilton High School's Academy of Music, he studied theatre (among other things) at Northwestern University. He then moved to New York City and performed in numerous Off-Broadway and regional theatre productions before returning home to Los Angeles to pursue a career in theatre, TV and film.

He has appeared in feature films and television shows including Switched at Birth, Free Agents, Not Another High School Show, Tunnel Rats and Polar Opposites. He also guest-starred on Disney Channel's Wizards of Waverly Place, hilariously playing Jeffrey Jefferies opposite Selena Gomez.

Eileen Davidson and Jeffrey Christopher Todd

For the past two months, he has starred as Tobias on CBS daytime drama The Young and the Restless, a lab technician working at Jabot for Ashley Abbott (Emmy winner Eileen Davidson) but spying for her ex-husband and business rival, Victor Newman (Emmy winner Eric Braeden). Todd was once an intern at Y&R working with former producer Ed Scott.

Todd flew to New York this week to shoot an appearance on Bravo's Watch What Happens Live!, which airs on Tuesday, January 27 at 11 p.m. ET. He will be joined on the show by Y&R co-star Eileen Davidson (who also stars in Real Housewives of Beverly Hills) as well as Whitney Cummings.

While in New York, Todd spoke with Serial Scoop Now about his love for acting, working with Y&R legends Braeden and Davidson, what the future may hold for Tobias (#SaveTobias), his upcoming appearances and much more. Get to know the talented young actor in our latest episode (1.03) below:



Jeffrey Christopher Todd's upcoming appearances:

Watch What Happens Live!
(with Eileen Davidson and Whitney Cummings)
Bravo
Tuesday, January 27, 11 p.m. ET

"Romeo and Juliet: Love is a Battlefield"
Written & Directed by Bradley Bredeweg (Creator/Executive Producer of "The Fosters" on ABC Family)
Opens Saturday, February 14 (Valentine's Day)
Rockwell Table and Stage

"Kritzerland Cabaret: The Songs of Jerome Kern"
Upstairs at the Federal
Monday, February 2

Follow Jeffrey Christopher Todd on Twitter @JeffreyTod. Check out his official website at jeffreychristophertodd.com.

'Serial Scoop Now' #2: U.S. Launch for Nelson Aspen's 'My Prime Time'

Nelson Aspen speaks to an room overflowing with supporters at the U.S. launch for his latest
book, "My Prime Time."

On Tuesday, December 2, Serial Scoop Now attended the United States launch event for Nelson Aspen's new book, "My Prime Time," at JackRabbit Sports in New York City. After an introduction by store manager Troy Squire, Nelson spoke to the crowded room about what inspired him to write the book.

After reaching a significant landmark birthday (50), Nelson decided to share all that is best about the "middle years"...Prime Time! It's a fun-filled, light-hearted account of embracing aging, looking after your physical and emotional well-being, celebrating friendships, investing in relationships, maintaining family ties, keeping financially savvy and above all: celebrating all this good about each and every day.

After signing book after book for a long line of friends, fans and supporters, Nelson spoke with Serial Scoop Now about "My Prime Time," and teased the new series he's working on with Emmy-winning soap writer Janet Iacobuzio.



Follow Nelson Aspen on Twitter: @NelsonAspen.

RELATED:
* Janet Iacobuzio & Nelson Aspen Team Up For New Series Reuniting Big Names from Daytime TV History
* EXCLUSIVE: Nelson Aspen Dishes on His New Book "My Prime Time"