Once in a blue moon, fans are lucky to meet a rare breed of extraordinary actors who not only capture your imagination, but also effortlessly seduce you into forgetting you’re alive while watching their bone-deep performances.

“Who is this?” screamed this soap fan when a newcomer by the name of Greg Andrew Rikaart joined daytime TV’s No. 1 soap opera, The Young and the Restless, in the recurring role as the emotionally damaged and broken computer-geek-turned-psycho-turned-anti-hero, Kevin Fisher in 2003. “Where the hell did he come from?” I asked out loud.

Turns out the revered and talented thespian hails from Brooklyn, N.Y. Thanks to a stunning debut on Dawson’s Creek, Rikaart landed the breakout Genoa City role.

In his first initial scenes, Rikaart took no prisoners with his impossibly handsome looks, unrivaled acting skills, and dangerous ability to charm anyone in his path despite Kevin’s destructive psychology.

Wisely, Y&R offered Rikaart a contract immediately.

Even this fickle industry of ours stood up and took notice.

Rikaart rightfully and deservedly won the Daytime Emmy Award for outstanding supporting actor in 2005 after his debut year — on his first try, no less.

Since then, the former Capitol Hill intern has impressively been nominated for four consecutive Emmy nominations in the same category.

Despite being armed with an undeniable gift and skill most film actors would kill for, the 31-year-old actor exhibits nary a hint of grandeur nor ego.

Which makes the out-and-proud Democrat an anomaly of sorts in this bitch-eat-bitch world of entertainment.

Thanks to his artistic blank canvas and his elastic face, Rikaart has transformed himself into one of the most versatile actors in the business. Through fiction, Rikaart has been able to effortlessly and consistently mine truth each weekday due in large part to his already-legendary performances.

One only had to view his stunning and heartbreaking portrayal as Kevin battled suicidal urges and depression in this past Christmas’ “It’s Not A Wonderful Life” episode to concur.

We spoke with the unpretentious yet passionate actor about President Barack Obama’s historic appointment, the frustrating Emmy system, why soaps rock, his passion for masturbation, and the art of acting in TVGuide.ca’s version of the Actor’s Studio.

TVG: How stoked were you when Barack Obama became the 44th President of the United States? I don’t think any other soap star worked as tirelessly on his campaign than you. Though Nancy Lee Grahn (Alexis, General Hospital) and Heather Tom (Katie, The Bold and the Beautiful) would probably disagree with me.
GR: Oh, man; I’m thrilled beyond words. President Obama’s election wasn’t just a victory for our country, but for the entire world. I’ll tell you something funny. I was on set until 10 o’clock on election night, so I missed the announcement and celebration! I watched it later on TiVo, but it was a bummer missing the election results live. Regardless, it was a great night... I think we have a lot to look forward to.

TVG: Doesn’t Y&R know you’re Greg Rikaart? And that you should have election night off? [Joking] You should have brought your Emmy to the set and reminded Maria Arena Bell that you call the shots around there! 
GR: [Laughs] I know, right! I should install my Emmy on the hood of my car, so no one ever forgets how important I am!

TVG: Are you bummed out that CBS, ABC and SOAPnet passed on airing the 36th annual Daytime Emmy Awards?
GR: From what I hear, they’re still shopping the awards around to other alternative networks. Yeah, it’s disappointing, for sure. I guess it’s just another sign of the times. Everything costs a lot of money, and there’s less of it to be had these days. The Emmys are always a fun night. I’m sure it will still be fun regardless if someone airs the ceremony. The sad fact is that the fans may not get to participate in the festivities.

TVG: Are you submitting yourself for Emmy contention this year?
GR: I don’t know. What do you think?

TVG: Well, I think you have the material, especially in the past few months, but I think it’s Michael Graziadei’s [Daniel] to lose this year. You’re one of those blessed actors, though, who is always award-worthy even when hacks are writing your storyline. [Cough] Lynn Marie Latham! [Cough] Lynn Marie Latham! I’d pre-nominate Graz, and either you or The Shack [Jeffrey]. It’s time for Kristoff St. John [Neil] to take himself out of the running.
GR: Graz is one of our unsung heroes. Listen, you know how the system works. I try not to complain too much about the process because, quite honestly, I have no idea how to fix it. It’s obvious we have a solid cast, but someone is always left out. Last year, we had three pre-nom slots, and still Graz was left out even though I think myself, Kristoff and Ted Shackelford deserved the pre-noms. I’d be nice if everyone who deserves a nomination is invited to the party. We all have the material to win. You know, it never hurts to play the game and see what happens.

TVG: You won your first and only Emmy after your first year on soaps — which is practically unheard of.
GR: Yeah, but I’ve lost every time since! [Laughs] You don’t play the game unless you want to win. You’re right, I feel like I started off at the top of the slope, and now I’ve been sliding ever since. So yes, it’d be nice to win another Emmy Award. Hell, yeah! At the same time, it’s not only an honour to be nominated, but it’s also a fun experience. You get to participate in the night as a nominee — and represent your show. 


TVG: Do you prefer the Emmys being held in New York City or Los Angeles? I hear they’re returning home to New York this year.
GR: I loved attending Radio City Music Hall, but I hope they stay in L.A. because the big media is here. I think it adds a lot more credibility when they’re in L.A.

TVG: I’m sure we’ll see you up on that Emmy stage more than once. Where do you keep your Emmy, other than on the hood of your car?
GR: I keep it on the mantle in my living room. That’s why it’d be nice to win another one, so I can sleep with my second award. [Laughs]

TVG: They make great bookends, but not great sex toys. I’ve tried, but alas it didn’t turn out too well. So I had to return Christian LeBlanc’s [Michael] Emmys back to him. [Laughs] By the way, I have to apologize for not raving about your performance in Michael’s “It’s Not A Wonderful Life” episode. Seeing Kevin suicidal was heartbreaking to watch — and you eschewed histrionics and relied on ennui to express his depression. It was a brilliant acting choice. I have some personal experience with that issue, and I was really impressed with how you dealt with it. That was your Emmy reel, along with your stripping scene, and/or séance work with Emily O’Brien [Jana]. It’s what prompted us to nominated you for a Spirit Award as outstanding supporting actor this year. I promise the gushing is now officially over. I apologize for being such an acting whore.
GR: Thank you! The Christmas episode was simply amazing. It knocked everyone’s socks off. All of us felt that you’d love the show.

TVG: It’s no secret that I initially despised Kevin and Jana’s showmance when my BFF, Lynn Marie Latham, was trying to write the show a year ago. However, after a miracle named Maria Arena Bell occurred, today, I’m a diehard Jevin fan — or whatever squished name the fans are using these days. They’re a rare breed of lovers. Their psychologies, moral ambiguity, and fear of karma are their biggest hurdles as people and as husband and wife.
GR: I agree completely. We’re definitely a quirky couple. While I respect your opinions, and most all of us agree 100 per cent with you, I have to say I had a different experience with Lynn than you did. Before Lynn joined our show, I felt Kevin had been in a rut. She had a very specific idea about who he was, and I agreed with her version, to be honest. Kevin had been on the back burner for a while, but she threw him back on the front burner by returning him to his darker origins. I felt Kevin became more interesting when Lynn was writing him. During her tenure at Y&R, I was reminded of my first year on Y&R.

TVG: [covers ears; starts singing loudly] I’m not listening! [Laughs]
GR: [Laughs] I do get what you are saying about Jana and Kevin’s relationship, though. I don’t think Jana was intended to be a long-term love interest for Kevin. She was more of a catalyst to inspire more story.

TVG: I’m super-proud of Emily. We even nominated her for a younger actress Spirit Award. I felt bad we in the press lumped her in with those other hair models at last year’s Emmy ceremony. Especially after viewing her kick-ass Emmy reel.
GR: I agree. With all due respect to Jennifer Landon [ex-Gwen, As The World Turns], I felt Emily’s reel was the best one. She delivered a solid performance. Emily’s reel really stood out, and people began raving about her up to Emmy night. She continues to be a revelation.

TVG: In fact, in these past few months, Emily’s done the impossible by managing to steal scenes from you, mister! Case in point: Kevin and Jana breaking into Phick’s house! 
GR: You’re absolutely right. Don’t you think Jana and Emily fit perfectly into our dysfunctional family?

TVG: Yep. I would, too, for that matter…
GR: [Laughs] Maria Arena Bell has made Jana and Kevin’s relationship more complex and realistic. One thing that works is that we’re organic now. We come to work prepared, of course, but we surprise each other on a daily basis. Emily and I never really know what’s going to happen when we’re taping, which makes work much more fun and easier in may ways. You would love Emily. Have you interviewed her yet?

TVG: No, but I will. My goal is to speak to all you crazy Baldwins in the next few months. But The Shack is next!
GR: Do it, man! I love working with Ted because we adore playing Kevin and Jeffrey’s mutual disdain for each other. Every time Jeffrey says anything to Kevin, I bristle immediately.

TVG: I loved Kevin’s reaction when he saw Jeffrey’s burned face in the hospital after he purposely applied the tainted face cream to his sexy mug. What did  you think of Judith Chapman’s [Gloria] performance during the Jabot takeover? I thought it was one of her best yet. Very subtle.
GR: Thanks to Judith, I think the Baldwins have cemented their status as one of the core families in Genoa City. Before Gloria, Michael and Kevin would have never reached this status. We were just peripheral characters before Judith came along. She was the missing link.


TVG: It’s hard to create a new legacy family on soaps in this day and age, but you guys have. I would love to be Baldwin. Terrible Nellie.
GR: I always consider the six of us as unique, complex characters with our own niche in the family. I love our group scenes. Whenever Kevin sees Gloria fly off the handle, I relish playing Kevin’s reaction: What is this crazy woman doing right now? [Laughs]

TVG: You have to be careful Judith doesn’t eat you alive when she starts chewing the scenery! [Laughs] I’m a huge fan of hers. She’s the Bette Davis of daytime.
GR: We go tit for tat, that’s for sure.

TVG: More tit than tat! Did you ever think you’d be on a soap? You’re the kind of actor the industry doesn’t typically cast. When you debuted you reminded me of that Adam Brody type.
GR: It surprised me. I was never in great shape before this role. You know what? I auditioned four times for other soaps. Not only did I not book any of them, but I also never even got far in the auditions. I read for One Life to Live, and [the P&G soaps]. I never did well. It wasn’t until Y&R’s former casting director saw me on Dawson’s Creek in 2002 that I lucked out. A couple weeks later, Y&R called with this role, but I readily admit I didn’t fit the soap mold.

TVG: That’s a good thing. The biggest stars in daytime don’t fit the mold. Talk about dodging a bullet, though. You landed on the No. 1 show instead being employed on one of those dying P&G soaps.
GR: The stars aligned, huh? You know, I never believed in the soap stigma. I always say, it’s the waiters who haven’t made it yet, who announce, “I’ll never do daytime.” Initially, Y&R wanted me for just two weeks, but then it turned into a year, and today, I’m still here. After my third day on Y&R, I was like, “Why would anyone leave this fantastic job?” And I still feel that way today.

TVG: Whew.
GR: Seducing a 15-year-old girl was pretty risqué territory, but once the writers and I showed how broken Kevin was, fans really responded. Thanks to a fantastic back story, Kevin became fascinating and really complex to play. In fact, my earlier work remains the best time in my career. Burning down the restaurant and trashing JT’s loft was amazing stuff because what was motivating Kevin was so real.


TVG: At the core, who do you think Kevin is?
GR: Kevin rejects society’s view of how one should live their life. He’s constantly battling and at odds with what defines the perfect life. Of course, when you add Terrible Tom’s abuse, Kevin’s lack of self-worth played in to his psychosis. I do think Roscoe Born [ex-Tom] was here for too brief a time. Tom and Kevin’s story could have been more layered.

TVG: I agree, hence, my disdain for Ms. Latham. Y&R boasts a cast that could easily make it in other mediums, yet, most of you all stay. The first time I saw you on Y&R, I was immediately blown away, but thought: “Shoot, we’re going to lose this one.”
GR: We stay because it’s a great job. I do have faith in my acting ability to get work elsewhere, too. My take on the situation is, why make my life and career harder than it needs to be. This job won’t be here forever, and when that time comes, I’m happy to pursue other roles and mediums. In the meantime, it’s a great gig. To anyone out there who says there are greener pastures, I say: I’ve done prime time and film, but the character development, and the stability is unparalleled in soaps — especially when  you’re on a great show like I am. Soaps are more challenging, and can be even more creatively fulfilling. I could care less about the lack of cache attached to being a soap star. I don’t need any more fame. I’m content.

TVG: You’re a working actor, and that’s success.
GR: It’s tough out there, especially with the looming SAG strike. There are less roles and scripted television out there today. You have big film stars on TV now. I’ll admit though, there are a few times when I see a film when I’m like, “Damn, I would have loved to have tackled that character,” but those moments are really few and far between. My favourite role right now is Michael C. Hall’s Dexter. I would kill to play that role, but I know I’m too young to play it. What other role would I be right for out there? Gossip Girl? No thanks.

TVG: There are a lot of similarities between Kevin and Dexter.
GR: They’re both morally ambiguous, but at the same time, you’re rooting for them.

TVG: They’re also very loyal to the people they love. Did you always know you wanted to be an actor?
GR: I think I always knew from the beginning, but I never thought it was super-tangible. I grew up in a family where it wasn’t discouraged, but it also wasn’t encouraged. My family wanted me to go to college, which I did. And hey, it’s smart to have a college degree behind you. At 21, I became more confident and decided to pursue acting right after college. And I did.

TVG: Cate Blanchett recently said that one might have a germ of talent at birth, but 90 per cent of it is discipline and how you practice it, what you do with it. Would you agree?
GR: Yes. When I moved to L.A. in 1999, I studied for four years under Howard Fine. I think we’re born with talent, but, of course, you have to hone your craft. Listen, I still take a few acting classes when I have time now. My motto is you can never learn enough.

TVG: Meryl Streep told me she still takes acting classes to this day. And she’s the best actor in entertainment history. She said talent is a muscle that can never get too much exercise.  
GR: You know what Maria Arena Bell said to me the other day?: “In soaps, we’re allowed to take more risks as actors. And if you screw up, you can move onto the next episode and learn from your mistakes. It’s much like life. You can’t necessarily do that in other mediums.” Soaps allow you to constantly challenge yourself and not become complacent as an artist.

TVG: Our pal, Imaginary Bitches’ Andrew Miller informed me that you became a method actor during your masturbation scene in the web hit! And that you needed a lot of takes to get that, um, shot right! [Laughs]
GR: [Laughs] Isn’t Andrew the best? The funny thing is I did a play with Andrew before Imaginary Bitches and I had to masturbate in that production, too. When he cast me in Imaginary, I said to him, “I hope this doesn’t become a gimmick with us. My penis doesn’t need to be involved all the time!”

TVG: Eden Riegel’s (Eden, Imaginary Bitches; Bianca, All My Children) comedic talents are being wasted on AMC. I would kill for Y&R to recast the role of Mac with Eden. Can you imagine Elizabeth Hendrickson [Chloe] versus Eden when they used to play lovers on ABC?
GR: That’s a brilliant idea. There is history between Kevin and Mac, so to work with Eden would be amazing. We work really well together.

TVG: Would you agree to appear in the second season of Bitches? I always like to refer to Kevin as one of the great bitches in soaps. Especially when he’s all surly and stuff.
GR: All Andrew has to do is call me, and I’ll ask: “When and where?” Andrew was smart to create this show during the writers’ strike. He produced the show on a shoestring budget, but didn’t sacrifice any of the integrity of the piece. It looks fantastic — and it’s funny and brilliant as hell.

TVG: It’d be a match made in heaven and hell if you joined Imaginary Bitches permanently!

 

 

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Nelson Branco is a Toronto freelance entertainment journalist, who regularly contributes to Hello! Canada, The National Post, The Los Angeles Times' theenvelope.com, TV Guide USA, tvguide.com, Inside Entertainment, OUT, and fab magazine, along with spearheading the soap coverage for TVGuide.ca's popular daytime TV hub. After graduating from Ryerson University in 1997, he moved from Toronto to New York in 1998 to take on the roles as senior news editor at Soap Opera Update. Branco first freelanced for Soap Opera Weekly as an intern in 1994, and after leaving Soap Update to help create and launch Bauer Publishing's In Touch Weekly in 2003, Branco continued to freelance occasionally for its sister publication, Soaps In Depth. Most recently, he helped create and launch Canada's first celebrity magazine, Weekly Scoop in 2005 as its news and entertainment director. Branco is also a contributor to a new TV show titled Planet Soap to air in Canada and America.