Are all men created equally?
All you have to do is look at The Bold and Beautiful’s Brandon Beemer to know the answer to that question is a big fat no.
With his adventurous, lush hair, exquisitely sculpted face, sexy stubble, flawless cheekbones, piercing soulful eyes, disgustingly lean body, laundry-friendly abs and a chiseled chest, it’s clear God spent a few extra days creating one of his greatest works of art.
However, what makes Beemer even more beautiful is the fact that what you see on the outside is just as beautiful, if not more so, on the inside.
In fact, it’s no secret that the Beemster is known as one of the nicest, funniest, most genuine, earnest and beloved actors in this bitch-eat-bitch industry of ours.
And Beemer’s in esteemed company.
Previous winners include The Young and the Restless’s Joshua Morrow and Daniel Goddard. This is the first time a non-Y&R hunk has won the honour, but at least TVGuide.ca is still keeping the Sexiest Man Alive winners within the Bell family.
Born in Eugene, Ore., 30 years ago, Beemer not too surprisingly modelled in New York City before he was bitten by the acting bug and moved out to seek fame and fortune in Hollywood.
Soon after, Beemer landed his first contract when Days of Our Lives recast the hunky punk as the new Shawn Brady in 2006. Two years later, the German-Irish actor was unceremoniously fired. But in true survivor fashion, three months later he immediately hit pay dirt as the very popular cougar bait, Owen Knight, on B&B.
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TVGuide.ca caught with Beemer on Mike Gold’s Soap Cruise to discuss his controversial DAYS departure, being one half of daytime’s sexiest real-life couples, “Bradia,” why he prefers to work with older women, and what it’s really like stripping down in front of millions of women and men.
TVGuide.ca: Congratulations on being named TV Guide Canada’s Sexiest Man Alive! Has the sexy label been a blessing or a curse? Or both? You seem to handle the attention the same way Brad Pitt does.
Brandon Beemer: It’s a lot of fun. I don’t see how you can take it any other way than in a positive light. I enjoy the attention for what it is. [Joking] It’s hurt my soul [laughs]! Especially when you have to put a dog collar around your neck, climb into a cage, and get down on all fours. [Joking] It really messes with who you are [laughs]. Let me tell you, when you’re standing on set with a fig leaf around your crotch, basically naked and exposed, life isn’t easy, it’s tough! |
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TVG: It’s a lonely life … So what was your excuse that day? The cold set … ?BB: It was freezing, dude! Let’s leave it at that [laughs]! But back to your question — when you’re deemed good-looking or attractive, it hurts and helps your career in different ways. It’s challenging when you meet people who say, “Oh, wow — you’re nothing how I imagined you. I thought you’d be unfriendly or not very funny. Most good-looking guys are not nice.” I’m not tooting my own horn here, but that’s the reaction I get from fans and people in the industry. It’s an interesting paradigm.
TVG: And you are one of the nicest and funniest guys in the business. I don’t think a lot of people know that. Were you ever an ugly duckling?
BB: I don’t know. Looks are subjective. Let’s put it this way — I’ve never had a problem getting girls. I’ve always taken care of myself. And I’ve always enjoyed taking care of myself.
TVG: God definitely spent a lot more time on you than he did the rest of us … especially on that perfectly sculpted, chiseled face of yours.
BB: [Joking] It costs a lot of money to pull this off [laughs]. My cheeks were shaved down. If you want the number to a great plastic surgeon, I can give it to you.
TVG: Yes, I need one. Were you a soap fan before you landed DAYS and B&B? How did you end up working in daytime? Because if I were manager, I would definitely focus on getting you in prime time and film and keep you out of soaps.
BB: I’m not going to deny having watched soaps growing up. I originally wanted to focus on prime time and film. But when I landed DAYS, I did find a new respect for daytime. It’s the hardest work I’ve ever done. I’ve never worked so hard in my life before. Creatively, yes, as an actor, you are very limited because of money and time. I was warned that being on a soap would come with a stigma, but I just wanted to act. It’s fun. To work with veteran actors like Susan Flannery, Lesley-Anne Down and Peter Reckell is a blessing. And a steady paycheque doesn’t hurt, either.
TVG: You’re one of daytime’s biggest cheerleaders.
BB: I’ve fallen in love with the people who work in the industry. Soaps are also a great training ground. If I do other projects outside of daytime TV, I feel like I’ll be prepared for anything and have a lot to offer in return.
TVG: Do you miss DAYS? Were you in shock and awe when DAYS fired you and Martha Madison?
BB: I was floored, yes. I miss the people at DAYS. Luckily, I love B&B, too. They’re two different shows, environments, and groups of people. Though I feel like DAYS is still a part of my family. I was only there for a couple of years, but I continue to wish DAYS nothing but the best. While I’m thrilled for the creative resurgence and ratings success, I wish they weren’t doing as well as we are in the ratings … [laughs]!
TVG: When you learned you were fired, what was your initial reaction?
BB: My first reaction? My jaw dropped down to the floor. My second reaction? It’s a business. I can’t take anything personally. All the complimentary comments regarding my work as Shawn Brady helped me to get over the initial shock. Do I think I did anything wrong which warranted my firing? No. It was a story-dictated decision, so I can live with that.
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TVG: It’s not like they recast the roles. Creatively it must have been frustrating for you because after years of plot-driven stories, you were just about to embark on a very exciting and powerful storyline with Nadia Bjorlin, Martha Madison, and Jay Kenneth Johnson.
BB: I can almost guarantee you that quadrangle would have taken off. Luckily, they’re doing well, and I’m doing well. It’s all in the past. But yeah, there is still a part of me that wonders how the Chloe/Philip/Belle/Shawn quadrangle would have turned out. All the ingredients were there — we just needed a storyline. That’s all we needed. |
TVG: What do you think Shawn and Belle are up to?BB: At events, that’s the first thing I hear from
DAYS fans. “Where are Shawn and Belle?” they ask. I answer, “Shawn and Belle are living their lives. Shawn’s becoming a man, a great father and husband.” That answer always puts a smile on their faces.
TVG: Would you be upset if DAYS recast Shawn?
BB: No, of course not. Listen, as an actor, there’s always a part of you that says, “If I could go back, I’d address all this unfinished business we left behind.” I’m not just talking about the writing, but also me as an actor. But Shawn’s a legacy character so it would make sense for DAYS to recast the role at some point. He’s Bo and Hope’s son!
TVG: When DAYS axed its two superstars, Deidre Hall and Drake Hogestyn, did that help you not take your own firing personally?
BB: Yeah, it did actually. I was totally shocked when Dee and Drake were let go. I won’t lie — it made us all worry about the future of the industry and DAYS. We weren’t sure if DAYS would fall flat on their face and then have to re-hire Dee and Drake later. It is what it is. Obviously, DAYS wanted to go in a different direction with the show. I talked to Drake on the Soap Cruise, and he seems to be doing fine. He’s working on a bunch of promising new projects. He seems happy and peaceful.
TVG: After DAYS, did you give up on the soap world? Did you want to focus on landing prime time and film projects?
BB: I was fully considering all options. I was steering towards the jobless route because I wanted to spend time enrolling in a variety of acting classes and auditioning. But that’s when B&B called me to take a meeting. You can’t say no to Bradley Bell. I loved their light schedule, their peaceful environment, and the lack of egos in their cast. So I couldn’t say no. In many respects, B&B has a lot going for them. The B&B cast is extremely grateful to be on this show. When you see actors like Susan Flannery so happy to have this job, be nothing but professional on set, and delivering perfect performances, well, it gives you something to aspire to.
TVG: B&B is infamous for bringing on new island characters but letting them go in six months. Even though Owen isn’t related to anyone on the canvas, you’ve become the exception, not the rule. In many ways, you’re a bigger hit on B&B than you were on DAYS.
BB: I was surprised. Shawn was a part of a core family on DAYS with so much storyline potential. To go from that to B&B where Owen’s a floating island … I was warned that floating islands don’t last long on daytime. Luckily, I credit the writers who created Owen’s relationship with Jackie for cementing my character into the canvas. But yeah, I was scared in the beginning, for sure. And I still get scared now.
TVG: When you joined B&B, you left Shawn Brady in Salem. Was that a conscience decision to make Owen his own person, and not a Shawn Brady clone?
BB: I felt that the writing Shawn was given on DAYS was weak. He basically didn’t know how to tie his own shoes! As an actor, it’s kind of discouraging. Conversely, Owen’s sharp. He’s on the ball. The best part of Owen is that we don’t know everything about him. He’s still a mystery, which I love because that means anything is possible. I hope we learn more about him as the years pass.
TVG: Are you one of those actors who likes to contribute to the artistic process? Or do you just shut up and say your lines?
BB: I like to give suggestions, but I also appreciate when I am given suggestions. I’m always open to what producers, co-stars and writers have to say. We’re all in this together. We’re a team. I’m not a selfish actor. And I love working with other unselfish actors.
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TVG: I noticed you grew leaps and bounds as an actor during your first few months on B&B, especially after sharing a scene with living soap legend, Susan Flannery. Naturally, I was extremely worried for you! I remember screaming, “Omigod — she’s going to eat him alive!” Luckily, you worked beautifully with Susan and I could tell she was impressed. And so was I.
BB: [Laughs] It takes a lot to intimidate me. I was very familiar with Susan’s work and what an acting god she is. Instead of going into that scene with fear and insecurities, I saw it as an opportunity to learn from the master. How many people can say they get to share a scene with Susan Freakin’ Flannery? And she’s a lot of fun to work with. If you have any questions, she’ll answer them. Susan’s not a selfish actor. Even if a scene is ambiguous, Susan will cut out all the fat and get right to the meat of the scene. Susan included me in that process, which I was very grateful for. |
TVG: It is kind of ironic that on DAYS you were a legacy character on Storyline Island, and now on B&B, you’re an island character in a legacy storyline.BB: Yeah, that is interesting. That’s a smart way to put it. And despite not being a legacy character on
B&B, this stint has been more successful. Knock on wood. When I look back on
DAYS, I tried to figure what I could do differently here at
B&B. Brad created a very good character and everyone here is so easy to work with that it makes it very simple to learn from past mistakes. On
DAYS, there were a lot of things that didn’t feel right but I didn’t have much say in the way Shawn was written. But on
B&B, Brad encourages his actors to speak up if something doesn’t work or feel right because we can easily fix it together.
TVG: You seem to work really well with older actresses. Susan Flannery, Lesley-Anne Down, Kristian Alfonso, Peggy McKay, Lesli Kay and Alley Mills ...
BB: Yeah, I think you’re right. I think I also work well with older actors in general. I thought Peter Reckell and I did some great work together on DAYS. Hey, I was even on his Emmy reel. I was very proud of that.
TVG: Were you surprised when Jackie and Owen’s May-December romance took off?
BB: I had no idea, dude! Lesley-Anne told me, [mimicking her English accent], “Oh, darling … this fling will only last a month and you’ll be with some other woman.” I said, “No. Let’s make this work. Let’s take this and make it something. Why does everything have to be so predictable?” Immediately, I saw something magical between Jackie and Owen. So I put my entire being into this relationship — and it worked. In the end, Lesley-Anne agreed with me. Lesley is so easy to work with. I’ve never been able to say this about anyone else — but we just click together effortlessly. It’s just very easy. It’s kind of like an acting orgy when you put two unselfish actors together. Chemistry happens when you can open yourself up to the material and your co-star. |
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TVG: Does Owen really love Jackie?
BB: Yes, he really does love Jackie. A lot. She’s such a unique and really beautiful individual. He’s in awe of her.
TVG: Have you created a back story for Owen?
BB: When I got the job, I immediately wrote Owen’s back story, which was very long, in my mind. Of course, later I had to add the fact that Owen has a twin brother, Casper, when Brad revealed that plot twist.
TVG: What was your reaction when B&B gave you a dual role?
BB: I was excited! I couldn’t stop jumping up and down. Playing a dual role is what you live for as an actor. It was fun to create a whole new character while still playing Owen.
TVG: Do you miss Casper?
BB: I’d love for him to come back. He was unpredictable. There are so many possibilities. He can pop up anywhere, so I like that Brad has him out there ready to pounce at any time. I’m sure the audience is constantly asking themselves now, “Is that Owen? Or Casper?”
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TVG: I think B&B has stripped you down to your nibbly bits more times than any other soap character in daytime history! Do you feel the pressure to keep you body in killer shape?
BB: Yeah. Especially when you’re working back-to-back days. I’m naturally inclined to live a healthy and fit life. I eat well. I go to the gym. But I will admit when you find out your character is going to be walking around in leather pants with the word “indulge” written on his chest, you get a little anxious and nervous. Owen’s supposed to be the face of this fashion line so I have to look like a fashion model. Owen’s job is to sell this Jackie M image. So if I can’t make it to the gym, I do feel frustrated. I wish CBS had a gym at the studio. That would solve a lot of problems for the actors. If that were to happen, we’d be all ecstatic. Having an in-studio gym facility would only make sense. And actors who don’t work out really wouldn’t have an excuse not to be at their physical best anymore. It’s a win-win. |
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TVG: Guiding Light had an in-house gym. I’m surprised more soaps don’t. Because of your looks, you have definitely attracted a gay fan base. You’re the new Shemar Moore.
BB: I think my gay fan base has definitely increased, thanks to my exposure on B&B. Owen is definitely eye candy. You know what? I’m fine with that. If I can make someone at home happy by walking around almost naked, that’s fine by me. But don't get me wrong; I do love and want a good storyline. That's always the best.
TVG: I wasn’t sure how you and Jack Wagner would click. But I can tell from your scenes that he likes you.
BB: I like working with Jack, too. I don’t know him very well. Jack’s tougher to read than anyone I’ve ever met. I don’t know if he likes me. But he’s fun to work with and we’ve never had a problem. He’s actually very funny. If you do good work, I think that’s all that matters to Jack at the end of the day. |
TVG: Is it intimidating working for the Bell dynasty? I know Brad Bell is one of the nicest and sweetest men in the business …BB: It is intimidating. The Bells have been in daytime so long that they practically created the business. I’m very honoured to be a part of a Bell show. I pray they don’t change their mind about keeping me as part of his family. I make sure I’m always on my toes because it is a privilege to work on
B&B. We all think that. Like you said, everyone is grateful to work on this show because we’re all in love with the Bells and
B&B. As for Brad, he is one the nicest men I’ve ever met. And he’s funny. Brad has always had an open-door policy with his actors. It’s been a pleasure to work with him and get to know him better. And we all know how much he has on his plate as captain of our ship. I can’t imagine how overwhelming and stressful his workload is, but he always makes it look easy and effortless.
TVG: What was it like witnessing Brad win his first Emmy last year for outstanding drama series? You’re not in Salem anymore, kid!
BB: That was an amazing moment. We're all still so proud of him. He worked very hard for that moment ... the whole show did! But to see his face when he stood up in the pressroom made us all ecstatic for him. And I think it all upped our game when we got back to work, too. I love the fact that we won best show because I knew what it meant to everyone in the cast and crew, as well.
TVG: DAYS was nominated in that category. Is there a healthy sense of competition and rivalry between you and Nadia at home?
BB: Yes, but it’s all in good fun. Some days, she’ll walk into our house and brag, “You better watch out — DAYS is thisclose to overtaking B&B for the second most-watched soap!” And then I’ll defend our show in a playful manner. It’s very funny, not serious. But I’m definitely on Team B&B. Having said that, I wish DAYS all the best — as long as they’re trailing us [Laughs]! But seriously, I don’t want to see another soap cancelled.
TVG: You and Nadia are star-crossed soap stars. I know that you were watching DAYS when Nadia joined the show. Ironically, DAYS hired you after Nadia left to pursue other interests. Finally, you were both on DAYS at the same time, albeit for a few minutes, before they fired you! I thought there was so much potential for a Shawn-Chloe romance. It appears that you and Nadia are not meant to work together.
BB: I know, it’s funny, huh? I really wanted to work with Nadia. I was dying to play out a Shawn-Chloe love story. Some actors may feel differently about working opposite their other half, but I was eager to work with Nadia. As an actor, because I know Nadia so well, I know which buttons to push, what makes her happy, angry and sad. I think that would have definitely come in useful had Shawn and Chloe fallen in love. Also, Nadia is an unselfish actor, which makes me want to work with her that much more. Unfortunately, it didn’t happen. It’s always nice to work with someone who has your back. Also, the fact that there wouldn’t be any physical boundaries between us would also have contributed to making Shawn and Chloe’s coupling much more realistic and sexier, I think. |
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TVG: Nadia would be great on B&B!
BB: We’d be happy to have her, but she’s content over at DAYS.
TVG: Let’s get to what fans really want to know. Any marriage plans?
BB: All I can say is that we’re very happy. We’ll see. If it happens, you’ll be the third to know.
TVG: For a Hollywood couple, you and Nadia are pretty normal.
BB: We’re on the same page. We share the same definition of what a relationship should be. And we are pretty normal, actually. We like going out for dinner, catching a flick, watching DAYS and B&B together, and hanging out with friends. We’re enjoying all that life has to offer so we don’t have much use for the Hollywood scene. Once in a while, we’ll go to a club with friends, even though we quickly realize that we’re too old to be there [laughs]! We try to attend all the soap events to support our industry and give back to charities, so we get our fill of clubs and bars that way.
TVG: Nadia’s one of the sexiest women on the planet. When you guys have sex, do you both just look at each other and say, “Thank you, God?”
BB: Well, let’s get something right — Nadia is the sexiest woman alive. No, we don’t do that, but I do look at her and say, “Thank you, God,” every single day and night.
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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. |
