An iconic producer once informed me that a soap actress with an imagination is one of the most dangerous things you can encounter in show business!

He clearly wasn’t talking about The Young and the Restless’ superstar Eileen Davidson (Ashley) because the worst the former Days of our Lives and Santa Barbara star will do is kill you off in her book.

The Daytime Emmy-nominated actress and soap vet has recently released her second book, Dial Emmy For Murder, a murder mystery set in the daytime world. The gorgeous and talented actress made her literary debut this past October with her first offering, Death In Daytime (Penguin Group — Obsidian).

Considering that The Young and the Restless was recently snubbed by the 36th annual Daytime Emmy Awards in the top three categories, Dial Emmy For Murder couldn’t have come at a more opportune time.

Since most stars do their best acting during interviews, TVGuide.ca jumped at the opportunity to speak to one of the most candid and genuine thespians in the business.

La Davidson and I dished about her new career as a serial author, Chris Engen’s (soon-to-be-ex-Adam) decision to quit Y&R in the middle of his contract, Melody Thomas Scott’s (Nikki) future with the sudser, Deidre Hall and Drake Hogestyn’s firings, and why the Emmys make no sense.

TVGuide.ca: Congrats on book No. 2!
Eileen Davidson: Thank you! We’re hoping to continue this as a series and publish more and more books.

TVG: You’re turning into quite the Angela Lansbury!
ED: [Laughs] One can only hope! It’s pretty cool. I’m definitely having a lot of fun with the series. In terms of plots for new books, the possibilities are endless.

TVG: I was thinking this project could easily be turned into a CBS prime-time murder-mystery.
ED: Yes! Either that or a Lifetime drama. Someone needs to call them. 

TVG: The titles of your books are pretty witty.
ED: Thank you! I’m in the middle of the third book called Diva Las Vegas. My husband Vince Van Patten [ex-Christian, Y&R] thought of that title. I came up with Death In Daytime and Dial Emmy for Murder.

TVG: Since the recent Emmy nominations disappointed many, the timing of this book couldn’t be more perfect. Because there will be blood!
ED: I know, right?
TVG: Did you release it during Emmy season on purpose?
ED: No. The publishing world isn’t aware of the inner workings of the soap world, so the book was released based on their schedule. 

TVG: In this book, Alexis soap-hops from her popular show, The Yearning Tide, to another soap, The Bare and the Brazen.
ED: Yes. Once again, there’s a murderer on the loose. The killer is targeting the same type of actor again, young, hunky leading men in their early 20s. The first murder takes place at the Emmys. Her co-host is murdered before they present the first award, and he’s a good friend of hers. She and the hunky Det. Frank Jakes, who are sexually attracted to each other, try to solve the mystery together. It’s a fun book. I get to utilize all my behind-the-scenes experience from my soap past. It’s my humorous commentary on the business.

TVG: Can we expect Alexis to take a pay cut in the next book?
ED: [Laughs] Yes! She’s already been fired because producers thought she was a murderer on the loose. So yes, Alexis has to deal with a financial restructuring and taping several scenes from different episodes all in one day. I thought it was important to address the new economic realties of our industry, especially in the third book. I’m allowing fans to see what’s changing in our world, from how we tape episodes now, to the realities of getting older in this business. I want to make these books more current. The book is fiction but there is a lot of truth in them. I want to keep the viewers in the loop.

TVG: There are several soap stars who should purchase this book! It’s obvious you’ve had a lot of fun creating soap titles. They’re very realistic but still poke fun at the business. For instance, I love The Depths of the Sea!
ED: Oh my God, you have no idea! I have one foot in reality and the other foot in fantasy. I have to admit it’s really scary how easy these soap titles roll off my tongue. I also loved Too Late For Yesterday.

TVG: And Alexis plays a dual role on The Bare and The Brazen — sounds familiar to me!
ED: Yes. She uses her disguises in the murder investigation. In fact, she uses fake teeth very much like I did with Susan Banks on Days of our Lives. I pull a lot from my DAYS experience. Susan and Alexis’ teeth were both made by the guy who made Austin Powers’ teeth — and she also uses an accent in her efforts to solve the murders. There’s a lot of truthiness in the book.

TVG: Do you consider yourself a student of the genre?
ED: Yes, I’m definitely a student. I believe the second book is better than the first book because I allowed myself to let more of my real-life experience fly in this latest instalment. As a writer, I’m trusting myself more and more. My writing partner allowed me to have the reins more than he did in the first book. I find myself infusing the novel with more backstage gossip and insight, so I rewrote a lot of what he helped me pen. We work really well together. Who knows where this series can go?

TVG: Were publishers hesitant to invest in a soap opera murder series because the industry is hemorrhaging?
ED: No, not at all. It’s interesting because when we pitched the book [to Penguin Group], they gave us a two-book deal right away. Because the book only comes out in paperback, and not hardcover, it’s cheap to print. These books are easy beach reads, or as they call them, “cozies.” The first book sold relatively well, so I’m over the moon.

TVG: For your next book, your next victim should be an online soap journalist and critic!
ED: [Laughs] You’re not the first reporter to tell me that. That sounds like a great idea!

TVG: There'd be too many suspects! Your book is set around the Daytime Enema Awards. What did you think of the wacky nominations?
ED: They’re weird! There is no rhyme or reason to them. I have to say that our boss Maria Arena Bell really deserved to be nominated. She’s done such a wonderful job turning around the show from where it was last year. She’s worked really hard to make this show relevant and entertaining, so yes, we’re all disappointed.

All I hear from everyone is how Y&R is the best show on daytime, and how much everyone is addicted to it. That’s all I hear, and yet, we were snubbed. It makes me question the Emmy voting process. It’s a big mystery. It’s not like Y&R is in the process of being turned around, you know? When you consider that Maria had to deal with cleaning up that reliquary mess and everything else, well, it’s unfortunate. Her stories have been very provoking and continue to be. As I talk to you, I’m watching Thom Bierdz [Phillip] tape his scenes where his family learn he’s alive, and wow — I’m crying in my dressing room! Our show is awesome. Y&R isn’t just a daytime show now; it’s great television — period. Our show is really representative of the world today. I’m really proud to be working on Y&R. And listen, you know I’ve been through my own ups and downs on this show, but right now, we’re experiencing a really pivotal creative renaissance. It’s really cool. Overall, the show is hitting a lot of high notes despite us having to do less with more. So yeah, it’s a travesty Maria isn’t being acknowledged. The Daytime Emmys are odd.

TVG: Ditto. My favourite soap storyline right now is The Haunting of Ashley. You must be thrilled to be a part of an “it” story again.
ED: It’s been very challenging because the story has had a lot of twists and turns, so I haven’t known where it’s been going. It was made very clear to me that Ashley was not going insane, but now she’s crossing that line! I think Adam’s plot to make her crazy has overwhelmed Ashley — and now she’s a bit loony! For Ashley, it’s a fine line to walk, trying to maintain her credibility and sanity. She doesn’t want to leave the ranch because she doesn’t want Estella to win, but in reality, she really needs to leave the ranch! [Laughs] Run, Ashley, run! In a way, she’s creating this situation herself because she could leave, but she continues to stay. Ashley’s causing her own breakdown, which I find incredibly interesting.

TVG: It is. Chris Engen dressing up as Sabrina was one of those watercooler moments soaps used to deliver. What was it like to lose Chris in the middle of this breakout storyline?
ED: Chris is terrific as Adam. I love Chris and I think he’s a great person. Everybody has his or her own demons — and makes their own choices due to their creative process. I can’t judge his decision because it was a personal one. I can say I love working with [recast] Michael Muhney. He’s a terrific actor. Though Chris and Michael are very different actors, so we’ll see. As for Chris, he really nailed this character. Chris’ all-American looks add another layer to this story: he looks like he regrets being so evil, but he can’t help himself. When Chris informed me he was leaving, I told him he really accomplished something by being so likable playing this villain. For someone like me who is playing a heroine on this show, I would give my eyeballs and teeth to play a character like Adam Newman.

TVG: When the writing got better, Chris really began flourishing in the role …
ED: That’s the ironic part: When the writing got better, that’s when Chris became unhappy!

TVG: It’s bittersweet to watch you and Chris because I think Adam and Ashley have smoking chemistry. I think if Adam was really out for revenge, he’d sleep with Ashley.
ED: Personally, that plot twist has my vote! Michael’s a great actor, so I think we’ll have chemistry, too. I’m not sure yet because we’ve only worked together for a couple of days. I hope Y&R goes there because it’d be a lot of fun. Call Maria and put in your two cents …

TVG: Yeah, I’ll get right on that! [Laughs] It’s great seeing you and my Toronto neighbour, Tonya Lee Williams [Olivia], sharing scenes together again.
ED: [Joking] Yeah, except for the fact that Olivia is pissing me off lately! [Laughs]

TVG: That slut is probably sleeping with Brad’s corpse when she’s not questioning Ash’s sanity! Remind me again — has Ash ever addressed Liv’s affair with Brad?
ED: Yes, they did once or twice. Olivia and Brad cheating on Ashley while she had breast cancer was a horrible, horrible writing mistake and choice. All of us, Don Diamont [Brad], Tonya and myself all shared that opinion. It was an icky way to end such a gorgeous storyline. It was gross. Personally, I think it’s best if we never address it again. I could fight for a scene where Ash and Olivia duke it out, but that happened six years ago, so I think it’s a beat best left alone at this point. I also get the impression this new regime would like to forget it ever happened. If it’s any consolation, I always joke about the affair when I block scenes with Tonya!
TVG: I saw that during an Entertainment Tonight Canada segment on Tonya!
ED: [Laughs] That’s so funny. That’s right! I joke about it during blocking or rehearsal! I’m always screaming, “Wait a minute — I had cancer! How dare you sleep my husband, you slut!” [Laughs hysterically]

TVG: So tell me — is Ashley carrying around a dead baby?
ED: No, she lost the baby. She miscarried, but now she’s having a hysterical pregnancy, which means your body believes you’re carrying a baby and it mimics it physically. It’s a real thing, not a soap opera device.

TVG: Either way, it’s gross.
ED: Yeah, even Adam is shocked over his luck. This is one creepy storyline. You wouldn’t believe what we’re taping today!

The Young and the Restless, CBS

TVG: I’m totally digging the fact that Nikki is looking out for Ash. They should always be rivals but it’s important for any feud to show the love along with the hate. You and Melody Thomas Scott have kick-ass chemistry.
ED: I agree! Ashley stood up for Nikki when she was accused of haunting Ash and now Nikki is looking out for me. I love Mel.

TVG: I pray Mel doesn’t quit.
ED: I think she’ll stay with Y&R. You know, I was more shocked about her leaving the show than when I was fired from Y&R a few years back! You can’t air Y&R without Nikki Newman!

TVG: What’s it like working with executive producer Paul Rauch again? You two worked together before on Santa Barbara.
ED: I must say I’m enjoying working with him again. I have no problem with Paul. I know he’s tough, but this is a different time in soap opera. We get along great, and he’s always warm and personable with me. His notes are to the point. Yes, his bedside manner may not be soft and cozy but he gets the job done.

TVG: He’s like 200 years old and he’s still working his ass off!
ED: Listen, I feel like I’m 200 years old! [Laughs]

TVG: What did you think of your former DAYS co-stars Deidre Hall [ex-Marlena] and Drake Hogestyn [ex-John] being fired?
ED: That was so appalling to me. It wasn’t the firing so much, but it was the way DAYS handled their last day. There was no cake, no party, and no hourglass. Of course, I’m hearing this third-hand. I haven’t seen Drake since he left the show, but I thought they both deserved a decent farewell for being the face of the show for so long. It didn’t make any sense because [executive producer] Ken Corday is one of the most gracious and generous people in daytime.

TVG: Sounds like you have a new plot for your next book!

 

 

 

 

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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.