Alison Sweeney's Chat on AOL (2/24/98)
SOAP OPERA UPDATE hails 21-year-old actress Alison Sweeney as one of THE 50 MOST BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE IN ENTERTAINMENT. She has graced the covers of all of the leading soap opera magazines a dozen times over and has starred with Dyan Cannon, Patrick Muldoon, Jennie Garth, Lisa Rinna and Barbara Eden during her 17 years in the business.
On January 22, 1993, at 16 years of age, Alison joined the cast of NBC daytime's DAYS OF OUR LIVES as Sami Brady, the devious daughter of Dr. Marlena Evans (Diedre Hall). Since taking on that role, Alison has received much critical praise for her portrayal. She was named Outstanding Villainess at the 12th Annual Soap Opera Awards (1996) and was just recently nominated for her second Outstanding Villainess Soap Opera Award.
At the tender age of 6, Alison appeared on DAYS OF OUR LIVES for the very first time in the role of Adrienne for two days of flashback sequences. As a child actress, she was also featured in numerous national television commercials for various products, including KODAK FILM. Starring roles on SIMON & SIMON, WEBSTER, ST. ELSEWHERE, FAMILY MAN, BRAND NEW LIFE, I MARRIED DORA, and TALES FROM THE DARKSIDE followed shortly thereafter.
In Dyan Cannon's feature film, THE END OF INNOCENCE, Alison played the role of Stephanie (Dyan's character as a pre-teen) and she also starred as Alice in the film, THE PRICE OF LIFE.
Away from television and film studios, Alison enjoys swimming, water and snow skiing, rollerblading, swing dancing and riding her grey thoroughbred horse Apparition (nick-named Ghost).
EAMC Host: Good afternoon. Alison, welcome to AOL Live and the Entertainment Asylum. Alison, do you have any opening comments for your fans?
EAMC Guest: Thank you so much for having me here.
Question: Alison, Hi my name is Kenny and I was wondering, how long will you be staying on Days of Our Lives?
EAMC Guest: Well, actually its funny you should ask that. I'm in the middle of negotiating my contract right now.
Question: There doesn't seem to be much happening with your character right now. When is it going to get exciting again?
EAMC Guest: Well they are focusing on other story lines right now but I am on the warpath again so WATCH OUT!
Question: Being so busy with your acting career........do you have any time for a social and/or personal life to spend time with friends?
EAMC Guest: I try to make time but its not always easy. I have a boyfriend and my two best friends to keep me company.
Question: So Ali when will I get your fan club stuff in the mail? I sent it out January 21, 1998.
EAMC Guest: NBC delays all our mail so hopefully you will receive it very soon.
Question: To be so young and playing such an evil person, is there one particular role you have your eyes on in the future?
EAMC Guest: I don't want to limit myself to any stereotyped role. I am interested in pursuing film and primetime roles. So write one for me.
Question: Alison, are you like Sami at all?
EAMC Guest: Sami is a pretty unique person.... I don't think she is really like anyone...
Question: Alison, Do you think you will ever get Austin to love you as you love him??
EAMC Guest: No.
Question: Alison, I am a huge fan I love days you are so cool but are you ever going to be a sweet Sami like the Sami with the memory loss or not?
EAMC Guest: Amnesic Sami was BORING! Evil Sami is much more fun - don't you think?
Question: Do you think the daytime television of the nineties is better or worse than the daytime television of the eighties?
EAMC Guest: Days is definitely pushing the envelope in the 90's with its risqu story lines.. (The Devil Story line, Susan/Kristen) I think we are having a lot more fun now than we did then.
Question: What is Sami's next scheme?
EAMC Guest: Wouldn't you like to know?
Question: I love watching you play Sami, You do a great job with it. When I was watching the Christmas show I noticed that you guys didn't include a stocking for Belle on the stairs, was there a reason for this?
EAMC Guest: The prop guys forgot about Belle! And who wants her around anyway? She's John's child. Just Kidding.
Question: Hi Allison! Is it true that you and the guy who plays Lucas are really dating?
EAMC Guest: No - we're really good friends though.
Question: You have beautiful hair. What do you do to keep it like that?
EAMC Guest: I'd like to take this opportunity to talk to you about ... PERT PLUS! Just kidding
EAMC Guest: I just make sure to wash it and use plenty of conditioner - I use MAC products.
Question: Congratulations on your [Soap Opera Digest] nomination, good luck. What are you wearing and who is your date?
EAMC Guest: Camille Jumelle is designing a dress for me. Its absolutely stunning. And my boyfriend, Dave, will be escorting me.
Question: Do the actors on Days get to write any of the scripts?
EAMC Guest: No there is a team of dialogue writers who are in charge of that. We just do what we are told. If I were in charge..... :)
EAMC Host: It would be called "Days Of Sami's Life"
EAMC Guest: It already is.
Question: I just wanted to say you are my favorite actress!! Do you have a place we can send fan mail?
EAMC Guest: Absolutely. I love fan mail. You can send email to my site, Alisonsweeney.com or snail mail at 3000 W. Alameda Avenue, Burbank, CA 91523
EAMC Host: I think it's great that you have your own website. Are you very net savvy?
EAMC Guest: Well I pretend to be...
Question: Do you like being part of the Days cast??
EAMC Guest: Yes I love working with everyone there.
Question: What's it like to kiss Lucas?
EAMC Guest: Its only been like four years since I kissed him, ok 2 years but as I recall he's an excellent kisser!
Question: Do you like the spotlight?
EAMC Guest: Its a double edged sword. I love getting to meet the fans but sometimes it can be over- whelming.
Question: Do you think Sami will ever get what she deserves???
EAMC Host: More scenes?
EAMC Guest: Like she hasn't already? Poor Sami is totally been attacked by everyone in Salem. She's just the innocent victim in all this.
Question: How do you like the new actor who plays Eric, Jenson Ackles? He seems like a really cool guy.
EAMC Guest: He is a really cool guy. I love working with him, he is very talented and cute too!
Question: How did you get started, where did you go first? I would like to get involved in show business.
EAMC Guest: I've been acting professionally for 16 years, I started when I was 5. I think your best bet is to just take classes and enjoy learning how to act.
Question: Are you for a Sami/Franco pairing? If not, then who with?
EAMC Guest: Interesting. I really like working with Victor (Franco), and its fun to have that new element in the story line. I would like to see how it plays out and then maybe see how Lucas plays into the story line. hint, hint, hint
EAMC Host: Alison, thank you for joining us this morning. It was a pleasure having you join us. Do you have any last comments for your fans?
EAMC Guest: Keep watching. This summer is going to be one exciting thrill after another!!!! I look forward to hearing your comments on my site and that is again, Alisonsweeney.com
EAMC Host: Please visit Alison's website at http://www.alisonsweeney.com.
Good night everyone!
(c) 1998 America Online & Entertainment Asylum
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Thanks to everidle, Amy and Diane for sending this chat.