In this exclusive interview, famed film and television star Adrienne Barbeau, who is also releasing a new novel, Love Bites, in a few weeks (Click Here for an interview with her about that), talks about what is like playing Suzanne Stanwyck on General Hospital. Barbeau first aired on General Hospital on August 12. She has been playing the head of a children's charity that is a friend and confidant to the popular General Hospital heroine Brenda Barrett.
You are currently appearing on General Hospital. How did that opportunity come about?
It was totally unexpected. I got a call from my agent on a Friday night, saying I had an offer to do a 4 or 5 week arc on GH. He described the character and I said yes. Then, once I got on the set, the producers said they'd like to keep me around for awhile. And I said yes!
Had you ever watched General Hospital or any other soap opera before?
When we were filming Maude, in 1972, at CBS, The Young and The Restless taped in the studio next door. I became friends with some of the cast and used to watch it whenever I could to see their work. My sister is a huge GH fan and whenever I went to visit her, she'd do her ironing in the evenings while we watched the episodes she'd taped - from months before. Then in the mid-80s, for a short time, I dated one of the stars of the show and you can bet I was watching it then.
Most of your scenes are with Vanessa Marcil Giovinazzo. What is it like working with her?
Vanessa has been lovely to work with. She's always happy to run lines, which is invaluable when we're trying to get the scenes in one take especially. She's a very intuitive actress and very giving.
Were you aware of how popular her character (Brenda) is with General Hospital fans?
I haven't followed GH for quite awhile so I didn't know anything about Brenda, but boy, I found out fast! The fans love her!
Do you know how long you'll be on the show?
I suppose it depends on how well the character is received. I'm definitely having a good time so as far as I'm concerned, I'll stay as long as they'll have me. All I know for sure is I'm on my way to Port Charles, with plenty of town folk to meet. I'm looking forward to the days to come.
Chip Snyder - Chip Snyder is a graduate of The University of Mississippi. He has two degrees. One is a BA in International Studies/French. As part of ...
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