STEPHEN NICHOLS' AOL CHAT TRANSCRIPT

Stephen Nichols' AOL Chat (August 1996)

OnlineHost: Today, we're joined by GH's Stephen Nichols.  Stephen
joined the cast of GH as Stefan Cassadine in July, 1996.  Stefan,
Laura Spencer's former brother-in-law, has been keeping tabs on Laura
since she escaped from the Cassadines in 1983.  Conflicts arise when
Stefan's agenda causes dissension among the Spencers, causing all to
wonder if revenge is what Stefan is really after.

OnlineHost: Stephen was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, and at age eight
moved to Dayton, where he graduated from Meadowdale High School.  
Following graduation, Stephen moved to Los Angeles to join the 
Self-Realization Fellowship Center with the intention of becoming a 
monk.  Three years later, Stephen turned to acting, and studied at 
the Los Angeles City College Theater Academy.

OnlineHost: Stephen's first feature film was "Choices," with Demi 
Moore.  Recently, he has appeared in "Good Vibrations," and "Phoenix,"
both to be released later this year.  TV credits include roles on "L.A. Law," 
"The Nanny," and "Melrose Place."  Stephen received an Emmy nomination 
for his role on "Days of Our Lives," and had recurring roles on the series 
"Empty Nest" and "Second Chances."

Question: Ask Stephen if Stefan is really out for revenge or is he in 
love with Laura.  I think his character and story line has put new life 
into the Luke and Laura story.

ABCStar: There's a good possibility that both of those things are true.

Question: Are you looking forward to working with so many of former 
"Days of Our Lives" actors and actresses

ABCStar: Yes, absolutely--especially Mary Beth Evans (Katherine Bell).

Question: when is STEFAN gonna get a love interest? other than 
laura-doubt they'll be sleeping together anytime soon. some choices: 
katherine, lucy, felicia or better yet bobbie can have another affair.

ABCStar: I believe that I'll have at least two of those choices bedded 
down before the end of the year!  LOL!!

Question: Have you seen the trailer for the movie *Escape from L.A.?*  - 
I think Kurt Russell stole a page from Patch.  He looks just like you 
did when you were on Days.

ABCStar: I think I'm better looking!!  Nobody can look the way I did in 
a patch.  LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Question: As a father and husband, what TV shows do you like to watch 
with your family?

ABCStar: We don't watch a lot of television.  We do watch Sesame Street, 
Barney, Charlie Rose.  There's not a whole lot on television that we 
watch.  And, I don't allow my four year old to watch commercial 
television.

Question: Much is made of your studying to become a monk years ago.  
Have your beliefs changed since then?

ABCStar: No--my beliefs haven't really changed.  They've endured and 
evolved.

Question: What is it like being on the same soap with MB again?

ABCStar: It's really nice to have my dressing room two doors down from 
her. But, I don't get to see her a lot.

Question: Do mind always playing a bad guy. And have you always played 
villains?

ABCStar: I really enjoy playing villains--although I haven't always 
played them.

Question: What have you been doing since you've last been on Days?

ABCStar: I've been working pretty much non-stop.  People don't realize 
that since when you're on a soap, they see you every day.  In the last 
two and a half years, I've done six feature films.  Plus guest-starring 
roles on TV.

Question: Have you taped any scenes with Mary Beth Evans yet?

ABCStar: Not yet.  Wait patiently.

Question: Do you think that Stefan will reform or do you think he 
will maintain status as an evil Cassadine?

ABCStar: A little bit of both.....

Question: What do you like best about your character?

ABCStar: His ambiguity.

Question: How long do you plan on staying at GH?

ABCStar: A very long time.  

Question: What has it been like moving from Days to GH?

ABCStar: It has been challenging.  It has been a great challenge, 
especially, getting into the vernacular of this character.  Plus on 
GH, we're doing blocking and then right into taping.  So, it takes 
some getting used to but it's going very well.

Question: How would you describe Stefan?

ABCStar: Stefan is a very complex man.  He is at odds with his feelings 
in terms of family loyalty, tradition, and his true feelings for people 
he loves.  He has a lot of heart.  It's not always evident.

Question:  Are you married

ABCStar: Yes, and I have three children.

Question: How do you like working with Genie Francis?

ABCStar: I'm very, very happy to be at GH.  And I'm ecstatic to be 
working with Genie Francis.  We have a fabulous chemistry--from the 
first moment we sat down to work together.

Question: Did you enjoy the role of "patch" on  "Days " ? 

ABCStar: I certainly did.  It was one of the most creative, joyful 
experiences I've ever had.

Question: Is the GH studio larger than the DAYS studio? 

ABCStar: I'd have to say that they're pretty close to the same size.

Question: Will Stefan cause the Spencers to go on the run this fall?

ABCStar: I have no idea.

Question: ask him if he likes hockey

ABCStar: I think it's a very exciting game--to watch.

Question: Hey Stephen remember me? Drove 6 hours to see you in The 
Lizard King! =)

ABCStar: The show really meant a lot to me and I really appreciate that 
you drove so far to see it.

Question: What would your dream role be?

ABCStar: Stefan Cassadine.  I've already found it!

Question: Why is your character always dressed in black

ABCStar: It's not black--everything just looks black!!  I have black, 
I have dark gray, and I have dark blue.

Question: Are you staying around for a while? you bring such mystery 
and oh that evil look in your eyes makes us wonder what you're up to

ABCStar: The answer is yes!!  And thank-you, thank-you, thank-you.

Question: How far in advance of the shows we see do you receive the 
story lines?

ABCStar: We get the scripts about 2 to 2 and a half weeks ahead of time.  
The show is taped two-three weeks in advance.

Question: Will you always be bad and will you get to interact with Mary 
Beth Evans?

ABCStar: I don't consider Stefan bad.  He's just drawn that way!!  
Seriously, I don't consider him bad--I consider him human.  And yes, 
I will get to interact with Mary Beth.  Wait patiently.....

Question: How do you like being on a Soap Opera where you do not have to 
wear a patch over one eye? : )

ABCStar: Actually, I enjoy having both eyes.  My eye was actually 
damaged by all the patch wearing.

Question: Stephen, do you have any future plans to do feature films? 

ABCStar: A couple are in the can and haven't been release yet.  One is 
with Eric Roberts and is called "The Glass Cage."  And, a sci fi 
thriller called "Phoenix" with Brad Douriff.

Question: What is the difference between Patch and Stefan?

ABCStar: There's no difference.  They're both human beings.

Question: What do you think of your new co-star, Tyler Baker?

ABCStar: I think he's a very sweet kid and very talented and he was my 
first choice for the part.

Question: how's it like to work with tony geary?

ABCStar: We have a really good time.  We have a similar energy and 
lots of sparks that help our work.  He's great.

Question: How are the Cassadines going to effect the rest of the Port 
Charles high families

ABCStar: Devastatingly.

Question: Are you an AOL member?

ABCStar: No.  I don't play with the computer at all.

Question: When will we get to know the real Stefan inside?

ABCStar: Glimpses are already being revealed as we speak!

Question: Are Sonny and Brenda ever going to bet back together???

ABCStar: Why are you asking me?  I'm the new kid on the block!!

Question: What Is The Speed Of Running Water?

ABCStar: It is the speed of running water.

Question: What does it feel like to be reviving the Cassadine clan?? 
Did you know of them from the past on General Hospital?

ABCStar: I was not aware of them at all since I hadn't watched GH.  
But, when they pitched the story to me, I watched some tapes.
It's very nice to come on a show and play a character that has some history.

Question: Wanna' come to Nashville?

ABCStar: Absolutely!!  Send me a plane ticket and a guitar.

Question: You are wonderful!!!  Will you be staying for a while?

ABCStar: Thank you very much and yes, I will be.

Question: Stephen I've admired you for quite a while, ever since I was a 
ninth grader in 88 and you were the incomparable Patch Johnson. I'm SO 
excited to see you and practically the whole cast of DOOL on GH now!  
What acting medium have you enjoyed  most so far?

ABCStar: Live theater and daytime.

Question: I am a college student studying theater-- should I keep 
studying or head out to LA?

ABCStar: Depends upon whether or not you're getting anything out of your 
studying.  If it's enriching your life, stick with it.  If not, come on 
out to California.

Question: Do you have interest in directing someday?

ABCStar: I really enjoy directing.  I've directed some theater and a 
presentation film.  I really enjoy it.

Question: Congratulations, great transition from days to GH. Caught an 
old movie of yours on AMC.  I think it was "Witchboard"

ABCStar: Thank you.  The transition has been great for me, too.  
Witchboard was my second feature film, shot in 1985, right around the time I took the Days job.

Question: What do you think Stefan *REALLY* wants with Luke and Laura? 
In your opinion of course...(without revealing scoops) LOL!

ABCStar: I want them to invite me over to their house to make me a 
lovely dinner! (LOL!!!!!)

Question: Will the mustache and goatee stay?

ABCStar: I hope so.  I like it.

Question: Have you kept up with American Sign Language?

ABCStar: No, unfortunately not.  I can barely say hello anymore.  It's 
sad.  I should have kept up.

Question: Do you have advice for anyone wanting to pursue an acting 
career?

ABCStar: Be absolutely sure that you believe 100 percent in your talent 
before you pursue any career in the arts.

ABCStar: I'm sorry, but I have to go up to the set now to tape my scenes. 
Thank you so much for having me.  
I really enjoyed myself and I look forward to coming back again.

OnlineHost: Thank you for joining us today.  Don't forget to watch 
Stephen on GENERAL HOSPITAL every Monday through Friday at 3:00 PM, ET


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