Interview By Jill

The Young and the Restless rolls out the red carpet and welcomes a familiar and much welcomed face to its fold.  This week Jason Shane Scott joins the cast of the Emmy award winning soap, in the newly created recurring role of Nick Newman's old college chum Chad Rollins. 

Many ABC daytime viewers will be quick to recognize Jason Shane Scott from his years as the complicated and engaging Will Rappaport on "One Life To Live" from 1998 to 2001. Those Y&R viewers unfamiliar with Scott's talent will be in for a treat when Chad Rollins rolls into Genoa City on September 13th as the new mystery man from Nick Newman's past. “I have actually only worked one day so far" Scott states, "I play a guy named Chad Rollins – a former good friend of Nick Newman in college and I am a successful stockbroker. I have come to town and I have had a little meeting up with Nick.” 

Given Scott's daytime history, one would immediately draw comparisons between east coast based OLTL and west coast based Y&R.  "It seems to be pretty much the same in the sense that it is a medium that is ongoing." Scott describes, "In that sense it never changes and that way there is always stories, there is always going to be characters coming and going." As for the differences, although relatively new on the Y&R scene, Scott has adapted quickly to the change noting, "The one difference I’ll say from there (Y&R) says Scott "when you're at One Life To Live, the way the shows are scheduled - you spend from morning to evening with these people – and in this show (Y&R) for example, I was out in a few hours and I got the impression that they run the show – where people come in and leave as opposed to staying the whole day.” Scott continues, "Y&R – once they have you, they do everything all there at once; One Life, they do everybody and give you time in between." Another observation Scott was also quick to note was the difference in balance on the CBS soap, stating that the ABC shows "tend to get a few characters who dominate.”

Scott has certainly kept himself busy during his absence from daytime including several movie roles. "Starship Troopers 2 is just out on DVD and video everywhere." Scott continues, "That was released in some countries in theatres - over in Japan.  We were hoping to get a theatrical release but it didn’t work out."  Scott also can be seen in the yet to be released independent film The Dying Gaul. "It looks like they are going to hold on to the “Dying Gaul” until Sundance." Scott enthuses,  "It has Patricia Clarkson and Peter Sarsgaard – Campbell Scott produced it and was in it. It has a really good shot at making some waves.  I just have a small part in it at the very end – the last scene of the movie which ties everything up which is kind of an important part but a short lived part. Hopefully that will go to Sundance and get some play."

Scott takes pride that he has succeeded in the ever difficult and challenging entertainment industry. "Making a living as an actor – as a whole it’s an accomplishment.  Looking at the whole longevity of everything and getting into it to be around for a long time, and I think that I’ve established that I am going to be around for a long time – in what ever medium that is."   

Jason Shane Scott's interest and dedication to the entertainment industry extends far beyond acting and this talented performer is committed to remaining in this industry for the long haul. Scott emphases that keeping busy and "staying pro-active" is what drives his success. Writing is yet another pursuit of Scott's that can only serve to enhance his career. "I have finished a full movie and I am trying to get that going." Scott excitedly continues, "I plan on being in this industry for a long time – whatever sense it is.  I plan on producing and everything in the future.  I think if you don’t keep yourself busy with those other things, and sit around and wait for the phone to ring - it’s dangerous.”