Classy, elegant, stylish and fun are just a few words that seem to
ignite pictures of Genoa City resident Ashley Abbott. However,
those exact same words can also be used to describe her portrayer,
Eileen Davidson, who in my opinion is the epitome of true soap
elegance and class.
And now Davidson is quickly becoming the
epitome of true elegance and class in the literary world as well. In October 2008, she released her first novel, Death in
Daytime co-written along side author Robert J. Randisi.
“The book is a mystery that takes place on the
set of a soap opera,” says Davidson with a laugh. “I had A LOT of
fun writing this novel,” she says. “I’ve always enjoyed a good
mystery and thought why not add that element to something I’m
familiar with……daytime.”
Okay, I tried my best to find out how the book
ends, but to no avail. “You will just have to buy the book,” laughs
Davidson. However, she does give me some a little bit of plot line
to pass along to all you guys.
“The books main character is a daytime heroine,
who happens to be a single mother and the real story is about what
happens on this set when the cameras stop rolling and a murder
occurs,” she reveals. “They’re definitely a lot of twists and turns
in this book.”
If you’ve read the book and are clamoring for
more, don’t worry Davidson (along with Randisi) has signed a 2 book
deal with Penguin Books and Dominick Abel Associates. “We are
working on the sequel to the first book, which is titled Dial
Emmy for Murder and there is even talks about a possible
third novel” she shares. “The second book will hopefully be
released sometime during late summer or the fall.”
Davidson also revealed a few things she
discovered about being a writer. “I definitely have a better
understanding of the frustrations and work that go into putting
together a project such as this and have the utmost respect for
authors and writers out there.”
“It’s definitely a challenge to come up
with a concept for a book or even a show and run with it, while
hoping and wondering whether or not your readers/viewers are
enjoying the final outcome.”
So with two and possibly three book
series on her plate, does Davidson see a change in career on the
horizon? “I really like being on daytime and it is GREAT to be
back on Y&R,” she shares.
And Y&R viewers also echo, Ms.
Davidson’s sentiments about being back on daytime. Longtime viewers
were in shock when the news broke that Davidson had been fired from
the show she called home off and on for over 20 years due to lack of
storyline in December of 2006.
“Their were a lot of behind the scenes
changes that viewers did not realize were going on at the time,” she
shares. Davidson’s character and onscreen daughter were written off
to tend to business in Hong Kong, but took a detour and landed in
Los Angeles where Ashley was hired to create a fragrance for
Forrester Creations.
“I thought it was an interesting turn
in events, when they brought Ashley over to The Bold and the
Beautiful.” And Davidson was quickly embroiled in a front
burner storyline and eventually became emblazoned in a love triangle
with Forrester hunks, Ridge and Rick.
“It was a hard job but somebody had to
do it,” she laughs regarding her love story with two of daytime’s
hottest leading men. “I enjoyed the romance between Ridge and
Ashley and also thought the writers were very creative in how they
established the connection between Rick and Ashley as well.”
Unfortunately for Davidson, the soap
gods struck again and she was taken off contract and dropped to
recurring this time on B&B. However, luck and fate were on
her side as viewers rejoiced upon hearing the news that Davidson
would be returning “home” to The Young and the Restless.
“I am VERY glad to be back,” she says.
“Ashley is definitely a big part of my life and has been off and on
for over 20 years.” Viewers are also glad Davidson is back on the
show and cannot wait to see what unfolds for her character.
“I’m glad the writers finally addressed
Gloria’s part in the tainted face cream scandal…it was LONG overdue
and provided some great material and scenes for me, Judith Chapman
(Gloria), Peter Bergman (Jack) and Beth Maitland (Tracy).”
Recently, Davidson has also sunk her
acting chops into yet another emotional storyline surrounding the
disappearance and presumed death of former onscreen hubby, Brad
Carlton.
“It was so sad to see Don go,” she
sighs. “Ashley and Brad shared a lot of history with another, in
fact the character of Brad shared quite a bit of history and a
connection with the entire Abbott family.”
But Brad is not the only male in Genoa
City that Ashley shared a history with. “I’m glad the show is
revisiting a romance between Ashley and Victor,” shares Davidson.
“These two share a child together (Abby) and I’ve always believed
that there was some unfinished business between the two of them.”
So does that mean wedding bells will be
ringing in Ashley and Victor’s future? “Honestly, I don’t know
what the writers have in store for them as a couple, but I’m
certainly enjoying seeing what unfolds.”
Eileen Davidson, the epitome of
elegance in the world of daytime and now in the literary world.
I would like to thank Eileen’s
publicist, Charles Sherman for scheduling this interview and I would
like to thank Eileen for taking time out of her VERY busy schedule
to do the interview with us.
If you would like more information on
Davidson, her book series or her upcoming fashion line, please visit
her official site
http://www.eileendavidson.org for more information.
