| 5/19/99 - Kim Zimmer Pre-Emmy Soap City Chat |
| gillum_25: Is Annie going to crash Josh and Reva's wedding? Kim: Annie does indeed show up at the country club with a gift...I can't say what the gift is...BUT you will hear a POP. teiko1938: Will you probably stayed married to Josh this time? Kim: I like the way you phrase that! Did you have your tongue in your cheek?! I am hoping that we stay married...it is a soap however so you never know. I hope we will stay married...IF we are indeed even married! shell1714: Was it hard playing two roles with Reva and your clone? Kim: It was the hardest thing I have ever done outside of child birth. It was totally fulfilling and a challenge for me as an actress to be faced with 70 pages of dialogue a day along with costume changes. Not to mention to deal with some of the negativity surrounding the storyline. I enjoyed doing it but I am glad to move on. supernurse1949: Kim, congratulations on your Emmy nomination. Which clips did you submit for consideration? Kim: Thank you. As far as the clips are concerned, it's a bit hard to explain...one of the clips was the clone explaining to Reva how difficult it is to be second best after the barbecue. Then Josh shows up. Reva learns why she was cloned in the first place and the scene ends in a big fight! The second clip was when Josh takes Dolly to Cross Creek. She has fabulously written scenes through the bedroom door at Cross Creek. These were very touching scenes; they weren't over-the-top type of scenes but they meant a lot to me and I was very proud of them. You have to be comfortable with your decision...there were other scenes that I could have submitted but I felt that these were the best. I must say that it was really my boys who helped me to choose the clips. We watched them at home together and they basically choose their favorites...so if I don't win it is their fault, just kidding! supernurse1949: When Reva was stranded with hunky island guy, Sean, where were those scenes filmed? Kim: On a private island off the coast of Marathon Key in Florida. nd_316: Who is your inspiration? Kim: My inspiration is...well, you know it changes. Right now it is the love that I get from my family. What really keeps me going on the set is the fact that I get to go home to a house full of love; they fulfill my day. ErikaN99: What it is like to be nominated for an Emmy? Kim: It is really....it is such a crap shoot nowadays! You question the results when they are announced. There is always things that are disappointing...like the omission of Robert Newman for example. BUT it is always the most incredible feeling when you watch the morning show and they announce your name. There is nothing like it...except child birth. (laughs) KimZimmerFan: What was it like to be off the show from 1990 to 1995? Kim: That was a really wonderful time for me personally...I was burnt out and I had to leave the show. I used to laugh and say that I spent more time with my TV family and not my real family. My son was 4 years old at the time and I got to spend wonderful time with them during my time off. Work wise --- that was another story. I was on Santa Barbara and the mood was not all that positive. The show definitely had nice moments though...the warehouse scenes were really special. I couldn't wait to get to NYC again after it all! I loved living in LA but the business... tecanie: Kim, is it difficult to separate your character from yourself? Kim: Well, it is getting more and more difficult. The longer you play a character, the closer to it you become. You are the only person who really know that character. Writers change, producers change, and you, the actress, are the only constant...the only one who knows the character that well. You start becoming one! Reva never spends time with her children though. I am a sports mom; I don't think that you'll see Reva at a soccer game! THE_MORRIGAN_99: How did you learn to cry so easily and beautifully? Kim: I pull on my nose hairs. :) I used to use substitutions --- a technique you learn in acting school. But I couldn't do that because I started to weird myself out. It took me a year to get over that. Honestly, when you are as screwed up as Reva, it is pretty easy. stratevarious: Do you know if this new storyline is tied to when you drove off the bridge? Kim: I would guess that that is a pretty good idea...because the last thing that Reva remembered was being picked up by a boat full of Cuban fishermen (laughs). I don't know what part of the five years we are really talking about. I know I said this --- the story coming up is a real harlequin romance. anneami30: How has the adjustment been without Zaslow (Roger)? Kim: Well, unfortunately, I didn't get a chance to work that closely with Michael. The show is really missing his presence...more so to the show than to the environment at the studio. He was very professional and always working on his scripts; he kept to himself mostly. He is greatly missed as Roger. I was a personal friend and miss him a great deal. placesabove15: Kim you're the best, I was wondering how a person gets an audition for a soap opera? Kim: Get an agent! I wish it were easier. It is not. There are amazing stories about those rare people who send pictures in to casting directors BUT those are not common. Bottom line, you need an agent. You need to be in a city where you can work and get an agent or get a tape and send tapes in to the casting directors. There's a little book in major cities called the Ross Report (a listing of all casting director's for soaps etc...) That's a good start. soaplover68: Do you ever go visit the area in Michigan where you grew up? Kim: Yes I do get back because my parents keep a home there. I always go back in the summer to a house on the lake up north. I won't be there this summer though. I know that fans like to visit me sometimes, sorry. doe53209: How much input are you able to get in the script? Kim: Depending on how long you have been playing the character. You have more influence with your dialogue. Storylines are untouchable. You the actor cannot dictate that. You can always quit if you don't like it though! They trust me. Those of us who have been around for so many years...they look to us to guide them. As far as changing the context of the scene...we cannot do that. There have been moments, I pick my battles but they have been rare. Reva cannot complain but I do the through an occasional Zimmer fit! stratevarious: Will Roxie return and if so, I think it would be great if there was a jealousy storyline with Roxie and Cassie trying to get your attention and since Roxie is a little unbalanced, well who knows? Kim: OH it would be fabulous...I think that that would be a great idea. I think that it is unfortunate that Roxie has been wiped off. I would love to get that character back. Great to see the feathers fly, but there are no plans in the near future. ErikaN99: Kim, do you have a favorite storyline? Kim: I do. I read a lot of the message boards. The 70's and 80's seem to be full of wonderful storylines. My favorite was the triangle between Reva, Josh and H.B. Reva made Josh "walk again." :) supernurse1949: Kim, Reva is a character enjoyed by three generations of women in my family. We began watching The Light around the time Reva blew into Springfield and tuned out when she left. Her return was the only thing that brought us back. What do you think it is about Reva that appeals to people of all ages? Kim: There is a part of Reva that is such a child. She enjoys a good laugh, as well as the occasional trick pulled on her. The younger people like that. She is a good mother too. People think of her as a FUN mother. The other generations? I definitely think that women fantasize about Reva's life with men. She is a bright, giving, sensitive, smart woman (who has a problem with water and bridges)! KimZimmerFan: What's it like to be called a diva? I've known you were from the day I first saw the show. Kim: I hate the term diva to be honest. There are a lot of actresses who find that term misleading. To me a diva is a primadonna, a person hard to get along with, one who makes demands. All of the divas I know in the business aren't like that at all. Those I know as divas are wonderful women! glshadylady: Is Jordan Clarke going to be on more often? I've missed Billy! Kim: I believe so. If he can just be a good boy. The morning that we were rehearsing the wedding sequences, I remember seeing Robert and Morgan laughing and having fun. There's a void on the show without that group of guys. That was a part of GL of the 80's. Billy will be more involved I think. supernurse1949: I thought the scenes with Reva, Josh, and Abby the other day were done beautifully...the emotions were so real. What's it like to incorporate Amy's real-life issue into the show? Kim: It has been a rollercoaster with Amy. I fell in love with her the moment I met her. She is so unlike the character she portrays. Her "handicap" has not held her back at all. There is going to be something really wonderful for Amy...having her hear was a real trial for her in the beginning; she had to get used to hearing the way that we said lines. She is handling it beautifully. It is a real joy to work with her. A real miracle. KimZimmerFan: How's your Beanie Baby collecting coming? I have about 120 Beanies right now. Kim: We are up around 150! An obsession I hope to get over soon. Zimmerfan: My daughter, Alex, cried when you didn't win the SOD award. She wants to wish you luck Friday, says she'll have her fingers crossed for you. Kim: Give her a big kiss for me. durb_98: Are you going to the Jimmy V. Golf Classic this year? Kim: Probably not. Unfortunately, I have time consuming storylines in August as well as a personal commitment during that time. Big_Hearted24: Do you and Josh hang out outside of the show? Kim: Yes we do. On occasion but we live far away from each other. Our sons get along very well and we have spent holidays together. I live next to so many cast members now! Over 3 in a one mile radius! grandma3_8: The baby's picture in the ring, is it a baby Reva had while suffering from amnesia? Kim: I can't tell you that! You'll have to watch the show. glshadylady: What actors would you like to work with more often? Kim: I haven't worked with Hunt. I would like to work with Tammy B...Ron...let's see...I think that Selena and Reva would be great friends too! glshadylady: I've loved the recent scenes with Harley, Blake, Abby and Cassie. It's great to see Reva with girlfriends. Any more scenes with you and the girls? And any word on BE and the baby? Kim: I actually called Beth on Sunday. She is so miserable! She is still at home awaiting the arrival of her bundle of joy. She has to be careful because the baby could come at any moment. I think that she is going to win the Emmy and have the baby on the same night! Babies and Emmys go hand in hand. In response to your question, the "girl scenes" got a great response and I would like to do more. stratevarious: When will Josh meet Michelle? Is that the reason they have kept you all separated because Joie came back so soon after she was the teen clone? Kim: I think that that happened subconsciously. She even leaves at the wedding. Michelle and Reva are pretty good friends too! Although we have had no dialogue together... agentsjandk: Kim, I am 22 years old and I'm been watching GL since I was 6. Sometimes, I forget that you are not Reva. Do fans that meet you have the same problem? Kim: I think that was the case initially. I think that it takes 3 years on a soap until you get acknowledged by your real name. It is very nice to be referred to by your real name. It means a lot to me. I appreciate it when fans make the distinction between the actress and the character. KZandPASfan: I'll be at the Emmys cheering for you loud and clear! Do you have any idea what award you and Robert are presenting? Kim: No we don't know until the rehearsal tomorrow so I have no idea. Thank you for cheering! Sara_GL7: For the "Big Wedding," who are they planning to bring back to the show? Kim: Hawk, Dylan, Jordan, um....Sarah. Reva reads that Sarah would be watching the wedding and Reva sees her there. live1love1: Can we expect any more rivalry between Reva and Annie? Kim: I don't believe so. I think that the story has been done. Cher30286: Do you think you will win the Emmy Friday night? I think you should you are a great actress! You are my favorite! Kim: Well, I can honestly say that it's really not that important to me this year. The women in my category are wonderful. I know it sounds cliche but it is true. Lucci is a force! She chose great scenes and she could pull it out this year. I wish that we could all tie but I really am at ease this year. These 5 women count collectively for more than 100 years in the business. Not a bad egg in the bunch. Zimmerfan: Kim, are you leaving GL in June when your contract is up? Kim: No. I just resigned for another year! We'll see what happens after that! FOO28: How many times are you going to die and come back? Kim: Oh God. I hope that this is IT! We have to relive 'em all it seems. No, this is IT. The next time will probably be it. KimZimmerFan: Do you answer fan mail? Kim: I am a terrible letter writer. I read each and every piece and I receive some incredible letters of hopes and dreams, great encouragement, even criticism. I feel awful that I can't do it all. I don't want to hire anyone to do it because I feel I have to do it personally. I am going to try to start sending pictures. KEEP writing, I do get every letter and they do mean a lot to me, THANK YOU! etmom6: Reva is great, but tell us a little about Kim. What is your favorite show besides GL, what do you like to do in your spare time, etc.? Kim: Spare time --- I like to spend it with my family. Tennis (my daughter's helping me), I am very athletic. My favorite shows are Ally McBeal, Dawson's Creek, and several comedies, Sports Night, and I love Discovery and A&E. softballchick16_98_98: Just how many Lewises have you been married to? (Ha Ha) Kim: All but little Bill. (laughs) janldl: Who picks out the clothes you wear on the show? Kim: We have a designer who does it. She goes shopping and we can say yes or no. At least I can! glshadylady: Who are you picks in the other categories? Kim: Tough one. I'd like to see Tony Geary and Robert Woods. Supporting Actor, that is a tough one too. I would love to see Jerry ver Dorn, of course, but I also love Stuart Damon! I don't know...that's why it is so fun to go to! Toss ups...some people say between Lucci and myself? We'll see! I want to thank everyone for your great questions and support. Put on your best wedding attire for Friday! You won't be disappointed. It's a great afternoon. Great vows and Reva's in WHITE! There is something wonderful about that. Once again, thank you all for being such great fans and staying with the show! LOVE YOU ALL, keep calling the feedback line with your suggestions! |