My General Hospital Surprise
Photo by: ABC Soaps In Depth~ Jim Warren
“General Hospital would like to offer you two episodes” is a phone call you don’t receive everyday as an actor. To land on show doing one episode of anything is a process and our job as actors to work hard and prepare for. This came as a delightful surprise. My prayers had been answered, as much of 2009 was spent saying to myself, “please just let me show everyone I can do more than one episode of something." When an offer comes through, there's an excitement and validation that someone thinks you're doing good enough work to bypass the audition process and get right to work. It feels great. As the wonderful, seven time Emmy Award winning casting director of GH, Mark Teschner, says “you never know what a part may become," I've learned first-hand. I’m filled with gratitude to look back and see that an amazing fan base was born as my two episode offer turned into 111 credited episodes and 14 months of playing the role of Abby Haver from 2010-2011.
How does that happen?
“Success occurs when opportunity meets preparation”
I enjoy getting material, preparing it inside and out, having choices in mind and then letting it all fall away. The connection with the other actors in the scene, the surprises, the unknown is what inspires me as an actor. Something special happened my first day on the set of General Hospital working opposite the dearly loved, Chad Duell, who plays Michael Corinthos. Something surprised us all, I’m not sure how to describe it but it was a feeling that something went really really well. I was fortunate that head writer at the time, Bob Guza, saw something special and called me in to say "get ready kid, we're going to write for you."
I'm a pretty happy camper everyday I get to be on set and do what I love but I particularly cherished playing the role of Abby, sinking my teeth into a character and getting to work opposite so many talented actors on daytimes longest running, eleven time Emmy Award winning series.
I think a large part of my social networking fan base began with the die hard General Hospital supporters. I am thankful so many embraced me playing Abby. So much that Chad and I's characters ended up with our very own blended name Mabby. This support has carried with me now I feel into everything I do and is inspiring! From fan pages, to youtube videos, daily shout outs and kind words, you all have flooded my heart with goodness. For Abby to win the poll of being the best girl for Michael after dying 6 years ago speaks loud, thank you! (@GHGHVoting) A special shout out to Brianne who created and actively updates a beautiful fan page www.andreabogart.net and twitter @andreabogartfan as well... YOU ROCK BRIANNE!
My General Hospital surprise is something very special to me and largely because of all the people who made it that way. If you have a favorite Mabby moment, I'd love to hear it!