Time After Time/Soap World

A woman who has played a character with a heart of gold and who is often referred to as the heart and soul of her onscreen family Beth Maitland  (Traci Abbott, The Young and The Restless) is the consummate performer.  The actress has portrayed the contract role of the youngest Abbott from 1982 to 1996 and has continued appear on a recurring basis.  Traci was privileged enough to win a Daytime Emmy in 1985 for Outstanding Supporting Actress and to this day continues to be a fan favorite.  She is also a nominee in our 2nd annual American Soap World Awards.

With that being said Time After Time/Soap World has been blessed with the opportunity to chat with Traci to discuss life as an actress and her many wonderful years on televisions now #1 daytime drama. 

Time After Time/SoapWorld: How did you get into acting? 

Beth Maitland: I did my first play when I was 13 years old…I was very fortunate to grow up in Scottsdale, Arizona where there was a very thriving arts community and loads of opportunity. I had exemplar teachers in drama and theater arts, was on a costume and make-up crew for three years in my teens, did some local commercials, sang and performed around the Phoenix area, and had amazing and generous mentors like Jim Newcomer and Judie Carroll.

TATSW: Your bio says you attended Arizona State University and majored in theater and music.  That's impressive and is much needed in the daytime industry.  What would say that you learned while studying that prepared you for your future role on The Young and the Restless?

BM: Soaps are performed in front of three or four cameras, very much like a play is performed…everything happens in one take.  So it was an easy transition from stage training to daytime.  Although by the time I was hired, I had also attended three years of film school, so had a good working idea of dealing with on camera situations.

TATSW: You started onY&R in 1982 as Traci Abbott and quickly became a fan favorite.  How did the role come about? 

BM: The way I understand it, I was hired for a summer role to play opposite Michael Damian, (Danny Romalotti) and be the youngest Abbott…shy, insecure, self-conscious.  The Abbott family at that time, was only Jack and John, so Ashley and Traci were new arrivals.  It was not expected to last longer than three months, but overwhelming fan response changed the course of Traci’s destiny (and my own).

TATSW: Were you a fan of daytime before your started working on one? If so what were your favorite Soap Opera's? 

I frankly had not watched any soap at all except Dark Shadows while in college.  My class and play/rehearsal schedule made me very much a night person, and it was the days before Tivo.

TATSW: Getting into Y&R you had the pleasure of working with one of the greatest head writers of all time William J. Bell aka Bill Bell. What was it like working with someone who has become a legend in the genre?

BM: I have the greatest respect for Bill as a storyteller, and as a commander of his ship.  He was the final word.  He helped shape the way daytime drama was told, from style of performance, to content and arc of story, to details about how characters looked. I feel honored to have learned my daytime craft at the knee of a master.  I was hired when he was still living in Chicago,so we didn't actually meet until I had been on the show for almost 6 months. 

TATSW: You were around when the series made the transition from the Foster's and Brooks to the Abbott's and the Newman's as the series core families.  That was unheard of at the time and could have been the end of Y&R.  How did you feel about the transition and were you worried that show might not survive?

BM: I was hired after a good deal of the focus shifting had already occurred.  Frankly, I did nothave enough experience in daytime to know what the potential impact migh tbe.  In addition, I think we've seen along history unfold over decades.  The show had only been on about 10 years when I was hired, and we just celebrated 37 years.  We've watched as families have changed, new characters drive casting a whole new set of characters to support something magical working well onscreen. Others are phased out, for so many reasons never seen by viewers, that don't have anything at all to do with story. I think everyone just does responsibly what they think is best for the show at the time. 

TATSW: You’ve had a chance to work with such great actors who made up your on screen family. Jerry Douglas (ex-John), Eileen Davidson (Ashley), and both Terry Lester and Peter Bergman as Jack.  How would describe what it was like working with each actor?

BM: Eileen and I were just talking about this…it is such a pleasure in daytime, unlike many other mediums, to work with people in relationships onscreen for years…it develops somewhat similar relationships offscreen, and makes the chemistry and the history so automatic.  We do the work of character developmentearly, then just focus on the relationships and the new material we're given to play.  My onscreen family has been assignificant in my life as my real one. On camera, we just look in each others eyes, and the relationship isthere, the love, the respect, the complicated layers we have in any family.  It is humbling and uplifting to have shared so much time with these generous, talented actors.

TATSW: did you feel you needed a major adjustment when Peter took over the role of Traci's closet sibling Jack or did the two of you click from day one?  

BM: Absolutely no adjustment needed.  Peter brought a very different Jack, but one I threw my arms around!  He is powerful, active, generous.  He is a pleasure, an emotional well.

TATSW: Your first major storyline on the series Traci dealt with Bulimia as she felt she had to compete with Lauren (Tracey Bergman) for Danny's affections and a prominent place in his band.  That storyline touched several members of my family who were dealing with similar issues in their own life.  What was it like to play that storyline?  And did you know it hadan affect on a lot of people?

BM: In those days, it was the habit of Y&R to embrace storylines that might enlighten and raise awareness of emerging issues.  This was very difficult to play, painful and uncomfortable, and of course very emotional, but I could see it was making a difference to so many people by the fan response.  I read the letters from those who were experiencing similar challenges, and found it very hard to know what todo.  I even received some letters suggesting suicide, and found numbers and addresses for crisis centers across the country and in Canada.  It was the days before the Internet and Oprah, and resources were harder for individuals to find.  I took it very seriously, answered letters personally, but was not equipped for the overwhelming response.  It is my hope, that my portrayal and the storyline payoffs were helpful in some way to others.   They don't teach this stuff in acting school, what your human responsibility may be.

TATSW: Traci has been married several times.  Once to Danny Romalotti (Michael Damien), twice to Brad Carlton (Don Diamont), and finally to Traci's current beau Steve Connelly (Greg Wrangler).  Which of your romantic leads has been your favorite over the years and why?

BM: Ha.  I bet no one ever answers that question directly.  And I can't today!  I’m in love with every one of them.  Michael Damian is the kindest,funniest human I know.  Don Diamont is completely surprising inside that amazing package.   A family man, a comedian, a generous friend,son, father, husband.  Greg Wrangler makes my knees weak, and keeps me laughing till I cry.  He is also a complicated, deeply personal man who has so many more layers than we all get to see. On my own wedding day, my sister asked me why I didn't seem nervous, and I replied:  "What's to be nervous about?  I've already been married three times."

TATSW: In 1985 you won a daytime Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series.  How did it feel to receive the highest honor for your work in daytime?

BM: It was an amazing and overwhelming honor.  So many things change over time and as we shuffle what's important in our lives.  I sort of peaked early…I was in my 20's and very new to the field, and it's been hard learning to live up to it.  What I mean by that is that winning an Emmy was truly a complicated combination of efforts.  Writers had to give me the story to tell, other actors had to be there for me to invest in in my work, production had to support me, film me, light me, make me look like Traci…I did not do it alone.  Equally, all of that except my performance was out of my control. I didn't have another storyline like that until last fall…Colleen's demise.  And yet, this year I did not make the nomination cuts.  So…as important is it all was, and as honored as I am, it did not and does not change or influence how I commit each day to doing the work I am given.  I don't feel like it helped my career, infact, it may even have held me back a bit, but it did honor me as an actor and as a person.

TATSW: What was your favorite Traci storyline?

BM: Singing with Danny and Lauren and the band…there was nothing else like it…I loved the excitement, the music, the laughs, the work, my dear friends Michael and Tracey and Jack Allocco, the musical director with the challenge of managing all of us…it was the time of my life. 

TATSW: You left the series in 1996.  Was there any specific reason why you decided to leave?

BM:I did not decide to leave. The show decided there was no more story for Traci.  That happens. It's difficult personally, but things change.  I was asked back whenever they had something for Traci to do, and am glad they didn't recast and always called when they needed me.

TATSW: Since then you have appeared off and on over the years on a recurring basis.  Was that your choice or is that just what you have been offered?

BM: The show calls when they have something for me to do.  I am always happy to return.

TATSW: If given the option would you prefer to stay on recurring or become a contract player again?

BM: Ha.  Another question completely out of my control.  I will always want to play Traci and will always hope for challenging, emotional, full and lovely story.  In this "new Daytime", I don't think it matters whether it's under contract or recurring.  

TATSW: I know I and most fans would definitely love to have you back on the scene regularly.  Because someone needs to make sure Victor understands the true meaning of receiving Colleen's heart.  And Traci would be just the one to remind him of the price her daughter had to pay in order for him to survive.   Maybe even sue for the heart back!  What do you think of that?

BM: What a great idea…here's a twist to that…Traci tells Victor the heart is only for rent…he has to pay her back by making her the President of Jabot!

TATSW: Speaking of Colleen, fans and critics raved about your performances when Colleen died and you were faced with the dilemma of whether to give her heart to the man (Victor) who had a hand in her killing. How did you prepare for those scenes?

MB: By living to be 51 years old, by personally having an only daughter who is my treasure, and by being completely, utterly grateful everyday of that storyline to be blessed with a job doing what I feel I am meant to do.

TATSW: From an assessment of the character who do you think Traci blames more for the loss of Colleen?  Victor because he brought Pattyto town to seek revenge against Jack, Jack because his past with Patty gave Victor the ammunition he needed to go him, or both because their ongoing feud always ends up hurting the ones they love?

BM: I think the beauty and simplicity of Traci is that she doesn't blame either of them.  That's why Victor got the heart after all.  She has a writer's mind for analysis, and ultimately, forgiveness of fatal flaws…Jack's, Victor's and finally even her own.

TATSW: Getting back to something you mentioned earlier and the question I know everyone wants to know (critics included) is did you submit yourself for the pre-Emmys' this?  As alot of people felt you were deserving of a best supporting actress nomination and didn't see your name on the list. And from what I know recurring and even guest stars can submit themselves if they are either nominated by the show or self submit for a fee.

BM: Yes I did.  I did not make the cut.   

TATSW: When you are not acting what do you do in your spare time?

BM: Everything else!  I live 50 miles outside Los Angeles on a couple of acres, with my family, five horses, four dogs, two goats and a batch of chickens…I ride dressage (English horsemanship) on my gorgeous Friesian gelding, Draakhart, who has stolen my heart.  You can see pictures of him on my modest website:  www.BethMaitland.com.  I arrange music for many of my friends who compete nationally in the field of dressage freestyle…horse and rider dancingto music.  It's an awesome musical and physical outlet for me...I have a teaching website with my longtime friend, actor and teaching partner, Joel Brooks, which is the virtualization of our in studio Audition classes here in Los Angeles. You can see more about that, and some cheeky video interviews at:  www.AuditionsLA.com...I am a textile artist and designer also, and am just about to launch my little online Etsy store.  It will include personal and home accessories I design and make myself, art quilts, custom quilts, and jewelry and dolls…whatever I'm passionate about at the moment.  You can see things up in a week or soat:  www.dramaqueenbee.etsy.com.  I am also recently invited to be a part of the artist market at the web series Venice website…by my friends and clients, Hillary Smith (One LifeTo Live) and Crystal Chappell (Day Of Our Lives).  That is currently in development, but coming soon.  I am blessed with a wide range of interests and a generous circle of friends who keep me busy as well.

TATSW: Finally, what would you like to say to fans who have enjoyed you over the years and would love to see more of you?

BM: Thank you.  Thank you. Thank you for writing to me, for watching for me, for responding to chatrooms, eZines, websites, soap magazines. For sending emails to the show, to the network, to the studio.  For being there to cheer and weep for Traci and for me for all these 27 years.  You humble me with your kindness and honor me with your appreciation, and I can't thank you enough.  I hope there will be more to come, but am mostly so grateful for what has brought us this far.  Blessings to you all.