Time After Time/Soap World

In our latest exclusive interview, Wally Kurth  (Justin, Days Of Our Lives, ex- Ned, General Hospital) spoke with Time After Time/Soap World blogger Missnanse to discuss GH hisformer stopping grounds, Days where the actor started his daytime career, and the state of daytime among other things.  So checkout what they daytime vet has to say.   

Missnanse:  My whole idea for my interviews is to ask the actors and producers their feelings about the soap genre and how to save it, but first...I am such a big fan of yours and am so excited that you are back on Days of our Lives. How does it feel to be back?

Wally Kurth: First, it feels great to be back - home. Days is where I started and if I was still on GH, that would be home too. Kinda like I will always view Montana, where I grew up, my home, but I certainly can't ignore the fact that I have lived in LA for 30 years. It would be pathetic if I didn't consider this home too.

Missnanse: We miss you so much on General Hospital and many of us are tired of the constant violence and single minded concentration on just a few characters. What are your feelings about this forgetting the original premise of GH?

Wally: As far as the GH storylines centering on just a few individuals and the fact they have more violence in their stories, I can only say that that is the writer's prerogative. The writers are paid to tell the stories they want to tell. When Claire Labine was there, she really liked my character and wrote for me. Bob Guza loves the mobster tales and honestly, I think he is only interested in telling stories that interest him. No writer can be forced to write story they don't find compelling.

Missnanse: Days does not center around just one or two characters but writes for everyone. Do you like being a part of an ensemble cast instead of an after thought on another?

Wally: Days does seem to be more of a team show. I really like that. And also, Dena Higley has been a part of the writing staff since Justin was first on, so she is very familiar with my history and my character in relation to the rest of the characters. I've always considered myself a team player and I am thrilled that everyone on this show feels the same way.

Missnanse: What else is happening in your life that you can tell us about?

Wally: My partner Christian Taylor and I have a new GREATEST HITS? album. We will be performing on June 6, the Sunday of the Days weekend at a great club in Hermosa Beach. Check out kurthandtaylor.com for info and to see our 2 NEW music videos.

Missnanse: Now to the question I am trying to find the answer to. The soap genre on television is in a decline. How would you save the soaps?

Wally: How would I save the soaps? You think I KNOW? I think they have to rebuild the business model. Which they are doing, slowly but surely. And basically, that's cutting costs, doing the whole cheaper but hopefully not sacrificing the product TOO much. Days is a model in efficiency. I can't imagine a show doing it for less money. By the way, EVERYONE, cast and crew, are taking less money to save the show.

        (Wally Kurth as Ned GH and as Justin on Days)

Missnanse: Do you think the web is the future of soaps and have you watched any online?

Wally: I have watched only a little online webisodes. But I am very interested in this. I think this probably IS the future and I think it will only expand and grow. It's pretty much wide open and  would like to possibly get my feet wet in the future.

Missnanse: The Daytime Emmy's are being held in Vegas this year. Where do you think they should be held?

Wally: The Emmys should be held anywhere they'll have us. Lets be honest. The ratings haven't been that robust lately. The MGM has a nice theatre.

Missnanse: Do you find any hypocrisy in CBS televising the Emmy's after canceling the two longest running soaps?

Wally: CBS is at least televising the Emmy's. Last year it was on the WB if you remember. I feel awful for As The World Turns. I really enjoyed my time on the show. The cast and crew were stellar.

Missnanse: With the passing of Frances Reid (ex-Alice, Days), James Mitchell (ex-Palmer, All My Children) and now Helen Wagner (Nancy, As The World Turns) do you think a  major part of soaps is gone for good, that The legends are irreplaceable?

Wally: I'm sorry to see those icons pass. But we have to create new "legends," and we have. The torch has been passed. All the shows have "legends" gracing their stages. Tony Geary being one.

Missnanse: Wally I want to thank you for your time and for agreeing to this interview and to tell you again You Rock!

Wally: Thanks Nancy. My best, Wally.