Staying Power

Alicia Leigh Willis fans have yet to see the last of her.  Although her four-year run as GENERAL HOSPITAL's feisty Courtney was originally scheduled to come to an end this week, things have now changed.  "Alicia will be staying on at GH a little longer," confirms an ABC spokesperson.  "She and the show have agreed to let her play out the current story rather than ask the audience to any major changes midstream.  To that end, count on seeing her through February's rating sweeps."  Here, Willis reveals exclusively to Soaps In Depth readers what transpired behind the scenes that turned things around.

Tying Up Loose Ends

Soaps In Depth: How did it come about that they asked you if you wanted to stay a little longer?

Alicia Leigh Willis: Jill [Farren Phelps], our producer, came to my dressing room after work one day and told me she really wanted me to come back and do a storyline.  After she described the story, it was so great, I couldn't turn it down.  I really want to finish out the maternity story just because it's so important to the character.  To have someone come in and take over in the middle of it would ruin it for the fans.

In Depth: It's nice that they offered to led you play out the current story.

Willis: I hated the idea of leaving in the middle of this storyline.  To be honest, it's been my favorite that I've had so far.  To just drop it in the middle of it didn't feel right.  I'm glad that now I'll have some closure.

In Depth: Is it going to be hard to say good-bye to Courtney?

Willis: Of course! It's going to be really hard.  It's so funny.  I know her so well.  Without looking at the script, I almost know what she's going to say.  I've become so familiar with her, and I've grown attached to her and the people I've worked with.  It's a very difficult thing to walk away from.

In Depth: Have you "gone there," where you think that maybe you don't want to walk away from what you have at GH?

Willis: There's always that side of me that would love to stay, because I love the people there so much.  But I have such a strong feeling that I need to do this, that it just overwhelms everything.

In Depth: It's sad because Courtney is starting to look lonely and lost.

Willis: I think she is.  She's caught between these two men that she loves and this "miracle baby." Her head is spinning right now.  She needs to calm down and focus on the pregnancy, but that’s not happening.

In Depth: Since it was officially announced that you were leaving what has been your costars' and your fans' reactions?

Willis: I've gotten so many amazing letters and gifts from the fans, just being completely supportive and wonderful.  The same from my cast.  Everyone has been really supportive and encouraging.  That means the world to me.  Without that, I might star second-guessing myself.

Tomorrow Is Another Day

In Depth: You've put together a new team to move your career forward, including Brillstein-Grey Entertainment (a management firm that's propelled the careers of such stars as Brad Pitt and Courtney Cox Arquette and produced films like The Wedding Singer and TV shows such as JUST SHOOT ME).

Willis: Yeah.  I just signed with them and Innovative as well.  I couldn't be more excited.  I've got a great team working for me.  They can't wait to get me out.  They're really excited to get the ball rolling.  I started auditioning again, which is a little intimidating at first, only because I haven't done it in so long.  I'm definitely starting to get used to it again.

In Depth: You're off to Hawaii for a week of rest and relaxation before returning to GH.

Willis: Yes! We've been working really hard lately, and there's been a lot of emotional stuff on the show.  As much as you try to keep level-headed about it, it ruins you down and takes its toll after a while.  I'm exhausted!  I'm just going to relax and veg out and do nothing but lay in the sun.