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You Ask the Question to Alicia Leigh Willis
GENERAL
HOSPITAL's Courtney answers cyberfans' questions at www.soapsindepth.com!
Candi
Asks…
I know
some actors and actresses do something special to help them with really
emotional scenes. I was curious if you do anything to help you sort of get
"in the zone"?
Alicia Leigh Willis: I like to take my time before scenes to really
concentrate and get to that place. Beforehand, I usually think of a scenario in
my own life, something imaginary that I can relate to. I basically make up a
little story in my head and try to make it as real as possible, then kind of go
with it. Once you get to know the charcter so well, it gets easier and easier.
Jen
asks...
What kind of musid do you listen to, and who is your favorite singer?
Willis: I listen to pretty much every type of music. I grew up listening to
a lot of punk. But my favorite singer is Nina Simone. She's a jazz singer.
Bridget
McKenna asks....
What was your first day like on General Hospital?
Willis: I was really nervous. I got to work with Chad Brannon (ex-Zander).
He really set my mind at ease and was nice to me. After he made me comfortable,
it went pretty smoothly.
Randi
Natkovitz asks...
I love the way Courtney dresses on GH! In fact, I had one of her shirts from
Nordstrom's. Where do they get Courtney's clothes from?
Willis: We've gone through three wardrobe designers since I've been on the
show. Sara Markowitz, the new one, we're all really happy with. She really
knows how to dress our characters. They get our clothes from everywhere.
They'll get the suits from high-end department stores (and) get the tank tops
and casual stuff at places like Express. I love to shop at boutique stores. My
favorite one is a place called Lola Rouge in Costa Mesa, CA.
Whitney
asks...
I love the scenes that you do with Steve Burton (Jason). What is your favorite
scene that you've done so far?
Willis: The divorce scene - not because it was so much fun, but it was the
best scene emotionally that we've had. It took me a good 15 minutes afterwards
to stop crying. For an actor, that's a good thing. When you reach a place like
that, it's so satisfying.
Shannon
asks...
Do you have any "lucky" objects or anything that you own that you
keep as a source of inspiration? By the way, I think you are so talented. Keep
up the fantastic work.
Willis:I have a book of quotes that my acting teacher, D.W. Brown, gave to
me. It's got quotes from him and a bunch of different people that are really
inspiring. I keep it in my dressing room. Whenever I feel like I need a little
lift, I look through it. There are some pretty amazing things in it.
Lynda
Waggoner asks...
If you were not an actor, what would you be?
Willis: I would sell my house, take the money and move to Costa Rica, where
I'd start a surf camp and get into photography. If I wasn't into acting, I
would have a very easygoing lifestyle.
Danielle
asks...
Carly and Courtney have a really good bond. Are you guys good friends in real
life? It really seems like it. Thanks.
Willis: Yes. I just got off the phone with her. Tamara Braun (Carly) and I
have become really good friends. She's always been there for me. She's just
been amazing.
Leah Asks....
Any chance we'll get to see more of "Kung Fu Courtney" in the future?
Willis: I'm hearing that there's going to be some stuff coming up, and I'm
really looking forward to it. I'm such a tomboy. I love anything physical. I
love being able to kick all the guys' butts!
Karen
Sutton asks...
There's a lot that the audience doesn't know about Courtney and her past. Would
you like to see that explored, and if so, what type of story do you envision
Courtney having?
Willis: I would love to see an old boyfreind come out of the woodwork...
somebody that could come in and fill the blanks a little bit. We know that
she's had a hard childhood and all of that. It would be nice to have someone
come in and let us know what Courtney was up to when she was a teenager.
Mary
asks...
Are you anything like your character?
Willis: I can be as headstrong as Courtney. I'm more independent than
Courtney is, even though she's pretty independent. I'd like to think that I'm a
little smarter about relationships. She's a lot more trusting than I am.
Terry
asks...
I've read that you laugh a lot while filming. Who makes you laugh the most
during a scene?
Willis: It's actually a tie between Steve Burton and Tamara Braun. Sometimes
we get scenes that are supposed to be really serious, but when we actually
think about what's coming out of our mouths, we can't help but laugh.
Tracey
Resnick asks...
If you were stuck on a deserted island with three of your GH costars, which
three would you want to be stuck with?
Willis: Tamara Braun... Tony Geary (Luke), because he'd draw a face on a
volleyball and start talking to it like Tom Hanks did.. and as long as he'd
behave himself, Ingo Rademacher (Jax). I bet he'd be able to build us a hut and
catch food for us. He'd be nature boy.
Deidre
asks...
If you could be in any movie- past, present or future- what movie would you be
in, and what role would you play?
Willis:I hate to say it, because it's so morbid, but Natural Born Killers. I
think Juliette Lewis was so badass in that movie (as Woody Harrelson's
psychotic sidekick), and she did a lot of fighting, like kicking and beating up
guys. It looked like it would have been a really fun movie (to shoot).
Sharon asks...
What's it like working with Steve Burton? I think he's so adorable. You two
seem like you've developed a nice rapport and appear really comfortable with
each other.
Willis:I do feel really comfortable with Steve. I have a lot of respect for
him as an actor. He's very passionate about his work, and it shows. I hope
we'll get to work together again. I miss that storyline. It's such a good love
story.
August 3, 2004, ABC Soaps In Depth
The following questions were
answered only at soapsindepth.com
Dear
AliciaLeigh,
What is the tattoo on your lower back? Does it have any special meaning or
personal significance?
Mary Ellerman
Dear Mary Ellerman,
The original tattoo that I got was just a design that I got when I was living
in New York. I had just turned 21, and I wanted to get something that marked
that time in my life. I had booked a job on ANOTHER WORLD, and I felt more
independent than ever. About a year later, I realized that I didn’t like the
design. I found this guy who was a really good artist, and I had him add some
pretty colors and flowers and the Japanese symbol for water.
Dear
AliciaLeigh,
Whom do you admire and why?
Diane McCormack
Dear Diane McCormack,
I admire my sister, Tiffany. She graduated college at Chapman and got her
teaching credentials. She is going through her interviews right now to be a
teacher. She's just such a hard worker and has such a good head on her
shoulders. I’m proud of her and really look up to her. I wish I had half the
dedication she does.
Dear
AliciaLeigh,
What has been your favorite storyline to play on GH so far? Which really forced
you to get out of your comfort level as an actress?
Kelly
Dear Kelly,
There were a few breakup scenes that Steve Burton (Jason) and I had that seemed
so real. I felt really comfortable to let myself go and just lose it. Doing it
every day can be exhausting. But, in a way, it can also be very therapeutic.
Dear
AliciaLeigh,
I read in Soaps In Depth that you would like to have more scenes with Sonny.
What’s it like working with Maurice Benard?
J.G
Dear J.G,
Ever since the beginning, I’ve felt that I always learn something when I work
with Maurice. When you work with him — and he can be fun and goofy, too — it’s
all about the work. He cares more about the work than anyone that I’ve ever
met. And you have to respect that. He’s the most dedicated person that I’ve
ever worked with.
Dear
AliciaLeigh,
If Courtney could experience a parallel life (like comatose Carly did), who
would be her object of affection in that life?
Leigh Haugh
Dear Leigh Haugh,
I love Tyler Christopher (Nikolas) and Natalia Livingston (Emily) together, and
I think they make an amazing couple. But I think if it were anybody on the
show, I think it would be Nikolas. I think he rocks. He’s awesome. Maybe he’ll
get amnesia again, and he and Courtney can be on an island together. I like
that. I’m going to suggest that.
Dear
AliciaLeigh,
What types of movies do you like, and what was the last movie that you saw?
Osanna Nalbandian
Dear
Osanna Nalbandian,
I saw Monster last night. Wow. Charlize Theron has got guts. I love movies like
that. I like independent films. Darker, more seedy movies.
Dear
AliciaLeigh,
What inspired you to become an actress? What was your first professional gig? I
have to say that you are one of my favorite actresses.
Mindy
Dear
Mindy,
My father. We lived in Georgia, and he moved us all to California because he
wanted to act. We were like the Beverly Hillbillies moving from Atlanta to
California. He was so dedicated and loved it so much. Then I got the bug. My
first job ever was a Bank Of America commercial when I was 5.
Dear
AliciaLeigh,
What do you find to be the most difficult or the worst part of doing a photo
shoot?
Tara Callahan
Dear
Tara Callahan,
I hate photo shoots. I am the worst model on the planet. The last photographer
at a photo shoot told me, "Okay, Alicia. Pretend like you want to be
here." I have a hard time taking myself seriously. Sitting in front of a
camera posing or trying to look sexy, I feel stupid half the time. I feel sorry
for the photographer.
Dear
AliciaLeigh,
You are in such great shape! Being an avid exercise enthusiast myself, I really
enjoy and appreciate how the GH writers have incorporated your own physical
strength and fitness into Courtney’s personality. What does your normal weekly
fitness regime consist of, and how do you manage to keep it up with your heavy,
and often unpredictable work schedule?
Laurie McRae
Dear Laurie McRae,
Lately, it’s been getting a lot harder and harder. I’m starting to get back
into it. I try to mix it up. I like to box, I like to run, and I love swimming
in the ocean and surfing. It’s about keeping it interesting because I hate
working out. I hate it! I try to make it enjoyable, but it’s not fun. When I
work out at the gym, my trainer kicks my butt. When you’re done, it’s a great
feeling, though.
Dear
AliciaLeigh,
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
Sharyn
Dear Sharyn,
I love reading. I love hanging out with my boyfriend and my dog. When I come
home, I’m all about relaxing and trying to have quiet time.
Dear
AliciaLeigh,
I have to start off by saying that I think you are a great actress. I am 16,
and I have always wanted to be in the school’s musicals and plays, but I get so
nervous before the auditions and can’t do it. Do you have any helpful tips?
Ashley
Dear Ashley,
A good relaxation to do before an audition is yoga. Whenever I have a big
audition or I feel anxious, yoga always makes me feel better.
Dear
AliciaLeigh,
If you could change any thing about Courtney, what would it be and why?
Tammy
Dear
Tammy,
I probably wouldn’t make her as trusting as she is.
Dear
AliciaLeigh,
What kind of makeup and hair products do you use?
Cindy
Dear Cindy,
Lately, I’ve been using a lot of Dermalogica. All of their face products. I
have a tendency to break out. I have since I was really young. Since I’ve used
Dermalogica, I haven’t had any breakouts at all. I use a shampoo called Cat
Walk. It’s purple for blondes.
Dear
AliciaLeigh,
First off, I want to say that you’re doing a phenomenal job on GH! I would also
like to ask if you have a crush on anyone on the set, and if so, whom?
Emma13
Dear Emma13,
They’re all like my brothers!
Dear
AliciaLeigh,
What’s it like working with Ingo Rademacher (Jax)?
Susie Callahan
Dear Susie Callahan,
Ingo and I have this fun kind of relationship where we joke back and forth.
It’s very playful and light.
Dear
AliciaLeigh,
I am loving your chemistry with Ingo! It is so exciting to see where things
could go with Jax and Courtney pairing up. How do you feel about a love thing
with Jax?
Christine
Dear Christine,
I think it would be interesting. There’s definitely a potential there. Deep
down, Courtney thinks he’s a really great guy. But she’s really still hung up
on Jason.
Dear AliciaLeigh,
If you could go anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?
Lori
Dear Lori,
I’m going to Greece for the Olympics and then maybe Italy. I’ve never been to Europe
before. So that’s where I’d want to go, and I’m going! I’m pretty excited.
Dear
AliciaLeigh,
I am a Courtney fan first, so I am behind you every step of the way, but do you
think we will get a Jason and Courtney reunion by the end of this year? Thanks!
Taliah
Dear Taliah,
I hope so. I hope there is some kind of a reunion. But I also love my story
with Jax. I can’t lose either way.
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