ADVERTISEMENT

SOS MailBag


Like/dislike a storyline or pairing on your screen? Do you want a fan favorite to return? Do you love/hate a character and/or their actions? Have a campaign you want to highlight? Have something you just want to vent about? If so Soap Opera Source wants to hear from you! Whether it's from daytime, primetime, music or movies, we want to hear it!

Send us your thoughts, opinions and suggestions to be printed in the SOS Mailbag to: SOSmailbag@soapoperasource.com
One on One With Natalia Livingston
Written by Soap Opera Source    Monday, March 09, 2009 01:01 PM   

She debuted on General Hospital in 2003, replacing Amber Tamblyn as Emily Bowen Quartermaine and was shortly thereafter paired with Tyler Christopher (Nikolas Cassadine.) Natalia Livingston had huge shoes to fill when she took over the part, but she quickly made the role her own and amassed a loyal fan base who have supported her through her tenure. In 2008, she departed to pursue other interests but returned in early 2009 as Rebecca Shaw.

Soap Opera Source had the chance to chat with the Emmy winning actress to talk about her new role and her return to General Hospital.

Soap Opera Source: How does it feel being back on General Hospital?

Natalia Livingston: It feels WONDERFUL to be back!!! I love it! GH has the best people, both cast and crew in my opinion.

SOS: When you were on our radio show, In The Zone Radio, you mentioned [head writer] Bob Guza had a character in mind for you, to bring you back, was 'Rebecca' that character he talked about?

NL: Yes, I believe it was. At that point, I don't think that Rebecca had a name but it was definitely the storyline that he pitched to me. It has changed a little from what I remember but basically the same idea.

SOS: Do you know if the plans are to pair you again with Tyler [Christopher]? Or is there someone new in store for Rebecca?

NL: I do have quite a few scenes with Tyler coming up. But honestly, I do not know for sure. The writers told me it could go any way and nothing will be as expected or as I had maybe thought. Rebecca is a whole new character so she could be paired with anyone or if they do pair her with Tyler it will be different and unique and hopefully something fans will fall in love with all over again.

SOS: Do you think it's going to be hard for fans to accept you now as Rebecca and not as Emily?

NL: I hope not. I really think the writers are doing a great job at writing her differently from Emily and that of course is so important. I think I have to trust that Rebecca will be in completely different situations than Emily and that she will do things Emily would NEVER do. I have to trust that the story will help to make her different along with what I can bring to a new character. Of course, I look just like Emily but I think little by little people will see the differences and get to know a completely different character. I have really been enjoying the challenge and have gotten feedback from some really supportive and wonderful fans who love Rebecca and see it as fun, edgy and new -- and that means a lot! There are so many possibilities with her!

SOS: What if any backstory were you given for Rebecca?

NL: I was given that she is new in Port Charles and will be an x-ray tech!!! [laughing] That's it.

SOS: Did Sarah Brown returning as Claudia, pave the way for you returning as Rebecca?

NL: I think probably so. I think Sarah is doing an amazing job. Now when I look at her in scenes, I only see Claudia. I don't see Carly anymore. But I think it takes a little while with any actor.

SOS: Do you find Rebecca a more challenging character than Emily?

NL: YES!! for sure :) mainly because she is so different from me. My general manner or temperament is more similar to Emily. I am really trying to make Rebecca my own though, and finding those parts within myself that we have in common!! They are definitely there!! It has been challenging and fun to find them.

SOS: What if any ideas do you have for Rebecca, storyline wise?

NL: I think a love triangle of some sort would be great of course. Maybe Sonny & Rebecca, Nikolas or Lucky or Jax or Johnny or heck ANYONE!!! SHE IS A NEW CHARACTER! That's the fun of it!! lol .....I'd like to see her remain tough and edgy. I hope she is not softened too much. Though I think it is important to show a softer side to make her more human. I just want her to be a complex character that we enjoy and love. That is my wish.

SOS: While away for the short time from GH, you've kept yourself busy with short films and movies. When and where will fans be able to see you in those projects?

NL: Honestly, I'm not sure yet. Probably sometime this summer. I will keep you posted. Thank you for asking.

SOS: Have you re-signed a long term deal with GH, or is Rebecca only here for short term?

NL: She'll be around for a while.


So what does the future have in store for Rebecca? Over the next couple of weeks, Rebecca continues to interact heavily with Nikolas and Lucky (Greg Vaughan). Nikolas isn't the only one who notices the interaction between Lucky and Rebecca. What will Helena's return, if any, have on Rebecca's presence? Could Rebecca really be Emily? You'll have to stay tuned and see.

Who do you want Rebecca paired with? What story would you craft if you were the head writer? Send your suggestions and comments to: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to be included in our upcoming article.

Catch Natalia on General Hospital weekdays on ABC, weeknights on SOAPnet and anytime on ABC.com.

On The Web: www.generalhospital.com | www.natalia-livingston.com | www.soapnet.com

Want to show your support for Natty? Write to her at:

Natalia Livingston
c/o General Hospital
ABC-TV
4151 Prospect Ave
Hollywood, CA 90027

You may also call in support of Natalia, her character Rebecca and/or her storyline:
GH Fan Comment Line: 323-671-4583 | ABC (LA): 818-460-7477 | ABC (NY): 212-456-7777


This interview is not to be reproduced without written consent from the author and SoapOperaSource.com © 2009 Soap Opera Source. All rights reserved
Comments (6)Add Comment
...
written by Diane, March 20, 2009
Glad Natalia is back; hope she has a blast with her new character and storyline. Looking forward to Rebecca interacting with all kinds of people on GH and not being backed into a corner aka being Emily's "clone".
im glad dhe is back
written by patsy doisey, March 14, 2009
glad she is back , but u should had figured a way to bring her back as emily , cause yall always have a way of bringin the dead back as there self
General Hospital
written by Manny Singh, March 11, 2009
Dear Natalia Livingston I thing you are amazing actress have a great heart to return and l hope you do a great job l know you will and would like to play 2 actress on General Hospital as Emily and Rebecca sister?..
...
written by RemilyFan, March 10, 2009
Yay! I love Natalia and this new character!
She's amazing!
NL
written by Tracey, March 10, 2009
i don't think she should be with any one right now and please not nik or Lucky but i'm glad she back
...
written by Mandy, March 10, 2009
I'm so glad natty is back! LOVE YOU NATTY!!smilies/kiss.gif

Write comment

busy
 

Who's Online

We have 121 guests online