Chat With CC: February 22, 2007
The following are highlights from our recent online chat with Crystal. It has been sorted, rearranged and edited for easier reading. Enjoy!


Crystal: I am so happy to be here and having a chat with anyone who wants to talk. Let's just talk about soaps.

Attendee: Crystal, since your start on Guiding Light in 1999 up to today what has been your favorite storyline and why?
Crystal: I've always enjoyed the Spaulding storylines because they're the nasty, naughty people, but interesting. And, I love to work with Alan, and Alexandra, working with Marj and Beth... Um...just a lot of fireworks.

Attendee: Are we going to see more of your storyline with Jeffrey and Ava, your daughter?
Crystal: Um...as far as I know they still really love the story. We're definitely in a holding pattern. I can't tell you when it's gonna pick up, but I can tell you they love the dynamic of this story...the quadrangle. I had some scenes recently with Alan-michael that were a Lot of fun.

Attendee: Are you and Buzz really getting married?
Crystal: They try to get married. They're very much in love, but you know, there's the complication of Jeffrey and Ava. That's where we are.

Attendee: Do you miss Dr Manning on Days?
Crystal: Yeah, I love Carly...as an actress who's played a character on a previous show, it's fun to imagine where she is and what she might do if she came back.

Attendee: Crystal, we've missed you onscreen lately! Has a date been set for Olivia and Buzz' wedding, or will it be a long engagement?
Crystal: I think it's more that there's a complication with Olivia. She becomes weirdly maternal with Ava and wants to protect her from the Spauldings and she appeals to Alan-michael to let her go, but you wonder how far Olivia will go to protect her other daughter. She's a bit of a freak when it comes to protecting her children.

Attendee: What do you think about the reaction over the rape and do you think it has been pushed to far it is only a story and peoples reactions have been mixed?
Crystal: It's a good qusetion, Tl. I think that it's a good story to tell, because it does, like a lot of "rapes", it brings up questions about boundaries, and this is touchy...you know, we're telling a story about a 16-year-old and an 18-year-old that got together and some very blurred things happened. And, I know that some people feel very strongly about this. I don't think it's a bad thing that the question was raised or that we focus on the fact that there are blurred lines. But it is, for me, a deep responsibility to give you some kind of answer.

Attendee: I saw you in Va. at Kings Dominion. Do you know if you're going to be there this year or if they are doing the event?
Crystal: I believe they're doing the Kd event and hell, yes, it was one of the most fun experiences I've had. The fans were so much fun, and any opportunity to hang out with my castmates and party... I'm there!!!

Attendee: You know, rape just isn't blurry to me.
Crystal: I agree, it's not blurry. But that's me. I'm not the storyteller. I'm the one telling the story on the screen. All I can do is hope that those who are telling the story respect what people are saying.

Attendee: I love your scenes with Kim Zimmer. Will we be getting any more Reva and Olivia cat fight scenes? I really hope so, you can't beat those! You and Kim work amazing together!
Crystal: Kim and I don't have much coming up, but I would Love to work with Kim. She's a pal and a fellow broad and we've laughed until we've peed our pants. That's how much we enjoy working together. We've tried not to make each other laugh because we have pee issues. LOL!

Attendee: When did you move to California?
Crystal: I moved a year ago and I love it. I don't mind flying. It's never been an issue, and I'm the girl who shows up at the studio with a tan, while everyone shows up and asks: "Where do you tan?"

Attendee: Awesome! Where about? We used to live in Sacarmento.
Crystal: Central coast. It's beautiful there.

Attendee: Further to the rape thing...has Ellen Wheeler dropped her plans to clarify the rape issue? Is that anything to do with why your storyline has been in this holding pattern for so long?
Crystal: The reason I haven't been working is because, like most of the cast, we're all working to our guarantee. There is a budget issue and bottom line...you'll see some people work a lot for spurts and then pulled back. It has to do with budget. They are very much committed to the Jeffrey/Olivia/Buzz [story].

Attendee: I'm glad to hear it -- although I think it's a stupid way to run a soap.
Crystal: Well, you know what...here's the bottom line, if I can bottom line it for you..it's either this, or go off the air or fire people...so, it's a new way of thinking about watching story and a new way of working on a soap.

Attendee: Crystal how are your boys?
Crystal: My boys are great. They're 6 1/2 and 3 1/2 and they're giving the appropriate "fight" that children that age do... LOL! But, I...we're so enjoying these people because they're so great! They're uniquely beautiful souls...

Attendee: Congrats on the Emmy Prenomination! Have you made your decision about your final submissions? And congrats on getting the Lead Nom!
Crystal: Thanks!

Attendee: Do you get to keep any of your outfits you wear on the show?
Crystal: I've never liked any of the outfits I've worn on the show..and yes, I have big knockers, but I've had big knockers all my life...there's a way to conceal knockerville.
Attendee 2: Lol, I hear that!
Attendee 3: At least you've got the big lips to match...
Attendee 2: And a skinny waist!
Attendee 4: You're beautiful, Crystal. Michael's a lucky guy.
Crystal: I'm a balanced human being...big lips , big knockers... LOL!

Attendee: Any truth to rumors of Guiding Light being canceled?
Crystal: I don't believe GL is going to be canceled. We have not been picked up. I Think that we're up in September, but no, I don't think we'll be cancelled. Brian Cahill of P&G was recently quoted as saying that the soap operas are a great venue for connecting to the consumers and I think they're very much behind their soap operas.

Attendee: So Crystal, do you plan having more kids or adopting in the future?
Crystal: I do plan on having more children in my family. But it will be through adoption. Probably in the next 3-5 years. I'm very committed to adopting and I want more children.

Attendee: There are rumors of you leaving and going to GH or OLTL, is it true?
Crystal: You know, my contract is up in September and I've made no decisions. I love Gl, but who knows what's gonna happen six months from now, with anyone, with any show?? Maybe they won't want to keep me...who knows??

Attendee: You seem to have a "goofyness" about you I've seen some goofy moments from Olivia is that more you? It's funny to see anyway!
Crystal: Yeah, I'm probably more goofy than I am sinister! Yes, I'm more of a comedian than I am a dramatist. It's been fun to be so heavy and bitchy for so long, but I look forward to some levity and leading lady stuff. I'm really interested in leading lady stuff.

Attendee: Crystal, what was your favorite part of the Biloxi trip, and will you volunteer any more? I'm going to volunteer at New York Cares day in April.
Crystal: Awesome. I'd love to be there with you because I'm trigger happy about volunteering. I truly believe in Hands On...i'm gonna sing their praises forever. They are a group of people that will take Anyone who wants to volunteer without question and it just was the best experience of my life. It was right there with giving birth with my children in terms of meaningfulness...so please, feel free to volunteer, and if you need some coaxing, I will help you, I will get you in touch with people. It's really easy and fun.

Attendee: When will the story pick up? Can you give us an idea of when we'll see more of Olivia again? Soon, I hope.
Crystal: I wish I could tell you that I knew. I just know this. I love you all for being so supportive of me and Olivia, because I've always thought she was a really cool character, and I just like talkin' to ya... We can talk about anything... politics... anything you guys wanna talk about...I am so open to that! Or talk about the show... I'll tell ya what I think about the show...

Attendee: Are you watching any good soaps / storylines?
Crystal: I'm watching Grey's Anatomy and I love it!! But I'm also writing with my writing partner and we've got a couple of good shows we're trying to get made...they're soaps...primetime soaps. I adore soaps.

Attendee: What is the most exciting thing about playing Olivia?
Crystal: I think that she gets such a diverse reaction from people, if that's the right word. I love and am so grateful that she's survived, being written as she has been, and that people still want to watch her. She's a bit of a mess and I like that of her. She's not easy to pigeonhole. Yet, on some level, she's relatable.

Attendee: What do you think about the show??
Crystal: I love Guiding Light. I think it's got one of the best casts in daytime... And, we have such an opportunity to be one of the best shows ever on television... an opportunity. I support my cast. I love my team. Somedays, I think we're absolutely brilliant, and other days, like anyone else, I'm going, "What happened?" What I want to know, to help improve my perspective, is what you think. In other words, what do you want to see... bottom line.
Attendee 2: Some characters are written too one-dimensional, not relatable at all, almost cartoonish.
Attendee 3: I want to see strong women!
Attendee 2: More romance, good old-fashioned romance...
Attendee 4: There could be a little more diversity I mean why concentrate on certain characters all at on time?
Attendee 5: What I dont want to see is Cassie and Josh.
Attendee 6: The storylines are confusing. The stories are not concluded -- left hanging to dry.
Attendee 7: I want to see you on the show at least a couple times a week without big gaps [of] you being off the show.
Attendee 3: No psycho or doormat women, and no apologies for their own abuse!
Attendee 8: Consistency -- continuity -- romance, not just sex.
Attendee 9: I'd like to see storylines that aren't dropped. The beginning and middle of most stories are great, but most conclusions need work.
Attendee 10: I want real connections, I want to know what people think not just watch an Itl to tell me that this is a story. I want to see what happens the next day.
Attendee 8: Character driven stories -- not characters forced generically into plots.
Attendee 11: I really think that character driven storylines are most important to see. I would say relationships, but I believe that through character driven storylines, the relationships will follow.
Crystal: The only, and this is no good real explanation, is that we are limited to a budget, and for Gl, I believe that we're working to guarantee so there still figuring out how to do it. I will say that I believe that both David and Ellen love the show and are trying to figure that out. It's not some maniacal plan to destroy the show, as it sometimes comes across online, as I read it. It's not that. They are 100% behind the show. It really has become a situation where they're trying to tell story within a certain budget, and in all honesty, I respect their efforts in doing so. It's, for me, an unsolvable equation at this point.
Attendee 8: There should be more attention paid to connections between characters and similarities in their history.
Attendee 12: They should do a fundraiser or something.
Attendee 2: That's why Gus and Harley are still sitting in lawn chairs - the budget.
Attendee 3: I will volunteer to go finish building Gus and Harley's house!
Attendee 13: Goodwill has some pretty nice stuff!
Attendee 7: Crystal and Nicole and Beth Ehlers can get more in a look than the crying screaming that is the norm.
Crystal: I agree with a lot of what you're saying. It really has come down to money. But, I think there's a way to tell story within these budgetary constraints and we just haven't quite figured it out.
Attendee 14: Also, the gimmicks need to be toned down as well. That's what killed Port Charles and Passions.
Crystal: I'm not sure I'm ready to comment on that Glass-eye. I want to see what else is out there. I'm not ready.

Attendee: What would you like to have happen to Olivia? If you had control over your storyline?
Crystal: Well, you're really tapping into my dream world asking what I'd like to have happen to Olivia. I think that I'd find more conflict between Buzz/Olivia and somehow, bring Bill back.

Attendee: Is there any chance of the ITL Wednesdays stopping?
Crystal: No, I don't think so. I think we're gonna keep doing them, and we're going to keep volunteering throughout the year. I have no idea what storylines are coming, but we're taping through the end of March and we still don't know who shot Alan, so that's still going to be a big story. Who do you think shot him?
Attendee 2: RJ.
Attendee 3: I hope Lillian shot him.
Attendee 4: I think Gus did it.
Attendee 5: It would be poetic justice if Phillip shot Alan.
Attendee 6: They should say Olivia shot him if it will bring your character on the show more often! LOL!
Attendee 7: I think Doris hired someone to shoot him.
Crystal: Lol... I believe it's RJ, too. That's a great choice. I mean, why not? He had access to the gun... I love that choice. LOL! He's had it easy for a soap opera child... of course, he's gonna go postal.

Attendee: Justin Deas in one of my favorite soap actors. Do you have fun playing opposite him? I hope Olivia and Jeffery become closer to Ava on GL. Do you like that storyline?
Crystal: I Love Justin. I'd kiss on him any old day. He is truly one of the best actors in my career that I have ever worked with. I just really think he's cute and I like Justin. I really think that, with some imagination, they could be really a great couple.

Attendee: What's it like to "hook up" with all those men?
Crystal: It's tough, but I get paid to do it, so I bravely look at all those gorgeous faces and that immense talent, and I think, "Well, somebody's gotta do it".

Attendee: Any chance Philip will be coming back, Grant or a recast?
Crystal: I think Phillip is a pivotal character, and if Grant wanted to do it, it would blow this show out of the water, but either way, bringing back Phillip would be a change in GL.

Attendee: What are your thoughts on fans posting videos of you and your work on YouTube, etc?
Crystal: I love it. In fact, recently, I downloaded old video of Michael and I on Days of our Lives.

Attendee: Why can't Michael [Sabatino, Crystal's husband] be a Spaulding?
Crystal: Michael's a hot 50-year-old man. He'd be awesome as a Spaulding!

Attendee: Crystal, I wanted to mention that you were great as 'Meta' on the 70th anniversary special, the cast looked like they had fun doing it.
Crystal: That was a great show, largely, because of the hair/make-up guys... They got to have fun.
Attendee 2: Good, it looked like you were having fun, and it was a wonderful, fabulous show.
Attendee 3: It actually showed that you guys have fun.
Attendee 4: Love the 40's period and loved that episode.
Attendee 5: Did the cast look at old tapes before they did it?
Crystal: Yes, we looked at old tapes before we did that show. Honestly, I think Beth Ehlers did a beautiful job as Irna Phillips. She's really an underrated actress, but that's just me.

Attendee: Who would you say is your closest friend on Guiding Light?
Crystal: Honestly, my closest friend would probably be Beth Ehlers and Michael O'leary, but I really truly am close to a lot of the people there. I would gladly sit down and invite all of them to a dinner. That's how much I adore and love all of them. And, it sounds far out there, but I think they've all just gotten used to me. LOL!

Attendee: Crystal, how do you feel about the blind items in Soap Opera Weekly (SOW)? Do you think it takes away from the genre?
Crystal: I don't mind the blind items. I think that's just catchy journalism.

Attendee: Crystal, have you seen any good theater recently?
Crystal: I haven't, but I want to introduce a book, and I haven't read it yet, but it was introduced to me by a dear friend of mine. It's called A Long Way Gone by Ishmael Beah. And, starbucks is selling the book. It's about a young soldier in Sierra Leonne and by young, I mean a child. And it's about a child's journey through war. Into journalism, as he is the one who wrote the book. It's worth the read.

Attendee: I'm late to the party, but just wanted to say I've enjoyed Olivia sparring w/Jeffrey. To that end, do you see them ever becoming close? Or do you think it will end in anything... an affair or a one night stand?
Crystal: I can honestly say that I don't know what will happen with these two, something will happen.

Attendee: Do you think Olivia will get pregnant on the show anytime soon -- with Buzz's child perhaps?
Crystal: I don't know, would you like that?

Attendee: Any chance we'll see Olivia working again?
Crystal: Yes, we will see Olivia working again. When, I don't know.

Attendee: Crystal, do you have a fav drink?
Crystal: I like vodka. Or, as some people call it, a martini.

Attendee: Crystal, do you like Ugly Betty?
Crystal: I love Ugly Betty...are you kidding? I think it's one of the best shows on television, along with Grey's, and I hear Friday Night Lights is great...i haven't seen it yet, but I'm going to watch it.

Attendee: What is your favoirte clothing store?
Crystal: I love the Red at Gap... I'm sort of a Target girl. I love Target (tar-jay)! In terms of my family, and my purses and my shoes... I'm a Target girl...and then, I like a little Abercrombie and Fitch, for when I'm trying to feel younger than I am.

Attendee: What type of music do you like to listen to and who is your favorite singer?
Crystal: I love all music. I love voices from different people. I'm the most embracing person of people who have something to say. You can't offend me. I love people's opinions. It's my favorite part of being an American.

Attendee 1: Crystal, Bohdi sends his love.......we both miss you being on a lot!
Attendee 2: Hi! Does Bodhi bark when Crystal is on?
Attendee 1: LOL! Yeah, I say there is your mommy and he looks.
Crystal: Oooooh... I'm so glad you said that...I miss my Bohdi...no, YOUR Bohdi. And, I'm so lucky that I had such a great human being to come in and love this puppy, the way I would have loved him. And, please send more pictures...
Attendee 1: He misses you also and I do say there is mommy every time you are on he does look. I will send more pictures I promise.....I love him as much as I have always loved you.

Crystal: I want you to have a great night, and if you have any questions, just email me, and I'll get to them. And, give me your opinion, good or bad, about me or anybody else. I'm good with criticism. You're my whole reason for even wanting to be in this business. I love you. I do appreciate you all. I love you for coming here. Good night...have a great night! Keep talking to me... I'll give you whatever information I can. Bye, guys!