Transcript of Yahoo! Chat with Days' Deidre Hall (Marlena)- July 6, 1999

Deidre: Good evening everyone! This is my first time speaking to you as Mrs. John Black!
Deidre: I think I'm nearly as happy as you all are. I hope you enjoyed being guests at my wedding as much as I enjoyed being the bride!

dtorrano asks: How long did it take to film the wedding scenes? They were GREAT!
Deidre: The actual wedding show took a full day to tape. But it was closer to sixteen hours than the usual nine.

goldn_braid asks: Were you surprised that you were chosen to be represented in the Soap Series of dolls?
Deidre: I think Marlena is one of tv's most beloved and endearing characters. And although modesty requires that I react with surprise, I know what a favorite Marlena is, and has been for so many years.
Deidre: I must say, I was not surprised.
Deidre: Flattered, touched, yes. Surprised, no.

hearts_hearts_hearts asks: Diedre-do you and John have a friendly relationship outside of Days?
Deidre: Drake and I are very close friends and enjoy each others company during working hours, but have never been social friends.

mar_elgart asks: The show was beautiful. Did you have a say in the writing of the vows?
Deidre: The wedding ceremony was created and written entirely by our writting staff. I must say a part of me was expecting sky rockets and a marching band! I was so pleased and touched with the tender and emotional wedding they created for us.
Deidre: It was just right.

greeniz63_98 asks: Did you have any input in picking out your wedding dress for John and Marlena's wedding?
Deidre: You know by now that the dress that Marlena wore for the wedding also had to be appropriate for Marlena, the Mattel Doll. Everybody had specifications and requirements that had to be met.
Deidre: I thought the dress was exquisite, even for one created by a committee.
Deidre: You will see the doll on the wedding cake tomorrow.

peg_23 asks: Do you believe in love at first sight? My friends and I are debating the issue. So what do you think?
Deidre: Absolutely.

dee_drake asks: Ms. Hall, do you plan to possibly continue your HSN jewelry line someday?
Deidre: I have no plans to do that in the future.

jaynequinn asks: What were you doing in between takes of the wedding?
Deidre: Mostly stepping out of my heels!
Deidre: It was a very long day that required discipline and pace for everyone.

tx23snj asks: If you could work with any actor, who would it be?
Deidre: I've always had a terrible crush on Dennis Quaid.
Deidre: I think I would perfer to lust after him from a distance.

drskrug asks: The charity auction at your event was amazing. I loved the assortment of items and the opportunity to bid on such incredilbe stuff. Will you be having more auctions like these in the future?
Deidre: The entire Deidre Hall Luncheon this year was an act of charity; not just the auction items that benefitted "Feed the Children", but as you know, the ticket sales went to install a new lighting board for the school.
Deidre: It was so successful and we all felt so pleased. We will deffinately do luncheons for charity in the future. I'm glad you had a nice time.

texaslady39 asks: I am 39 years old and have watched Days all my life. Didn't you have a child on Days and it died or got kidnapped? I HAVE A BET ON THIS QUESTION! I said it died.
Deidre: You are right on both counts. I had a child with Don that died of crib death, or SIDS. But don't forget the vile Stefano also kidnapped my twins. And Sami kidnapped Belle.

mikel_94518 asks: What were the Death Row scenes with Sami like to be filmed? They were quite amazing to watch.
Deidre: The scenes had to be very exacting and shooting them was more difficult than most.
Deidre: The death chamber was isolated. We were shooting through glass walls and it was an impossible level of emotion.
Deidre: I thought Ali was magnificent, didn't you?

Lilybell99 asks: Have you ever called Josh Taylor, Kris instead of Roman?
Deidre: Only in jest!

stoopid82 asks: Will Marlena ever look into her missing years?
Deidre: I don't know.

HappyBug83 asks: I saw a movie about your struggle to have children. How are your children doing?
Deidre: My children are magnificent. Thank you for asking.

GymnastGirl_16 asks: Do you ever see Wayne Northrop anymore?
Deidre: I see him every chance I get, which is not nearly often enough.
Deidre: I still count him among my closest friends.

JennM_DOOLfan asks: Ms. Hall, your scenes with Ali Sweeney lately have been amazing. Are you a mentor of sorts for the other actresses?
Deidre: I'm not sure mentor is the proper word. Ali and I have always worked very closely to find a performance together, not just in performance, but in indepth conversation before hand.
Deidre: In particular, Ali is often curious to find jestures or words truly appropriate to motherhood.

shanbott asks: Did you ever think this wedding would occur?
Deidre: I didn't think it would take this long.

debcain asks: Deidre, just how old are they going to make Belle?
Deidre: She is a teenager.
Deidre: The rumour has been out there for a while about the aging of Belle. I know not everybody is in favor of the notion. Is anybody in favor of it?

collegegirl1899 asks: I heard that John sings on tomorrow's show, do you think he sings well?
Deidre: I think he does eveything well. I'm not sure I'd put singing at the very top.

five_5star asks: Will your character's name be Dr. Marlena Evans-Brady-Black or just Marlena Black?
Deidre: I don't know. I think it will be Dr. Evans, or Mrs. John Black.

diva_00_99 asks: What is it like working with Jensen Ackles?
Deidre: Jensen is the dreamiest! I adore him as a co-star, as a son, and as a friend.

LittleR36 asks: Are you an animal lover?
Deidre: I have a great fondness and respect for animals.

joq3 asks: Do the actor's have any imput into the scripts or storylines?
Deidre: No.
Deidre: and I wouldn't want any.

tarin24u asks: Your husband called you CB... we were wondering what that means?
Deidre: It is a private term of endearment.

sle26 asks: What were the location shoots like in Hawaii, Deidre?
Deidre: The location shots were the finest I've ever done. At the location every person was doing everything they do very well.
Deidre: It is a tough grind and is exhausting. You never get to the best work, it is impossible.
Deidre: At one point we were shooting a scene you will see next week. The scene was to be shot as the sun set on the horizon.
Deidre: We finished half an hour early. We sat on the shore waiting for the proper moment. Steve Wyman, who was directing the location shoot turned and said to me in a quiet moment "I'm so sorry this is taking so long". All I could do is laugh. I was sitting among close friends, during a work day, on the prettiest day and watching the sun set.
Deidre: On yeah, and then I got to work with Drake!

catty30080 asks: I recently saw your TV movie on reruns about the boys. Would you advise anyone to go with a surrogate today?
Deidre: Absolutely. Why wouldn't I?

Rthtodd asks: What is your opinion of NBC's decision to cancel "Another World" and replace it with "Passions"?
Deidre: I'm sure they thought it was a good business decision or it would not have been done. Only time will tell if they were right.

dee_drake asks: What do you attribute the amazing chemistry between you and Drake to?
Deidre: If I could describe or define chemistry I wouldn't have to work for a living. Isn't it great that we have it?

dru95_4 asks: Do you miss having your sister on the show?
Deidre: I miss having my sister in my life. I spent a few days with her in Virginia. We never have enough time together.

Subway_Sonja asks: Is Alice Horton like a everyones grandmother... I would love to meet her... she inspires me so much... she reminds me so much of my late grandmother.
Deidre: I don't find Francis Reed to be anything like Alice Horton. I find her to be saucey, out spoken, determined and forceful. She is a true force with which to be reckoned.

michael_and_sabrina asks: How often do you get a new wardrobe for the show, Mrs. Hall?
Deidre: Every day that I do a new show I get a new outfit.
Deidre: Richard Bloore will always bring in a number of options and let the actress choose what she'd like to wear.

Yael_Israeli_fan asks: You're so gorgeous, how do you stay in shape?
Deidre: Thank you. Six months ago I began working with my TaeBo tape. It is great, it is fun and empowering. It only requires twenty minutes of your morning.

tigerlilly_99_00 asks: Hi Deidre. I was just wondering how do you balance such a hectic work schedule along with taking care of your children?
Deidre: The producers are good enough to keep my hours to a minimum and my children are my true scheduling priority.
Deidre: Although the producers are very helpful in keeping my hours brief, I have worked very heavily during the last three months.

JennM_DOOLfan asks: Ms. Hall, do you realize just how much fans appreciate all you do for them! Because we do! You are very kind to your fans... we appreciate it!
Deidre: Thank you, that is nice to hear.

chad_sss asks: What is your favorite vacation destination?
Deidre: I'm looking forward to taking the boys to Africa.

BLOWFISHn asks: How many years have you been on Days' now??
Deidre: I began days in 1976.

deannajeter asks: How long does it take you to memorize lines? Do you goof a lot?
Deidre: My tendancy is to memorize my dialouge immediately before I do it. I have an amazing short term memory. Ah, what was the question?

Gladialo_in_Aug asks: Do you ever take your children to the set, and if so, do they enjoy watching their Mommy?
Deidre: I take them to the set very infrequently. But, when they are there, they don't watch me perform.

Beth555 asks: Are you more comfortable in Marlena clothes or are you a jeans and t-shirt sort of gal?
Deidre: I'm comfortable in both.

Cousin2zm asks: How is it always playing a good character? Do you ever want to play a bad character?
Deidre: Although we often hear how much fun it is to play a wicked character, I must tell you, I appreciate there being such a fine role model in the world.
Deidre: I actually had an agent that got me the job. She was a fan of the show. She'd say to me "I like this character. She is so powerful, she is so real. I love watching her!" I would think, I wonder what she is seeing. It took me a long time to realize that it was something more than the sum of parts with Marlena. All the ingredients came together to make it magical.

shann_wa asks: What was your favorite moment of the wedding?
Deidre: There were so many fine moments, weren't there? Tragically, you never got to see the rehearsals. Drake did a hilarious lizard lounge rehearsal. During the first taping of the garter toss, it landed in little Will's hand. The more astonished he was, the louder we screamed! It was hilarious!
Deidre: I loved it when Drake pulled me down to the horizontal kiss! I watched him say his vows all day long. Rehearsal, in the make up room together, going on stage and finally taping it. I was deeply moved every single time. I thought he was extrodinary. I actually thought this was every brides fantasy.
Deidre: I thought I'm so lucky to stand here and receive this.

kim_1207 asks: The recent show that showed a musical montage of John and Marlena was great. Did you get to see it before it aired?
Deidre: I still haven't seen it. I was in Europe for two weeks.

SWEETGIRL_2002_02 asks: What is the worst thing about being famous, and is it as great as they say?
Deidre: I'm going to try to explain to you what I have just realized myself. I was talking to a friend over dinner about this topic. There is an awareness in the states that every time a celebrity turns to speak to someone, whether to ask for directions, sugar in their coffe, or to not be given a parking ticket. You are opening yourself up to their recognition and their response to your character.
Deidre: I'm especially sensative to it when I'm with my children. It is an artificial response based on nothing that is about me or who I am.
Deidre: I only realize it now because when I was out of the country and I was completely relaxed.

goldn_braid asks: Did you always dream of becoming an actress?
Deidre: Never. I actually wanted to be a hairdresser and I studied to be a psychologist.
Deidre: I just had to settle for being a tv star!
Soapfan35 asks: While I enjoyed John's vows, I thought Marlena's were prettier. And you said them with such feeling. A lot of people have been saying on the Internet that they want to use some of the vows and the flower/children part in their own wedding.
Deidre: I knew when we shot those scenes it would become a new prototype for family marriages.
Deidre: I thought they were both exquisite choices and highly appropriate to the history of the characters.

redhead6886 asks: What was your personal reaction when given the script for the possession storyline?
Deidre: I was told about that story line ages before it ever happend. I was anxious that daytime might not be the medium for it or that it might not be done with the quality that the stoty telling demanded.
Deidre: I was much relieved and proud of how well it was done. Once again, every person doing everything they do the best it was ever done. Stunts, lighting, the performances! Everything.

vgo_gal99 asks: How do you prepare for the emotional roles that you play, ex: crying?
Deidre: I only use what is there for me to use. During the Sami scenes I tapped into my love for Allison Sweeney and her vulnerability. I just stayed in the room.

UCan2_1999 asks: Ms. Hall which execution story was the most emotional Sami's or John's ? You were great in both.
Deidre: Those scenes called up different kinds of emotions. There is a revulsion associated with the gas chamber. Having to watch him struggle for breath, life, unlike the Sweeny scenes which was a more peaceful, quietly painful, sort of death.

days_4ever asks: What was the most difficult storyline ? You play them all excellently.
Deidre: It was very difficult trying to meet the level of performance that I would have had with Wayne when we began to call Josh Taylor Roman.
Deidre: I don't think I ever really succeeded. Not because of Josh, he was terrific. But because of my deep friendship and love for Wayne.

Godskidalways asks: I loved the wedding. We are using the family flower thing July 20 at our renewal of 25 years.
Deidre: Told you!

angel5499 asks: Who is your closest friend on the set?
Deidre: There are a number of people I enjoy chatting with and spending time with. Jamie Lyn, Lauren Koslow, and of course, my pal Drake.
Deidre: Nancy Lewis, Tom, and all the really great dames upstairs.

chica10_98 asks: I think you are one of the greatest actresses. I was wondering if you can give us any little hints about the future for J&M. Please :) :) :) :D :D :D
Deidre: I don't know how the Gina story line plays out. Tom has told me John and Marlena will live happily every after.

afletch22 asks: The actor for Stefano, is he a real teddy bear in person? Mom thinks so and so do I.
Deidre: A Teddy Bear? Not that I've noticed!
Deidre: But I don't know that I'd recognize the real person. Joe Mascolo never speaks without Stefano's accent.

vanaMay asks: What is your astrological sign and do you think you "fit" in the stereotype of it?
Deidre: Scorpio, but I'm not sure if I fit it.

shida720 asks: Do you realize what kind of an impact your TV charcter can have on a persons real life? Some people make life decisions on what happens to their favorite charcter.
Deidre: I'm told quite often by fans of the show of the impact the show or the characters have on their lives. I don't go there too heavy for responsibility.

Eeyore104 asks: You are my inspiration... who were your biggest inspirations and why>?
Deidre: My mom worked her whole life, raised five kids and never complained. I call that a hero.
Deidre: I call teachers that work all day long to give you the tools to survive in the world and can barely make a living, raising other people's kids, heroes.
Deidre: I have a great long list, but no names you'd recognize.

AIMEE63 asks: WHAT DO YOU DO IN YOUR EXTRA TIME?
Deidre: What is that?

shimrlill asks: My dream is to be an actress when I turn 18. Do you have any advise?
Deidre: I don't give advice on any topic, but you must know that acting is the most difficult field in the world in which to become successful.
Deidre: So, if you decide to persue it, you had better want it more than anything else in your life.

joq3 asks: Do you ever aspire to write, direct or produce?
Deidre: None of the above.

marlena_black99 asks: There are two rumors: John is going to be bitten by a shark and the other is John is going to cheat on Marlena during the honeymoon. Are either of these true?
Deidre: I never respond to rumours. Where do you hear such things?

stoopid82 asks: Was this weddding for real? Or was this another fake wedding courtesy of Stefano?
Deidre: No, no, it is a real wedding! It is a real wedding!
Deidre: Don't deprive yourself of the joy!

goldn_braid asks: What do you think of the doll that they have created of you?
Deidre: I think it is a cute idea.
Deidre: I love that it is on the wedding cake!

Rosanna2810 asks: Can you refuse a storyline that is against your principles
Deidre: I'm sure I could.
Deidre: Our directors and producers are very comfortable with us finding our own way through the dialogue. Although our writers are very good, we rarely have to. The wedding vows were so perfect, I struggled to get them verbatim. There was also a show written a few weeks where I ask Stepano to intercede on Sami's behalf. It was so well written, it needed no emotion. It took pains to get it word for word.
Deidre: I told the writers how much I appreciated that.
Deidre: Thanks for joing me. Apparently it is time to wrap up our chat. Thank you so much for attending the wedding. Do not miss the receiption tomorrow. It is as lovely and as full as today was.
Deidre: And if you thought today was great, wait until the honeymoon!