Flashback Interview: Catherine Mary Stewart

Published May 6, 2024 by biggayhorrorfan

Often as a journalist, particularly with online pieces, you discover that your writing has been archived or has vanished completely. Thus, I thought it might be fun to, occasionally, revisit some of my favorite work that was done for other publications. The below interview with Catherine Mary Stewart was conducted at a Horror Hound event in the spring of 2010. Originally running on Horror Society’s site, this blast from the past seems as freshly contemporary to me as Stewart, herself.

As an actress, Catherine Mary Stewart has faced down juiced out zombies (Night of the Comet), sexy serial killers (Psychic) and intruders from space, both friendly (The Last Starfighter) and not so friendly (Nightflyers). But her professional beginnings as an actress on soap opera Days of Our Lives were just as scary – and there were no worlds gone wild or dead men named Bernie hanging around either!

“An hour show a day is difficult. My very first day on the set was humiliating. It’s my very first scene as Nurse Kayla Brady and I had to name every single character. I got everybody’s name wrong! Everyone was like, No – I’m Maggie and this is Hope!”

As for the most exciting thing that happened during her short tenure (1982-83) on the beloved soap?

(Laughing) “I lost my virginity to my brother! Josh Taylor was playing Chris Kositchek at the time and I lost my virginity to him. Now he’s back on the soap, playing Roman Brady, Kayla’s brother. So, I lost my virginity to my brother!”

Of course, after her stint on Days, Stewart became known to many horror and science fiction fans for her exemplar, tough as nails work in films such as Dudes and in the very popular, above mentioned films.

“Night of the Comet established me as a strong woman. And, let’s face it, this business is surface and one dimensional, so I got cast as more of a tomboy after that.”

But Stewart did find herself thrown into the occasional glamorous role on such mini-series events as Sins (with Joan Collins), the legendary Hollywood Wives and on the lighthearted, early ’90s attempt at a long running series, Hearts are Wild.

“You know, while I didn’t mind the idea of a steady gig, the character on Hearts Are Wild started out a lot darker. But…it turned into a commercial Love Boat type of thing.”

Darker emotions also played into one of Stewart’s first roles after her familial based hiatus. In 2007, she appeared in a supporting capacity in the horror film based on celebrated novelist Jack Ketchum’s book, The Girl Next Door. (As many know, the central character, Ruth Chandler, tortures and abuses her young female ward.)

“The Girl Next Door gave me a lot of pause. They wanted me to read for the lead. I just couldn’t. I had to ask myself, Are you scared because it’s challenging? Finally, I decided yes, it’s challenging…but it’s just too tough. This was the movie to get back into it all and I just wanted to get the wheels turning. I did not want to play that part.”

Of course, since those tentative returning moments, Stewart, much to the delight of her ravenous fan base, has not only been working non-stop in film, but has been hitting the convention circuit and has set herself up a home base, not only on the web – http://www.catherinemarystewart.net -, but on Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/catherinemarystewart -, as well. She’s also found an emotional connection with many of the viewers of her past celluloid achievements.

“So many young women have claimed I instilled a sense of power in them. I love that! I can’t tell you how much I love that!”

In closing, when asked to use one word to describe Penelope Spheeris, the, yes…powerful and acclaimed director who guided her through the rough terrain of Dudes, Stewart responds:

“Oh, man! She was just so cool! So. Cool! I so wanted to be even half as cool as her!”

Until the next time, SWEET love and pink GRUE, Big Gay Horror Fan!

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In Remembrance: Bill Hayes

Published February 11, 2024 by biggayhorrorfan

Bill Hayes’ joy in performing was infectious. In fact, this legendary nonagenarian truly seemed happy with whatever bits and pieces that the powers-that-be at Days of our Lives, his creative home for over 5 decades, would give him to perform over the past 15 years. But Hayes, who died at the age of 98 this January, virtually (and literally) glowed with enthusiasm throughout the late fall of 2021. That was when his kind, long standing character Doug was possessed by the devil. Current head writer Ron Carlivati had long wanted to revisit long term heroine Marlena’s late ’90s encounter with the red horn trickster. Thus, when he was finally given the go ahead, he inventively involved one of Salem’s sweetest legacy characters. Hayes was obviously having a blast portraying Doug as he locked his wife Julie in a meat cooler and strategically flirted with townswomen half his age.

Nicely, he was prepped for this sinister undertaking due to his participation in another one of the show’s macabre plotlines – 2003’s Salem Stalker outing. There, Doug, along with other series’ notables like Maggie & Caroline, was “killed” off – supposedly by a brainwashed Marlena. In a grand twist, though, all were revealed to be alive and living in Melaswen (IE: New Salem).

Renowned for his musical proclivities as well as acting, Hayes was recognizable to the general public for his appearances on variety television (Your Show of Shows) and Broadway (Me and Juliet), while his recording of The Ballad of Davy Crockett spent 5 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1955. Most importantly, his decades long partnership with Susan Seaforth Hayes, his loving spouse and frequent co-star, will go down in history as one of the most endearing celebrity romances.

His was a life definitely well led.

Until the next time, SWEET love and pink GRUE, Big Gay Horror Fan!

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Va-Va-Villainess: Frances Reid

Published August 17, 2023 by biggayhorrorfan

She delighted generations as the donut baking Alice Horton on Days of our Lives. But like most of daytime television’s seasoned matriarchs, actress Frances Reid had quite a career before joining the ranks of the ultra-beloved performers in the continuing history of soaps.

Of special note is her appearance on a season 6 episode of the original Perry Mason (The Case of Constant Doyle) – the show that featured the indomitable Bette Davis, as the titular Doyle, in the steed of an ailing Raymond Burr. Here Davis’ shrewd yet kind lawyer is determined to help the young Cal Leonard (Michael Parks) evade a murder charge. Her investigation soon uncovers that the true killer may be closer to her than she ever thought.

Amid a character brigade of financial shysters and drunken society ladies, Reid’s proper Ms. Liza Gibney is ultimately a standout. Seemingly prim and proper, she also presents a devious side -making for a complicated character that steals focus with a hysterical breakout when pertinent evidence is revealed about her in Davis’ summation in the show’s final act.

Nicely, besides the participation of Davis and Parks, who both have numerous horror credits in their multifaceted resumes, childhood actress Peggy Ann Garner (A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, Daisy Kenyon) provides an acerbic, fun appearance as the afore mentioned inebriated, high society wife.

Until the next time, SWEET love and pink GRUE, Big Gay Horror Fan!

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As The Stab Burns: Kim Coles

Published August 2, 2023 by biggayhorrorfan

Proving that the tears of the clown do run the deepest, comedienne Kim Coles’ (Living Single, In Living Color) recent run as Nurse Whitley on Days of our Lives was decorated with both tragedy and laughter…with a good ole dash of psychotic fury thrown in for good measure, as well.

After Abe (James Reynolds), the show’s mayor and a legacy character extraordinaire, was hospitalized, he discovered one major post-surgery complication – Coles’ overly friendly, extremely deluded healthcare practitioner. Convincing him that she was Paulina (Jackee Harry), his powerful and loving wife, Whitley kidnapped him and held him captive in her apartment – one strewn with colorful stuffed cat plushes and overly cheery paraphernalia. As the confused Abe grew ever leery of her story, Whitley conceived scheme upon scheme to keep him in the dark and by her side.

With definitive echos of Stephen King’s Misery, the increasingly desperate caregiver even began drugging Abe, eventually finding a way to convince his family that he was dead. Of course, all that begins badly generally ends happily in the world of daytime and, after one last ditch effort to erase herself & her captive from existence, Whitley was caught and brought to justice.

Besides proving that King’s tales should provide more fodder for soap opera stories, this saga gave Coles a delightful way to expand her talent palette. Alternately vibrating with tenderness, confusion and menace, she made the most of this unusual opportunity, ensuring this story was a fun…& historic ride. *

(* – This tale was one of few in the show’s many decades that revolved around and utilized a Black cast almost exclusively.)

Until the next time, SWEET love and pink GRUE, Big Gay Horror Fan

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Style Icons of Horror: Getting Wiggy with Days’ Eve

Published August 19, 2020 by biggayhorrorfan

Have Wig, Will Revenge!

Always more of a misunderstood anti-heroine, Days of our Lives’ Eve Donovan (the always emotive Kassie DePaiva) has recently emerged as an evil mastermind, a character type that fans of horror films are very familiar with.

After kidnapping her daughter’s murderer and torturing him in a warehouse outside of New York City, Eve has recently arrived in Salem, IL, where the show is based, to finish off her revenge scheme.

Eagled eyed Claire (Isabel Durant) sees through Eve’s disguise!

Naturally knowing she is under suspicion for her criminal activities, Eve reemerged disguised in a black wig – a perfect terror flick accoutrement – and an accessory put to good use by everyone from Morticia Addams to Elvira, Mistress of the Dark.

Of course, you can be in good company, too – by watching Days which airs, weekdays, Monday – Friday on NBC.

https://www.facebook.com/daysofourlives

Until the next time, SWEET love and pink GRUE, Big Gay Horror Fan!

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Samara, Morticia and Elvira: The Most Famous Black Wigs in Horror!

Style Icons of Horror: Kaye Stevens

Published August 8, 2020 by biggayhorrorfan

“Show any cheek and you’ll be back shoveling French fries!!” – Mrs. Kallender, Jaws 3

Whether opening for The Temptations or enacting a broken-hearted breakdown on Days of Our Lives, eclectic wonder Kaye Stevens always presented herself with passion and a grand sense of pizzazz.

Nicely, this scene stealer brought a little flair to the Jaws kingdom as well with her appearance in the highly anticipated, ‘80s personifying Jaws 3-D! As her Mrs. Kallender instructed some eager femme charges on how to conduct themselves as employees in this toothy version of Sea World, it seems like the producers took a liking to Stevens’ personal style. Flourishes of red abound in the production design, making Kaye’s bright locks a visual precursor for all that is to come in this aquatic, bloody celluloid nightmare.

In my (skin free) book, there can be no bigger compliment or sincere indication of Stevens’ immense visual (and otherwise) talents than that!

Kaye leading the Jaws 3 color charge!

Until the next time, Big Gay Horror Fan!

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Further evidence of Kaye bringing flair to soap operas, variety shows and album covers, worldwide!

The Red Giallo Antics of Days’ Eve

Published August 4, 2020 by biggayhorrorfan

Eve Red Duo

Sporting a giallo red dress, her form surrounded by pure white lighting while an offscreen wind machine ruffled her hair dramatically, Days of Our Lives perennial bad girl Eve Donovan made her grand re-entrance on the daytime scene this past week.

Determined to stop reformed serial killer Ben Weston (subtly intense Robert Scott Wilson) from finding happiness on his wedding day to refreshingly honest heroine Ciara Brady (the forever spunky Victoria Konefal) , Donovan deployed a bomb as a distraction tactic (just as the ceremony completed) and whisked the former compulsive murderer off to a mysterious warehouse lair. Eve Solo Red

As portrayer Kassie DePaiva notes in a recent interview, Eve has “definitely gone off the deep end!” Of course, this is not surprising if one charts the series of misguided love affairs, false accusations and general bad luck that have plagued this character during the prime of her run on the show. Add in the fact that during his long-ago reign of terror, Ben claimed Eve’s sweet daughter Paige as one of his victims and you have a Molotov cocktail of intense motivation happening here. Now Eve is determined to brainwash Ben into murdering his new wife, allowing him to liberally partake in the intense pain that she herself feels over the loss of her greatest love, her one and only child.

Of course, as the mechanics of this revenge-soaked plot play out one truly hopes that the atmosphere will remain saturated in the glow of the European revenge horror films that it is already nicely imitating.

One thing will remain certain, though. DePaiva, who has always immersed herself into the mindset of every character that she plays, will compel and entrance….and possibly find herself with an Emmy nomination for her work – a feat that would bring her total nods for her efforts with this role up to three.

Eve Blue

For further information on Days/DePaiva, be sure to check out https://www.facebook.com/daysofourlives & https://www.facebook.com/kassie.depaiva.

Until the next time, SWEET love and pink GRUE, Big Gay Horror Fan!

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Halloween in Salem!

Published September 18, 2019 by biggayhorrorfan

Days Burial

It is starting to smell like Halloween in Salem! In the past few weeks, the setting place of (the long running soap opera) Days of Our Lives has had long lost characters rise from the dead while a mad scientist runs amuck, his chemical concoctions exploding around him! One of the show’s major heroines has also just been kidnapped by a silent, shrouded figure.

One recent ghoul stained returnee has even taken a deadly shine to some of her old, mischievous tricks. Vivian Alamain (currently being played by daytime icon Robin Strasser) has always had a thing for burying folks alive…but her latest victim Kate Roberts (the incomparable Lauren Koslow) wasn’t giving up her mortal coil easily. After being shot by Vivian and covered in graveyard dirt, this resourceful anti-heroine crawled out of her makeshift resting place and dragged her nearly expired glam gal self to the local hospital. Naturally, as the writers stretch out this macabre yarn, Kate’s life still hangs in the balance…and Vivian is prowling the hospital corridors, hoping to drag her off of that precarious ledge. Days Kate

Of course, this is all being done with a sense of grand, over-the-top fun. But more than anything, it’s been a twisted joy watching glamorous, dedicated pros like Strasser, who gets more assured and enjoyably cunning with every appearance, and Koslow go at it with few (if any) holds barred. The producers also, nicely, gave longtime soap lovers a special treat by recently reuniting Strasser and Kassie DePaiva, who plays town pariah Eve with distinctive panache, for a brief scene. For decades these legacy performers went at it with love (and occasional wraith) as aunt and niece, respectively, on the late lamented One Life to Live.

Days Vivian

Intrigued by all this deadly, pumpkin spiced mayhem? Well, be sure to tune in, daily, at https://www.nbc.com/days-of-our-lives.

Until the next time, SWEET love and pink GRUE, Big Gay Horror Fan!

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Hopelessly Devoted to: Jill Whitlow

Published August 2, 2019 by biggayhorrorfan

Jill Main

Not many people can say that they were kidnapped by a soap opera king, but Jill Whitlow, who supplied a refreshing presence to a number of television and films in the ‘80s and early ‘90s, can actually lay claim to that cinematic honor. On the Short Walk to Freedom episode of Airwolf, the popular television show that featured Jan Michael Vincent and Ernest Borgnine, her spoiled Kay Freestone finds herself a captive of John Aniston’s Colonel Arturo Alzar. Aniston, known primarily to network comedy lovers as Jennifer’s father, has spent the last 30 years intriguing daydream believers as the venomous Victor Kiriakis on Days of our Lives. Here, he spreads some of that poisonous energy out onto Whitlow and crew.

Jill Kidnapped Admired, widely, for the sweet courageousness she brought to Cynthia, the heroine of Fred Dekker’s Night of the Creeps, it is fun to see Whitlow portray the more unsavory aspects of Kay’s character here. After being taking hostage during a Latin American excavation trip, Whitlow fully embraces the pouty antics of her role…faking illnesses and taking extra sips of rationed water with a silver glint in her eye.

Whitlow also brought the same kind of expressiveness to the Mother’s Day episode of Freddy’s Nightmares. She gives Barbara Gamble, the troubled character she plays, a jaunty air as she explores the house where Freddy Krueger committed his most heinous crimes. But even more so than Airwolf episode, the script here, by well traveled television writer David Ehrman, allows her some depth. Jill flirt

While her mischievous nature is in fine form when flirting with cute co-star Byron Thames, she supplies true sorrow to her moments with the accomplished Judith Baldwin (The Stepford Wives), who plays Barbara’s successful yet neglectful radio psychologist mother.

These moments here prove that beyond her most popular roles – arguably in Creeps and Weird Science – Whitlow did impressive work that is well worth seeking out. Be sure to check out her other credits at https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0926114/ and….

Until the next time, SWEET love and pink GRUE, Big Gay Horror Fan!

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Jill sick.jpg

Music to Make Horror Movies By: Gloria Loring

Published April 14, 2019 by biggayhorrorfan

Best known for her popular run on Days of Our Lives and for her hit single Friends and Lovers (with the late, beloved Carl Anderson), Gloria Loring is a renaissance woman. As an author, motivational speaker and singer-actress, she has been deservedly admired for decades.

But an appearance on Freddy’s Nightmares also makes her a minor matriarch of horror, as well. As Ellen Kramer, the no nonsense editor of a tabloid journal, on the second season episode Heartbreak Hotel, Loring shone with a sense of vibrant power and feministic sassiness. (Interestingly, this episode also features Tiffany Helm from Friday the 13^th: A New Beginning and Richard Cox, the killer in William Friedkin’s controversial gay themed slasher-thriller Cruising.)

Among Loring’s greatest work, though, has to be this amazing melody of songs, which tells the bittersweet story of a romance from its hopeful beginning to its heartbreaking end.

Be sure to visit this spectacular multi-hyphenate at www.glorialoring.com and until the next time…

SWEET love and pink GRUE, Big Gay Horror Fan!

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Freddy's Nightmares