Exclusive Interview with Constance Towers

by Laurie Flesch

I am honored that I was able to interview the beautiful and talented Constance Towers recently. Constance has a most impressive resume, including television, film, and theater. General Hospital fans have loved Constance’s portrayal of Helena Cassadine for years. Much to the delight of the fans, Helena has returned to the canvas this week. I know you’ll find Constance as interesting as I did:

Laurie, GHOFS May I say you are positively gorgeous? How do keep yourself looking so good – do you follow a particular diet and exercise plan? Is there a “forbidden” food you treat yourself to on occasion?

Constance I try to always exercise and work out daily. I enjoy food, but I believe in eating fresh vegetables and fish whenever possible. I have to admit, I'm not a big fast food person. So as long as you have meals cooked properly and fresh fruits and vegetables, I believe you can treat yourself to a delicious dessert now and then.

L. I know you’ve returned to “General Hospital” this week. Can you comment on how long you’ll be staying?

C. I always tell fans that Helena is around as long as you and the writers want her to be. I hope to be on for a long time, but I realize they have others to write for as well. I'm very excited about the return.

L. Are you looking forward to playing Helena again? Is there something you’ve especially missed about the role during your absence?

C. Yes, I have missed Helena's wardrobe! I also have missed seeing friends like Nancy Lee Grahn, Tyler Christopher, Tony Geary and the most wonderful and talented cast and crew in Television.

L. Helena is so dark and evil. Do you enjoy playing that type of role? Do you find it more challenging to play an evil character like Helena?

C. I have always enjoyed playing Helena. I don't see her as evil, but slightly misguided. I believe what guides her actions is mainly the love she has for Nikolas. I think as long as she loves him, she's blinded by her actions. It's always challenging making a character like Helena slightly loveable.

L. How old were you when you started singing? When and how did your interest in operatic singing begin? Are you from a musical family?

C. I was very young when I knew I wanted to sing. My parents encouraged me, gave me lessons when I was very young. I come from a creative family, if not musical.


L. Was your first film “The Horse Soldiers” with John Wayne and William Holden? Was it at all intimidating to work with them?

C. My first film was "Bring Your Smile Along." "The Horse Soldiers" was my third film. No, it was not intimidating working with Duke Wayne. He was a warm, caring and giving soul. I don't think anyone ever felt intimidation around that man. He showered everyone with warmth and love.

L. I know you played opposite Yul Brynner in the 1977 Broadway revival of “The King and I.” Can you talk a bit about working with Yul Brynner? Is there something that stands out about that experience?

C. Yul Brynner was amazingly charismatic. He was always prepared, very professional and knew his lines and each score to perfection. I found him to be very giving as an actor and powerful as well.

L. You recently did a play, “Six Dance Lessons in Six Weeks” with Jason Graae. You actually had to dance six different dances in the play. Did you already know all the dances or did you have to take lessons? Was there a dance that was particularly difficult for you to master? When you finish a project like “Six Dance Lessons in Six Weeks” where you’ve worked so closely with others for so many performances, do you feel let down when it’s over? I guess I’m curious if you go through a period of missing the experience once it’s over.

C. I did know most of the dances, but still we had rehearsals and Jason was wonderful to work with. We had an amazing coach and choreographer, so nothing seemed difficult working with her. No, after an experience, or performance I don't feel let down at all. You feel a sense of accomplishment if the audience is receptive to it. And the audiences were wonderful from opening night, to closing.

L. How does daytime television compare with the other work you’ve done?

C. Daytime television is more intense and sometimes can be grueling. But I really enjoy stage work and getting the immediate reaction from the fans. Daytime takes a little longer. That being said, I respect daytime actors more than any. They have an incredible amount of dialogue to memorize and prepare for in such a shorter period of time.

L. Having done film, theater, television, and daytime soaps, do you have a preference? If your preference is theater, can you talk a little about the thrill of working in front of a live audience?

C. I would have to say it is most thrilling in front of a live audience. That's almost every actor's preference and certainly mine. It's an amazing feeling getting the immediate reaction from the audience.

L. Do you have a favorite role or one you’re most proud of?

C. Not any one role. They all have been great for me at the time I did them. There are no roles I absolutely hated and I can honestly say I loved all of the roles I've had the opportunity to play.

L. Have you ever worked at a job that was unrelated to acting? If you weren’t an actress, what do you think you would be doing?

C. I enjoyed being First Lady to the Ambassador of Mexico in the eighties. I would say if I couldn't be an actress that I would love to work with children. Maybe a teacher.

L. What would you say is the biggest misconception fans have about you?

C. Fans have been great. They've actually had very few misconceptions of me. Sometimes people who don't know me personally think I'm a little standoffish or more like Helena than I actually am. It's amazing to play such a rich character who is beloved and I find that when fans get to know me, they are surprised that I'm nothing like Helena.

L. You’ve had such a successful career and I’m sure you have many interesting stories to tell. Have you considered writing a memoir?

C. Yes, I have considered it and discuss it at times with my PR agent. But right now, I'm too busy enjoying and living my life than to settle in and remember it all as if it's over. Hopefully I’ll have more time to think about my memoir in the future. For now, I am enjoying my life and career.

Thanks so much to Constance Towers for taking the time to answer my questions. As you can see, she’s a multi talented and interesting lady. I hope we can talk again soon. Also thanks to Tommy Garrett for all his help and support with the interview.

Follow the link to visit Constance Towers official web site: www.garrettandiconspr.com/constancetowers/

And thanks to Laurie Flesch for this wonderful interview for GHOFS!
Robin