When did you first hear about the Melrose Place revamp? Did your recurring role on 90210 help put you in the running for MP?
I first heard about the revamp shortly after I finished my arc on 90210. It was so early in the developmental phase at that time that it didn't really cross my mind that I could be a part of it. I'm not sure if being on 90210 helped me get the part. I had worked on a few CW pilots in the past so the network was aware of who I was. They asked me to meet with the producers just to see if I would be interested at all. Todd [Slavkin] and Darren [Swimmer] had such an intriguing concept for the first season, I immediately wanted to be a part of it. After reading with Michael Rady, who plays my boyfriend on the show, the role was mine and I couldn't be more excited to be part of such a great legacy.
Tell us about your character Riley. Is she a good girl or more on the bitchy side?
Riley is definitely a good girl in the pilot. She's a first grade teacher so she's really warm and compassionate. Jonah and her are dating, they've been together for around five years, and are just at that stage where they're trying to figure out whether or not to get married. Riley is concerned because Jonah is a struggling filmmaker without the means to really support them as a family. While you're really gonna wanna root for them there's also going to be a lot of conflict to come as Riley tries to figure out if this is really the life she envisioned for herself.
And what can you tell us about the murder mystery arc?
Not much. I can tell you that someone gets murdered and that it's the driving force of the season. It will involve almost every character and really bring out all their different vulnerabilities. Beyond that, you'll have to watch to find out!
Are you looking forward to some juicy, over-the-top storylines? Maybe a catfight in the pool?
I am looking forward to seeing the way this environment and the big event that happens in the pilot affect these people. While the first Melrose was known for it's campiness and almost fantastical story lines, the new Melrose is gonna be a little more real. That's not to say there won't be drama, there's plenty. The new show is just a little more gritty with stories that are a little easier to relate to.
We have to ask: Did you watch the original MP? Who was your favorite character?
I didn't watch it when it originally aired. I think I was around 7 when it was on so I couldn't exactly relate to it. But when I booked the role, Todd and Darren sent me the fourth season to watch because I was curious. In the first episode I watched Kimberly blow up the complex and I immediately understood why the original had such a following. I've only seen a few episodes since but I guess my favorite character would be Sydney. I know it sounds cheesy to pick her but she was just so sneaky but really funny at the same time. I was excited when I heard she was the one that was going to be coming back.
What do you typically do during your downtime on set?
I bring my dog to set with me. She's a Yorkie/Pekinese cross so she has a lot of energy. I take her for walks, read my book, play on my computer or hang out with the cast.
What TV shows are you a fan of?
My favorites are Lost and Brothers and Sisters. Lost is the ultimate mystery on TV, I'm dying to find out what happens and Brothers and Sisters is so well acted, I feel like I learn a lot from watching that show.
By Carla Thorpe
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