A Closer Look at Alan

Soap Opera Weekly

January 28, 2008

By Meridith Miller

 
In honor of the anniversary of Jonathan, Sarah and Tammy’s deaths, Alan tries to make amends with Lizzie and Cassie.  Ron Raines (Alan) reveals Spaulding’s true intensions—and why he thinks Alan isn’t all bad.

 Weekly:  Why is Alan trying to play nice with everyone this week?

 Raines:  In his manipulative way, he is seizing an opportunity to bring his family together.  He’s not in good shape with Elizabeth, and he is not in good shape with Beth. He is trying to find an event that everyone can relate to.

 Weekly:  So Alan isn’t sincere in his efforts?

 Raines:  Oh, my God, he’s always sincere (laughs).  His sincerity is just bizarre.  He plans to have a memorial for Sarah, and he even wants everyone to go down to the island for reminiscing, family togetherness and healing.

 Weekly:  Does anyone accept his offer?

 Raines:  He invites Beth and Lizzie.  He even invites Rick, who accepts, but then Alan makes a call to the hospital saying, “Make sure Rick Bauer is on call all week.”  It’s very funny.

 Weekly:  Meanwhile, Jonathan is back in town, sending Alan cryptic messages.  Does Alan have any idea that Jonathan and Sarah are alive?

 Raines:  No, he thinks it’s Cassie harassing him.

 Weekly:  What leads Alan to make amends with Cassie despite his suspicions?

 Raines:  Alan did not want Tammy to die.  That was not the plan.  It turned out like that, and he feels bad about it.

 Weekly:  So he goes to Tammy’s memorial to show his support?

 Raines:  Yes, and Cassie takes the high road and lets him in.  Alan comes as close as he can to apologizing.  He does have his nice moments.

 Weekly:  How do you think Alan’s memorial for Sarah will affect his relationship with Lizzie?

 Raines:  Alan wanted to do something to remember a lost family member.  He loves Elizabeth very much, but he can be very insensitive. [The memorial] will be a typical Spaulding event.  It’s pretty wild.  [Alan and Lizzie] will still have that love/hate family junk going on.

 Raines:  He thinks she’s gone to the other side with that Lewis stuff.  But when he thinks she is pregnant, he’s thrilled.

 Weekly:  Speaking of babies, is Alan still keeping close tabs on Beth’s pregnancy?

 Raines: Yeah.  He doesn’t know the baby is his, but anytime he gets around Beth he toys with her head.  He loves her so much.

 Weekly:  Really?  What about Natalia?

 Raines:  He’s chilling out on that, but Alan needs a woman!  He doesn’t have a woman.  He needs on [to keep him from] hitting on his son’s girlfriend.  He’s a mess.  He’s hysterical.

 Weekly:  How do you wind down?  I hear you like to meet old castmates for Mexican food.

 Raines:  Well, we did that about two or three times this past year; a couple of directors, Peter Simon (ex-Ed), Grant Aleksander, (ex-Phillip).  It’s great to hang out and tell funny stories about how things used to be back in the old days, and situations we all survived on the show.

 Weekly:  What are you looking forward to in 2008?

 Raines:  I’m looking forward to the changes with the show that will be revealed in February.  It’s quite exciting.

  
Also in the January 28 edition of SOW:

 Guiding Light’s Natalia is heading down the aisle with Gus, but Ron Raines (Alan) enjoys hearing what some GL fans think about his character’s quest for her love.  “Somebody said, ‘Old man Alan deserves to be alone.  He’s such a jerk,’” chuckles Raines.  “It was very funny [because] she was right.  I loved it.” Despite the fans’ opinions, and Natalia’s rejections, Raines still enjoys playing Alan’s romantic side every now and then. “I love working with Jessica [Leccia],” he enthuses.  “The story has been a great addition---and she’s terrific.”