www.forlovecharitableevents.org/interview.phpFLCE:
You’ve been with Days of our Lives for almost 5 years now. Did you ever think on your first day that EJ DiMera would still be front and center on the show?
James Scott:
I honestly had no idea how this character was going to turn out. I certainly didn't think EJ would even be on the show today, after shooting John Black and the "incident" with Sami, I was pretty sure my days were numbered. I actually think that if we hadn't had a change in Executive Producer and Head Writer then EJ would not be here today.
FLCE:
What have been the biggest changes you've witnessed in your character over these last 5 years?
James:
From Race Car Driver to Drug Lord and General Villain to Lawyer and do-gooder its certainly been varied...
FLCE:
Right now, what do you see as EJ's biggest hurdles to overcome?
James:
He needs to step out of his father's shadow and become more at peace with who he is. He also needs to find a woman who loves him as a bad guy so that he can stop trying to be someone he is not every time he falls in love.
FLCE:
Recently we've heard of some casting changes on the show. Mark Hapka (Nathan Horton), Jay Kenneth Johnson (Philip Kiriakis) and Shelley Henning (Stephanie Johnson) have all left and, most recently, Natalia Livingston was replaced by Tamara Braun as Taylor Walker. How has this affected you and/or your castmates?
James:
It's always a blow when people leave. For Jay and Shelley it was less of a surprise as they had expressed an interest in moving on for a while. I think Mark also was happy to move on in many ways. Natalia was very unexpected. I didn't see that one coming. A re-cast like that is always very hard -- for the person being replaced and for the replacement. It takes a while to re-settle.
FLCE:
Has it taken long to adjust to a new Taylor mid-storyline?
James:
Tamara has, very wisely, owned the character and taken her in a different direction, so it was tough. She is a wonderful actress though and we worked very hard to make the transition as seamless as possible for the audience.
FLCE:
If you could write EJ's storyline from here on out, what would you like to see him do?
James:
I would like to see him become less insecure and take more control of his love and business life.
FLCE:
Many DOOL fans have been turning up to see you and your castmates at the Days of our Lives 45 Years: A Celebration in Photos book signing tour. Where are you headed next? Do you ever get a chance to do some sightseeing?
James:
I am headed to New Orleans next week!
FLCE:
What other cities will you and the cast visit on the book tour?
James:
Just that one booked so far, but others are in discussion...
FLCE:
Any interesting fan experiences you’d like to share from this tour?
James:
The fans have been amazing as always, it’s so exciting to see everyone so enthusiastic about the book.
FLCE:
Slightly changing gears, where do you like to travel for fun? Any place you'd really like to visit next?
James:
I am not sure where to go next, honestly, for the first time in a long while I am really happy just staying at home and working on the house or in the garden.
FLCE:
If you could turn a hobby or interest into a career, what would it be?
James:
Photography, no question. It's a hobby I would love to take to the next level, and I have started going to night school this year to become a better photographer.
FLCE:
Several years back you founded Urth Solution. Considering the world economy and the current price of gold, how is this endeavor going?
James:
I think I have said this before, but things with Urth Solution went on hold a year ago. There were two main reasons for this. One was a government coup in Madagascar which was accompanied by widespread violence in which scores of people were killed or injured. The other place we were working in, Bolivia, experiences similar regional problems, and widespread strikes and civil unrest among mining workers across the whole country. On a positive note, you can expect to see Urth Solution coming back online in late 2011 – I’ll keep you posted...
FLCE:
What would you say have been the biggest challenges and successes of being an entrepreneur?
James:
For me the greatest challenge was juggling the pressure of an organization that had people working for me on three continents -- with shooting a TV show that takes upwards of 50 hours a week to film. Exhausting to put it mildly. Now, Urth Solution is going through some changes. There are some updates that need to me made too, before the problems I mentioned earlier caused us to hold our work. We did manage to complete two large projects that improved the conditions of miners and the community in both countries using funds raised my our Urth Solution customers.
FLCE:
Any words of advice you could give to a budding entrepreneur that you wish you had received?
James:
Take advice and don't use your own money.
FLCE:
Fans truly appreciate how generous you have been in attending various charity events around the US. Last year, For Love Charitable Events (FLCE) was pleased to have you attend two of our events - our “Weekend in Salem” in LA and a smaller fan brunch in Boston. What do you enjoy most about these types of events?
James:
I think it’s not a secret that I am a pretty reclusive person, so the thing I like about the smaller charity events is that I really get to spend time with the fans in an environment that doesn't feel too overwhelming. I am always interested in hearing from the fans about how story is going, and what they think of other aspects of the show.
FLCE:
Is there an event format you prefer over others?
James:
I prefer smaller, less formal events where I can spend more one-on-one time with fans.
FLCE:
This year, we are very pleased that during Days Fan Weekend (June 3-5, 2011), you will be attending all of FLCE’s Weekend in Salem 2 events to benefit Habitat for Humanity. Any chance fans will see you tearing up the dance floor at the dinner and dance party Friday night?
James:
You know me - can you get me OFF the dance floor will be the question...
FLCE:
On Saturday evening, you’ll be joining some special FLCE VIPs for dinner and a limo ride through Hollywood. We received overwhelmingly positive feedback following this event last year. What can these VIPs expect from this exclusive experience?
James:
I have to say the Limo ride was my favorite part of the weekend last year. A chance to spend more intimate time with a small group, and relax over dinner was a really great experience.
FLCE:
Do you have any other events near and dear to your heart coming up this year that you'd like to mention?
James:
I have one more event going on over the fan weekend. This one is very personal to me. One of my closest friends has been going through a very difficult time over the last three years. He has several very painful tumors in his abdomen, and has debilitating knee problems that have left him unable to leave his bed or walk for much of the last two and a half years. In 2008 John moved in with me after he lost his house and art studio due to medical bills that resulted from his insurance dropping his coverage. John is a really amazing person who has himself dedicated much of his life to helping others less fortunate than himself. I am arranging a fundraising event that will enable him to travel overseas and get the medical help he needs to be able to move on with his life. Crystal Chappell and Shawn Christian have very kindly offered their time and support to help raise money for John's much needed surgeries. We are still ironing out the specific details, but we are planning a small event on the 5th of June. The event will be very exclusive, and open only to 15 fans who will join Shawn, Crystal and myself for a ride in a luxury limo to a beautiful vineyard for a picnic and wine tasting.
For more information about how you can participate in the special event with James, Crystal and Shawn, please visit Days Friends Helping. Please note that this event is not being hosted by For Love Charitable Events, Inc. but we encourage everyone to help support John in his time of need. A video appeal from James for his friend can be found here:
Courtesy of Daytime Royalty
