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Post by ghoulgirl on Mar 30, 2011 14:51:51 GMT -5
It took Kate Mansi three tries before landing a role at DAYS, but it was worth it now that she's playing the plum part of Jennifer's daughter, Abigail.
"When I had my first screen test for DAYS - I think it was three years ago for Melanie - I called my family in Providence, RI," Mansi recalls. "They have watched DAYS forever and they were over the moon about it. It didn't work out, but I tested for a few other soaps and then I came back here again to test last summer. After I tested, I started watching the show and I felt this real sense of community because I had tested, so it was neat."
Mansi didn't know that the third time would be a charm when she arrived at the studio a few months ago. "It was so strange - I had been here and tested a few times and Marnie [Saitta, casting direction] said, 'We'd like to revisit you, so come back.' Marnie and I have remained close and she's just fantastic, so I came back and had this meeting. It was sort of vague, so I met everyone again and then they brought Missy [Reeves, Jennifer] in and introduced me to her. I was like, 'Oh, my gosh, hi.' And she said,'I can't wait for you to be on the show! You're going to be my daughter!' I didn't really even know yet, so I was like, 'What? Are you serious?' And trying to keep my composure a little, as well."
When the acting bug bit in high school, Mansi - who grew up as a dancer - decided to switch gears. "I thought, 'This is a different kind of fulfillment than dance,'" she says. "I went to college at Pepperdine University, so I was acting while getting my education. I was really happy to be doing both, but it was definitely an extreme juggle. I remember one day I was screen-testing for some thing and I had a final on the same day. It was so intense. But I had a great college experience and I'm really glad I got an education and got to explore other interests. I majored in public relations and I studied film and I danced a lot and choreographed for the program. To go to such a fine institution was such a privilege for me."
As good as college was, the real world is even better. "I'm so happy," she declares. "I mean, I wish I was working everyday. I hate the weekends, I hate when we have to go home. My first day, I came at 6 in the morning and was done by 11 and I was like, 'So I have all this makeup on, and my hair is done. I don't really want to leave.' I generally am sad when it's over. It's new for me, but I think it's something that will stay throughout my term here. Everyone has been so amazing and warm and welcoming and I feel really blessed to soak into this character now and just sort of live through her."
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Mansi loves the rapport she has with on-screen mom Melissa Reeves. "From day one, it felt very natural between us and warm and genuine," she praises. "She is so talented that it felt like we didn't even miss a beat; it was like we belonged. I feel lucky to be given the change to be Abigail." The feeling is mutual. Says Reeves, "She just came in right off the bat so sweet and engaging, wanting to be a part of our family and willing to work hard and run lives and so professional and super-smart."
Courtesy of DaytimeRoyaltyonline.com
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Post by ghoulgirl on Mar 30, 2011 14:54:10 GMT -5
I think this more belongs in the Characters Welcome thread?!? Please feel free to move if you feel the same! Thanks.
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