Summer Shoot
With summer fast approaching, it's time to start thinking of ways to usher in the warmer weather and fun activities. For most of us, we think pools, vacation, and barbeques, but when you work at "Days of our Lives," you also think summer photo shoots.
I had so much fun covering the latest photo shoot for the soap, mostly because all the cast participating was so entertaining. The shoot had great weather, which is so important when dealing with lighting and time as an issue. Of course, when everything works out so well on a photo shoot, it naturally puts everybody else in a great mood. Check out the picture I took of James and Ari below as an example. I love working with these two because they always know how to have fun while patiently waiting for their call time.
On top of great weather, I also was able to hang out and get to know two of the newer faces to the show, Casey Jon Deidrick and Mark Hapka. Both guys were more than outgoing and seemed to fit right in with the seasoned pros on the set.
Casey was cool enough to let me do a quick interview with him using my FlipCam and then I was able to talk to the never shy Bryan Dattilo in between photo takes. I'll make sure to upload all of my video footage from the photo shoot this week, so you can see for yourself.
Hope you enjoy some of the photos I took while covering the shoot. As you can see for yourself, great weather, great timing, great attitudes and great faces always make a photo shoot like this a lot of fun to work with.
Father's Day with Bryan Dattilo
My last interview for my Father's Day feature is with none other than the hilarious Bryan Dattilo. I have always admired Bryan's relationship with his son, Gabe. As many are aware, Gabe has autism, which requires more attention and patience as a parent. But whenever I see Bryan out with Gabe, the two are always smiling and joking around, as if they are just two kids hanging out on a schoolyard. I thought Bryan's mom did a wonderful job describing their father-and-son relationship in my interview with her for Mothers' Day. Hope you enjoy my Father's Day interview with Bryan as much as I did.
Below is a photo taken from this year's Annual Walk Now For Autism in Pasadena, an event Bryan and Gabe participated in, along with other "Days of our Lives" actors, families, and staff.
Any Father's Day traditions that go on in your house?
Every Father's Day, we have the Father's Day Basketball Challenge which is a one-on-one basketball game between us. It's father vs. son. He has beaten me for the past three years.
What is the best fatherhood advice you have received and who gave it to you?
The best fatherly advice I have ever received came from my brother. The advice is to spend as much time with your kids as possible, be their best friend, tuck them in every night, tell you love them everyday, and always have time to listen.
What advice would you give to other fathers out there on raising an autistic son?
Patience. Understanding. Never compare your son to the norm because there is no norm.
What has been your most memorable Father's Day?
My first one, of course, because I could finally refer to myself in third person as "Daddy."
How has having Gabe changed your perspective on life?
It's made me financially smarter, emotionally deeper, and physically heavier.
Father’s Day with Galen Gering
I recently had the pleasure of attending the "Days of our Lives" day at Dodger stadium, where Eric Marsolf sang the National Anthem flawlessly and Nadia Bjorlin sang "Gold Bless America" to perfection for the crowd. It was a great way to bond with the cast over Dodger Dogs, peanuts, and laughs.
Galen brought one of his sons, Dillon, as well. The father and son were adorable as they watched the game together. Galen would point out different players, and you could tell the game meant something special for Dillon. With that introduction, I hope you enjoy my Father’s Day interview with Galen, and enjoy the very dry sense of humor that can only make you love him even more. Not to mention, how adorable is the photo below of Galen, with Dillon and Jensen? You can just tell how much Galen enjoys fatherhood.
Any Father’s Day traditions that run in your house?
None as of yet, but that's a good idea. Maybe, when they're a little older, I can turn the tables and make them my slaves for the day.
What is the best fatherhood advice you have received, and who gave it to you?
Set them up for success, not failure. In other words, don't give your two year old a full glass of orange juice and expect him not to spill it. My wife, Jenna, told me that one. Also, I like to give them choices whenever I can. That's hers, as well.
How has being a father changed your perspective on life?
I've found that the clichés are true in that the love you have for your kids is like nothing else. Additionally, I don't think I do as many crazy things as I used to. It's cool for kids to have a father.
What traits do your sons get from you?
Hopefully, only the good ones; not exactly sure which ones those are...
Do your sons hang out with any of the other actors' children during your off time?
We try to limit their exposure to actors and their kids, as they are usually an arrogant bunch of pompous ninnies. No, but seriously, we don't see them often, 'cause we live on the rich side of town. Ha- I'm kidding.
Father's Day with Jim Reynolds
I don't know about you, but whenever I look at how Jim Reynolds portrays Abe Carver when it comes to being a father, it's easy for me to look at him as a father in real life. He's got such a calm demeanor about him when you watch him in scenes with Terrell Ransom Jr. ("Theo"), you really feel like they could be father and son. So, when I wanted to do this Father's Day feature for my blog, I thought Jim would be the perfect candidate. Jim was kind enough to answer my questions and submit a photo of him with his real-life son, Jed.
Do you have any Father's day traditions in your family?
No, not necessarily. I get to sleep in. Quite often I'm taken to a movie that my wife and son want to see. That's what fathers do.
How are you similar in parenting to your character on the show, and how are you different?
I think I'm patient. I'm not a screamer. I believe in being firm and consistent. We share the fun things: table games, sports, travel, reading and a lot of laughing.
What has been the best fatherhood advice you have received and who gave it to you?
I remember reading somewhere that being a parent is a responsibility and a privilege. I always remember that.
Do acting aspirations run in the family?
Apparently, it does now. I was the first and only actor in my family, but now my son wants to follow.
What has been your most memorable Father's Day?
My family took me to San Francisco for the weekend. That is always memorable.
Father's Day with Eric Martsolf
Thanks so much for all of your wonderful feedback from my last blog entry. I looked at your comments and decided who better than Eric Martsolf to kick off Father's Day right by answering a few of my questions. Hope you enjoy!
Any big Father's Day plans?
Nothing too specific, but my hope is to simply spend the entire day engaging with my boys in whatever it is they happen to enjoy doing in that particular moment. Their interests change at the drop of a hat lately! One day it's trains, the next it's transformers, then it's soccer! They're three, so I'm sure girls are right around the corner.
What is the best fatherhood advice you have received and who gave it to you?
"Don't give in to short-term solutions for long-term issues." In other words, don't always give in to their immediate wants/desires -- stand your ground as a parent and keep your eye on the light at the end of the tunnel. Anyone with kids will understand what the heck I'm yacking about!
Has it been easier or harder than you imagined, raising twin boys?
Surprisingly easier. I'm sure my overworked wife would say differently since she has them the majority of the time, but the beautiful thing about twins is that they have one another to entertain themselves -- literal built-in playmates! It allows mom and dad that occasional window of happy hour time.
How has being a father changed your perspective on life?
Crazy changes. I pray now before my plane takes off. I tend to get overly sensitive during news stories and movies that involve harm to children. I have a heightened respect for parents in general, and a heightened intolerance for traffic that keeps me from kissing my boys goodnight.
Do you have any advice to other fathers out there who have twins?
Love them as individuals, not as twins. My boys may have come from the same place at the same time, but there is nothing similar about them. They have different needs and wants, and should be tended to accordingly. But mostly, just enjoy the gift you've been given. You're a lucky guy.
Eric was kind enough to share a family photo with his fans. He looks like such a fun family man, doesn't he? And I feel old because I remember when those boys were born! Looks like the apple doesn't fall far from the tree where looks and charm are concerned.
Next Up… Father's Day!
I am so happy about the warm reaction I received when I brought to you those heart-warming Mother's Day blog entries, that I decided to do the same with Father's Day. So, as the weeks continue and as we get closer to Father's Day, check back regularly, because I'll have new entries from some of your favorite men on "Days of our Lives," who happen to be experiencing the real-life joys of fatherhood.
I hope you enjoy what some of your favorites have to say about life as a dad. Check back to see who the next featured father will be. And as always, I love when you leave comments, so let me know who some of your favorite "Days of our Lives" real-life fathers are, and why.
Mother's Day with Suzanne Rogers and her mom, Edna
I first met Suzanne's mother Edna at one of Suzanne's photo shoots. She couldn't have been sweeter and you could tell how proud she was of her daughter. We chatted a bit about life in New York City compared to Los Angeles and all the incredible storylines Suzanne has had on "Days of our Lives." I instantly thought of these two women for my Mothers' Day feature, mostly because they have such a sweet friendship, above anything else. Hope you enjoy! Suzanne was the first to answer my questions.
Do you and your mother have any Mothers' Day traditions?
We go to lunch at the Bistro Gardens, only on special occasions like Mother's Day, Birthdays and Valentine's Day.
Is there one thing you can never go wrong buying your mom for Mother's Day?
Roses and beautiful cards. I usually buy her a new outfit as well, even though she tells me not to.
Does your mom offer any feedback about your work?
Yes. I always get critiqued on my hair and wardrobe. There are certain actors she likes me to work with.
What important life lessons has your mother taught you?
1. Never go out in public unless you are well groomed.
2. Never go to bed without washing your face, brushing your teeth, and thanking God for a wonderful day.
Now for Edna's answers.
What has been your most memorable Mother's Day?
My first Mother's Day in California in 1997. Suzanne has made all my Mother's Days special.
Do you watch Suzanne on "Days of our Lives?"
Absolutely – every day she is on and also when she isn't. I have enjoyed Days since Suzanne first came onto the show in 1973!
What would be something fans would be surprised to know about Suzanne?
She and her sister, Loretta, own some horses. She likes to play golf, but her passion is clipping recipes and cooking.
CONTRIBUTORS
LINKS
RECENT POSTS
- Summer Shoot
- Father's Day with Bryan Dattilo
- Father’s Day with Galen Gering
- Father's Day with Jim Reynolds
- Father's Day with Eric Martsolf
- Next Up… Father's Day!
- Mother's Day with Suzanne Rogers and her mom, Edna
- Mother's Day with Bryan Dattilo and his mother, Peggy
- Darin and his mom, Susan Brooks
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- Mothers' Day with Molly and Her Mom
- Meeting Dylan and Taylor
- Getting to Know John Callahan
- A Morning of Giving
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- Day of Days Wrap-Up
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- Update on Puppy Names
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