Soap Opera Update
December 10, 1996
Meet the Stars' Real-life Buddies

Just as quickly as their characters go from saying "I do" to "I don't" friendships are notoriously here-today-gone-tomorrow. But off-screen, soap stars take their friendships very seriously. Here, a few daytimers introduce us to their best buds.

CITY's Catherine Hickland (Tess) & Matt

They met during the Broadway production of "Les Miserables." Hickland was playing the role of Fantine and Sklar was part of the orchestra. "In all honesty, we really didn't connect while we were at the show," says Matt Sklar. "I was a little intimidated by her." It wasn't until after Hickland's run on the show that the pair became friends. "I was singing in a beneift with some people from the show and Matt was the musical director," explains Hickland. "I asked him if he would direct my cabaret act, and we've been friends ever since. In face, Sklar has just finished writing a song for Hickland to sing.

"Catherine is one of the warmest, most giving people I've ever known," says Sklar. Besides making music together, the pals see a lot of movies and spend a lot of time just talking. Sklar has even introduced Hickland to an exciting new world she never new existed: the New Jersey Shore. "I spent some time with him there, met his family, and I loved it." So much so that Hickland rented a house of her own in late summer.

"He's sweet, sensitive and funny," says Hickland. "He's a loyal friend." The two are currently working on a new show with an orchestra. "I'm really looking forward to it," says Hickland, "because we're going to get to travel and work together."