TV Guide Online
May 3, 2005
Q&A

As you read in Soaps News, One Life to Live has made one major downer of a decision: Catherine Hickland's contract won't be renewed when it expires May 8. Instead, she drops to recurring status, spelling an uncertain future for Lindsay Rappaport, the loony, lovable scheme queen Hickland's played since 1998. And what a raunchy ride it's been: She's bedded Clint and Bo Buchanan, Dr. Troy MacIver and her daughter's BF, Rex. Lindsay's luscious litany of sins also includes paternity-test tampering, accidentally shooting her ex-husband, Sam, and erasing archenemy Nora's memory. Here, Hickland candidly shares her feelings on the latest twist in her dynamic daytime life.

How did your switch to recurring status happen?
My contract is up — and I didn't know it! [Laughs] I've been with ABC for 13 years, because I was [Tess] on Loving and [its spin-off] The City, and then I've been on One Life to Live for seven years. Honestly, I've been a soldier for daytime for so long and I love what I do, so it just never occurred to me to think about contract stuff.

So you were surprised?
There's no question that I felt the target on my back, because I hadn't had a story line in such a long time. But it's so funny... I was called up to the producer's office at eight o'clock one night after a day of work. I'd been working every day for the last few weeks because my daughter gets murdered, and that kicks off an incredible story for me, which I hadn't had in a while. The irony of it — which made me laugh out loud — is that I thought they called me upstairs to say, 'Good job!'"

What exactly did they say to you?
They said, "Your contract is up." I knew immediately where it was going from there. There was some talk about my staying, but it wasn't a real conversation. All I was really hearing was that they didn't want to renew my contract.

How did you feel?
I felt calm and said, "OK, that's fine." I don't fight things. That's their decision and it's their business. In my life, I've found that when one door closes and another one opens, it's even better than what I was doing [before]. Nobody could love this show more than I do; there's no doubt about that. For four and a half years, I often felt like I [carried] the show on my back — and it was a pleasure. I'm not in daytime for the money, I'm in it for the work. If they're not going to work me, then this is the best way.

How long will Lindsay stick around?
I have no idea. They said that they have written me in past my contract's expiration and I thought, "OK, well... how come?" [Laughs] I mean this in the most humorous way. I'm a positive person and I choose to look on the upside of things. Staying on recurring status sounds fine; it's the best of both worlds, really. At least when you're written in, it's because they want you there — they don't have to write for you because you're under contract. Plus, I'm the architect of my own life again. I can stay, but I'll also be talking to other soaps.

You live in New York. Would you do a West Coast-based soap?
I absolutely would do a West Coast show. That would be no problem. I learned that's absolutely possible from my friend Ty Treadway (ex-Troy, OLTL), who used to pop back and forth between our show in New York and hosting Soap Talk in L.A. The guy was tireless, and we have the same kind of energy.

How have your costars reacted to the cheery news?
The morning after I talked to the producers, I went into the hair and makeup room to tell everybody. There were nine actors there and maybe seven of them broke down in tears! I said, "Oh, my god, I didn't even know you people liked me!"

You are too much.
I hadn't realized how much people cared about me. One of the kids — Nathaniel Marston, who plays Michael — turned to me and said, "Dude! You may not be the youngest girl on the show, but you're the hottest!" That did it. I got very upset and teary; I hadn't cried up until then. Then Renee Elise Goldsberry (Evangeline) teared up and said, "You're the heart and soul of this place." I said, "Yes, and I'll continue to be, until I'm not here anymore — and then I'll be the heart and soul of some other place!"

Damn straight. So what was your fave OLTL story of all?
My prison story line was fabulousness. People wore "Free Lindsay" T-shirts at ABC's annual Super Soap Weekend in Florida. It was awesome!

Your husband, Michael E. Knight (Tad, All My Children), is once again a Daytime Emmy nominee. We hear he's nervous as May 20 approaches.
I have to talk him into going to the Emmys, even when he's nominated, because you owe it to the viewers to be present. He's so scared to death he might win! He's very shy, and it's a nightmare for him to get up in front of people. When he won the Emmy three years ago, he was white-knuckling his seat, but when they said his name, he got up and gave the most eloquent speech. He's happy, but he'll be happier on May 21 when it's all over! [Laughs]

Besides the awards show hoopla, what's next for you?
I have a life and keep very busy. I still own my company, Cat Cosmetics, and I'm writing a funny self-help book about healing a broken heart. A friend on the show recently said to me, "You've talked every single one of us off the ledge at one point or another." I just stay optimistic and have faith.