cbs.soapsindepth.com gives you a chance to ask questions of your favorite stars!
Dear Doug, Your character has been involved with many women. Would you like to see more storylines involving Paul’s work consisting of danger and thrills? Aylesa
Dear Aylesa, It’s funny you should ask. Although I always enjoy the occasional love affair or romantic tryst, it would be so much fun to be involved in an adventure story again. We used to do them every two years or so when Mr. [William J.] Bell [Y&R’s co-creator] was writing the show. A lot of the stories we did would have ’30s and ’40s feels. Being the old-movie buff that I am, I enjoyed doing them immensely and would [enjoy it] again.
Dear Doug, I enjoy watching Y&R. I also enjoyed watching you work with Lauralee Bell (Christine), but there is so much chemistry between you and Tracey E. Bregman (Lauren). Why aren’t Paul and Lauren together? Diana
Dear Diana, You ask a question I really can’t answer, as it is the writers’ job to direct the story where they see fit. I have been doing this so many years, I rarely even ask myself the question. I will take this opportunity to thank you for your comments and compliments. I truly enjoy spending time and working with both Lauralee and Tracey. They are so great!
Dear Doug, I was wondering what you thought was the toughest challenge Paul has had to face. And since you have portrayed him for so long, do you get any say in what happens to him? Valeria
Dear Valeria, I guess Paul’s biggest challenge was when he had to convince his family he had betrayed them and joined the Mafia in order to clear his father’s name. Another fine example of the brilliant writing of Mr. Bill Bell. He places his hero in a position where he must turn his back on what he values most on the earth: his family. For Paul to see the pain that he was causing his mother, father, sister and brother was nearly unbearable. But, it was all to save his dad. I remember a scene during the holidays when Paul was in the snow outside his folks’ home, looking in, watching his family try to celebrate Christmas, trying to pretend all was well. He just wanted to make all their pain go away, but letting them know would risk all their lives. Great story! It was so sad. As for the second part of your question, I must say I have really had very little input in the story. I guess my biggest influence would be the choices I make as Paul during the scenes. Our writers have always been able to join me "inside" Paul. This makes for a very interesting collaboration.
Dear Doug, I know you are married and have two kids, but do you have any brothers or sisters? Stacy Hodges
Dear Stacy, As a matter of fact, I do have two sisters, both smarter and better-looking, but not younger! Such is life. Donna, the oldest, is married and lives just outside of Los Angeles. Diana is married and has two great kids. They live in Vermont.
Dear Doug, Why does Paul have such bad luck with women? Dolores Fuentes
Dear Dolores, I don’t know! None of the women seem to want to procreate with him. Lauren chose her career, as did Chris. Hmm… a pattern forming? Is he picking the wrong type? They must not be good maternal material. Bad choices. He wants one thing and picks another. As far as Isabella goes, I don’t remember all the details, it all happened so fast. Bam! Married with a son in Nina’s old apartment.
Dear Doug, How did you end up on Y&R?
Davina Stradley
Dear Davina, "End up" sounds so, I don’t know, final or accidental. I truly love everything about my job and the people I work with. After nearly 25 years on the job, I think it is safe to assume that Y&R feels the same way — at least I hope so. It has been wonderful to do what I love in an atmosphere that is so creative for "instant television." I have had the opportunity to work with the best writer in the history of the genre, Bill Bell. Who could ask for anything more? If you are asking how I got my start, it was accidental. I was visiting a friend on the set when the then-executive producer John Conboy "discovered" me. I was a struggling actor working as a waiter and bartender, taking acting classes at night. I guess I knew a good thing when I found it! Davina, I hope that answers your question.
