SODguest: Hi B&B fans! Welcome Bobbie Eakes!
BOBBIE EAKES: Hello and thanks for caring!
hesable2 asks: What's next for Macy?
BOBBIE EAKES: Well, I don't know. I usually don't like to know. I like
to get my scripts and be surprised along with everyone else. I know
the writers told me it's going to be some interesting stuff
coming up ... and I said say no more.
vkw40 asks: What was it like filming Grant's dying scene?
BOBBIE EAKES: Oh, you know, it was hard because I enjoyed
working with Charlie Grant and of course I knew this was the
end, but he really made those scenes work. I think it's hard for men to
bring emotion to the surface in general and he was so amazing in doing
it, that he made it easy for me as an actress. But personally, it
made me sad to have to say good-bye to one of my favorite co-stars.
Jo_Vin asks: Grant's death scene, with Macy singing to him, was
incredibly moving. I'm curious -- why did you choose to sing "Wind Beneath
My Wings"?
BOBBIE EAKES: I didn't choose it, the writers chose that. I can only
assume it pretty much said what the character would have said to her husband
as he was dying. That's the hard part in finding a song that fits the story
well enough to fit the emotions, so I guess why they chose that one,
but I didn't choose it. I agreed with the choice, though.
PeacefulPenguin asks: Your chemistry with Charles Grant rocked! Was it
hard saying good-bye to him?
BOBBIE EAKES: Yeah, it was. Like I said, he's one of my favorite
co-stars to work with. I think he's such a talented actor and in the beginning
especially, I loved the levity the characters shared. Macy's had a lot
of depressing things in her life and when Grant came along, it was
very light and fun ... and it was great to play for a change.
XXL_76 asks: What are the chances of Thorne and Macy getting back
together ... now that Grant is gone?
BOBBIE EAKES: You know, I don't think that's going to happen. I think if
anything they'll focus on the two as friends. I mean, Macy & Thorne
had four weddings -- three that went through LOL -- and that story has
been played for a while, so I think the writers are going to give
it a break. I think it would be interesting to see Thorne with Darla. I
think the fans would, too... and I think Schae Harrison is so talented
and they have great chemistry together.
Jo_Vin asks: If Macy doesn't reconcile with Thorne, who would you like
to see her get together with?
BOBBIE EAKES: Hmmmmm..... I don't know. You know, I think it would
be nice if Macy had a storyline that isn't necessarily a romantic storyline,
but maybe just play the friendship between Macy & Darla or the business
aspect at Spectra. I don't think you have to have a romantic interest
to make a story interesting. Plus, her husband just died! Let's give
her the grieving period! LOL But, down the line, she could use some
counseling ... so maybe Pierce. He's supposed to be the guru of positive
attitude and Macy could use a little of that right now.
Pjoergensen asks: Hi Bobbie, do you ever still talk to Jeff Trachta
[ex-Thorne]?
BOBBIE EAKES: Yeah! I do. In fact, Jeff was just nominated for a
prestigious theater award here in town for Three Men Naked From The
Waist Down. We do sing in Europe mainly, so we don't see each other as
much as we used to when he was on the show and we don't live near each
other, but I'm sure we'll continue to work with each other for a long time.
anitanl asks: You've (almost) finished your solo-CD. What kind of songs
are on it and will you ever sing with Jeff again now he's busy with his
solo-CD too?
BOBBIE EAKES: Yeah, we're both pursing the solo thing for a while, we
did do 2 duet records. This record for me is purely in a direction I've
wanted to go in for years. The first record I did was an all
girl record and then the records with Jeff were in keeping with the
idea of the show -- romantic ballads. This is more a record
in what I've wanted to do. We did it in Nashville, it's contemporary
country ... country on the pop side. I'm really excited that
I'm working with one of the top producers in Nashville -- Don Cook, who's
produced the Mavericks, Alabama ... He's produced probably 40 or
50 Number 1 hits ... It was a fabulous experience for me. It will
be released in Europe [on] November 7 or November 15, depending on
when I get the artwork to them. I have to get the photo shoot done
tomorrow!
SusanneDK_98 asks: Do you have a greatest hits in mind after your
solo-CD?
BOBBIE EAKES: Well, I don't know. :) I think I would have to have a few
hits first :D Yeah, I would love to down the line ... continue making
music and that would be one of my dreams to have enough material
to put out a greatest hits CD, but only a few artists get that
honor. That's a dream of mine.
anitanl asks: Hello Bobbie! Will you come to The Netherlands when your
new album will be released? If you do, I invite you for a drink, and you're
more than welcome! If you come for dinner, I make something typical Dutch
for you!
BOBBIE EAKES: Ah! Meat & Potatoes! I go to Amsterdam/Holland a lot.
I was there 3 weeks ago. But I plan to go and do promotion for the record.
So yeah, maybe we'll have a drink together, as long as my husband can go,
too.
Macy_4ever asks: Do you have any touring plans now that you will soon have
a new CD out?
BOBBIE EAKES: It's just tricky with the show. It looks like my storyline
is picking up right now. I try to utilize my free time as much
as I can. Usually that means going over during the holiday season
while B&B is dark. I enjoy going over ... nothing
is set right now, but I'm sure something will be going on over there in
the next 2 or 3 months for me.
Macy_4ever asks: Why was your original chat session cancelled? I was SO
disappointed!
BOBBIE EAKES: Oh, well thank you ... I was working. I was on the set. And
that day we had babies in -- I think the babies that play Thomas -- and
when that happens, the babies have to film first. So my scenes had to go
later on in the day and I never got out in time. They were important
scenes in the hospital, not to give anything away, but I thank everyone
for hanging in here and coming today :)
SusanneDK_98 asks: We think you would be great in a musical. Which one
would you like to have a lead in?
BOBBIE EAKES: Well, I love the musical Chicago, although I'm probably
not a good enough dancer :) Cabaret is a lot of fun, and I think they're
doing a road tour coming up. Anything really, just to have that experience
would be terrific. I've never really done theater, and I haven't really
had the time, but that's one thing that I would really love
to do and I'd love to do it in New York. That would be really
exciting.
Macy_4ever asks: Will Adam Alexander (Macy's dad) ever show up in
LA?
BOBBIE EAKES: We've always wanted that. First of all, Darlene Conley
[Sally] is an amazing actress and sparks would just fly if she came across
him again. That would be [a] really interesting story for the
audience. It's up to the writers, but I think it would
be great if they brought him on ... There are a million ways
you can play that.
Macy_4ever asks: What will be the name of your new CD?
BOBBIE EAKES: I'm not sure, I'm thinking of a couple of things, but it
hasn't been decided yet. It may be one of the songs on the CD. Any
suggestions? :)
CorineNL asks: If Macy could choose between Eric, Ridge, James and
Pierce, who would it be??
BOBBIE EAKES: Oh, how do you choose? She really does need a good
therapist, so probably Pierce or James. Those Forrester men probably need
a rest, they've been getting so much action lately ;-)
Jo_Vin asks: Your brother CJ says he wants to help mom save the business.
He's a teenager -- is that realistic???
BOBBIE EAKES: Well, you know. ;) Are soaps realistic? Yeah, I think it's
a sweet sentiment from a child that is starting to grow up and take more
responsibility. It would be great for him to try and help Sally out.
hesable2 asks: What do you like to do on your down time?
BOBBIE EAKES: Well, I'm learning guitar right now. I have been focusing
on my music and writing, just this whole project. Other than that, the
normal things, hanging out with my friends. I went out with Schae Harrison
[Darla] and people from work the other night. Other than that, it's
been real busy with the record.
KindredK asks: How did you get involved in acting?
BOBBIE EAKES: Well, basically when I was in the Miss America pageant
a few years ago someone from Hollywood flew me out to test for a pilot,
what turned out to be Star Search. I didn't get the part, but I met some
people and then got my SAG [Screen Actor's Guild] card by being in the
last episode of Laverne & Shirley. I thought it would be fun to come
out and be an actress while pursuing my singing career. But I came out
hoping to get a record deal and pursue the whole music deal.
Tenderness101 asks: What's in store for Spectra Fashions?
BOBBIE EAKES: Ah... well, I think we're going to start focusing a lot on
Spectra, that's what Brad has been telling us. I don't know, though...
as I said I don't read ahead ... [since] I can't change it
:) But Brad is going to be focusing on us at Spectra,
so I'll be just as surprised as the rest of you when i all materializes.
hesable2 asks: Bobbie what was your first big break?
BOBBIE EAKES: Well, I guess it was when I came out to LA, and Fred
Silverman was putting together an all girl band similar to the Spice Girls,
except we all played instruments, etc. I auditioned and got the gig as
the lead singer. We signed a deal to Epic then I got an agent who represented
me not only as a singer, but as an [actress] and things just
started happening from there.
marirn2 asks: Bobbie are you singing at Grant's funeral?
BOBBIE EAKES: You know what ... Grant doesn't have a funeral that they
show on camera, at least. So I'm assuming Macy was there, but she was too
distraught to sing. I can't imagine any widow would be strong enough to
do that.
luke199813 asks: Would you like to sing again on B&B?
BOBBIE EAKES: Yeah, I enjoy it occasionally. It wouldn't hurt my feelings
too too terribly if they said no more singing. But it is fun.
jcbarney asks: Who would you like to work with now that Charles Grant is
gone?
BOBBIE EAKES: Hmm ... a new person would be nice. It would be great if
they brought in somebody new ... like George Clooney, or I don't know,
is that asking too much? ;-D
nfickett asks: What's it like to be known overseas?
BOBBIE EAKES: It's fabulous. The big plus is you sort of lead sort of a
normal life in Los Angeles, which is an industry town and there are big,
big, big stars walking around and people aren't too impressed by it. Then
you can go over to Europe and pretend to be a big shot! :) And then
you get back to reality, get your priorities straight, and
be just a regular Joe when you're at home.
XXL_76 asks: Do you have any pets?
BOBBIE EAKES: I do, I have a cat and a dog. Elvis is my cat. My dog is
Katie ... She's getting kind of old, she has her problems, but she's a
sweetheart. They're my babies :)
ksh_66 asks: What did you do before you became an actress?
BOBBIE EAKES: I was a singer. Started singing in bands when I was 16
That's what I always did. I went on the road when I was 19 and went all
over the country in a bar/club band and decided to come to LA to
pursue a record deal. For money, I never waited tables
or anything like that ... just sang in clubs. You're
kind of living a vampire existence, up all night, sleeping all day.
Just having this job at B&B was nice to live a normal life. I learned
that I was a morning person :) I like having a normal day job.
Felicity_143 asks: Sometimes your character is so naive it makes me angry.
When will you get your strength back?
BOBBIE EAKES: When it's written that way, we do what they give us in
the script and I think they like having different characters having different
strengths and weaknesses. So Macy's a little vulnerable, but it would be
nice for Macy to get a little strength. After all, her mother
is Sally spectra, maybe a little of that will rub off on her.
jackibar asks: I think it would be great if Macy picked up her singing
career again - any chance of that?
BOBBIE EAKES: Yeah, there's always a chance. Now would be a good
time. She's trying to find herself again, it would be a good outlet for
her to find some strength. There's always a possibility.
Macy_4ever asks: What is it like working with the "new" CJ--Mick Cain?
BOBBIE EAKES: Mick is fantastic. He's had a lot of experience even at his
young age as an actor. He's another one of those rare male actors that
can tap into those emotions. I think he did some wonderful work with
the Grant death scenes. Everyone was talking about it at the studio.
I think he's going to be a very promising actor in many years
to come on our show.
the3fan asks: What do you listen to?
BOBBIE EAKES: A little bit of everything. I just go through stages, like
everybody. A little country, a little alternative. Right now, I'm listening
to the Mavericks a lot. Obviously, we have the same producer,
but if you haven't listened to the latest Mavericks album, it's great.
It was recorded in Nashville, but it's not really country. It's got
a Latin feel and some Roy Orbison. I really recommend it. About 3
weeks ago, I was in London and went to see them at Royal Albert Hall.
Just being there was amazing ... thinking the Beatles had played
there along with so many other amazing performers. After the show,
there was a party and after everything had settled down, I snuck out on
to the stage, thinking that this was were the Beatles stood.
It was great. I actually took some photos from the stage!
FrostyKat79 asks: What's the best part about working on B&B?
BOBBIE EAKES: It's just a privilege to be working as an actor. I know so
many fabulous actors who are constantly looking for work. Other than that,
we have a great group. I know that sounds sickeningly sweet, but we've
got a cool group ... John McCook [Eric], Darlene Conley, Ronn Moss
[Ridge]. I never dread going into work ... and it's always different,
the scripts are always changing. And on top of that, I have time
off to pursue my other love, singing. So it's a pretty idyllic situation
for me. And I get to kiss a lot of cute guys! Legally, too! It's
amazing :)
dhpis4me asks: What is your favorite show besides B&B?
BOBBIE EAKES: I watch a lot of news ... CNN stuff like that. But eries
-- I got a kick out of Everybody Loves Raymond last night. There aren't
any that I catch regularly. I was a big Seinfeld fan.
I watch a lot of news ... lately the news has been more exciting than a
lot of drama plots. Can't ask for better plots and steamy sex. :)
Jo_Vin asks: For a while, Grant seemed to be trying to engineer a Macy/Thorne
reconciliation, but then it seemed like he stopped pushing for it.
Did the show decide not to go in that direction?
BOBBIE EAKES: I really think that's what happened. I really do. They
were probably toying with the idea and then backed off. They'll do that
a lot, test the waters, and then decide to go in different directions.
That's very perceptive and I think that's what happened.
culturebird asks: G'day Bobbie, from Australia! Did you enjoy your recent
visit down here?
BOBBIE EAKES: I had a great time in Australia. It was my first trip this
year. It was a quick trip, covered 3 cities. I was promoting a cosmetics
line that I'm doing down there and I went to a stock car race --
my cosmetics line had a car that had my name all over it. I love
Australia, I think Australians are great, have a great sense
of humor and really roll out the welcome mat.
Maura_West asks: Do you use the internet often...
BOBBIE EAKES: I do. I like to get on the computer ... I'm thinking of
starting a web site. There's a lot going on internationally for me ...
so a place people could log on and see what I'm doing. Plus,
when my dog got sick this year, I got on a newsgroup and met all
these wonderful people who wanted to help out and shared their
stories about their dog that had the same thing. I think
it's an amazing tool that we're all using. And I check out the SOD message
boards to see how fans are reacting to storylines. I think it's really
useful for actors and whoever to see what fans are thinking about the stories.
anitanl asks: Bobbie, when will your cosmetics line come to The
Netherlands?
BOBBIE EAKES: I think it's going to be coming soon. I think that's the
next market they're going to target. It's doing well in Australia.
So I'll keep you
posted, but I don't have a set date.
LEAH25_98 asks: What was your fave Seinfeld episode?
BOBBIE EAKES: Oh gosh, I have so many! I like the one where Elaine is
getting sick of her co-worker who never wears a bra and she gives her the
bra and she wears it without a shirt, just under a jacket. And I love the
one with Kramer and the lawsuit and the Johnny Cochran-like lawyer
and the cigarette company.
BBINSEATTLEWA asks: Do you like to go to the beaches of Los
Angeles?
BOBBIE EAKES: I do. I usually like to go up north a bit and out of LA ...
we go up north of Malibu into Ventura county and let the dog run. They're
beautiful, some gorgeous locations up there. I never get in the water here.
I would never do that. It's freezing year 'round. As someone
born and raised in the gulf coast, it's cold here.
mezmarize_me98 asks: Do you ever come back to Georgia?
BOBBIE EAKES: Yeah, I do. Not as much as my parents would like :) I'll
probably go in a couple of weeks. My sister lives in Atlanta, so I'd really
like to go for a few days, once I get the photo shoot
done. I'm a big Braves fan, so I wish I was there right now!
I'd love to go to the game tomorrow. Maybe they'll be in the World
Series and I'll go for that!
dhpis4me asks: What is the name of your cosmetics line?
BOBBIE EAKES: It's a signature line. It's Bobbie Eakes and I've got a couple
of divisions of that line -- a no-frizz system and a hard water shampoo
line that shampoos [out] all the magnesium and calcium deposits on your
hair. And then a face care division -- skin creams and moisturizers
and all kinds of things.
CorineNL asks: Where do you keep your cow-collection?
BOBBIE EAKES: LOL Well, you know what, I have several cows... I have
to explain this. When I go to Holland, fans give me cows, I've got several
here at the house. But the last time I was there, I got so many I
donated them to some Children's hospitals because I couldn't stuff all
of them in the suitcase. Plus you can only have so many cows
before people start looking at you funny! LOL
anitanl asks: If you were not an actress or singer, what would you like
to do?
BOBBIE EAKES: Oh God, there's so many things I would love to do. I
think above all I'd love to be a mommy and a Martha Stewart type ... hanging
out growing my own vegetables, etc. I'd love to own an Inn and run a Bed
and Breakfast. That's always been a dream of mine, find an old Victorian
[house] and restore it and run an Inn.
Macy_4ever asks: Do you have a favorite movie?
BOBBIE EAKES: Well right now, my favorite movie is The Corn Dog Man. My
husband filmed it last year. It's an independent feature he filmed in
South Carolina last year. It's been accepted to a couple major [film] festivals.
Macy_4ever asks: Have you heard the new B&B theme song, and if so,
what do you think of it?
BOBBIE EAKES: I haven't heard it, but the new Dionne Warwick version
will be used in our closing credits. I wasn't in that day she recorded
it. I hear it's fabulous. I'm sorry I missed meeting
her, would've loved to get her autograph. I always loved our theme
song, so I'm curious to hear the new one.
SODhost: Thank you, Bobbie. And thank you all for joining us!
BOBBIE EAKES:Thanks everybody! I enjoyed chatting with everybody
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