Michelle Stafford, daytime vet and “General Hospital” star, had some fascinating things to say about the experience of playing Port Charles’ Nina. Her thoughts on the role were as complex and nuanced as the character.
She Loves the Character, and That is Key
Stafford’s love of Nina, her tragic past and tumultuous present, came through in her answers to pointed and probing questions by Michael Fairman. Stafford noted that, as an actor, one has to “be in love with” one’s character.
When asked if she was worried about the writers painting Nina as unhinged and baby-obsessed, Stafford had a deliciously direct answer.
“I truly don’t care, as long as it’s good story, and as long as it’s fun,” the actress opined.
On The Complexities of Bringing a New Persona to Life
Stafford noted that the differences in how soaps are produced between her much-celebrated turn as Phyllis Abbott on “The Young and the Restless” and now Nina.
Today networks are more involved in directing a character’s trajectory, adding more cooks to the writerly pot. Fan involvement via social media can also come into play as a character evolves over time, noted the seasoned thespian.
“To be honest, I think I am underestimated going on a show and creating a new character,” said Stafford.
An Unexpected Triangulation
Stafford gushed about her GH costar, James Patrick Stuart (Valentin Cassadine). Not only that, but she expressed delight at bringing a surprising new party into the mix of their relationship–Anna (Finola Hughes).
“I can’t tell you how happy I am that Finola Hughes is joining the story with us. The three of us together I feel is magical,” Stafford said.
A Must-Read
For Stafford’s thoughts on Charlotte, Lulu, and more topics, make sure to catch the rest of Fairman’s compelling interview.
Give us your input in the comment section below. Check back with Soap Cities for more GH spoilers, recaps, news, and fun! Follow us on Twitter at @soapcities, on Instagram at @soapcities, and come chat with us in our Facebook group. Catch “General Hosptial” weekdays on ABC.
