Three daytime TV stars coming to Marco Island for the 10th annual Southwest Florida Soapfest this weekend have been nominated for Emmys.
Trent Dawson, Van Hansis and Tom Pelphrey are anxiously awaiting the 35th annual Daytime TV Emmy Awards on June 20.
As the World Turns’ Dawson is nominated for outstanding supporting actor, while soap mate Hansis is up for outstanding young actor. Guiding Light’s Pelphrey is also nominated for outstanding young actor.
For Dawson it is his third straight Emmy nomination.
He’s hoping his first visit to Marco Island is an omen for his first Emmy honor.
Between takes on the set last week he talked of his role, which he has played for more than eight seasons.
Showing his wit, he said of the role, “My character is very unusual, more like if Cary Grant and Jack Lemon had a baby. At times I can be the comic relief, or be romantic.”
Dawson is very pleased with his longevity, “since the part was supposed to last two weeks,” he said.
Dawson thinks his professional protocol has helped him.
“My protocol of ‘they write and I act’ has been appreciated by the writers,” he said. “They recognized my great sense of humor and have given me some good zingers. I think the viewers also respond to my humor and in the last few years may even be going, ‘Aww Henry.’”
He is coming into Marco early, arriving on Thursday to “suck up beach time,” he said. “I’ve been told how great Marco is and I want to have some time to enjoy it.”
He’s all ready for his bartending stint at the 4th annual Celebrity Bartenders Bash at Vandy’s and 5 Brothers Pizza and Sports Bar, beginning around 9:30 p.m. on Friday.
“I have a new bartending trick that I learned on You Tube that I want to use on Marco,” he said. “Henry is a martini man, using gin, but I am more of a Churchill type, vodka, with a stern look at the vermouth across the room.”
While Van Hansis and Pelphrey were not available for comment, Dylan Bruce, also of As the World Turns, spoke of coming to Marco and his veteran bartending days.
Bruce plays Dr. Charles Hughes on As the World Turns.
A graduate of theater from the University of Washington, and a huge PAC 10 fan, Bruce used his bartending skills to work nights and audition during the days.
“I worked at mostly the swankier LA bars,” he said. “It is a good way for actors to make money and free themselves for auditions during the day. I can make drinks with a bit of a flare.”
Bruce enjoys his soap role.
“I’ve been on the show for about nine months, but I have been given a meaty story line and couldn’t be happier with the role I am playing,” he said. “I am part of a bedrock family in Oakdale, Illi., growing up with the silver spoon. I’m kind of spoiled and have a conflicted character who has a good heart, but has a tendency to make bad decisions.”
It is Bruce’s first trip to Marco.
“I have never been to Marco, but I’ve heard wonderful things about it and the event,” he said. “I’m really excited about the charities that benefit from the event, particularly children with autism.”
One of the charities to benefit from the event is Eden Florida’s newly-opened educational and outreach services for children with autism. Also benefitting will be the Marco Island YMCA Theater Program and the Art League of Marco Island Summer Art Program.
The weekend begins with A Night of Stars, beginning at 6 p.m. on Friday, at San Marco Catholic Church Parish Center.
Walt Willey, Jackson Montgomery on All My Children, will serve as master of ceremonies.
The Celebrity Bartenders Bash follows at Vandy’s and 5 Brothers Pizza and Sports Bar.
Willey, Dawson and Bruce will join soap celebs, pouring drinks and singing karaoke style. Tickets are $40 each, reduced to $25 for those who attend A Night of Stars, which are $100 each.
On Sunday, noon to 3 p.m., there will be Cruisin’, Boozin’ & Schmoozin’ aboard the Marco Island Princess. Fans get to mingle with the stars, get autographs and take photos. Tickets are $75 each and include a buffet and entertainment.
Golf with a favorite celeb on Saturday is also an option. Space is limited and only serious golfers are requested.
Willey closes out the weekend, performing at the Off the Hook Comedy Club at Capt. Brien’s Seafood & Raw Bar. There will be a dinner show at 6:30 p.m., followed by a cocktail show at 8:30 p.m.
At various times there will be auctions for original artwork by actors, actual soap studio tours, ticket packages to the TV Emmys and lunch with a favorite star.
For a list of all performers attending and to purchase tickets, including ticket packages, go online to www.soapfest.com. Tickets can also be reserved by calling call 394-4559. Ticket sales are final and not refundable.
For tickets for Willey’s performances call Capt. Brien’s at 389-6900, or go online at OfftheHookComedy.com.
Day 4: Missing hunter Jamey Mosch ...
Day 3: Searching for Jamey Mosch
Cape Romano's infamous dome home
Scripps Interactive Newspapers Group
Comments
Share your thoughts
Comments are the sole responsibility of the person posting them. You agree not to post comments that are off topic, defamatory, obscene, abusive, threatening or an invasion of privacy. Violators may be banned. Click here for our full user agreement.