- Got To Have Friends (CBS Soaps In Depth)
- Bad Influence (Soap Opera Digest - December 5, 2000)
- Roundup "What was your worst Thanksgiving disaster?" (Soap Opera Digest - November 28, 2000 )
- Here Comes the Bride (Soap Opera Digest - November 28, 2000)
- Jackpot! (Soap Opera Weekly - November 28, 2000)
- Love Stories (Soap Opera Weekly - October 31, 2000)
- Roundup "Which celebrity do people say you look like?" (Soap Opera Digest - October 25, 2000)
- Learning by Example (Soap Opera Digest - October 25, 2000)
- On the Scene (Stealer) Trent Dawson (Soap Opera Digest - October 25, 2000)
- Daytime Salutes the St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital (Soap Opera Digest On-Line - October 2000)
- Bad Girl (Soap Opera Digest On-Line - October 2000)
- Been There, Done That ... with Terri Conn (Soap Opera Digest - September 26, 2000)
- Beauty Secrets of the Stars (CBS Soaps In Depth - September 12, 2000)
- Star Style: Buy This! (Soap Opera Digest - September 5, 2000)
- Postcards from Celebs (Soap Opera Digest - August 29, 2000)
- Soap Opera Digest On-Line Chat with Terri Conn & Trent Dawson (August 2000)
- Take Five (Soap Opera Digest - August 22, 2000)
- A Whole New World (Soap Opera Weekly - July 20, 2000)
- Taking Wing: Meet the Soaps' Junior Set, the Stars Who Will Soar This Summer! (CBS Soaps In Depth - June 20, 2000)
- Actors' Dressing Room (Soap Opera Digest - May 9 2000)
- Performers of the Week: Terri Conn and Trent Dawson (Soap Opera Digest - May 9, 2000)
- Do Soap Stars Follow What's Happening on Their Shows? (Soap Opera Update - May 9, 2000)
- Cub Reporter (Soap Opera Digest - April 18, 2000)
- Sentimental Journey (CBS Soaps In Depth - March 14, 2000)
- Star Talk "What is your guiltiest TV pleasure?" (CBS Soaps In Depth - February 29, 2000)
- The Bodies Electric (CBS Soaps In Depth - January 18, 2000)
- Eve of Destruction (CBS Soaps In Depth - January 4, 2000)
Got To Have Friends (CBS Soaps In Depth) The night that Arthur Colombino proposed to Terri Conn (Katie), the couple also attended a Cerebral Palsy benefit with other ATWT cast members, and the bride-to-be wasn't sure how to break the good news. "Of course, the second we walked in," she says, "Martha Byrne (Lily/Rose), Michael Park (Jack), their spouses, and Kristina Sisco (Abigail) were all at one table, and I just stuck out my left hand out in front of them and said, 'Guess what?!'" The celebration lasted well into the night, and the young actress was thrilled to hear tales of her friends' own engagements. "You don't hear those stories very often," Conn says. "But everyone was so excited for us that they were telling us their stories. It was nice to have people around. We had our time alone, and we had our time with people that we really care about."
Caption: Conn says that after announcing her engagement to her friends, "We all went out and Martha gave us a champagne toast."
Bad Influence (Soap Opera Digest - December 5, 2000) On-screen bad girl Terri Conn admits she got her (negative) inspiration from the silver screen. "I always loved the movie Heathers," she says. "It makes it look cool [to be bad]. I always wished I could be like that. I was looking on the Internet Movie Database, and it said they were making a Heathers 2. And I was like, 'I have to be in it!'"
Roundup "What was your worst Thanksgiving disaster?" (Soap Opera Digest - November 28, 2001) Terri Conn (Katie, ATWT): "I was a vegetarian for a couple of years during college, and it's not really a disaster, but I went home and my parents were so upset that I wasn't gonna eat turkey. They were so cool about it though, because they subscribed to a vegetarian magazine and got all these Thanksgiving recipes and made them for me. But I could tell they were really upset."
Here Comes the Bride (Soap Opera Digest - November 28, 2000) Terri Conn (Katie, As the World Turns) got engaged to beau Arthur Colombino on November 3. "It was so romantic and such a shock," gushes the actress. "My parents are coming into town for Thanksgiving to meet his parents, so I was thinking, 'He's really into family .. maybe he'll ask me in front of them.' I told him that after and he said, 'I knew you thought that -- that's why I did it beforehand, so I could shock you!'" The groom-to-be even got the ring right. "It's beautiful, a pear-shaped diamond," smiles Conn. "We never went shopping for one or anything, so he didn't know what I liked. I didn't know what I liked. But he must know me really well because it fits me to a 'T.'" As for wedding plans, the couple has already started a list. "It's so many people," sighs Conn, whose dream wedding locale may change a bit. "I always thought that I would get married in Santa Fe. Being from Albuquerque, [NM], Santa Fe is so much fun, and it would be for the New York people to go there. But the majority of people are on the East Coast, so we'll probably do it here. That's all we've thought of so far. We'll probably wait until Thanksgiving to talk more about it."
Jackpot! (Soap Opera Weekly - November 28, 2000) All was aglitter at United Cerebral Palsy's annual Gamboling Gala at the New York Hilton. Nothing, however, outshone the glow in Terri Conn's eyes or the sparkle on her ring finger. Terri and her boyfriend, actor Arthur Colombino, arrived at the party freshly engaged and forgivably late, since he'd proposed an hour earlier while they were dressing. "I was trying different hairstyles and accessories and thinking: Why hasn't he said anything ... I must not look good ..." Terri explained. "Finally, he said, 'I thought you were going to wear the necklace,' and I said, "It doesn't go; I don't know what to wear.' And he said, 'I think you need another piece of jewelry...'" Artie picked up the story: "And that's when I got on my knee ..." And gave her a pear-shaped diamond in a white-gold Tiffany setting. On the way to the party they picked up Kristina Sisco (Abigail, As the World Turns), who says she "ran out screaming. Terri and I were just hugging each other, and then I turned to Artie, and I'm like, "Oh, yeah, you're engaged, too.' and I gave him a hug. But it's so totally all about the girl."
Love Stories (Soap Opera Weekly - October 31, 2000) Terri Conn admits she's completely smitten with actor Arthur Colombino, an actor and musician she met at a party she almost skipped because it was raining, and she'd finished work at 8:30. "But, for some reason," she recalls, "I decided I really wanted to go. And Arthur was there with Donny Jeffcoat (Joey, One Life to Live). He was so charming! He called me the next week and asked me out. I'd never dated an actor before; I never wanted to. But we went out a couple of times, and I fell for him so fast. He's such an amazing person - so sweet and so creative." Arthur himself is also charismatic enough to star on a soap. Terri tells me he was just up for a part on The Bold and the Beautiful. "I was so happy for him, I felt just like a proud mother. But, at the same time, I didn't want him to move to L.A. It fell through, probably for a good reason. Right now, we're working on a screenplay together. We can't decide if we want to do a romantic comedy, or something more romantic."
Roundup "Which celebrity do people say you look like?" (Soap Opera Digest - October 25, 2000) Terri: "Cheryl Ladd. All the time. A lot of make-up artists say it, and casting directors. I love it - I think she's beautiful. She was a Charlie's Angel! I'm so flattered when people say I look like her, and I would love to do a movie with her. I think she's a great actress, too. Actually, I've seen a picture of her and her daughter, and I think I look more like her daughter than her daughter does."
Learning by Example (Soap Opera Digest - October 25, 2000) As her character, Katie, slowly tries to recover from town pariah status, Terri Conn reflects on what she's learned from her devious alter ego and comes up empty - except for the obvious. "You can't make relationships happen. Either they do or they don't, and you have to accept that," advises Conn, who, as Katie, connived to snag Holden. "You can't force someone to like you, so just be yourself. Don't try to be something you think other people are going to accept."
On the Scene (Stealer) Trent Dawson (Soap Opera Digest - October 25, 2000) "He is so much fun to work with. He's such a good actor that it's really helped me loosen up," says Terri Conn. "It's because we really have fun. We're actually laughing and having a good time and I think it totally translates."
Daytime Salutes the St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital (Soap Opera Digest On-Line - October 2000) "First of all, I have to give kudos to Martha because she put this event together while playing two characters and raising a two year old," praised Terri Conn. "She puts her heart and soul into it and I love to be involved. She does so much for this, and all we do is show up. I'd like to do more, and hopefully, I will in the years to come. I look forward most to getting feedback from the fans. It's always interesting to find out what they really think and they'll tell you!" Paul Leyden agreed, "It's manic. I got a koala, though!" he said, referring to a gift bestowed upon him by a fan.
Bad Girl (Soap Opera Digest On-Line - October 2000) Katie arrived in Oakdale as Margo's sweet little sister, but that didn't last long. She was determined to work her way up the ladder at WOAK - and Katie didn't care who she stepped on in the process! It's no wonder that fans were thrilled when Katie finally had to face the music! CBS.com caught up with TERRI CONN, the sweet young actress behind Katie's wicked ways. Terri chatted about Katie's latest situation - and possible new love interests!
CBS.com: Fans reacted strongly to the Endicott Award scenes where Katie was exposed. What was it like playing those scenes?
Terri Conn: Good! It was very nerve-racking. I mean, I was so excited that it was written so well, and [what] everybody's been waiting for happened so dramatically. I was nervous because I knew that it was important. I wanted it to be so good because the audience has been waiting for so long for that to happen. So I put a lot of pressure on myself, but I think it worked out because I feel good about how [the scenes] came out.
CBS.com: When everyone turned on Katie, did you take it personally at all?
Conn: At the beginning, when Katie first starting turning [bad], I started taking it personally, just the way that people reacted to her. I was kind of resisting playing it really nasty because I kept thinking, "Well, I would never do that" or "This doesn't make sense." And it's just because I was feeling it was me, and it was not me. But I've gotten over that over the past year, I guess. I don't feel that way anymore at all. I wanted them to really nail me so that I could be really upset, and it worked. I mean, even the extras were so good that day. I looked out while everyone was yelling at me and everyone was just staring at me so stunned, and it really felt like I had done something horrible like she did. So, it was good.
CBS.com: What would you like to see happen now that Katie is out of WOAK?
Conn: Well, I'd like to see her become a stronger person because of this, learn from the mistakes and still be cutthroat, but not so immature about it. I'd like to see her fall in love because that would soften her up a bit, but I don't want to see her too soft. I still think she's better off as a bad girl. [Laughs]
CBS.com: Craig has taken Katie under his wing. What does Katie hope to gain from their renewed relationship?
Conn: I think she's just never really felt like she fit into the family because she was a late in life child and everybody already had their lives going when she came along. So I don't think she's ever felt like she had her place in the family. When he helped her out in that situation, it was like a new beginning, like, "Yeah, somebody actually cares about me no matter what I do, which is what family's all about." But it hasn't been working out that way because he's not treating her so well. [Laughs] And she's not treating him so well, either.
CBS.com: How do you like working with Hunt Block [Craig]?
Conn: He's great. He's so much fun. It's weird because the day that I first met him is the day we shot the stuff that aired after the Endicotts, where we're back up in the hotel room. I was kind of nervous because we have to have this brother/sister relationship, but [Hunt and I] had never met. But I think it came across really well, and for some reason I think we have really good chemistry as brother and sister. There's that feel there, which is weird because I've never had a sibling, so I don't really know what it's like. But I really like working with him because there's that feel to it of family.
CBS.com: The Katie/Carly rivalry was set up instantly. What is it like working with Maura West?
Conn: Yeah, no kidding! Oh, she's the best. I love working with her. I was so excited when I found out that I got to work with her because I've always admired her work, and she definitely makes it easy. Working with [Maura and Hunt] makes it a piece of cake. [Laughs] And I like what they're doing. Had [Carly] not been Molly's cousin, I think they actually could have gotten along. She could have been a good friend to Katie, I think.
CBS.com: Could you see Katie becoming involved romantically with anyone on the canvas right now - besides Holden?
Conn: Not really.
CBS.com: Do you think Katie's over Holden?
Conn: I think she's in denial. You know, not thinking about it and saying, "I'm over it, I'm over it," but I'm sure the minute she sees him it's going to be a different story. You know how we do that! We think we're so strong, and something happens and it all comes rushing back in. You can't just put those feelings aside like we all wish we could. You have to deal with them.
CBS.com: There was a Simon/Katie scene at the bar where the two commiserated about Holden and Lily. Could you see Katie falling for Simon?
Conn: I don't know. I would love to have a friend in him, and maybe work together with him and then maybe fall in love. That might be an interesting twist.
CBS.com: Chris and Katie were friends way back when. Do you see those two ever getting romantic?
Conn: I would like to resolve that relationship, maybe show a story of a friend trying to get back to a friendship after one person was betrayed by the other. It happens a lot in real life. People do stupid things and you have to get back to the core of why you were friends in the first place and build that trust back again. I think that's an interesting story. And I would like to delve into that with him. I don't think it should just be left hanging. Do I think they could fall in love? I don't think so. [Laughs] But you know, weirder things have happened.
CBS.com: Fans loved the Katie/Henry scenes, as I'm sure you have heard many times.
Conn: Yes, I loved Henry and Katie, too.
CBS.com: Since Henry will be sticking around Oakdale, dare we hope for some more of those scenes?
Conn: Definitely. Well, we did some more just the other day. I knew that [Trent Dawson] was coming back, but I didn't know that I'd be working with him. And I still don't know if I'll be working with him that much, but I saw his name and my name on the script together, and I got so excited. In the scenes, Katie's not so excited to see him, but [laughs] he is my favorite to work with. I have grown so much as an actor working with Trent. He's so good and he makes so much out of every scene. I just love working with him, so I would love for Katie and Henry to hook up. I mean, that's even more bizarre than Chris and Katie, but I think it would be really interesting. It could work.
CBS.com: You've done a lot of episodic television spots. How is daytime different?
Conn: Well, the television show [Breaker High] that I did was almost as quick and fast-paced as a soap because we did three episodes in a week, whereas normal sitcoms do one a week. We didn't perform in front of a live studio audience, as a lot of sitcoms do, so I didn't get to experience that. Although I've done that on some guest star work, which is really fun. That's the closest I've gotten to theater and it's amazing. I love it. But it's really not that different. It's actually a lot more sitting around and waiting because the soap schedules are so organized and set up so that you get all your scenes done in the morning and then you're gone, or you come in later and you get them all in the afternoon and you're done. So, it's different in that respect, too. But the people and hanging out and stories and working together, that's all the same - and that's my favorite part.
CBS.com: Were you a daytime fan before you joined the show?
Conn: Yes, I was a Young and the Restless fan, and I still am.
CBS.com: Didn't you appear on Young and the Restless at one point?
Conn: Yes, I actually did. That was my first job when I moved to L.A. I played a model for Jabot. It was one day with Dru and Malcolm, who I was so excited to work with. [Shemar Moore] was so sweet. I remember because I was so nervous. I had watched that show since I was pretty much born, so I knew everyone and everything about it. I think I had like four lines, but he was so nice and he made me feel comfortable.
CBS.com: Did you relocate to New York for this job?
Conn: Yes.
CBS.com: You're from New Mexico originally, and you also lived in L.A.
Conn: Yes, I lived [in L.A.] for about a year and a half, and then I moved to Vancouver to film the series Breaker High. Then I went back to L.A. for six months and then I moved here.
CBS.com: What do you miss about New Mexico?
Conn: I miss the weather and the clear skies and the people and the relaxed pace. New Mexico is really special. It's called the land of enchantment, and it sounds kind of cheesy, but it is. There's something special and magical about it that you can't explain. That's what I miss about it. And I miss my family of course. I just feel comfortable there. I go back usually about twice a year - either for Easter or in the summer and for Christmas. And my parents try to get out here twice a year, too, but it's not the same as having them right down the street.
CBS.com: Is Kristina Sisco [Abigail] still your roommate?
Conn: No, we have actually both moved to the city and live alone [in different areas of New York City].
CBS.com: How do you like living alone?
Conn: Well, I just moved in about three days ago, so it's good so far. I've just been painting and getting everything ready.
CBS.com: What do you like the most about living in Manhattan?
Conn: Oh, that's a toughie. I love everything about it. I really have gotten into living in the city and am not really looking forward to moving back to L.A., which is funny because it took me a while to get into New York and I missed L.A. a lot. I still do. My two very best friends live there, so it's kind of hard to be away from them. But in respect to how the people are and just the lifestyle and what's important to people, I definitely like it a lot better here.
CBS.com: What do you do to relax?
Conn: I love decorating and that's why I was really excited to move into a new place. I like to paint the walls different colors and make everything match. So, I've been really doing that a lot. It's a little bit stressful while you're moving, but it's really therapeutic. Environment's really important to me, so I like to do that. I love going to the park in the summer. I love going to the movies.
CBS.com: Are you dating anyone?
Conn: Yes, I am! His name is Arthur and he is fabulous. He's an actor and a singer. We met at a party the night before the Emmys. He's good friends with Don Jeffcoat [Joey, One Life to Live], so he was there with him. We just hit it off, and we've pretty much been inseparable ever since.
CBS.com: Now, about Katie's love life....
Conn: Yeah, we'll see!
Been There, Done That ... with Terri Conn (Soap Opera Digest - September 26, 2000) What has your character been through that you have, too? Terri: "I've definitely been insecure before, but I never acted out the way she does," chuckles Conn. "And when she first came on the show, she was such a people pleaser putting on that smile and doing and saying the things that people want to hear. I've done that in my life, and I'm trying to get out of it because you're who you are, and if people like it, that's great, and if they don't, then they don't need to be a part of your life."
Beauty Secrets of the Stars (CBS Soaps in Depth - September 12, 2000) Soaps' prettiest faces reveal how they stay ready for their close-ups. When these actresses walk into a room, all eyes are focused on them. Yet, although they certainly look lovely to look at, they are no different than the rest of us when it comes to using mousse, make-up and moisturizers. Are you curious about what they do to look the way they do? Soaps in Depth was, too.
Terri Conn (Katie, As the World Turns): Conn's glow comes from accentuating the positive.
What is beautiful to you?
Terri: When people first wake up, that child-like innocence comes through. It's our true essence.
What is the key to inner beauty?
Terri: Love of yourself, a positive spirit, and a genuine care for others.
What is your best feature?
Terri: I try not to say best, because then I would have to say worst - we need to stop judging ourselves so much.
Do you have a specific nutrition plan?
Terri: I try to follow the zone (40% carbs, 30% protein, 30% fat) with the carbs coming mostly from fruits and veggies. But I also listen to my body and give it what it asks for.
What is in your make-up bag?
Terri: Estee Lauder Lucidity Base, Maybelline blond eyebrow pencil, Body Shop bronzer, Burt's beeswax lip balm, Princess Marcella Borghese Mascara, and of course, Mac's spice lip pencil.
What is your skincare routine?
Terri: Neutrogena Pore Refining Cleanser and toner topped off with Creme De La Mer - kind of pricey, but believe me, worth every penny! Deep cleansing Herbal Clay Mask by Aveda once a week and an occasional facial.
Would you ever have plastic surgery?
Terri: I won't say never because I believe confidence is what really brings out someone's beauty and if surgery will give you a boost, I say do it!
What is your favorite junk food?
Terri: Pizza!
What beauty product can you not live without?
Terri: Princess Marcella Borghese Mascara.
What does your exercise regimen entail?
Terri: Yoga, walks on the beach and tae bo.
When do you feel most beautiful?
Terri: After yoga and a bubble bath!
If you could look like anyone, who would it be?
Terri: If I can look as fab as my mother does when I'm her age, I will be one happy camper!
Star Style: Buy This! (Soap Opera Digest - September 5, 2000) Creme De La Mer is must have moisturizer, insists Terri Conn. "It's kind of expensive, but it totally works. It is never too early to start preventing wrinkles, especially in this business. If you have a little scar, a blemish or wrinkles, [it gets rid of them]. It basically reconstructs the skin. It is an amazing product."
Postcards from Celebs (Soap Opera Digest - August 29, 2000) Greetings from ... Los Angeles, CA. Summer -- the season of baseball, barbecues and laid-back weekends -- is winding down. Like the rest of us, soap stars work hard, so when they got some time off, they tried to make the most of it. Here, 10 actors share their personal summer vacation photos.
Tourist: Terri Conn (Katie Peretti)
Wanderlust Fulfilled
"I went to the exotic land of La-la," laughs Conn. "My two very best friends live there, and I miss them tremendously. If I could just move them here, New York would be perfect! Since we had a couple of days off work, I thought that I would take a couple more on top of that and go see them. Because usually when I go back, I'm there for three days, and it's for work or an audition or something. This time, I wanted to be able to just spend five full days with them.
Travelogue
We had a party for the Fourth of July at my friend, Wendi's house. She has the most amazing view. In fact, we stayed up there most of the time and got caught up and made dinners and did girly things. We went out to Zuma Beach, and that was really fun. I'd never been to that beach before. It's just stunning. We went to a party at the Argyle Hotel the first night I got there. It was very L.A. - the penthouse at the Argyle. I used to live [in the city], so we didn't do many 'L.A.' things. My celebrity sitings were my friends, Rachel, Wendi and Scott. They're on their way to being celebrities!"
Soap Opera Digest On-Line Chat with Terri Conn & Trent Dawson (August 2000)
SODhost: Welcome to Soap Opera Digest's chat with Trent Dawson and Terri Conn! (Henry & Katie). Please welcome Trent & Terri. Hi guys!
Trent Dawson: Hi!
Terri Conn: Hello everyone, if you're out there instead of watching Survivor!
Dawson: I've never watched that show.
Shani_1973 asks: Hi Terri and Trent! Henry and Katie are my favs! How would you two describe H&K's relationship?
Dawson & Conn: LOL
Conn: Very dysfunctional.
Dawson: Creepy!
Conn: I thought for a while there may be some love interest there, but it's gotten way out of hand.
Dawson: But I've tried to bring in that subtext the whole time. Every time the script brings an opening for that, I play it like Henry doesn't realize that he has a crush on Katie - I play it like he's not aware that it's there. I try to make it as complicated as possible!
ATrammell asks: Trent: Have you been surprised by the outpouring of affection by your fans?
Dawson: I've been blown away by it. I've been shocked by it, yeah. It's been great, really flattering and really nice.
cnjfan77 asks: Will Katie's lies be found out after all?
Conn: Oh, yes, they will be found out very soon! Just be patient!
tomargofan asks: Trent and Terri: are you two planning to attend the St Judes benefit in October?
Conn and Dawson: Yes, definitely.
Dawson: Terri, we need to do an act, some kind of duet number.
Conn: There will be no singing involved!
Dawson: We'll have to do some modern dance.
Conn: It's the best event of the year.
Dawson: We're going to get the choreographers from the show to come down!
verminator_us asks: Trent, the Media Domain did an Oakdale Survivor and Henry was the winner.
Dawson: Someone from the fan club wrote me that! I have no idea what's going on and I think that's hysterical. Henry would be the one conniving behind the scenes, so I think that's probably right.
Conn: Did you guys see beforehand, that Paul Leyden was on the celebrity panel?
Dawson: I was watching the Yankees, but I meant to catch that.
laire_99 asks: Do you expect Chris to confront you again, Katie, about taking the pictures of him and Molly?
Conn: I hope so! Because I think that needs to be dealt with, and I would like to re-establish our friendship, if possible. I don't like when things get left hanging -- it's not like that in real life, sure, time goes by but at some point you have to resolve it.
taz19977 asks: Trent, I think you are very funny . I like your laugh. Do you have any relatives in Delaware?
Dawson: No, not that I know of.
Conn: But he is from the South, so you never know - he could have cousins! Cousins everywhere!
Dawson: I don't know anyone in Delaware, but thanks for the compliment.
tomargofan asks: Trent and Terri: when you first joined the cast of ATWT who was the first actor you met and what was it like?
Conn: Well, the first person I met was Jaime Dudney, because we had tested together for the role of Georgia, so I already knew her prior to coming to the set, and it was so great to have her there because she had been on the show for a few months and she helped me adapt. She was a good friend.
Dawson: I knew Ellen Dolan (Margo) from before, because her nephew was in my acting class in college. So I had met her. And the first person I met on the set, I think, was Terri Conn.
Conn: And it turned out that Ellen's nephew went to high school with me in New Mexico! So I got all kinds of dirt on Trent Dawson.
Dawson: And I got all kinds of dirt on Terri Conn! Terri was so great and helpful to me. And I remember her coming and grabbing me when my first episode aired, and watching it with me. That was a nice gesture.
mommy11_2000 asks: Is your job as interesting as it looks?
Conn: Oh yeah! Even more so, sometimes!
Dawson: Yeah, it's a bit harder than it looks, I think. We do get sometimes chunk of times off, but when you're working, it's kind of a high-pressure situation because everything goes so fast and then it is done and millions of people will see it. You don't get the chance to say, "Wait, I didn't like that, can we do it again?" But it's a lot of fun.
Conn: It is a lot of fun. It's interesting because you get to learn both what is happening to the characters and also to the actors themselves - it's kind of like a soap opera within a soap opera!
zorg_82 asks: How long have they been workin in that program?
Conn: I just hit my two year mark.
Dawson: And I've been there since November, so about nine or ten months.
ATrammell asks: Terri, do you think they'll be able to redeem Katie?
Conn: I hope not! LOL - I don't want to be a good girl! But I think there are some redeemable qualities in Katie. I just don't want her to be one of those characters who are bad one day and then all of a sudden they're sweet again. I want her to learn from her mistakes and become stronger, though.
tenneyfan asks: Hi Trent! It's great to talk to you. Are you going to appear in a play soon?
Dawson: Yes, I'm going to be in Cyrano - I play the young guy who gets the girl but can't speak to her. I'll be doing that in Lancaster, PA in September.
Conn: I can't wait to see that - we'll be there!
verminator_us asks: Is Henry ever going to get a love life?
Dawson: Keep praying. Pray to God! I hope he will at some point - I joke the only way he'll get to hook up with someone is through blackmail or getting someone drunk. He's rather in love with his profession, but he's not a monk, so... But it's all up to the writers.
chuchopierre asks: I am an actor looking to get into Soaps, what advice can you give me? Do I need to have a perfect shaped stomach!?
Dawson: I can tell you - you DON'T need a perfect-shaped stomach! Though mine isn't that bad. Terri's stomach is perfect, though. It's so gorgeous. My advice to you is to get some training - not personal training, but acting training!
Conn: The best way to start is start studying and get a handle on your own craft and try to do some plays and move to LA or NY and get an agent and start hitting the pavement with auditions.
Shani_1973 asks: Are Henry and Katie ever going to hook up with each other. Poor Katie needs a man who can handle her LOL
Conn: And they think Henry can handle her?
Dawson: Terri and I joked that we were going to make Katie into a lesbian, since there are no men around.
Conn: They're all related to me!
Dawson: For a long time I thought we could hook up, but now I don't think so.
Conn: More unbelievable things have happened.
bluegreenboo asks: Hey Trent, let your imagination run wild: What kind of childhood did Henry have?
Dawson: I've thought about this. Sort of as an acting exercise, early on. I made up a whole past history for him just for the fun of it. And the next day I had to say some lines that completely contradicted what I had made up. My joke is that, "What kind of relationship did he have with his mother?" There's something twisted there. I don't know - judging by what they've written I think he had to fight his way up a bit. I thought he was a bit WASPy and went Harvard and got kicked out because he didn't play nicely with others. But I think he has had to fight his way up, and that's his beef with people like Lily, who are part of the aristocracy.
ATrammell asks: Henry, I think you are Lucinda's long lost son!! How about that?
Dawson: I've had some people ask that. Either that or the Coleman issue - one of Lisa's husbands had that last name! It would be interesting. I don't know if Lucinda would want to recognize him as his son!
Conn: I wonder if he would work so hard if he all of a sudden had money. I think he would.
Dawson: I think he would too -- he loves it, his work.
towerthistle asks: Do you ever think Katie will seduce Holden successfully?
Conn: I really don't think so. LOL! I don't see why she wants to, personally! I mean, you know, if nobody is responding, if he's not responding...
Dawson: He's pretty damn clueless, isn't he? I'm a little jealous :)
ducky_me140 asks: Terri and Trent: What is it like to play a characters with a twist of evil?
Conn: It's the best - if you can't be like that in real life, you might as well get to play it!
Dawson: It's so great because I play so many young lover types -- I go on a lot of auditions for young romantic leads -- and to go into a situation where the hunk quotient has already been met, I get to be evil and have fun! :)
tenneyfan asks: Terri, do you keep in touch with Jaime Dudney and what is she doing now?
Conn: Yeah, I keep in touch with her -- we talk about once a month. I just saw her on the 4th of July. She was just heading off to London to go to the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts for the summer session. She seems to be loving LA. I'm sure Soap Opera Digest will let you know what she's up to when she gets back!
graceake asks: Terri, is it hard to keep a straight face during scenes with Trent, Henry's comments are soo funny. BTW: You are doing a fab. job!
Conn: Oh thank you very much. Yes, you may see me almost busting up every once in a while because it's really hard to keep my laughter down with him. That's definitely not one of my strong points as an actor.
Dawson: We both laugh a lot when we work together.
Conn: Oh yes, working together is so much fun.
katiefan81 asks: Trent, are you hoping the show will give you a contract someday or do you like the way it is now?
Dawson: I think it's to the point now where I'd very much like a contract, but it probably won't happen. Initially I did not, but initially I did not think it was going to go this long. The job security situation is starting to be a pain in the behind - I would prefer to have job security there. But if it doesn't happen, it doesn't happen.
verminator_us asks: Are they planning on showing the Endicott Awards on ATWT ? I always thought that would be where Katie would be exposed.
Conn: It's award show season at the end of the summer on soap operas. Definitely watch!!! This is one you won't want to miss.
light32907 asks: Would you say that the Endicott award is a keeper tape?
Conn: Oh yeah. Definitely.
chuchopierre asks: What sacrifices do you have to make for the sake of looking so good?
Dawson: I don't think either Terri or I make any sacrifices.
Conn: I go on and off the Zone diet.
Dawson: And I pay off the makeup person. :-) I work out.
Conn: I go up and down with weight but I don't care about it as much as I used to -- I try not to let it rule my life, because the important thing is my acting and not what I look like.
Dawson: It is hard though - the vanity aspect - watching yourself on TV. I was light when I came on the show and they had to re-tailor my pants because I lost about 15 pounds after being on the show because I looked heavy to myself on TV. But now I've gotten to the point where I don't worry so much -- I think it's better to look interesting than to be on a Calista Flockhart diet. To be healthy is what's important.
cnjfan77 asks: What's the best thing about your job?
Dawson: I would have to say the people I work with. They've taught me a HECK of a lot. When the right crew is down in the studio and the right people are on the stage, it's like a party! A very stressful party. :)
Conn: That's a good way to put it. That's it for me too -- we're lucky to have such a fun cast and crew that are supportive, too. There's no back-stabbing. People make you feel comfortable enough to do a good job. And it's also really exciting because you never know what's going to happen with the story - unlike a movie or a play.
Dawson: I was so used to knowing the fifth act, but here, it was unnerving not to know where things were leading. But it's fun this way.
Conn: It keeps you more creative.
tomargofan asks: How do you think Tom and Margo will react when they find out that Katie set Chris and Molly up?
Conn: They will be extremely disappointed because they got into a huge fight because Margo was sticking up for me and Katie put their relationship in jeopardy for her own benefit - and that's not something families should do! I wouldn't be surprised if they don't talk to her for a long time.
verminator_us asks: Trent, do you think that Henry is being written as a gay character?
Dawson: I thought so at first! I think I even told Soap Opera Digest the same thing - I don't think that's where they're going but for a while I just let it go. Then I asked them that question and was told no, and then I put some subtext into the scenes with Katie for a while, and then I realized it was more fun with people not knowing! There have been quite a few opportunities in the text lately for me to have fun with Holden - I've been giving him some fun for a few weeks! It makes Jon very uncomfortable. :) At first I was a bit concerned about it but now it's not something that I care about anymore. But sometimes my lines are right out of a gay nightclub! :)
Shani_1973 asks: I know Trent has an official club. Terri, do you?
Conn: I don't, but I've been thinking about putting one together.
Dawson: You should - it's fun, Terri.
Conn: Someone put one together for me when I was on Breaker High.
Dawson: I've got to see that show. Bring a tape!
Conn: I will bring you a tape -- it's hilarious!
graceake asks: Trent and Terri, do you personally respond to your fan mail?
Conn and Dawson: Yes!
Conn: I don't write a letter to each person but I sign all the pictures and send out an informational letter.
ben4414 asks: Trent, this one's for you. Any truth to the rumors that you and the gorgeous Annie Parisse (Julia) are dating? I would like to see Julia dump Jack and give Henry a chance...
Dawson: I tell ya, someone from the production office told me about this.... There is no truth to this. I certainly wouldn't turn her down if she asks, because she's a hottie! We've been out together at functions and stuff like that, we're very like-minded in a lot of ways, but there's no truth to the rumor. We're just good friends.
light32907 asks: what is it like to watch your performances?
Conn: It's really weird! And it's hard sometimes. Sometimes when you think you did a good job, you watch it and it wasn't that great. And when you're worried about having done poorly, you look at it and you were actually good!
Dawson: I like it, I enjoy watching myself because I get to study. And that's the main reason I took the job - to get some on-camera experience. I lived with Kim Rhodes from AW and she said to me, "It's great! You learn so much about working in front of a camera!" And she was right - I have learned so much about my own technique.
Conn: Yeah, also you can learn some things about your own habits, both good and bad - and break them if they're bad!
ATrammell asks: Katie, you did such a good job interviewing during the St. Jude benefit, have you ever done that before?
Conn: Thank you! No, that was my first time. I was so nervous! I thought it would affect my job because that was when Katie first became an anchorwoman! I was worried about the producers not thinking I did a good job. I really enjoy meeting new people and learning about what people think of the show. It was so much fun.
loveatwts asks: Who would you like to work with that you haven't?
Conn: I would love to work with Maura, and that's coming up soon, so I'm so excited. And Paul Leyden.
Dawson: I can't think of anyone I wouldn't want to work with!
Conn: Yes, I want to work with everybody for different reasons.
Dawson: I'd like to work with Scott Holmes, who plays Tom. He's done a lot of theater stuff. He seems really cool - we just talked for the first time yesterday.
Conn: Scott is awesome to work with.
llatwtf asks: Do you guys get any rehearsal time?
Conn and Dawson: Not really!
Trent: We go over it a few times before it's shot, but none of it is a rehearsal in the classic sense.
towerthistle asks: Do people associate Terri and Trent with their characters ever? Like when their on the street?
Conn: No, not for me, which I'm surprised about. I'm always worried fans will hit me! They're always surprised at how friendly I am because of their notion of Katie, but they usually separate the character from the actor.
Dawson: I get that too - "You're so much nicer than your character!" At the fan club people were coming up to me for hours, smiling and shaking my hand and saying, "We hate your character!"
wilberwoman asks: Who has the tape of Katie confessing?
Conn: At this time, Rose has it.
verminator_us asks: Terri, Breaker High still has a huge cult following in Canada. Have you considered making personal appearances in Canada?
Conn: I would love to! I'm so glad that it does, because I'm so proud of that show and I wish it had gotten the attention it deserved. I'm glad it does in Canada! I would love to do that, and I love Canada, too! All my best friends are from there!
michele_f2000 asks: Trent: Where in Lancaster will Cyrano play?
Dawson: The Fulton Opera House.
taz19977 asks: Was it fun doing the WOAK telethon?
Dawson: I don't know if fun is the right word! The best part for me was that Ellen Wheeler was directing, and Ellen is a trip to work with. I love Ellen to death. Her energy is so big and manic and great - the way she ran that thing made it enjoyable.
Conn: The thing about those days where the whole cast is involved, it's like putting a bunch of twelve year old kids in one room for twelve hours. By the end of the day everyone is punchy and saying crazy things.
Dawson: And you and I seem to find each other just in time for that!
Conn: But it's very stressful and tiring -- hopefully it comes across as fun!
graceake asks: Trent -who do you hang out with outside of work? I just love you.
Dawson: You know, I don't: I'm a hermit. I need my friends from work to ask me out more! I have friends from my theater company but we're all so busy we don't get together that much. Friends from college, I guess.
katiefan81 asks: Terri, what is your daily routine schedule when you have to go into the studio?
Dawson: A hit of vodka in the morning, then she comes to my door and we start rolling around on the couch...
Conn: Um, no. I get up about 10 minutes before I have to leave for work, I drive to the studio, I eat breakfast there, I do my routine at the studio, try to work out (that hasn't been happening much lately), then I go home and learn my stuff for the next day! It's more interesting on the weekends. :)
light32907 asks: Is there a lot of joking that goes on off stage...pranks and just fun time together, or is it all work?
Dawson: It's not the most prank-friendly cast.
Conn: There are a lot of witty people.
Dawson: If you get me, Terri, and Tom Eplin in a room, it's trouble. We're going to add 20 minutes onto the scene just joking around.
Conn: We joke around with our lines in dry rehearsal.
Dawson: And we both kid around a lot with the crew.
SVLady asks: Trent, joining late here but will we see more of you in the upcoming weeks. We at the AW AOL board really have been enjoying the trouble you cause.
Dawson: Thank you very much! Yes, it looks like you will be seeing more of me in the coming weeks, especially these next three. There's some really fun stuff coming up.
Conn: That you CANNOT miss.
ljcordova asks: Terri, greetings from your home town of Albuquerque, how did a La Cueva HS girl like you get your foot in Hollywood?
Conn: Oh! Well, actually a lot of us have our feet in Hollywood, which I am proud to say. But I moved to LA after college and started auditioning and acting and landed in NYC! I miss Albuquerque so much and I am so glad I grew up there. Back then I was always wanted to get out! But now I love to come back and visit.
helns2000 asks: are you guys twins?
Dawson: Well that would take the sex part out, wouldn't it?
Conn: Um, no. Do you think we look alike or act alike? :)
tomargofan asks: What has been your favorite scene so far?
Conn: We had a fun one recently, but it hasn't aired yet...
Dawson: We had a scene that was one of the best but I remember it because it was an epiphany moment for me in terms of getting comfortable with the camera - getting the camera stuff out of my head and just acting again! It was a scene with us alone in the courtroom and she takes off after me and asks me why I set her up. The director had us do it over and over again, and my lines were so bitchy and mean and Terri was just bawling and angry, and I had to change my lines completely because of how she was reacting to the lines - I just had to go with the terrific force she was sending at me and it made a big impact on me in terms of my comfort with my technique in front of the cameras.
Conn: When we were gagged and bound on the floor - that was my favorite because I had to land right by your face and then start screaming!
Dawson: You're just saying that because I couldn't speak! That's why you loved it! :-) All the stalker stuff, though, was so fun. We had this really long scene with a stunt at the end and we did it all in one take - the crew applauded us!
ducky_me140 asks: This is kind of a stupid question but do you have a lot of 'bloopers' on the show? It must be hard with the tight schedule.
Dawson: From what I can tell, yeah! They can make a great blooper reel.
Conn: There are some really funny people on the show - when something goes wrong, Trent always has something funny to say.
Conn: Martha Byrne too, she's hilarious.
Dawson: And Don Hastings - he's the master of dry wit.
Conn: During rehearsal, Don will change the words to his speeches and make them so wacky and entertaining!
tenneyfan asks: Trent, what do you think about Carly and Henry together?
Dawson: Wow! Like I said, I think Henry with anyone is OK by me!
Conn: That's enough baggage to fill up a 747!
Dawson: I really don't know that much about the Carly character, so I don't know how to answer that question, except to say that anybody in the sack with Henry is fine by Henry! :)
dave2_13452 asks: Trent and Terri what do you think about being the next supercouple parallel to Holden and Lily?
Dawson & Conn: LOL!
Conn: We can rival them any day!
Dawson: I don't know if I could work with Terri Conn for another 15 years! LOL
Conn: We could be sweet, you know?
SODhost: That can be an April fools episode
Dawson: Totally! Can't you just picture us all cuddly in bed?
Conn: "We sure fooled them today, sweetheart!" I want us to be nominated for the best couple award at the Soap Opera Digest Awards.
Dawson: We're going to start a campaign! :)
katiefan81 asks: Terri, I loved the daydream sequence that you guys did awhile back, how did it feel getting into that garbage can during Molly's dream I believe?
Conn: That was so much fun -- I love when we get to do stuff like that!
Dawson: It was actually Henry's fantasy and as soon as Terri went off-camera, she started screaming. All of us took a beat on-stage because we were all about to laugh hysterically - the funniest noise came out of Terri's mouth!
Conn: That was my favorite face that Jon Hensley ever made.
Dawson: He was hysterical.
verminator_us asks: Trent, if Henry were to have a love scene would you be nervous and self-conscious?
Dawson: Trent wouldn't, tell ya that right now! (kidding) But I think I'm comfortable at this point - you should be a little self-conscious that a million people are going to see how you kiss, but...
Conn: I've never really had one. I've kissed but I've never had a love scene in bed. It's a little nerve-wracking because you know the person and it's weird to be kissing them all of a sudden!
Dawson: It must be weird kissing Jon with his wife there!
Conn: I remember when Kelley had a love scene with Scott Holmes when she was 7 months pregnant!
graceake asks: How has Hogan Sheffer affected the morale of the cast?
Conn: Well, no one really talks about that much. But I think the way the stories are coming together has been really exciting. It's definitely been a positive change.
Dawson: Now we're all sitting here mesmerized by Survivor. :)
JuuYa asks: Are there any other actors on the show that you look up to?
Conn: Everyone! I really look up to Martha Byrne.
Dawson: Yeah, she's a good one.
Conn: Martha has never lost the fun of it, or gotten comfortable - she puts 100% in and she helps other people, too. She's always there to give advice -- things that I go through sometimes, she's been through. I know she understands and can give advice, so she's who I go to first.
know1sgirl asks: So where is your story line heading?
Dawson: I don't know!
Conn: I really don't either! Let's put it this way: We both get what's coming to us very soon! I just don't know what will happen after that.
Dawson: I'm not even sure the writers know firmly yet! So it's exciting.
SODhost: That's all the time we've got guys. We'd like to thank Terri & Trent!
Conn and Dawson: Thank you for all the great questions - it was fun to hear your views on everything! And look for Soap Opera Digest next week -- ATWT is on the cover! Good night!
Take Five (Soap Opera Digest - August 22, 2000)
What do you do to relax?
Terri:"I love bubble baths with lavender oil, candles and great music. It's so simple to do something nice for yourself, and the reward is amazing."
If you were like a product, what would you guarantee about yourself?
Terri: "That I will give 100 percent of my soul to everything and everyone I care about."
Define sexy.
Terri: "Confidence, ambition and passion!"
What attracts you to the opposite sex?
Terri:"See definition of sexy. I have to find the person sexy right away, then they need a good heart and strong morals to back that up."
What's your dream vacation?
Terri: "I could have fun anywhere as long as I'm with the right people and we can just go where the wind takes us. Spontaneity makes for the absolute vacation."
A Whole New World (Soap Opera Weekly - July 20, 2000) Terri Conn (Katie) welcomed "Soap Opera Weekly" to ATWT's new Brooklyn studio, and immediately cuddled up to the Outstanding Drama Series Daytime Emmys he show won in 1987 and 1991. Forget about all the young, hunky guys that other gals may go for. "Don Hastings (Bob) is the most charming, witty man, and I have the best time when I am in a scene with him," says Conn as she puckers up to him in one of the earlier cast photos that are on display in the green room. Since Katie is Oakdale's vamp-in-training, it's only natural that she would envy Lisa's wardrobe. Costume designer Charles Schoonmaker helps Conn don one of Miss Eileen's fabulous robes. Conn, who is getting a touch-up from make-up artist Kevin-James Bennett, says makeup is the liveliest room at the studio. "If you want to get into a really crazy conversation, go there! The make-up is definitely essential, but what really matters is the hour of therapy I get in the makeup room!" That's Conn's cast mate and roommate, Kristina Sisco (Abigail) getting her long hair blown out by hairstylists Theresa Marra Siliceo and Veronica Bakalenik. "Since we live close to the studio, we can literally get out of bed in the morning, shower and head to work." Conn says. "We don't know what to do with ourselves on the weekends!" The greenroom is where the actors congregate to get a bit to eat and catch up. Colleen Zenk Pinter and Todd Rotundi (Barbara and Bryant) filled in Conn on the explosive scenes they were taping that day, centering around Zenk's on-screen daughter and Rotondi's on-screen love interest, Jennifer. Does this show have great taste in soap magazines or what? Production assistant Brett Hellman proudly displays his wall of SPW's ATWT covers through the years. Between her scenes, Conn steals a nap in her comfy dressing room. "I wish I had a window," she says, adding that some of the show's longtime cast members do -- like on-screen nemesis Martha Bryne (Lily/Rose). While just walking up and down the stairs at the new studio is a great form of exercise -- there are five floors and no elevator -- there is also a workout room that the actors can use to help keep in shape. Conn -- who does aerobics on her own -- admits, "Unfortunately, you won't find me down there very often!" While Holden is away, Katie schemes and plays. Conn gets cozy on the WOAK set, where Katie spends most of her time these days anchoring the news, arguing with Henry and chasing after Holden. Katie sweeping up Lily and Holden's living room is something viewers may never see, but Conn loved playing around on this set in particular. She later rode around the set on the broom like a witch, saying "I'll get you my Lily, and your little Rose, too!"
Taking Wing: Meet the Soaps' Junior Set, the Stars Who Will Soar This Summer! (Soaps in Depth - June 20, 2000) As the World Turns, Terri Conn (Katie Peretti)
Who was your first celebrity crush?
Terri: "Corey Haim. I watched The Lost Boys every day one summer. I even kissed the TV!"
What was the worst fashion fad you ever fell into?
Terri: "I had an awful perm in the seventh grade that only took underneath. The top was really straight and the bottom was curled up to my ears."
You old friends would be shocked to see you now ...
Terri: "Single. I was always the one that everybody thought would be married first."
What is your ideal way to spend a day?
Terri: "Sleep, clean, then do something just for me -- like go to the beach or take a bath, go get a manicure."
The TV shows I never miss are ...
Terri: "Celebrity Profiles, True Hollywood Story, Mysteries and Scandals ... I get stuck on the E! Channel a lot."
What is the biggest difference between you and Katie?
Terri: "I would never manipulate a guy into liking me."
Road Rules or The Real World?
Terri: "Neither. They both the annoy the hell out of me."
What music is your secret cheesy indulgence?
Terri: "Those compilation '80's CDs. I love it. The Billboard best 10 hits from 1981 is so good."
Actors' Dressing Room (Soap Opera Digest - May 9 2000) As the World Turns, Dressing Room Resident: Terri Conn "It may not look like much because I haven't put some of the pictures on the wall," says Conn, who moved (along with everyone else) into ATWT's new studio a few months ago. "But I heard this rumor that if you put them up yourself, you get fired. I think it's a World Turns superstition. They told me that at the old CBS studio. Jordana [Brewster, ex-Nikki] used to have my old dressing room, and she had all these pictures up, which I never took down, so I guess it worked. But I actually heard someone else put them up. So I'm waiting to see if anyone makes me mad and I can get them fired if they put them up for me. I'm just kidding, of course!" "I like Marilyn Monroe. She reminds me of glamour, and soap operas are supposed to be glamorous. And my crystal here is there too. That's from my acting coach in Vancouver. It's supposed to give energy for creativity." "To me, environment is really important. I need a relaxing, soothing place, so candles help to calm me down. I love the look of them. They're very beautiful and romantic. And I did a little feng shui. There are pictures in the 'friends and family corner,' and the crystal is in the 'career corner.' But I'm kind of scared because the scones are in the 'love and marriage corner.' You're supposed to have two of everything, and fire creates fire in that area of your life. So I lit them today, and I've never seen candles do this, but they both hallowed out in about 20 minutes. That's not a good sign!"
Performers of the Week: Terri Conn and Trent Dawson (Soap Opera Digest - May 9, 2000) Of the many couples on ATWT, there are few we enjoy quite as much as Henry and his reluctant co-conspirator, Katie. Their impossibly complex, love-hate relationship was expertly showcased as the stalker story climaxed.
With his highly nuanced performances and sardonic wit, Trent Dawson has stolen scene after scene in the past few months. His reactions are priceless (how many characters would dare roll their eyes behind Nancy's back?) and he shades Henry so cleverly that it's impossible to know what he's truly thinking. Dawson has made the recurring character one of the most dynamic presences on the show.
And Terri Conn is at her best during their well-written sparring matches. While Henry is the slick pro, Katie is an awkward amateur. He's the devil on her shoulder guiding her down the crooked path to success, and with a faltering voice and childish outrage, Conn shows Katie's frustration in trying to keep up. She's learning, but still can't beat him at his own game. "I don't have to explain myself to you," she snapped indignantly while trying to get her way. "Are you sure about that?" was his cool retort. He had just been giggling over her seduction plans for Holden, but was all business a split second later. "You were nothing without me," he hissed. "You could barely make a cup of coffee, sweetheart." After the stalker almost exposed Katie's treachery, Henry covered for her, again. "I owe you big ..." she said awkwardly. "Always have ... always will," he replied in a chilling tone, flashing a wicked smile as he relished his power. For all the stunts and stalker shrines, those were the moments that truly shined.
Do Soap Stars Follow What's Happening on Their Shows? (Soap Opera Update - May 9, 2000) It's easy to understand how so many of us get caught up in the day-to-day shuffle -- even daytime's hottest starts can become consumed with the tedious! Terri Conn knows this all too well, as she is sometimes so engrossed in reality that she loses sight of ATWT's fiction. "My mom watches more than I do," confesses Conn sheepishly. "And she knows more than I do! She watches every day when she gets home and she'll call me and say, 'I like what you did today with so and so, and can you believe what Emily did?'" In addition to being her daughter's continuity partner, mama Conn is also her only child's biggest fan. "My parents are very protective and very proud," beams Conn. As they should be.
Cub Reporter (Soap Opera Digest - April 18, 2000) When Katie was promoted to TV news anchor, her portrayer Terri Conn, revisited a previous career goal. "It's actually really exciting because when I was in college, my parents didn't want me to be an actor, so I thought 'Okay, I'll be a newscaster! That's on-camera, it's the closest thing.' I took one class and I hated it. But I wanted to like it, so now I get to do it in some way. Though I think it's hilarious that there's a 19-year old newscaster," Conn laughs. "But, hey, it's Oakdale - anything can happen!"
Sentimental Journey (CBS Soaps In Depth - March 14, 2000) Eileen Fulton sings songs in the key of life
Manhattan may have been bitterly cold on this winter night, but it was cozy and warm inside the West Bank Cafe, where Eileen Fulton (Lisa, ATWT) gave a bravura opening-night performance of a new cabaret act celebrating her extraordinary life and career.
Terri Conn (Katie) was floored by her co-star's cabaret act. "She is a true star," the up-and-comer said of the venerable performer. "She has class and charisma and loads of talent. You don't see that a lot anymore."
Star Talk "What is your guiltiest TV pleasure?" (CBS Soaps In Depth - February 29, 2000) Terri: "VH1's BEHIND THE MUSIC"
The Bodies Electric (CBS Soaps In Depth - January 18, 2000) As we choke on a lump of wheat germ in our protein shakes while stumbling in our cross-trainers on the treadmill, we can take comfort in at least one fact: The stars whose hot bods we'd like our own to more closely resemble are working just as hard to stay in shape. And in this special feature, four of them open up about their tricks for slimming down, chilling out and letting the sunshine in.
On Their Ohm
Terri Conn (Katie) teaches Kristina Sisco (Abigail) how to Zen out
What would you say if Terri Conn (Katie) said that she'd found a way to keep her body toned and her temper even? If you're Kristina Sisco (Abigail), "Count me in!"
Thus, after Conn shared her nonfat-yoga success story ("I was really nervous about this huge scene, so I sat in my dressing room doing my ohms"), she showed her co-star the ropes.
Sisco always wanted to try yoga and was impressed with Conn's expertise as she put the beginner through her paces. After hearing about Power Yoga, Conn was interested in trying it out. Pal Sisco was willing to stretch her horizons, too.
Here, the stars reach for... well, the stars. Conn has been taking Hatha Yoga, a limited-motion discipline of the ancient technique, for some time now.
Eve of Destruction (CBS Soaps In Depth - January 4, 2000) Terri Conn prepares Katie for the fight of her life
Uh-oh! Who would have thought that a tiny (but juicy) bit of gossip - like, for instance, that Molly is sleeping with her boss' son - potentially could do so much damage in the hands of one wide-eyed pixie? "I have a goody in my bag to use against Molly," tease Katie's portrayer, Terri Conn, in character, "just in case I want something of hers. Like her job. Which I do." It's only been a little over a year since Lyla and the late Casey Peretti's sweet little girl showed up in Oakdale on the doorstep of half-sister Margo, and already she's done a 180 and begun outmanipulating the town's most experienced vixens. Now no one knows what's going on in that seemingly innocent blonde head of hers as she schemes to get Molly out of IN YOUR FACE's anchor chair so that she herself can have the seat. "All [WOAK owner] Kim sees is an ambitious young girl who wants to get ahead," notes Conn, who first plied her bitchcraft as Ashley on 1997's short-lived teen comedy, BREAKER HIGH. "She's too busy waiting for Molly to screw up to worry about Katie, who she thinks is a teacher's pet, but harmless."
Something Old, Something Borrowed
And that's just what Katie's counting on. Scenario sound familiar? It should - it's All About Eve all over again. In the 1950 multiple-Oscar winner, Bette Davis played Margo Channing, a jaded stage diva who takes in Anne Baxter's Eve Harrington, a seemingly starstruck aspiring actress who stabs her mentor in the back in order to move forward. "When [executive producer] Chris Goutman told me that they were going to make Katie into a modern-day Eve," recalls Conn, "I was so excited. The difference between the story in a movie and on a soap is that the audience knows Katie's intentions from the beginning," she adds. "In the movie, you don't really know until about halfway through that Eve is so manipulative. You think Eve's this sweet, ambitious girl, whereas Katie lets you in."
The High Price of Success
On some levels, Conn can relate to Eve's willingness to stoop to new lows to come out on top. As Bette Davis says in the movie, "Funny business, a woman's career... the things you drop on the way up the ladder so you can move faster." I'm such a victim of that," admits the former University Of San Diego communications major. "I play the game, and inside I'm saying, 'It's so messed up that there are all these prejudices in the world and that girls have to wear make-up and do this little dance.' Still, I go out and put my make-up on and dance." That's where the Eve mentality kicks in. While Conn never would sacrifice her loved ones to advance her career, there is a method to her "dancing." "If you do the whole game long enough," she allows, "you get to say what you want to say. That's why you become an actor: because you feel like you have something to say. You aren't satisfied until someone says, 'I heard you.'" Kind of reminiscent of Eve's line, "If nothing else, there's applause... like waves of love pouring over the footlights."
Caption: Conn isn't worried about fired friend Jaime Dudney (Georgia). "She'll show up in prime-time making five times as much as here."
FYI
Born: January 28
Hails from: Albuquerque, NM
No sleep till Brooklyn: "[My castmates and I] were talking about all getting a house together [near ATWT's new studio in Brooklyn] and having a spinoff called AS THE REAL WORLD TURNS."
Song sung true: "Sometimes when I don't feel connected to Katie, I listen to this Ani DiFranco song. It goes, 'He said, Ani [and I say Katie], you've gotten tough, and that tone was curt. Yeah, when I'm approached in a dark alley, I don't lift my skirt. In this city, self-preservation is a full-time occupation.'"