Terri Conn Fansite - 2002 articles

"With which of the Sex and the City gals do you most closely identify? With which one would you like to hang?" (CBS Soaps In Depth - December 31, 2002) Terri Colombino: "Of course, I want to be Carrie. But [my husband, Artie] is like, 'Your style is more Carrie, but inside, you're a mix between Miranda and Charlotte. You have that wanting everything to be in order like Charlotte, and, at the same time, you're very individualistic, very Miranda.' That's what he thinks. But I think I'm Carrie!"

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A New Year (CBS Soaps In Depth - December 31, 2002) On December 31, while everyone else is making their New Year's resolution, Terri Colombino will have a little extra free time on her hands. "I usually don't make New Year's resolutions," she admits with a shrug. Not that there isn't anything that she would want to change in her life, but the actress learned long ago how very difficult they were to stick to. "The thing is, I used to make them when I was naive enough to think that I would keep them. Then after years and years of not keeping them and getting older, I just kind of lost interest."

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Which character's wardrobe do you wish was yours? (Soap Opera Digest - December 24, 2002) Terri Colombino: "I love Emily's wardrobe. In fact, I was very upset the other day when I had been fit in the cutest pants ever - my favorite pants that I've ever seen for Katie. They were brown hiphuggers with turquoise beads sewn around the waist so that it looked like a little belt. I was very excited to wear them, and then the next week, I came to work and passed by the wardrobe rack and saw them hanging up. I said, 'I'm not wearing those today.' And then I looked at the name and it said, 'Emily.' So I gasped and said, 'Those are my pants!' She gets all the cool clothes, and then she gets the ones of mine that I was really excited about. It's not her fault, but it wasn't too thrilling for me."

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Personal Best 2002 Review (CBS Soaps in Depth - December 17, 2002) Terri Colombino picks Katie's highlight - "I would have to say that Katie's most memorable moment of the year was coming out of surgery and being in [the recovery room] and seeing that Margo was okay. Her bad memorable moment was kissing Donovan and finding out that he wasn't Simon!"

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Recommended List (Soap Opera Digest) CHANNEL IN: Terri Colombino (Katie, ATWT) loves watching ... "The Shield. [My husband] Artie discovered it in the beginning, and we watched it every week. It's so good. And I just started watching 24. I saw the end of last season, and this season is amazing. They're on the same night, so it's perfect!"

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Performers Of The Week - Terri Colombino and Ellen Dolan (Soap Opera Digest) The hard part about praising the best performances is that they're so seamless, it's nearly impossible to see the performances. What exactly did Terri Colombino and Ellen Dolan do that was so great? It's hard to say. They were, quite simply, Katie and Margo. From the little moments (arguing about doctor's orders as Katie nervously checked the weather; dutifully taking their pills) to the big ones (saying "I love you" to each other before surgery; begging for the chance to be heroic), every look, every line, was so natural that we were left wondering what was scripted and what wasn't. Colombino and Dolan just disappeared. Maybe it has something to do with how at ease they are as sisters - so much so that we forgot that they've hardly ever worked together. That Colombino can continue to so convincingly shift between the absurd and the achingly real without showing the effort; that she can hug Casey like she has watched him grow up; that she can put that little shake in her voice and smile through her tears in a way that can only be described as so ... Katie. Or that consummate earth mother Dolan, with weary eyes and a slow, deliberate voice, conveyed the pain so convincingly, yet kept Margo's wry humor; that she can come off as stubborn and scared in the same breath; that she can tell us everything we need to know in a precious few scenes. You could watch how fluid they were, borrowing from each others' personalities, keeping the worry balanced between them, as best exemplified when Katie quietly sang "Hush Little Baby" to her silently weeping sister as they went to commercial. And that's another thing: There's something about the way they so completely embody their characters, we can almost imagine what they're doing during the break. Now, that's a great performance.

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Snyder Wedding Gifts (SoapCity Online - October 2002) It took them five years, but Carly Tenney and Jack Snyder are finally headed for the altar - soap opera style! Expect glamour. Expect glitz. Expect angst and, definitely, expect a major blast from the past. Wondering what the happy couple got as wedding gifts?

Terri Colombino (Katie): I gave them a Butt-Bustin' tape. Because when you get married you gain a little weight.
Paul Leyden (Simon): I think they gave them a rabbit's foot. For good luck.
Colombino: Oh, no! Not Snickers!
Leyden: We don't have much money, so we've got to use what we've got. It's OK, we've got three more left. He's limping a bit.
Colombino: You bastard!

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Blonde Ambition (CBS Soaps in Depth - October 22, 2002) One of the highest profile parts Terri Colombino can recall auditioning for was the lead in the teen cheerleading romp Bring It On, a role that ultimately went to Kirsten Dunst. "I always go out for roles that Kirsten Dunst and Reese Witherspoon go out for," Colombino shrugs. "Because we have that same kind of feel. And obviously, they're going to get it, because they have a bigger name. And I can't play their friend, because we look too much alike or we have that same energy." But the young actress isn't so easily defeated, and plans one day to turn the tables. "They'd better watch out!" Colombino declares with a confident laugh. "[One day] they'll be playing my friend."

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Of Pooches and Grandmas - Pat's Personals (Soap Opera Weekly - October 15, 2002) Finally! Terri Colombino's husband, Artie Colombino, and six of his best buddies, including Don Jeffcoat (ex-Joey Buchanan, One Life to Live), finished their independent feature, Long Story Short, and held a screening of it aboard the USS Intrepid.

Afterward, the guys hosted a party at the trendy Lot 61, where everyone danced, drank and screamed their opinions about the movie over the blasting music. "It was better that I envisioned!" Terri yelled. Surprisingly, though she'd been there since the inception, it was the first time she had seen the whole film, which is actually composed of five humorous, offbeat, loosely strung-together shorts. Donny and Artie wrote and acted in two of them, and as talented and attractive as they are onscreen, each had to contend with the scene-stealing presence of, respectively, a dog and a dirty old lady. The latter is an 84-year old actress named Lee Kheel, who plays Artie's kinky grandma. Artie and Terri, who held the auditions in their old Manhattan apartment, said she beat out 29 other actresses for the part because of her comedic skills. She's also got a cult following, thanks to weekly appearances on Late Night with Conan O'Brien. "I'm Conan's raunchy old woman," Lee shouted to me at the party.

Donny's character has a pet French mastiff played by David Fumero's (Cristian, OLTL) Cuervo. This dog has a face that will melt hearts across America. "He's such a good actor, too. He's got a career in front of him,"Terri predicted. She said she hadn't realized until halfway through the filming that he was David's dog. "I actually met him when he was a puppy. I ran into David and Erin (Torpey, Jessica, OLTL ) on the street when they had just gotten him. He was so tiny! So I couldn't believe it was the same dog - he's huge!" Donny says Cuervo was a trouper, working 14-hour days in a hot, unairconditioned apartment. "I drove David crazy, because I'd pick him up early in the morning and say, 'I think we'll have him back by about 8 p.m.,' and around 11 p.m. I'm getting phone calls from David, saying, 'Dude, where's my dog?' By the time he got home, he was worn out. David said, 'What did you do to my dog? He can't move.' And I said, 'Hey, man, it's the life of an actor.' But we did him well. There were always people on the set to make sure he was fed, watered and fanned. He was treated like Robert de Niro." Despite Cuervo's "mellow" disposition and willingness to take direction, Donny discovered that, because of continuity considerations, "It's not easy shooting animals. I will never, ever write an animal into my script again, if I ever write another film."

Artie has already written another film, one that he'd like Terri to help him produce. " I would love to co-produce," Terri told me. "I have a lot of ideas, and sometimes just being an actor is hard for me because I see what I think would be the more efficient or creative way to do something." But she doubts her ability to intimidate, another requisite of producing. "I don't think I have enough authority in myself yet - it's hard for me to delegate to people. But I'll help out whenever I can."

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What is the craziest diet you've been on? (Soap Opera Weekly - October 15, 2002) Terri: "The Atkins diet. I couldn't eat meat and protein all day long [like you're supposed to]. It made me sick to my stomach. You're not supposed to have [food that has a lot of] carbs, like a salad or an apple. I don't know how people do it for weeks. I couldn't even do it for one day."

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American I Do's (Soap Opera Digest - October 1, 2002) The Happy Couple: Terri Conn and Arthur Colombino

It's a Date: September 7, 2001, New York, NY

Were there any mishaps? Terri: "I was 45 mintues late. Actually, I wasn't; the car was. We had all the guests stay at the Wall Street Inn, and the car was supposed to pick my dad and I up there. But it's very confusing down there, so the driver was around the corner waiting at some other hotel. I was freaking out, calling the place, calling Apex, [the car service that] drives us to work, going, 'If this guy's not coming, Apex will come get me!' I tried to stay calm because I knew if I started to verbally panic, then the rest of my body would follow. So, I just kept to myself and figured, 'They can't start without me.' It turned out that one of the buses [bringing the guests] was late, too. My grandma was on it, and I wasn't going to start without her. Of course, Artie's groomsmen were giving him a hard time, like, 'Oh, no, dude, she's not coming!'"

What about during the ceremony? Terri: "I didn't want to say 'death' during the vows, but we forgot to talk to the priest about it. So, when Artie was saying his vows, the priest said, 'Until we are parted by death.' And before Artie repeated it, I said, 'And beyond!' I don't know where that came from; it just came out. He looked and me and said, 'Okay, including and beyond death.' After, I said, 'I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to step on your line.' He said, 'The holy spirit must have moved you.'"

What was your favorite part? Terri: "I loved the speeches [at the reception]. My parents gave one and my best friend, Julie, gave a really sweet speech, and then his brother. That's always fun; those are the things that you pay attention to at other people's weddings, and then it's your turn and you're like, 'Oh, no, what are they gonna say?' But they were both funny and sweet. And Kristina [Sisco, Abigail] sang our song, which was amazing. And Artie and his dad sang. They always sing at weddings but to have him sing to me at our wedding - you can't get much better than that."

Caption: "The wedding was at Grace Church in downtown Manhattan and the reception was at Grand Prospect Hall in Brooklyn, which is so cool - it's an old opera house that they converted. That place was just amazing. We took this picture when everybody was still in the cocktail hour."

Caption: "The flower girl was Marissa Amato, the daughter of Artie's best friend from high school, and actually Artie's goddaughter. He's the godfather!"

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Charities! Charities! Charities! (SoapCity Online - October 2002) The stars mixed, mingled and mamboed the evening of October 18, all in the name of raising money for a fabulous cause St. Jude's Hospital. So, we asked them: "You're here raising money for St. Jude's. But what charity do you think your character would support?"

Terri Colombino (Katie): Some sort of transplant charity, because of Margo. And definitely the disease that Casey had, Guillain Barre syndrome.

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What is the last thing you do before you go to sleep at night? (Soap Opera Digest - September 24, 2002) Terri: "I give my husband a kiss and say 'Good night, sweetheart.' I do! Every night. It's like a ritual. Unless he's downstairs watching a Yankee game!"

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Take Five (Soap Opera Digest - September 10, 2002)

How do you relax?
Terri: "Lately, by decorating our house. I love painting the walls. I'm no painter, but I can paint walls. It's really fun to put together colors and fabrics. I found a new hobby."

What is your favorite vacation spot?
Terri: "What I realized when [husband, Arthur and I] were in Italy for our honeymoon was that relaxing vacations, especially for me, should be on a beach doing nothing. No traveling, no sight-seeing - those are different trips, educational trips."

Whom do you trust the most?
Terri: "My parents. We've built a trust over many years, and it has been broken on my side, but we got through it and made it stronger."

What movie role do you wish you had played?
Terri: "I was infatuated with Heathers in high school. I loved it. I would have liked to play the Winona Ryder role [Veronica]."

If you weren't an actor, you'd be ...
Terri: "An interior designer. I'd have to go school before I could claim to be one, but that's what I would love to do."

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Report: These Duos Deal With Special Circumstances (CBS Soap In Depth - September 10, 2002) It can't be easy being married to a soap star, what with the long work hours, weekend fan events, endless award shows and viewers approaching you on the street. In fact, perhaps the best way to deal with it is to be a performer yourself! That has been the secret for Jon and Kelley Menighan Hensley (Holden and Emily, AS THE WORLD TURNS), who celebrated their sixth wedding anniversary in May. "We're on different shows, really" says Kelley, referring to her and Jon's seldom-overlapping work schedules. "We rarely appear in the same episode." As a result, the duo can work "shifts" at home, taking care of their two children. "We're very lucky," says Jon. The trick for Terri Colombino (Katie, ATWT) and her actor/musician husband, Arthur, is accepting the "other people" in each other's work lives. "Paul [Leyden, Simon] and I are good friends," says Arthur. "I've gotten to know him really well over the last three years." For Terri, the gents' bonding only helps her acting. "To know that Arthur respects what we do and understands it lets me go all the way with it," she says. "But I'm not looking forward to the day when he has to make out with Charlize Theron!"

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Spa Junkie (Soap Opera Weekly - September 3, 2002) Terri Colombino and her husband, Artie, were in Rome last year on their honeymoon when the tragedies of September 11 occured. So this week, prior to their first anniversary September 7th, they're off on a second honeymoon, one hopefully unclouded by fear or grief. I spoke with Terri before they left, and she was bubbling with excitement about their destination, a winery and spa in Sonoma, California. "I'm a spa junkie, and this place is amazing. They have facials and massages and all these special water treatments, plus every afternoon you have wine in the main salon. It sounds really fabulous and relaxing, and that's just what we need," she pronounced. "And deserve!" They'll return from their honeymoon before their actual anniversary but will mark it in a very meaningful way. "We're having our wedding rings engraved for each other - we were too busy to do it when we got married - and we'll exchange them on that day. I have no idea what I'm going to write on his. I have to get creative!" Her own ring, an antique, white-gold band with four small diamonds, is so tiny, she says, "I don't even know how he's going to inscribe anything on it. He may have to attach a tag - it'll be like the Minnie Pearl wedding ring."

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What is the most high profile role you can remember auditioning for? (CBS Soaps In Depth - August 27, 2002) Terri: "Probably Bring It On with Kirsten Dunst. I would have been that role. I always go out for roles that Kirsten Dunst and Reese Witherspoon go out for."

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Two Of A Kind (CBS Soap In Depth - August 27, 2002) For Terri Colombino (Katie), the best part of being married to fellow performer is being able to share with hubby Artie both the highs and lows of their business. "The joy of getting a great role or having a great days at work, you want to talk about that and you want the other person to understand it," she explains. "Or the disappointment of 'I just had a really bad audition,' or 'Why can't I play that type of role?' Other people just don't understand. They try to, but they don't." However, sharing showbiz ups and downs isn't the only perk to having another actor for a spouse." The best part, for me," Colombino smiles, "is being able to be creative together. That's pretty amazing."

THAT'S A FACT: For her role on BREAKER HIGH, Colombino had to dye her hair red to distinguish herself from the other blondes in the cast.

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Divine Secrets of the Oakdale Sisterhood (Soap Opera Weekly - August 27, 2002) Margo and Katie's relationship on As the World Turns usually goes something like this: Katie gets into trouble, her cop sister scolds her, they go their separate ways. That's all changed with Margo's recent hepatitis C diagnosis. She needs a liver transplant to survive, and this week Katie agrees to be her donor. Soap Opera Weekly sat down with their portrayers, Ellen Dolan and Terri Colombino, to talk about this socially relevant storyline.

Soap Opera Weekly: What was your reaction when you first learned about this story?
Ellen Dolan: I didn't know if I was going to be Naomi Judd or Pamela Anderson. Am I going to get implants? (laughs) I have been waiting for a long time for something to come around, and it takes time for [the writers] to come up with the right thing. It's a great tie-in; of all of the storylines they could have hooked into, I am glad that they did this. The first go-round with the rape story was very touching and emotional and affected me very deeply. I'm glad that we get to come full circle with it.
Terri Colombino: With soaps you have such a huge opportunity to talk to people. I'm sure the rape storyline was life-changing for you as an actor, and also for people who watched. I'm excited to be involved in a storyline that has something to do with that, because that's why we are actors. You want to speak to people. I'm also glad that we finally get to delve into our sisterhood, because it hasn't been explored that much.

Weekly: How did you find out about this story?
Dolan: My brother passed away in May. I got the call right before rehearsal from my other brother that he was gone, and I held it together for the morning session, but I knew I wasn't going to make it through the afternoon. I called Vivian (Gundaker, an ATWT producer) aside and said, 'Could we rewrite the scene so I could go home, because I can't do this all day?" I had been feeling very out of the loop and was getting frustrated, and she knew that. So when this thing with my brother happened, she said, 'OK, this is the story that's coming up." Chris Goutman (ATWT's executive producer) is wearing 17 hats, and there's no time to take everybody who's going to get a story into the office and say, "This is this and this is that."
Colombino: I think Martha (Byrne, Lily/Rose) told me; she knows everything. She told me that Margo was going to need a new liver, and I was going to give her half of mine. And I said, "Why, because she's my half sister?" (laughs)
Dolan: We're both chopped liver from now on. One hard thing about this story is having to say the word "liver" all the time.

Weekly: What is your offscreen relationship like?
Dolan: Terri and I have a sweet working relationship. We [play] off each other well, so it's going to be some good stuff.

Weekly: What kind of research did you do?
Dolan: I went to the writers' office and they gave me some pamphlets and articles. One of the most difficult things I've learned in my research is insurance companies don't cover liver transplants. There's a campaign started by a woman in California who has waited many years for a cadaver transplant. A lot of people don't make it for that reason. It's all red tape and major corporations. I had concerns about hepatitis C at one point, and my doctor said, "Oh, by the time you or your daughter display any symptoms for it, we're going to have a shot for it," Well, they don't yet. They do for A and B, but not for C. It's becoming the primary hepatitis that you have to worry about because it's so quick.

Weekly: How has this illness affected Margo and Katie's relationship?
Colombino: Katie never realized all the things that Margo did for her. She just expected it. Margo always got her out of her crazy jams. Almost immediately she realizes: She's done so much for me and I've never done anything for her.
Dolan: Yeah!
Colombino: When she hears that Margo is sick, it's a shock and it scares her into reality. Obviously, it's going to change her a lot. She needs to grow up. She is very self-absorbed.
Dolan: That's one of their family traits. Craig, Katie and Margo are primarily selfish.
Colombino: True. It's always cool to see someone strong like Margo have to be vulnerable. That's what I love about the way Ellen plays Margo: She doesn't want to be vulnerable, but she has to be, and that struggle is what makes the audience feel it.
Dolan: Another great thing about being on a show that's so old and has such history is these characters have been with the audience for so long. It is a life. We're in these people's living rooms, and they are connected to us. They remember details. Annie Seward, who played my mom, Lyla, used to always call Katie "Katydid" when she was a baby. I remembered that, so I threw it in every once and a while.
Colombino: It's a nice little surprise for people who have watched for so long. There's something comforting about it.

Weekly: How does Margo relate this to her kids?
Dolan: You automatically assure them that you are going to be there tomorrow and not to worry - "I'm tough and I'm going to get through this" - you keep them away. Adam comes home from school, but she's like, "Go back to school, go have your life. Casey, tell me about your baseball games." I wonder how I would tell my own daughter (2-year-old Angela) that I may not be around, and you don't. You don't put that fear in them, even if they're teen-agers.

Weekly: What do you hope fans take away from this story?
Colombino: Let yourself depend on people and give yourself to people, especially your family.
Dolan: I hope it serves the dual purpose of getting the information out there in a story fashion. We haven't done a social-issues story in a long time, things go in cycles. Because of things that have happened in the last year in out country, we're more willing to stop and think about the other person. It's perfect timing.

Weekly: How emotional has the story been for the two of you?
Dolan: We realized that our waterworks don't really count that much. It's if you get the audience to cry. A lot of times when I read the scripts, I cry...
Colombino: Me, too.
Dolan: You read them as an audience member, so it's there.

Weekly: What's Craig's reaction to all this?
Dolan: Hunt (Block, Craig) and I had a bunch of really nice scenes and they were cut down to a page (groans). The scripts are too big right now, so the cuts we have to take end up being personal/character stuff as opposed to information.

Weekly: What have you learned in your research on this subject?
Colombino: On The View they were talking about transplants and how rich people are able to give gifts to the donor's families, which if someone gave me or a family member [an organ], I would want to give them something, too. But then poor people can't afford to pay them, so [the donor's family are] going to donate to the rich person. I thought that would be an interesting aspect to this story, how sometimes it's not fair. Margo's not rich but her family is all doctors, so somehow she could get special treatment.

Weekly: Terri, did you know about Margo's rape storyline before this?
Colombino: I asked Ellen recently what exactly happened, but I had heard about it before I was even on the show. I never watched General Hospital but I knew they had an AIDS storyline that really affected people. I knew ATWT did a rape storyline. I think it's cool that they are dealing with after effects not a couple months later, but 10 years later.

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Star Talk "If you could eat one food without repercussions, what would it be?" (CBS Soaps In Depth - August 13, 2002) Terri Colombino: "Chocolate. Any kind. Candy bars and sundaes. That would be fabulous! Oh, and cake!"

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Cuba Libre (Soap Opera Digest - August 13, 2002) In case you haven't guessed, ATWT's volatile island, Avanya, is basically Cuba in disguise. But it reminded the actors, including Terri Colombino, of last summer's island getaway. "It looks curiously like Malta," she laughs. "That's what Liz [Hubbard, Lucinda] and Martha [Bryne, Lily/Rose] said when they walked onstage. And it is the Malta set, kind of switched around. But it's beautiful - it makes me want to go on vacation. Not to Cuba necessarily, but somewhere cultural and tropical."

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The Comfort Zone (Soap Opera Digest - August 6, 2002) Many people, when they hit their mid-20s, go through a period of troubling uncertainty when love, career and life in general become so hopelessly complicated that attitudes toward the future alternate between extreme anxiety and paralyzing ennui. But Terri Colombino never seemed like that kind of person. She always knew what she wanted and how to get it.

At As the World Turns, she had successfully fleshed out the ill-conceived character of Katie, winning the adoration of fans, the confidence of the show's head honchos and an Emmy nomination-while also proving that she had the stuff to make it in the Hollywood big time. She had good friends, supportive family, and the ideal fiancé. On paper, her life was perfect. But as everyone who survived 2001 knows, the world around you can change very quickly, in the most unexpected ways. "My mom and dad always told me to picture where you want to be, and do it. And it's always worked for me, but as I'm getting older, it's harder to believe that. When you're younger, you re more naive, and you think, 'I can conquer the world if I want.' Once you get older, you realize that some dreams are a little far-fetched. That's unfortunate because if you don't think it's far-fetched, it won't be," she sighs. "The 20s are hard, I think. It's like a weird mix of losing that naivete and having this immense pressure to know what you want to do, settle down and do all of these things that you're supposed to do in time."

That pressure was weighing heavily on her in 2001, which she describes as "a huge year for me, in really great and really horrible ways, all in one." The elation of an Emmy nomination and planning her wedding was marred by the death of her grandmother and, of course, the nightmare that was 9/11, which will always be linked with the memory of her Italian honeymoon. "It was hard to have such an amazing thing like getting married happen, and then three days later, you're questioning the world, and everything changes," she says. "I mean, it was hard for everyone, just to know that life is different now."

She's grateful that a few weeks before 9/11, she took steps to ensure that her career, at least, would have some security. But even the decision to sign on for another three years was agonizing. "When I started on the show I was like, 'Okay, I'll be there for three years, and then I'll go off to L.A. and be a movie star,'" she recalls. "Literally, about five months before [the contract was up], I was still thinking that. I went to L.A., met with agents and was excited about moving." But after a few months, anticipation turned to doubt. Moving to L.A. would have been the next step in achieving her lifetime goal, something she'd been working toward for years, and then one day... it wasn't anymore. "I started thinking about living in L.A. again, which didn't sound so good all of a sudden, and leaving New York, which I didn't want to do. I wouldn't want to live in L.A. again. The thought of going on auditions every day and dealing with the way the business is, especially right now, does not appeal to me. It actually made me sick to my stomach. "So many of my friends dread going to work," she continues. "They hate their job, or this person they work with, or there's something wrong with it. Here, there's nothing wrong, I'm excited to come to work. We're so lucky to have these jobs. We have people who come in for a two-day stint who say, 'You've got it so good. This is such a great place to work' and all that stuff. It makes me remember how good I have it. But once you get here, you want more. It's inevitable, but at the same time, you have to remember what you have and the step you took to get here."

It may like she's trying to convince herself, but it's hard to modify a dream you've nurtured for years, and Colombino is still struggling to adapt. She does want this, at least for now. "My priorities have changed," she explains. "I'm starting to get settled again and finding a new way of living. So much has changed that it's taking a [big] step in life. I took the step; now I have to get comfortable there." Though she's not quite ready for children yet, married life with husband Artie is one big adjustment that suits her completely. "It's a different lifestyle than before, but much better for me. It's another thing that's very comforting, to know that he's there, we believe the same things and we're excited about the same things," she says. "Comfort is a big thing for me. I grew up moving around a lot, and my mom would always, within two days, have everything unpacked, and it was our new home. She would make it comfortable, and that's how I am. I need that comfort level. So, that's what I've been doing. I'm definitely getting there and enjoying myself and our house, decorating it. Nesting, I guess. I'm starting to feel at home and at peace." And that sounds just about perfect. "I used to think that for me to be happy, I had to be doing two fabulous movie scripts a year. Would it make me happy? Maybe. But I don't know for sure, and if I'm happy now, I should stick to what I'm doing and let time tell what I'll do in the future," she said. "Everybody's told me that once you get to 30, it will be so much better. Now, I can't wait. But then, of course, I'll want to be 20 again!"

Colombino for the Block ... Hunt Block (Craig) isn't known for his fondness for doing press, but he does enjoy hearing costars answer questions. For Colombino, he has gone a step further: Insisting that you can learn a lot about something from the little things, he volunteered his interviewing skills and grilled his onscreen sister.

Block: Favorite automobile?
Digest (to Block): You know, the tape recorder is on. [He pretends to seal his lips together.]
Colombino: I don't know. I don't really care about them, as long as they're safe.
Block: Yeah. Favorite dessert?
Colombino: Creme brulee. Or chocolate.
ATWT Publicist (to Digest): We didn't even have to come.
Block: Favorite insect?
Colombino: Firefly. I hadn't seen them since I was little, but they're all over the place here.
Block: Favorite Elvis movie?
Colombino: I've never seen an Elvis movie.
ATWT Publicist: Neither have I.
Digest: Me neither.
Block: Really? Favorite Johnny Depp movie?
Colombino: Ah, Chocolat. I love Johnny Depp.
Block: He also did the little-known Creme Brulee.

Just the Facts ...
Birthday: January 28
Hew New Home Is In: New Jersey
Her Decorating Style: "I've gotten into antiques. I love things to have a story, even if I don't really know the true story. It's fun to have a history to your surroundings: 'Shabby chic meets Old World.'"
How She's Most Like Katie: "I guess the devotion."
How She's Least Like Katie: "So many ways, I can't even count! I'm much more of a planner than she is. She's a little too fly by the seat of her pants for me. I'd like to be more like that, but I'm not."

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Terri Colombino Q&A (Soap Opera Digest Online - August 2002)As the World Turns Terri Colombino (Katie) argues with Paul Leyden (Simon) about her cooking skills and tries not to imagine life without her on-screen hubby. Terri Colombino made one of the hardest decisions of her life last year, when she opted to renew her ATWT contract for three more years and not seek further fame and fortune (as originally planned) in L.A.

Digest: Why do you want to stay in New York?
Colombino: I've just gotten really comfortable here. And I love the lifestyle, especially now that we moved out of the city. We're close to the city, so we can have that crazy, fun, "lots to do" lifestyle, or we can be comfortable in our house and have room. I have the best of both worlds, which I really wanted. And now that I have that, I wouldn't want to live in L.A. again.

Digest: Does your husband Artie like it here?
Colombino: He loves it here. His family's here. He's a huge family guy. And I am, too. I love having his parents and brother and sister close. If I can't have my parents here, at least they're close. We're all really close, so it's nice to be near each other. He lived in L.A. for a while and didn't mind it. I mean, you can have a great experience in L.A. or a not-so-great experience. Some people love it, some people hate it. We both could go either way, it's just we prefer to be here. At this point in our lives. It could change. There are definitely things that I love about L.A., and some of my closest friends are in L.A. and San Diego, so I'd like to be near them. If the show was in L.A., I'd love to be there. But at this point in my life, I like it here and I'm here for at least two and a half more years.

Digest: Are you comfortable with the level of fame you've achieved on the show?
Colombino: Yeah. That's another thing. I don't want to be hugely famous. I'm not saying that I would be, but I'm just... that's what kind of scares me about venturing out and doing movies and stuff like that. I don't know that I want to live like that. Because with the show, we definitely have fans that approach us, but it's maybe once or twice a month. And I enjoy it on that level, because it's nice to have people go, "Hey, I enjoy what you do" or "I really love the show."

Digest: You've got a very impressive group of online fans.
Colombino: Really loyal fans, which is cool. It's so nice to have that. You love to hear those things, but I don't want to have to disguise myself or go out with Artie and go see a movie and have a million people saying things. I'm struggling with that, what kind of lifestyle I want. Because there are things about both that are obviously appealing and obviously scary and not so appealing. I guess it's true with anything like that: you just have to decide what you would want to sacrifice. Do I want to take that risk and throw myself out there and maybe not work for years or maybe do really well and not like the lifestyle that comes with it? It's not an easy decision. I'm sure you have a million interviews because that's the way it is.

Digest: If Paul Leyden (Simon) weren't here, would that change things? Not to make you speculate on what he's going to do....
Colombino: I've had to speculate. He's a huge part of my life here, professionally and personally. We have a great time together, and it would definitely change how I work, I'm sure. But you can never really say, because they could put me with someone else, or it could change who I work with and I might get to work some other people who I've never gotten to work with, which is always fun. Until it happens, you just don't know. It can change in an instant. Will I be happy about it? No.

Digest: You've also been working with Artie on a movie.
Colombino: They just finished the post-production of the movie, "Long Story Short," and it's really great. They're doing really well with it. It's come together beautifully. And they submitted to the Toronto Film Festival and they'll submit it to Sundance. That could be really exciting and take us to a new level, or it could just be... it was a great experience, regardless, so whatever happens with it, I'm glad it happened, and I'm glad we got to work together and I'm sure we will again. there's nothing on the horizon right now. but I think they're just gonna kind of see what happens with this movie.

Digest: You also did a play reading with some "Guiding Light" actors. Would you like to do more theater?
Colombino: That would be cool. I've always wanted to do theater, but I've never done it before. I mean, a little bit in high school, but never a full production on stage, especially in New York. And it kind of scares me, but it's something I definitely want to do. So that was the perfect opportunity to have a little taste of it without the huge pressure, because it was just a reading. We had our scripts and rehearsed a little bit, but not as much as we would if it was a full production. I loved that script too, and I would love to see it put up on off-Broadway or something. I would love to do that, but I don't know really what's going to happen. But it was good to do something with them because they understand the work schedule; they do it themselves. So we could work around everybody's schedule. Whereas if I was doing a play somewhere, the two schedules are tough to coincide. It can work, but I'd like to do it with them first and then segueway into something else. But I live in New York. I've got to do something while I'm here!

Digest: Okay, now for the some fun facts. What's your favorite place in the world?
Colombino: I haven't been that many places in the world, so it's hard to say. So far, Positano. We were in Italy for 11 days [for our honeymoon], but we were in Positano for four, and we should have stayed there the whole time.

Digest: Do you have a cooking specialty?
Colombino: It's been a while. I'm a good baker. I'm really good at lemon squares. [To Paul Leyden, who is snickering as he walks by:] What are you laughing about?
Leyden: You're definitely lying.
Colombino: I'm definitely lying? Well, the last time I made...
Leyden: You've never baked a thing, Terri.
Colombino: What?
Leyden: I've never seen you bake a thing.
Colombino: I have too! Well, I haven't in a while, but I can...
Leyden: Not in the two and a half years since I've been here.
Colombino: Well, I was just about to say the last time I baked was when I met Artie's parents and I made them lemon squares. And they loved them. And Artie's dad just said to me, 'Hey, how come you haven't made those since you met us? Trying to butter us up or something?' Also, if I bake, I'm gonna want to eat them.

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A Soap Set the Fire Under Colombino (Soap Dish - August 2002) When Terri Colombino was growing up in Albuquerque, New Mexico, She watched The Young and the Restless with her real estate agent mom, Cathy and thought," How cool I can do this, I want to be an actress." Those thoughts became reality, but not before she did the more practical thing. "Acting was always at the back of my mind but I wanted to go to college,"Colombino says. " I majored in business and communications at the University Of San Diego. I was in Italy during a semester and realized how much Italians love life and live in the moment. Living in the moment is what every actor does. It inspired me to rediscover my childhood dream of becoming an actress," she recalls. Colombino returned to California and completed her junior year. She moved to LA and after landing an agent became busy. She even was a day player on Y&R but her break was on the short lived UPN series Breaker High. Determined not to be a "one hit wonder,"Colombino put her heart into auditioning and landing the plum role of Katie on ATWT in September 1998. "Katie has been fabulous to play. The writers have given her such great stuff to do. It's never boring." She says. Colombino was rewarded for her efforts in 2001 with a daytime emmy award nomination in the category of Outstanding Younger Actress as well as a Soap Opera Digest Award nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actress. "That was unexpected but of course I was thrilled. The whole show has done so well with nominations and awards. We (the cast and crew) work so hard so it's gratifying that the show and many individuals are being recognized." It's easy to see why the bright and quick-witted Colombino is enjoying her role and experience at the soap. Even in her mid 20s she is very much aware of life after the soaps and a potential future in films or prime time TV. "There's been some very successful actresses on this show. Meg Ryan, Julianne Moore, Marissa Tomei, Parker Posey. They all started here. Of course I'd like to do other things but I'll know when the time is right to leave. That's one of the reasons I have no patience with people who give soaps a bad rap. So many major stars. really talented people have been on daytime and still choose to be," she says. In her spare time Colombino enjoys watching movies or going to the theatre. Some of her favourite films include Casablanca, The Sound of Music and The Wizard of Oz. She'll celebrate her first wedding anniversary to actor Arthur Colombino on September 7, 2002.

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What reality TV show would you and your character want to be on? (CBS Soaps in Depth - July 30, 2002) Terri: "The Osbornes! That's the only one! I'd love to be their maid or something. [For Katie] Temptation Island absolutely!"

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You Ask, We Answer (Soaps in Depth - July 30, 2002)

Q: Terri Colombino (Katie, As the World Turns) is my favorite actress. I was wondering if you could find out for me how she keeps her skin looking so amazing. Thank you! Gianna Domenico, Nutley, NJ

A: "Well, I try to get facials about once every two months, and I use the Mario Badescu line," Colombino told us when we contacted her with your question. "It's a [salon] here in New York City, and they have their own line of products. It's very natural and very light. I have really sensitive skin, and I've never had any problems since I've been using them." In using Mario Badescu products, Colombino joins actresses like Sarah Jessica Parker, Jennifer Aniston and supermodel Naomi Campbell, all of whom swear by the salon's skincare line.

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Breaking In (Soaps in Depth - July 30, 2002) With Breaker High now running in syndication on the digital cable network WAM, Terri Colombino (Katie) can revisit the teen sitcom that gave her career a jump-start. "Yeah, it's a kid's show," she admits with a smile. "It's cheesy, goofy and fun, but there was some real talent there. And I'm proud of it." Colombino is still close to many of her former co-stars. "Some of them are doing really well," she relates. "Ryan Gosling was just in Murder by Numbers and The Believer, and he's going to be a huge star, which we all knew way back when he was 16 years old. I think that every person in that cast had a huge talent in their own way, which is a rare thing for a show like that." The actress still runs into people who were big fans of the show, sometimes even on the ATWT set! "I think Peyton List (Lucy) used to watch it!" she concludes with a laugh.

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If you won an award, who would be the first person you thank? (Soap Opera Digest - July 23, 2002) Terri: "My parents, because ever since I was a little girl, they always told me, 'Believe in anything you do, put positive energy into it, imagine yourself there and you'll do it.' That's gotten me through everything. I've just always been able to do that and I knew that I had them behind me. That means more than anything. When people don't have support like that, I don't see how they do anything. And then, of course, I'd thank [my husband] Artie. Now, he does the same thing, supportwise, but I haven't known him for quite as long."

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Soap Siblings Say (Soap Opera Digest - July 23, 2002) On-Screen Siblings: Margo Hughes and Katie Frasier (As the World Turns)

Revelry or Rivalry? These half sibs have been through some rough patches, like when Katie learned that Margo pulled the plug on her father, Casey, and when Margo found out about Katie's numerous misdeeds. But because their mom, Lyla, hasn't been around much in the past few years, it's been up to big sis Margo to provide a home, advice, and sometimes discipline. Katie's penchant for troublemaking often gets in the way of their bond, but Margo (perhaps thinking of her own adventurous past) always forgives her.

How would you describe their relationship?
Ellen Dolan (Margo): It's funny; Margo has taken this mature turn in her life and when she sees the stuff that Katie is attracted to, she understands it. She was that kind of person, as well. But unfortunately, she knows the outcome. When Katie jumps up and takes action and steals airplanes and stuff, it's all fine and well, but down the road you're gonna pay, as Margo always did. So, there's a lot of understanding, but there's also a lot of contention.
Terri Colombino (Katie): I can't believe that Margo accepts Katie sometimes. As much as she does for Katie and doesn't get anything back, it amazes me.

What is your off-screen relationship like?
Dolan: She's great. She's incredibly genuine. By God, she's a good, clean girl [laughs]! She is - she's fun, she's funny, she's real, she's honest.
Colombino: We never really had a chance to get to know each other well at the beginning, when we worked together a lot, and then we didn't work together at all. So, it almost mimics the time lapse of Katie and Margo's relationship. We're just starting to get close.

Who's the better sister?
Colombino: Margo, definitely.
Dolan: Of course she is. She's the better "brother," too [laughs.]

Speaking of which, what do Katie and Margo think of their half brother, Craig?
Colombino: I think they think more of each other than him [laughs]. But Katie loves him, deep down, because he always bails her out. And she sees a lot of herself in him.
Dolan: For Katie, it's classic older brother. He's got the money, he can jump in and bail her out of situations. And for Margo, it's this younger brother. She's always having to ride him, teach him,

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What's one thing from you wardrobe you can't throw away? (Soap Opera Weekly - July 9, 2002) Terri: "I have pajama pants that my sister-in-law Stephanie gave me two years ago for Christmas. Two years doesn't sound that long, but my dog has ripped the bottoms, jumping up and snapping at them. I've worn them every night for the past two years so I should get rid of them, but they are the most comfortable things. I live in them. They're blue with green paisley - my two favorite colors."

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The Newlywed Game (CBS Soaps in Depth - July 2, 2002) Finding her happily ever after was only the beginning for Terri Colombino (Katie) and husband Arthur

Wedded Bliss

For Terri Colombino, nothing her As the World Turns character, Katie, can get up to in Oakdale can possibly compare to the real-life adventure she embarked upon when she married Arthur Colombino in September of 2001. "I don't know if I ever really thought about what marriage would be like," she admits. "I just knew that I wanted to be with him." Then she laughs and adds, "And that was the only way to catch him ... and keep him!" From almost their very first date, the young actress knew that Artie was the right man for her, and happily declares that she never had any second thoughts about tying the knot with her Mr. Right in a lavish ceremony. "Never," she smiles. "Maybe about colors or flowers or something, but not about him!"

When the former TerriConn was introduced to Arthur Colombino at the party the day before the 2000 Daytime Emmys, neither of them was looking to even be fixed up. So imagine their surprise when they fell head over heels for each other and wound up tying the knot. "Being married is so much more wonderful than I ever expected," gushes the actress, who plays plucky Katie on ATWT. "It's different that just going out or even being engaged. We're life partners now. To know that you have someone that close that will always be there is a really nice feeling."

Premarital Mishaps

Of course, the road to love and marriage wasn't without its potholes, especially when it came to the couple's wedding where Murphy's Law was in full effect. "All the limos and buses that were picking up family to bring them to the church were late," Artie reveals with a chuckle. "Everybody was late." "And my car, with dad, was 45 minutes late," Terri adds. "So that was kind of never-racking. But I just thought, 'Well, they can't start with out me!'" Even an exploding candelabra in the church and a minor fender bender on the way to the reception couldn't ruin the duo's day. In fact, when the newlyweds' car broke down after the reception on the way to the hotel, it was a highlight, they insist. "Those are the stories that make it," Terri says. But for the bride, nothing in the world could eclipse the powerful emotions expressed during the ceremony itself. "I never really appreciated how amazing it is to be telling this person how much you love them and how committed you are to them in front of everybody that means everything to you," she marvels. "To really express that much under the church - it's just an amazing feeling."

For Better or Worse

"You're responsible for somebody else," confides Artie, an actor-musician. "I think that's the hardest part. I get worried. I've never been like that before." Terri nods in agreement, adding, "Now I understand why many parents worried so much when I went out. When we're away from each other, I'm constantly like, 'Oh God, I hope something doesn't happen.' You don't want to live your life like that, but when you love someone so much, you can't help it." Not only does Terri now understand her mom and dad more, she also has drawn inspiration from their 35 happy years together. "They're huge role models," she exclaims. "We're both lucky that both of our [sets of] parents are still together." "If that isn't inspiration enough, I don't know what is!" Artie interjects. "But you have to live up to that, too," she adds. "That's the tough part."

Dreams Do Come True

While they're still practically newlyweds, the Colombinos already are looking ahead to their own future together. Might it include a house in the suburbs with a white picket fence, two cars in the garage, a dog, a cat, and 2.5 children? "Well, we've got the dog, the house-with a wood fence-and one car," Terri laughs. "So we're just kind of playing it by ear, seeing how it goes. With our business, that's kind of how you have to play it." "We were talking about our goals just the other day," Artie adds. "Eventually, we want to move somewhere that we can have good amount of property. Terri wants horses. She's always dreamed of it." "Yeah," she agrees. "That's one thing I want, definitely." Still, with a strong acting career, loving family and picture-perfect marriage, the ATWT leading lady doesn't want to press her luck-at least for the time being. "I'm so happy with the way things are right now," she concludes. "We're very fortunate and blessed with what we have already, so we'll see how it goes."

Reel vs. Real
How does Terri and Artie's marriage stack up against Katie and Simon's? While Terri and Arthur Colombino haven't been married as long as her character has been hitched to hubby Simon, the real-life sweethearts also haven't had to endure quite as many travails. "There are no crazy ex-wives who have died," laughs Terri. "Thank goodness! And he really does love me and doesn't need a green card!" Here are some other key differences between the pairs' nuptials.

Terri Conn & Arthur Colombino's Wedding:
When: The lovebirds tied the knot in a beautiful ceremony that was held on September 7, 2001.
Where: The nuptials took place at historic Grace Church in New York City Reception: After the "I do's" guests proceeded to Brooklyn's famous Grand Prospect Hall.
Honeymoon: The couple spent two weeks vacationing throughout Italy.

Katie Perreti & Simon Frasier's Wedding:
When: They wed on December 13, 2000, to thwart the INS, and a year later because they were in love.
Where: The first ceremony was before a judge in a county courthouse, but the second was in a lovely chapel.
Reception: After the "I do's" well, nobody knew what to do. There was no reception!
Honeymoon: Katie's Bay City honeymoon was spoiled by Simon's crush, Lily. The second time, the Frasiers had no honeymoon at all. Caption: Artie doesn't get jealous when Terri shares romantic scenes with ATWT hubby Paul Leyden (Simon). "Me and Paul are good friends," he says, "and he's a great guy. I'm happy because she has somebody that looks after her."

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The Guiding Light Actor Workshop (June 2002)

The Guiding Light Actor's Workshop willl be doing a reading of Susan Rice's new play "The Vendler's Television Playhouse" on June 17 and 19 at 8PM at the Guiding Light rehearsal hall. Actors include Kim Zimmer (Reva), Beth Ehlers (Harley), Ricky Paull Goldin (Gus), Robert Newman (Josh) and Terri Colombino (Katie, ATWT)

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Star Track The Next Generation [Helen Wagner] (Soap Opera Digest - May 28, 2002) (Nancy Hughes, ATWT) "She's the longest running character in television history, so it's an honor to work with her," declares Terri Colombino. "She was also a huge part of the theater and she's got the best stories. She also knows everything about As the World Turns."

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I'll Be There (CBS Soaps in Depth - May 21, 2002) One Mother's Day in particular stands out for Terri Colombino. "When I was probably about 7, they were doing a radio contest," she explains, "and I called up and read a poem that my mom always read to me, and I won. It was: 'My mom makes me feel snug as a bug in a rug.'" Then she laughs and quickly reiterates, "I was 7!" But recently, Colombino found that she still wanted her mother by her side when she learned that that she had to have all four of her wisdom teeth extracted. "Even though I'm married now and live far away, my mommy still came to help me," she reveals with a smile. "I will always need my mommy." Caption: As a child, Colombino had her love for her mother broadcast over the radio. "That was very special," she says.

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Bustin' Their Butts (Soap Opera Update - May 21, 2002) New York Sports Club "Works" ATWT Gals. You know your character is popular when she wields the power to inspire real-life events. Terri Colombino's Katie Frasier - star of ATWT's "Katie's Butt Bustin' Workout" has done so via New York Sports Club, which at select locations, will offer a 30-minute class concentrating on toning the gluteus maximus. At its launch, Colombino cajoled some of her fellow castmates, including Kristina Sisco (Abigail), Anne Sayre (Mitzi), Peyton List (Lucy) and Jessica Dunphy (Alison), into participating. Update is proud to report that all of the gals completed the intensive course - warning, however, for beginners to beware. "I feel like I'm going to get out of bed tomorrow and hit the floor with my face" told Sayre. Caption: "The butt bustin' class is great, especially now with summer on the way, because everybody wants to look their best." raves an up "lifted" Colombino. "This huurrts," moaned Colombino in between her many lunges.

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ATWT Fan Club Luncheon 2002! (SoapCity Online - April 2002) On Saturday, April 13, 2002, dozens of As the World Turns' actors gathered in a ballroom at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York City, N.Y., to sing a little, chat a little, sign an autograph (or 500!) and say a big "thank you" to their devoted fans for all their years of love and support! The actors were all feeling pretty good about the show's recent Emmy nominations and its 46th Anniversary. Which led us at a "www.AstheWorldTurnsTV.com" the official website to ask them to list for us 46 reasons for why everyone should watch their show!

Terri Colombino (Katie) ... For the sheer torture of all the characters
Trent Dawson (Henry) ... One reason is to see me in a lycra bodysuit. Of course, that might be a reason not to watch. Also, watching Katie's buttbusting stuff. 'Cause Terri's got the hottest butt on daytime.

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A Night to Remember (CBS Soaps in Depth - April 23, 2002) When she was in high school, Terri Colombino went to proms and homecoming dances like any normal teenager, but she never quite understood what all the fuss was about. "To me, they always seemed like New Year's Eve," she explains, "or one of those holidays that you anticipate so much that it can't possibly live up to what you wanted it to be. You want it to be so cool, and it's just like a normal night with friends." Still, the evenings weren't without their special treats. "After all the dances, my dad would invite all my friends and their dates to come over, and he would make us breakfast burritos," Colombino reveals. "They were so good after a night of crazy partying!"

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The miracle diet trick that will TURN OFF YOUR APPETITE! (Woman's World - April 16, 2002) For years, As The World Turns' Terri Colombino struggled to reach her ideal weight. Pasta, bread, rice, potatoes - she couldn't stop eating. Not until someone told her a very powerful secret! "Now I can control my portions," she says. "I'm not hungry between meals. I'm not hungry at night. It's great!" Read on to discover the secret that made Terri skinny for good... At the end of one particularly long day on the set of her first big job, Terri Colombino had a bomb dropped on her. Another actress rushed over to repeat a rumor: "The producers are talking about you," she whispered. "They're asking, "Do you think Terri has gained weight?'" "It was a devastating moment," recalls the Albuquerque native, who has struggled with her weight since puberty. "I felt sick to my stomach." She also felt frustrated. After years of fat-free this and low-fat that, ready-made diet meals and trips to the gym, she had gained weight again. Again! "What's wrong with me?" she sobbed. "Why can't I get my eating under control?" At the time, Terri felt very alone, like she was the only one who couldn't get it right. But she has since learned that's not the case at all. She was making the very same mistake that's been sabotaging thousands, even millions, of dieters. "If you're struggling with hunger as you try to lose weight, the problem probably has more to do with what you're not eating," says Susan Roberts, Ph.D., professor of nutrition and psychiatry at Tufts University. Terri wasn't eating fat. "I was so scared of fat," the star admits. "It was that whole fat-free thing. I was paranoid about fat. I thought that one or two grams of it would make me huge. So instead, I would eat pasta, bread, rice, potatoes - not small portions, either, because they just didn't fill me up." And that's the problem, says Roberts. Without a little bit of fat, we need more food to feel satisfied and get hungry again sooner. It's the reason that even though Americans are eating less fat than ever, more of us are overweight than ever...Once a trainer told Terri about the appetite-dampening effect of healthy fats, she quickly discovered that a 100-calorie handful of cashews filled her up better than a 250-calorie bag of pretzels. She also realized she ate less of her favorite stir-fry after adding a little olive oil to the recipe... Caption: Thanks to her incredible shrinking appetite, Terri - who plays ATWT free-wheeling Katie Peretti Frasier - had slimmed down by two dress sizes before she married actor/musician husband Arthur Colombino last fall.

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Comedy Never Wins (Soap Opera Weekly - April 16, 2002) The Oscars, which had been awarded the night before, were a big topic of conversation at a fund-raiser at Light for Long Story Short, the feature film produced by Don Jeffcoat (ex-Joey, One Life to Live ), Arthur Colombino, and four other enterprising filmmakers. Artie's wife, Terri Colombino, who has a small part in her husband's film, said that she'd been rooting for Halle Berry for Best Actress. "But I love Renee Zellweger, too. As a comedic actress in my own right, I appreciate the work that she did in [ Bridget Jones's Diary ]. Unfortunately, comedy never wins - and they say this for the Daytime Emmys, too - because people don't realize how difficult it is to be funny.

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Behind The Scene (Soap Opera Digest - April 16, 2002) Paul Leyden and Terri Colombino are Picture Perfect Ever wonder what goes into getting just the right photograph for a Digest feature story? If you think that all the actors have to do is flash their pearly whites as the camera clicks, think again. Here's an inside look at a photo shoot.

Subjects: Paul Leyden (Simon) and Terri Colombino (Katie)
Photographer: Fabrice Trombert
Makeup Artist: Bruce Wayne
Wardrobe: Provided by ATWT
Location: Studio One, New York City

Make Me Up... "I always begin with light, natural colors," Makeup artist Bruce Wayne revealed. "For the second look, we can build on the base. It's much easier to add color than to take it away." Wayne achieved a smoky, more intense look for the next setup.

Ready to Wear... Terri Colombino checked out her wardrobe choices and tested some possibilities. "I love this outfit," she enthused, referring to the sexy, beaded black top and pants. "I asked wardrobe if I could wear it for Katie's launch party. And I'm wearing it offset tomorrow."

He Shoots, They Score... Photographer Fabrice Trombert created the mood for the first set-up -- a playful, modernized version of The Newlywed Game. The funky show booth was custom-designed for this shoot. A photo was used for a story in the April 2nd issue.

On Your Mark... After a wardrobe change and another round in the makeup chair, the actors had fun as they took their places in the second setup -- an edgier scene with a sultry mood. Look for these photos in a future issue.

Check Us Out... Colombino and Leyden perused a polaroid. Instant pics are helpful because they provide a good idea of what the actual photos will look like when developed. They're used to correct positioning, makeup, wardrobe, etc. "let's adjust the lighting a bit," suggested Trombert. "I want to create a more dramatic feel."

The Single Guy... While posing for solo shots, Leyden chatted with the crew about his recent move. "I got into my new place yesterday," he shared. "After everything was finally in, I looked around and realized how nice it will be to live alone."

That's All, Folks! ... After a full day at ATWT and taking the time (a good three hours) to shoot for Digest, these dedicated darlings were out the door and heading for home. "I need to get some rest," Colombino sighed. "We're in every scene tomorrow!"

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Working Up A Sweat with ATWT's Katie [... And Terri Colombino] (Soap Opera Update - April 9, 2002) Update embarks on a gym run and trains to have nasty buns of steel. Sometime ago, one would have been hard-pressed to locate a citizen who envied ATWT' Katie social standing within the community. No man (a co-conspirator lackey named Henry does not qualify) stood by to bolster her spirits when career suicide had been committed at the Endicott Awards. And those two "lucky" pennies in her pocket only subbed as the total in her bank account. Katie is a L-O-S-E-R no longer! She is the equivalent to O (as in Oprah Winfrey's magazine) and Rosie (as in Rosie O'Donnel's magazine), having just launched a self-titled, hot-off-the-press magazine which promises readers "a life as fabulous as Katie's!" Buoyed by strong fan support and the confidence of those harboring creative control, ATWT' Terri Colombino (Katie) has enjoyed, through Katie, the opportunity to carve out another empowering female's legacy. Katie's recent jaunts into the world of publishing and video are so successful that we imagine Forbes is keeping track!

ALL FOR ME? ABSOLUTELY "I was totally surprised that ATWT decided to do all this for Katie," notes a giddy Colombino of the fictional entrepreneur and star of the soon-to-be-classic "Katie Frasier's All New Butt Bustin' Work-Out." "I thought that the magazine was a one-time thing where there'd be a cute little spoof on Katie and her quest for celebrity," tells the actress of www.katiefrasier.com, the home of the fictional publication. "But Katie is so outlandish that anything could fit her. I'm sure the wealth would be spread, if there were others (on ATWT) that were as wacky. It's also cool to have a magazine where fans can interact and be privy to all that Katie offers as advice."

STEP IN TIME... Colombino echoes her alter ego's generous spirit and invites Update to Manhattan's New York Sports Club for some strenuous gluteus maximus lessons. Despite having her wisdom teeth extracted less than a week ago, Colombino behaves like a real trooper - even volunteering for torturous shoulder push-ups! The one thing to avoid when your goal is to slim down the buttocks, says the actress, is too much time on the Stair Master: "It makes it bigger because you're building your butt muscles, which, if there is anything over the muscle (like fat), it will be pushed out." Tip Number 1 dually noted. "The main thing is to do aerobics to burn fat... and eat right," advises the petite actress. "you just have to eat a variety of foods - not too much of one thing - and work out." This would mean, then, that Colombino works up a sweat at the gym every day.

BREAD IS GOOD! "I go through stages," she admits. "I'll be so good for two months, eating very well and going to the gym. Then, since I'm there (at my top shape), I don't feel like I have to keep at it. I slack off for two months and start all over again." Tip Number 2: Fallibility can be a good thing. The actress proves that while she is indeed physically stunning, she is also human. Just like Katie, Colombino is known to snuggle up to Snickers, the bunny, and Snickers, the popular satisfying candy bar. "I have to have carbohydrates," she relents, telling Update how she refuses to impose dietary restrictions on herself. "I feel awful if I don't have carbs. I try not to have too many - or I have only the right ones. A lot of times, you will see me eating more brown rice or potatoes."

PEACE AND YOGA Brown rice, a rather boring and bland side dish, doesn't sound colorful enough to be a Katie commandment. Colombino compensates for the brief break into normality when retelling how she is struck by Katie's fierce independence during her home work-out routines. "I mostly do yoga at home," she says. "But when I am doing a workout video, I turn down the volume and put on my own music to drown out the instructor's voice. I can't deal with so much peppiness at once." Unless it's Katie emoting the enthusiasm... enthusiasm so high-charged, it leaves your buns firm and burned! Caption: "Katie believes that she can make everyone a winner." "This is hard," she told of the unique crunch. The actress says "yes" to the Elliptical and "no" to the Stair Master.

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The Newlywed Game (Soap Opera Digest - April 2, 2002) We challenge ATWT's Terri Colombino and Paul Leyden to a relationship test, '70s-TV style. Technically, Katie and Simon's marriage began more than a year ago in a quickie, green-card ceremony at the courthouse. But the honeymoon didn't really begin until they declared their love and renewed their vows in front of family, friends and farm animals last December. After all they've been through, how much do the Frasiers -- and their portrayers, Terri Colombino and Paul Leyden - really know about each other? Digest plays Bob Eubanks in our own version of the classic game show. We didn't have an isolation booth, but we did ask each actor a series of questions separately, then got them together to review their answers.

ROUND 1: Katie Frasier (Terri Colombino)
If Katie had $1,000, how would she spend it?
Colombino's Answer: She would probably either have a spa day and go shopping or buy a new guitar for Simon.
Leyden's Guess: Clothes?

What would Terri be doing if she weren't an actress?
Colombino's Answer: I'd be doing something in the film industry. I'd be part of it.
Leyden's Guess: I think she would probably do something like work with handicapped children. I don't know, maybe. She's good with kids.

What would Katie do if Simon asked her to give up Snickers?
Colombino's Answer: Well, he'd have to have a pretty good reason. But she'd probably hide him. Her. I mean. I just found out Snickers is a girl.
Leyden's Guess: She'd say, "If you want me, you'll take the rabbit."

Who else would catch Katie's eye?
Colombino's Answer: No one. Only Simon for Katie.
Leyden's Guess: No one. Well, is Snickers a boy?

What would Terri say is Paul's most annoying habit?
Colombino's Answer: I can't think of anything. He doesn't really annoy me. He's very conscious of not annoying me.
Leyden's Guess: Oh, God. Terri would say my most annoying habit is .. scratching my ... no, I don't do that much around her. I don't know.

Was Terri on (a) Sweet Valley High; (b) Breaker High; or (c) Saved by the Bell?
Colombino's Answer: He'll know Breaker High. He better.
Leyden's Guess: (before choice c is even read) Breaker High. If I didn't get that, I'd be shot.

What is Terri's most embarrassing on-set moment?
Colombino's Answer: We had been doing a kissing scene, and he had a booger on his face. I don't if it was mine or his. They stopped tape, but we were gonna pick it up [from the same moment], so makeup isn't supposed to come in and change anything [in that case]. But I was like, "Makeup! Come here!"
Leyden's Guess: The video stuff with the firemen? I don't know. What is it?
ATWT Publicist: You've told this story. Apparently, you were both embarrassed.
Leyden: Oh, when I ... but Terri wasn't on-set! When the thing flew out of my nose.

What is Katie's favorite activity?
Colombino's Answer: Makin' whoopee!
Leyden's Guess: Being in bed with Simon.

ROUND 2: Simon Frasier (Paul Leyden)
Would Simon rather have money, beauty or brains?
Leyden's Answer: Money.
Colombino's Guess: And he can't have all three? I think he used to want money, but now he probably wants beauty.

When he's not on-set, what is Paul most likely to be doing?
Leyden's Answer: Sleeping. [laughs]
Colombino's Guess: E-mailing friends.

Name Simon's most prized possession?
Leyden's Answer: The guitar that Katie gave him.
Colombino's Guess: Katie!

If Paul had a celebrity crush, who would it be?
Leyden's Answer: Cameron Diaz.
Colombino's Guess: Kyle Minogue.

If Katie weren't around, how long before Simon would get involved with someone else: one day, one month or one year?
Leyden's Answer: A month [laughs]?
Colombino's Guess: Oh, a year.

What is Paul's favorite Katie/Simon scene?
Leyden's Answer: I think the ones downstairs in the storeroom in Malta.
Colombino's Guess: He likes the stuff in the dungeon. I heard him say that recently.

How would Simon describe Katie's romantic past?
Leyden's Answer: Before Simon? Non-existent.
Colombino's Guess: Childlike. [laughs]. His is sketchy.

What one word would Simon use to describe Henry?
Leyden's Answer: Light in the loafers. Effeminate. [laughs].
Colombino's Guess: Weasel.

What would Simon say is the best thing about being married?
Leyden's Answer: Sex whenever you want it. Free sex.
Colombino's Guess: Free sex!

ROUND 3: The Results
Digest: Let's go over what you didn't get right. Paul said that Terri would work with kids if she weren't in show biz.
Leyden: I didn't know. I think you're good with kids.
Colombino: I probably would.
Digest: As for Terri's most embarrassing moment, Terri, will you describe this?
Colombino: (giggling) The booger.
Digest: He's got a different booger story.
Leyden: My booger moment was with Martha [Byrne, Lily/Rose].
Colombino: Oh, I'm so upset that I wasn't your booger moment.
Leyden: I said you'd be upset by the firemen stuff.
Colombino: That's true. I'm more embarrassed when I have to act like an ass.
Digest: Terri thought Paul's celebrity crush was Kylie Minogue.
Leyden: Kyle Minogue only because of [ATWT Makeup artist Eldo Ray Estes]! I only talk to him about her. I do it to amuse him.
Digest: Paul called Katie's romantic status before Simon "non-existent."
Colombino: Hey! Leyden: Well, she was a virgin!
Colombino: She told him she was, but she wasn't necessarily.
Digest: Interestingly, you both said Simon's favorite thing about being married was "free sex." You both used that phrase.
Leyden: As opposed to paid sex.
Colombino: Yeah, right!
Digest: How do you think you did?
Colombino: There were things I forgot about, like the Cameron Diaz thing. I should have known that. But there's been lots of Kylie talk around the studio, so that's why I thought of that.
Digest: Is there something you wouldn't know about each other?
Leyden: I don't know a huge amount about Terri's childhood, and she doesn't know much about mine. But overall, we know each other pretty well because we were really good friends before we worked together a lot on the show.
Colombino: And I think when you work so closely together, you open up more than in a normal job situation because you're always together.
Leyden: And it's not like we're one of those on-screen couples who hate each other, either. I rely on Terri as a good friend in real life and vice versa.
Digest: Does Simon know Katie better, or does she know him better?
Leyden: I think he knows her better.
Colombino: She's an open book.
Leyden: I don't think she knows him well at all.
Digest: I guess that's all about to change. Any last words for the fans?
Leyden: Hang in there!
Colombino: Yeah, hang in there!

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Personally Speaking "What does your exercise routine entail?" (CBS Soaps In Depth - February 26, 2002) Terri Colombino: "I love yoga."

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"...may still be newlyweds, but they are having a great time playing house..." (Soap Opera Update - February 26, 2002) AS THE WORLD TURNS' Terri Colombino (Katie) and her husband, musician/actor Arthur Colombino, may still be newlyweds, but they are having a great time playing house. The couple is now officially settled into the five-bedroom New Jersey home they purchased last year, and they're looking forward to spending many happy days there!

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Love In The Afternoon (Rosie Magazine - February 2002) When it comes to dressing for romance, these soap-opera stars (all real-life couples) don't need any rehearsals. TERRI & ARTHUR COLOMBINO; Terri, a regular on AS THE WORLD TURNS, and Arthur, who's appeared on ALL MY CHILDREN and ANOTHER WORLD, have never actually been on the same soaps together, but the newlyweds did collaborate on LONG STORY SHORT, a feature comedy set in New York. They think a carriage ride through Central Park would be perfect for their first "married" Valentine's Day.

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The Honeymoon Continues (CBS Soaps In Depth - January 15, 2002) When AS THE WORLD TURNS' Terri Colombino (Katie) married true love Arthur, the ceremony was beautiful. However, due to the tragic events of September 11, the couple's Italian honeymoon nearly was over before it began. "We got there the morning of the tenth,' she says sadly. "So we had one good day. But even that day, we were jet-lagged, so we slept most of the day. It was weird. It was really hard, actually." But then her voice brightens as she adds, "But I don't care. I would have a million more weird honeymoons as long as everyone that I care about is okay." And the newlyweds intend to give it another shot with a second honeymoon next year. "We figured we should have at least one a year anyway," Colombino says with a smile. "Everyone should!"

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"What's the biggest perk of being a soap star?" (CBS Soaps In Depth - January 1, 2002) Terri Colombino: "I guess getting free stuff. I'll be honest - I like to wear a really pretty dress to the Emmys."

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Hot Shots (CBS Soaps In Depth - January 1, 2002) Terri Colombino: "You probably don't know this about Mr. Leyden, but he keeps a horde of turtles in his bathtub at home. And you just thought he was beautiful."

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My Buddy (CBS Soaps In Depth - January 1, 2002) On screen and off, these co-stars stick together.

ATWT's Paul Leyden (Simon) and Terri Colombino (Katie): Long before their characters got together on screen, these two colleagues became fast friends while attending industry events and hanging out at Colombino's former beachfront home.

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