Brandon Barash (Soaps.com)
Brandon's live chat on the Soaps.com Message Board will be tonight (May 13th) at 10:00 PM (EST). Join us!
Here's what's great about relative newcomer Brandon Barash (the oh-so handsome, yet conflicted Johnny Zacchara). Not only did he respond promptly to Soaps.com's interview, he has graciously accepted our invitation for a live chat on our General Hospital Message Board at some point (yet to be determined) later this week.
His publicist, Mia, and I are working out the details, but in the meantime, here is what Brandon wants us to know about himself and his work on General Hospital.
Julie Clark Robinson, Soaps.com: First of all, tell us how you feel about being on GH now that you've settled into your role. You are on contract, right? Can you tell us how long it is for?
Brandon Barash: Being on GH is not too dissimilar to being a part of a tightly-knit family. The great thing is, it's been like that since day one, and now that I'm on contract, I get to see my "family" even more!
Julie: Is there anyone in particular who made you feel at home right away? Who do you enjoy doing scenes with the most? Who haven't you worked with yet that you would really like to?
Brandon: Bradford (Spinelli) and Julie (Lulu) took me under their wings immediately and showed me some of the ins and outs. Lately I've been having most of my scenes with Bruce (Anthony Z.), Stephen (Trevor), Julie, Tony (Luke), and Sarah (Claudia). We come to work, we're prepared…so we play. The great thing about them is that we're always digging to find ways to lift our conversations off the page in an interesting and memorable way. The caveat is that we're never satisfied! I haven't had the chance to work too much with Laura (Carly) and Tyler (Nikolas). I'd love to have that opportunity.
Julie: I see that you've been doing some fan events, how do you feel about them so far?
Brandon: The fan events are a blast. I never knew we had so many loyal fans out there, many of whom hop from event to event. It's a nice feeling to know that your work affects people to the point that they feel that loyalty.
The Zacchara Offspring, Johnny and Claudia (Soaps.com)
Brandon: I do...if they can get their $#%& together, realize how much they need one another, and take the initiative to do so.
Julie: Can you see Johnny finally breaking free and falling for any other Port Charles women any time soon?
Brandon: Those writers always have a way to twist a story.
Julie: I love what having a protective big sister has done for Johnny (not to mention what loving Johnny does to soften Claudia!). Tell us what it's like after the scene is cut and evil Anthony and/or Trevor go back to being Bruce and Stephen.
Brandon: We cannot stop making each other laugh. We have an awesome time!
Julie: Your music is beautiful. What a wonderful thing it was for General Hospital to incorporate your piano-playing into Johnny's character. Tell us, how did that come about?
Brandon: I honestly don't remember. I do know that while shooting the Wyndemere episodes, I sat down at the piano and played a bit. It was either that, or I may have casually mentioned it in conversation with Jill Farren-Phelps. Anyway, one day TPTB asked me if I "really played" and I said yes. What is the saying? "…The rest is just history."
Julie: Who are you rooting for at Emmy time?
Brandon: Well, we only have one actor nominated, so I'll be rooting for Tony all the way! Also I think that (Mark) Teschner does a brilliant job casting the show. (I mean, HELLO!) But seriously, he's brilliant at what he does and he deserves to be recognized (AGAIN).
Julie: On a personal note, is your family still in Missouri? How often do you get to see them?
Brandon: My mother, step-father and extended family are in MO. I get to see them several times a year...either I go out there or they come out here. My dad and step-mother are out here in LA.
Julie: Before I let you go, I'd like to make sure that your Soaps.com profile is complete…how tall are you? And, you are single, correct?
Brandon: My body became tired of growing an inch short of six feet...the nerve! I am actually not single. A very special girl has stolen my heart.
So I know what you're all thinking, who is this girl and what is her secret? Okay, so maybe that's just what I’m thinking. In any case, we'll all have a chance to ask Brandon questions when he joins Soaps.com for our first ever live chat with a person of the male persuasion! Check back here for the update of the day and time. I'm looking forward to it, and so is Brandon. When I asked if he'd like to do it, he said, "I'd love to!" In the meantime, we'll have to make do with watching the perplexing Johnny Zacchara in action in Port Charles.
Julie Clark Robinson
GH Writer for Soaps.com
