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1. What classic DORIAN storyline was your favorite to play? - John A. My favorite story lines, and I'm presuming I can have multiples, because I have been playing Dorian for a number of years, would be Dorian and Herb Full Throttle and Dorian and Mel Tantalizingly in Tandem. 
Working with Tony Call and Stephen Markle at any point during the fine writing that took place during those relationships was magical. I miss both of them very much. I would adore it if one or both or them came back to the show. Wait, if I get to have a wish granted: I'll take BOTH. 2. Who do you want to win Dancing With The Stars? – Beth Who am I rooting for this season? I'm in love with Cloris Leachman, her audacity and hilarious antics...it has nothing to do with ballroom dancing but I hope it revives her career the way the size of talent merits. It's going to be hard to beat Brooke Burke. Her ex-husband is the Beverly Hills plastic surgeon Garth Fisher...but she doesn't look like she's had WORK done...pretty, pretty, pretty. Are you hoping I'll say something about Susan Lucci? How can I comment on her dancing without putting my foot in my mouth? Honestly, the show has improved or made careers...Susan Lucci already has the biggest and best career in Daytime history, so I'm not sure why she decided to do it...I hope she's having a ton of fun. 3. For years I have marveled at Dorian NOT becoming a victim. It is truly remarkable in a medium where women are often victimized. I think it's paramount to Dorian keeping her edge. That said, what do you think has contributed to the character's ability to not fall "victim" to this way of writing women? – Cheryl I LOVE THIS QUESTION! So forgive what might be perceived of as arrogance, but the person most responsible for Dorian not becoming a victim is: ME. 
Every emotional choice I make as an actress is to avoid the trap of victim-hood or the deadly self-pity. I am always grateful for strong story choices
made by the writing, but you will never catch Dorian behaving like a victim while I'm playing the part. That's who I am as a person as well as an "artist".
I'm also vigilant about sexism, ageism and a lack of connection between people. I wish I was as steady in my resolve personally, but I constantly work in life and in my profession to make STRONG CHOICES. Beyond that, I have to preserve the "recipe" or they'll replace me with some other actress someday...and I would not like that. 4. I want to ask about your thoughts on Angel Mel and why did Dorian see her in the chapel rather than seeing Ghost Mel again? - D.R. I have to confess I am not objective about MEL coming back. I WANT IT...I WANT IT...I REALLY, REALLY WANT IT. Every one knows how much, I'd love to have the character back. Whether he's found in the jungles of Colombia, alive after being held hostage, or dead and comes back as a ghost (I love the classic film of the Ghost and Mrs Muir with Gene Tierney and Rex Harrison--rent it if you haven't seen it--it's a jewel) 
Every time I see the Angel Mel, or whatever Mel, I keep the flame alive that they will just write Mel back on the show. But, I don't have the power to make that happen...YOU DO. Mel and Dorian were the most popular couple on the show at the time Stephen Markle was let go.It's a whole new leadership deal now, so if it's something you want, please SHOUT OUT. 5. Questions for Robin: Out of all her cast members -- who would she say is one of her best friends on set??? Is there a click of people she hangs out with on set? If so-- who are they??? - Lisa Facciolo We work so hard and so FAST taping the show that there is no time to sit around let alone form "cliques". When I have a scene with the wonderful actresses who play the Cramer women, we sometimes hang longer (if time allows) after we've run lines together. Kassie De Paiva is so smart, warm and funny. We have a good group. Here's a surprising bit of info: Kamar de los Reyes and I make coffee for each other...yup, his dressing room is across the hall and we are both coffee lovers...well, you take love where you can...I bought Kamar and his gorgeous wife a huge capuccino/expresso/coffee maker for a wedding present... 6. Do you think Dorian will ever fall in love with someone and walk down the aisle? – Danna Mudek 
I'm not sure walking down the aisle or being "happy" is a good story map for Dorian. I love it when she is HUNGRY and fighting to get what she wants.
I love her fierceness and would not like to see her neutered in any way. However, at this point, I see that story focus does not really come to me or the
character of Dorian. I keep working just as hard at it, and I hope someday "they" will hone in on a strong and emotional arc for her...but once again,
a whole lot depends on the fan feedback.
7. Hi Robin. You are a very talented actress. You have definitely made the character of Dorian uniquely your own. I'm an actor myself and currently at crossroads as to where my acting career is. I've studied with a few acting teachers in New York, including Penny Templeton for six years. Any acting teachers you would recommend to me that are in New York? Do you have any plans to teach acting? I think you would be a great teacher. – Dimitri T. Thank you for the compliment. I appreciate it. Unfortunately, I don't know anything about the NY acting teachers currently. In Los Angeles, I highly recommend Milton Katselas and his Beverly Hills Playhouse teachers. Yes, some day I would love to teach. I've taught acting seminars, and may do one in the near future as a possible fundraiser for the Actor's Fund. 8. Are either of your sons single? Ok, probably not my business. But they are both adorable from the pics I've seen! – Lisa Oh please ASK! Both of my sons are SINGLE. That's all I better say on that subject otherwise I might go off on how much I would love to be a grandmother someday...and that might be too much pressure for them. Good woman and good marriage first...then please, please some babies for me to spoil and love to bits. 9. What was it like getting paid to make out with Nathan Fillion? - Diego 
Not only is Nathan Fillion amazingly funny, nice and SEXY...but yes, they actually paid me to make out with him. Add to it that at that time I was doing a couple of hours of YOGA a day, and you are talking: BLISS. 10. Out of all of Dorian's love interests -- who was your favorite to play opposite? Who was your least favorite? Thank you!!- John Out of all of Dorian's love interests, I would have to go into fantasy mode as I imagine all those fabulous men I was lucky enough to work with. Nathan Fillion as Joe, Tuc Watkins as David, Jerry verDorn's Clint, the afore mentioned Tony Call as Herb and Stephen Markle as Mel. Dorian kissed Bo, years ago. So don't make me pick out ONE favorite. Back to the wish scenario: it's a huge dessert tray, I can have it ALL--AND? It's not FATTENING. (lol) There was a guy named Jon? He betrayed Dorian for her daughter Cassie. I did not like the writing or the story at the time. Though it produced a classic Dorian line as she says to Cassie "The way you get a man is how you lose him!" 11. What was it like working with A Martinez? - Diane 
I, frankly, was not over enthused about the storyline initially. It seemed Santi-centric and re-dux. BUT then A Martinez walked on the set. OMG...that is a
FACE...that is one intense and deeply attractive human being. Mr. Martinez made it all gold... and he is immensely talented and extremely professional and
likeable...talk about a treasure that they should bring back...
12. Besides Dancing With the Stars, what TV shows do you watch? – E.E. I am watching TOO MUCH TV. But it really helped during Scooter's illness to sit and cuddle on the couch...I head to Turner Classic movies first...but I may surprise you with my inclination toward John Edwards, the Dog Whisperer, the House and Garden channel and a tricky little show called SNAPPED. I confessed this Snapped addiction during dinner with some of my favorite girlfriends, and they made so much fun of me. So what did I do? I snapped back, and I'm giving a party where they'll all have to watch Snapped and okay...I'll serve snacks too. 13. Hi Robin! I love how they have made Dorian learn the lingo in order to deal with Starr. When she says stuff like "I know Langston is your BFF" I almost fall on the floor laughing. I didn't even know Dorian knew Text Cell phone talk? – Sean THANKS for the notice of the BFF...I MADE THAT UP in rehearsal and the kids laughed so hard that the director let me keep it in. 14. My Question for Robin is this....would she ever consider making a cookbook? I remember listening to her hotline and enjoying hearing about all the things she loves to cook. Thank you again, Ron Morris I am thinking about writing a book...maybe I'll include some recipes too, now that you've suggested it...I'm glad you enjoy the Hotline! (212-414-5300) 15. What was your favorite non-soap role? Thanks! Rosie 
I had a grand time when I was free-lancing in Hollywood a while back. My several visits to COACH, and a guest star on Murphy Brown are among my best work.
You can still catch them in re-run...I know because I get a three dollar residual check (lol)
Thank you for these great questions. I hope you have as much fun reading my answers and I did writing them. Don't forget if you can't watch One Life to Live during the day--get SOAPnet. Got Questions?
If you'd like to submit questions for consideration, mail to:
Robin Strasser c/o OLTL 56 West 66th Street New York, NY 10023 Write "Questions" on your envelope Or email your questions to us |