Marcy Rylan plays the role of Lizzie Spaulding on 'Guiding Light'.
WHEN MARCY Rylan got the call that she had landed the role of Lizzie Spaulding on Guiding Light, her initial reaction? "I screamed at the top of my lungs I was so excited!"
And then reality set in: Rylan was about to replace a popular actress (Crystal Hunt) on this long-running soap. Suddenly, the nervousness hit, with Rylan wondering if the audience was going to hate her.
While the audience may get frustrated with the character of Lizzie, it has adjusted just fine to Marcy as Lizzie. The writers at GL have given Rylan a lot to work with, too. "It is so fun to be able to play stuff you'd never do in real life. I terrorise; I get pregnant; I cause trouble. It's great!"
GL has been the perfect grooming ground for this young talent, with award-winning writers, actors and directors guiding (no pun intended) her along her path. Especially helpful is Beth Chamberlain, who plays her mom, Beth Raines.
"Most actors are hesitant to give other actors notes, saying 'Do this' or 'Do that!' But I beg Beth to let me know how I'm doing and to give me any help she can," Rylan says. "She gives me so many great tips and pointers. And we have so much fun together."
Also on hand to help - whether it be for acting tips or for an encouraging hug - is Ron Raines, who plays her grandfather, Alan Spaulding: "Ron is my big muffin!"
In real life, Rylan is adjusting well to her move from L.A. to New York. She got into acting right out of high school, completing a two-year acting programme at the William Esper Studio.
She is attending college part-time ("I am on the 12-year programme!") as a sociology major and theatre history minor. "The studio taught me the acting part of theatre, but I am really interested to learn the background of theatre and to get a chance to read all those plays."
Rylan also attended her first Daytime Emmy Awards ceremony, and brought her mom along for company and moral support. About her co-workers' numerous nominations, she says: "Everyone is just so good. Everyone I've worked with has been wonderful. Plus, the writing is great."
'REEL' LIFE
However, in 'reel' life, Lizzie is still wreaking havoc on those around her. She is carrying a baby she claims is Coop's, but is most likely Jonathan's. "Poor Coop," Rylan empathises. "Lizzie has messed up his whole life."
In episodes to come, GL viewers shouldn't expect Lizzie to mend her wicked ways. She will be milking this pregnancy for all it's worth (in true Lizzie fashion!). The audience will also be treated to numerous flashback scenes, as well as flash-forward scenes, where viewers will get to see Lizzie and what she's made of her life in 10 years.
As for now, Rylan is exactly where she wants to be. "This time is so exciting for me. I couldn't ask for a better job."
