Krista Tesreau

Melinda Sue Lewis came storming into Springfield, in May 1983, causing trouble and breaking hearts. However, more often than not, the heart that ended up getting broken was her own. She was a spoiled little rich girl, but Krista Tesreau's portrayal of the blond beauty gave Mindy a heart of gold and a genuine spirit that fans haven't forgotten.

Although Krista has come back to Guiding Light a couple times in the past few years - for funerals and board meetings - it's been about 17 years since she's been on contract. And, although three other actresses have taken on the role of Mindy, Krista remains the fan favourite. "I'm so pleased that they prefer my portrayal of Mindy that they've asked me back after all these years," Krista says.

And just what has Krista been doing since leaving her regular GL gig? Aside from getting married, becoming a parent, travelling and participating in just about any outdoor sport imaginable, she has carved her own little niche in the infomercial/direct-response industry. She is definitely the hostess with the mostest, with her TV spots earning her hosting awards, as well as overall recognition and customer trust. Krista is the face behind Swiffer WetJet mops, Bare Escentuals cosmetics and Nature's Finest Candles, to name just a few.

As Krista explains: "Direct response is a very specialised niche. One or two spots came my way a long time ago. It's not acting, but it's loads of fun. I have a 17-month-old, so it allows me to be at home, since the work is part-time. This type of advertising is really booming. And it's easy for me, because I really do like and use the products that I'm promoting. I guess it helps my believability factor, because I really do like them."

When Krista reminisces about her early days on GL, it's as if not a day has passed since the young spitfire entered Springfield and found her way into her fans' hearts. When she first got the part of Mindy, Krista remembers: "I had the feeling of jumping in a swimming pool. You just have to swim - you either sink or swim. When I got the role, I had to leave L.A. and be in New York in 10 days. I can remember coming home from work many nights just letting it all sink in."

Playing a part that was so different from Krista's actual personality "was such a hoot to play. I would get these scripts, and I couldn't wait to read them. I'd be laughing out loud as I'm reading them, thinking, 'I can't believe I'm saying that!'."

Sometimes the part of Mindy Lewis rolled over into her real life. "I remember one time being in an airport with Michael O'Leary (Rick Bauer), and this woman comes up to me and says, 'Melinda Sue Lewis, I just wanna shake some sense into you!' And she did! She grabbed my shoulders and she literally shook me."

Now based in Los Angeles, Krista tries to make it back east a few times a year. "Whenever I'm in town, I like to pop in and say hi to everybody." And hey, as long as Krista's in town, many GL fans would agree that Mindy Lewis needs to make her pretty face seen in Springfield every now and again as well. As a show with a history that's deep and complicated, a blast from the past every so often is a special treat for any longtime GL fan.