NAME: Crystal ChappellRANK: 8
SOAP ROLES: Carly Manning, DAYS OF OUR LIVES (1990-1993, 2009-present); Gina Brogno, VENICE (2009-present); Olivia Spencer, GUIDING LIGHT (1999-2009); Maggie Carpenter, ONE LIFE TO LIVE (1995-1997); Jane, SANTA BARBARA (1990); Janie, ALL MY CHILDREN (1989)
AWARDS:
2008 Daytime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series
2007 Daytime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series
2006 Daytime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series
2005 Daytime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series
2002 Daytime Emmy win for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series
1993 Soap Opera Digest Award win for Hottest Female Star
COMMENTS FROM THE PANEL:
Claire Labine: (wrote for Chappell at GL and OLTL) What a peach. What a peach! I think we succeeded in making that character [Olivia] more complex instead of just a bad girl with fangs. I loved her, and I loved the way Crystal played her. What an actress.
Mimi Torchin: Is she gorgeous, sexy and real? Hell, yes. Is she a subtle and nuanced yet also a no-holds-barred, fearless actress who never makes a false move in a scene? You bet. Is she one of the savviest entrepreneurs in the business, who might just single-handedly show the industry pros how to rescue our flagging industry? Uh, huh. Oh, and did I mention gorgeous, sexy and real?
Jonathan Reiner: The best "film-noir" actress on soaps, and worthy of the word icon thanks for her stints on DAYS and GL.
Alan Carter: Buried alive? Most actresses would have looked ridiculous trying to look smart, scared, tough and nervous all at the same time. What WAS a ridiculous plot was made riveting by caring if Carly would make it out alive...even if we knew she would.
Nelson Aspen: Everyone agrees that she is a goddess, but it is her sensual, commanding presence that ultimately keeps this talented lady so sought after in front of the cameras. It's been fascinating to watch her growth BEHIND the camera as well and makes me think she will be the Susan Flannery of her generation: acting, directing and being a part of Daytime for as long as she's willing to stay!
Damon L. Jacobs: There is a reason why Crystal Chappell is #8 on this list. For nearly twenty years, she has consistently brought a quiet sense of intelligence and depth into her every role. From young Dr. Carly in her first round on DAYS, to Maggie The Juggling Nun on OLTL, to pre-Natalia unlucky-in-love Olivia on GL, there has always been a layer of anguish and hopeful contemplation in every scene she plays. In this past year we have seen her take her acting to new levels on GL and DAYS, we have seen her embrace the role of producer on VENICE, and we have seen her embody the pioneering spirit of independent web series in multiple mainstream media outlets. Her ability to renew and redo her roles on and off screen inspires the rest of us to try harder and push farther in our roles.
Roger Newcomb: Crystal Chappell proved on GUIDING LIGHT in its last two years that it doesn't have to matter what sized set you're using, what type of camera you're using, how good the lighting is, how much time you have to prepare or any of that stuff. She made every single scene work. She gave some individual performances that rank right up with the very best daytime has ever seen.
COMMENTS FROM CO-STARS/CO-WORKERS/INDUSTRY:
Robert Newman: (worked with Chappell on GL) If Crystal asked me about coming onto VENICE I would do it because I love Crystal and I would do that for her.
Wally Kurth: (works with Chappell on DAYS) She is a new actress for me but I am looking forward to spending more time working with her. She likes rehearsal and talking things through, which is very important. These days, we have no time for a second take or to work it out on the set, so you better get all your ideas and issues about the material out of the way, in your dressing rooms - where everyone rehearses. Crystal appears to be always prepared and knows what she wants from the material. I like to be surprised during the course of a scene, by my reaction and to my partners action and reaction. Crystal always gives me something I never see in rehearsal; as actors, we want to save stuff for the camera. Crystal always does.
Jessica Leccia: (works with Chappell on VENICE and worked with Chappell on GL) Crystal always has her finger on the pulse. She knows what's going on, and I think that's why she's so successful. She's a smart cookie.
Kimmy Turrisi: (co-creator of VENICE) From a writers perspective, creating a character and writing for Crystal is pure joy. She has the amazing ability to take whatever is on the page and breath so much life into that it sucks you in. Her subtle nuances give you so much insight into the characters she plays. She does more with her eyes than a lot of people do with an entire scene. As a friend, her loyalty is unmatched. She has given a voice to a community that desperately needed one and one i belong to, so I couldn't be more proud to call her my friend.
Leslie Penny: (publicist) Crystal and I have known one another for over 12 years. Most people look at her and can't help but see her obvious beauty, but to know her well is to know her loyalty. She is fiercely protective of those she loves and one of the smartest women I know. When you talk to her, you know she is listening and cares. Yes, her acting is unparalleled, no question about it, but I feel lucky to call Crystal a friend first and foremost.
INTERVIEW ARCHIVE:
- Day of DAYS Interview from November 2009: Video / Transcript
- Crystal Chappell and Peter Reckell press conference call transcript from November 2009
- Interview on the set of VENICE from October 2009 with We Love Soaps west coast correspondent Stephanie Burke
DAYTIME SOAP OPERAS
