For more than three decades, Emmy-winning actress Crystal Chappell has been one of soap opera’s most admired storytellers — on screen and behind the scenes. From Days of our Lives to Guiding Light to her pioneering digital drama Venice the Series, Chappell has continually embraced new ways to connect with audiences. Now, she’s exploring yet another frontier: audio fiction.“I’ve never done that,” Chappell admits with a laugh about her latest project, Montecito. “It was a little intimidating. But Grant [Rutter, Creator and Executive Producer] and his team put together such a great group of people, and he set it up in a way that really felt like being on a set.”
Bringing Soaps to Sound
Unlike a traditional television production, Montecito was recorded entirely over Zoom. “Production sent each of us the equipment we needed,” she explains. “We hopped on, ran the scenes, got some direction — it was very much like being on a soap set. People are already used to listening to stories with audiobooks and podcasts, so I think this is a natural evolution.”
In Montecito, Chappell plays the matriarch of a powerful and complicated family. “She’s very wealthy and not great in the love department,” she says. “But she loves her son more than anything. Her loyalty to him drives everything she does — maybe too much so. Protecting the family business and reputation is everything to her.”
Performing without visual cues required a different kind of focus. “I found it easier not to look at the others on Zoom,” she says. “I’d just close my eyes and listen. It forced me to be really present in the scene.”
“Because It’s Soapy!”
For longtime soap fans, Chappell promises that Montecito will feel right at home. “Because it’s soapy,” she says, grinning. “It’s glamorous and dramatic — it reminds me of Santa Barbara. I’ve been watching old clips lately and it has that same energy. It’s about the trials and tribulations of the very wealthy. And for listeners, it’s something you can enjoy anywhere — in your car, on the bus, just like listening to music. It’s storytelling in a new way.”
A Habit of Innovation
Chappell’s willingness to explore new formats isn’t new. As creator, producer, and star of Venice the Series, she helped redefine how soaps could thrive online long before streaming became the norm. “It’s kind of like what you did,” she tells me. “You were curious about this format, and I was curious about it too. I love old school — I’ve been watching all those classic clips — but it’s also awesome to see the new, innovative things people are doing. It’s all about the story. The story is always the star.”
And fans of Venice have one more treat ahead. “We wrapped season seven, and I have a special planned for 2026,” she reveals. “It’ll wrap things up but still leave the door open. It should be substantial — about 60 to 90 minutes.”
Looking Back, Moving Forward
When asked what she’s most proud of in her career, Chappell doesn’t hesitate. “Daytime,” she says. “That was the job I wanted. I got to work with all these dynamic, talented people and play these incredible roles — Carly, Maggie, Olivia. I got paid to play. I’m proud of that.”
Even now, fans continue to revisit her Guiding Light storyline as part of the legendary “Otalia” pairing — a love story between Olivia and Natalia that broke barriers and captured hearts. “It represents a community that’s underrepresented,” Chappell says. “But it was also just beautifully told. It was romantic. I miss romance. I love the messy secrets too, but that story was old school and sweet — two people whose lives get upended by love. I always credit [head writer] Jill Hurst and [executive producer] Ellen Wheeler. They were the warrior princesses who fought to tell it.”
Still Watching the Story Unfold
Chappell remains a passionate supporter of daytime’s next generation. “I’ve seen Beyond the Gates, and it’s awesome,” she says of the new CBS soap. “It’s got incredible energy and incredible actors.”
After a career filled with bold choices and heartfelt performances, Crystal Chappell continues to follow one guiding principle: curiosity. “It’s fun to try new things,” she says. “Every time I do, I learn something new. And it always comes back to the same thing — the story.”
Where to Listen:
The first 10 binge-worthy episodes of Montecito are streaming now. Subscribe on YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts — and escape into the drama today.
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