Publication: Soaps in Depth
Author: Irene Vitale
Date: April 18, 2000
Catherine Hickland Gives Bad Girl Lindsay Heart and Soul
As a 20-year veteran of television, film and Broadway theater, Catherine Hickland says she could easily write a tell-all book about the biz. But nothing could prepare her for the experience of walking in Lindsay Rappaport’s fashionable pumps the past few months. "It has been the hardest, most challenging time of my entire career," says Hickland, who originated the role in May of 1998. "I would go home every night shaking, in a sensitive and very fragile state."
The Insider
Beginning with the breakup Lindsay and Bo’s near-marriage and culminating in the recent loss of their baby; the actress suffered right along with her character. "When you’re in a high-pitched emotional state, there’s no switch to flip on and off," she explains. "You have to be in the moment and that means finding the place inside that makes you feel like that and go from there."
"I only get to be Cat six hours a day, so the lines are blurred," she shares. Luckily, her other half understands perfectly. "I told my husband [All My Children’s Michael E. Knight (Tad)], ‘You’re not going to see me this week and I may be a little nuts, so you’ll have to excuse me.’ I was just completely exhausted."
"You get very attached to the actors you work with," acknowledges the daytime vet, on-duty (left) and off- (above) with Robert S. Woods (Bo). "So it was a sad week when Bo and Lindsay broke up."
The Sixth Sense
Now that Lindsay has taken a fall, Hickland hopes fans will see the bad girl’s good side. "Nothing is black and white," she insists. "Although it’s not always written that way, I fight hard to infuse those moments [of Lindsay’s vulnerability]. If you don’t have people divided about your character, then you don’t; have any story. And if everyone is happy that ‘Lindsay got hers,' then there’s no conflict."
She does concede, however, that sometimes it tough to find good in her alter ego. "There are days when I go sit on the front steps with a pack of Marlboro Lights and a bottle of something after I’ve finished my workday," she quips "because I’m sickened by Lindsay’s behavior."
Right: "Michael's very funny," says Mrs. Knight, "but most people don't realize he's shy."
American Beauty
Although playing Lindsay may seem all-consuming, Hickland has many other irons on the fire. The accomplished singer is working on another cabaret show, and will soon be recording a new CD.
She is also endorsing the skincare line Renaitre on QVC. "It’s a skincare regimen that’s just as good as anything you can get through a dermatologist," she explains. "I want to make it affordable and available to women who don’t live in metropolitan areas."
Despite her outside endeavors, at the end of the day, Hickland says that Lindsay remains her top priority. "In five years, I’d still like to be on OLTL," she concludes. "I love what I do and this is what I want."
FYI FYI FYI
Birthplace: Fort Lauderdale, Florida
First Job: Hickland appeared in the pilot of Hee Haw Honeys in 1978 with Kathie Lee Gifford. "I had a blast living and working in Nashville. I was a total wild child."
Soap Suds: "I’ve watched soaps since I was a tot, and when I was 13 years, I knew that’s what I wanted to do," says Hickland, who began her daytime career as Dr. Courtney Marshall on Texas. She went on to star on Capitol in the dual role of Julie Clegg and Jenny Diamond, and later as Tess Wilder on Loving and The City.
The Great White Way: In 1995, Hickland starred as Fantine in the long-running hit musical Les Misérables.
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