Post by jag11 on Sept 14, 2008 6:31:10 GMT -5
Monday, August 18, 2008
Hello my dear Friends, Supporters, and loyal FOVI-ites,
I know, this letter has been a long time coming these past months. But honestly, I have been under several restrictions as to what I’ve been asked to withhold, so it’s been very difficult trying to figure out when would be the appropriate time to share with all of you – for there really is much, much to share. (So I beg your patience with this statement’s length. You might want to make yourself comfortable in your favorite chair with a nice cup/glass/pint of whatever your pleasure before tackling it).
That being said, there is even more to be thankful for. Namely, for all the support and kindness I continue to be privileged to enjoy from all of you throughout all these many years. My cup truly doth runneth over because of so many people like you. So before I get into anything regarding the many changes to report, I want you to know how sincerely grateful I am for your outpouring of affection and support, whether during employment or transitioning out of said employment.
To begin, as I’m sure many of you already know, (unless you have the past several weeks of Y & R episodes recorded and have yet to watch them – then, “spoiler alert!”) , I’m no longer on Young & the Restless. My last airdate came sometime during the end of July, I believe, (perhaps early August). If you’d been watching, then you have already learned that David Chow came to an abrupt end, (along with poor Sabrina). I guess you can say that whatever luck he did have finally ran out. (Although, honestly, he didn’t seem to have much, given that he always seemed to lose. Alright, so he was a gambler, but nobody said he was a good one.) Well, on the positive side, it was also an abrupt end to his uncontrollable gambling addiction. RIP David Chow…we hardly knew ye.
First, I’d like to share how grateful I am to that show for giving me a job right after my departure from AMC in Nov of ’06. I’d especially like to thank Lynn Marie Latham for inviting me on and creating a character for me that was never slated to see the light of Genoa City day. I’m also very grateful to Josh Griffith for continuing to invest in the character into yet another year, as well as Tony Morina, the perfect go-to guy whenever there was a problem that needed fixing during the day-to-day grind of scripts. They’re all very talented people, with whom I’m very grateful for having had the opportunity to work. It was a very pleasant place to work, for the most part, and I enjoyed working with many of the actors and production staff there. (There are several actors there I will miss, although especially Doug Davidson for his wonderful laugh and spirit. He truly is a good man and co-worker). And you can’t beat the southern California weather, that’s for sure.
I’d like to correct something, however, that was reported in SOD in their “Breaking News” section several weeks back that couldn’t have been further from the truth. It was reported from a so-called “insider” at Y&R that when I heard I was leaving the show that I had remained hopeful the decision would be overturned, allowing me to remain on the show. They were quoted as saying something to the effect, “…but things didn’t turn out as he had hoped.” What a load of ****! (Ahem! I mean, garbage). I don’t know who their source was, (or if it was just a creation of their own imagination), but if there truly was someone, they must have been speaking from a place in their anatomy not traditionally reserved for speech. The truth is that from the moment I was informed of my contract coming to an end, I embraced the decision wholeheartedly, choosing to rest in the positives, of which there were many. I was also very excited to hear that I was going to have a significant and challenging story for my departure, of which I threw myself into enthusiastically. To even suggest that I, (or any other actor for that matter), might pin my hopes on that kind of decision being overturned is beyond ridiculous. I’ve learned over my many years in this profession to accept those decisions that you have absolutely no control over and look to the future with excitement and anticipation for the possibilities that could be around any approaching corner. Such is the life of many an actor. So I’d like to encourage SOD that in the future they might want to get their quotes directly from the actor whom they’re writing about, rather than some alleged, mysterious “inside” source. I would have been happy to speak with them, as I have countless times in our shared past, and would have been equally honest about my departure.
Despite the fact that I enjoy working, the Y&R gig was always a mixed bag, for so many obvious reasons. I was employed to work at first for only 3 months, which ultimately turned into over 20 months. It was not an easy job being that I traveled from coast to coast almost weekly, living in LA for half the time away from my family on the other side of a continent. We certainly made the best of the situation, but it was by no means without its difficulties, to be sure.
Also, it often felt that the writers never really had a handle on who they wanted D. Chow to be. (Let’s be honest here, even the name itself wasn’t the most well suited moniker to have to sport for the duration of the role, and one that was never even explained as to how I ended up with a Chinese name. It was always a bit comical.) This may have been the result of the character being developed so suddenly, with virtually little to no planning before I appeared on the show. I can’t really say for sure. All I know is that often times it was a strain to get a grasp on what his overall desires were for staying there in Genoa City and what he was trying to accomplish – he was rather ambiguous and ill-defined throughout much of his life in G.C.
It wasn’t until the final few months when the character finally seemed to take shape, which is to say, in time for his demise. I found it very satisfying to play the role during those months, believing him to be one of the most tragic figures on Daytime. Where I felt they lost sight of him, if I may, was in forcing his past Mafia connection onto the storyline during his final week. What made him so tragic was the fact that his gambling addiction was so all encompassing of his nature, completely governing all aspects of his life – his relationships, career, finances, decision making – we were given an opportunity to see a man who was literally destroying himself from the inside out because of his inability to take command of his weakness. It was this behavior that caused his life to spiral further into the abyss, which made for great tragedy. Even the Ji Min killing made sense in this context, showing even more poignantly just how desperate his addiction had caused him to become.
The Mafia addition of his youth was not only superfluous, weakening what was already a very effective storyline, but it was completely inconsistent with the person I had been playing for nearly two years. David Chow not only worked himself up the corporate ladder, being a liaison for Granville Global to Newman Enterprises before coming to live in Genoa City, but more importantly, was the campaign manager to a state senatorial race prior to being hired by Jack to run his own campaign. Considering the high profile of such a position, one would have to believe that he would have been seriously vetted by both the press and those investing in their candidates, (Nikki’s campaign was his third such campaign). Don’t you think someone would have put all the pieces together of his sorted, corrupt life, and outed his true identity? Not to mention, when did he become so educated and capable of such great accomplishments in both business and politics? Right after he changed his name from Angelo Serafini I guess (?!). (And let’s not even try to understand why he would then change his name to David Chow, of all names). My point is, it just wasn’t plausible. It was a slapdash devise that ultimately diluted the story, confusing the character’s past and established development. In other words, it was just silly and thoroughly unnecessary. Oh well, on to new horizons…
Now, to confirm what some of you have already got wind of – yes, it’s true, I will be returning to All My Children in the coming months to reprise the role of the dastardly Dr. David Hayward, (“World Renowned Cardiologist,” in case you forgot)!! I know ABC finally made a statement at the end of last week while I was enjoying a much needed/deserved vacation with my family. I received a phone call from Mike Cohen, head of PR for the show, letting me know that the news was leaking out so TPTB decided to make the statement. I then received many emails letting me know that the news was officially out.
I can’t tell you how truly happy I am to return to a show that has come to hold the place in my heart as my true home and family in this medium, and to play a character that so excited/challenged/satisfied me as an actor from day one, and for so many years after. I love the complexities of Dr. David and look so forward to diving back in to his gilded dark nature once again, (although, not without his own devilish sense of humor, of course). I’m especially looking forward to working opposite so many actors that I have such great respect and affection for, such as David Canary, Mickey E. Knight, Bobbie Eakes, and of course, Ms. Lucci – to name just a limited few. I’m also excited to work alongside the wonderful and inexhaustible production staff and crew again, the many faces and smiles I have missed so much since leaving. I hope you all share in my excitement, although I believe many of you do, given the great interest and support you’ve shown both me and the character of Dr. David throughout these years.
Lastly, I’d like to explain why it’s taken me so long to write a statement – both about my departure from Y&R and my return to AMC . Regarding Y&R, despite the fact that the word got out that I was leaving the show, (only about a week before I actually finished taping, however), it was asked of me not to comment on my departure officially because they wanted to preserve the element of surprise as to how I was going to leave the show. It came out that I was leaving, but not that I was going to be killed. Nor was it known that the character of Sabrina would be killed “unintentionally” alongside me. Therefore, I felt obligated to honor the show’s desire to protect their storyline – which I was happy to do, especially since I believe them to have always been fair with me throughout my stint on their show.
What made it even more complicated was the timing. Only four days after I taped my final Y&R episode, (and still three weeks before that last episode would air), I received a phone message from Julie Carruthers, EP of AMC , and Chuck Pratt Jr., its new Head Writer, stating their desire to speak with me about returning to the show as Dr. Davey. When I finally did speak with Julie a couple days later, we set a meeting in New York the following week for the three of us to discuss this possibility. It was at that meeting that I became more interested in the prospect of making it happen, almost entirely as a result of Chuck’s expressed excitement and enthusiasm about writing for Dr. D and the show overall. (I worked with Chuck back during the Santa Barbara days and have known much of his work throughout these many years since on other shows. He’s an extremely talented writer and straight shooter of a man; and I have to say, his enthusiasm was infectious. I believe he has the ability to bring this show to new heights and restore it to its once held place as one of televisions most prized and beloved shows. I’m very much looking forward to working with him once again). Well, after several weeks of wrangling in negotiations, which is not uncommon in such matters, we finally came to an agreement for my return.
Now, during my negotiations with AMC it became obvious to me that I should make one statement rather than two, (if and when I was able to close the deal with AMC ), - my Y&R farewell concurrently with my AMC return. When we finally came to an agreement about a week or so after my last Y&R episode aired, TPTB of AMC asked me to hold off on announcing officially my return to the show, which, again, I was happy to respect. This all happened just before I left to go on vacation. (Only those closest to me knew of my return. Even our dear Bobbie Eakes, who contacted me about a month ago after learning I was at the studio, (I shared with her then we were beginning negotiations), didn’t even know I was returning until she called me this past Sunday morning, having heard the news elsewhere that AMC released a statement). So, given the timing of it all, I was then going to have to wait until after my return from vacation to write all of you regarding at least Y&R. But, as we can all clearly see, such go the “best laid plans of mice and men.” The news is out and I’m writing about the two happenings simultaneously, (in a rather lengthy statement – didn’t I warn you?), as I had initially planned on doing, but much later than I had hoped. Please forgive the belatedness of it. I would have liked to share it all with you much sooner.
So, there you have it – the skinny, the long and the short of it, (ok, no short about it). I look forward to seeing many of you again in the coming months/years, whether at the studio, fan events, or simply in passing on the streets of life, as we occasionally do. I’m also encouraged by the prospect of returning to our FOVI gatherings perhaps next year with the intention of selecting another charitable organization we can all come together in support of; just as we have so many times and to such great success over the years’ past. I believe wholeheartedly that this group of individuals, many of you included, is comprised of some of the most unique people any actor could ever hope to have the support of. Their collective vision and abundant generosity have brought great joy to so many people since we elected to combine our hearts in an effort to make a difference for those who are in real need. I can’t say enough how deeply honored I am to have my name linked with all of you involved with FOVI as we work to better other peoples’ lives. I hope we can do more of that in the future.
In closing, I want to focus on something of great importance. I want you all to know that I’m very much aware of the fact that the reason I am returning to AMC and to Dr. D. is in large part because of you. Many of you had refused to give up on the character since his departure, continually reminding the show of his great value to the Pine Valley storybook and family. I can’t tell you how many times, literally almost every week while in LA, I would run into people from around the country who would openly express their frustration and displeasure about my leaving the show and Dr. D’s absence from the land of PV. Any success I have enjoyed, in every phase of my career, has been due in great part to all of you – for your loving and loyal support, encouragement, and persistence in making your voices heard throughout these many years – to me included. I admit, thank you just doesn’t seem to be enough, but I feel it necessary to let you know how truly grateful and moved I am by your graciousness toward me. I deeply thank you.
See you Pine Valley …
Hugs to you all,
Vincent Irizarry
Hello my dear Friends, Supporters, and loyal FOVI-ites,
I know, this letter has been a long time coming these past months. But honestly, I have been under several restrictions as to what I’ve been asked to withhold, so it’s been very difficult trying to figure out when would be the appropriate time to share with all of you – for there really is much, much to share. (So I beg your patience with this statement’s length. You might want to make yourself comfortable in your favorite chair with a nice cup/glass/pint of whatever your pleasure before tackling it).
That being said, there is even more to be thankful for. Namely, for all the support and kindness I continue to be privileged to enjoy from all of you throughout all these many years. My cup truly doth runneth over because of so many people like you. So before I get into anything regarding the many changes to report, I want you to know how sincerely grateful I am for your outpouring of affection and support, whether during employment or transitioning out of said employment.
To begin, as I’m sure many of you already know, (unless you have the past several weeks of Y & R episodes recorded and have yet to watch them – then, “spoiler alert!”) , I’m no longer on Young & the Restless. My last airdate came sometime during the end of July, I believe, (perhaps early August). If you’d been watching, then you have already learned that David Chow came to an abrupt end, (along with poor Sabrina). I guess you can say that whatever luck he did have finally ran out. (Although, honestly, he didn’t seem to have much, given that he always seemed to lose. Alright, so he was a gambler, but nobody said he was a good one.) Well, on the positive side, it was also an abrupt end to his uncontrollable gambling addiction. RIP David Chow…we hardly knew ye.
First, I’d like to share how grateful I am to that show for giving me a job right after my departure from AMC in Nov of ’06. I’d especially like to thank Lynn Marie Latham for inviting me on and creating a character for me that was never slated to see the light of Genoa City day. I’m also very grateful to Josh Griffith for continuing to invest in the character into yet another year, as well as Tony Morina, the perfect go-to guy whenever there was a problem that needed fixing during the day-to-day grind of scripts. They’re all very talented people, with whom I’m very grateful for having had the opportunity to work. It was a very pleasant place to work, for the most part, and I enjoyed working with many of the actors and production staff there. (There are several actors there I will miss, although especially Doug Davidson for his wonderful laugh and spirit. He truly is a good man and co-worker). And you can’t beat the southern California weather, that’s for sure.
I’d like to correct something, however, that was reported in SOD in their “Breaking News” section several weeks back that couldn’t have been further from the truth. It was reported from a so-called “insider” at Y&R that when I heard I was leaving the show that I had remained hopeful the decision would be overturned, allowing me to remain on the show. They were quoted as saying something to the effect, “…but things didn’t turn out as he had hoped.” What a load of ****! (Ahem! I mean, garbage). I don’t know who their source was, (or if it was just a creation of their own imagination), but if there truly was someone, they must have been speaking from a place in their anatomy not traditionally reserved for speech. The truth is that from the moment I was informed of my contract coming to an end, I embraced the decision wholeheartedly, choosing to rest in the positives, of which there were many. I was also very excited to hear that I was going to have a significant and challenging story for my departure, of which I threw myself into enthusiastically. To even suggest that I, (or any other actor for that matter), might pin my hopes on that kind of decision being overturned is beyond ridiculous. I’ve learned over my many years in this profession to accept those decisions that you have absolutely no control over and look to the future with excitement and anticipation for the possibilities that could be around any approaching corner. Such is the life of many an actor. So I’d like to encourage SOD that in the future they might want to get their quotes directly from the actor whom they’re writing about, rather than some alleged, mysterious “inside” source. I would have been happy to speak with them, as I have countless times in our shared past, and would have been equally honest about my departure.
Despite the fact that I enjoy working, the Y&R gig was always a mixed bag, for so many obvious reasons. I was employed to work at first for only 3 months, which ultimately turned into over 20 months. It was not an easy job being that I traveled from coast to coast almost weekly, living in LA for half the time away from my family on the other side of a continent. We certainly made the best of the situation, but it was by no means without its difficulties, to be sure.
Also, it often felt that the writers never really had a handle on who they wanted D. Chow to be. (Let’s be honest here, even the name itself wasn’t the most well suited moniker to have to sport for the duration of the role, and one that was never even explained as to how I ended up with a Chinese name. It was always a bit comical.) This may have been the result of the character being developed so suddenly, with virtually little to no planning before I appeared on the show. I can’t really say for sure. All I know is that often times it was a strain to get a grasp on what his overall desires were for staying there in Genoa City and what he was trying to accomplish – he was rather ambiguous and ill-defined throughout much of his life in G.C.
It wasn’t until the final few months when the character finally seemed to take shape, which is to say, in time for his demise. I found it very satisfying to play the role during those months, believing him to be one of the most tragic figures on Daytime. Where I felt they lost sight of him, if I may, was in forcing his past Mafia connection onto the storyline during his final week. What made him so tragic was the fact that his gambling addiction was so all encompassing of his nature, completely governing all aspects of his life – his relationships, career, finances, decision making – we were given an opportunity to see a man who was literally destroying himself from the inside out because of his inability to take command of his weakness. It was this behavior that caused his life to spiral further into the abyss, which made for great tragedy. Even the Ji Min killing made sense in this context, showing even more poignantly just how desperate his addiction had caused him to become.
The Mafia addition of his youth was not only superfluous, weakening what was already a very effective storyline, but it was completely inconsistent with the person I had been playing for nearly two years. David Chow not only worked himself up the corporate ladder, being a liaison for Granville Global to Newman Enterprises before coming to live in Genoa City, but more importantly, was the campaign manager to a state senatorial race prior to being hired by Jack to run his own campaign. Considering the high profile of such a position, one would have to believe that he would have been seriously vetted by both the press and those investing in their candidates, (Nikki’s campaign was his third such campaign). Don’t you think someone would have put all the pieces together of his sorted, corrupt life, and outed his true identity? Not to mention, when did he become so educated and capable of such great accomplishments in both business and politics? Right after he changed his name from Angelo Serafini I guess (?!). (And let’s not even try to understand why he would then change his name to David Chow, of all names). My point is, it just wasn’t plausible. It was a slapdash devise that ultimately diluted the story, confusing the character’s past and established development. In other words, it was just silly and thoroughly unnecessary. Oh well, on to new horizons…
Now, to confirm what some of you have already got wind of – yes, it’s true, I will be returning to All My Children in the coming months to reprise the role of the dastardly Dr. David Hayward, (“World Renowned Cardiologist,” in case you forgot)!! I know ABC finally made a statement at the end of last week while I was enjoying a much needed/deserved vacation with my family. I received a phone call from Mike Cohen, head of PR for the show, letting me know that the news was leaking out so TPTB decided to make the statement. I then received many emails letting me know that the news was officially out.
I can’t tell you how truly happy I am to return to a show that has come to hold the place in my heart as my true home and family in this medium, and to play a character that so excited/challenged/satisfied me as an actor from day one, and for so many years after. I love the complexities of Dr. David and look so forward to diving back in to his gilded dark nature once again, (although, not without his own devilish sense of humor, of course). I’m especially looking forward to working opposite so many actors that I have such great respect and affection for, such as David Canary, Mickey E. Knight, Bobbie Eakes, and of course, Ms. Lucci – to name just a limited few. I’m also excited to work alongside the wonderful and inexhaustible production staff and crew again, the many faces and smiles I have missed so much since leaving. I hope you all share in my excitement, although I believe many of you do, given the great interest and support you’ve shown both me and the character of Dr. David throughout these years.
Lastly, I’d like to explain why it’s taken me so long to write a statement – both about my departure from Y&R and my return to AMC . Regarding Y&R, despite the fact that the word got out that I was leaving the show, (only about a week before I actually finished taping, however), it was asked of me not to comment on my departure officially because they wanted to preserve the element of surprise as to how I was going to leave the show. It came out that I was leaving, but not that I was going to be killed. Nor was it known that the character of Sabrina would be killed “unintentionally” alongside me. Therefore, I felt obligated to honor the show’s desire to protect their storyline – which I was happy to do, especially since I believe them to have always been fair with me throughout my stint on their show.
What made it even more complicated was the timing. Only four days after I taped my final Y&R episode, (and still three weeks before that last episode would air), I received a phone message from Julie Carruthers, EP of AMC , and Chuck Pratt Jr., its new Head Writer, stating their desire to speak with me about returning to the show as Dr. Davey. When I finally did speak with Julie a couple days later, we set a meeting in New York the following week for the three of us to discuss this possibility. It was at that meeting that I became more interested in the prospect of making it happen, almost entirely as a result of Chuck’s expressed excitement and enthusiasm about writing for Dr. D and the show overall. (I worked with Chuck back during the Santa Barbara days and have known much of his work throughout these many years since on other shows. He’s an extremely talented writer and straight shooter of a man; and I have to say, his enthusiasm was infectious. I believe he has the ability to bring this show to new heights and restore it to its once held place as one of televisions most prized and beloved shows. I’m very much looking forward to working with him once again). Well, after several weeks of wrangling in negotiations, which is not uncommon in such matters, we finally came to an agreement for my return.
Now, during my negotiations with AMC it became obvious to me that I should make one statement rather than two, (if and when I was able to close the deal with AMC ), - my Y&R farewell concurrently with my AMC return. When we finally came to an agreement about a week or so after my last Y&R episode aired, TPTB of AMC asked me to hold off on announcing officially my return to the show, which, again, I was happy to respect. This all happened just before I left to go on vacation. (Only those closest to me knew of my return. Even our dear Bobbie Eakes, who contacted me about a month ago after learning I was at the studio, (I shared with her then we were beginning negotiations), didn’t even know I was returning until she called me this past Sunday morning, having heard the news elsewhere that AMC released a statement). So, given the timing of it all, I was then going to have to wait until after my return from vacation to write all of you regarding at least Y&R. But, as we can all clearly see, such go the “best laid plans of mice and men.” The news is out and I’m writing about the two happenings simultaneously, (in a rather lengthy statement – didn’t I warn you?), as I had initially planned on doing, but much later than I had hoped. Please forgive the belatedness of it. I would have liked to share it all with you much sooner.
So, there you have it – the skinny, the long and the short of it, (ok, no short about it). I look forward to seeing many of you again in the coming months/years, whether at the studio, fan events, or simply in passing on the streets of life, as we occasionally do. I’m also encouraged by the prospect of returning to our FOVI gatherings perhaps next year with the intention of selecting another charitable organization we can all come together in support of; just as we have so many times and to such great success over the years’ past. I believe wholeheartedly that this group of individuals, many of you included, is comprised of some of the most unique people any actor could ever hope to have the support of. Their collective vision and abundant generosity have brought great joy to so many people since we elected to combine our hearts in an effort to make a difference for those who are in real need. I can’t say enough how deeply honored I am to have my name linked with all of you involved with FOVI as we work to better other peoples’ lives. I hope we can do more of that in the future.
In closing, I want to focus on something of great importance. I want you all to know that I’m very much aware of the fact that the reason I am returning to AMC and to Dr. D. is in large part because of you. Many of you had refused to give up on the character since his departure, continually reminding the show of his great value to the Pine Valley storybook and family. I can’t tell you how many times, literally almost every week while in LA, I would run into people from around the country who would openly express their frustration and displeasure about my leaving the show and Dr. D’s absence from the land of PV. Any success I have enjoyed, in every phase of my career, has been due in great part to all of you – for your loving and loyal support, encouragement, and persistence in making your voices heard throughout these many years – to me included. I admit, thank you just doesn’t seem to be enough, but I feel it necessary to let you know how truly grateful and moved I am by your graciousness toward me. I deeply thank you.
See you Pine Valley …
Hugs to you all,
Vincent Irizarry