Eric Martsolf (Brady Black) talks his exciting new project, his Days of Our Lives status, the norm of filming and much more. Learn more here--->>>
Photos: NBC
Soap Opera News has the pleasure of speaking with Days of Our Lives’ star Eric Martsolf about his exciting new project Ride Share, the legacy of Brady Black, the new normal of filming, and so much more! Check out our chat with the charming Emmy-winner below:
“This thing came out of the blue,” the actor shared about his latest role of Keith in the podcast series, Ride Share. The ten-episode series available September 8 on Apple Podcasts and Digital Sky’s YouTube channel, follows a dangerous con-man (Martsolf) who preys on the public under the guise of a friendly rideshare driver. “It is kind of interesting that we as a society have collectively just said it’s fine to get in a car with a bunch of strangers and hope to God that we’ll get to the airport or we’ll get back to our home at two in the morning. It’s amazing the implicit trust that is there and this whole series is about the fact that that’s crazy!”
Playing the “bad” guy certainly has its perks for the actor. “Oh, he’s a bad dude,” he laughed. “He’s kind of the man that runs around and does the kinds of things that all of us would like to maybe fantasize about doing. Like that would be a lot of fun to do that but our morals get in the way. Or we don’t do these things because society says we are not supposed to but your mind kind of goes ‘Yeah, but that would be fun to do. Wouldn’t it?’”
As the first audio/video podcast series, the audience gets an immersive experience into the story. “This podcast is pushing the creative boundaries for fiction podcasts. I couldn’t believe just how well they created the environment. You hear the little intricacies like the window roll up or their feet swishing around. It’s pretty amazing and the production quality is topnotch.” Being able to work on the project from home has been exciting as well for him. “I’ve been blown away by how intimate the experience actually is. They’ve managed to collectively get the entire cast together. We’re all on the same line at the same time. It’s just crazy to have everybody in your ear at the same time. In a way our technology has allowed us to create something magical in that sense...and I can do it in my underwear if I want,” he teased.
While working on Ride Share has filled some much needed creative time, Eric is excited to return to the Days of Our Lives set next week. “I’m looking forward to getting back to work but it’s going to be a struggle to get used to the new normal. I received a 20-page document on the various protocols that we’re going to be taking. We get tested all the time. Before we walk into the studio we have to walk into the “COVID tent.” Then we walk straight to our dressing rooms. There’s no more socializing. Don’t even think about going out to get lunch, it’ll be brought to your room. And you are masked up until right when they say action. Even with love scenes, I believe, they are going to incorporate our real-life spouses. So, there is still going to be love in the afternoon but it’s going to rely on a little more trickery.”
Currently on-screen, fans are awaiting the return of Brady Black and Eric teased a bit about the character’s journey back to Salem. he does come back because he has heard about his father being in the hospital. John Black has always been a seriously important figure in his life and when he’s in trouble Brady has to be there. What he doesn’t count on is Kristen also returning. if she gets caught she’s going to get into trouble. So, Brady is furious. When you love somebody you want to protect them but you also want them around. Her returning to Salem is most definitely going to cause some problems and I think you can put two and two together. She’s going to get caught. There’s some drama and it’s coming! Just when you think people are happy on that show,” he joked.
Speaking of Kristen! We asked him about working with the incredible Stacy Haiduk. “She loves her job more than anybody at that studio. She cherishes it. This is basically her first experience with a long-term show. She’s always jumped from show to show and she loves the idea of having an acting family to come to. She and I have become incredibly close,” he expressed. “You always hope to God that the people you work with are enthusiastic about being there. Stacy walks through that door on a Monday morning smiling, giggling, happy and that’s who you want to be around. Especially, when you work as hard and as tirelessly as we do on a soap opera. I find it hilarious that she plays this villainous DiMera who’s done all these crazy things because she couldn’t be sweeter in person. She’s a party in a box much like Ari Zucker (Nicole). The two of them when they get together...forget about it! It’s like a circus. Love those ladies.”
It’s hard to believe but it has been almost twelve years since Eric Martsolf walked into Salem for the first time! “It’s been an honor, honestly. I don’t take it lightly at all. He has grown up on the show literally from a baby to an adolescent to a man. It’s just cool to think that I’m responsible for helming that ship right now. He’s just a roller coaster and that’s what you want as an actor. You want to have the ups and the downs. I love it! I love my job so much it’s ridiculous.”
He loves it so much that he shared that he has “no plans to leave prematurely,” which is wonderful to hear! The actor did speak on the number of cast changes that are happening at the NBC soap at the moment. “Change is always inevitable in the daytime world. If you are a fan of soaps you pretty much have to embrace the revolving door so to speak. “It’s never easy. It’s like losing a family member but like in Victoria Konefal’s (Ciara) case, who I’m also very close to. She’s become a very good friend. I know she’s going to fly. I know she’s going to do some wonderful things. She wants to spread her wings. I think any giant feature or movie studio would be silly not to hire the girl. You’ve got to be supportive of your folks even though you are sad on the inside that they won’t be around anymore.”
“I never say goodbye anymore,” he told us. Sharing a bit of wisdom he learned while at a job singing on a boat in Hawaii - can you imagine?! - “I always say Aloha. I was taught that it’s not goodbye. It’s until you meet again. That’s what I feel about the soap opera world because the minute you say goodbye they’re back in six months.”
Thank you, Eric, for the lovely chat! We cannot wait to check out Ride Share...and to see what kind of drama Brady finds himself mixed up in next! Aloha!
Tori
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