OnlineHost: Welcome to the ABC Auditorium. This afternoon we're talking with Mary Beth Evans, who portrays Katherine Bell on GENERAL HOSPITAL. Strong-willed, manipulative and ambitious, Katherine Bell is a woman accustomed to taking care of herself at all costs. She is also a woman whose desire for love has left her emotionally devastated more than once. In the hands of actress Mary Beth Evans, the character's gentle needs are subtly visible beneath the seemingly indestructible exterior. Ms. Evans brought Katherine to life, and to "General Hospital," early in 1992. Welcome Mary Beth!

OnlineHost: Mary Beth Evans was voted Best Actress by her fourth-grade classmates in OrangeCounty, California. From there the fair-haired, self-described "beach girl" set her sights on a performing career. At the age of 14, she got a job in a fast-food restaurant and had her older sister drive her to acting classes. Following graduation from Huntington Beach High School, Mary Beth spent five months in Europe before joining the prestigious South Coast Repertory Conservatory. Theatrically, Mary Beth has also appeared at the Beverly Hills Playhouse in "All This and Moonlight." Prior to joining GH, Mary Beth portrayed the saintly Kayla on "Days of Our Lives," from 1986 to 1992.

OnlineHost: Her other television credits include "Rituals," and guest-starring roles on "Murder,She Wrote," "Crime & Punishment" and "Father Murphy." Mary Beth also finds time to enjoy interior decorating, cooking and crafts. Married in 1985 to Dr. Michael Schwartz, she resides in Southern California with her husband and their three young children, Danny, Katie and Matthew.

ABCStar: Hi everyone, this is ABCJoanne. I'm sorry but we expected that Mary Beth would be able to be with us for forty-five minutes but she has to tape her scenes in 30 minutes so that's all the time we'll have with her today. Here we go....


Question: Did you have fun taping the "Thanksgiving Nightmare"?

ABCStar: Yeah, it was great fun! I love doing comedy and on soaps you hardly ever get a chance to!

Question: Were you nervous about working with Stephen again?

ABCStar: No. I was comfortable and excited.

Question: Was it hard making the transition from Kayla to Katherine?

ABCStar: It wasn't an immediate transition since I had a year off when I had a baby. In the beginning it was difficult since I didn't think I could play a bad character. But now it's a lot of fun.

Question: Marybeth, What would you like to see for your character Katherine in the future?

ABCStar: True love....A soul mate.

Question: mary beth, who is your favorite actor to work with on the show? ~natalie~

ABCStar: Stephen Nichols. I was so excited when I found out he was coming to GH. He's always great to work with.

Question: Mary Beth you are my favorite actress, thank you so much for being here!!! If you had the power to write A story for Katherine or to develop her in some direction...what would you like to see her do?

ABCStar: Well, actually, I think that right now the story that they're writing for Katherine is awesome. I think that now they're really getting into heartfelt story for her. And they're also letting me do some comedy--so I'm very pleased. For awhile, Katherine was a little too cerebral. I like the heartfelt storylines better.

Question: mary beth, hi! i was wondering how you felt doing the nurses ball scenes, was it fun? ~natalie~

ABCStar: I was a wreck when they asked me to sing and dance, since I can't do it, but then when I just let go, Lynn and I had a really great time and it was so much fun! The show really challenges me since they thought that I could do it.

Question: Will there be a may December romance between you and nikolas?

ABCStar: Ohhhh---how can I be thought of as the "older woman???!!!" He's adorable, so sweet and the best. Actually, I was his first on-screen kiss.

Question: mary beth, how do you like being a mother? ~natalie~

ABCStar: Oy.... It's fabulous. It's what I've planned my whole life and it's the most important thing in my life. But, of course, I'm constantly scrambling and flying by the seat of my pants to be a full-time mother, a wife, and to work. But I'd do anything for them.

Question: Hi. I LOVE YOUR CHARACTER, WHAT IS IT LIKE WORKING W/ JOHN J. YORK?

ABCStar: He's great. A family guy. Very normal and sweet.

Question: mary beth, what do you like to do on your spare time?

ABCStar: What spare time?!! When I'm not working, I like to make my family a great meal. I'm also a big gardener. I also bake for my neighbors. I like to do home things.

Question: Mary Beth, you are a very attractive woman and very convincing actress, but how does your family put up with such hot scenes of yours on TV with other men?

ABCStar: Nobody watches! My husband's a doctor and nurses will say to him, "Hey, I saw your wife in the bathtub for the last four days." My husband has a good sense of humor.

Question: I LOVE YOUR WARDROBE ON THE SHOW, DO YOU GET TO KEEP ANY OF THE CLOTHES?

ABCStar: Sometimes. But I can borrow anything I want. Periodically, the costume people go through your wardrobe and clean it out so you can buy the stuff if you want to.

Question: who are you close with on the show?

ABCStar: Actually, I'm closest with the women who do my hair and make-up--Cindy and Kim.

Question: I am 13 and am an avid watcher of gh. i love the show and will be a fan always. how do you feel about kids watching the show??

ABCStar: For your age, I think it's fine. However, I don't like it's ok for my kids because they're younger.

Question: Just wanted to say how much I love how the Katherine character has evolved...how do you like her now?

ABCStar: Much more. I really like the heartfelt stories more. She has more depth now.

Question: How many hours a day do you work?

ABCStar: It varies. Some days it's five hours. Some days it's more. It all depends on your storyline. And, some weeks you work five days in a row and some weeks only three days.

Question: You were great on Days of Our Lives as Kayla Brady. How different is working at Days than working at GH? Keep up the good work! Catherine

ABCStar: The biggest difference is that with Days you were there for the whole day while with GH I'm only there for part of a day. Which makes it much easier for me with my home life.

Question: I was wondering if you see Katherine and Stefan together in the future...how would you feel about such a pairing?

ABCStar: Since I like Stephen so much, I think it would be great to work together with him.

Question: Do you choose any of your wardrobe?

ABCStar: I get to yea and nay clothes. They want me to be comfortable and happy in what I wear.

Question: I love your scenes with Lucy. Is she fun to work with?

ABCStar: Yes.

Question: I Think Your Beautiful Are You Ever Turned Down For A Role Because Your So Beautiful?

ABCStar: Sometimes I think I haven't gotten the part because I don't have the right look for it.

Question: Do you have a family?

ABCStar: I'm married with three children.
Question: what is going to happen w/ you in the future?

ABCStar: You should really watch the GH primetime special this Saturday night (12/14) at 9 pm. That's the start of some really big stories--especially for Katherine.

Question: Mary Beth, Is Laura really dead?

ABCStar: Katherine certainly thinks that she is.

ABCStar: I'm sorry--but I have to go now since I've been called up to the set to tape my scenes. I wish I could stay longer but the show must go on!!! Again, thanks.

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