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Catching Up with Bradford Anderson (Spinelli)
By Laurie Bedigian
1/11/08

(Photos courtesy of Keith Munyan)

Recently, I had the privilege of interviewing one of my favorite General Hospital stars, Bradford Anderson, via email.   Bradford was very open and honest when he answered my questions.  All of you General Hospital fans know Bradford is a gifted actor.  What many of you may not know is that Bradford is a funny and insightful person as well.   I hope you enjoy his answers as much as I did.

1.  Aside from acting, what other jobs, have you had?

Toy demonstrator, holiday elf... Busboy, waiter, waiter, waiter, waiter...   I really enjoyed being a waiter... I liked the interaction.  Each table was a fresh start; new people, new experience.  At times it was really rewarding.  At times it was mind bogglingly frustrating.  It definitely builds character... I’m so grateful for those experiences.

2.  I read that you were only six when you first started acting in the theater as Tiny Tim in a production of “A Christmas Carol.”    What is your most vivid memory about that experience? 

Being the only actor who played on Cratchit’s shoulders and saying the famous last line, “God Bless Us Everyone.”   My sister was in it as well; she played my SISTER of all things.  I’m sure my mom was in it too.  That community theater was such a blast.  They’re still doing plays, and I think a lot of the same people that were doing them back then are still doing them now!

3.  In your opinion, why is Spinelli such an endearing character?

He’s sincere.  He’s honest. And he’s incredibly earnest.  As “out there” as he can be sometimes when it comes to the way he relates to the world at large, he’s not wishy washy.  He faces an everyday struggle, to relate to people in as sincere a way as he can in a world that he doesn’t necessarily fit in.  I think when people see that struggle you can’t help but feel bad for him sometimes.  Spinelli always means the best, but sometimes things get lost in the translation.

4.  Are you disappointed that Spinelli’s relationship with Georgie never developed into a romance?

Heck yes!  I can’t wait to see how Spinelli reacts in a relationship.  We’ve seen him pine after girls, but what happens when he actually gets one?  I know I’m interested to find out.  Beyond that, I’m sad I won’t have the opportunity to gaze into Lindze’s beautiful eyes on a regular basis.  We all miss her.

5.  You were amazing in the scenes where Spinelli found Georgie’s body in the park.  They were very real, very emotional, and very hard to watch.  Your performance was heartbreaking.  How difficult were those scenes for you?

It’s weird seeing your friend “dead.”  I remember working on the material in my dressing room and thinking about how was I going to approach the emotional stuff.  When I got up on stage and saw Lindze crumpled on the stairs, I didn’t have to work at all, it was just there.  Sometimes rather than being über-technical, it’s best just to allow things to happen.  And that day, Lindze’s last day, there was plenty of emotion to be found…there was no need for me to have to create it.  

6.  Do you have a favorite actor or one whose work you admire?

I really enjoy watching Gary Oldman.  I always knew I liked him, but it was when I watched "Batman Begins" and then "The Professional" all in the same week that I realized why.  Every character is built from the ground up.  Physically, vocally, every character is a specific creation.  If you ran into him on the street, you’d have no idea what he’s like, because every time you see him in a movie, he’s a completely different being.

7.  I love the humor you add to your character.  Do you have any comedic influences?

In terms of comedy I really enjoy watching Paul Rudd.  It’s his complete commitment to what he’s doing that makes him hysterical.

8.  If you weren’t an actor, what would you be doing?

Not much, I don’t really have many skills. I’m good at a fair amount of things, but not great at very many. 

9.  I read that you’ve done a lot of theater work.  I’ve also read that you sing and dance.  Is Broadway a goal for your future?

I try not to have any goals.  It makes me appreciate more whatever I happen to be doing at the time.  Would I enjoy doing a Broadway show?  Absolutely.  I miss New York, I miss singing and dancing.  Is it a goal?  Nope.  The only thing that falls in that category is being happy and healthy. All the other stuff is extra.

10.  I’ve been told that you’re very friendly and accommodating with the fans.  Do you enjoy taking part in all of the fan events?

Of course, I enjoy taking part in fan events.  How amazing is it that I have the potential to make someone smile?!  That’s pretty neat.  The fans are wonderful people that spend a good portion of their time watching our faces on the TV.  It’s only fair that we get to see their faces too!

11.  What’s the biggest misconception people have about you?

Well, I’m not as big of a dork as people might think I am.  I am pretty wicked dorky, but I’m pretty cool too.  Yeah, that’s it... that’s the misconception.  I’m cooler than people might think.  I think just saying that makes me more of a dork.  Sweet. 

Thanks so much, Bradford.  I so appreciate that you’ve taken the time to talk with me.  Have a happy holiday.

My pleasure, Laurie... Happy New Year!

Thanks, Bradford

As I mentioned already, it was a pleasure to interview Bradford.  Thanks to Bradford’s publicist, Shannon, and her team for being so accommodating.   Most of all, thanks to Bradford for allowing me to share this interview with all of you. 

Laurie

(Click on the photos for a high-resolution version)

Visit the Official Bradford Anderson Website!
 

Read all of Laurie Bedigian's celebrity interviews:

Melissa Archer (ex-Natalie, OLTL)  10/21/12
Sean Kanan (Deacon, Y&R)  11/20/11
Greg Cipes (JT, GH)  9/5/11
Colin Egglesfield (ex Josh, AMC)  9/4/11
Brad Maule (Dr. Tony Jones, GH)  12/13/09
Tim Gibbs (ex-Kevin, OLTL)  11/7/09
Louise Shaffer (Rae Woodard, Ryan's Hope)  10/23/09
Tobias Truvillion (Vincent, OLTL)  8/14/09
Brian Gaskill (Rafe, Port Charles; ex-Bobby, AMC)  7/24/09
Catherine Hickland (Lindsay, OLTL)  4/12/09
Senta Moses (Winnifred, GH)  2/15/09
Blake Gibbons (Coleman, GH)  12/5/08
Brad Maule (Dr. Tony Jones, GH)  11/23/08
Graham Shiels (Cody, GH)  11/19/08
Bradford Anderson (Spinelli, GH)  4/5/08
Bradford Anderson (Spinelli, GH)  1/11/08

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