Reflecting 'Light,' An Interview With Crystal Chappell

Crystal Chappell began her daytime career on NBC's "Santa Barbara" as Jane Kingsley. After a short run, she headed to "Days of Our Lives" as the popular Dr. Carly Manning from 1990 to 1993. In 1995, she moved to ABC's One Life to Live where she spent two years playing the role of Maggie Carpenter. After taking a break from daytime, Chappell returned to her roots and joined the cast of "Guiding Light" as Olivia Spencer in 1999. Crystal met her future husband, actor Michael Sabatino (Lawrence Alamain) during her time on "DAYS." The two married in 1997 and have 2 boys, Jacob and Dylan.

Since 2002, Crystal has been nominated for 5 times for a Daytime Emmy, winning the prestigious award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series in 2002 for her portrayal of Olivia on "Guiding Light." The actress will return to "Days of Our Lives" in September 2009 and will first air sometime in October.

After 72 years on the air, "Guiding Light," the longest running television drama, broadcast weekdays on the CBS Television Network, will air its final episode on September 18, 2009.

Soap Opera Source: Sadly, after 72 years on the air, "Guiding Light," the longest running television drama, will air its final episode on September 18, 2009. What has the last ten years on the show meant to you?

Crystal Chappell: Well that's a big question. It has been a huge part of my life. I had my children there, made great lasting friendships and had the privilege of being a part of an historic show.

SOS: What was your reaction when you heard that the show was canceled on April Fool's Day, nonetheless?

CC: Well, I knew it wasn't a joke. But it was devastating. Not only for me and my cast-mates and crew, but for the entire daytime industry.

SOS: Who did you enjoy working with the most on Guiding Light?

CC: No one person. Part of my fun was being able to work with pretty much the entire cast, because everyone is different and everyone brings something different. It was more challenging and fun for me.

SOS: You have experienced many personal and professional milestones while working at Guiding Light, what are the high points for you both personally and professionally?

CC: Personally, my expanding family and friendships that have developed. Professionally, the opportunity to work as much as I have. 10 years is a good long run.

SOS: What have been some of your favorite moments from GL and what will you miss most about the show?

CC: My favorite moments are off-camera. Hanging out with the cast and crew. We laughed all the time and that is a gift. I will miss the show itself. It is going to be a huge void in television when Guiding Light is gone.

SOS: On screen you seem close to Jacqueline Tsirkin (Emma), how much will you miss her and how has she handle the fact that GL is ending?

CC: She will forever be my little girl, my little jellybean. She told me she was going to miss me after the show was over and I promised her that we will keep in touch and we will.

SOS: In one word, how would you define the ending of your storyline?

CC: Loving.

SOS: You and your co-star Jessica Leccia who plays Natalia, have received praise (from both critics and fans) for your storyline, involving a relationship between two women. Did you have any reservations with the storyline? Why do you think Olivia and Natalia have become one of daytime's hottest pairings?

CC: No, I had no reservations whatsoever. In fact I was excited by it. I think it has received the attention it has because it was a slow building love story and it reflects a group of people that haven't been represented adequately.