Met last June at the Monte-Carlo television festival, Heather Tom returns to the role of Katie Logan that she has been playing for almost two decades in Love, glory and beauty. “Katie has evolved a lot in two decades. She is no longer at all in the same pace as at the beginningshe explains. When she arrived in the series, she was in the shadow of her sister. She did not really have self -confidence and not many clean ambitions. But, we have seen it evolve over time. She has experienced a lot of important moments that have changed her world vision and what she is. Bradley Bell (Executive producer of the soap opera, editor’s note) allowed Katie to go from the ugly duckling to another person, capable of standing alone, having his own views, fighting for what she believes and becoming a more complete person.“
How did this role changed you personally and professionally ?
“When we interpret the same character for many years, he changes with you and you change with him. It is as if the vision of the world was changing and that of the character as well. When Katie crosses an test or experiences an important event, I learn something and vice versa. When I started playing Katie, I didn’t have any children yet. Having a baby completely changed my world vision and it was the case for her too. Finally, we talk about these characters as if they were real people. And, in a way, they are. They have their own history.“
What is the plot you preferred to shoot from the very beginning ?
“I loved the plot on the postpartum depression I played after Katie had her son, Will. Perhaps because Brad (Bell, Editor’s note) was really in depth on the subject and that he accepted that it is ugly. This is a subject that we are not talking about much, which is taboo, and it has made it possible to show what it is really. To say what you feel after having your child can have us pass for a bad mother.“
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How did the series evolve, according to you, with all the changes that have affected linear television ?
“Technically, we want to make sure that the soap is vibrant and in tune with the times. There is also a lot of work done in the intrigue. We are sensitive to the way people perceive certain subjects and which they approach them. Recently, Brad let me write, realize and play in a soap opera. An episode “All-in-one” like this had never been done before in the daytime. He always wants to exceed the limits. This is what makes me really proud to be part of this team.“
Before having played in Love, glory and beautyyou spent 12 years in the shoes of Victoria Newman in the Fires of love. Do you call you more Katie or Victoria today ?
“Both ! (laughs) It has become normal. But, I don’t mind. Sometimes I am also called “Hey, you ! “, I also take !“
You have won many EMMYS during your career. That these awards represent for you ?
“It is always pleasant to be honored by a price and I am very grateful. But, my best reward is to push the doors of CBS and go to work. I like to be occupied as much as possible. “
You started in the business when you were a child. Was it difficult to live in being younger ?
“I started very early so it was life that I have always known. My first job in Los Angeles was to play in Madame is served. Going to work and having lessons on the side was my childhood. The pressure was surely there but in a different way. I was lucky to be part of a strong and united family. My mother took care of everything and did not let anything go. It is important to have this balance between professional life and what you need as a child.“
Do you have other projects on fire on the small screen ?
“A Christmas TV movie ? (laughs) No, I’m laughing! I say that because everyone in Hollywood has a “Christmas Movie”. We laugh a lot. But yes, I still have projects behind the camera because I love to create. I really think that television is the best media, the one where you can tell the most beautiful stories without having the constraints of cinema.“
What is your favorite series ?
“I like the series for different reasons. I love the scarlet servant, but I have to prepare myself mentally to look at it because it is intense. The series is magnificent, and I like the contrast between the violence and the beauty of the staging. But, this is the kind of series where I remain depressed for three hours after watching it, so I don’t know if I can say that it is my favorite. (laughs) And then, I love series like Ted Lasso who make you feel so many things, where you laugh and cry. I think it’s a bit the genre in which I like to evolve, where you cry and then you laugh because you are crying.“
Have you ever returned to Belgium ?
“Yes but a long time ago. The last time was in 2014 I think. I went to Brussels and Antwerp where I love to shop. I always find extraordinary designers that I find anywhere else.“
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