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« Patch's Days Blog
Farewell Missy and Matt
It is 4 a.m. and not ten minutes ago I was auditioning for a play to be directed by Nick Nolte. I bellowed something about fried chicken and dirty socks (a bizarre comedy, I think...perhaps something by Sam Shepard.) A trim, blue oxford shirt- clad Mr. Nolte sat high up in the house
and when I finished my tirade Nolte grumbled/mumbled something about "nice job kid"ť or "poor guy has hit the skids"- I can't be sure. As I was leaving, the assistant reminded him of something on my resume and he spit more gravely words, "Yeah, we should get more of you
guys out for this. I'd like to see Ken Shriner and his brother Bill...they're funny."ť I awakened just as he poked a finger to his temple and assured me I was fourth on his "mental list." This always
happens to me when I eat right before bed- some crazy nightmare. I figured, I'm up; I might as well get some coffee and finish the blog.
A week ago Friday, Melissa Reeves and Matthew Ashford left the show. I won't say goodbye, I know the door is wide open for both actors to return. They are fan favorites and cast and crew favorites as well. The
day was upbeat for the most part(see photos at stephennichols.net). It is always strange when actors are leaving, whether by choice or not.
The OSV (on set vibe) was definitely a mixed bag on Friday when we taped our final scenes with Jack and Jennifer; a farewell party at the Hortons. Vern showed up to see them off. I hadn't seen Wayne Hefley in all these years. Jack and Steve's mommy, Jo was in the house blubbering over both of us. Marilyn (McIntyre) was a good sport when I told her I would be avoiding her affections (in character of course) by throwing in an "easy now" when she came at me with an, "Oh, Baaabyyyy!!!" as I showed up at Jack and Jen's door.
The most touching moment of the day was when Missy and Frances dress rehearsed their goodbye scene and both women broke down. They could barely get through the dialogue for all the emotion that flooded in. All of this had triggered something in Frances. At the end of the taping
of these scenes, Frances revealed that she had never cried on stage or screen..EVER, before this day. We all sat or stood in stunned silence upon hearing this.
Dear Frances Reid is my roommate. We share a dressing room. When I first came back to the show, Frances would say thanks for "letting me use your room." "What?, I said, I am honored to share your dressing room." When she is at work, I go elsewhere and the rest of the
time; I have the honor and the privilege of using her dressing room.
Then it was cake time for Matt and Missy. Three speeches...one from producer, Steve Wyman and two from great people who happen to be great actors. Missy said when she was a little girl she dreamed of having a family and staying home to raise her kids. She thanked Ken Corday for making that possible. Missy is going to live in Nashville and be a stay-at-home mom. After all these years, she finally sees her dream fulfilled. Matt, with one of his daughters in his arms, talked about her three-day run in her first play and how at the end of it she said, "I didn't know it would hurt this much." Matt
also mentioned something about how many times he had died on the show and come back to life. He was not willing to say goodbye and I told him that I'm not either. Acting with Matt again has been one of the highlights of my return- we always have so much fun. The brother dynamic always seemed to work with us both in the past and currently. I asked the prop man to get me one of those Sherlock Holmes type pipes so Steve would have a gift of some kind to give Jack. I could always throw anything Matt's way and he would find a way to use it in the scene.
One of the lines they wrote for me sums it up. I say to Jack, "Somehow this makes sense, in a weird sorta'way... you and me." I don't believe we have seen the last of Jack.
Thanks for all the comments on last week's blog. I agree, Steve and Kayla should and will have more airtime. Don't be mad if you don't like the upcoming story because of Steve (Nick's) interest in someone other than Kayla. Remember, he doesn't remember being Steve "Patch Johnson" from Salem. He is Nick Stockton from Cincy. Hang in with us and I guarantee the pay off will be well worth it. GI Joe- I have answered your questions here. Thanks to Layman Liz for reminding me of all the nicknames I had for other characters on the show. Shane, you should have said hello to me in the fitness store. I don't bite. I'm sure TV Guide thanks you for all the renewed subscriptions.
Until next time...don't eat deli right before bed.
Love,
The Patch Man
For more information, please log on to www.NBC.com/Days, www.daysofourlives.com or www.stephennichols.nethttp://stephenichols.net
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Aug 29, 2006 4:44 PM
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Hey Stephen,
That sounds pretty sad about Missy & Matt..I have this feeling they will be back someday. Of course Steve & Kayla are my #1 favorite but I didn't want to see Jack & Jen leave either. The reason I think that Jack will be back someday is because there is still so much to be told and Jack is so much a part of Steve & Kayla's life.
I am trying to remember that Steve doesn't remember who he is and trying to be patient. It scares me a little bit about Steve being interested in someone other than Kayla but I trust you when you say it will pay off in the end. It will be nice to see you guys on more. I can't wait.
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Aug 29, 2006 4:58 PM
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Thanks again for an insightful and beautifully written
blog Stephen. I enjoyed seeing the pictures 
I do hope they bring Matt back to play out the Johnson
brothers story...there was so much they could have
addressed with Steve/Jack/Kayla too.
I am going to hang in and watch the story regardless of Billie, but can't lie. My heart sunk at the news they were going there. My reaction was just a simple wish they had taken another direction other than "triangle" (that i]seems on paper like the predictable route)...if indeed it plays out as the usual soap triangle. I am a lot more interested in seeing the
Steve/Nick/Kayla triangle, I admit.
However, despite that natural reaction, I trust you and Mary Beth, and Hogan Sheffer to make it worth watching.
It is always a joy to have you on my screen.
Thanks for taking the time to keep in touch with your fans :D
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Aug 29, 2006 5:03 PM
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I never remember my dreams. Maybe it's time for Deli before bed. Or maybe I'm better off. I'll have to think about that one.
Such a great story about Frances. I got all teary reading about it.
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Aug 29, 2006 5:04 PM
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Mr. Nichols,
I'm enjoying the blogs... you're doing a great thing. I, too, am one who vacated Days a long time ago when all of the sensational type stories came about, and didn't start to watch again until I heard you and Ms. Evans were returning. Now, my only request is in the day and age of internet, I wish your "song" ('If Your Heart Comes Out Tonight') were made available by the show! I'd forgotten about that song and hearing it on the show brought back so many memories...
(by the way, you're one of the reasons I got hooked on GH... all of my favorite Days actors went over there for a while!)
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Aug 29, 2006 5:05 PM
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Stephen-Thanks for the updated blog. The fans are also sad to see Missy and Matt leaving, but hopefully one or both will be back at some point. The "upcoming story" worries me. Kinda like a train barreling down on the woman tied to the railroad tracks. You want to look away but keep glancing back. I will try to watch but I gotta say it makes me kind of sad to think of Steve with anyone other than his Sweetness. So I may be reverting back to my old S&K tapes and living in the past until the present is more rosey!
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Aug 29, 2006 5:06 PM
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Well, this is new experience for me...I don't think I've ever read a blog before today that made me cry! We all wish Missy and Matt every success in the future and hope that the door is always open for one or both of them to return. Thanks for letting us have a glimpse of what it was like to spend time with them on their last day.
And about that story line that we've all been dreading - we kinda knew it was coming but will keep the faith and ride it out with you and Mary Beth. We're willing to let our hearts be broken a little - it's happened before, we can take it (I think).
Thanks again, can't wait for the next installment!
LL
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Aug 29, 2006 5:16 PM
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Thanks for the insight on Matt and Missy's last day on the set. I am a huge Jack and Jennifer fan as they stepped into being my favorite couple once a certain other couple were not there any more. It seems weird now that they are leaving and Steve and Kayla are there to pick up the pace. I will miss them more than anything. Great pics also. I loved the one of you and Matt and then the one of Missy and Mary Beth. Great.
As far as Steve being "interested" in another person, um Billie, I hope your set there at Days has good security. I suspect people will be in an uproar over it. I mean just the thought of it has set the Days boards over the net on fire. Even though "Nick" still doesn't know who he is and we all knew it couldn't be a smooth ride for Steve and Kayla, throwing Billie of all people into the mix will not sit well. I for one will live though it cause we all know who will win in the end.
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Aug 29, 2006 5:20 PM
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Hi Stephen...
I was up when they told us that you had posted.. (3AM) I had not gotten to bed yet... lol Why was I up so late? I was looking at Days and General Hospital clips of you and Mary Beth. I'm sooo addicted.. I love you guys!! And last week when you two were not on at all, I was having withdrawls lol
As long as in the end, you and Kayla do get back together, I will endure whatever SL that involves either of you with some one else. And, I know that somehow Steve will find his way back.
I am sorry to see Missy and Matt leave. It must of been hard on all of you that Friday. But, like you, I can never say good bye...
Take Care...(((hugs))))
Laurie
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Aug 29, 2006 5:24 PM
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Patch,
You are very good, in the roll of Patch, I get so excited each day waiying for you and Mary Beth, Kayla to come on.
Mary Beth is a very preety women, and you are a very handsome man!! I have only been watching the show, for about 10 years, and never got to see you all those years back in the 80's, SORRY, but back in the 80's, I was in school, I graduated in 1984. My Mother has been watching the show since it came on the air, she had to stay in bed with me, and the show aird, in November and I was born in December, so I more or less grew up with the Soap. I'll be looking forward to seeing Parch and Kayla, I love everybody, you and Mary Beth, are GREAT actors, NEVER, dissapoint me at all, you both are PERFCT!!!!!!!!
Love ya Path and
Kayla
Love Dawn Bannon
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Aug 29, 2006 5:36 PM
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Dear Stephen,
Thank you for doing this blog. It is great to get a peek behind the scenes. I have been rewatching clips of Steve and Kayla from the 80's, starting with the "stalking" scenes in Cleveland. Patch was a baaaad man there for awhile--that's what made his redemption so meaningful.
It makes sense that "Nick" would feel so much pressure from Kayla and everyone else back in Salem that being with Billie (who didn't know him before) would be a relief. Billie has a similar hard background, too. I'm going to give this storyline the benefit of the doubt. I just hope it is well done, and does you justice.
I can't wait to see more of the "one-eyed tomcat"--the intense, fiery Steve of old. Thanks for bringing him to life.
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Aug 29, 2006 5:58 PM
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Stephen,
Thank you for the update and pictures on the set. It is great to see everyone. I will miss Matt & Missy. Frances is such a sweetheart....she reminds me of my grandmother.
Sounds like the upcoming storyline is going to be interesting. Hopefully it will be full of mystery, adventure, danger, despair, angst and romance for Steve and Kayla. It won't be easy watching Steve/Nick with another woman, but I will stay tuned-in no matter what because you are on screen and I trust you when you say "the pay off will be well worth it".
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Aug 29, 2006 6:01 PM
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I deserted DOOL somewhere back in the 1990's when Steve died and Kayla took up with Shane (that was so wrong!). In order to revisit those days of old before Patch's demise, I have been staying up way too light at night watching Steve/Kayla clips from the 80's and have cried more than once over S&K's struggles in getting together and staying together. I had forgotten what a thug Patch really was in the early days and what a hard time he gave sweet and determined Kayla. I didn't know how much I missed you two until the first time they showed the two of you on camera once again. Waaaaaaa, it was like seeing two friends that had moved away and were back after a long absence.
However, the thought of Steve/Nick turning an eye to someone other than Kayla makes me want to wring his neck, but I forgive him because he doesn't know what he's doing!!! I keep trying to remember that the anticipation is half the fun and that the reward will be greater if the writers make us wait for the real Steve and Kayla reunion.
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Aug 29, 2006 6:27 PM
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Here I am, crying while read about Missy and Matt's last day on Days. It breaks my heart to see them go. I love your way of blogging, Steve. You make me feel like I am there, it is such a comfortable and cozy style. I can't wait to see more of you and Kayla. Keep blogging! We love you!!
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Aug 29, 2006 6:31 PM
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