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Michael Sabatino (J.T. Cornell)

Tabloid editor J.T. Cornell recently surfaced in Rome, having fled the IRS. It’s a lucky break for Theresa since J.T. can confirm that Gwen and Rebecca framed her for exposing Ethan’s paternity. Will Theresa finally prove her innocence to Ethan and win the love of her life back? It all depends on one man... J.T. Cornell. We got the inside scoop from Michael Sabatino, the daytime veteran who nabbed the juicy role that just might turn “Passions” on its ear.

How would you describe J.T. Cornell?
Let’s see… J.T. is a slippery, slithery, very untrustworthy, narcissistic fellow.

So he’s a good guy, huh?
(Laughs) Yes, a great guy. He’s really fun to play. He’s wild, out of control and running for his life. It’s been fun as all get-out. He’s a real car-salesman-type.

You’ve played a lot of villains on various soaps, including “Days of Our Lives.” Do you enjoy playing evil characters rather than heroes?
Yeah, because villains usually drive story. There’s more latitude for what you can do, especially with someone like J.T. He’s funny and gets into trouble.

When you signed on, did you know J.T. was going to figure into such a pivotal plot point? He’s tied to a secret that’s been unresolved for about 5 years.
I had no idea. Jackie [Briskey, Casting Director] said it would be about 10 shows, although it’s become more than that. I saw the scripts and I thought, “Well this guy is like this bowling ball that just comes rolling down and crashes into all these story arcs and characters.”

How is J.T. different from other characters you’ve portrayed?
He’s funny. Most villains in daytime lack humor. J.T. is out of control, and he’s commenting on all the crazy stuff going on around him. And he gets chased a lot. He’s lighter, he’s funnier – and reckless! He’s partying in Rome, drinking too much. He tries to spike Theresa’s drink and it backfires. Everything I’ve done before has been more straight-on. Very serious, very “I’ll destroy you! I’ll have you kidnapped, I’ll have you killed!” And then everyone runs away. (Laughs) Soap villains are usually more formal.

What has your experience on the show been like?
I’ve just had the best time. It’s so fun. This is easily the best daytime role I’ve ever done because of J.T.’s different elements. He’s silly so I get to be goofy. And everyone’s been so delightful. The cast… Lindsay (Hartley; Theresa) and Eric (Martsolf; Ethan) have been fun to work with. And I know so many people here from having done so many different shows. I’ve enjoyed every day.

What about daytime keeps you coming back?
I’m trying to be the king of X’s! (Laughs) You know how they write, “[Michael Sabatino] from show X, X, X and X.” I’m just trying to get as many X’s as I can. You know how it is, you get work and then someone sees you do that and it leads to something else. I’ve leapt from show to show with breaks here and there. Daytime is fun because you’re just dancin’ so fast. I’ve done a few films, and you do just 2 pages a day. You sit around a whole lot. But with this, you feel like you’re truly involved.