NBC.com - Passions

Veteran actor Danny Woodburn has made over 100 appearances in film and television shows throughout his notable career. Now he is back in Harmony in an encore performance as the Demon Elf. Learn what he has to say about this unusual role.


Q: What was your initial reaction to playing a demon elf on Passions?
A: I laughed diabolically.

Q: This character gets into some pretty wicked mischief. Did you do anything special to prepare, or does being bad just come naturally?
A: Who’s bad? With each script I look for ways to make him lovable, relatable, more of a curiosity than someone you dread seeing. He doesn't inspire fear except when he is feeling particularly demon-ish and he is through messing around. Evil is his sustenance so when something goes right or rather "wrong" he is full like after a big meal. Then, I kick puppies.

Q: You had some great scenes in past episode where you channeled the spirit of James Brown. If the demon elf had a theme song, would it be a James Brown number or something else?
A: Say it Loud I'm Black and Proud.

Q: Were you familiar with Passions before you got the role originally?
A: Yes. I had seen the Timmy doll character and knew of Josh Evans. Josh, Billy Barty and I were the only Little People to get auditions for Lord of the Rings. It was just a courtesy to be seen, as they had no intention of using Little People but we three made enough of stink about LPs being overlooked for an story based on the existence a of short stature race of humans that we just wouldn't take "no" for an answer. We essentially felt the casting of average sized people was akin to Blackface for Little People. This practice continues on, sadly, in shows like Elf or Fred Clause, but has historical footing Jose Ferrar as Toulouse Latrec, Marlon Brando as Napoleon so I don't know when the break-thru will change the face of the business. What was the question?

Q: Can you give us a sneak preview of the evil you'll be stirring up in the near future?
A: If I did I'd have to kill you--but would that be so bad Here's a hint: I reveal my feminine side.

Catch the Demon Elf’s latest mischief-making all this month on Passions!