So, a lot of actors don't read message boards. I sort of can't help myself. I have a love/hate relationship with it. As an actor, you are definitely affected by the audience, both positively and negatively. The feedback we get, from producers & fans alike, is super important. But it's also important for you all to have your space to vent, and not have to worry about hurting someones feelings... I mean, i know... I 'hate' Russell on Survivor right now, and totally <3 Boston Rob! (best tribal ever last night, btw) So, i totally get how invested you are in certain characters & storylines and how sometimes you need to let out your frustrations loudly! So, it means a lot to me to stay involved with the fans on Twitter, and Facebook, etc, I love that we get to know each other, and you see what my real life is all about that way.
Anyway, all that is to say, I have felt for a while that the Lumi fans were angry at me, but I couldn't understand why. (we all know email/twitter is NOT an affective means of communicating serious stuff; 'tone' is so easily misinterpreted. And feelings are always hurt unnecessarily!) I was just hurt that after all those years of feeling connected to some awesome chicks & a great strong fanbase, I totally felt they'd abandoned me as well as Sami because of one story they didn't like. Just like before, I'm not going to comment on that storyline. I will also never say who I think Sami should end up with. Yes I have a personal opinion, but I really feel it would color how the viewer perceived my work, so I'm not going to do it.
Moving on, I discovered today, that apparently some of the unhappiness stemmed from a lack of gratefulness from me for the Lumi fan bases loyalty and support over the years. I guess I just thought you knew, after everything been through together over the years, how I felt. Well, we all know what happens when you 'assume'. :) So here it is: THANK YOU, Lumi fans. Sincerely, utterly, and from the bottom of my heart, thank you for your support and kindness through the long years when both Sami and I were too young to know how lucky we were to have such fabulous fans. Through the wicked, 'misunderstood' youth, to the heartbreaking goodbye we didn't really get (and hopefully that's because it's not really a goodbye), you have always been there cheering on this couple & their scheming/fighting/loving romance. The links you have sent me recently of the gorgeous montage videos of my 17 year history with Bryan brought tears to my eyes. I love my job, I love my co-stars & the Days crew. And I miss working with Bryan every day. we grew up together, we learned this job together, and I was heartbroken (for me & Sami) when he told me he was leaving before Christmas. (And while I shouldn't have to defend myself, I will clear up that, of COURSE, I spoke with Bry after I found out, he's my friend!) Bryan knows, and now I hope you all know, that you mean the world to me, and I know every day I wouldn't be where I am without all of you. I think of all you awesome fans everyday when I'm shooting scenes that I know will make you sigh, cry, laugh or want to throw things at your screen. And believe me, you'll be wanting to do all of the above this summer. I hope you tune in.
XOXO
Ali