Former Soap Star Catherine Hickland

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People are creatures of habit and not everyone will want to watch on the Internet, so I am praying they can work that out for the viewers' sake. Most of all, I want to thank them for reading my books, filling my seats, and for being there for me for all of these years. Without them, I would have no career.

What were your first thoughts when you heard that ABC had canceled both shows?

I was furious. I really was.

It didn't have to play out that way. I felt that the viewers had been duped into a false sense of security. The corporate mentality does not fit well with entertainment in that sense. It's not that hard. Give the people what they want (eventually) and do it well. Don't know what they want? Then make it your business to find out, but go to the heart of the people, not focus groups who aren't your audience anyway. It's a mix of psychology, hiring the right people to execute, with a dash of luck thrown in. Don't underestimate, lie, or talk down to the audience, they are smart folks.

Case in point, the last few months of AMC under Agnes Nixon and Lorraine Broderick's hands, absolute GOLD. Watching the last week of All My Children, I cried so hard I was using a Sham Wow instead of a Kleenex. I loved that show, especially in it's hey day. Bring back the hey days and mix it in with the new and they're off to the races.

What are your thoughts on the shows going online and of the state of daytime television and soaps in general?

If you give people compelling drama that is character driven and emotion related, they will watch. It's all about eyeballs and keeping the customers happy. I think it remains to be seen if people will switch to Internet viewing, but a combination of both somehow would be ideal.

The real problem is the Nielsen Ratings system. In my opinion, it's outdated and inaccurate to say the least. I have never met a soul that has one, and I have met a lot of souls all over this country, let me assure you. How can it be possible that everywhere I go, every city and state I am in, I am recognized by so many people, and the numbers are what they are? It makes no sense.

Would you ever consider a return to soaps? Do you feel like you've put acting on the backburner with all the other projects you're involved in?

I've always been involved in many projects, that's nothing new. Anyone that knows me knows it turns me on to challenge myself in new and exciting ways. This is your one and only life, as far as we know, anyway.

I would not be able to move back to New York. My life is set on the West Coast and my personal life with Todd is my priority, being in the same state together. That being said, I would love to be a part of All My Children somehow, whether it is the same character (Lindsay Rappaport) or a recast of a character that they already have, or a new character. Acting is easy for me, I can do it in my sleep, but if I never act again, it would not bother me at all. I have many interests and I am not defined by being an actor. That's the beauty of having a life that works on many levels, and why I want to show people how to achieve that.

In your life today, what are you most fulfilled by?

My personal life. I am peaceful, content, very happy. I have been through much and it was worth every bit of it to have the wisdom I have today. Without the bumps and scrapes I may not have written my book, I may not have had the passion for what I do, or had the desire to understand human behavior and how the mind works. It's fascinating. I love the life I have created, and I have created the life I love because of the mistakes, so it's all good. Life just gets better and better with each evolution.

You've been through a lot in your own life. What message do you want to send out to women who are trying to have it all, trying to be it all, but might be feeling like they're not quite measuring up sometimes?

For me, I have learned that having it all at once is not that important. Pick what makes you happy and do that well. Know when it's time to let go of things that don't serve your life anymore and be okay with letting it go. Measure up to your own yardstick instead of jumping through hoops that other people hold. Having a life is the most important thing, and if the life you have is not fulfilling, then shine a spotlight on your personal truth and make a list of what needs changing, then take a good hard look at it. Set goals that will get you to the place you want to be, and make a plan. You only have to measure up to YOU, so be gentle with yourself and create boundaries with other people who tell you otherwise. I love women. I get them, and not just because I am one, but because I have made it my business to understand.
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