In Print
Follow the links to our archive of Thorsten's print interviews and articles about the characters he's portrayed.
Above: A recent magazine cover featuring Thorsten.
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recast report
Whati's it really like to take over a role another
actor has played?
Soap Opera Digest
Published February 2, 2015
This was your first time as a recast. Did you approach the part differently than you would a role you originated?
"I tried to approach this character a little differently. Not that the old way wasn't working because it was working. But I just couldn't do it the same way. One time, Brad Bell [executive producer/head writer] introduced me by saying, 'Here is our brooding Ridge.' I never really thought of myself as brooding, but maybe I am. A playboy, I' not. Look at me! I just don't know how to do that."
How would you describe the fan response to you in the role?
"I don't know what the fans are saying because I'm not on Facebook or Twitter or whatever it is you kids do today."
You've said in the past that when you first spoke with Brad, you didn't know what part he had in mind for you.
"Yes, that's true. Actors want to work. We need to get paid. we need a job and this one was available. When I got a call from Brad, I didn't know what the role was and it didn't matter.
You can't look at it as if you're taking over from another actor. You're not taking over a role; you're continuing a role. In theater, if you're playing Hamlet, you're not taking over for Laurence Olivier, you're just playing Hamlet. In this setting of daytime television, the part is a lot more important than the person playing it. I'm not intimidated by what [Moss] did because that was his thing and that's wonderful, but I could never do that, and that can't stop me from telling a story. This role is important on this canvas because of who he is and if they want [Moss] to come back, they should do that, as well. The role is about the character, not the actors who play it ."
Did you watch any of your predecessor's work in prepping?
"No, and it's not because I'm lazy. Well, it's partly because I'm lazy, but also because it makes no difference. If you're getting drafted by a great hockey team and you know one of their players is getting traded to somebody else and you're going to play that position, the only reason to watch is to see how you fit into their scheme. The research, I think, can almost work against you because you're going to start to imitate someone else and I'm not good at that, either.
It's been over a year now. Are you comfortable in the part?
"If you ever get comfortable as an actor, you should quit. There is always an element of failing which keeps you on your toes. I watched the Golden Globes -- and I hate actors talking about themselves, anyway -- but Kevin Spacey's speech really rang true to me when he said, 'I just want to be better.' If you think you've done your best, then you are f---ed. You always have to work toward something, and your job as an actor is to push the other guy. If you stop doing that and you're comfortable then the show's over. So, I'm comfortable with the people around me, but I'm never comfortable in the situation -- nor do I ever want to be."