RM: You really are multi-talented, having done musicals, plays, hosting, modeling and of course acting on the big & small screens. Did you always know you would be in the entertainment business?
AM: Oh, thank you! I am better at some of those things than others. I knew I wanted to entertain since I was born…I was always performing for my family in some way! My grandfather was a performer, so I really learned from him. I used to watch his acts and wish I could do that. Soon, I was!
RM: When you first took on the role of Kendall Hart on ABC’s longtime soap series, All My Children, you had some big shoes to fill, that of Sarah Michelle Gellar’s. Were you super nervous or did you just attack it head on?
AM: I was totally nervous! Sarah rocked that role! I never watched the show when she played Kendall, so I was able to just attack the role in my own way. It took me a while to find my way with it but eventually I made it my own.
RM: You became a fan favorite of the show. How did you deal with all the notoriety of being a part of this series?
AM: It was such a blessing to play the role of Kendall. They always wrote great stuff for me, and thank god the fans were so amazing to always support me. They still do! I enjoyed the ride and just tried to be humble and grateful for the fans.
RM: We all know and love Erica Kane, played by Susan Lucci. Tell us about your experience on set and playing her daughter?
AM: Susan is the classiest lady I have ever met…on-set and off. She was so warm and open to me when we first met. Through the years we got closer and she is really a great friend now. She set a great example for everyone else on that show of how to treat people, as well as how to just be professional and grateful. I learned a lot from her and laughed a lot with her too. There was always a slap or something dramatic happening that would make us laugh!
RM: Social media has helped many TV series stay on the air or move to online channels & platforms. What do you like most about connecting with your fans through this medium?
AM: Social media is great! It is really the way of the future I think. I fought it for awhile, and I am still not on Facebook! I do love Twitter and having my website is really a great way to connect with the fans. It feels more personal.
RM: Now that your chapter with All My Children is complete, what are you working on these days?
AM: Well, I did a little cameo appearance on the new All My Children online series and time will tell if I do more shows. I am excited to have two indie films being released this year: a pivotal role in Lies I Told My Little Sister and the female lead in Desires of the Heart directed by James Kicklighter. The premiere for that one should be soon! I am in rehearsal now for a comedy pilot called Surviving Sam. I play “Sam”, the wife of comedian Rob Magnotti. It is being produced by Bob Maurer and we are filming it in New York City this Summer. It has been great fun to work on a comedy…it’s something totally different for me! Lastly, I’m prepping for a new web series called “Tainted Dreams” created and written by Sonia Blangiardo. We start shooting in August. I am also blessed to be busy with other fun stuff. When I am not doing those things, my main role is being a mommy to my 3 year old daughter Willow. She is the best!
RM: Do you have any charities that you’re working with? What is your role with them?
AM: I became involved with Americorps City Year in L.A. Now I have started work with them in NYC. It is a wonderful program aimed at keeping kids in low income areas in school. My husband and I are hoping to sponsor an event for them. They do some powerful work for these city kids.
RM: When you’re not working on set, besides spending time with your family, what would be considered an amazing day of relaxation for you?
AM: Hmm, a day of relaxation? Sleep, sleep and more sleep. Sleep is major for me…I NEED it. I also love going to a spa, getting a nice massage, drinking some tea, and just zoning out. I don’t do that enough! I enjoy listening to music too.
RM: Do you have any guilty pleasures?
AM: Guilty pleasures…hmm. There are several different kinds! Food-wise, I love Levann Bakery here on the Upper West Side of New York. The peanut butter chocolate cookies just kill me! They are so damn good and each one has like an entire stick of butter in it. They are heaven.
RM: What would most of us never know about you?
AM: Well, I am kind of an open book. I tell people anything. I am not shy and don’t really care if people judge me. My true, close friends know that I am not afraid to show who I am and share things about myself. Here is one thing most people wouldn’t know: in spite of my social, bubbly personality…I am a total home body! I love being home. I could be a great hermit.
Twitter: @Alicia_Minshew
Website: www.AliciaMinshewOfficial.com/
Photo credits: Peter Hurley