Michael Easton
News

During a recent interview with TV Guide Canada, Michael Easton spoke at length about his character on One Life to Live. Here are a couple highlights:

TV Guide: Are you happy that John’s lighter side is being explored through his romance with Blair? I loved the scene when Blair asked John if he owned anything that wasn’t black.
Michael Easton: Yes, I am! I’ve always tried to bring out John’s comedic side but the majority of the time it would have been inappropriate. I think comedy is important in daytime. I’ve been fortunate in my career to work opposite very funny actors. For instance, on Days of our Lives, I worked with Robert Mailhouse [ex-Brian] and Matthew Ashford [ex-Jack]. And of course, Tuc Watkins [ex-David] here on One Life to Live. Blair, David, and Todd are the perfect characters to help bring John out of his shell, so that’s why we’re seeing more life in John.

John McBain shows his compassionate side.

TV Guide: John’s a very rare and unique breed of soap character. I hate when soap characters aren’t affected by the death of a loved one. When John’s lover Caitlin was murdered, it threw him — and rightfully so — off his axis. Usually in the soap world, characters mourn for a few scenes and then move on.
Michael Easton: Which is why John was unlikable for a while. I give the audience a lot of credit though for hanging in there and giving him a chance. Slowly people are warming up to him, and John’s [experiencing a rebirth of sorts now].

As previously reported, One Life to Live star Michael Easton has a new book coming out. It's called "Soul Stealer."

Now, we have news about when you can pick up a copy - and meet Easton himself!

Wanna meet this One Life to Live actor?

Here are details on the event:

Book Signing with Michael Easton
When: Friday, August 22, 2008 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Where: Fan Expo in Toronto at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre at 222 Bremner BLVD., Toronto, Ontario - South Building

For more information,visit the Fan Expo website now.

Might One Life to Live be losing its male star in the near future?

After all, Michael Easton is about to come out with his first graphic novel. On June 27,, the man that plays John McBain will officially launch a new career when he appears at the Wizard World fan convention in Chicago with Soul Stealer.

As TV Guide reports, the comic won't hit bookstores until July 1, but early copies are circulating in Hollywood -and Easton has already had meetings with producers eager to put Soul Stealer in theaters.

"I've been thinking strongly about moving to the other side of the business," Easton said. "It's getting to the point where, as a grown man, I'm finding it strange to put on a costume and makeup every day."

Overall, Soul Stealer is far from an ordinary comic book. The lavish 148-page epic (about a 3,000-year-old, love-tortured superhero who has the power to bring back souls from heaven or hell) has artwork by comics giant Christopher Shy (Pathfinder) and an introduction by hot horror author Peter Straub (The Talisman).

Is he nervous about entering this weird new world?

"Comics fans are just like soap fans - very loyal but easy to alienate if they don't find you honest and genuine," Easton said. "Soul Stealer is pretty dark. I hope people like it, and that they don't go, 'Wow, that writer's really twisted and messed up.'"

Michael Easton has a message for his fans: Thanks... but no thanks.

“I appreciate all the gifts and mementos you've sent these past years but this Holiday Season a simple card will make my day,” Easton posted on his official website. “I am too blessed as it is. I would be even happier if you would extend that gesture of goodwill to someone in need near to you.

A friend or a family member that is alone or down at this time of year. I know many of you support your local Children's Hospitals and The Marine's Toys For Tots Program and knowing that really does bring me a big smile.”

The One Life to Live star is known for his support of several charities and organizations, all of which have links on his website.

These include the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance, The Gabriel Project, American Cancer Society, Lance Armstrong Foundation, The Los Angeles Mission, American Red Cross, Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation and Salute Heroes.

Aside from work, Michael is busy with his growing career as a writing.

In February, Soul Stealer, a graphic novel which the actor penned, is set to be released. In response to a fan query, Easton said that he is hoping for the opportunity to promote the graphic novel in venues such as comic conventions.

“Large crowds are sometimes difficult for me but I would not miss a chance to go to a Comic Convention,” he wrote on his site.

On his official website, Michael Easton recently answered a handful of questions from One Life to Live fans.

Here are a couple examples:

Q:First of all it's been a lot of fun watching you on One Life to Live these past years, and see your character of John evolve...thanks for keeping me watching. I'm curious to know how did you like being John the "mummy" for all those days as a burn victim, any humorous costume/makeup stories? You looked good in white... but I do prefer you in your black leather jacket too!
A: I literally fell asleep one day while they were filming.

Q: I read in a magazine article that you said you would like to do Dancing With The Stars but it would scare the hell out of you. All your fans know what a great actor and writer you are so how about showing us what kind of dancer you are. If you're gonna say you wouldn't be any good because you have two left feet I'm not buying it.
A: It would be a disaster. I’d be ruining another perfectly good show for people.

Follow our link to read the full interview with Easton.

Can't wait to find out what happens next? Here are a few One Life to Live spoilers for the week ahead...

• Social Services forcibly removes Langston (Brittany Underwood, pictured) from the only home she’s ever known.

• Marcie manages to evade Todd and company, as his hired henchmen come barging into Ron’s home, tossing the joint for any signs of her and Tommy.

• Rex thinks Michael (Nathaniel Marston) should go find Marcie. Heck, the two of them could live as fugitives with Tommy. But Michael shoots that idea down.

Don't worry, One Life to Live fans. One of your favorite actors isn't going anywhere.

Despite speculation that Michael Easton is leaving the soap opera this fall, the actor said he's staying put, at least for now.

"I appreciate everyone's concern but it's unwarranted," he posted on his website, www.michael-easton.com. "Although it's not good policy to talk about contracts, I will tell you mine isn't even up in 2007 and I feel very fortunate to be working at ABC Daytime."

This is nice news from a handful of One Life to Live fans:

The unofficial Michael Easton Fan Club has recently become an incorporated non-profit organization, raising funds for many of the actor’s favorite charities, expanded to include Pulmonary Fibrosis.

The organization will be on hand at the annual One Life to Live Fan Club Luncheon next month, selling special calendars featuring pictures of the popular hunk.

His fan club will also have available for purchase magnets and postcards, as well as an online auction, to raise more funds for various charities close to his heart. Read more about it here.