Articles about Terri Colombino [2010]

MYTH - "I'm not a big gambler," the actress admits with a sheepish smile. "I watched Billy [Magnussen, Casey] and Jake [Silbermann, Noah] do the craps table. They tried to explain it to me, but it went in one ear and out the other!" While she does cop to trying her hand with card games like blackjack, that's not usually how she enjoys contributing her time (and money) at those kinds of functions. "I usually just shop the auction items," Colombino declares, "and watch other people play with their money!"

Caption: Nope, she has no idea what's going on.

Cut! (CBS Soaps In Depth - September 13, 2010) At a recent charity event to raise money for St. Jude Children's Hospital, AS THE WORLD TURNS' Terri Colombino (Katie) joined some other soap actresses working at a New Jersey salon for the afternoon. But prospective customers didn't have to worry about their 'dos being turned into "don'ts" by the untrained hairdressers! "No, definitely no cutting or coloring!" laughs Colombino. "But a little blowout and wash isn't so hard. I mean, they've been doing it on me for so long [on ATWT], I should know how to do it by now just by watching!" The actress is a big fan of the event and the charity it benefits. "That salon does it every year," Colombino reports. "$40 for a cut or color, $20 for a blowout or manicure or chair massage. And it all goes to St. Jude. It was fun. I have a little aspiration to do beauty stuff, so I got to play that out!"

Caption: How much damage can she do with a hair dryer?

Star Talk "If you were going to develop your own fragrance, what would you call it?" (CBS Soaps In Depth - September 13, 2010) Terri Colombino (Katie, ATWT) "That's a tough one. Sunshine. Just because it's very me: happy and light and positive."

Another tragic turn for Katie (Soap Opera Weekly - September 7, 2010) Reid is determines to get Chris a heart this week, but Chris already has Katie's - and Katie has already buried one love this year.

"I know. I just got done [with Brad]!" marvels Terri Colombino (Katie). "But I learned so much as an actress during the Brad storyline that I'm glad I got a chance to take another stab at that kind of emotional story, because I thought it was maybe a fluke," she chuckles. "But I got to an emotional place that I've always wanted to get to [as an actress], and now I'm there. After 12 years, I'm really glad! I've gotten to play so many different types of stories over the years but, really, in the last couple, it has been the most challenging and the most inspiring stuff. I'm really happy about that and thankful for it."

Katie isn't quite as happy or thankful. Does Chris' predicament hearken back to Brad's death for her? "Well, she hasn't really dealt with it," points out Colombino. "So, I think, in a good way, it helps her to put a close to it so she can move on - because she's been trying to move on and hasn't been able to."

There's a lot of tragedy and angst for Katie in these last days of the show, and Colombino can't spill the nature of all of it, but she does admit it took its toll! "I was like, 'Okay, this is ridiculous. I've been crying for a week now; I can't do it anymore,'" recalls the actress. "We were shooting out of order, and there were certain scenes when I just couldn't get there, because I had been there so much. And your body just goes, 'No, no, no more!' So, I hope did justice to each of those people [that she needs to cry for]."

Beauty Secrets (CBS Soaps In Depth - August 30, 2010) Q: I consider myself to be Terri Colombino's (Katie, AS THE WORLD TURNS) biggest fan. Last month, while reading your magazine, I noticed that she was wearing a beautiful turquoise ring. Could you please reprint the photo? Laura C., via E-mail

A: Laura, we're happy to help. We went straight to the source to find out about the lovely ring. "I've always loved turquoise jewelry," raves Colombino. "I got the ring in Santa Fe last year. Because I'm from New Mexico, it's just inherently a part of me," she explains. "It goes in and out of style. I think it's always kind of classically in. It goes with everything and it's just very me."

Star Talk "If you could cast yourself and a co-star in a remake of a classic TV series or movie, who would join you, and in what?"(CBS Soaps In Depth - August 30, 2010)

Terri Colombino (Katie, ATWT): "Oh, that's good. I think it would be Austin [Peck, ex-Brad] and I doing MOONLIGHTING. Because there was the romance to it and the comedy and the action/adventure - that was a great show!"

Trent Dawson (Henry, ATWT): "It would be me and Terri [Colombino, Katie] in The Thin Man".

Star Talk "What show would you most love to do a guest gig on, and why?"(CBS Soaps In Depth - August 16, 2010) Terri Colombino (Katie, ATWT): "Probably CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM, because I know they do a lot of improv, and I think Larry David is a genius. So that would be really fun... and interesting!"

The Talented Mr. Sheffer Stevens (tvguide.ca - August 11, 2010) TVG: Why did the audience take to acerbic Reid so quickly given that past Nuke interlopers were vilified from the start?

Eric Sheffer Stevens: One of the reasons Oliver Reid worked is because he was well-written and well-rounded. Him being gay isn't the defining characteristic of Oliver, which is just like real life. He's not just the third gay character on the show. I think through Oliver's interaction with Dr. Bob, the hospital and Katie, viewers got to see different sides to him. There was this public persona and then there was this private persona to Reid that Katie really helped introduce. I remember there was a month where I didn't get to work with Terri Colombino and that bummed me out because I really missed Reid and Katie's talks. She really humanized him for the audience. Reid lets his guard down around her like no one else. And Terri's a great actress. He wasn't just the surgeon in Nuke's storyline. I thought Oliver was integrated with the entire of canvas and stories rather successfully.

Ins & Outs (CBS Soaps In Depth - August 2, 2010) Colombino to Y&R?

Now that she's had to say good-bye to AS THE WORLD TURNS, Terri Colombino (Katie) would love nothing more than to end up on another soap, especially Y&R! "That was my show growing up," the actress declares, "so I've always had a special place in my heart for it, and a yearning to be on that show. I loved Cricket. I was in middle school and high school wanting to be Cricket. So maybe she has a long-lost sister out there!" And though the soap world is buzzing that the fan fave is indeed going to the top-rated sudser, a spokesperson for Y&R reminds that they don't comment on rumors.

Stuff We Know (Soap Opera Digest - July 27, 2010) In other Y&R news, Terri Colombino who just wrapped as ATWT's Katie, is reportedly being courted for a role.

Kitchen Confidential (Soap Opera Digest - July 20, 2010) Terri Colombino (Katie, ATWT) was escorted by real-life beau Austin Peck (ex-Brad). The actress had just taped the last show of ATWT before coming to Vegas. "We did a champagne toast in the Snyder kitchen and it was really emotional," she shared.

So Hard To Say Good-bye (CBS Soaps In Depth - July 19, 2010) Although it's been over six months since the AS THE WORLD TURNS cast and crew were given the sad news that the long-running soap was being canceled, they're also that much closer to the final episode, which is bringing up all kinds of feelings. "I've been getting a little emotional at work lately," admits Terri Colombino (Katie). "Like, all of a sudden, it just hits me." But it would seem that most of the actors are holding it together pretty well. "I think people are just in denial," she confides. "And I'm really frightened for how everybody's going to react those last couple of weeks. Because it's gonna be too emotional to handle." And we're sure there are thousands of fans who will agree!

Caption: "It is what it is," sighs Colombino of ATWT's end.

Divine Intervention (CBS Soaps In Depth - July 19, 2010) Thanks in no small part to a few of ATWT's biggest stars, the second annual Angels For Hope Gala was a stunning success in raising money for St. Jude Children's Hospital!

Colombino showcased some of the couture dresses auctioned off that night. Who wouldn't want to take a few of those home for themselves? Thanks in part to the gowns, $240,000 was raised that evening!

Byrne and Kelley Menighan Hensley (Emily) worked tirelessly to pull off the perfect evening. So of course, Colombino had to be there, and the evening wouldn't be complete without Jon Hensley (Holden) supporting both his real-life wife and his former reel-life wife!

After the stories and the auctions and all the good that was done, it was time for some well-earned fun on the dance floor. Colombino, of course, was right in the thick of it!

Star Talk "If you had a secret to confide, which co-star would you share it with, and why?" (CBS Soaps In Depth - July 19, 2010) Terri Colombino (Katie, ATWT): "Not a damn one of 'em! You can't keep secrets in that place!"

Click! (Soap Opera Digest - July 13, 2010) The ATWT cast, past and present, shared some memories and laughs at the show's wrap party at The Collective in New York City on June 18. "We had six months to prepare ourselves and I think everybody was ready to get together, have a drink and wish everyone the best of luck and move forward," shares Noelle Beck (Lily).

SO BITTERSWEET: "I feel very honored to have been a part of it," smiles Terri Colombino (Katie, with Dawson) about her Oakdale tenure.

Take Five (Soap Opera Digest - July 6, 2010) Terri Colombino (Katie, ATWT)

What's one thing you haven't done that you'd like to?
Terri: "Take a trip to Australia because I'm terrified of that plane ride and being so far away from home."

What lesson have you learned from your daughter, Julia?
Terri: "That you get what you get and you don't get upset. With her it's about a Popsicle or what color of Popsicle, but adults can learn a thing or two about that."

What would you like a never-ending supply of?
Terri: "Money [laughs]!"

Under what word would you be found in the dictionary?
Terri: "Empathetic."

If you could get a front-row ticket to any concert, what would it be?
Terri: "Alanis Morissette is my favorite. I was front row at one of her concerts and I totally was bawling. Her bassist was looking at me like, 'Oh, my God. She's not a guy. Why are you crying?!' [Laughs] I just really connect with her. I couldn't help it. Watching her I was so inspired."

Hottest Newcomers 2010 (Soap Opera Digest - July 6, 2010) Of the other 10 percent, who do you most enjoy having scenes with? Eric Sheffer Stevens: "I love doing stuff with Daniel [Cosgrove, Chris] and Terri [Colombino, Katie]. I miss anagonizing Trent [Dawson, Henry]."

Star Talk "What's in the trunk of your car?" (CBS Soaps In Depth - July 5, 2010) Terri Colombino (Katie, ATWT): "Actually, I just cleaned it out. So now all that remains are my reusable grocery bags, a VCR from the studio - I still have tapes of things, so I brought it home... and what else? Oh, and there's a Barbie, so if [my daughter] Julia has a really special moment, I have a prize for her, waiting. That's it right now."

More On The Soap State of the Union (Deep Soap - July 5, 2010) In Friday's column I surveyed soap stars on their take on the state of the daytime soap opera. Here are a few more opinions gleaned from last weekend's Daytime Emmys.

Terri Colombino (Katie, 'As The World Turns'): I hope that it will continue to flourish. I think that all the reality shows are not going away. People keep watching them and they're going to keep making them.

In The End (CBS Soaps In Depth - July 5, 2010) The cast writes their character's endings

Terri Colombino (Katie): "Well, the thing is, I don't want it to have an ending. I want it to kind of set it up so you can imagine what they continue to do. So that's how I would do it. I would just not make it end. I would have something big happen that would let you know how each of them are going to change and start living their lives in a different way. So you can always imagine them - 'I wonder what Katie's doing right now? I wonder what Holden's doing right now?' - instead of having it just end."

'As The World Turns' stops spinning (today.msnbc.msn.com - June 24, 2010) TV's oldest daytime drama wrapped production, final episodes this fall

"I think I was in shock for a while," said Terri Colombino, who for 12 years has played the oft-wed, ever-looking-for-love Katie Peretti.

The idea of parting company with Katie "feels like a death," she said, wiping her eyes - "which is good that we're having a sad story line at the end, so we can all kind of work through it. It's very cathartic."

But it has also been hard to get through, filled with painful reminders that the show will soon be history. Reminders are even here in her dressing room. Colombino pointed to her makeup mirror. Only four of its bulbs were still lit, the other 14 bulbs burned out.

"They're not replacing them," she explained with a rueful laugh. "Because we're done."

The End of an Era (CBS Soaps In Depth - June 21, 2010) Castmates share memories of the legendary Helen Wagner (Nancy)

Fond Farewells: Terri Colombino (Katie) "There was just something about her... and knowing that she is the history of the show. It always hit me. I don't think she realized the effect she had on people. And that we appreciated and respected that she had been such a loyal, integral part of the show since the beginning."

Caption: "I just loved that they created that friendship between the two generations," says Terri Colombino (Katie) of her character's talks with Nancy.

Caption: "Every generation goes through the same thing," muses Colombino. "Love, death... all of the universal things. And that's what's so wonderful about Oakdale and ATWT. It's a little microcosm of life, and Helen was the head of it."

Fan Club Weekend (CBS Soaps In Depth - June 21, 2010) AS THE WORLD TURNS fans turned out in droves for a memorable Fan Club Luncheon at the Marriott Marquis in NYC!

"What's really cool is seeing all of these former castmates," said Terri Colombino (Katie), here with Todd Rotondi (ex-Bryant).

Cover Me (Soap Opera Digest - June 15, 2010) Since joining the ATWT cast back in 1998, Terri Colombino (Katie) has been through some crazy romances and tremendous heartbreak as Oakdale's resident sweetheart, as exhibited on these Digest covers.

Roundup "What's the most ridiculous piece of gossip you've heard about your show?" (Soap Opera Digest - June 15, 2010) Terri Colombino (Katie, ATWT): "That we were getting canceled. Ridiculous!"

Hot Star of Summer (CBS Soaps In Depth - June 7, 2010) Terri Colombino (Katie, ATWT) - Katie may be reluctant to admit to her feelings for Chris, but portrayer Terri Colombino has no such problem confessing her love of co-star Daniel Cosgrove (Chris)! "He's funny," she smiles. "He's my type of actor. I've been blessed beyond measure with all of my co-stars, and he just fits right in with the kind of actor I like to work with and the kind of person I like to be around." Of course, the characters have a little bit of baggage to get past before they can join the same mutual-admiration society. "Katie hasn't always treated him the best," Colombino admits. "They don't have the best history." But the real issue that's keeping them from following through with their desires is that Katie is still haunted by the memories of her late husband, Brad. "Oh, she's resisting it," Colombino says of her alter ego's feelings for her friend. "She's feeling it, and she's like, 'Oh no, here we go again. I'm supposed to be mourning. I'm still in love with Brad. I can't be having this right now.' So she's resisting it at all costs." Still, something tells us she'll give in sooner than later!

Caption - ATWT is ending, so if Katie wants a happy one, she'd better get to it!

On The Town (CBS Soaps In Depth - June 7, 2010) ATWT pals Billy Magnussen (Casey), Terri Colombino (Katie) and Silberman were out for a night at the 6th Annual Casino For A Cure. "It's always fun to get out," Colombino noted. "Get out and let loose, have a couple drinks with my co-stars and my friends!"

Caption - Excuse me? I'm trying to enjoy my ice cream here. Colombino admits she's not the biggest gambler, but there was still plenty for her to enjoy!

Emmy Time! (CBS Soaps In Depth - June 7, 2010) Though many deserving stars got the nod, talent manager Michael Bruno points out some big snubs. "ATWT's Austin Peck (ex-Brad) and Terri Colombino (Katie) were robbed.

"What's your favorite lipstick?" (CBS Soaps In Depth - June 7, 2010) "Well, MAC always has the best variety of colors and different textures. I love their lip-glosses. I have a bunch of them." - Terri Colombino (Katie, AS THE WORLD TURNS)

Remembering Helen Wagner (Soap Opera Weekly - June 1, 2010) Terri Colombino (Katie): "I think the last scenes that she [filmed] were with me, and that's really an honor. I always felt honored that they paired me with her, that Katie and Nancy had this unlikely friendship across generations. But it was always very sweet, and so, in a way I'm glad that's kind of the wrap-up [for] her; doing what she did, just advising and loving and watching over us all. I just wish she could have been there till the end."

And The Nominees Are... (Soap Opera Digest - June 1, 2010) Julie Pinson was at home when she received a text from pal and fellow nominee Jon Lindstrom. "I texted him first and I said, 'It's about time, old man [laughs]!' and then he sent a message back saying, 'Well, congratulations to you, too!' I'm happy but bummed about Austin Peck [ex-Brad] and Terri Colombino [Katie]. I'm shocked and very disappointed they were not included."

Green Works® Laundry Detergent advertisement (May 2010) my take on Love... pure and simple.

As Katie Peretti-Frasier-Coleman-Kasnoff-Snyder on "As The World Turns," Terri Colombino has portrayed a woman desperately seeking love for over a dozen years. "But now, Katie has finally found the purest love of all: that of her newborn child," says Terri.

As a mother herself, Terri can relate to that epiphany. "It's stunning, really," she marvels. "A baby is just so innocent, so pure. You have this intense desire to preserve that."

For Terri, protecting that purity meant switching to as many all-natural products as possible, from locally grown organic foods to plant-based cleaners. "I think reducing our use of artificial chemicals is so important, not only for my own family but for the future of our planet."

That's why Terri trusts Green Works® Laundry Detergent for her family. "It does a great job," she enthuses. "And dressing my daughter in clothes cleaned naturally makes me feel good as a mom."

So Emotional (Soap Opera Digest - May 25, 2010) Terri Colombino's Tears Have Finally Dried Up On ATWT, But Off-Screen, It's An Entirely Different Matter

After several scheduling conflicts and two interrupted phone calls (not to mention my own looming deadline) I start to worry that this feature with Terri Colombino isn't going to happen at all. During our first attempt, the multi-tasking actress had to hang up (twice) because an important fax - containing her Emmy ballot - kept bouncing back and the submission deadline was mere minutes away. "I'm such a procrastinator," she explained. So, we reconnect the following morning... and an alarm goes off in her house. Uh-oh. "Oh, shoot! I'm so sorry!" she chuckles and puts me on hold to turn it off. "I thought it was just yesterday, but now everything's happening today!" Thankfully, it's not an emergency and we quickly pick up where we left off, discussing Colombino's near emotional meltdown during last month's ATWT fan luncheon. "It wasn't just any old luncheon; it was the last one," she sighs. "I had a really hard time not completely breaking down. I was sitting next to Ellen Dolan [Margo] and we just do that to each other. One of us starts crying and the other is a mess within seconds. It's just going to be weird, I think, those last couple of weeks, which aren't that far away. It's 12 years of my life and much longer for others, so it's not going to be easy to just brush that one off."

As Oakdale's resident romantic and untimely widow, Katie has also been through the emotional wringer of late, but Colombino admits she's glad the tears (the on-screen kind, at least) seem to be behind her now that Chris Hughes is back. "Thank God!" she groans. "It was a little rough." The scenes surrounding Brad's death were especially taxing for the actress. "It was the end of the day, where [Katie] goes to get the baby and comes back and he's dead. I had already churned up all that [emotional] stuff and I was really scared that it wasn't going to stop. Ugh, it makes me emotional just thinking about it! I remember looking at Julie Pinson [Janet] and saying, 'I'm scared it's not gonna stop!' And she was like, 'You'll be okay! You'll get in your car and take a deep breath... but just use it now! It's amazing! Go for it!'" the actress recalls.

Colombino also credits her leading men for helping her learn to laugh. "Katie has been very fortunate and so has Terri in that respect! Trent [Dawson, Henry] really brought out the comedy in me, which I didn't even really know was there. I know that if I'm going to work with him, it's just going to be easy. When Austin [Peck, ex-Brad] came along and they saw that gem in him, they started writing for me again in that way and I missed it." Thankfully, her newest co-star, Daniel Cosgrove (Chris), is keeping the comedy alive. "He's really hysterical!" she laughs. "I've always been the worst one on set where if you get me laughing, the scene is not going to get done very quickly, but I have to say that he's even worse than I am! Us together? It's not good. I can imagine them in the [production] booth going, 'Ugh! Here they go again!' I just want to have fun."

Still, the actress has been thinking a lot about what's next. "It's funny," she reflects, "as I've gotten older, my ideas of what I want to do have, I guess, opened up a little bit. I've realized that every opportunity brings something. Work begets work. I really see how much I appreciate [ATWT] now that I'm not going to have it anymore, but also now I reflect on all that I've gotten to do. I love soaps. I've gotten to play such amazing stories that I never would have, probably, unless I was some big superstar."

Still, after the show wraps, she is considering taking some time off. "I've always wanted to take a big road trip, but I've never been able to because of the show so that might happen. You know, see the world's largest rubber band ball!" And, of course, continue to be a devoted mom to daughter Julia, who will turn 6 in July. "She's coming into her own little person, but I fear that she has the entertainer in her!" she smiles. "Her dad played music and recorded it, and she just sang along with it and made up this amazing song and her voice is so cute and so sweet! I played it for everyone at work and they're like, 'Oh, my God! I want that on my iPod so if I have a sad day I can listen to her voice!'"

To keep her emotions in check, Colombino is trying to take things one day at a time. "I'm such a realist and a planner, it's going to be hard for me not to have a job to go to every day," she notes. "I'm just going to take it as it comes. If you follow your heart and you're true to that, the work will just come."

Just The Facts
Birthday: January 28
Thank Heaven: The actress has a daughter, Julia, 5.
Book It: Colombino is reading Committed by Elizabeth Gilbert, who wrote Eat, Pray, Love. "I'm not a big reader, but I love her voice and totally connected with her. This book is really speaking to me right now! She's an amazing writer."
On Her iPod: I love John Mayer. Ingrid Michaelson is good. I love Jack Johnson, too. I actually just won his signed guitar at a friend's charity event!"
Dream Role: "Rachel McAdams's role in The Notebook, but then I would've had to make out with Ryan Gosling, who I worked with [on Breaker High] when he was 16 years old and that would be weird [laughs]! He's attractive and talented, but I have a little bit of extra history that would taint that maybe."

Sin City Spirit

Colombino is thrilled that the Daytime Emmys will be taking place in Las Vegas on June 27. "I'm psyched!" she exclaims. "I think that will make it relevant again. Everything's in Vegas! Since they left New York, they have not been the same for me. It was always a very classy, exciting event but in L.A., I just don't think it translated. It lost its luster. Last year, Elmo was on more than any soap actor! I'm all for Elmo, I love the little guy, but people want to see it for the [show] clips. Forget the silly song-and-dance numbers of people who aren't even on daytime. I appreciate that [The CW] picked it up and think they did a pretty great job, but over the past five or so years they've cut the clips. You've got to remember why people why people watch." She also hopes ATWT gets a proper tribute, especially since the Emmys will pretty much coincide with the show's production wrap. "We're already going to be a mess anyway and you need closure - the audience needs closure. They don't need to bring us all onstage," Colombino says. "They need to show a good clip reel. That's it! You just put a sentimental, amazing song that fits the characters, pull in old clips and give people a good, two-minute cry!"

Caption - Daydreamer: Katie's fantasy sequences, like this frontier-inspired one with Simon (Paul Leyden) in 2002, are among Colombino's favorite ATWT storylines. "They were unique, different and fun. It was all kind of out-of-the-box thinking."

Caption - All Cried Out: Brad's (Austin Peck) death scenes were challenging for Colombino. "It was exhausting!" she says.

The Mother Loads (Soap Opera Digest - May 11, 2010) As The World Turns - Baby Mama: Terri Colombino (Katie), 2004

What was the show's reaction to your pregnancy? "I think they were kind of expecting it. It was just a matter of when."

Were you okay with the decision not to write it in for Katie? "At the time, it did not work at all in my story, so I was happy that they didn't write it in."

How tough was it to conceal? "It was a little more difficult to cover it up, especially in my case. They [shot] closer and closer into my face as it got bigger and bigger in the frame. It also just depends on the person and how they carry their weight and what could work in the story."

Was there a time when finding ways to hide your belly got a little outrageous? "The best part about it was that it was winter and spring, so I could wear coats that were big."

Did you face any pregnancy challenges on the set? "Morning sickness was the big one. It's interesting how your body just kind of knows. I would go do all my scenes and not be feeling great, but get through them and the second they were over, I'd run to the bathroom."

Did any particular foods set you off? "Eggs totally disgusted me and there's always hard-boiled eggs here. Actors want their no-fat protein, so there's eggs and yolks in the trash. The smell, the look, everything about them grossed me out."

How'd you deal with the side effects? "That's the benefit of working where you have a bed in your dressing room! I was napping all the time. I'd go work, take a nap, go work, take a nap. They're very accommodating. The crew was always bringing me ginger ale."

Do you remember how Katie was written out for your maternity leave? "She cheated on Mike with Simon and lost them both and went off to Paris to find herself. She came back and Mike had moved on with Jennifer."

Caption: The Big Cover-up: Katie wore big coats and carried around clutches during Colombino's pregnancy with daughter Julia.

PHOTO FLASH: Linda Dano, Christy Carlson Romano, Christopher Sieber, Michael Urie, et al. Attend Opening of John Tartaglia's ImaginOcean (www.theatermania.com - April 1, 2010) On Wednesday, March 31, John Tartaglia's Imaginocean opened at New World Stages.

Conceived and written by Tartaglia, with music by William Wade, the musical follows the adventure of a group of fish friends who uncover a map which leads them to ultimately uncover the treasure of each other's friendship. The production is directed by Donna Drake; the puppets for the piece are designed by The Puppet Kitchen; the set is by Robert Kovach.

Among the celebrities who attended the opening were Linda Dano, Christy Carlson Romano, Michael Urie, Ann Harada, Rick Lyon, Christopher Sieber, B.D. Wong, Terri Colombino, Peter Scolari, Lucas Steele, Colleen Zenk Pinter, and Elmo. For more information, visit imaginoceanthemusical.com.

Soap stars guest at benefit luncheon for Young Women's Breast Cancer Foundation and Cancer Caring (www.post-gazette.com - March 30, 2010) "Shower With the Soaps," with stars from "As the World Turns" and "Guiding Light," was held Saturday at LeMont Restaurant to benefit the Young Women's Breast Cancer Foundation and Cancer Caring.

PHOTO FLASH: Lance Bass, Terri Colombino, Jon Lindstrom, Cady McClain, Kevin Spirtas Attend Irish Curse Opening (www.theatermania.com - March 29, 2010) Martin Casella's The Irish Curse officially opened at the Soho Playhouse on Sunday, March 28. The production is directed by Matt Lenz.

The play stars Dan Butler, Roderick Hill, Scott Jaeck, Brian Leahy, and Austin Peck, and centers on a small group of Irish-American men who meet each week at a self-help group for men with small penises. When a twenty-something blue-collar guy joins the group, he challenges everything the other men thought about "the Irish curse."

Guests at the show's opening included singer and former Broadway star Lance Bass, and daytime drama stars Peter Bartlett, Terri Colombino, Jon Lindstrom, Cady McClain, and Kevin Spirtas.

For further information, visit www.theirishcurse.com.

Star Talk "What's your least-favorite food, and why?" (CBS Soaps In Depth - March 15, 2010) Terri Colombino (Katie, ATWT): "Cilantro. It's not really a food, but they put it in everything now, and it tastes like soap! And I'm a New-Mexican Mexican food lover. So anywhere where they put cilantro in [dishes], it ruins it for me, because that's not in the New-Mexican version of Mexican."

The Terri Colombino Interview - As the World Turns (michaelfairmansoaps.com - March 11, 2010) On my recent trip to New York, I had the opportunity to visit the As the World Turns studios in New York and caught up with one of daytime's best younger actresses, Oakdale's Katie, Terri Colombino. Through a whirlwind of much publicized personal trials and tribulations, stemming from an off-screen relationship with her then-co star Austin Peck (Ex-Brad) that had thrown her into the constant soap and mainstream celebrity rumor mill, (and the end of her marriage to Artie Colombino), Terri has not had an easy time of it. Then, to top it off, as we all learned some time ago, the soap opera that she has called her home for almost 13 years is being canceled as of September 2010. Hard pills to swallow for anyone!

However, on the creative side, the "firing" of Austin Peck and the story that resulted because of it gave Terri Colombino the material of a soap-loving lifetime. So much so, that the actress is a serious contender as the Daytime Emmy voting heads into its' final round to pick the five or so nominees in each category. For both Terri and me, this was an emotional, raw and heartfelt interview. I was choked up that this might be the last time I ever see the folks at ATWT before cancellation. For Terri, it was a chance to set some things straight, and create new beginnings.

MICHAEL: It is very different being on the set of ATWT here in Brooklyn. How has the experience been since moving here, when you had the original As the World Turns being taped at CBS in Manhattan? Obviously, it was a dictated move in an effort to streamline budgets before facing cancellation.

TERRI: I think it ruffled some feathers when we first heard the news that we were moving. I had only been on the show for a year at that time and I was just happy to be working. But I do see the difference. We are much closer here. In the city, people would leave for lunch or go on auditions and come back to the studio. Here in Brooklyn, we are just kind of stuck on our own island, but in that way I think it creates better work.

MICHAEL: And speaking of work, let's talk about the storyline of Brad's death and the sequences that followed, which gave you so much strong material to play. From having his baby, to the ghost arc of the storyline and the funeral, it was draining for the audience to watch. But many fans have written to me saying, "It was one of the best performances of the year." So, will you submit that material if you are nominated for a Daytime Emmy? You already have a pre-nomination in the Lead Actress category.

TERRI: Yes, if I am nominated I will, but this year they did the pre-nominations a bit differently again. You used to be able to only vote for two people from your show and that was to prevent block voting, but now they were letting you pre-nominate anybody from any show. Unfortunately, I am looking through these and going, "There are so many shows and we don't have time to watch them all. I don't know some of these names and I want to be fair." But then, you end up nominating people that you know, who have been on a long time. I always nominated people's work I have seen who are consistently delivering good work and are always good, and that is really how it should work. I mean, we are judged on one great episode and anyone can have one.

MICHAEL: I recently spoke to Joshua Morrow (Nick) at Y&R, and he had told me he had taken his name out of consideration because three years ago he put himself on the ballot and his cast mates did not vote for him, so it hurt his feelings. He did not want to go through that again. In other words, that caused another issue when two people can only get in from your show and somebody is going to be left off a category.

TERRI: Van Hansis (Luke, ATWT) and I were just talking about it this morning. It's like high school. It's voting for the popular one, not the one who is most deserving, and that is what it becomes and it's sad. But I really do believe that when a wonderful performance happens it surpasses the politics. I remember when Hillary Swank won the Oscar for Boy's Don't Cry. Who knew who she was before that? But her performance was so unbelievable that it surpassed all of the, "Well, I don't know her," attitude. Look, it's never going to be a perfect process.

MICHAEL: Have there been one or two of the shows where you went "This is it! These are the two shows that are some of the best of my career."

TERRI: Yes. I definitely felt like the day when Brad died was one because it was so beautifully written. And that is another thing, too. You have to have the writing and there has to be a great story. The way they wrote it was so beautiful, because he comes back to life for a bit there, and you think he's going to be all right. And we have this conversation that everything is going to be great, and I go get the baby and while I am gone he dies. He never gets to see the baby. I don't get to have a goodbye with him, and it's really something I have not seen done before, and I was so glad about that. It was really heartbreaking to me, the whole situation. So it was not hard to get there emotionally, and all of it was fun in a really horrible way. (Laughs) My other favorite was after that when we finally got to say goodbye. Santa Clause made it okay, so that Brad could say goodbye to all the people that he loves for one last night. Those scenes were really hard to do. That is my favorite episode.

MICHAEL: Austin Peck had called me up and was very sad about his departure from the show, and I had spoken to him at that time for my column. There were things going on that were reported and discussed... was he "fired" or not "fired"? I actually think his work on air got better after he was killed off and came back as the ghost.

TERRI: I think that happens a lot and it takes the pressure off, in a way. You're kind of like, "Well, I am going, so I might as well go out with a bang." And he really had fun with that story and really appreciated how much they gave to him. That Christmas episode was all about him and all about Brad, and it was beautiful.

MICHAEL: I also know it was a very weird time for you when Austin left the show. The two of you did have somewhat of an off-screen relationship that had been much talked about.

TERRI: Austin is a beautiful person and beautiful soul, and a wonderfully talented actor. I mean, there were things that were happening that were true, and then there were rumors happening that weren't true.

MICHAEL: Did you feel you were caught in the crossfire?

TERRI: Yes. Austin had said if we keep responding to this it's just going to fuel the fire, and we bit our tongues and let it go through, and it did end up fizzling out. But, it's the price you pay of being in the public eye. It's just not fair to those who aren't. We kept saying, "Thank God, we were not Brad and Angelina", and we were thankful to people like you and Soap Opera Digest and Soap Opera Weekly who chose to take the high road as things happened in people's lives.

MICHAEL: Well, things happen in people's lives. I don't think any one can stand on the outside that are not part of it and judge anybody.

TERRI: It's hard, and at one point, you feel like you have to explain yourself. But you can't possibly explain the details of your life, his life, and everybody behind the scenes and what is going on. That is why eventually I just said, "I am going to have to let people say what people are going to say, and live my life, and feel okay about what I am doing."

MICHAEL: When Austin was let go, what went through your mind?

TERRI: I was shocked and saddened and loved working with him, and spending time with him, but this beautiful story came out of it... it was so hard. So it was bittersweet, because of him being let-go or "his contract not being renewed." It turned into a great story because you needed a character that everyone loved and is connected to, to create a story like that. But, I was upset about the reasons people were saying that it happened.

MICHAEL: You know that people were saying, "Terri must have had something to do with it?"

TERRI: What we do in our personal lives no one is going to get fired for, because that does not affect the show. If that happened there would be no more television. (Laughs) And that angered me... that people would think something like that. But I knew in the end, once they saw the story, it could not have seemed to them about, "Oh, I found out what's happening. You're fired!" They would see the story was well thought out very far in advance, way before anything that was happening, and I knew that would tell the story.

MICHAEL: Austin was honest with me. He had just lost his gig. He was like, "What am I going to do to feed my kids?" It was so tough to hear but surely anyone whose ever lost a job could relate to that part of the situation.

TERRI: He was very hurt and had gone though a lot, as have I in the past year, and the people that we were close to. And when what you do affects other people, that is tough.

MICHAEL: Was it a learning experience?

TERRI: It was a learning experience, and that is why we go through things to learn for the next time, and hopefully the way you respond to new situations in your life will be clearly different, because you are a better person for it.

MICHAEL: You are a single mom now to your daughter, Julia. That must be an adjustment.

TERRI: I am a single mom, now. It's been great. I have made the most of it; have gotten support from her dad, Artie, which make it so much easier. We both respect each other very much and we both love her every much and it's all about her. I feel like my time with her is much more precious and she is getting the best of me now. But, she is going to get the best of both us now. I reevaluated my time with her and now we have such a good time. She is here with me today having the best time, making sure I know my lines, and getting her make-up done and dressing up in a dress.

MICHAEL: One other tough subject; I was devastated to hear As the World Turns had been canceled. Some say at least the actors were given a nine-month heads up where Guiding Light's cast and crew were only given six months. How do you feel it was handled? How are you doing with it all?

TERRI: Well, I think we all kind of knew it was coming. And in a way it's easier now, because we know for sure instead of having to wonder. I think I have been in shock and I am starting to get sad when I think about it. (Starts to cry) I love these people here at As the World Turns, and I love what I do, and I love our fans, and to think about what they are losing, too. I feel like there are other ways to re-work things for the soaps. What networks are really losing is a special part of America. Soaps are an art and some other talk show, judge show, or reality show, does not have that. I think they are going to realize it when it's much too late. But, As the World Turns had its time... 54 years... and it's been amazing. So everything has its time. You either change with the times or get left behind.

37th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards Pre-Nominations! (www.soaps.com - February 26, 2010) It's the time of year most Daytime fans wait for... the beginning of the Daytime Emmy hustle and bustle - and Soaps.com is excited to bring our readers the 37th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards Pre-Nominations...

Outstanding Lead Actress Pre-Nominees:

All My Children's BOBBIE EAKES, as Krystal Carey and ALICIA MINSHEW, as Kendall Hart Slater
As the World Turns' TERRI COLOMBINO, as Katie Snyder and MAURA WEST, as Carly Tenney
Bold and the Beautiful's SUSAN FLANNERY, as Stephanie Forrester and KATHERINE KELLY LANG, as Brooke Logan
Days of Our Lives' KRISTIAN ALFONSO, as Hope Brady and ALISON SWEENEY, as Samantha (Sami) Brady
General Hospital's SARAH BROWN, as Claudia Zacchara Corinthos and LAURA WRIGHT, as Carly Jacks
Guiding Light's CRYSTAL CHAPPELL, as Olivia Spencer
One Life to Live's ERIKA SLEZAK, as Viki Lord Banks and HILLARY SMITH, as Nora Buchanan
The Young and the Restless' JEANNE COOPER, as Katherine Chancellor, MICHELLE STAFFORD, as Phyllis Newman and SHARON CASE, as Sharon Newman

Star Style - brrrr buster (Soap Opera Digest - February 23, 2010) Terri Colombino's must-have item for cold and blustery winter days is one of her most favorite fashion accessories. "One thing that I'm really into because they're relatively inexpensive are different scarves," she shares. "They totally complete an outfit. You really need them here in New York and they're essential to help keep you warm."

Star Talk "What outrageously-expensive possession would you love to own?" (CBS Soaps In Depth - February 15, 2010) Terri Colombino: "A vacation home in Italy. (Laughs) Down the street from George Clooney in Lake Como."

Personally Speaking "Which celebrity's style do you admire most?" (CBS Soaps In Depth - February 1, 2010) "Well, I love Sarah Jessica Parker. Her style is not something you can emulate, because only she looks good like that!" - Terri Colombino (Katie, AS THE WORLD TURNS)

Star Talk "Which castmate's diary would you most like to read?" (CBS Soaps In Depth - February 1, 2010) Terri Colombino: "Ooh, that's a good one. Um, Kathleen Widdoes (Emma). (Laughs.) Because she was, like... experimental-theater queen in the '70s, and I would love to hear what was going on there. Or Liz Hubbard (Lucinda). Because she's had some amazing travels and she's so brilliant. Theirs would both be equally interesting and completely different."

ATWT: Goodbye Katie and Simon? (Soap Opera Digest - January 19, 2010) Katie and Simon flirting with danger - and a mysterious woman from his con artist past - this week.

"Katie was just starting to get comfortable with Simon again and starting to trust him again and then she sees him with this other stunningly beautiful woman who looks shockingly like Paulina Porizkova, the supermodel!" chuckles Terri Colombino (Katie) about the debut of her new on-screen romantic rival, Clarissa, portrayed by Porizkova.

When Simon asks a jealous Katie out on another date, he admits he turned down Clarissa's offer to be part of a risky scam so he can stay in town to be with Katie. Then he pulls Katie into a steamy kiss. "She can't trust that," sighs Colombino. "Especially after she sees him with this woman. It's like, 'Oh, my God! Your past always catches up to you. I can't let myself trust you again, as broken as I am right now, so I think you need to leave,' It's just her self-protection."

Later, Katie meets with her real estate agent and reconsiders selling her house. When Simon arrives, she finally admits she still has feelings for him. "He's her first love, so she's always loved him and kept a special place in her heart for him, but Brad was her soul mate," Colombino explains. "It's hard for her and really confusing because her love with Simon was very real and very strong, but totally different. It's like, 'No. I love Brad! I can't be feeling this. It's not fair, but he is gone and Simon is here and he's being so good to me.' It's very difficult."

Meanwhile, Henry flirts with Clarissa and offers to take Simon's place in the scheme, which goes terribly awry. Simon comes to his rescue - and then Katie's after she breaks down. He tells her that he loves her. "I think she's just so scared. She believes that he wants to stay there for her, but she's just scared that he won't be able to do it because of his lifestyle. Also, she can't be around that house anymore. It's just too sad." So, she tells him that he needs to leave Oakdale... and to take her with him. "It's like, 'Well, I'll kill two birds with one stone. Let's just get out of here.'"

As for sharing the screen with Porizkova, Colombino gushes, "That was so cool! I have loved her forever. She's so fun to work with. She's really funny and has this really goofy sense about her. You don't expect that from her, but it's a nice little surprise."

A Closer Look: Katie (Soap Opera Weekly - January 19, 2010) Clarissa (Paulina Porizkova) tries to entice Simon back to his old life, but he wants a new one with Katie and Jacob! Terri Colombino explains why Katie decides to start fresh with her ex - away from Oakdale.

Weekly: With Clarissa in town, it changes the dynamic between Simon and Katie a little, doesn't it?

Colombino: Yeah, because Katie has started to trust him again. He's saying, "I want to stay here, I want to be here for you," and she's starting to believe it. And then boom! She sees Clarissa, who is [played by] this stunningly gorgeous supermodel, and it's like, "Oh, it follows him everywhere. He can't escape it, even if he wants to. What am I doing?" It really throws a wrench into the works. She's like, "Well, it serves me right for even thinking about someone else [besides Brad], anyway."

Weekly: Clarissa tries to get Simon involved in a caper but he tells Katie that he wants to be with her; he wants to stay.

Colombino: That's a big step - to just walk away from some big score that he's been working on for years. Pretty much all it needs is one more little step and he's going to make a ton of money - and he doesn't have any money right now. So for him to give that up for her is a pretty big [gesture]. Actions speak louder than words, and that's pretty loud action.

Weekly: He also plants a kiss on her!

Colombino: Yeah, which she isn't too happy about, but then she's like, "You know what? Screw it. Let's just get out of here; let's leave. I can't be around all this pain anymore. You really are serious [about settling down with me], but you're never going to be able to live here, so let's just go."

Weekly: Why is Katie suddenly bent on leaving?

Colombino: Time has passed [since Brad's death]; not a lot of time, but she's still not doing very well. And she just thinks if she can get away, it'll go away. It's just that fight-or-flight instinct. She wants to get out, just run away from the pain and the sadness and from this place where everywhere she goes, everything she sees, reminds her of Brad.

Weekly: Simon actually admits he loves her, and he wants to be with her out of that love. But for Katie, it's just about escape?

Colombino: Well, and feeling taken care of again by someone that she feels comfortable with. She doesn't want to lose that, especially right now.

Weekly: And there is Jacob to take care of, as well. The babies playing him are adorable. You, Paul Leyden (Simon) and Trent Dawson (Henry) have such a great rapport with them.

Colombino: I know! You should have seen Trent the first day Henry had to hold Jacob. He was like, "Wait! I don't know what I'm doing! How do I do this?" and it looked so awkward, but it was perfect for the scene, because Henry would be awkward with a baby. But those babies are so good, and I feel like they're mine (laughs). Because we're so far ahead [filming], I watched the recent scenes [on air] and Jacob is so tiny compared to what he is now! Like, "Aww, remember when he was little?" They started at 4 weeks old.

Weekly: And, of course, you had another co-star for this air week with Paulina Porizkova as Clarissa. What was that like?

Colombino: She is so funny; it was such a wonderful surprise. She was very fun to be around and excited to be there. She's lived quite a life, but she said she had been watching the show for a couple of weeks, getting ready to be on it. She was a really good energy. And she looked amazing - not that you would suspect any less (laughs). I felt really short - with her, Trent, Austin (Peck, ex-Brad) and Paul, I'm like a little shrimpy shrimp!

Weekly: Hey, I'm a 5'1". Good things come in small packages.

Colombino: There's no small parts, only small actors (laughs)!

Weekly: And it sounds like there's a lot of big stuff coming up for Katie and Simon.

Colombino: Yeah. [Paul and I] had such a good time working together again, and it did fly by too fast.

Weekly: Speaking of flying, Margo and Henry aren't going to be happy to see Katie hightail it out of town.

Colombino: Poor Margo is pretty much besides herself dealing with Katie anyway, and I don't think she's going to let this happen! She needs to watch out for Katie right now, because she's not really thinking clearly.

Star Talk "What's your biggest self-indulgence?" (CBS Soaps In Depth - January 18, 2010) Terri Colombino (Katie, ATWT): "Massage. Is that a self-indulgence? Yeah. It's for yourself. Yeah, absolutely. If I could get one every day, I would. But I at least get one once a month."

Star Talk "At age 7, what did you hope to do for a living?" (CBS Soaps In Depth - January 4, 2010) Terri Colombino (Katie, ATWT): "I wanted to be an actress. My mom had this little book called The Book About Me or All About Me or something like that... and it's like, "I live in...' and then a space you fill in. And mine said, 'I want to be: an actress!' And the funny thing is, something else was erased, and I put, 'an actress,' and I don't know what was erased!"

Who's That Girl? (CBS Soaps In Depth - January 4, 2010) Looking back at the work she did in the indie film iMurders, Terri Colombino (Katie) admits that she wishes she'd explore her character a little more. "I realized that now, watching it back," she says. "I guess you can always feel like you didn't do enough, but I really felt like there were a lot of interesting depths to her that aren't really explained in the film." Of course, when it comes to her Oakdale alter ego, it's a whole different ballgame! "I don't need to do as much preparation on the soap, because I know Katie's whole history," Colombino says, adding with a laugh, "In fact, I've lived her life for the past 11 years!"

THAT'S A FACT: Colombino was a redhead during her stint on the teen TV series BREAKER HIGH.