Articles and Interviews
How did you get the job on Passions?
I originally read for the part of Gwen but the producers saw me more as Sheridan. When I did the screentest, they said I was dressed too matronly for Sheridan. They said I should come back the next morning in something sexier. I went shopping and found a long dress which was perfect. It was red and fitted, but I didn't want to wear a long dress so I had it cut down that night! I wore it the next morning and then the day after my birthday I found out I got the part.
If you couldn't be an actor anymore, what would you be?
I probably would want to go into veterinary medicine. Or, if not, then training animals. I love animals.
How did you feel about the controversial reaction to the Princess Diana storyline?
I was really surprised. I felt that it only paid homage to her, and that it was all done in very good taste. I couldn't understand the negativity because it was really all done tastefully.
What was it like going on location to Paris?
I found out right away that I'd be going. It was like-you have the job, and this Sunday you're leaving for Paris! The trip was so amazing. I owe it all to Lisa Hesser (Passions' executive producer) because she held my hand the whole time. I had never traveled by myself and if it wasn't for her, I never would have made it through.
How are you similar and different to Sheridan?
I'm similar with the family name-my family goes very far back in the makeup field of movies. I've always been known as a Westmore. And just like Sheridan, I'm always looking for love. It's funny because sometimes I feel like James Reilly has been watching me all these years, because there are so many similarities!
What would be your dream storyline for Sheridan?
I sing, so I'd love for them to throw that in. I can see that Sheridan, having gone to boarding school, would have been trained in opera. Also, I'd love there to be more location shots!
What do you think accounts for the chemistry between you and Galen (Luis)?
We've just really developed a great friendship. Galen is such an incredible human being. He has such a great heart and soul. I always look for that in people, and he and I have really been able to click on that level.
If you could play any other character on the show, whom would you play?
I wouldn't. I'm so in love with my character! I feel so lucky to have gotten this part.
What's been your favorite scene to tape so far?
The tango. I was very nervous but I loved getting to do it. And of course, the Paris stuff. With some of the scenes I've really been able to open up as an actress. I've never been able to cry on the spot, and I've finally been able to accomplish that.
Favorite TV show?
Will and Grace-I love that show!
Favorite movie?
Right now, The Sixth Sense. All time, probably Gone with the Wind. Favorite book?
Les Miserables. I read that in the eight grade-all 1400 pages.
If you had to describe yourself in three words, what would they be?
Loving, bubbly, caring. And giving. For me, everything's about the heart. I love to give as much as I can and make people feel happy.
If you had one wish, what would it be?
I would love to be able to take care of my parents. Buy my dad the ranch he's always wanted and be able to live next door to them. Because I love my parents so much, I couldn't be away from them. And someday have a place where abused animals could be taken care of properly. And I'd love to have a daycare center for disabled children.
If you had to write your autobiography tomorrow, what would you call it?
I guess, Passionately Yours. This show is the biggest thing in my life. Everything that's happened in my life has led up to this-all the training that I've gone through, the family I grew up with. It's all coming together.
One on One with McKenzie Westmore from the Official Passions Website
Is it difficult playing a character that is older than you are?
No, because my sister (Michele) and my brother (Michael) are 10 years older than me so I grew up around them & their friends. I have always been around people older than me & have always acted older.
Do you like Sheridan? What would you want to change about her?
I think Sheridan would be a great friend. She�s very sympathetic towards others and is a great listener. She is also very caring and loving and never wants to hurt anyone�s feelings.
I would like to know if Sheridan is planning to sing on Passions. What kind of plot situation can you envision where you would get to use your musical talents?
I would love for Sheridan to sing! I would love it if Sheridan sang to Luis to try to seduce him OR the Youth Center could put on a musical that could involve the kids and the adults.
What is your dream musical role?
My dream musical role would either be "Christine" in the Phantom of the Opera or "Eponine" in Les Miserables.
I know a lot of girls out here are just dying to know if Galen is a good kisser�.is he?
Yes, he is!
Just wondering if she is trying to grow her hair?
Yes, I am trying to grow it out.
What would you like to see happen between Galen�s and your character in the near future?
I would love for Luis & Sheridan to have many more adventures together (like the New Mexico mudslide)! Eventually, I would love for them to get together!
Did you ever do dance competitions?
I used to take dance lessons in ballet, jazz, tap, and swing, but I never competed.
Do you like working together?
I love working with Galen! He�s incredibly easy going and has quite a sense of humor. We have a lot of fun together!
Do you get nervous when you have to do certain scenes with each other?
I really don�t get nervous � Galen is so easy to be around, that there is nothing to be nervous about.
How strenuous were the water scenes in New Mexico?
The water scenes were tough but fun! The underwater stuff was the hardest because the water was freezing!
When doing scenes together, do you ever try to make each other laugh?
We laugh constantly, with out trying�
I wondered how much say J.E.R. had in hiring the actors�what�s he like?
Honestly, I�ve never personally met him but he is obviously an incredibly and brilliant writer. He brought Sheridan to life.
Does either of you mistakenly confuse real life & your
character?
I do tend to be a little bit more dramatic now in real life than I used to be! Sometimes I can be a drama queen-just ask my parents!
What has been the most memorable moment for you on Passions?
Going to Paris to tape and getting to do the Tango with Galen!
What episode have been the most fun to tape so far?
One funny episode was when Sheridan finally put Julian in her place for the first time and of course---the Tango! As far as bloopers go, I would have to say the basketball scene was the worst for me! I had to make the basket and when the camera wasn�t rolling I could do it, but as soon as the cameras were rolling, I just could not make the basket. That scene must have
taken about 30 takes! The whole crew was laughing & I just kept
apologizing.
Who chooses the clothes for you to wear on the show?
Julie Rae Engelsman our costume designer, designs Sheridans wardrobe.
Do you have friends on the show, people you work with?
The only time we have hung out after work, is if someone is throwing a party! I am still trying to get together with Eva Lemus (Pilar) to go running sometime.
What are your favorite things about acting on a daytime soap?
Getting to wear great clothes, get your hair and make-up done everyday, and getting to kiss some hot good looking guys!
What are your ambitions career wise?
I would like to be on Passions for quite a while & then some day do feature film & Broadway.
Have you been working longer hours than you did at first?
No. We create an hour of television each day. Some days are very long�it just depends on how the scenes go.
While taping the Tango scenes did you dance to music or was the rhythm just counted out and the music over laid in the final tapes?
We were able to listen to the music while we danced.
Was that specific dance designed for competition? How long did you practice?
The dance specifically designed for the show by a woman named Christy, we practice for about 2-3 before.
What is the hardest scene you two have to do?
I have trouble keeping a straight face whenever I am doing a scene with both Galen and Dalton. When the three of us get together we constantly laugh! I also have a lot of fun with Ben Masters-he is very funny.
If you could choose one character to portray on Passions who would it be and why?
I would love to play Fluffy! No, Just kidding�.I love portraying Sheridan & I wouldn�t want it any other way.
Do you ever try to figure out what�s going to happen with your story line and others?
No, I just run with what they give me.
Would you prefer Luis over Hank?
Luis all the way! Hank is a great guy, but he�s no Luis!
Questions for McKenzie Westmore from the "20 Questions" Forum at the Coffeerooms Passions Board
