Jay Pickett
(ex-harper, GH, 2006-08; ex-frank, PORT CHARLES, 1997-2003; exchip, DAYS, 1991-92)
Soap Opera Digest: What’s new, Jay?
Jay Pickett: Well, I’ve had a pretty good run of Lifetime movies. I’ve probably done 10 or 12 and that’s been nice for me. I see a lot of ex-soap opera actors in Lifetime movies. I’ve produced a few movies, and I’ve helped produce a couple of the Lifetime movies I’ve done. My biggest feature film was Soda Springs,
which I did a few years back. I went back to my home state of Idaho for that, and it did really well. That was a passion project of mine. It was a lot of work [co-writing, starring and producing], but it was very fulfilling. I’ve still managed to do quite a few spots in TV, and I recently directed a short film that’s starting to go out on the festival circuit.
Digest: Tell us about it.
Pickett: It’s called Snake River Rising.
I went back to Idaho to film this, also. I like movies about redemption and second chances. It’s about a mysterious stranger who comes into a small town and tries to right a wrong from a long time ago. Directing was definitely a different experience for me. I enjoyed it, but it really made me know, first and foremost, that I’m an actor, because I acted in the movie, as well. I always thought I wanted to direct, but there’s so much pressure and a lot that goes into making a movie. I also produced it and wrote it. It was crazy! But, I’m happy that I did it, and at the same time, I came out the other end rejuvenated about acting. It was an eye-opening new perspective for me.
Digest: What else do you have going on? Pickett: I did a western called Soldier’s Heart, with a lot of good people in it. I’m really excited for it to come out. I’ve heard that it looks great, and it should be out sometime before the end of the year.
Digest: Let’s talk soaps. What stands out to you about your run as GH’S David Harper?
Pickett: I loved playing Harper! It was a great role. Looking back, it’s also a little bittersweet because I was hoping that it would carry on. They called me in to shoot some episodes when I was away shooting another project, and I was never called back after that. I was disappointed that Harper kind of faded away, but he’s still out there somewhere, I hope.
Digest: You’re most recognized for PC’S Frank. Can you sum up your experience? Pickett: It’s not easy. Truly, it was probably the greatest six-and–a-half years of my life from start to finish. I started out as a contract player, but was one of the more minor characters early on. Then over time, I got to do some great things and really show my range. Frank started out as a good guy and then became a drugaddicted bad guy and then [went] back to a good guy — and then became an avatar/ vampire. I really got to challenge myself as an actor. I’m really proud of the work
we did on PORT CHARLES.
Digest: After PC came TRUE BLOOD and SUPERNATURAL and a bunch of other shows in that vein. Do you think PC was ahead of its time?
Pickett: I think so. I don’t know if PORT CHARLES laid the groundwork for that, but we did break new ground by going there, and if you look back at the ratings we were getting, the ratings when we were canceled were better than some of the soaps today. It was a changing time and a changing market, but I was glad I got to be a part of that.
Digest: You and Nolan North [ex-chris] were the only original cast members to last the whole run.
Pickett: Yeah, I’m very proud of that. When I look back on my time there, it’s nothing but fondness and happy memories.
Digest: Your first soap role was on DAYS. Where do you think Dr. Chip Lakin is today?
Pickett: Well, it’s funny. Dr.
Chip Lakin reminds me of
Dr. Drake Ramoray played by Joey from FRIENDS.
His character mirrored my real-life experience.
That was quite a learning experience. Soaps were huge back then and all of a sudden, I was being recognized everywhere overnight. It was mindblowing. It freaked me out a bit, but it was great at the same time. From that job,
I learned what I needed to do better and improve on. I walked away with experience. It didn’t last as long as I wanted it to, but all of the mistakes I made there, I learned from them, which is the reason why I think I stayed on PORT CHARLES for six-and-a-half years because by then, I knew what I was doing. Digest: In your personal life, you and wife Elena have been married for 33 years. Pickett: Yeah, crazy enough, we’re still happily married. Our daughters are young women now, and we had our amazing addition, our son Tyler, who is 13. He keeps us busy and keeps us young. We are so blessed.
Digest: Would you be open to a daytime return?
Pickett: I’m always open. If a role came and I was right for it, I would welcome it — and give it 100 percent.