Photo: CBS
On October 31,2018, Alice Hunter made her soap debut on The Young and the Restless as Kerry Johnson. Approximately 5 months later, we said goodbye to the character and Soap Opera News got the opportunity to talk with Hunter about her time on the show, what’s next for her and more.
1. 1. You recently wrapped up your run on The Young and the Restless as Kerry Johnson, can you share what it was like being a part of daytime’s #1 drama?
It’s a truly unique experience. Every step of the way, you are aware that you’re a part of history. You feel it on every set, and in every hallway and dressing room. I felt a huge responsibility to the fans and to the show to give it my all. I always showed up 100% prepared and excited. Peter would always laugh because I knew my lines two weeks out. It was easy to be enthusiastic about living in Genoa City, if only briefly.
2. Kerry was much more than meet the eye, did you see it coming?
2. Kerry was much more than meet the eye, did you see it coming?
I knew Kerry was hiding something huge, but for the longest time, I had no idea what it was. I was just as shocked as the rest of the fans when I found out the syringe wasn’t a murder weapon! At times, I wished I’d known more of her backstory to color my performance but it was also fun to find out as I read the scripts. I knew she was lying a lot, and also that she was sort of cold and distant, so I tried to keep an air of sophistication and class about her, and introduce warmth only when it felt safe to do so. Mostly, that was with Jack. Some people understood that pairing, others didn’t. I have my own thoughts on it, but one thing is certain; I wouldn’t trade my experiences with Peter for anything.
3. You’ve worked closely with Peter Bergman (Jack) and Gina Tognoni (Phyllis, two stalwarts in the business. How did it feel be working with such a talented cast and in particular Tognoni and Bergman?
I sing both Gina and Peter’s praises whenever and wherever I can. I learned so much from them, not only about the genre of soaps, but about what it means to be a veteran in your craft, and how to keep finding ways to play and make bold and surprising choices. Gina Tognoni was one of the most prepared and impeccable actors I’ve ever worked with. Peter Bergman’s joy for his job and endless well of wisdom and inspiration is infectious. He is beloved on set, and for good reason. I adore them both.
4. Who did you miss an opportunity to work with that you would really love to and why?
That list is long. While I wouldn’t have chosen any other way to enter the show, I do wish Kerry had been offered more interaction with the Winters and the Newmans. I drank A LOT of expensive red wine in the Abbott living room. I was starting to think she had a slight problem! But Kerry really wasn’t searching for friends. She had one mission, and she was purposely written to be low key and secretive about it.
5. We believe the door has been left open for Kerry to return in future, will you be open to reprising the role? And, what sort of future storyline would you propose for Kerry?
The door was definitely left open. The producers made it clear to me that while there were no plans for me to return anytime soon, they would have me back in a second if it felt right. I left on very good terms and I don’t even really disagree with their decision. If they called me and told me I’d be coming back to Genoa City with Jack’s baby in town, Keemo Jr. maybe… I’d clear my schedule. I also want to know what Kerry did with that Tennis bracelet Jack gave to her on Valentines Day! They never had me wear it again so I just imagined she pawned it off. Does Genoa City have a pawn shop?
8. What keeps you busy outside of the soap world?
I’m always working on something. While I was doing Y&R, the opportunities for me to do other work were limited to commercials, modeling and weekend theatre. So I really ramped up the volunteer work. I’m very passionate about childhood education so I have a few children I tutor through a nationwide program called Reading Partners. I also enjoy working with Young Storytellers which is another incredible organization focused on fostering young writers.
9. We heard you’re going to be in a play very soon, can you tell us more about that?
Ah, yes! Brain Problems was written and is being performed by Malcolm Barrett of NBC’s Timeless. It’s about a young man who’s diagnosed with a life-threatening illness. He learns to cope by retreating into his own imagination. The cast he and Bernardo Cubria, our director, have put together really gives me hope that this will be one to remember. The only problem is, when he first asked me to do it I was too busy with Y&R! So I only signed on for a couple of performances. Another wonderful lady named Brit will be performing my role the rest of the dates.
10. Life after Y&R, what’s next for you? What other upcoming projects do you have in the pipeline?
I’m about to start shooting a fun Christmas movie with Ninth House Films starring some recognizable faces. It’s a really sweet story that I’m thrilled to be a part of. I’m also going into rehearsals for Homeward LA, in which I’ll be performing a unique and touching monologue written by a real survivor of homelessness. Last year, the project raised 55K for The Midnight Mission and this year we’re aiming even higher! I plan to keep volunteering my time and talent to great causes, enjoying my family and friends, studying in my various classes and auditioning for that next gig!
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