We caught up with Robert Palmer Watkins on set while filming his upcoming Lifetime Movie. Robert was kind enough to chat with us during his lunch break. He is such a super cool guy!
Robert started his acting career in high school. For half of his school day, he attended his normal classes at his home high school . Then for the second half, he attended The Center for the Arts High School and took theater classes. In high school, Robert was always involved in theater, music and plays. So, it was no surprise that in his senior year when the big community theater company, Barksdale’s Theater, was putting on a production of Grease (which will always be the Word), Robert was invited to audition.
Barksdale’s Theater invited all of the top theater kids from all the different high schools in the area to audition for the cast. Guess who landed the coveted role of Danny Zuko out of all the kids who tried out for the role? Yes, our Robert. Robert tried to play down the significance, such a cool guy. But we wouldn’t let him. Robert was the All-Star of “all the stars”!
You know what that means right? It means that somewhere there is a tape of Robert in jeans rolled up to his ankle,white T-shirt, black leather jacket, hair slicked back and him doing the “hand-jive”. We live! We asked Robert to get us a copy, put it on YouTube, something, please. This was Robert’s first taste of the big lights and for him, “It was such an amazing experience. It was alot of fun.”
After high school, Robert attended Christopher Newport University for a year and a half majoring in musical theater. He was doing well. But Robert was ready for the next step. He was ready for more. He had an “itch” that only two places could scratch, New York or L.A.
He discussed taking the step with his parents who fully supported him. Their only suggestion was for him to pursue additional training or schooling so he would have a network and a home base (smart parents). Robert, being a smart son, agreed. Robert had heard about AMDA, The American Musical and Dramatic Academy, from his former high school. AMDA had a school in New York and L.A. So, he auditioned and he was accepted.
Robert had the choice of fulling either of his dreams, New York or L.A Since his main interest was in TV and film, he chose LA. because he felt it was the better place to start. He left for L.A. at 20 years old. Two and a half years later he graduated from AMDA and started the next part of his journey. For the next few years Robert lived the life of an aspiring actor, auditioning, “hustling” doing a little theater, in and out of acting classes, improv, booking an occasional independent film or commercial. And then it came, his big break, General Hospital.
Robert portrayed the role of legacy character, Dillon Quartermaine for two and a half years. Robert’s Dillon was a hit with viewers. One of the highlights of his time on screen undoubtedly was his pairing with Kiki Jerome played by Hayley Erin, “Killon”. Fans starved for a hot young couple, welcomed them with open arms. Killon amassed a large and committed following.
Given the popularity of Killon, fans, and even Robert himself, was caught off guard when General Hospital decided to write Dillon off. None of us, including Robert, know exactly why. But Robert offered some thoughts. “Like the fans I was also kind of blindsided by the news that Dillon was going to be written off the show. I don’t know what happened there. But I do know alot of things are out of people’s control. They have alot of characters on the canvas. They have alot of different storylines they are juggling. I give the writers and the producers alot of credit. It’s not an easy task to keep a story or a show on the air for 55 years, to keep the stories fresh and to keep all the characters in play. I think when Jane Elliot retired that took a large chuck of Dillon’s storyline. Also, the character of Jason came back at the same time. Between Dillon’s mom leaving the canvas and Jason coming back back; the stories were shifting. I think they didn’t really have a long term plan for Dillon.”
Robert has such a great perspective about his time and experience on General Hospital. “There are no ill feelings. They helped start my career. It was amazing. I have nothing but great things to say about that show because at the end of the day, even though it was a sudden departure and it wasn’t my choice, I’m just so grateful that I was on it.”
I made the comment that Dillon is a Quartermaine so there should always be room for his return. Robert was open to the idea. “Who knows somewhere down the road I could make an appearance. We will see.”
Robert stays in touch with some of the actors from General Hospital. “I keep in touch with Chad, Bryan and Dom. I’m still friends with everyone. Sometimes, some of us will meet up. I see Hayley the most. We are really close.” (“Killon” lives! Yea!!)
Robert mentioned that General Hospital opened so many doors for him and that he’s stayed consistently busy since he left. He’s not kidding. Robert has two movies coming out. He’s was filming a Lifetime movie and has filmed a pilot. And he’s also working on an album.
Robert plays a cop in the feature action movie film, Last Three Days, expected to be released in 2019. Robert did Cupid’s Match for the CW streaming app, CWC. In the show, based off a book series, Robert plays Cupid, the lead character. The teaser pilot had the most views of any original show on the CW app. There are talks for a possible series.
More recently, Robert shot a comedy pilot called Green Valley. Robert couldn’t give us too many specifics. But he was able to share that he’s one of the lead characters. And that Green Valley is a hilariously over the top funny mockumentary (similar to The Office) show. Robert is excited “that people will get to see a new style of me. It’s a funny animated goofy character.” There are also talks to get Green Valley on a Network.
As we said, Robert talked to us on his lunch break. He was filming the Lifetime Movie Finding Mr. Wonderful. He plays a supporting lead and it is set to air in 2019. Doesn’t all of this sound incredible?! We got excited hearing all the awesome things happening for him. We aren’t done yet.
Robert is also working on original music (writing, singing and producing). Robert described it as having a “R&B pop kind of feel.” This project is extra special for Robert. Not only does it give him an opportunity to express a different side of him. He’s also working with some of the people closest to him. “I’m writing and collaborating with my some of my best friends. My roommates do music and play instruments. So between me and my group of friends, we are writing the songs, playing the instruments, producing, engineering, mastering and mixing the songs. It’s amazing that I have such talented friends around me. That’s why I’m so proud of the songs because literally everything that has been done has been done by myself or one of my closest friends.” Robert’s main music mentor right now is rapper, singer and producer, Brendan Martin “B. Martin.”
We excitedly asked Robert when his music would be released. Well fans, Robert is more than just a pretty face (and it sure is pretty). He’s also smart, very smart. Although, he has three songs finished and ready. He’s wants to release his music with a plan. We will let Robert tell you more. “I want to make sure I release my music with a plan. I want it to be seen and heard by the masses. I don’t want to just release it and it go under the radar. So ideally, I would love for one of these shows like Green Valley to launch and have my music launch at the same time. Or I’m going to see what happens with a couple of the labels I’m talking to. But whatever I do, I will have a strategic plan put in place on how, when and where to release it. I want to get it out there the right way. Just know it’s coming and I’m really excited about it.” Smart and cute!
Robert declared, “2019 is going to be my year.” We can believe it. And we will be able to say we knew him when…Robert wanted us all to know that he will always be grateful to and love the fans, especially the General Hospital fans, who have supported him. He sent a special message of love and gratitude.
“I just want to say you guys are amazing and thank you for caring and keeping up with me even though I’m not on a soap anymore. I appreciate the support always. Thank you to everyone who has continued to follow me. Everyday I’m just blown away by the support of the soap community and the fans even though I’m not on the show right now. You all are the best seriously.”
It was great to talk Robert. He is the real deal. We can’t wait to see and support all that 2019 and beyond has in store for him.
And Robert…….we want must see that hand-jive tape!!
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