Phillip Jeanmarie Reflects on His Time on Passions, Playing Vincent and Shares If He Would Return to Soaps!
Phillip Jeanmarie became known to many daytime viewers as he played the role of Vincent Clarkson on ‘Passions’, the soap which ended almost 10 years ago. Vincent was the son of Eve [ex-Tracey Ross] and Julian [ex-Ben Master] who was searching for acceptance. Fans still miss the show greatly but especially the actors who they became to…
Phillip Jeanmarie became known to many daytime viewers as he played the role of Vincent Clarkson on ‘Passions’, the soap which ended almost 10 years ago. Vincent was the son of Eve [ex-Tracey Ross] and Julian [ex-Ben Master] who was searching for acceptance. Fans still miss the show greatly but especially the actors who they became to grow and love and Jeanmarie was one of those actors. Soap Opera Intel caught up with Jeanmarie who since leaving daytime has appeared on a number of series. Jeanmarie was not only famous for his role on the NBC daytime drama but also for playing Max Cooper, the Blue Shark Ranger in ‘Power Rangers Wild Force’. In our discussion, Jeanmarie reflects on his time on ‘Passions’ and highlighted that an opportunity to return to soaps would be a gift, read the full interview below!
Passions was one of my favorite soaps, I watched until the very end and one of the characters that stood out the most was yours. You played Vincent a really challenging character if you asked me – what was that experience like for you?
Phillip: Being on Passions was one of the best experiences I’ve had as an actor. It was like an “actors boot camp”. At first, I became so overwhelmed with the amount of material I had to learn. I spent many nights staying up late drinking coffee almost close to tears because I didn’t feel prepared for the next day of shooting. Looking back, I wish I had more fun with the whole process. I felt the need to want to get it “right” when I should have just relaxed and took pleasure in the whole experience.
You were given some really crazy material to work with – even playing the blackmailer, and a gay/lesbian storyline – was it ever difficult?
Phillip:When I auditioned for Passions I was only suppose to work a few days but I ended up working on the show for a year and a half! As an actor, working a steady gig is hard to come by so being on Passions was a blessing.
There was so much layers to the character. He was constantly searching for acceptance and we must acknowledge that you did an excellent job on the show. What was it like coming to terms that the show was cancelled?
Phillip:Thanks Michael! I was definitely bummed when I heard the show was cancelled.
My grandma would watch me in the summer time as a kid and she had this rule where you can’t ask her for anything or bother her from 11-12pm cause she’s watching Young and the Restless. She was a dedicated fan and I’m sure that’s how dedicated our Passions fans were as well.
It’s been almost 10 years but would you ever return to soaps? If so, do you have a show in mind or role you’d like to play?
Phillip:Any opportunity to act is a gift no matter the medium.
You’ve also appeared on a number of primetime series any more of that coming up anytime soon? Plus, you’ve got an upcoming movie “Disrupted” tell us some more about that and what other things can fans expect from you in the near future?
Phillip: Disrupted is a gut wrenching thriller about redemption. I had the wonderful opportunity to make a brief appearance in Andre Welsh’s beautiful film. He has always had my back and any project he develops he tries to cast me in them. I’m very grateful to have him as a collaborator and friend. Thanks for taking the time. Peace and clarity.
So, fans – could you see Jeanmarie on any of the remaining daytime sudsers? A possible son or family member for Valerie [Vanessa Williams] on ‘Days of Our Lives’? What about a ‘Passions’ reboot – would you welcome that?
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