The Official Terri Garber Fan Site

How would you describe  yourself?

I would describe myself as a bit of a loner. I enjoy spending long periods of time by myself, and then I'll go on a jag and be very social. I think as I've gotten older I've become more confident and therefore more gregarious and outgoing. I wear my heart on my sleeve. I'm honest and I'd like to think I'm a very good friend. On the downside, I'm emotional and that's not always a good thing but, that's who I am.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

In my spare time I love to cook, see movies, spend time with my daughter and boyfriend and with my dog Max. He's gorgeous. He's a Maltese/Poodle mix. I love him to death. I'd love to say that I exercise a lot but that's one of those things I just can't seem to make as part of my daily routine. I'd rather sleep. Haha. Who wouldn't?

What were your favorite scenes in North and South? Do you keep in touch with any cast members?

About North and South. It really was a great time. I still stay in touch with Lesley Anne Down. Philip Casnoff and I were part of a Theatre group in Los Angeles so we did play readings together. Kirstie Alley and I lost touch a few years back. But that's about it in terms of who I stay in touch with.

Let's see, some of my favorite scenes...I loved my wedding night to James Huntoon. Pretending that it was my first time. :-) I also loved the scene where Brett comes to stay with Ashton in Charleston after Brett had a fight with Orry because he didn't want her to marry Billy. Oh and I really liked the scene where Ashton influences Madeline to leave because it would be too hard on the family if word got out that she was "part negro". I think those are the ones that stand out in my mind. Boy, that was a long time ago. 

Why weren't you interviewed as part of the North and South DVD special features?

I wasn't interviewed for the DVD because I wasn't asked. I didn't even know that there were interviews. Were they recent or when we were shooting the show? Anyway, if they were back then, I was interviewed but I guess it didn't make the cut.

Why did you decide to leave Dynasty?

I left DYNASTY because I was stupid. One of my big regrets! I didn't know that it would last only one more season. If I'd have known, I probably would have stayed. It just wasn't that much fun to do and I didn't want to be type cast, so I left. Dumb, dumb, dumb.

What kind of music do you listen to? Favorite artists?

I love to listen to music. My Ipod is very eclectic. Ranges from Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, Judy Garland to Counting Crows, David Bowie, Fiona Apple. I just keep it on shuffle so that it randomly picks out different artists. I especially like listening when I'm on the subway.

How did you get interested in real estate?

I got interested in real estate because I love seeing how other people live. I just love it. I love all different kinds of homes and furnishings. I had a great time in real estate while I lived in LA. I tried doing it when I moved back to NYC but really hated it. So, I stopped doing it after a few months and lo and behold I got Iris on ATWT instead.

Is your daughter planning to follow in your footsteps?

My daughter Molly is following in her mother's footsteps. She's a musical theatre major. She is an amazing dancer and singer. I'm happy she's doing it because she loves it. Did I want her to do it? I want her to do whatever makes her happy. However, she does know it's a VERY hard life because she's experienced all the ups and downs with me. She's got a much better head on her shoulders than I ever had. She'll do great.

If the writers bring Iris back(I hope they do), what direction would you like to see the character go in?

I hope the writers bring back Iris also. I had such a fun time playing her. I think they could put her in any situation. I like having the comedic side of a character show through and Iris was just over the top. One either likes that on a soap or not. Luckily for me it seems that Iris was well liked.

Do you have any projects in the works?

As for now, I have no projects in the works. The holidays are always slow but starting in Feb. TV season really picks up so I'm looking forward to that. In the meantime, I keep my fingers crossed for Iris. I would be happy playing her until I'm 80 years old.

What was it like working with Philip Casnoff? With the instant chemistry between Ashton and Bent when they bumped into each other at the party in Richmond, both of you did such a wonderful job conveying that to the viewers and throughout their affair. I've heard Lesley-Anne Down's opinions of working with Patrick Swayze and James Read, but never read any of your comments along those lines.

Have you read the "North and South Trilogy" books by John Jakes?  If not, was it confusing or did the writers explain how suddenly in Book III there was a brother, Cooper, who wasn't in Books I & II? The viewers who didn't read them or still haven't are very mystified by this.

Did you ever get over your shyness you had as a child and young adult? I think many people find this surprising as the characters you portray are almost always very assertive and/or aggressive women.

In one of the articles, you said you eloped during or maybe after the shooting of North and South. Where did you get married?

Yes, I eloped with Molly's dad in Natchez. It was really wonderful. Kirstie Alley and Genie Francis and their significant others (Parker and Jonathon) were in attendence. We married at a little Bed and Breakfast place right next to a bar called Natchez Under the Bridge...I think that's what it was called. After the ceremony we all went to the bar. Jonathon played the sax with the band and I sang "My Man" to my husband. It was great.

On As the World Turns, fans really wanted to see Iris and Barbara go at it more than they did in one scene and I wanted to see an affair with Cass. Did you have any input on the direction your character took?