A familiar face to daytime audiences, Ian Buchanan has been a regular on Days of Our Lives, All My Children, Port Charles, and won an Emmy for his turn on Bold and the Beautiful. He's also appeared in prime time (most memorably in David Lynch's Twin Peaks) and on the big screen (notably, opposite Jodie Foster in Panic Room). He most recently set the soap world spinning with his surprise return to General Hospital, reprising the character of "Duke," a role he made famous some 20 years ago.
But today, the show-business veteran debuts in virgin territory: as a recurring special guest star in the hit comedy web TV series Old Dogs & New Tricks, playing 'Christoph,' a Hollywood photographer who focuses in on one of the Old Dogs.
"I'm thrilled to have Ian on the show this season," chirps series creator, actor Leon Acord. "We've had 'names' on the show before, but Ian is an old-time star! And he was as charming and gracious as you would expect!"
Ian debuts in this week's "Big Fat Gay Wedding" episode (also guest starring Olympian
Greg Louganis), his first of four appearances in ONDT this season. He'll play a potential love interest for one of the main characters, a storyline Acord hopes to explore more fully in the show's third season. "Ian's said he's game to come back, so I'm a very happy guy," Acord says.
We sat down with Buchanan to discuss his long, varied resume and which daytime colleague convinced him to do Old Dogs & New Tricks.
Of the many roles you've played on daytime, which has been the most fun?Joshua Temple on Port Charles. He was a Vampire King and it was great fun.
Which role has been most like Ian?Dr.
James Warwick on the Bold & the Beautiful. I had discovered a place in myself that was above the darkness or pettiness, and James embodied the goodness, the high road I was taking.
Speaking of Bold & the Beautiful, congratulations of your Emmy Award. Where do you keep it?
In the laundry room in a storage cupboard. My friend
Susan Flannery [Stephanie on B&B, Laura Horton on Days of Our Lives] says that with one, you have a doorstop. With four, you have a room. She has a room. In fact, Susan was part of the reason I became involved with Old Dogs & New Tricks.
Please tell...Susan is directing a web series herself [Venice, beginning its fourth season], and she convinced me that they are the next generation of entertainment. I was looking to do something different, and Old Dogs were looking for someone. I loved the premise of the show, and after Season 1 I found myself wanting to be involved in it. Leon Acord is just a brilliant writer, and I hope things continue for this series for years to come.
If I were to burst in your house on you unannounced, what would I find you doing?Reading, I'm an avid reader with books scattered all over, right now a historical text is on my nightstand, and drinking a glass of wine.
Although you're not involved in the same storyline, are you keeping up with Kelly Monaco on Dancing with the Stars?
We worked together on Port Charles, I believe we were both vampires. I remember biting her a couple of times. I just spoke with
Nancy Lee Graham [Alexis, GH] about Kelly making it to the final before our call. She is wonderful, purely sassy.
I would be amiss not to ask about your Twin Peaks experience.It was a wonderful time, filled with great people. I admit that I never watched the first season until I was cast. Working with David Lynch is one of the defining moments of my career. I credit him with making me a better actor. He was wonderful.
Any final thoughts about your web-series debut?I'm excited to be joining the cast of Old Dogs. It will be another new adventure! This is going to be a very exciting year for web series. The return of two iconic soap operas and the great selection of very-well made 'pioneer' shows will help define the genre as 'must watch' entertainment. I am thrilled to be a part of the comedy ODNT and look forward to its continued success and fantastic future.
Check out episodes
HERE, and for more information, visit
www.OldDogsNewTricksTheSeries.com, find the series on
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YouTube.
