« Green Bay teen checks into 'General Hospital' | Main | Who's Who [Who's the longest primper?] »

Tamara Ready

Kristin Gallagher

Soon Focusing On A New Career Direction, Tamara Braun Reveals Why She's Taking A Shot At Life Outside Of GH

Go back four years ago and you will find Tamara Braun in the middle of a firestorm. Having just been cast in the pivotal role of GENERAL HOSPITAL troublemaker Carly, the then-newcomer was not only taking on a potentially life-altering part, but also facing down the scrutiny (and sometimes ire) that comes with being a recast stepping into the shoes of an incredibly popular character. But ah, what a different some 1400-odd days or so can make. Not only did Braun conquer that scrutiny, she proved herself tenfold to critics and skeptical fans alike. Today, the actress stands before a daunting, new task: leaving the show she's called home since 2001. In a candid (and often emotional) interview; Braun - whose contract officially expires in April - explains her motivation for opting out, as well as ponders the pathways in and beyond Port Charles.

Digest: How did you come to your decision?
Tamara Braun: I've been thinking about it for a long time. Artistically and creatively, my heart needs to try something else - just to see what's out there. If your heart holds a passion for something, you can't ignore it. I've always wanted to play different parts. That's why I became an actor. I think the more comfortable, the more familiar, the less I could leave.
Digest: GH became your home.
Braun: It's my home. It is my familiarity. I love knowing that I can come to work and see people who I love and work with people who I love. Oh, I'm getting all emotional [laughs]! It's hard. I think about not having that place to make me sad.
Digest: Well, you've been there a long time.
Braun: Yeah, and I have very, very good friends there. Having said that, I know my friendships that I have formed will always be there. Just as I feel with the fans. They opened their arms and embraced me. Some of them had those arms shut for a little bit, but then it was amazing that they, too, opened. I'll always love and respect them, as I do my friends and my time on GH.
Digest: Is it scary for you to leave?
Braun: Yeah, yeah. I am the kind of person who has always wanted security in my life. And I have a hard time with change. And I am choosing to make the risk. I would be very easy to stay and take a raise. But. as I said, there's a deep desire inside of me that I have to see what's out there. Wow, I think I'm having a therapy session [laughs]!
Digest: Did you discuss all of this with anyone at work?

Braun: Alicia [Leigh Willis, Courtney] knew - and she was the only one. She is one of my closest friends. But I also talked with my parents, I talked with dear friends outside of work. There are other people at work who have said to me, "Don't leave without another job in your hands." But who's to say I'm going to get a job went my contract's up? Then I haven't made that decision based on my gut - I've made my decision based on fear and insecurity. And I don't want to base this decision on fear. I mean, I'm extremely nervous, but I'm also extremely excited.
Digest: How hard was it to tell Jill [Farren Phelps, executive producer]?
Braun: Well, my representation had called me and I went up there [to meet with her]. I didn't know what to expect, but she was so kind and she said, "Tell me what I can do to get you to stay" - which I found very flattering. But she had prefaced it by saying, "I think I know why you're making your choice." I told her, "It's not about money." And she understood. She was very generous with her praise and her thanks. And she also left the door open for - not to say they're not going to recast, I wish whoever comes in all the best, because I know it's not an easy thing to do. I hope that whoever they find, she loves Carly. I hope that she fights for Carly. And I hope that people are kind to her, because it's a difficult, difficult situation to step into.
Digest: Would it be easier or harder on you if the recast turns out to be role originator Sarah Brown?
Braun: You have to realize...more difficult, easy? It's no longer my role. I've chosen to walk away from it. But if that were the case, it would please alot of fans because they'd get someone they already know. If she's available and it's that she wants, more power to her. She originated Carly, so they should offer it to her first. No matter who comes in, it's going to be an adjustment - just as when I came in. But to me, it doesn't matter who they get; just someone who loves the role.
Digest: Will you still watch the show?
Braun: Well, I've got to see what all my friends are doing! If that's the only way I'm going to see them that way- as their characters [laughs]. I'll probably watch more when I leave than I do now, because I don't have time. I mean, I did just get TiVo. But I still haven't figured out how to keep GH from getting erased if I haven't watched it in two days [laughs]!
Digest: Knowing how important Carly is to the canvas, did you feel a certain responsibility toward the show?
Braun: I sure did, and that's why I went to the show earlier rather then later. Some people could drag it out and then, just after the contract's up saying, "Nope, I'm leaving." That's not fair. I think it's important to remember that I was an employee of that show. And if I was an employer, I would like to know what the hell's going on so I could plan accordingly.
Digest: Will your co-stars be surprised by your decision?
Braun: I don't think some of them will be surprised. Some of them might be. I figure for right now, while I'm young, now's the time to take a risk. Of course, I'm sure I'll be going, "I'm not studying lines? Where am I going to go today [laughs]?" I'll find myself driving to the studio. My car will take me there and
I won't know what happened [laughs]. I'll flash them an expired badge and they'll be like, "Lady, get outta here! you don't work here anymore!"
Digest: Do you have a message for your fans?
Braun: Thank-you, thank-you, thank-you so much for the love and support and warmth that you have shown me. that has helped me through a lot of times.
Digest: Who will you miss most and who will you keep in touch with?
Braun: I will definitely keep in touch with Alicia. And Rick [Hearst, Ric] and Ted [King, Alcazar] and Cyndy [Preston, soon-to-be-ex-Faith]. I sometimes don't like answering those questions because I don't like excluding anybody. It's just that there are certain people on set that you really bond with. I'm going to miss our cast. And I'm going to miss our crew so much.
Digest: Would you ever go back to soaps?
Braun: I would never close the door on that. Never, never. I'm leaving so I can try to do other things. but I know if soap would have me and I'm not able to fulfill the desires and dreams that I have in other arenas, then I'll fulfill the desire in a place that I've called home for four years and that's soap. I have such a respect for what actors and producers and writers and directors and
[crew members] do on soap. I would never close the door. Never.
Digest: What do you think your last day will be like?
Braun: Ohhhh...I don't know. I haven't really thought of it because it makes me sad. I hope I have no dialogue that day [laughs]. Or maybe I hope I've got a lot of dialogue so I cannot focus on the fact that I'm going to be saying good-bye. It's going to be bittersweet.
Digest: No doubt you'll have hankie in hand.
Braun: I think so, because right now, I need one [laughs]. I think I haven't entertained that thought because I am an emotional person. It's saying good-bye to friends. But you don't say good-bye, you say "See ya later in a different spot." I think it's going to be very emotional.
Digest: You must look back at your time on GH and just marvel.
Braun: I was so nervous to have that first, exclusive interview with Digest back in 2001]. I think I just talked a mile a minute because everything was so new and so exciting. I had no idea what I was in for. And what a ride.

Soap Opera Digest March 8, 2005

Posted by on March 8, 2005 8:28 PM | Permalink | COMMENTS (14)

Comments (14)

Stephanie Webster :

Wow...what an article. I got really emotional reading it. Tamara has been SO amazing, she IS amazing. I'm going to miss seeing her everyday so much. I've been such a big fan since the beginning, she truly made Carly her own and I think it'll be hard for someone else to come in and do what she's done so well. I really wish her all the best in whatever she decides to do. She's a great person, I love her spirt and enthusiam that she shows off camera, I think she'll be missed by so many. She defenately won't be forgotten :-)

Posted by Stephanie Webster | March 3, 2005 10:56 PM

Posted on March 3, 2005 22:56

Tam.........GH needs you ! We your fans want you to stay with us! Of course we wish you well! WE are here for you and want you to come back to us!!!PLEASE!!!!!

Posted by Debbie | March 6, 2005 11:51 AM

Posted on March 6, 2005 11:51

Tamara your the BEST thing about GH it wont ever be the same without u! we wish you the best, your the greatest actress on daytime!! we'll miss you and hope you come back!!!!!! we need u!!

Posted by Sara | March 10, 2005 9:56 PM

Posted on March 10, 2005 21:56

Since the first day Tamara became Carly, I've been a fan and I've never stopped since then. She's truly made it into her own character, and in my opinion and just like in Sarah Brown's case, that role will be hard to fill. She really acted Carlys' character as if it were reality and I'm going to miss that about her. Though she may not read this, I wish you the best of luck in the future and in my case, you've made me want to take a shot at daytime televison in the future. I've looked up to her since her first day as Carly Corinthos and I'm going to continue looking up to her in the future. You know that if any time she would want to come back, I know that for sure many of her fans would welcome her with arms wide open.

Posted by Rhoda Santos | March 20, 2005 5:59 PM

Posted on March 20, 2005 17:59

I knew that Tamara could take over the role of Carly and make it her own and do it well. Many people doubted that she could feel Sarah Brown shoes but just one look at her I knew that she could. I begin to look up to her so much becuz you can always see the emotion in the parts that she played. I wish she wouldn't go no one can take ova the part of Carly any more that part was made for her. I hope she comes back! Everyone will welcome you with open arms she is our CARLY CORINTHOS and I wouldn't want it any other way.

Posted by Anasis | March 23, 2005 1:45 AM

Posted on March 23, 2005 01:45

I remember when Sarah Brown left i was so mad. However Tamara came along and she was excellent. She became Carly Corinthos and made it her own. Now i find myself mad all over again because another actress that i grew to love is leaving. I was mad when Sarah left and i am mad now that Tamara is leaving, extremley mad. I want to say that i won't watch GH because she is gone but i love the show, but i will say there will be no other actress that can play Carly Corinthos like Tamara Braun. I am mad that your going and i won't say good bye, but i will say see yah later. I understand that you want to do better things and i wish you all the best. Just remember Jennifer Bransford has nothing on you

Posted by Natalie | April 4, 2005 6:10 PM

Posted on April 4, 2005 18:10

This post is for the creator of this website...
When Tamara leaves GH April 15th, are you still going to have this website and update it as you do now?...or will you embark on a different project?

Posted by Ann Collins | April 10, 2005 2:35 PM

Posted on April 10, 2005 14:35

Ann-

That's a very good question. I can assure you this sites not going ANYWHERE. I hope to be able to follow her career as closely as possible and update the site accordingly :)

Hurley

Posted by tamaraISbraun | April 10, 2005 2:40 PM

Posted on April 10, 2005 14:40

I was one of the fans of carly that wan't happy about shara's departure.........and was not happy when you wore her things But you made Carly a differntkind of person and made her your own...then I really liked what you had done with Carly. I think you made her over and it was as good as Sarah Brown, but took some getting used to we will miss you as mush as we missed Sarah Brown. Good luck in your life

Posted by Kim Woods | April 15, 2005 8:36 PM

Posted on April 15, 2005 20:36

this is not about the article. it is about the type font size...it was very straing on my eyes to try to read...this is my first time here at this site and i am hoping that the next article i read (and i will be reading this site more offten)will be more legabile

Posted by alexain causey | April 18, 2005 6:19 PM

Posted on April 18, 2005 18:19

Please come back or , u got me use to your every expression and comments (talking back and your fierceness)no disrespect to the new girl but we love you Tamara!!!

Posted by Teana J | April 20, 2005 2:40 PM

Posted on April 20, 2005 14:40

It is not going to be the same without Tamara. It almost makes me want to stop watching General Hospital. I do not like the new Carly. With Tamara I have always wanted her to get back and stay with Sonny, and I do not want Sonny with her, but I prefer Agent Marshall. I do wish Tamara all the best and hope she comes back on the show. Between Carly, Sonny, Jason, Courtney, Alcazar, and Sam, they make the show and I rather not see any of them leave or be replaced. I really hope Tamara comes back .

I removed two lines that I felt Tamara wouldn't want on a fan site dedicated to her. She wanted everyone to give JB a chance of course you have a right not to like JB but I think Tamara wants us to play nice.

Posted by Stacey | April 20, 2005 3:20 PM

Posted on April 20, 2005 15:20

I just want to say that i have enjoyed every moment you have played Carly on GH and now that a new person has taken your role, I cant get into it at all, see I was ok with the 1st carly but wasnt crazy about her although she is an amazing actress but when you reprised her role, it was great, I embraced you as Carly from day 1 and now it will be extremely hard to say goodbye to you , I hope that someday you will return to GH but I also hope that you fulfill all of your dreams that you are out to seak...Take care and we love you Tamara...

Posted by Rebecca Colon | April 20, 2005 6:39 PM

Posted on April 20, 2005 18:39

I,m so sad that Tamara is leaving the show. She is the reason I watch general hospital. Tamara please come back. good luck to you in what decision you make.

Posted by katy | April 21, 2005 4:37 PM

Posted on April 21, 2005 16:37