JJ: I didn't know the history because well, I wasn't born when Luke and Laura got married. I tried to get a little educated before I started working but it was to no avail. It was like an 11 year old kid trying to understand what the sixties were like.

TGN:  What did you learn from working with Tony Geary as an actor that you use today in your work?

JJ:  Too much to write down is the truth. How to be available for anything. I quickly felt that I could learn so much from him and instinctively became a sponge, soaking in his gifting.


TGN:  Some of my favorite scenes were Lucky with Foster the dog.  Did you actually bond with the dog?

JJ:  I suppose I did. I loved that dog. However, I've always been more of a cat person growing up so I wasn't always completely at home.


TGN:  What was it like to win an Emmy as a young actor? Did it put pressure on you?

JJ: It was fantastic. No, it certainly didn't add any pressure, I had already felt plenty of that just starting fresh as a young kid. It was fun from a certain perspective also that it really touched Tony and Genie. And that meant a lot to me because they really gave of their hearts to me and that came through in out work. The whole thing was surreal.


TGN:  The storyline of the rape was controversial at the time and then bringing it back with Lucky finding out was intense.  What was that like for you as actors to do those scenes?

JJ: Again, I wasn't around for all that history, so I heard about it but never felt the brunt or weight of it. It wasn't very different than any of the other intense scenes with Tony. He's brilliant, and I loved to listen as I worked with him. Because of Tony's creativity and focus, there was always going to be something "present" happening in each take. When you work like that it makes the environment thick with possibilities which leads to authentic moments.

TGN:  Tony's famous 9-minute monologue telling you about the rape was one of daytime's greatest scenes. Did you shoot that in one take? Did Tony ad-lib? How was that done?

JJ: I can't remember if it was one or two takes. He usually writes some of his own stuff within scenes and I'm sure this was no different. I remember it being very heavy for him right after. Because it was about the story line in the past I didn't feel that could completely grasp the depths of what he was feeling. It was incredible and all I did was listen and watch.
                    EXCLUSIVE VIDEO MADE BY SUZETTE!
                 TONY AND JONATHAN OVER THE YEARS!

JJ: He is unique and mysterious to many people. I know him in a way I can't really put into words. I just know him. The best thing I could describe Tony would be to describe how he made me feel while working on the show (and after of course). I felt seen and valued... known and cared for..respected and loved. There is a deep kindness in him that is astounding, Lisa would echo this as well.
 

TGN:  Since leaving GH you have had much success in films.  Do you feel the medium has a snobbery about being from daytime?

JJ: Not really being from daytime. Although there certainly is a separation in mediums. They are like different worlds to some people, unfortunately. For me, it was the best education I could have ever received and I am eternally grateful for being placed there. For more reasons than I can count.


TGN: Do you have a favorite film you have done?

JJ:  That's tough because there is always so many personal things behind each film. Maybe the Irish film, "On the Edge" I just loved playing a Northern Irishman and had such a great time filming that movie.

TGN: Do you have any new films coming up?

JJ:  I do have a new film coming out in the next little while. It's an independent film called "Kalamity" It should be out in the next several months, I'm assuming in festivals. It's a dark film with Nick Stahl as the other leading Actor. He was great to work with and I'm excited to see it.


TGN:  Your band Enation is great.  I am a bit of an alternative fan myself so I love your stuff although I wouldn't put you in any one catergory of music.  The lyrics are really spiritual and poetic.  How does music fit in to your life with acting? Did you always play music?

JJ:  Yes, I have always played music. Ever since I was ten, I couldn't stop writing songs. It's spiritual and therapeutic. I think that the music helps my acting and my acting helps the music. I've written a lot of songs inspired by the projects I'll be working on at the time. You see things and feel from different perspectives when you're "inside" a role and at times this lends to some great songs.


TGN:  Who are some of your favorite musicians?

JJ:   U2... Bob Dylan... Bruce Springsteen... Peter Gabriel... Smashing Pumpkins... Ennio Morricone

TGN: How are Lisa and the kids? How old are the kids now?

JJ:  The family is wonderful. Caleb's 5, Adora is 3 and Lisa is amazing! We're very grateful for the grace that God has given us! 

Jonathan, thank you so much for taking the time to do this interview for the fans and to celebrate Tony's 30 years!
All the best in everything you do!