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« on: September 30, 2002, 07:25:41 PM »
Joan Bennett
I think Liz, the original characterization of Liz from 1966, was her best work on the series. A runner-up is Judith Collins in 1897, a marvelous, layered performance from Bennett (and although you have to wait a LONG time for the payoff in the character's storyline, the denouement is fabulous).
John Karlen
Again, I thought the original Willie Loomis in 1967 was fabulous, subtle work. There was an undertone of bruised sexuality, especially in the character's scenes with mad Maggie, that was remarkable given the often poorly composed scripts. My runner-up here would be William Loomis in PT 1970. Johnny Karlen is always wonderful to watch no matter what the role.
Nancy Barrett
Gawd, how do you choose. Grayson Hall claimed that Nancy Barrett was the best actress on the show, and I think she was right. There are just so many marvelous moments in every characterization. Possessed Charity was wonderful because she was just so outrageous. The portrait of the half-mad Carolyn in 1995 may have been her most remarkable work because it was so subtle and believable.
Louis Edmonds
Without a doubt, 1966 Roger. Debonair, arrogant, suave and utterly vicious.
Thayer David
Petofi for acting ... Prof. Stokes is my heart's favorite though. Also LOVE his work as drunken mad genius Tim Stokes in PT1970. I feel true awe when watching any performance by Thayer David.
Kathryn Leigh Scott
I think Lady Kitty Hampshire/Soames was the best work she did on the series. She did some fine work in the original Maggie characterization of 1966 ... too bad they didn't keep the Eve Arden bits in. I thought she was hauntingly vulnerable portraying Maggie's mental distintegration while a prisoner of Barnabas Collins in 1967.
Grayson Hall
Magda was her personal favorite,and unquestionably some of her finest work on the series, but I give top marks to the PT Hoffman characterization because she was so marvelously focused, clear, and poised in that work. Particularly her first week's episodes--simply divine. My sentimental favorite will always be Julia, of course.