Steve's Online Chat on Soap Net
Steve Burton ("Jason" on GH)
Transcript Date: March 10, 2005
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Steve Burton:
Welcome to the chat, thanks for logging on! I'm ready to answer any questions.
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Lisa
Hey Steve, my question is, what do you like about Sam and Jason's relationship?
Thanks, and congrats on the Emmy Nom
Steve Burton:
Thank you. The thing I like about Sam and Jason is - first of all, they got
together because of the death of her baby. They were friends first but it turned
into something else. So, it was nice that we got closer. And the fact that she
doesn't have a problem with Jason's work also helps.
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Patricia
Since you have had many leading ladies, I wondered which was/is your favorite?
Steve Burton:
That's a hard question because every relationship is unique. I enjoyed working
with Kimberly, Becky, and Alicia, and now Kelly. Each relationship relates to
the character and I'm having a good time now.
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Christine Padilla
What tapes did you submit for emmy consideration?
Steve Burton:
Tomorrow is the deadline for both tapes. the first tape I submitted for the
nomination is one from when Sam's baby died.
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brzz
Steve, in SOW you mentioned retirement are really thinking about retiring? If
so, how soon?
Steve Burton:
I think we'd all love to retire! I don't plan on retiring any time soon. I don't
think I could ever stop being involved with the buisiness. When I think about
retirement I'm thinking more of being financially free to do what you want to
do.
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Nicole
What is the most interesting gift you've ever been given by a fan?
Steve Burton:
Interesting? I can't think of anything that's been so unique, but someone sent
me a framed picture of Muhammed Ali and Elvis together because I like them both.
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Angela D
I've heard about your movie. Is there are any chance you'll be screening it
during the Fan Club weekend in CA?
Steve Burton:
Interesting question. I directed my first film, The Laws of Gambling. Scott
Egan, Jay Bontonibus, Mfundo Morrison and John Homa, our acting coach, are all
in it. That's a great suggestion so I might try to do that.
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JewelTones
What made you want to write and direct movies at this point in time?
Steve Burton:
I've always been interested in directing. Most often the way to get things done
is direct, write and produce it yourself. My partner and I wrote it together. I
don't want to just act for the rest of my life so I'm starting to go into
directing now so one day I can ease out of acting.
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Jessica
Hey Steve, I've been a big fan of your's for like ever now, btw, I'm 15, I think
you're a great actor and congrads on the Emmy, Thanks for stopping by at OKM
today....on to my question how do you think Jason will react to the death of
Micheal?
Steve Burton:
Thank you for watching the show. Jason's going to react the way you'd expect.
Michael was his son at one point so it will be devastating. We're going to take
care of some people. Someone is definitely going to pay!
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JulieH
You recently co-wrote and directed a short film (The Laws of Gambling). What did
you find to be the hardest part about writing your own script?
Steve Burton:
The writing wasn't that tough but with a short film you have to tell a story in
twenty minutes and that's tough. We needed to have a beginning, middle and end
in ten pages and that was the tough part.
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phiny1973
If your character leaves the mob, what do you think Jason is qualified to do?
Steve Burton:
That's funny. I have no idea what he would do. He'd be bored out of his mind.
This is his life and something he has to do. It's the only thing he really knows
how to do.
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Meg D.
This is a question I've always found intriguing, so I ask it a lot.. :)
Professionally (or personally) speaking, what would you say is the best mistake
you ever made, and why?
Steve Burton:
I don't know. I don't think anything is really a mistake because I know that God
has a plan for my life so whatever happens was meant to whether I liked it or
not.
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Morgan
Heyy Steve,
I was wondering how it is like knowing that Tamara will be leaving GH?? You guys
seem to be such good friends, will you miss working with her?
Steve Burton:
Obviously it sucks that she's leaving because we have to deal with another
recast. She came in and did a great job as Carly and we definitely had great
times together and really great scenes. Anytime the work is so good, you're
always disappointed to see that person leave.
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emmy4SB
Is Jason going to accept the Quartermaine's back in his life?
Steve Burton:
Well, I don't know if Jason will but I'd like to have that happen. I'd like to
work with Stuart and Leslie more if they could figure out a way to work it in.
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anita
I know you are gettiing plenty of Jasam, Liason and Journey questions so I am
going to be different.
There are alot of us that think Jason and Sonny need a break from eachother, how do you feel about Jason and Sonny leading more seperate lives or justify the relationship between Sonny and Jason.
Thank you
Anita
Steve Burton:
I think you have a unique relationship with Jason and Sonny. There aren't many
like it on daytime. At this point, it's amazing that they haven't betrayed each
other. But, if they could figure out a legitimate conflict between the two. But
usually the conflict that they try to put between us doesn't work because the
fans know that the relationship between them is so strong so small things won't
get in the way. There was a brief thing with Sam/Sonny/Jason when he switched
the DNA test and there was a little conflict there. But it was Jason protecting
Sonny so how much conflict could there really be. (laughing)
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StellasMinion
Have you ever thought about trying romantic comedy? You have such a great sense
of humor!
Steve Burton:
Thank you for that compliment. I wouldn't be opposed to it but I don't think
it's something I'm yearning to do. I like drama and torturing myself.
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nefuentes
Did you post on the OKM message board this morning? We were all going crazy over
there just wondering?
Steve Burton:
No, I did not. I didn't personally post anything anymore. I rarely go online so
if you see something from me, it probably isn't. I only do these kind of
controlled chats, not websites I don't know. So, it wasn't me., sorry.
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Nicole B.
What experiences do you draw from when you have to do a really emotional scene?
Steve Burton:
I use stuff from my past. But now that I have a baby it's very easy to draw from
that. You just can't believe the love you can have for a child.
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brzz
In soap previews for 2005, you said you'd like to see Robin return. If that
happened, would you want to be paired with her again?
Steve Burton:
That's a good question. I liked working with Kimberly so it could be a good
triangle between Jason/Robin/Sam. She did an awesome job while she was here so
it would be cool if it happened.
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Melissa
Heyy Steve!!!
I love you sooooo much on General Hospital!!! My question is.. what is it like to know your touching peoples lives everyday?
Thanks!
Steve Burton:
Thank you. I think it's cool. I know I'm in a unique position and I'm blessed. I
just try to do my job 100 percent everyday. When the fans see it and appreciate
it that make sit easier for me to come to work every day.
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Christie
I am a huge Jason and Courtney fan. I was shocked that TPTB nullified Jason and
Courtney's marriage. What are you thoughts on that?
Steve Burton:
Well, I thought it was pretty good conflict between Sonny and Jason because it
involved his sister. I liked Jason and Courtney together but it always comes to
a point where the girl can't deal with Jason's job. At that point either the
girl gets over it or they have to split up. We had good story, we had scenes
where she lost her baby, the divorce finalization stuff, we had great scenes
together.
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Nicole
How have your castmates and fans reacted to your recent Emmy nomination?
Steve Burton:
Good. Everyone has been supportive. It was a nice surprise for me because I
didn't expect to get the nomination as a lead actor. I was happy to make the
step up from supporting to lead. I thought it was time for me to do that.
Maurice has been the best. People probably think he was mad because they would
think he'd be upset that he wasn't nominated. But he was happy for me.
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Nicole
What is something that surprises you about your fans?
Steve Burton:
What surprises me is the passion they have for whatever story I'm in. It
surprises me that I have had some of the same fans for this long, and fans at
all for this long. That's just awesome to me. It's amazing.
Soap fans are the best. They're very respectful and passionate about what we do. That's the cool part about it. We don't meet too many stalkers so that's great.
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Sarah
HI Steve just wanted to tell you how much I enjoy watching you on GH! I love
that you are on and I get to watch you everyday! You are a very talented actor!
Keep up the great work! My question is what has been your favorite story line so
far for Jason!
Steve Burton:
Thank you for the compliments. I wouldn't say it's been my story, but what story
I liked was the death of Sam's baby because it incorporated a lot of people.
Nancy and Rick were awesome, Tamara was amazing, Becky - even though she didn't
have a lot to do, was awesome. Everyone was focused and worked well together and
that made it the best.
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Missy
Heyyyyyy Steve!!
Your an awesome actor!!! Do you have any special hero's or role models?
Steve Burton:
Wow. That's a tough one. Being a Christian, Christ is obviously the center of my
life. I have some mentors, but I wouldn't say there's one person in particular.
I could probably name ten but nobody would know who they were. Lol. They're not
in the limelight.
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phiny1973
Does your daughter watch the show and does she recognize you on tv yet?
Steve Burton:
My daughter saw my face on the TV when I wasn't home and said, 'DaDa' so that
was the end of that. I don't think it's normal for a kid that young for a kid to
see their parent on TV and then the parent walks in the door.
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rebekahlynn
If you could write a storyline for Jason what would it be?
Steve Burton:
I don't know what the exact storyline would be but maybe that he doesn't raise
anymore kids that aren't is. And if he could be happy for just one week, that
would be cool. I don't want a child on the show, but I don't want to raise
anymore who aren't mine.
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Steve Burton:
Thanks everyone for the time you've spent in the chat. I just want to thank all
the fans of the show, and the fans of Jason. I appreciate the support and the
gifts that you've sent to me. I'm looking forward to going to the Emmys. I have
an appearance at The Brokerage on Long Island the day after the Emmys.
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