On “Bold and the Beautiful,” Obba Babatunde plays the pivotal role of Julius Avant and his work on the CBS soap won him a Daytime Emmy for Outstanding Special Guest Performer in a Drama Series in May.
However, Babtunde’s gripping portrayal of the Avant patriarch is just one of the many memorable performances during his his long career in show business. Soap Hub recently spoke to the actor about his juicy soap role, among other topics.
What follows is Part I of our conversation:
Soap Hub (SH): What was it like being nominated for a Daytime Emmy alongside someone you work so closely with on “Bold and the Beautiful” Anna Maria Horsford, who also did such great work last year?
I mentioned in the acceptance speech relative to those nominated, not nominated, that those things are subjective things. My work on the show is a partnership that I have with everybody, with each department. I specifically said, my artistic family, all those that are involved in the day to day to steer the ship to port. It’s a tapestry. And we had talked about how a win for one is a win for all.
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SH: On the subject of your B&B family, Reign Edwards told TV Guide’s Michael Logan the following: “I love him [you] and Anna so much…They are such great actors, and I learn so much from them in terms of what it means to be a professional. And they’re so willing to teach us and help us grow.” Have the Avants really become a family off-screen as Reign makes it sound?
We definitely are. The relationship is parental. Outside we talk to them like we were their real parents. Reign had on that fabulous dress [at the Emmy’s]. I said to her, “Put that leg back in that dress right now!” [Laughs]
SH: Upon your entrance onto the B&B canvas, you already had a long career working in entertainment, on stage, in film, voiceover work, and television, even in daytime on “All My Children” and “One Life to Live” . How does working in daytime compare to the other mediums you’ve worked in?
We have very loyal fans. I was just at a graduation ceremony in Atlanta. And—whoa—there’s a very big fanbase down there in Atlanta. I had to get a police escort, because the “Bold” fans were beginning to upstage the actual event. The graduates, as well as the parents, were like, “Julius!” People are connected to it, they really are connected to it.
Keep an eye out for Part II of Soap Hub’s riveting talk with Obba, coming very soon!
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