Marci Miller’s girl next door act as Abigail Deveraux DiMera on Days of Our Lives (DOOL) has suddenly segued into a sexy sassy alter ego named Gabby, and she’s embraced the challenge head on.
“The work that I’m doing right now… I’ve never worked so hard in my life,” says Miller. “I don’t do anything else. I work 14 hours a day, every day… Then, I get home from work and I sit on my bathroom floor for about three or four hours every night, working on my script for tomorrow.”
Abby vs. Gabby
The actress had barely celebrated her one-year anniversary on the soap, when she was presented with the multiple personalities plot twist.
“I hadn’t really been on for very long, before they entrusted me with this gigantic storyline,” notes Miller. “And it’s huge. It’s so fun, and I’m totally honored.”
In the storyline, Abigail, who suffered a mental breakdown in the past, snaps again. Only this time, she ended up killing Andre (Thaao Penghlis), while taking on the personality of her sultry best friend, Gabi Hernandez (Camila Banus).
A New Look and Attitude
“I wear a dark wig, and they put a little more makeup on me,” explains Miller. “It’s not crazy, but it’s more than what I would normally wear.”
Couple the look with a sexier, self-assured strut and “Gabby” emerges, clandestinely creeping around the DiMera mansion and trying to seduce Stefan (Tyler Christopher).
Finding Her Own Way
Although Miller had already seen fellow DAYS actresses Deidre Hall (Marlena/Hattie) and Judi Evans (Adrienne/Bonnie) tackle dual roles on the show, she chose not to ask for any input.
“I really wanted to make it my own,” contends Miller. “I wanted to find my own way. I think that people can give you pointers about things, but different people work differently.
What do you think? Post a comment!
“I have a way that I like to work, and I have a way that works for me,” continues the actress. “It was just amazing creating these characters, taking the time and doing what I know how to do. I really had to encourage myself and convince myself and trust that I knew how to do this.”
Supportive Cast
Along the way, Miller’s received encouragement throughout the cast. “Everybody’s been really kind and generous and supportive,” recounts Miller. “Deidre Hall has gone upstairs and had them change schedules to make things a little easier for me.
“And I can’t express how wonderful Tyler [Christopher, Stefan] has been,” adds the actress. “There have been some challenging moments playing this storyline where I’ve been really frustrated. You always want things to go really well, but you’re limited by time and money.
“Sometimes it just is what it is. I had a day where I was breaking down and really frustrated. And Tyler was just so intentional and encouraging. He’s become a really good friend. I’m grateful to have him in my [circle]. I feel he really elevates my work.”
Miller notes that she’s been extremely lucky in the leading man department since joining the soap. “I work with Billy Flynn (Chad) and Tyler Christopher,” she points out. “They’re both awesome, and I could not be happier.”
What Lies Ahead
Storywise, Miller is totally content, too, noting that things will get even more twisted in the weeks ahead – like when “the alters start to have conversations with each other,” she previews.
“They bring in body doubles, and I dress like one character and have half the conversation. Then I go and change and do the other half of the conversation… It’s more work than I thought it would be, but I’m grateful. I’ve learned a lot.”
Days of our Lives (DOOL) airs weekdays on NBC. Check your local listings for air times.
Video Credit: LuckyFarscape
Share this: