Exclusive Interview: Doug Davidson On Life During COVID-19 Pandemic

Soap production shut down nearly a year ago and has had some stops and starts in between due to the coronavirus pandemic.  The Young and the Restless star Doug Davidson used his time over the last year to reflect on life — and he tells Soap Hub all about it in this exclusive chat. He also gives us an inside look into his likes, dislikes, and favorite things.

Doug Davidson Talks About Life

How were you doing during this shutdown?
Fine. It is such a strange time, and we have the advantage of not living in the city, so from my perspective, not a lot has changed until I leave the house.

You were quarantined with your wife, Cindy, at least?
Yes. She has to be ultra-careful so we were self-isolating the day after Lee Bell’s service, which was in early March. I must say, there is no one I would rather be quarantined with! I guess that explains why we have been married for 36 years. We even had our anniversary in lockdown. It was pretty low key, to say the least.

What have you learned about yourself during COVID-19?
Tons. I have learned I don’t need as much as I think I do. We cut back on so many things that I don’t miss… like the outside world. I truly enjoyed the lack of aircraft, weather changes, quiet roads during the early shutdown. It was like turning back the clock. There was nowhere to go, so there was a peace in having nothing pending until we started The Stories Behind The Stories!

I did some “guest” spots on Rick Springfield and [Ellen DeGeneres’s older brother] Vance DeGeneres’ Miniseries: The 60-Second Guide to Songwriting with a Partner — and wraparounds for some of the classic episodes for The Young and the Restless. There was a period where I was working more during COVID than I had been in the last two years.

Is there anything good to come from all this?
I hope so, but I haven’t seen it yet. I see an undercurrent of anger and frustration in the country that comes from every direction. I am not sure what happened to reason and intelligent discourse. I had always professed that we need an alien so we could gather together as Earthlings against a common enemy. A bright spot for me was the manned Space-X mission to the International Space Station. A group of scientists above the Earth all getting along from different countries, not to mention the magic of the re-useable capsule and rocket. Fabulous! Teamwork makes the dream work.

How much fun did you have with your Stories Behind The Stories? You’re so good, so comfortable, at it. Is that your idea?
Thank you. It was actually my daughter’s idea and I got so much support from her, Joy Mathys, Cindy… I actually had the easiest job. It was amazing to focus on something that was such an intense part of my life. Because when I was doing it, there was always tomorrow’s show to learn. It was a 24/7 job at the time. It put into focus, once again, how great Bill Bell was and his genius storytelling. I could now look back and see it objectively. So yes, quite fun.

Great content, great editing, and outtakes of Eric Braeden bloopers!
All that credit goes to my team. Eric and I have always enjoyed each other’s company. We get each other, so just a glint in the eye from one of us, and we are gone.

Once things settle down, where would you like to travel your first break from taping?
Probably London and New York to visit our kids.

Favorite way to generally spend your day?
Gardening, sailing, playing tennis.

Best advice you ever received from your parents?
Look both ways before you cross. If only Cassandra had parents like mine… and do what you love.

Are you a great cook?
Not even a fair cook.

Does your wife think so?
She is laughing right now.

What is your specialty?
Gin and tonic.

What’s your favorite – pie, cake, or ice cream?
Lynn’s Olalleberry Pie in Cambria and McConnell’s Ice Creams.

What was your favorite TV show when you were a kid?
The Man from U.N.C.L.E.

What is your favorite vacation spot?
Italy, France, and the U.K.

Is there any place you’ve always wanted to visit, but haven’t — and why do you want to go?
St. Petersburg [Russia] — The Hermitage Museum.

What is your favorite sport?
To watch — Formula 1, tennis — and sailboat racing to play.

Who makes you laugh?
Jack Benny, Johnny Carson, Steve Martin, Will Ferrell, Brian Regan.

Which movie do you know from start to finish?
Any Cary Grant film, the first seven James Bond movies, and 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea.

What was your first car?
A 1963 powder blue MG 1100. My parents brought it back from Europe.

What cartoon character do you never get tired of?
Bugs Bunny and Mickey Mouse.

If you were a pro athlete instead of an actor, what sport would it be?
Golf. You can do it a long time and no one hits you!

The Young and the Restless (YR) airs weekdays on CBS. Check your local listings for airtimes.