Actress Allison Lanier chatted about being a part of the hit CBS daytime drama “The Young and The Restless.”
Portraying Summer Newman
On playing Summer Newman on “The Young and The Restless,” she said, “It’s great. I feel lucky for the opportunity. Stepping into an already-established role on such a beloved show was intimidating, but I’m very grateful for all of the fans who have accepted me.”
When asked what she loves most about her character, she shared, “It’s always changing. These days, I’m loving being able to show some of Summer’s vulnerable side.”
Working with Michael Mealor
Lanier had great words about working with Michael Mealor as her onscreen acting partner. “Michael is great,” she exclaimed. “We got along from day one. It’s nice to work with someone that I’m comfortable with, it makes the emotional scenes so much easier.”
Speaking of “The Young and The Restless,” the just show celebrated its 50th anniversary on the air. “I have to pinch myself,” she exclaimed. “I love working with these people, and learning from those who have been doing it for years. I feel very grateful to have a small part in the legacy of such an iconic show.”
Dialogue-heavy
When asked how she handles being dialogue-heavy, which involves memorizing many pages of scripts, she shared, “Luckily, I have discovered I can memorize lines fairly quickly. I still try to take my time with the material.”
“When I’m in a lot of episodes, I’m definitely working on my lines on the weekend. Everyone I work with is great about meeting up before our scenes to run lines too,” she said.
Advice for hopefuls in acting
For young and aspiring actors, she said, “Don’t believe the trope that you should only pursue acting if it’s the only thing you’re passionate about. In a business like this, it’s healthy to have other interests and ventures. Plus, it makes you more interesting! Train, train, train. But also make a point to learn the business of acting.”
The digital age
On being an actress in the digital age, at a time when streaming and technology are so prevalent, Lanier said, “It’s interesting. It’s great that there’s more television being made, which means more opportunities for actors. I definitely enjoy it as a consumer.”
“Hopefully all of the unions are able to negotiate fair deals with the studios so that it can continue in a way that is more equitable for everyone involved in making the shows we love,” she added.
Lanier thanks the fans
For fans and viewers, she remarked, “I’ve recently started being more active on Twitter, so I see a lot of posts about the show. There are some really hilarious fan accounts. Sometimes they roast us, but in a light-hearted way that shows their love for the genre and the characters.”
“I would just say thank you for continuing to make Y&R a part of your life, and for engaging with what we’re doing with so much heart and ferocity,” she concluded.
To learn more about actress Allison Lanier, follow her on Instagram and Twitter.
