Soap Opera Weekly: What has been the biggest surprise of your first daytime gig?
Michelle Ray Smith: It's very fast-paced, and I have lots of material to learn in a short time. That wasn't so surprising, but it was a little overwhelming at first.

Weekly: What did you do to pass the time between March, when you were hired at GL, until July, when you began work?
Smith: I continued working with my [acting] coach, that's for sure. I was doing some research, watching the show and buying a house closer to the city; doing all those things I needed to do to make my life a little easier.

Weekly: Who did you most want to work with before you started on the show?
Smith: I love Kim (Zimmer, Reva). She is such a gifted actress, and I was looking forward to doing scenes with her. Crystal Chappell (Olivia) is also an amazing actress. I love her character and her strength. And I was excited to work with Tom (Pelphrey, Jonathan).

Weekly: What is it like working with Scott Bailey (Sandy)?
Smith: Scott is in a constant search for improvement. He's taking classes outside the show. He's always asking me if I want to run my lines. We'll make up little stories: "What was our background like?" "What do you think our relationship was like when we were younger?" We do a lot of creative improvs. He's hungry to learn, and that's one of the cool things about working with him, because he really makes me think.

Weekly: What about Stephanie Gatschet (Tammy), who plays your romantic rival on the show?
Smith: I love working with Stephanie. She is a really nice person and very honest in her acting. She's like a little bunny or something, so sweet and nice.