Digest: That's surprising to hear there is that stigma after all these years of soap alum being very successful outside of the genre. It's clearly a great learning ground.
Van Johnson: It's the best. But we just don't get the exposure or opportunities. I've been getting a lot of pre-reads. I went in for another role the other day and they said, "We want more of a character person." I said, "I can be a character. I played different characters, I've done comedy, I've done a lot of different things before soaps." But they see you on the soap as just being on the show and that's it. When there is a chance to get out there, you're very much humbled because the pre-reads humble you and the sign-in sheet humbles you again and makes you realize you're back out there. It's different. Being out there being single is a lot different than being out there with a family and a house note. It wakes you up, but at the same time, it's exciting.

Digest: Would you do another soap?
Van Johnson: I just don't think that they are creating enough roles for African-Americans, to be honest with you. I don't think they were using us on the show as they should have. That's why a lot of people tuned in to the show, because of the diversity. I would love to go back to Y&R because I loved the whole vibe over there and they used me [as Trey]. I was used well. If the opportunity came where I could come in and really have something substantial, yes I would. I'm really not interested in doing some day [player] stuff. I think I've earned [more].

Digest: Certainly. What are you doing in the meantime?
Van Johnson: I knew this day would come, so I've been developing my businesses. We just launched a company called PhotoHardCard [www.photohardcard.com]. It's been very successful. And [water purification company] Aquamanzi [www.aquamanzi.com] is going very well. I'm doing a lot of international traveling. On my days off from PASSIONS, I was working on that because I knew that someday this day would come. I was preparing myself for the future of my family. It's been a lot of hard knocks and expenses, but I think the benefits will outweigh that.