Soap Opera Digest: Welcome back, Judith!
Judith Chapman: Thank you. Chapman's back and Y&R's got her [laughs].

Digest: Y&R hosted a "passing of the torch" luncheon for you and your predecessor, Joan Van Ark. That's like, unheard of in daytime.
Chapman: I am so impressed. This has never happened to me before. To do that is a statement on how much class this show has. I know this was such a treasured part for so many actresses out there in Hollywood [see sidebar] and [the producers] were so sensitive in how they dealt with all of it. They just have so much generosity. It's great.

Digest: What attracted you to Gloria?
Chapman: In my audition piece, I said, "Just because I enjoy being with men and just because I like having a good time, that does not make me a tramp." [Laughs] I think a lot of women will identify with this character. I think a lot of women would like to identify more with the character because a lot of women as they settle down have children and they lose some of that feistiness that they may have had in their 20s and 30s. All of a sudden, they look back and go, "Where's the pizazz? Where's the passion?" That's why I love her.

Digest: Did you watch any episodes to familiarize yourself with Gloria?
Chapman: I had not. I have not been a big soap watcher these past few years, but I did turn on the television and I [started] watching the show. I knew who her children were, but I hadn't seen Gloria. Then, the day I came in for the final audition, I finally saw Joan's work and I went, "Yeah, we're on the same wavelength here." I just knew she was sassy and loved to have a good time, and anybody who knows me knows [Sunset Boulevard's] Norma Desmond is back [laughs].

Digest: So, what have you been up to since we last spoke?
Chapman: I've been hanging out in the desert [Palm Springs, CA]. I've been out of the mainstream. I've done a few films and a lot of theater, and touring with my one-woman show, The Belle Of Amherst [based on the life of Emily Dickinson]. It's going to the Old Globe [Theatre] in San Diego, so that's still in store. And my other half of 12 years now owns the finest restaurant in the desert called St. James.

Digest: And how were your first few days in Genoa City?
Chapman: I have a whole new Y&R family. The luncheon was wonderful. How gracious is that? I'm really enjoying being with them. Jerry [Douglas, John] has been so helpful, so informative. The kids [Christian J. LeBlanc, Michael, and Greg Rikaart, Kevin] have said if I need any help, just let them know. It's been wonderful. I can't wait to discover even more in the coming weeks.

Digest: Neither can we, Judith.