Soap Opera Digest: Welcome to PASSIONS.
Melinda Sward: Thank you. I’m excited to be doing my first interview.
Digest: We’re honored you chose us as your first. How has your first week been going?
Sward: It’s been great! Everybody here is insanely nice and welcoming and helpful. I’ve entered every wrong door to get to every wrong stage about 20 times, but luckily there is always somebody pointing me in the right direction. It’s been really fun so far. Everyone has been so wonderful to me. It’s surprising because with this many cast members, you’d think somebody would have an attitude. Everyone is great and it’s really refreshing.
Digest: Have you had scenes with anyone yet?
Sward: I had a scene with a stewardess. But today is my big day that I get to do a lot of work, so I’m very excited. Most everything has been very quiet and subtle. Today is my big day where I get to be with everyone else and play off of somebody. I’ve been getting my makeup and hair done and twiddling my thumbs waiting for my turn [to go on stage].
Digest: Have you rehearsed with anyone?
Sward: I have. I rehearsed with Emily [Harper], who plays my sister, Fancy. She’s awesome and we have so much fun together already. I can see how we can actually be sisters. Most of my stuff today is with her. I also got to work with McKenzie [Westmore], who plays my Aunt Sheridan.
Digest: Who also looks like she could be your sister.
Sward: Yeah. Every day I get my script, I’m like, “Oh, I’m related to them? And I’m related to them, too.” I’m learning all about Pretty through everything they give me.
Digest: What can you tell us about Pretty, besides the fact that she has a weird name.
Sward: Some say weird, some say appropriate [laughs]. She’s very self-confident, and is a bit spoiled because that is in the bloodline to think that things should just be handed to the Cranes. But she’s really fun and much more sensitive than anyone would give her credit for.
Digest: There is a big secret regarding Pretty and Fancy.
Sward: There is and I’m not telling you what it is.
Digest: I wouldn’t dare ask and get you fired already.
Sward: Thanks. That wouldn’t be good on my third day here.
Digest: What role did you play on BOLD AND BEAUTIFUL?
Sward: It was so long ago, I can barely remember. I played a friend of Rick. It’s really funny because Vanessa Minnillo [the ex-MTV host], she and I played friends at the same exact time. We had fun. That was such a different time there because it was eight episodes and I didn’t have as much responsibility because I was like, “Okay, I’m going to be here for eight episodes and then I get to leave and not be responsible for how the show works out.” But here, I feel like, “Okay, I got myself a contract.” I feel a lot more responsible for what I do.
Digest: Is this your first contract role?
Sward: I was recurring on a TV show for a while that got canceled, but this is my first contract role.
Digest: Congratulations! How familiar were you with PASSIONS when you got the job?
Sward: A girlfriend of mine would watch it religiously, so she would send me the episodes online. I had an idea of the vibe of the show before I auditioned. I had tested before, as well, for a different character, so I had an idea of what I was getting into.
Digest: Who did you screen-test with this time?
Sward: With Emily. That was fun.
Digest: What role did you audition for before?
Sward: I auditioned for the mermaid role [Siren].
Digest: I can see that. Can you sing?
Sward: Oh, no, goodness. Did they have her sing on the show?
Digest: Yes, pretty often.
Sward: Thank God, they didn’t cast me then. I didn’t know that was part of the character. That would’ve been awful. I can’t carry a tune to save my life. I do sing a lot, but I don’t think anybody enjoys it [laughs].
Digest: Are you married?
Sward: I’m engaged. I’m getting married August 11. I’m so excited about it. It’s great. We just bought a house.
Digest: Is he an actor?
Sward: No, he’s not. He coaches high school and college water polo. He [acted] when he was a kid, so he gets it and he’s amazing at running lines with me, but he’s not involved in it anymore, so it’s nice. Actors are nutty. You can usually only have one of them in a relationship without killing each other [laughs].
Digest: What is his name?
Sward: His name is Adam Roth.
Digest: Are you getting married in L.A.?
Sward: We’re getting married in Malibu, right near the beach. It’s going to be beautiful.
Digest: What a big summer for you! A house, a job and a wedding.
Sward: It’s been great. We bought the house before I got the job and we were like, “What are we doing?” It’s not the most responsible thing to do in the world. Then, luckily, I got this job and we were both like, “Phew!” We can breath easy now. We’re much more relaxed at this moment.
Digest: Have you been in Pretty’s closet yet?
Sward: I’ve seen a few tidbits and what I’m wearing today is adorable, so I’m very excited to see more of what I’ll get to wear.
Digest: Lucky, lucky girl. Have fun today and congratulations!
Sward: Thank you.
Sward first airs on July 30.
