Doug Davidson is a survivor – covering five decades as Paul Williams on The Young And The Restless. There have been some lean years recently for the legendary actor/character, but fan outcry has made it clear that storyline better be right around the corner. Long a fan and cast favorite, Doug lives with his wife Cindy just far enough outside Los Angeles to have a great life.
How are you doing during this shut down?
I wasn’t working much before COVID-19, so that wasn’t much of an adjustment either. I was home a lot! I haven’t been behind my desk at the GCPD in years!
You and Cindy have both been actors since the time you met, so is this the longest the two of you have been together everyday and around the clock?
Well, that is an interesting question. Looking back, there were times when we had our pregnancies, caring for my parents, but I always had to work. So, I’d say yes. Although, I spend a lot of time gardening outside and her projects are inside, so it doesn’t feel like 24/7.
And that’s been a good thing?
Yes, but should be noted, I picked a better partner than she did.
Does your wife feel the same?
Most of the time, I think. As long as I am able to provide chocolate she’s happy. We both have moods that have been amplified during the pandemic, but we are used to reading each other and understand when we each need space.
What have you learned about yourself?
But what I am enjoying now is following my heart in how I occupy my day. It is very simple and I like that.
You’ve at least been able to get out into the open spaces and get some fresh air?
As I mentioned, we are outside of the city, so yes, everyday I can be outside and enjoy the good earth. Nature surrounds us. Such a blessing.
What song do you hear and immediately think of one of your children?
You Gotta be, by Des’ree. My daughter. Mad World, by Gary Jules. My son.
What job could you never ever do?
I could never be a hit man.
Not many actors are honestly praised and loved by both Peter Bergman and Eric Braeden.
Two great colleagues… and the feeling is mutual.
It’s been more than 42 years since you joined the show – I know the recent low point, but what has been some high points?
Even including the low points, it has been such a blessing to be a part of something that has been a labor of love. The friendships, the professional camaraderie, and successful results are just a few of the reasons why I have absolutely no regrets about anything. I was one of three people that got to be a part of it in five decades. 70’s, 80’s, 90’s, 00’s, 10’s. I have met some truly incredible people along the way. Three generations of cameramen and crew. I am so grateful for every aspect, but yes, it’s hard not to miss the ‘old days’ when it was a family run show.
How often do you take Amtrak to Los Angeles?
Rarely. It’s run poorly by the government, so it isn’t like the trains in the rest of the world. Too bad too, because I would use it all the time. Because I live two hours from LA, I have had four cars with 250,000 miles each. I am ready to train it!!
Who is the most famous person you’ve met?
Katherine Hepburn. She was in a stationary store in Beverly Hills. And two presidents – Gerald Ford and Bill Clinton. Ford was Steve’s dad and Bill was at the same hotel in Paris that we were. My 12 year-old daughter introduced herself to him and he remembered her name – Calyssa – the next day. I was very impressed.
If you were throwing a dinner party, but only had room for six guests, what famous people would you invite – and what would you cook for them?
Can they be dead? Cary Grant, George Washington, Katherine Hepburn, Hellen of Troy, King Tut, Jesus of Nazareth.
And what would you serve?
Bread and wine – Jesus’ suggestion.
Jim Warren
HollywoodHI