One of the few nice surprises of 2020 has been a beautiful appearance from Alicia Leigh Willis on General Hospital. An otherwise sad event on the show (the death of beloved Mike Corbin, who had suffered from Alzheimer’s – incredibly played by Max Gail), Alicia brought her popular role of Courtney Matthews back to Post Charles in angelic fashion, which made viewers – and her on screen tv half brother Maurice Benard – very happy. Alicia is a single mom – she has an eight year old daughter, Simone – and lives in Los Angeles, while currently starring in the 10th season of the digital soap The Bay. Alicia is dating race car driver, stuntman, and former Top Gear host Tanner Foust.
You were quarantined in Los Angeles, so easy to make it to the General Hospital set?
Alicia: At the time I was up at my family’s place in Big Bear. We’ve been hunkering down there so we can be out in nature as much as possible. It’s been great for my daughter when she’s not homeschooling.
Have you kept in touch with Maurice Benard?
Alicia: I had actually chatted with Maurice a bit before I came back. Social Media is always a great tool for staying in touch.
You don’t look much different at all from your last go around at GH, how do you feel different?
Alicia: I definitely feel different than I did back then. So much has changed! Being a mom is the best thing that’s ever happened to me. My daughter has changed me in so many ways. I look back on that young girl I was on GH and think of how little I knew about life.
What have you learned about yourself, these past few months?
Alicia: I’ve learned a lot about myself over the past few months. I’ve realized how important it is to appreciate how good we have it. So many people are really struggling during this time and my heart goes out to them. I feel very fortunate to have such an incredible family that I can lean on.
What are you most looking forward to when things get back to normal?
Alicia: I’m really looking forward to being able to give my friends big hugs! Keeping our distance has been tough.
What was your last big fun night out, before the quarantine?
Alicia: I went skiing with my boyfriend in Italy before COVID hit. We went dancing in this amazing spot near the slopes. That was the last time I was around a big group of people. Who knew?
What person consistently makes you laugh?
Alicia: My Boyfriend Tanner makes me laugh a lot! One of the things I love most about him is that I can really let go and not have any worries when we’re together. He mellows me out a lot.
Is there any place you’ve always wanted to visit, but haven’t?
Alicia: I’ve always wanted to go to New Zealand. I’ve been really lucky to travel quite a bit. That’s one thing I’ve been able to do with my daughter. Hopefully I can bring her when things go back to normal.
Who has been your hero?
Alicia: My parents are my heroes. Not only have they been my biggest cheerleaders over the years, they have also been a huge part of my daughters life. I don’t know what I would do without them.
What is the greatest indulgence you allow yourself?
Alicia: My greatest indulgence would probably be cheesy romance novels.
What’s the last song you caught yourself singing………in the shower?
Alicia: Fly Me To the Moon by Frank Sinatra.
Best advice your father ever gave you?
Alicia: The best advice my father gave me was not to sweat the small stuff. As a single mom it’s easy to get overwhelmed. He reminds me to enjoy the journey.
You get one phone call – who is it to?
Alicia: If I could get a phone call from anyone it would be from Oprah. I would love to pick her brain! She has done so much good in her life – such an inspiration.
What is the biggest event you’ve attended?
Alicia: The biggest event I’ve ever attended was probably the first Women’s March in DC. It was an incredible experience. So many people coming together to support each other in their beliefs. It’s one of the most memorable times of my life.
What movie star would you love to star opposite of right now – what kind of movie would it be?
Alicia: Kevin Costner! I can’t get enough of the series Yellowstone. I love riding horses and it’s always been a dream to do a western.
What movie should definitely have a sequel – starring you?
Alicia: If I could be in any sequel it would be Natural Born Killers. It’s my favorite movie of all time!!
How do you think/hope your friends describe you to their friends who haven’t met you?
Alicia: Someone who would have their back no matter what.
Are you a great cook?
Alicia: I went to culinary school to become a good cook. It’s one of my hobbies I share with my daughter. My friend and I started an instagram page recently called our small batch. It’s all about bringing the kids into the kitchen to create farm to table recipes.
What is your specialty?
Alicia: I love to cook Mexican food. Carnitas and homemade salsas are my specialty
So, you’re having a dinner party – and there is only room for six celebrities for you to invite, who is on that list?
Alicia: It would be Oprah, The Obama’s, Paulo Coelho, Tony Robbins, and Warren Buffet.
And you have to do the cooking, so what’s on the menu?
Alicia: The menu would have to be spectacular. I imagine at least one of them would be vegan. I would cook a meal with all the best seasonal ingredients I could find! and there would have to be a lot of courses – to keep them there as long as possible!
Jim Warren
HollywoodHI