Victor Webster (7/09 Melrose Place)
Soaps.com 7/20/09: Victor Webster | Melrose Place
Ex-Days Of Our Lives actor, Victor Webster to Melrose Place!
Monday, July 20 2009
Ex-Days Of Our Lives actor, Victor Webster, (Nicolas Alamain) and "Harper Island’s" Hunter Jennings will be starting a new role as Caleb, in the new "Melrose Place," once the series makes its debut, September 8 on the CW. Viewers will see him appear in Episode 2, as a gay publicist and Ella’s (Katie Cassidy) new boss.
© Soaps.com
Excerpt from Rock Bottom 8/1/09: Victor Webster
Rock Bottom Interview: Victor Webster
By Tim Nydell Saturday, August 1, 2009
What else can people see you in this year?
I’ve got a Tyler Perry movie “Why Did I Get Married Too” - that’s coming out soon. I’ve got Bruce Willis’ “Surrogates” - that’s coming out in September. An independent movie called “Coming & Going” - another one called “Burning Palms”, and I just signed on to do a bunch of episodes of Melrose Place - so that starts shooting this week.
© Rock Bottom
Excerpt from The Advocate 9/14/09: Victor Webster
New Place, New Gay
By Dan Avery
A far cry from the neutered gay guy of this first Melrose Place, the remake's Victor Webster plays a sports-loving, cigar-smoking, horny man's man who happens to like other dudes. Matt Fielding, the token gay on the original Melrose Place, was something of a pyrrhic victory for LGBT viewers. Finally, TV had a series regular who was out and proud and managed to go seven seasons without killing anyone or turning straight. But he was about as exciting as warm milk -- and half as sexy. For the revamped Melrose, producers decided they wanted a gay character with a little bite. Enter Caleb Brewer, a scotch-swilling, cigar-chomping man’s man who just happens to dig other dudes. Advocate.com sat down with Victor Webster, a former Playgirl model and star of the cult TV series Mutant X, about visiting the Place the second time around and whether gays in soaps are here to stay.
Advocate.com: What can you tell us about Caleb?
Victor Webster: He’s a publicist at the firm Ella, one of the housemates, works at. I think he first appears in the second episode. Caleb is Ella’s new boss and he creates a certain amount of havoc in her life. I’m on her all the time, but I want the best from her. Ella is very tough too, a ballsy go-getter. So there’s a certain amount of tension but also some good chemistry.
Is Caleb a series regular?
Well, I was brought on for a few episodes, but the reaction has been really positive, so there’s a good chance the character will be expanded.
Will he be interacting with other characters or moving into the apartment building?
[Laughs] Ah, they’d chomp my balls off if I told you that.
How much are you like Caleb?
I’m a lot like him. I work hard and love playing sports. I think I challenge others and expect a lot from them. I think he’s a little harsher, though.
How is the new Melrose Place like the classic one from the ’90s?
Well, they’re both nighttime soaps, so there’s always crazy stuff happening. But a lot has changed in the past 10 years -- viewers have seen a lot, and you have to raise the stakes to create suspense. So we push the envelope even further.
How does Caleb compare to Matt, the gay character from the original Melrose?
They’re complete opposites. Matt was neutered. Caleb is a go-getter and he flirts shamelessly. He’s definitely not a cheeseball. A lot of gay characters on TV are goofy or effeminate, and the producers really wanted the character to be well-rounded. Caleb grew up playing sports -- he’s very masculine and he’s not tortured about who he is at all.
You used to be on Days of Our Lives. Daytime soaps have been incorporating a ton of gay story lines lately. Do you think that represents a real sea change on television?
It’s what’s going on in the culture and the soaps are reflecting it. Television is generally on the conservative side, so if you’re seeing it represented on TV, that probably means it’s really out there in the real world.
I know you’re straight -- tragically -- but are you aware of your sizable gay following?
Definitely. My gay friends keep me posted. I consider it very flattering, but a fan is a fan. I don’t want to separate people into camps.
© Advocate
Excerpt from The Edge 9/23/09: Victor Webster
Victor Webster :: Melrose Place’s new gay hottie
by Jim Halterman Wednesday Sep 23, 2009
In the original Melrose Place, fans of the gay character Matt (played by Doug Savant) were often short-changed by kisses that were edited out and storylines that didn’t really flesh out the life of a gay man living in Los Angeles. Now that the CW network was brought Melrose Place back to life, they have also brought a new gay character into the mix. Openly gay publicist Caleb, played by hottie Victor Webster couldn’t be more different than Matt in that he is in a position of power at the publicity firm where Ella (Katie Cassidy) works and he also happens to be a cigar-smoking, Lakers-loving guy’s guy. But will we see a realistic portrayal of a gay man living in 2009? Edge’s Jim Halterman talked to Webster about playing gay and how he feels about filming bedroom scenes with another man as well as how his nearly nude work in Sex and the City still gets him recognized today.
Non-stereotypical gay character
EDGE: How did the role of Caleb come about?
Victor Webster: It was the audition process, actually. I got a call to go in for Melrose Place, which I thought was interesting. I loved the fact that they were doing it again because I was a fan of the original. I went in for the audition and I got a call awhile later that I had the part.
EDGE: Did you know the breakdown of the character? That he was a gay character?
VW: Yeah, I did and I thought their take on the character was very interesting. He’s a very masculine, non-stereotypical gay character, which was intriguing to me because it’s nice that there’s that type of character portrayed on television. Not the very typical type of gay character that you see in media now, which is very effeminate or very overtly gay. It’s nice when they mix it up and show the true spectrum of what’s going on out there.
EDGE: You first appeared in last week’s episode and it was almost an afterthought that Caleb just happened to be gay. He definitely doesn’t seem defined by his sexuality.
VW: That’s what I really like about it. I’m friends with so many types of people and I have a lot of gay friends who are very masculine and play sports so I know people who are just like this, so it’s nice to get that perspective.
Taking a gay role
EDGE: Gay roles have changed so much since the last Melrose Place was on the air. Was there any concern about taking on a gay role at this point in your career?
VW: I think there was maybe a super brief thought, but the way the character was written and with the people who were attached to the show, it was more of a passing thought and I just went for it. It’s a great opportunity.
EDGE: In the old show, the producers always seemed to pull back from really showing Matt’s life as a gay man. Do you know if the plan is to not do that with Caleb?
VW: I don’t know what the plan is, actually. I’m flying by the seat of my pants and so I haven’t sat down to have that conversation. I’m confident that they are going to bring a nice, colorful character out and I’m just looking forward to seeing what happens.
EDGE: So far we’ve only seen you interact with Ella. Any idea how involved Caleb might become with the other characters?
VW: It’s a bit too soon and that hasn’t really been discussed yet. I really enjoyed picking up the script and seeing it for the first time myself. If someone tells me something that’s going to happen, I want it to happen and, you know how the TV business changes is, stuff changes like that so I don’t want to get my hopes up. If I see it in the script before we shoot it, then I know it’s going to happen.
EDGE: With all the bed-hopping going on in the show, are you ready to do the same with another guy in bed?
VW: You know what? That’s just something that’s part of the character. If that’s what the character is going to do, then that’s what I’m going to do. I’d definitely prefer that there would be an interesting storyline and there be a reason for it than just say, ’It’s time for Caleb to hop into bed with someone.’ If they created a cool arc in a story and that was what transpired from that then that would make it that much more interesting.
EDGE: You said you were a fan of the original Melrose Place? What did you like about it?
VW: I loved how outlandish the storylines were and how many crazy things happened. It’s something that you just don’t see in your everyday life so it’s great to escape into another world where every single day seems like something crazy is happening. Obviously, the Heather Locklear character was one of my favorites just because of how conniving and manipulating and interesting she was.
....
EDGE: Soap fans are probably as passionate as the sci-fi fans, if not more. Do you think they’ll tune in for Melrose Place?
VW: I really do. I think that especially with the cast that they have and everyone is doing such a good job with their character and they’re so interesting. Also, I don’t remember the original Melrose Place being so funny. This show is not a comedy by any means but there are so many one-liners and funny situations. It’s such a great group of up-and-coming actors that are going to do well. It’s going to be a fun ride, for sure, so I think fans are going to grab hold of it and love all the juicy stuff that’s going on.
You can see Victor Webster help shake things up on Melrose Place, which airs every Tuesday at 9/8c on the CW network.
© The Edge
Excerpt from After Elton 10/7/09: Victor Webster
Interview: Victor Webster is "Melrose Place"'s Gay 2.0
by Michael Jensen October 7, 2009
When the CW announced they were relaunching the iconic 90s Fox nighttime soap opera Melrose Place, the first question for many gay viewers was what the show would do with the character of Matt Fielding. While Matt was one of the first regularly occurring gay roles on television, he was also a sexless character usually playing a supporting part in other character’s storylines. And when Matt did finally have a boyfriend, Fox was so concerned about showing the kiss that they cut away from the big moment. Fast forward 17 years to the new Melrose Place. While Melrose 2.0 doesn’t have a gay character amongst the regularly occurring roles, the show does include Caleb Brewer, played by Victor Webster, as the ruthless boss of the publicity firm where Ella Simms, the show’s new vixen, works. We haven’t seen much of Caleb thus far, but we do know he smokes cigars, loves sports, is unapologetically gay and will do anything to get what he wants. AfterElton.com recently talked with Victor Webster about playing a "non-traditional" gay character, his good looks and some of those ugly Hollywood stereotypes.
AfterElton.com: Any word on whether you've been signed for additional episodes at this point? I read with The Advocate where you hadn't heard yet how long you're going to be on.
Victor Webster: I'm going to be around for a while. There's no exact number, but I'm not going anywhere any time soon.
AE: What do you know about the addition of Heather Locklear and how that's going to affect Caleb's situation?
VW: You know what? I don't know. I'm going to find out at the table read tomorrow actually. I know that she's coming onto the show and I know she's going to shake things up. I don't know how it affects me, although it's probably going to in some way. But like I said, I'm around for a while, so it can't affect me that much. I'm just looking forward to having some sparks fly.
AE: What did the producers first tell you about the role of Caleb? When I talked to them at the TCA, they kind of made a big deal out of what he was going to be like, so when you first got the script and you read for the role, what did they tell you about him?
VW: They told me that I was a very non-stereotypical gay character in film and television. The way a lot of gay characters are portrayed is very flamboyant or very effeminate. This is a character who likes sports, likes cigars, drinks whiskey, and happens to like guys. Especially on TV, as soon as you see a character, you know he's gay by the way that person is acting. This guy you don't know unless he tells you. For me, a lot of my friends who are gay, that's the way they are, so I believe it reflects reality.
AE: Did that appeal to you about playing that character? Did you think, "I want to do something different?"
VW: Yeah. I like the ability to show Fred and Estelle in the Midwest that not all gay characters are the same, that no matter what, people are just people and who you're attracted to shouldn't make a difference in who you are as a person or the way you're judged as a person. It's nice to show that there are so many different types of people.
AE: What is the reaction to Caleb been so far from your gay friends or fans of the show you've run into?
VW: They seem to be responding to him well so far. Ella gives it to everybody on the show, so it's nice to see her get it every once in a while. They like that he is so powerful and strong. My gay friends are like, "It's nice to finally see us portrayed as strong, powerful individuals instead of weak, effeminate pushovers."
AE: I don't want to put words in your mouth, but there's nothing wrong with being effeminate and being effeminate does it make you a pushover. Would you hesitate to play an effeminate character?
VW: No, no, no. Not at all. I think everybody should be allowed to be who they are, whatever makes you feel comfortable in the world. I was just talking about the stereotypes, like on Will & Grace. When you see these characters, ruthless, alpha males are usually straight. It's nice to see not just one type of person being portrayed in the media. It gives the full gamut of what it possible out there.
....
AE: What more do you know about Caleb’s private side at this point? Have they told you anything?
VW: None of that, but that is something that I know I need to start thinking about because they've said to me they are going to be fleshing the character out more fully. That leads me to believe that there is going to be stuff outside of the office. I know that is in the works, and we'll just have to see how it works out. He is very ruthless when it comes to his work. It will be interesting to see their ideas of what Caleb is like outside of the office.
AE: So you don't know anything about him having a relationship?
VW: We haven't gone there.
AE: So often characters like Caleb - publicists, agents, producers, directors - anyone with real power, are portrayed as soulless bastards willing to do anything to get ahead. Is it that bad? Or is it just one of those stereotypes that's fun for television and the movies?
VW: There are definitely a plethora of those types in this business. Obviously, I don't work with those types, like the Ari Gold character on Entourage based on the real person. They're definitely out there. It's such a cutthroat business, and there's so many people trying to do it, that you have to have that kill or be killed attitude. I think in movies and television it's exaggerated a little bit, but I definitely know people, have worked with people, who are like that. It's not just a stereotype. It's an actual reality.
AE: How do you handle that if you're auditioning for a part?
VW: There's nothing you can do. I have to go in and do what I do. I can't worry about what they do. I can only focus on what I do, and I do the best I can do. And then I leave it their hands. That's the thing about this place. There's so many cogs in this machine. I'm one cog. There's the directors, the producers, the casting directors, the studio, the network, everybody else is a piece in the machine. So I just have to make sure I'm a well-oiled piece in that machine and let everybody else take care of themselves.
AE: You're obviously a very handsome man which has to be a big help in Hollywood, but has it ever, and I don't mean this to sound like a cliché, but is it ever a hindrance? Do you ever feel limited in your parts? It seems like character actors are around forever, but really classically good-looking people come and go.
VW: It is. These are the cards I was dealt so I deal with it, but it's like they see me as having to be the lead or the antagonist to the lead. How do you put somebody in a movie with a big name? The director doesn't want to take away from that particular actor so they usually won't cast me in that role. A lot of times, they want those characters to look more real. I've heard it so many times, "Oh, he's not real looking." As I'm getting older though, I think it's becoming much more to my advantage.
AE: That's interesting.
VW: The older I get, the more life I have on my face, and people take me a lot more seriously.
AE: What would your dream part be?
VW: Something like a Bourne Identity.
AE: I could see you doing that.
VW: I've been a fighter and a martial artist for most of my life, so to be able to do action, and have a good, meaty script to sink my teeth into, and run and around and do crazy things would be great.
© After Elton
Excerpt from Futon Critic 10/22/09: Victor Webster
Tuesday, November 17 � MELROSE PLACE � "Cahuenga" (9:00-10:00 p.m.)
The Bitch is back! Heather Locklear returns as Amanda Woodward. Ella (Katie Cassidy) and Caleb (Victor Webster) are stunned when agency owner Amanda Woodward walks into WPK and immediately fires half the staff, including Caleb.
© The Futon Critic
Excerpt from ET Canada 2/26/10: Victor Webster
Victor Webster on ET Canada
Announcer: So getting fired by Heather Locklear wasn't the end for Victor Webster. He's moving on from Melrose Place with plum parts in the movies and lending a helping hand to charity.
Victor Webster: I love to get in there and cut some wood and hammer some nails and put up some walls.
Reporter: Victor is happy to lend his talents to Habitat for Humanity. The Calgary born actor has been building quite the fanbase with roles in shows like Melrose Place. His Melrose Place character got kicked to the curb by sexy Heather Locklear, much to Victor's delight.
Victor: She was one of the most prominent characters in the original Melrose Place, so to get fired by her was an honor.
© ET Canada