Soap
Opera Weekly
Applause Applause
Matthew
Ashford
Jack, Days of Our Lives
Outstanding performer
for the week of Aug. 27 |
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JACK DEVERAUX "CAME OUT OF
THE CLOSET" THIS week on Days of Our Lives
to squelch Greta's growing romantic interest. The hilarious results
should mark a coming-out party for Matthew Ashford as an elite actor,
thanks to his impeccable comedic timing, delivery and animated facial
expressions.
After blurting out, "I'm gay," without a forethought,
Jack waited anxiously for Greta's reaction, as Ashford painted a
look of sheer bewilderment on his face. When Greta readily swallowed
his story, Jack's whole demeanor shifted. Ashford's face said it
all as his jaw dropped and his eyes bugged out.
Greta admitted that the "signs" -- his love of shopping
and decorating -- were there all along, inciting an indignant Jack
to shift into defensive mode. Ashford conveyed Jack's exasperation
and outrage by rambling as he justified Jack's artistic sensibilities,
exuding nervous energy and emoting full-speed.
With every mention of the word gay, Jack became increasingly uncomfortable.
Ashford subtly squirmed in his chair and wiped his sweaty brow.
When Greta vowed to support him when he came out to everyone in
Salem, Jack was absolutely paralyzed. Ashford sat perfectly still,
with a deer-caught-in-headlights stare. When Jack could finally
speak, he declared that there would be no coming out; Greta was
the first and last person to know.
Flattered that Jack had confided in her, Greta announced that she
might cry. "I may join you," Jack retorted without missing
a beat (Ashford's delivery was pure deadpan). But Greta insisted
that Jack not be sad. In fact, he should be proud for bravely revealing
the "truth." Matthew Ashford should be just as proud of
his spectacular performance. JANET
DI LAURO |
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