Like a supernova, Tom Eplin is red-hot, and getting brighter still. With a legion of ANOTHER WORLD fans behind him, this popular, charaismatic star is lauded by soap aficionados for a trademark, dazzling intensity that adds spark and fire to each and every scene that he performs.
Back in 1985, he shone when he made his AW (and daytime) debut as bad boy Jake McKinnon, a rake whom only a mother should love, but nevertheless had saucy-and-sweet twin heiress Victoria and Marley Hudson swooning over him. And now, some 13 years later, his character has transformed into a adorable, if not totally reformed, character that all women love -- including now wife Vicky and now-ex-wife Marley.
To top it all off, Eplin's talent and undeniable boyish charm have skyrocketed him to enviable leading-man status. And even though some naysayers currently are predicting that his soap is about the burn itself into extinction, the performer is vowing to jack up the energy in Bay City even more, refusing to let the sun set on the 34-year-old daytime serial.
It's more exciting than ever to be a part of the venerable soap, insists Eplin, squelching speculation that it's all gloom and doom at AW because of talk that the soap could be canceled within a year. "We're at a crossroads with the show," the actor explains. "There are constantly so many rumors going on with what is happening. I just hope that the story gets fired up and going so that we can put them to rest."
If anyone can save AW, it's Eplin, a master at throwing caution to the wind and making it work. After, all, it's his magic that has completely and very convincingly redeemed Jake, whom viewers despised only a few years ago after he raped Marley. If Eplin could raise Jake's bruised image from that low point to it's lofty current position, it's conceivable that he could do almost anything -- maybe even safely usher AW into its 35th year.
At least, so thinks executive producer Charlotte Savitz, who promises plenty of intriguing story for Eplin's alter ego come this fall -- what with Marley's underhanded bid to steal Jake back. "I think Tom's magnificent," Savitz says. "He's rare among actors, because he has the guts of a bandit. He takes big chances, but when it succeeds, it's like nothing else."
Despite the praise heaped on Eplin, even when they come from industry insiders, he is not one to take a bow. The performer, who tends to shy away from the spotlight, rarely speaks to the press. And when he does, in this case, he keeps a low-profile, modestly deflecting compliments. When asked what makes Jake such an endearing character to fans, he seems downright preplexed. "I really don't know," he responds, adding, "I'm as confused as the next guy."
But, being the team player that he is, Eplin also is quick to give the show a pat on the back, paying tribute to the writers for creating the Jake whom we all know and love. "They have been real good to me," he points out, "and they seem to have keyed into alot of things that I like to do and feel comfortable doing."
One of Eplin's abilities that writers have brilliantly tapped into is his knack for bringing to a scene quirky humor. But will Eplin take credit for any of Jake's funniness? Of course not. "I'm a pretty stupid guy," he says. "Most of it is written in."
But when asked point blank if his own personality can be credited for some of Jake's humor, he comes clean, admitting, "Well, I hope a little of it comes through."
Eplin is about more than just looks and laughs. Down beneath that "I'm just a regular Joe" demeanor is a dedicated professional who's become a true expert at his chosen craft. If anything, this devotion to his work might be what so attracts fans, he suggests. "For the people who are invested in the program and the stories, I think that they get a sense of the actor's investment. I feel like I invest as much as I can in Jake, and I think that they appreciate my investment as much as I appreciate the stories that I'm in. So I try to give 100 percent."
Fans not only pick up on the power of Eplin's performances, they also are bowled over by it. Take, for instance, the scene a few months back in which Jake was told in a crowded courtroom by Vicky that she hadn't gone off on a business trip, but really had risked life and limb on a stormy night for a secret rendezvous with former love Shane. Eplin's portrayal of Jake's shock and anger was astounding, as his character crumpled into a fit of grief and rage. The performance sent fans buzzing, and won the accolades of his co-star, Jensen Buchanan (Vicky). "Tommy was great," she raved shortly after the scene aired. "He brought so many levels to it: the anger, the pain, the hurt."
And the flood of tears that streamed down Eplin's face! "There aren't many guys in daytime who could do that," she adds.
In the name of his alter ego, there isn't much that Eplin hasn't done or won't do. In fact, Jake's resume of accomplishments and escapades puts even the most outrageous of soap characters to shame. Throughout the years, Jake has juggled women like the best of gigolos, scammed his way into millions, broken up weddings, witnessed his own funeral, and played Tootsie to get the goods on wife Paulina's feelings for him -- woman to woman. Again, Eplin is thankful to the show's writers for what they have done for Jake. "I guess my character speaks to them," he says, "because I certainly don't have alot of problems that other actors on other shows have. It just seems that they do a good job with my character."
Thus, it's no surprise then when asked what storyline Jake hasn't done that he would like to do, Eplin throws up his hands. "You know, it's more fun to sit back and enjoy the ride than it is to sit in front and try to steer," he relates. "So, I'd rather just hang back and see what they write for me."
And despite predictions by doomsayers about the future of AW, Eplin isn't about to put the brakes on the soap and his character just yet, and is revving up for several more spins around the block with Jake and the rest of AW's crew. To hell with predictions that the WORLD is coming to an end -- it doesn't have to, Eplin insists, pledging to do battle for his soap. "It makes me more determined," he says. "I don't think the show [will be canceled].
"But," he adds, "if I go down, I want to go down in a blaze."
