Nelson Branco
TVGuide.ca
The Bold and the Beautiful’s infinitely handsome Brandon Beemer proves beauty isn’t just in the eye of the beholder.
Are all men created equally?
All you have to do is look at The Bold and Beautiful’s Brandon Beemer to know the answer to that question is a big fat no.
With his adventurous, lush hair, exquisitely sculpted face, sexy stubble, flawless cheekbones, piercing soulful eyes, disgustingly lean body, laundry-friendly abs and a chiseled chest, it’s clear God spent a few extra days creating one of his greatest works of art.
However, what makes Beemer even more beautiful is the fact that what you see on the outside is just as beautiful, if not more so, on the inside.
In fact, it’s no secret that the Beemster is known as one of the nicest, funniest, most genuine, earnest and beloved actors in this bitch-eat-bitch industry of ours.
And Beemer’s in esteemed company.
Previous winners include The Young and the Restless’s Joshua Morrow and Daniel Goddard. This is the first time a non-Y&R hunk has won the honour, but at least TVGuide.ca is still keeping the Sexiest Man Alive winners within the Bell family.
Born in Eugene, Ore., 30 years ago, Beemer not too surprisingly modelled in New York City before he was bitten by the acting bug and moved out to seek fame and fortune in Hollywood.
Soon after, Beemer landed his first contract when Days of Our Lives recast the hunky punk as the new Shawn Brady in 2006. Two years later, the German-Irish actor was unceremoniously fired. But in true survivor fashion, three months later he immediately hit pay dirt as the very popular cougar bait, Owen Knight, on B&B.
TVGuide.ca caught with Beemer on Mike Gold’s Soap Cruise to discuss his controversial DAYS departure, being one half of daytime’s sexiest real-life couples, “Bradia,” why he prefers to work with older women, and what it’s really like stripping down in front of millions of women and men.
TVGuide.ca: Congratulations on being named TV Guide Canada’s Sexiest Man Alive! Has the sexy label been a blessing or a curse? Or both? You seem to handle the attention the same way Brad Pitt does.
Brandon Beemer: It’s a lot of fun. I don’t see how you can take it any other way than in a positive light. I enjoy the attention for what it is. [Joking] It’s hurt my soul [laughs]! Especially when you have to put a dog collar around your neck, climb into a cage, and get down on all fours. [Joking] It really messes with who you are [laughs]. Let me tell you, when you’re standing on set with a fig leaf around your crotch, basically naked and exposed, life isn’t easy, it’s tough!
TVG: It’s a lonely life … So what was your excuse that day? The cold set … ?
BB: It was freezing, dude! Let’s leave it at that [laughs]! But back to your question — when you’re deemed good-looking or attractive, it hurts and helps your career in different ways. It’s challenging when you meet people who say, “Oh, wow — you’re nothing how I imagined you. I thought you’d be unfriendly or not very funny. Most good-looking guys are not nice.” I’m not tooting my own horn here, but that’s the reaction I get from fans and people in the industry. It’s an interesting paradigm.
TVG: And you are one of the nicest and funniest guys in the business. I don’t think a lot of people know that. Were you ever an ugly duckling?
BB: I don’t know. Looks are subjective. Let’s put it this way — I’ve never had a problem getting girls. I’ve always taken care of myself. And I’ve always enjoyed taking care of myself.
TVG: God definitely spent a lot more time on you than he did the rest of us … especially on that perfectly sculpted, chiseled face of yours.
BB: [Joking] It costs a lot of money to pull this off [laughs]. My cheeks were shaved down. If you want the number to a great plastic surgeon, I can give it to you.
TVG: Yes, I need one. Were you a soap fan before you landed DAYS and B&B? How did you end up working in daytime? Because if I were manager, I would definitely focus on getting you in prime time and film and keep you out of soaps.
BB: I’m not going to deny having watched soaps growing up. I originally wanted to focus on prime time and film. But when I landed DAYS, I did find a new respect for daytime. It’s the hardest work I’ve ever done. I’ve never worked so hard in my life before. Creatively, yes, as an actor, you are very limited because of money and time. I was warned that being on a soap would come with a stigma, but I just wanted to act. It’s fun. To work with veteran actors like Susan Flannery, Lesley-Anne Down and Peter Reckell is a blessing. And a steady paycheque doesn’t hurt, either.
TVG: You’re one of daytime’s biggest cheerleaders.
BB: I’ve fallen in love with the people who work in the industry. Soaps are also a great training ground. If I do other projects outside of daytime TV, I feel like I’ll be prepared for anything and have a lot to offer in return.
TVG: Do you miss DAYS? Were you in shock and awe when DAYS fired you and Martha Madison?
BB: I was floored, yes. I miss the people at DAYS. Luckily, I love B&B, too. They’re two different shows, environments, and groups of people. Though I feel like DAYS is still a part of my family. I was only there for a couple of years, but I continue to wish DAYS nothing but the best. While I’m thrilled for the creative resurgence and ratings success, I wish they weren’t doing as well as we are in the ratings … [laughs]!
TVG: When you learned you were fired, what was your initial reaction?
BB: My first reaction? My jaw dropped down to the floor. My second reaction? It’s a business. I can’t take anything personally. All the complimentary comments regarding my work as Shawn Brady helped me to get over the initial shock. Do I think I did anything wrong which warranted my firing? No. It was a story-dictated decision, so I can live with that.
Read the complete interview here.
