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LILLY MELGAR (“Janice Ramos” of THE BAY) talks Daytime Emmys, her dramatic storylines, “Jeter” and more with OutTakes Interviews…

HOW HAS THE EXPERIENCE BEEN FOR YOU SEEING “THE BAY” REACH THE SUCCESS THAT IT HAS?

Lilly:  We really all got together doing something that we loved.  Passion-driven and no expectations.  The fact that we’ve grown to the degree that we have is just amazing!  That I personally can say I’ve won an award; that I was nominated for Best Lead Actress; that I have two producing Emmys.  This is crazy.  Crazy beautiful!

HOW DID YOU CELEBRATE THIS LAST DAYTIME EMMY WIN?

Lilly:  We decided to have a party after the Daytime Emmys, regardless of whether we would win or not.  It was just such a blessing that we got to celebrate together.

“JANICE RAMOS” IS SUCH A LARGER THAN LIFE CHARACTER.  HOW HAVE YOU PREPARED ON SOME OF THE MORE INTENSE STORYLINES?

Lilly:  With the rape storyline, I felt an immense responsibility to do it justice and to make it as authentic as I possibly could.  For me, that meant interviewing women who actually had gone through it, having them share their details with me…how it feels physically.  Even my walk changed.  Everything.  I learned exactly what it felt like — the thoughts they were having…the emotions they were going through.  These women were brave enough and generous enough to share their stories with me.  I gave my heart and soul into telling those stories because there are too many women who have gone through rape.  I owed it to them to give the best of me.

FROM THE START, JANICE AND PETER HAVE BEEN SUCH A KEY LOVE STORY ON “THE BAY”.  WHAT IS THEIR LONG-LASTING APPEAL?

Lilly:  They are star-crossed lovers.  I think that most people have had that experience where the passion and the heightened emotions were there in a situation which wasn’t the best for them.  It only heightens the passion when it is forbidden.  People connect to the love story on that level.  It is very human.

JANICE SEEMS TO HAVE A GOOD RAPPORT WITH JOHN BLACKWELL TOO…

Lilly:  Well, it’s a healthier route; but then again, he shot his dad…so I don’t know! (laughs)  Maybe Janice just needs somebody brand new.

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WHAT HAS BEEN THE STORYLINE YOU ARE THE MOST PROUD OF?  WHICH ONE IS YOUR FAVORITE?

Lilly:  Again, the one I’m most proud of — without a shadow of a doubt — is my rape storyline.  The montage when Janice arrives into the hotel room and the shower…all of that is what I’m most proud of.  As far as a favorite storyline, after having had such intense storylines, I had so much fun with the rivalry with the character of Vivian.  It was really fun to play that…and a completely different dynamic other than the pain-oriented material.

WHAT OTHER PROJECTS HAVE YOU BEEN WORKING ON?

This year I just directed two videos for Ricky Martin for his “All In” Vegas Residency.  I was part of the directing team for all video content.  Simultaneously, I shot a film called “Nona” coming out in early 2018 where I played a madam; the subject matter was human trafficking.  That was very intense!  “Nona” is directed by Michael Polish and produced by Kate Bosworth (who is also in the film).  I am incredibly proud of my work in that.  There’s a lot going on.  It’s been a really good year.  I’m very grateful.

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Visit THE BAY website at http://thebaytheseries.com/

Seasons 1 and 2 available on Amazon:  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01KJ0KTYC

Season 3 episodes available on Amazon Prime:  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B076JL4219