RH: So long, Sarah Felder
Carol
When I received Soapnet, I began watching Ryan's Hope because of the legendary
quality of the show, and because I wanted to see what all the fuss was about
Delia. Those wishes came true, but the benefit I was never expecting literally
came through the backdoor - Siobhan.
Siobhan arrived awkwardly and endearingly, which would describe her first 6
months to a year as a character. With the leg cast and huge dog, she couldn't
help drawing everyone's attention. I had always thought that the only Siobhan
was Marg Helgenberger. I had never heard of or seen this laughing woman with
the long, frizzy hair and the rich, booming voice. Her name was Sarah Felder.
Siobhan impressed right from the beginning, giving a unique perspective on all
around her. Mary, Jack, Maeve, Johnny, even Seneca and Father McShane. Many
times I wanted to hug her and tell her how wonderful she was. Many times I
wanted to smack her for her neediness and self-destructive attitude.
Seeing her and Jack slowly falling in love and quickly realizing how painful
the situation was was one of the most beautiful and agonizing soap "romances" I
have ever witnessed. The poignancy, the humor, the friendship, the pain, the
brutal honesty, the LOVE in the dozens of Jack/Siobhan scenes...priceless.
I never bought Siobhan/Joe, but he came along at the right time and he made
Siobhan feel loved, he showed her she could find love, so I enjoyed that aspect
of their relationship. Sarah made this story work, as she made all of her
scenes with both hideous Mary recasts work. Her sheer determination to wade
through questionable material or co-stars should be admired.
Siobhan went through many changes (more in 2 years than many do in 20), not all
of them positive. What consistently remained was her humanity, her compassion
for those around her. She was a very emotional person, because Sarah was a very
emotional actress. Many soaps now employ such weak actors that the writing has
to incessantly remind viewers of a character's emotional state. Right from the
start, Sarah made sure viewers knew every ache and joy Siobhan felt. Her
reactions were never simple, they were incredible complex. She could say more
in a wail than many actors can in a monologue. She was never afraid to go all
out with her emotions, never afraid to make the leap that could either scale a
peak or topple over a cliff.
The sad footnote to her departure is Sarah's lack of film or television credits
after leaving RH. It must've been her own choice, because otherwise, I just
don't understand. She had such raw talent. When I think about all of those
horrible actors who go from one soap to another, and remember that she did no
oncamera work after RH, I'm depressed all over again.
I will miss her wonderful laugh and her beautiful, open smile most of all. The
actresses who replace her certainly have big shoes to fill. I will never, ever
forget Sarah Felder, and wherever she is, I hope she knows how many fans
appreciate her.
JOHNGY1
her a note now.
Tante Joan
<lovely, lovely tribute snipped for space only>
>The sad footnote to her departure is Sarah's lack of film or television credits
>after leaving RH. It must've been her own choice, because otherwise, I just
>don't understand. She had such raw talent. When I think about all of those
>horrible actors who go from one soap to another, and remember that she did no
>oncamera work after RH, I'm depressed all over again.
>
If it's any comfort -- and I know it's of practically no comfort to
me! -- Sarah Felder didn't leave the business, she became an acting
coach. I would like to think that those wonderful qualities we
admired in her performances as Siobhan -- her accessibility, her
ability to communicate complex emotions, her talents for being still
and restless at the same time, her lack of fear in expressing raw,
broad emotions -- were shared with new generations of actors. We may
never know why such a unique, bright light was extinguished on screen,
or whether it was by choice, by personal circumstance or sacrifice or
some late 70s style of blacklist (I have sometimes thought she was a
Weatherman and went underground!). But we have the work. That's a
lot.
TJ
>I will miss her wonderful laugh and her beautiful, open smile most of all. The
>actresses who replace her certainly have big shoes to fill. I will never, ever
>forget Sarah Felder, and wherever she is, I hope she knows how many fans
>appreciate her.
posting to all and Sundry
[Who he? He helps me shave my legs with Occam's Razor]
chica...@nowhere.com
>
> I'm presuming the first Monday episode was her last.
>
> I will miss her wonderful laugh and her beautiful, open smile most of all. The
> actresses who replace her certainly have big shoes to fill. I will never, ever
> forget Sarah Felder, and wherever she is, I hope she knows how many fans
> appreciate her.
What a *beautiful* tribute, Carol, and our experience of discovering this
soap, and SF were the same. :) I had the same feelings you described, and
being reminded of Jack and Siobhan's scenes, reminded me of another time
when I missed a crucial scene between them... I really have lousy timing.
She was such a wonderful surprise to me, and I will miss her greatly.
Thanks Carol, for writing what many of us feel. :)
bj