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Collier is doing his own thing.

Up Close and Personal

Mark Collier enjoys playing the role of Mike Kasnoff on As The World Turns, a character he says is not perfect, but is a lot of fun to play.

“I really enjoy him. He has flaws, but Mike is a romantic type of guy,” Collier said. “The best part is that he gets to fall in love again and again even though he has made mistakes and bad choices, but that’s what I think makes it interesting to watch.”

Collier joined As The World Turns in July of 2002. The role of Mike Kasnoff was previously played by Shawn Christian (1994-1997), but for Collier it was just walking in and taking over the role.

“I never watched his (Christian’s) tapes. I wanted to make Mike my own,” Collier said. “When I came aboard there were different writers, so what would be the point. Also the new Mike is more toned down and level headed as opposed to the previous Mike. Mike today is more vulnerable and can be a man’s man and not be afraid to show emotion.”

Collier reflected on a scene he did with Michael Park (Jack) that he’s extremely proud of. When Mike found out the baby wasn’t his. “Jack’s been down that road, and I think the scene was very touchy for two guys to play.” Collier said.

Collier originally screen tested for the role of Paul Ryan, but lost out to Scott Holroyd, but the powers that be remembered him and when it was time to recast the role of Mike he had gotten the role without ever having to audition. As The World Turns is Collier’s first contract job.

At Left:  Mark Collier (Mike) whith Trent Dawson (Henry) in a scene that aired the week of 9-20-04

Collier admits that the whole business of acting is a rough business, and there was a time in his life he was tired of the whole process. “I was frustrated. I’ve auditioned for other work and four soaps and nothing,” Collier said. “I figured I’d give this a try, and Wella!”

Collier said that he couldn’t be happier then he is right now. His contract with As The World Turns expires in nine months, and he said he’d be willing to sit and talk. “If they want me back. I’m willing to act. I’m in this business for one reason and that is to act, so why not?” Collier said. “I also think that soaps are an excellent training ground because of the steady work and the variety you get to do.”

Collier hails from Ocala, Florida. He graduated Georgia Southern University with a degree in Accounting, but decided to move to Los Angeles giving the bright lights of Hollywood a try. While in LA he studied acting and did odd jobs like waiting tables and working at a gym.

Collier landed his first role on NBC’s Sunset Beach, and has since appeared in Beverly Hills 90210, Arrest and Trial, and had roles in some feature films like Everytime the Dogs Bark, Loop, and Pissing and Moaning. He also appeared in several theatrical productions like Six Degrees of Separation, Lovers and Strangers, Lone Star, and Children’s Crusade.

Photo PGP/CBS

Collier became interested in acting after having done some plays. “I just found it interesting and fascinating,” Collier said. “I’ve always thought about business which is why I got an accounting degree, but I just found that that wasn’t for me.”

Collier enjoys life as a challenge, and said that although he has a boss to answer to, it’s not like the business world where one would stand over you. And it gives a chance as a person to be creative and grow.

Soapdom wants to know: Where would you like to see the character of Mike go? “You know that’s interesting. I’ve always thought about Mike being involved with someone and being the so-called ‘super couple,’ but that has changed,” Collier said. “I enjoy the fact that Mike plays the field, and as an actor I get to explore different facets as well as be able to work with different people.”

Collier said that he is so proud to be able to act when the percentage is so high for unemployed actors. “I think of this all the time. There is no greater feeling then to be able to do what I love, have fun,  and get paid for doing it,” Collier said.

Collier’s goals are to do primetime and become involved in theater because he said, there is no greater feeling then bringing it out to the audience in the last row.

“I will tell you this... the day that acting becomes boring and I have no more fun, I go off to be a camp counselor,” Collier said.

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