Josie Bissett
There’s more to Josie Bissett than what you may have seen of her on the TV series "Melrose Place" or "The Secret Life of the American Teenager." This devoted mother of two (son Mason and daughter Maya) has dedicated much of her off-screen time to enriching the lives of families. Just to name a few examples, she’s written or co-edited books for children and about parenting (with more books on the way), and she is involved in Heinz’s Wholesome Memories campaign. The campaign includes a contest open until August 7 at the Heinz Wholesome Memories website, where people can share their favorite family memories for a chance to win a Growing Wholesome Memories kit that includes a digital camera, Bissett’s book "Making Memories," Heinz ketchup, kitchenware, recipes, Heinz seeds, garden tools and more. (For every memory shared, Heinz has pledged to make a donation to the National Gardening Association so families can cultivate new memories through gardening.)
And speaking of memories, while many actors who first found fame on TV have distanced themselves from the show that made them famous, Bissett is embracing her "Melrose Place" roots. She’s been making the news because of her much-anticipated return as her Jane Mancini character on the new, "next generation" version of "Melrose Place" series, which debuts in September. So far, other stars from the original "Melrose Place" who have been announced as reprising their characters for the new version of the show are Laura Leighton (as Jane’s younger sister Sydney) and Thomas Calabro (as womanizer Michael Mancini, whose multiple wives included Jane and Sydney).
Throughout her years of fame, Bissett has maintained her charming and down-to-earth personality, and when she was in New York City recently, we chatted for an exclusive one-on-one interview. During our conversation, she talked candidly about her favorite family memories, what helped her get through her 2006 divorce from actor Rob Estes, and which other original "Melrose Place" alumni she would like to see back on the new version of "Melrose Place."
What’s been the most rewarding thing for you about this Heinz campaign?
I have to say creating memories is so important to me that I did a book about creating memories for your family. So partnering up with them was so perfect for us, because this is something that is so meaningful to me. I want my kids to live their life with great family memories that they can pass on to their children.
What are your favorite family memories?
I’d have to say, for me, as a child, my favorite memories were always centered around Christmas time. It always seemed like no matter how much money my parents had or didn’t have, we got completely spoiled rotten. There were always presents under the tree, and we always did special things, like hide elves around the house. I’ll always remember these little elves around and always trying to be good, because we thought the elves were watching us. They really made Christmas special, and I definitely see that with my kids.
I think that it’s important to keep the rituals going each year, because that’s when the children start to remember them. Studies are showing that children feel a sense of safety and belonging when they have family traditions and values and rituals going on.
Josie Bissett with her kids Maya and Mason
What favorite family rituals have you handed down to your children?
Unfortunately, I haven’t been able to find [the same] little elves, but of course we do Christmas cookies and Santa and milk. And every year, Santa goes to the door, because the chimney’s too small and makes a lot of noise, so the kids get up from bed and listen, and that is adorable. Everyone does the present thing differently, but for us, Santa leaves the presents unwrapped, so they look forward to that every year. And we do a big Christmas family dinner. That’s the kind of things they love. They get to see all their presents and they celebrate in that way too.
On "Melrose Place," sibling rivalry was a big part Jane Mancini’s relationship with her younger sister Sydney, played by Laura Leighton. How have you dealt with sibling rivalry with your two kids?
To be quite frank and honest with you, it drives me absolutely crazy when my kids fight, the sound of them fighting and not getting along. You know, some parents have the philosophy, "Oh, all kids fight and siblings fight." I don’t go for it at all. I tell [my kids], "You guys … need to treat each other with respect and love each other." I simply don’t allow [disrespect]. It doesn’t mean it doesn’t happen, but I just don’t believe in it.
My son says, "Hey, Mom, all siblings fight." And I say, "Why do they have to?" I challenge him on it. Just because you see [other people] fighting doesn’t mean you have to act that way. They’re starting to get it. [My kids] will not end up like Jane and Sydney, I promise you that. [She laughs.]
Josie Bissett
You knew from an early age that you wanted to be an entertainer. Knowing what you know now, what advice would you give to the person you were when you first started in the business?
I had a pretty good head on my shoulders, even though I did leave home pretty young. Part of me feels like I should’ve gone off to college like everybody else, but it wasn’t my personality. I was very driven and no one was going to tell me "no." The fact that my parents let me leave at 17 to go to Japan blows my mind. I can’t imagine letting my daughter do that. Not to say it was a bad parenting move; they must have had enough belief and trust in me that I would be OK. I was a very, very determined young girl and knew what I wanted. I never liked the word "no" and I still don’t like the word "no."
When something doesn’t feel right to me, I honor that and get out of the situation. Or if a job doesn’t feel right or where I live doesn’t feel right. For example, raising [my kids] in L.A. didn’t feel something that was congruent to how I want to live my life and how I want to raise them. So I picked up and moved them to Seattle, with the consequences [being] not having the career I could have. If I have to choose taking smaller roles or working less, it’s worth it, because I don’t want to raise my kids in L.A.
Tom Virtue, Luke Zimmerman, Josie Bissett and Megan Park in "The Secret Life of the American Teenager"
What would you do if either of your kids said they wanted to go into the entertainment business while they’re still underage?
I would discourage them to not be in the business, but that’s not really fair. I would keep that to myself, because I think the most important thing in life is to find what we all love to do. If my kids decide to be actors and really, truly love it and are passionate about it, then I would definitely want to help them along their way, but it’s a tough business. I think what I want for them most is stability and happiness — and however they decide to find that is up to them, and my job is to be there and guide them the best I can. Of course, I’ll tell them how I feel and what I think is best. But, like I said, the most important thing for anyone is living with your passions and what you love to do.
When "Melrose Place" first went on the air in 1992, people were using e-mail and the Internet, but not to the extent that they are now. How do you feel about how the Internet has changed the relationship between celebrities, the media and their fans?
Facebook is an incredible tool, but you have to be aware and careful. I’m a technological junkie. I love computers, the Internet, iPhones, Blackberrys. You name it, I want it. I want the latest and greatest gadgets. For me, I think the Internet is incredible. We’re able to get the word out for anything. Even for my books, it’s been an incredible tool to share with people the process of what’s gong on. I have a Facebook [page], and I think it’s OK, as long as you’re definitely aware — and if anything strange going on, close it down or take it off.
Josie Bissett in "The Secret Life of the American Teenager"
Do you personally answer e-mail from your fans?
No, I don’t do that. Let me put it this way: Part of being a celebrity is having paparazzi [take your picture] or having to sign a photo or say hello to someone who’s a fan. The reason why these TV shows are so popular is because of the fans, and I think it’s important to treat the fans with respect and be thankful. Facebook is a way for actors to promote their work but also so the fans can feel connected … Answering e-mail [from fans] might take it a step too far.
A lot of "The Secret Life of the American Teenager" is about teen rebellion. What rebellious things did you do as a teenager that you got away with that you hope your kids won’t do?
Sneaking out in the middle of the night. I was a pretty good kid, I have to say. I was involved mainly in sports. I think it can keep a child out of trouble by keeping them busy. I was always busy with sports. My mom coached the team, so I didn’t have a lot of time to get into trouble. But I definitely did my fair share of sneaking out of the window and seeing my boyfriend. [She laughs.]
John Schneider and Josie Bissett in "The Secret Life of the American Teenager"
What can fans of "The Secret Life of the American Teenager" expect from your Kathleen Bowman character in future episodes?
People have seen that my husband on the show has passed away, so I’ve been dealing with death. But miraculously, six months later, I’m moving on to a sexy young man, played by Reid Scott, and he has been with us for about three episodes. I’m glad they took Kathleen out of mourning and into something fun.
You’ve written a children’s book ("Tickle Monster") and co-edited the parenting books "Little Bits of Wisdom" and "Making Memories." Are you working on any new books?
I am working on another children’s book. It’s going to be a series — and that’s just a matter of time for me, when I can find the time to put in it and get that going. The main character’s name is Maya, which is my daughter’s name. It’s called "Maya and the Magic Bubblegum." She’s an explorer and she finds a magical pack of bubblegum. When she blows the bubblegum, it takes her anywhere. So through the series, my hope is to get children — though the illustrations and how it’s written— to know different parts of the world. My hope is to write something that kids really want to read, not just because the parents are begging them to read and to learn about something.
Josie Bissett in "The Secret Life of the American Teenager"
Have you ever been approached to write another book that wasn’t a children’s book? And if you wanted to do that, what would the book be about?
I always have books in my back pocket. I want to do one on divorce, but that’s going to be when there’s time. The divorce book is somewhat similar to the other two I did — compilations — but it’ll be large stories, and I want it to be from the child’s perspective. I want to interview children who have come from divorced families and adults who come from divorced families.
If I’m talking to a child, for example, I’d ask them, "What could your parents have done to make [the divorce] easier?" Or "What did they do that made the divorce easier for you?" [The] divorce [rate in America] is 49 to 51 percent. It’s not a fun thing to go through. It’s difficult not only for your children but everyone around you, your friends, your family. My hope is that the book will really [help] people who’ve gone through it, thinking what they can do to make it as easy as possible for the children.
What helped you the most during your divorce?
My kids. I think that every decision I made came from what’s best for the kids. If both parents have the children’s best interests in mind, it’s going to go OK. The second that the parents don’t do that, it gets ugly.
The stars of the original "Melrose Place" in 1995
Pictured standing in back row, from left to right: Heather Locklear, Grant Show, Doug Savant and Thomas Calabro
Pictured sitting in front row, from left ro right: Andrew Shue, Courtney Thorne-Smith, Laura Leighton, Daphne Zuniga and Josie Bissett
What can you say about the new version of "Melrose Place"? And how do you feel about working with Laura Leighton and Thomas Calabro again?
I’m really excited to work with them again. I’ve seen the [new "Melrose Place"] pilot, and in my opinion, Laura and Thomas are the best part of the pilot. That could just be me, because I’ve worked with them [before]. I just think they’re fantastic actors. I miss them. I’m really looking forward to working with them again.
I really don’t know what’s happening. I haven’t seen a script. The only thing I heard — and I heard it on a Google alert — was there there’ll be a love-triangle story between Jane and Sydney and Michael. That’s all I know.
There’s been a lot of speculation about Heather Locklear being part of the new "Melrose Place." What do you think about that?
I think that would be great. I think so many people want to see Heather back. They consider her a big part of "Melrose Place." I think it would be wonderful. She’s just such a great person. It would be huge for the ratings, for sure.
Thomas Calabro and Josie Bissett in the original "Melrose Place"
Tori Spelling wrote a memoir that dished a lot about her "Beverly Hills, 90210" experiences, including co-star fights and hookups. If you wrote a book about your "Melrose Place" experiences, what would be some of the surprising or revealing things you would put in the book?
Oh my God, I would never write a book about "Melrose Place." I wouldn’t have enough to say. My work is my work. We had a great time, but [on] our show, we had no [behind-the-scenes] drama. It was very, very professional. We would go to work, do our work, and go home. We had fun, but we were starting families, getting married. It’s a difference from "90210." [The stars of] "90210" were young, they were partying, they were going out. It was a job [for us "Melrose Place" stars] — a great job.
Is there anyone else from the original "Melrose Place" cast whom you would love to see come back to the new "Melrose Place"?
I think Marcia Cross is extremely talented. I would love to see her back, but I don’t know if that will happen.
Your fans know you primarily for your work on TV. What TV shows are you a fan of and why?
I don’t have a ton of extra time in my life right now, because of my work and my kids. But there are two shows that I DVR [digital video record] and watch when I work out: "Oprah" and the "Today" show. I get caught up on my news on the "Today" show, and I like [to watch] it when I’m cooking. And I think Oprah is a truly inspirational person. I love the content she brings on the show, and it always makes me want to give more and be better. She’s amazing.
Photo credits: Photo #1: ABC Family. Photo #2: Heinz. Photo #3: Shooting Star. Photos #5, 6, 7: ABC Family. Photos #8, 9: Fox.
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