Working On My “Night” Moves, Round 2

Time to make the rounds again at General Hospital: Night Shift! My day at ABC Studios continued with some one-on-one time with Dr. Patrick Drake himself, Jason Thompson (I’m telling you, I could definitely get used to this). The St. Albert, Canada, native and daytime heartthrob filled me in on everything from his favorite magazines to what’s in store for “Scrubs” on Night Shift. I just tried not to drool …

You’re here on your “day off” – what would you normally be doing on a Friday?
Not much. Really not much! Hanging out – I’m still working on my house. I like hanging out with my friends, getting dinner, maybe a drink if that happens. Other than that, I really don’t get that crazy.

So you like being a DIY guy?
As much as I can, yeah. I really don’t mess with the big stuff – electrical and plumbing – but any of the other stuff, I like to get my hands in there and do as much as I can.

What can we expect for Dr. Drake on “Night Shift?”
I think he’s just a little more involved at the hospital, and he’s got a couple more cases. I think he’s on the outside of what Robin’s doing.

On the outside of what Robin’s doing?!
The fact that we’re not matching [Night Shift to General Hospital], per se – you know, Patrick and Robin may be broken up on this show and they might be together on the other show, or vice versa. Night Shift is great, too, because each show has a beginning, a middle and an end. Although there’s a through line with some of the storylines, it’s nice to have that arc and work that a little more. On General Hospital, we might be in the same day for a week straight. You’ve got to constantly think about that, or just trust the directors to tell you what’s happening. I like having a little more of an end game to the episodes. There’s somewhat of a finish to them; not completely, but it wraps it up a little bit.

Have you gotten used to having new castmembers?
Anytime we can bring fresh people in, they bring a different energy and a new energy to the show. It’s been great. Everybody’s still getting used to different sets and different speed and people who aren’t used to working at the speed that we do, so that’s always fun.

You’ve been on “General Hospital” for close to two years now; are you used to daytime’s notoriously passionate fans?
Yes, but I’ve never really known anything else! I’ve never really had fans before, but it’s great. I’ve got a group of fans who basically show up wherever I go, which amazing. They’re die-hard, and they really do appreciate the work that we put in. The least that we can do is spend whatever time we can with them, and answer any questions they might have. I think it works out for both of us; I enjoy being around them, and they get to kind of find out a little bit of what’s going on – as much as I can!

Do you read any of the fan websites?
No, I really try not to know what’s going on, because it’s just tough. I mean, as much as it’s nice that people say positive things about you, I’m sure there’s going to be those articles that are going to be ripping you apart or saying you’re not very good or you dress like crap or whatever. If I believe the positive, I have to believe the negative, and I just don’t need that stuff in my life at all. If I have the respect of my peers and the people that I work with and my family, I think that’s enough for me. All the other stuff – as much as I appreciate people that do say nice things, in order to read those, I’m going to have to pass over a couple negative ones, too.

So you’re not picking up the soap magazines; if you’re at a newsstand, what would you choose?
I love a magazine called Houses; it’s an Australian architecture magazine. I always pick up a Dwell magazine – any architecture magazines. And I like Time, too. I’ve got piles and piles and piles of architecture magazines. I’ve looked through them all 10 times each! Even when I didn’t have a house, I did it, but it’s much more enjoyable now, that I can put things to work. I love it.

Would you ever do a reality show?
I’m not going to say never, but I would say 99% no. I’m trying to work with a couple friends on getting a couple reality shows into production. It’s a great venue, there’s a lot that can happen – it can be popcorn, or you can try and make a difference. If it’s trying to make a difference, or doing something that I think is entertaining but still educational, maybe. You’re not going to see me on … something. I’m not going to name names! The Amazing Race is really fun –– maybe I’ll just do that with a bunch of friends, and see who gets to the finish line.

What’s your favorite sports team?
The Edmonton Oilers. I own a couple businesses and bars back there with my friends, and my family’s still there, so if I can, I try and get back four times a year or something like that. I get an opportunity to see them every once in a while, and I have the NHL package, so every day during the season I’m watching something.

When was the last time you were starstruck?
This morning, when I saw Steve Burton come out of the hallway. His hair was perfect, and he just looked … his eyes, so piercing.

Sean Penn was the most I’ve ever been starstruck. I saw him in a restaurant and I was quite blown away. I just respect him so much – his acting ability and everything else. Obviously I don’t know him as a guy, but I respect him. Even if you don’t agree with him, he puts himself out there to be ridiculed, and I respect that.

What’s your favorite condiment?
I like sarachi – it’s a hot sauce in a red bottle with the little green top on it. You can get it at bad Chinese restaurants. I like the hot stuff.

Join me for rounds again next week, when I’ll sit down with the other half of Scrubs! Who are you dying to know more about next? I’ll let you pick the order: Dominic Rains, Billy Dee Williams and Steve Burton.