Star warns of TV danger

Press, 14 May 1985, Page 8

Star warns of TV danger

By

SUE LANCASTER

Television viewers should be careful not to become addicted to soap operas, according to a star of “The Young and the Restless,” Miss Jaime Lyn Bauer. Miss Bauer, aged 36, has been in New Zealand for more than a month acting in the play, “Extremities.” “I don’t believe it’s right to be addicted to anything or for anything to control us,” she said.

Our view of life should not come from television. Housewives' must be cautious in relating soap ozeras to their lives. V

“We need to get out and view life and make our own decisions.” In the United States television addiction was a terrible problem, she said. “It’s responsible for a lot of divorces.”

Although Miss Bauer still appears as Lorie on New Zealand television, she left “The Young and the Restless” two years and a half ago.

Sha acted in the programme for more than eight years but wanted to leave after only three.

One reason for this was because of manipulation by the film producer and direc-

tors, the public, her agent and by the script writers, who wanted to write her personal tragedies into the script. “I finally said, ‘I can’t take much more—no amount of money is worth even three more months on the programme’.” Some days were enjoyable, she said, but others were “inhumane and in terrible working conditions.”

The role also interfered with her private life.

Miss Bauer is married with two boys, Damien, aged seven, and Gabriel, aged Aftoi? acting a certain

character for a long time it was difficult to become yourself again, she said.

“Extremities” offered her a challenge and she loved the play. “It is exciting and is a completely different role than anything else I’ve played.” The play, which will be performed in the James Hay Theatre from June 6 to 8, is about a rape victim. The audiences had been very responsive so far, Miss Bauer said.

“Women from rape crisis centres have thanked us in almost every city we ■'have played.”