TO soap star gives time to help UCLA cancer center - Thousand Oaks Acorn

RAISING HOPE—Actor Eric Martsolf will be the master of ceremonies for the Magical Day of Hope, a fundraiser for the Jonsson Cancer Center. Courtesy photo

On the daytime TV series “Days of Our Lives,” Brady Black is a troubled character who battles drug abuse and frequently changes romantic partners.

But in real life, Eric Martsolf, who portrays Brady, is a down-to-earth family man. The Thousand Oaks resident has been married to Lisa Kouchak since 2003, and they have 11-year-old twin boys.

The soap opera star not only appreciates his fans, he is also involved in doing charitable work, including taking part in the Magical Day of Hope. Martsolf will be the guest host and entertainer at the luncheon sponsored by the Conejo Valley Guild of the Jonsson Cancer Center Foundation/UCLA.

The fundraiser, benefiting cancer research, will take place at 10 a.m. Sat., Nov. 4 at the Hyatt Regency Westlake. The cost is $85.

In addition to boutique shopping, raffle baskets and other prizes, the Magical Day of Hope luncheon will feature songs performed by Martsolf, who will be accompanied by keyboardist John Buonamassa, who used to tour with the Mamas and the Papas.

“My intention is to bring a bit of fun and spirit through classic tunes and dialogue,” said Martsolf, who asked illusionist Tony Clark to join him in his act. “I figured Magical Day necessitated a magician in attendance.”

Martsolf learned about the foundation through his mother-inlaw, Teri Murphy, a member of the group.

“After hearing of its accomplishments and endeavors, my interest was piqued,” he said.

“This year marks the guild’s 40th anniversary,” said Barbara Yuda of Newbury Park, co-vice president and event co-chair with Hedy Nulman of Moorpark. “We’re thrilled to have Eric as our special headliner for the celebration.”

The 46-year-old actor’s roots are in musical theater. He’s been involved in over 40 productions, including his critically acclaimed role as Pharaoh in a touring production of “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” and his recent gig as host of the tribute show “Legends in Concert” in Las Vegas. He enjoys returning to those roots occasionally.

“I’m more comfortable on stage than in my own shower,” he said. “Soaps never sleep, so it’s challenging to get time off to pursue theatrical projects. That being said, I like to stretch my wings and pursue other performance ventures.”

Martsolf, a Pennsylvania native, graduated with honors from Dickinson College with a bachelor’s degree in political science and was on track to become an attorney. He decided to pursue acting instead.

“My parents were supportive. They trusted my passion and let me fly,” he said. “They saw I lit up on stage and recognized it was a path I was destined to walk.”

Martsolf’s primetime TV credits include “Extant,” “NCIS,” “Rizzoli & Isles” and “Smallville.” But he’s best known for his six-year stint as Ethan Winthrop on NBC’s daytime drama “Passions” and as Brady Black, a role he’s had on NBC since joining “Days of our Lives” in 2008.

“Brady and I are certainly different men. I’m a rational thinker, and Brady runs on pure emotion,” he said.

Martsolf said he chuckles when he’s described as a soap star.

“To me it’s simply an occupation. Jobs shouldn’t define us; they’re just what we do,” he said, noting that the biggest advantage of being on soaps is the regular hours. “It allows me to be home for dinner and to make it to my kids’ sporting events. I think of it as a 9-to-5 job in the entertainment industry.”

Martsolf made history in 2014 as the first “Days of Our Lives” actor to win a daytime Emmy in the Best Supporting Actor category. He said he had no thoughts when his name was called.

“It was pure adrenaline,” he said. “Simply the best moment of my career thus far. I will always cherish that night.”

He’s honored to be part of the “Days of our Lives” legacy.

“A show that’s graced screens for 53 years is nothing short of miraculous,” he said. “I couldn’t be more proud to be a piece of that history.”

For more information, visit ericmartsolf.com.

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