Interview: Alison Sweeney, Pt. 1
BY CINDY ELAVSKY
Sunday, January 13, 2013
January is a big month for Alison
Sweeney: NBC’s “The Biggest
Loser” – which she hosts – returns
for its 14th season, and it also
marks Alison’s 20th year playing
Sami Brady on “Days of Our
Lives.” She was thrilled to discuss
these two milestones recently, talking
about the newest “Loser” and its
focus on childhood obesity, as well
as Sami’s 20-year reign (some
would say “of terror”) in Salem.
“The Biggest Loser,” which
returned to NBC earlier this month,
is tackling the growing issue of
childhood obesity.
Alison was quick to support the
show’s decision to do this despite
some apprehension and controversy,
explaining: “The first thing we did
was to take into consideration the
age of the contestants, and how we
could best help and guide them.
(Unlike previous adult contestants,)
they don’t live on the ranch. They
are not going to be competing. We
are there to help them learn how to
care for themselves in their everyday
lives.
One way the trainers try to help
them change is to include the family.
“We encourage the families to
also change their nutrition choices,
and get them out there and exercising.
This is all done in a kid-friendly
way. We don’t put the
same pressure on them that
we’d put on adult contestants.
As a mother herself, you
can bet Alison wouldn’t
stand for any kind of unnecessary
pressure, criticism or
unachievable goals being
placed on these kids.
“I am a mom myself, and I
know that (childhood obesity)
is an important issue. On
a personal level, I see kids all
the time who are struggling with
obesity. It’s important to talk about
it and figure out what we can do to
heal and help these kids.
Much talk has been circulating
about the dynamic of the three
trainers: Jillian Michaels, Bob
Harper and Dolvett Quince, especially
since Jillian and Dolvett
haven’t worked together previous to
this.
In Alison’s words, the dynamic
was “amazing. It was super awesome
to watch the three of them
interact – (that alone is) a great part
of the season. It’s been very interesting
to see their different styles of
training. They each have a great
respect for each other, and they
complement each other in amazing
ways.
Jillian, who is a new mom herself,
has said that because there will be
three teenagers on each team was
the reason she decided to return to
the show after leaving to start a
family in 2011. Audiences will see
that this new season has something
for everyone – and, as usual, will
have its share of triumphs and tears.
So tune in to NBC on Mondays at
7 p.m. to witness the transformations
yourself. And check back here
next week, when Alison discusses
playing Sami Brady on “Days of
Our Lives” for the past 20 years.
Associated Images:
‘This is
all done
in a kidfriendly
way.’
– Alison Sweeney
Photo Credit: NBC
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