Aunt Charlene Is Back!

Business Wire, Oct 15, 1999

LOS ANGELES--(ENTERTAINMENT WIRE)--Oct. 15, 1999--

Maree Cheatham reprises her role as Charlene Simpson on the long-running soap opera hit, "PORT CHARLES," which airs weekdays on ABC at 11 a.m. (PT).

Cheatham originally created the sassy, Southern woman on the set of "GENERAL HOSPITAL" back in 1987. Aunt Charlene returns to "PORT CHARLES" on Monday, Oct. 18, to apply longtime fans and new viewers with a dose of the rhetorically-humorous advice with which the character is so delightfully associated.

Viewers last saw the cheeky lady accompanied by her son on a flight to the mythical island of Santo Moro in 1991. The persona was used on "PORT CHARLES" as a foil character in contrast to Lucy, her greedy, social-climber niece. Using chastising phrases like "If you saw it, why did you step in it?" full of Southern drawl, Aunt Charlene added comedic value to otherwise alarming and sticky situations.

Much to the chagrin of egotistical Lucy, Aunt Charlene returns to Port Charles with her niece's children as well as her unwanted advice.

Fans have loved the actress in many additional roles on other soap opera favorites. She has played the character Marie on "DAYS OF OUR LIVES," Stephanie Wyatt on "SEARCH FOR TOMORROW" and Mary on "KNOTS LANDING." Since her departure from "GENERAL HOSPITAL," Cheatham has been continuously working on numerous projects involving film, prime-time TV and the stage.

In the film "THE BACHELOR," Cheatham plays mother to Renee Zellweger's character. Cheatham's movie son-in-law is played by actor Nic Pryor, another "resident" of "PORT CHARLES." Also starring is Chris O'Donnell. (Watch out for a comical scene in which his character is chased by thousands of brides throughout San Francisco.) "THE BACHELOR" opens nationwide on Nov. 5.

In another upcoming film, Cheatham rears up for laughs. Walter Matthau pinches Cheatham's bottom in "HANGING UP," directed by Diane Keaton who is also in the movie. Meg Ryan stars in the comedy as well. Other films featuring Cheatham in the past are "THE WEDDING SINGER," "LOST AND FOUND" and "NIGHT AT THE ROXBURY," all of which star famed Saturday Night Live comics.

Additionally Cheatham has continuously honed her comedy skills through various guest roles on many television sitcoms and dramas. These include "THE NANNY" (ABC), "PROMISED LAND" (ABC), "CAROLINE IN THE CITY" (CBS), "GEORGE & LEO" (ABC) and "THE JEFF FOXWORTHY SHOW" (NBC). She is scheduled to appear on the upcoming comedy entitled "MALCOLM IN THE MIDDLE."

Cheatham has played many recurring TV roles as well, such as a hard-nosed judge on "THE PROFILER," a hip and lovable grandmother on "THE JOURNEY OF ALLEN STRANGE" and a wealthy socialite who is a gym patron on "MUSCLE."

Cable movies in which the multi-faceted actress has participated include "PERFECT PREY" (HBO) and "SON OF SANTA" (SHOWTIME). Made-for-TV movies include "RUNAWAY CAR" (FOX), "ROCK & ROLL" (ABC) and "INDICT AND CONVICT" (NBC).

In January, Cheatham will be appearing at the Victory Theatre in a new Lee Murphy play, entitled "MONKEE GRASS." On prior stage work, Cheatham earned a Drama-Logue Award for her performance in "CATCH A FALLING STAR" by Murphy. She also earned a nominee slot on the Ovation Award ballot for this performance.

Other Los Angeles stage appearances include the play "LAST SUMMER AT THE BLUE FISH COVE," which ran at The Tiffany Theatre and enabled Cheatham to garner another Ovation nomination, and a revival of "THE NEW YORKERS," which ran at the La Mirada Theatre.

On Broadway, Cheatham appeared in "LADIES AT THE ALAMO." Off-Broadway, she was seen in "CHRISTMAS ON MARS" and "CLASH BY NIGHT." Cheatham's work on the latter won her a Drama Desk Award.

Cheatham is more than prepared to reclaim her famed role on "PORT CHARLES." Watch out this Monday because Aunt Charlene is back and ready to give everyone a piece of her delectable mind.

For interviews or color slides, contact: Barbara Shelley Public Relations, 8489 W. Third St. Los Angeles, Calif., 90048; phone: 323/653-1588; fax: 323/653-1589; e-mail: babspr@aol.com.

For "PORT CHARLES" clips, contact: Robin Chandler, 310/557-4826 (ABC-TV).