MAN OF MYSTERY

Ted King unveils the truth behind Tomas’ enigmatic persona
Original Source: [ ABC SOAPS IN DEPTH ]

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Birthday: October 1
Birthplace: Hollywood, CA.
What’s In A Name?: Born Theodore William King, the actor was once professionally known as T.W. King
Master Chef: The actor reveals that he has Ol’ Blue Eyes to thank for his special pasta dish — well sort of. “When I worked on a dhow in Los Angeles, I got the recipe from a guy who used to be Frank Sinatra’s dresser, and he also cooked for him,” recalls King. “He turned out to be my dresser on my show, and he gave me Frank’s favorite recipe.”

While in talks to play a role on another soap, much to his surprise, GENERAL HOSPITAL’s former Alcazar, Ted King, was contacted about possibly joining ONE LIFE TO LIVE. “[GH's] Mark Teschner was acting as the West Coast casting director. He told me that Frank Valentini, the executive producer, had admired my work and would I consider coming to New York,” explains King. However, the actor’s wife, Maya, had just given birth to their daughter, Ava Celeste. so moving cross-country wasn’t exactly a deal. “We really kicked the idea wround and weighted the pros and cons,” he says.

Of course, it didn’t hurt that King’s wife is from New York. Plus, the actor spent a great deal of time in the Big Apple, where he attended the Tisch School Of The Arts, created The Portal Theatre Company and appeared as Danny Roberts on LOVING and THE CITY during the mid-1990s. “It just started to feel like the right idea and the best thing,” reveals King. “I spoke to Mr. Valentini on the phone and he said, ‘I don’t have a role for you. I’d like to create one with you.’

“That was just something that I’ve always wanted to hear,” he confesses. “I like to have creative input in whatever I do.”

Making Moves

Once he was on board, King had to spring into action. “It all happened pretty fast, and the next thing I knew, I was packing up my house, getting on a plane to come out to [New York] to shoot six episodes in three days back in December — and trying to find an apartment,” he recalls with a laugh. “That was overwhelming.”

Now that the King clan is all settled in, the actor can now breath easy. “I’m finally getting my sea legs underneath me,” he grins, adding that time has certainly been on his side.

“I’m more comfortable in the role. So each day is a little easier.” As for his contribution to the newly created role of Tomas, King reveals that the groundwork was already laid once he showed up on set. “By the time I’d actually finished negotiating, they’d already come up with the introduction,” he shares. “Pleased with what he heard, King’s contribution focused more on the inner workings of the artist. “I suggested reasons why he was a recluse in Paris, and what he may or may not be running from — a bit more of the backstory.”

Family Drama

Indeed, Tomas has quite an interesting story, and that fact isn’t lost on King. “Tomas is so different from moment to moment, depending on whom he’s dealing with,” points out the dashing actor. “It’s pretty complicated.” Certainly, “complicated” is the perfect adjective to describe Tomas’ relationship with his sister, Téa, and King hints that as the duo become reacquainted with one another, the family reunion ins’t necessarily going to be a happy one.

“They had a very close relationship growing up, so she’s upset with him about the fact that he disappeared and hasn’t been in contact for so long,” explains King of his alter ego’s non-presence in Téa’s life all these years. “He was just off being a musician in Europe, so she’s got a few bones to pick with him. Hopefully, they’ll have a really nice sibling relationship.”

Well that is, if Todd can manage to stay out of their way, and according to King, the men will definitely butt heads. “There will without question be friction,” he teases. “They’ll both be protective of Téa for different reasons, so it will be interesting to see who she will listen to.”

Matters Of The Heart

And while Tomas works to repair his relationship with Téa, he’s also focused on getting to know Blair a whole lot better. “No question,” asserts King of his alter ego having romantic designs on Ms. Cramer. “People want to see her have a real romance. She’s been through a lot.” Thinking Tomas and Blair could really make magic together, he adds, “I know he’s willing to give it a try. We’ll se how guarded she is based on her past.”

But if there’s on thing that Tomas isn’t, it’s guarded,a nd for King, that’s absolutely a positive attribute. “I love that he’s a complete free spirit and wears his heart on his sleeve,” he enthuses. “I’m enjoying that. it’s a nice challenge for me.”

— Shayla Ward