It is always a pleasure to interview someone I have admired as his career continues to flourish. Recently, I had the opportunity to sit down with Tony Moore, host of Dishin Days, a Days of Our Lives weekly recap show on Afterbuzz TV, as well as host of his own talk show Loungin with Tony, as well as several other shows we will hear about in the interview. Not only is Tony an entertaining and engaging host, but he also frequently does background work on a number of shows.
Tony was kind enough to share some of the details of his career and where we can see him next. He is one very talented and busy man!
Carolyn Topol Talk: Tony, we know you from Afterbuzz TV’s Dishin Days & walk-ons on Days of Our Lives, hopefully to become more than that, can you tell how that began?
Tony Moore: You know, I’ve been doing that for 8 years; I’ve been doing background work on the show, wait [starts counting months & years]—it’s been 8, or maybe 7 years that I’ve been doing background work on Days. I still remember my first scene, which was in the Brady Pub. And I remember my first day, very vividly.
CTT: What was it like?
TM: I remember we got to the studio, we were standing there, and we were watching everyone block. At the time Rachel Melvin [Chelsea Brady on Days of Our Lives] was still on the show. She saw me and asked, “What are you doing here?” I said, “I’m doing background work today!” [enthusiastic voice]
[All laugh]
That was fun, and I remember another guy, who had a small role, I think he played a detective, or something like that. His name was Brandon. He said, “Oh I like your shirt,” and I answered, “Thank you.” I think I still have the picture of when I was in the Brady Pub. I was sitting behind Mary Beth Evans and Stephen Nichols. [Kayla Brady & Steve Johnson on DOOL]
CTT: That’s a great start! Do you do background work on any of the other shows on TV?
TM: Soaps?
CTT: Soaps or any other types of shows—anything?
TM: I’ve done… oh my gosh… The Mindy Project, Desperate Housewives, and I just did Notorious which is a new show that’s coming out. I’ve done a lot of different shows. Lethal Weapon is another one I did.
CTT: How many years have you been doing this? You said you’ve done this 8 years on Days, but in general?
TM: In general, background work, off and on, for the past few years — since I got to L.A. It’s that side job. In L.A. you have to have a side job, so background work was kind of my side gig. But for the past year or so I’ve been doing it a little more. Like Days has been one of those steady things that I’ve done for the past 7 or 8 years.
CTT: When did you come to L.A.?
TM: I moved to L.A. August 2008; August 18th, 2008 to be exact.
CTT: Is there a specific reason you know [the exact date] or you just happen to remember it?
TM: I just remember it. I remember right before I moved, I quit my job that Friday. Everything was packed up and shipped out, and Monday the 18th, 2008 I was on a plane coming out there. I’ve just always remember that day.
CTT: Now I would imagine you’ve had more walk-ons on Days than any of the other shows?
TM: Oh yeah.
CTT: So what brought you from being a walk-on to starting Dishin Days?
TM: Well, I’ve been with Afterbuzz TV for a few years now. I actually started doing recaps for Dance Moms, which is on Lifetime, which is how I got in. I noticed that at one time they used to have a Young and the Restless recap but then they weren’t doing it anymore and that was the only soap they had done. So I asked them [Afterbuzz], would it be possible to bring a recap show of Days of Our Lives. I figured it would be great because, I mean, by that time, we’re almost at 2 years in February — I had been doing the show — doing background work, for 6 or 7 years. I’d been doing these events for quite some time [referring to Dual Coast Events DOOL fan events], I knew a lot of the actors, and I knew a lot of the fans, so it made sense to start a recap show for a fan base that I kind of already had – for a show that I’d been watching for years.
CTT: And you brought Mark [Freeman] on?
TM: Yes.
CTT: And you brought Peter on?
TM: Yes.
CTT: Can you tell me how you found Peter and Mark and why you selected them to co-host?
TM: Mark, Peter, and I used to all work at the same club in West Hollywood together. When Peter would work there, we would actually talk about Days every now and then. I didn’t know that he watched Days and then I somehow mentioned it. Whenever we were together we talked about the show. So when I started that [Dishin Days] I knew that Peter watched it, I knew that Mark was a fan—I don’t know how I knew Mark was a fan, but I figured it out [all laugh]. So I asked them to come on and do the show, so they agreed to do it.
CTT: Have you done any of the other Afterbuzz shows at this point?
TM: Any other soap shows or just in general?
CTT: In general.
TM: So there’s.. oh my gosh, what have I done? I’ve done Dance Moms, I’ve done Abby’s Ultimate Dance Competition, I’ve done RuPaul’s Drag Race. When I stopped doing Drag Race was when Mark came on [Drag Race].
CTT: I was going to say, wasn’t Mark on that too? Were you on at the same time?
TM: No.
CTT: That would’ve been interesting.
TM: Right — can you imagine RuPaul’s Drag Race with me and Mark! [Big laugh]
CTT: I would’ve loved that show! And I don’t even watch RuPaul’s Drag Race. I watch it sporadically, but it’s not like me with the soaps — I don’t DVR it.
TM: You should. It’s really good! It’s like Top Model for drag.
CTT: I have watched that one.
TM: Top Model?
CTT: Yes.
TM: So just think of, maybe not photo shoot challenges, unique challenges with men in wigs — it’s amazing!
CTT: [Laughs] I’ve been to drag shows, I just don’t watch that TV show regularly.
TM: Well, now you’ve got watch it—especially right now because All Stars is on which is amazing so you should add that to your DVR.
CTT: I appreciate the advice and plug for them. [laugh]
TM: And then add RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars Recap on Afterbuzz TV with Mark to your listing.
CTT: Of course! [more laughter] You’re currently doing Dishin Days, are you doing any of the other shows right now or are they done for the season?
TM: All the ones I just mentioned, I don’t do anymore. I just finished a web talk show called 30ish. It’s not on Afterbuzz TV, it’s on the sister channel, Black Hollywood Live. I’m a lover of talk shows, and my favorite talk show is The Real. I wanted something that I could connect to. I feel like a lot of talk shows only cater to women, no offense, but as a guy I want to feel like I can relate to some of the things and have some of the topics geared towards me. So I came up with 30ish to incorporate what I see as my group of friends, which is different genders, and races, and ethnicities, and sexual orientations, and things like that. I wanted to create a show that would have multiple different voices that would speak to people in their thirties and guide them through this interesting decade in their lives.
CTT: Now that particular series ended, have you thought of introducing it or promoting it again to Afterbuzz?
TM: Oh, for sure. That show started out as a proposal for Afterbuzz. They decided it would work best on the sister channel, Black Hollywood Live. The plan is to maybe, potentially start it up again.
CTT: Okay.
TM: We did a test run for the month of August and it went okay. I think there’s a show there, but I’m still figuring it all out. So it may come back—maybe, we’ll see.
CTT: Well, I watched it.
TM: Did you like it?
CTT: I did, which is why I asked you about it.
TM: Oh good! Thank you.
CTT: Not being in that age bracket, I still thought there was a show there.
TM: Good, good! [Big smile]
CTT: Knowing the title, and target age, I wasn’t sure it would be for me but I knew I could trust you to host a good show and gave it a try.
TM: Thank you!
CTT: Anything else you have brewing right now?
TM: I’m also doing the after show for Logo TV’s Finding Prince Charming on Afterbuzz. This is the first gay dating show that they’ve ever done so it’s kind of like The Bachelor, except the suitors are gay — everybody’s gay and fabulous! It’s going to be an interesting show. The premier of the Afterbuzz show just happened this past Thursday [interview was held September 9th]. I wasn’t there, obviously, but I’m going to join when I’m back in L.A.
CTT: What’s the actual title of the Afterbuzz show?
TM: Finding Prince Charming Recap. Dishin Days is the only show at Afterbuzz that has kind of branded themselves as a different show. We’re not just Days of Our Lives After Show. We named it Dishin Days so it’s not that. The name actually came from Peter. He’s the one who said we should call it Dishin Days.
CTT: Subsequently, following [the Dishin Days] example, the other soap recap shows all have different names.
TM: Yes. We have GH Report, The Restless Wrap Up, and The Bold Breakdown. I think because James [Lott Jr.] was with us this all followed suit.
CTT: So they’re almost like spinoffs.
TM: Yeah, yeah. James has done a great job with The GH Report and Bold Breakdown and then Lacretia [Lyon}, who is on The GH Report started The Young and the Restless one. Now we just have this unique little soap block which I think is great for soap fans because a lot of people don’t watch soaps. They’re a very niche type of thing. It’s good to have a place where you know other fans are there to talk about it and understand the storylines so you don’t have to re-explain things. That was basically the premise of the show going back to how it all kind of began. It gives fans a chance to connect with other fans. They can talk about the show; talk about what they like and what they don’t like and everything else. They can call in now, and talk to us, and share their thoughts and opinions. They get the chance to talk to some of the stars. I’m really big on that because this show is done for the fans. I don’t do it to gain some sort of notoriety or some sort of stardom. I do it because fans enjoy it and we enjoy talking about it so it all kind of connects together.
CTT: The fans really do enjoy it and they talk about it during the week, which is amusing.
TM: Yes. Actually, there’s some fans that can be real mean. [laughs]
CTT: No!
TM: Yeah. [more laughter] I normally don’t read YouTube comments, but I read a recent YouTube comment and I think one of the girls said that I’m always putting down Mark and Matthew [Paine] and I don’t do that. It makes you realize that there are things behind the scenes that people don’t know. Little jokes or things happen that people aren’t aware of.
CTT: Also, newer viewers don’t see the evolution of your friendships.
TM: Yes! Yes, yes, yes. So there are times I want to say, “No, let me explain!” and then I realize, nah, they’ll be fine.
CTT: Now, for Tony Moore, where do you want to see yourself going at this point? You have a broad range going in your career right now.
TM: I really want to focus on hosting. Hosting is something that will open doors for other things I want to do — acting, commercials, TV shows — things like that. I just want to keep growing. I want to elevate Dishin Days as much as possible and reach more fans. What I’d really love to do is connect with other soap bloggers and people out there that talk about soaps to work together. I’ve been a big advocate of that. It’s very hard to get other soap bloggers to join in.
CTT: In terms of hosting, are you looking into bigger things—for example who would you consider mentors in the hosting area?
TM: I look at people like Ellen [DeGeneres], who I absolutely love, who just have that fun, and not so serious approach to hosting which I think I’m very much like. Jimmy Fallon, who’s another one; James Corden with the Late, Late Show. I love his Carpool Karaoke. I look at them because they keep things very light and fun and people’s personalities come out more. That’s how I am with my web show, Loungin’ with Tony. I want celebrities to feel comfortable sitting across and chatting with me and not feel like I’m going to pry into their life and dig in to tell me the juice. You’re just going to tell me that on your own because you feel comfortable with me.
CTT: Are you also interested in expanding roles in terms of your acting?
TM: Yes.
CTT: So it’s not just hosting, but acting as well?
TM: I feel like there has to be that door that opens; something that leads you to other opportunities. I think hosting is one of those things where a door will open for that, and because people know me as this, then others will open for acting and things like that.
CTT: That’s interesting, because thinking of your mentors, Ellen for example, did it the exact reverse.
TM: Yeah, she started off in acting and ended up in hosting.
CTT: I think about Steve Harvey and it’s the same thing.
TM: Acting and then hosting – yes. I’m going to be the first that’s going to do hosting and then acting! [laughs]
CTT: And I’m going to say, “I knew you when…” [all laughing]
TM: And I’ll still be the same person. Someone actually asked me if when things do happen, if I think I’ll still remain the same person. Absolutely! My personality hasn’t changed since high school… I’m wiser.
CTT: That’s a good thing.
TM: But my personality is still the same.
CTT: Is there anything else you want to share with us regarding any projects you’re working on now?
TM: Look for a new season of Loungin’ with Tony at some point.
CTT: And where can we find it?
TM: You can find it on YouTube, on my YouTube channel, Loungin’ with Tony [links listed below] and my website, loungingwithtony.com.
CTT: More Dishin Days, of course.
TM: More Dishin Days and maybe more 30ish and that’s it.
CTT: Can we expect to see you in your hidden moments on Days?
TM: Of course. There are more of those coming. I was on set just a couple of weeks ago. So it’ll be in like six months. Even I get surprised.
CTT: You’re not sure when they’ll show it?
TM: I always know the episode number but I don’t look them up to see when they air and then all of a sudden I start noticing, well that scene looks familiar — oh that’s me! [all laugh] I still get surprised at finding myself.
CTT: I’ll make a deal with you. If you can know a week or so in advance when you’ll be airing, I’ll post some teasers for people to look for you. [nods agreement] How far ahead do they contact you to be on the show as an extra?
TM: Casting has something like a rolodex of people and I usually send an email around the week before letting them know I’m available if they need me and then I’ll get a phone call. I’m not sure what their logic is behind calling but every once in a while I get a call.
CTT: Have you auditioned for any actual roles on Days?
TM: No, I have never had an audition for Days. I’ve had many of the actors go to casting and say, “Hey, how about this guy?” but it hasn’t gone beyond that.
CTT: When you’re cast as a walk-on, how did your name get in that ‘roledex’?
TM: Martha Madison [Belle Black on DOOL} started it.
CTT: Tell me about that.
TM: Martha and I have known each other for years. We met each other during her first stint on Days and have kept in touch since then. When I moved to L.A., she and a friend of hers– her friend was an associate producer on Days — and I talked about wanting to do background work and she asked why I hadn’t done their show. I said I didn’t know who to contact, so she told me to send my info and she’d forward it and that’s what she did. So Martha introduced me to her, who got the ball rolling and Suzanne was the first casting director who hired me for background. And 7 or 8 years later, I’m still doing it.
CTT: And you and Martha both host.
TM: Yes, she had a show called Soap Box. She may be coming back with that but I’m not sure.
CTT: We recently learned Martha will be coming back to Days and so will you during the next few months.
TM: Just pay attention to Horton Town Square, I’m usually wandering around there.
CTT: We’ve also seen you in TBD.
TM: There was that one time in Club TBD! I was even surprised about that. They told me you’re in Club TBD and I was shocked.
CTT: Final two fun questions… favorite flavor of ice cream?
TM: That is a tough one [thinks about it]. Cookie Dough… or a sherbet.
CTT: And finally, your favorite sport to watch and your favorite sport to play?
TM: Neither! I don’t watch sports and I don’t play sports. Well, I’ll say my favorite sport to watch is football—the Super Bowl to watch for the commercials and the half-time show.
CTT: [Lots of laughter] I love it! Thank you so much for talking with us today!
*****
Tony was a pleasure to talk with. He was so open and willing to talk about anything honestly. Please make sure to look for, and follow, Tony and all of his shows using the links listed below!
Loungin’ with Tony: http://www.lounginwithtony.com
Tony Moore’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/LounginWithTony
Dishin Days: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6THzna6gLcckhofjTrawJQHxudHrU-aw & https://www.facebook.com/Dishin-Days-1464805443823160/
30ish: http://www.blackhollywoodlive.com/bhl-all-shows/30-ish/