During a recent interview with TV Guide Canada, Michael Easton spoke at length about his character on One Life to Live. Here are a couple highlights:

TV Guide: Are you happy that John’s lighter side is being explored through his romance with Blair? I loved the scene when Blair asked John if he owned anything that wasn’t black.
Michael Easton: Yes, I am! I’ve always tried to bring out John’s comedic side but the majority of the time it would have been inappropriate. I think comedy is important in daytime. I’ve been fortunate in my career to work opposite very funny actors. For instance, on Days of our Lives, I worked with Robert Mailhouse [ex-Brian] and Matthew Ashford [ex-Jack]. And of course, Tuc Watkins [ex-David] here on One Life to Live. Blair, David, and Todd are the perfect characters to help bring John out of his shell, so that’s why we’re seeing more life in John.

John McBain shows his compassionate side.

TV Guide: John’s a very rare and unique breed of soap character. I hate when soap characters aren’t affected by the death of a loved one. When John’s lover Caitlin was murdered, it threw him — and rightfully so — off his axis. Usually in the soap world, characters mourn for a few scenes and then move on.
Michael Easton: Which is why John was unlikable for a while. I give the audience a lot of credit though for hanging in there and giving him a chance. Slowly people are warming up to him, and John’s [experiencing a rebirth of sorts now].

Matt Richenthal is the Editor in Chief of TV Fanatic. Follow him on Twitter and on Google+.