Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with The Young and the Restless’ Brytni Sarpy

Brytni Sarpy has been heating up daytime television since she first stepped foot in Port Charles as Valerie Spencer in General Hospital. She grew and developed her character for five years, and it was bittersweet to say goodbye. Pop Culturalist caught up with Brytni to chat about transitioning from General Hospital to The Young and the Restless, and joining the cast of The Haves and the Have Nots.

General Hospital and The Young and the Restless Questions

PC: You’re best known for your role as Valerie Spencer on General Hospital. She’s a character you played for several years. What was the biggest lesson Valerie taught you? What’s the biggest takeaway from that experience?
Brytni: Valerie is a character I’ll always hold near and dear. I spent the most time developing her, and I will always love her. She wore her heart on her sleeve and always led from her heart. That sometimes got her into trouble. [laughs] She made decisions from one place, and while the heart is a beautiful place to make decisions from, she didn’t always take her gut and head into consideration. I can identify with Valerie and her decision-making process. I’ve had to work on making decisions with my gut, just as Val has. I learned the most about taking a character—who doesn’t have a distinct beginning, middle, and end—on a journey. I have a background in theatre and I always studied characters by creating an arc from beginning to end, so creating something at a slower, more nuanced pace, was different. It was a refreshing challenge.

PC: You recently transitioned from General Hospital to The Young and the Restless. Walk us through that decision. Were there any nerves?
Brytni: The whole process happened pretty quickly. The role was brought to me by my team. I wasn’t sure about switching soaps. General Hospital has always been a home for me, but I loved the writing team’s take on Elena. I related to her and decided to move forward. I screen tested with Bryton [James] and any nerves I had were calmed. It was a fairly comfortable process, and I got along well with everyone in the room.

PC: Tell us about your character, Elena Dawson, on The Young and the Restless. What should fans know about her? What can you tease about her story arc?
Brytni: Elena is fierce, strong, compassionate, and smart. Fans should know she’s incredibly thoughtful and caring. She’s been through experiences that have shaped her decisions and led her to her current situation in GC. There will be an emphasis on how her experiences and baggage mixes with Devon’s. It’ll influence their chemistry and connection.

PC: How do you think Elena would react to meeting Valerie?
Brytni: Elena and Valerie are different for sure, but not so different that they’re unrelated. I feel like Valerie would be a good little sister to Elena. Valerie could use Elena for guidance.

PC: You recently announced that you were cast in The Haves and the Have Nots. What can you tease about that project?
Brytni: It’s going to be an explosive season. I can’t wait for the fans to see how my character comes onto the canvas and who she interacts with. Working with Mr. Perry and the cast was a great experience. I look forward to working with them again soon.

Career Questions

PC: How did you discover your passion for acting?
Brytni: I joined theatre in high school. My first role was playing a witch (Weird Sister) in the Scottish play, Macbeth. I felt such a high performing on stage in someone else’s skin. I’ve never felt anything like that before. I’ve been in love ever since.

PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your career?
Brytni: My father has always been a pillar of support and encouragement in my dreams. Meryl Streep has always been a huge influence in the type of actor I want to be from her poise, intellect, passion, and power on camera.

PC: What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned being a part of this industry?
Brytni: It took me a while to learn how to separate the art of acting and the business of acting.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: Guilty pleasure TV show?
Brytni: Binging The Office for the umpteenth time!

PC: Guilty pleasure movie?
Brytni: Beauty and the Beast

PC: Favorite book?
Brytni: The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success by Deepak Chopra

PC: Favorite play or musical?
Brytni: The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Brytni: Chopin

PC: Last show you binge-watched?
Brytni: The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel

PC: Hidden talent?
Brytni: I can do a pretty spot on Elmo impression.

To keep up with Brytni, follow her on Twitter and Instagram, and catch her on The Young and the Restless every weekday on CBS.