Identical twins Ella and Anna, 2½ years old, can't tell each other apart when they see themselves on TV.

The Camarillo toddlers have appeared since January in five episodes of the daytime soap opera "Days Of Our Lives."

"To them it's just fun," said their mother, Leslie, 35. "It's been a good experience."

Producers like to have twins play younger characters because they can switch between the child actors if one is temperamental or uncooperative that day, Leslie said.

Paloma Jackson, the girls' agent and director of the baby division at Jet Set Management Group, said the twins are cooperative, comfortable around the crew and not too vocal—a benefit that saves the production from making costly edits to delete their ramblings, Jackson said.

But the parents are just as important to the production as their children, she said. Because soap opera productions are like a well-oiled machine, producers interview parents to make sure they won't disrupt the production, will be professional, arrive on time and have their kids prepared and wellgroomed, she said.

Leslie "does everything she needs to do to get the girls in a good light," Jackson said.

Leslie and her husband, Dale, had earlier considered taking the twins to auditions for TV or movies but then dismissed the idea because they were too busy.

Two months premature, Ella and Anna stayed in the hospital for eight weeks after they were born, coming home in the summer of 2006. The couple also have two other children, 6-year-old Cole and 5-year-old Tanner, to care for. Between caring for the girls and shuttling the boys to and from school, baseball games and karate class, it took quite a while for the family to set up a family routine. What's more, the couple coowns a popular Camarillo eatery, and Dale works with his father, managing a chain of restaurants. Life in the household calmed down only last spring.

A few months later, Leslie met a father of triplets in a local park who suggested she hire an agent for the girls. He'd done it for his sons, he said, and they worked for several years and now have money for college. Leslie called the agent, and the girls were sent on a couple of auditions.

Anna and Ella have a weekto-week contract to play "Ali," the daughter of "Sami" on "Days of our Lives." Leslie said her daughters look more like actress Alison Sweeney, who plays their mother, than they do her.

Before landing a recurring role on the daytime soap opera, the twins appeared as extras on the first episode of "Eli Stone."

When the girls are called to the Burbank set, Leslie tells them they're going to play dress up and pretend. Ella is more excited than Anna to be on camera and so appears more often, Leslie said. The girls are on set for a couple of hours one or two days a week and some weeks not at all—a schedule Leslie can handle. When the occasional scheduling conflict arises, Leslie has a baby sitter pick her sons up from school.

"It's worked out; it's been fun," Leslie said. "It doesn't interrupt our life right now."

Leslie takes a friend or family member to the set with them, so an adult is with each girl at all times. She has no shortage of escorts, who are enthused about watching a TV show in production.

On set, the girls are spoiled, lavished with attention from the crew and greeted with a lollipop each time by the casting agent, Leslie said.

Anna and Ella have no speaking parts—they're more "like glorified props" at this age, their mother said—but occasionally Leslie rehearses with them, such as the time she prepped the girls to act excited when they saw their "pretend mommy" on set, because the script had called for the mother to be separated from "Ali" for the past nine months.

The girls are easygoing and comfortable around the actors, though both have different personalities, Leslie said. Anna, the go-getter and more daring one of the duo, is a tomboy, while Ella is all-girl and a bit bossy.

When the family watches the show, Cole and Tanner laugh at the sight of their sisters on TV. Ella and Anna can't tell which of them is appearing on camera, though the rest of the family can, Leslie said.

Should the girls' career take off and consume more of their time, the family will decide then whether their daughters can continue. Leslie doesn't want to stop Anna and Ella if they enjoy the work; on the other hand, she can't neglect the needs of her sons.

"It will just have to be the right thing for everybody at that time," Leslie said.

As a young actor, what was the most important thing you learned when you were working so closely with many phenomenal actors as Terry O'Quinn, Dominic Monaghan etc.?
I have learned so many things working with so many great actors. The most important though would be how Dominic really taught me how to get into my character in real life. When i first started acting, I didn't realize how important it was to become your character, and he taught me how to do that from his years of experience.

How soon did you know you would return for The Life and Death of Jeremy Bentham?
Damon Lindelof, a producer, contacted me and told me they were going to need me to Hawaii for a week or so. I wasn't told anything beyond that, but I knew at that point from the lack of information, that I was going to be in the show, and not just coming back for a cast engagement. They really arn't kidding when they say even if you die or get off they island your story isn't done.

Is it true you already filmed a scene from the season 6 finale because you were aging too much?
n/c

Apart from episode 7 of season 5, will you appear on the show more often?
I sure hope to, but for obvious reasons, I can not comment of specific appearances.

Is there even a chance you will be a regular again in the final season?
Again, I would love to. But thats not up to me.

Do you keep up with the show as a fan?
I really love the show, and am very interested in it. I have to watch the show for "work", but I guess that means I have the best job ever because I love the show.

Did you ever film scenes as a flashback related to Walt’s time with the Others? Scenes we are possibly going to see?
n/c

What did Ms. Klugh from the Others mean when she said Walt appeared in place he wasn’t supposed to be?
You know about as much about that as I do.

What happened when Walt was in Room 23? And what is Room 23?
Wait and see.

Are all the Walt-mysteries going to be solved? (Dead birds, the Others, whispering in the jungle all wet)
The producers have said many times that they really hope to solve the whole Walt story, and in time I believe they will.

Do you think Walt will ever see Vincent again?
It's possible

Are you disappointed that things didn't work out better for Michael and Walt on the show?
No, not at all. I truly enjoyed my time on the show, and have learned so much. I am just grateful for the time I had.

Who do you think is more connected to the island? Aaron or Walt?
I think they are connected the same, in different ways. Obviously Aaron being born on the island give him a large tie, but walt has similar abilities to Locke to communicate with it.

How important is Walt for the show.
Just as important as all the other actors, film producers, writers, set coordinators, and everyone else that works on this amazing show.

Is Walt going back to the island?
Maybe if we cross our fingers.

Can we expect to see Walt in the season 5 finale?
Yes, keep your eyes on the t.v.!

Do you think you’re better than Richard Alpert, because you do age?
Haha no not at all. Richard Alpert, is one of the most unique characters I have ever seen on T.V. And I think he fits in perfectly with the show.

And last but not least, is there something you want to tell all the fans?
Thank you all for all of your support! Lost would be no where with out fans like you who care about the show, and care about the people in the show. Your support has been nonstop and for that, I thank you.

Who: Rachael and Jessica Slomovitz
When: March 13th 2007
Age: 2 years old!!
Role: Jenny Martin, 2008-present.
Info: Rachael and Jessica joined the cast of All My Children last fall in the role of Jenny Martin. The girls scenes currently have been dealing with a toddler caught in the middle of their parent's divorce. Though Krystal and Tad have tensions, things are great off set and the girls love working with Michael and Bobbie, as well as Alexa :)

Happy Birthday Rachael and Jessica! We hope you have a great birthday!

I am glad you all seemed to enjoy my interview with the very charming John Callahan. While I was visiting the photo shoot that featured him, I was also able to sit down and talk to two of the newest faces in Salem: Taylor Spreitler who plays Mia, and Dylan Patton who is playing the returned Will Horton Roberts. Both actors were awaiting their first "Days of our Lives" photo shoot when I got a hold of them and asked them what it was like to be on the show.

I approached Dylan first, who was everything he appears to be on screen. Cool, calm and relaxed. He doesn't seem too phased that he's about to participate in a big photo shoot and before that begins, he's sharing a wardrobe room with "Days'" superstar Ari Zuker and seasoned daytime veteran John Callahan. Here's what went down with my first sit-down interview with Dylan Patton.

Days Insider: How has it been sharing scenes with Alison Sweeney and Bryan Dattilo?

Dylan: Well, I did my screen test with Bryan, so I felt a little more comfortable acting around him. He's hilarious. Always making people crack up. He's great. Still looking forward to sharing more scenes with Ali.

Days Insider: Are there any particular scenes you're looking forward to?

Dylan: Well, I don't know as much as people think I know when it comes to upcoming storylines. The scripts that I do have in my hands right now, I can't share. It's super top-secret. I just want Will's story to go somewhere so I can stay on the show and people can stay interested in what my character is doing.

Days Insider: So far, has it been a lot of fun over there on the set in "Salem"?

Dylan: It has been fun. I have only been here for a handful of episodes. But, I want Will to stick around and who knows, maybe start a few relationships and break a few hearts. (laughs)

Days Insider note: It was hard not to notice Dylan glancing over in Ari's direction when delivering that last line in the interview.

Next up, I sat down and interviewed Taylor Spreitler, who was just as cool and collected. It must be a teenage thing.

Days Insider: Are you having fun so far with your character, Mia?

Taylor: She's kind of the role I always wanted to play. This character is giving me the leeway to be very dramatic, then very sad, then very happy. I am really looking forward to more scenes with "Will" because I get to go from being in this big adult scene being pregnant, to then acting like a teenager on the show.

Days Insider: Has it been fun being in scenes with Ari?

Taylor: I love Ari! She was there on my first day and helped me out so much. She always comes down to my dressing room to go over lines and she always just wants to get things done. She's great at giving pep talks right before a heavy scene.

Days Insider:Are there any characters you look forward to Mia having more scenes with on the show?

Taylor: I think Will's going to be fun to have scenes with. Look at him, he's so cute! He's also so nice. I am also looking forward to when Mia has to meet Will's parents.

Days Insider:: Anything you can tell the fans to look forward to?

Taylor: Lets be honest, those fans know everything I already know, they probably know more! I can say watch out, because there is a lot of cool stuff about to happen in Salem, so keep watching!

I don't know about you, but I think Salem is long overdue for a classic teenage love storyline. I can't wait to hear what kind of advice Lucas dishes to Will when it comes to the opposite sex. I think we are in for some very fun scenes. I also included some behind-the-scenes photos from the shoot for you enjoy.

Rachael and Jessica Slomovitz joined the cast of All My Children late last year in the role of Jenny Martin. Recently, I have gotten the opportunity to do a Q&A with the family, here is what the family has to say

Q&A is not to be duplicated elsewhere and claimed as their own. STAR-KIDZ exclusives

1. Are there any ways to tell the girls apart so we know who has done which scene?

As you know they are identical twins. It is somewhat difficult for most people to tell them apart. To us it appears that Rachael has a more ‘full’ looking face, but the last time they were weighed they were only 4 ounces apart!

2. When is the girls birthday?

The girls will turn 2 on March 13th.

3. How do the girls like working with Alexa?

The girls absolutely LOVE working with Alexa. Not only is she talented, but she is very sweet too. Alexa always plays with the girls, makes them laugh, dances with them, and occasionally reads them a story.

4. How do the girls like working with Bobbie and Michael?

The girls really enjoy working with Bobbie and Michael. They both try to come in to see the girls before taping a scene to make the girls feel comfortable. Therefore, the girls work well on set with them.

5. How did the girls get started in the business?

As soon as the twins were born, many people told us that identical twins were needed in this industry. We started going on auditions and did some work for Babies R Us. As the girls got older, it was more difficult to travel into the city for auditions. We were lucky enough to go to the All My Children audition and found out we were hired on our way home.

6. Have the girls gotten to see themselves on TV?

The girls have gotten to see themselves on TV. They get excited and they each shout their name and point to the screen. (Even they aren’t sure who is who!)

7. Is there any actors or anyone that the girls like to be around backstage but have not gotten the chance to work with?

All of the actors and actresses that we have run into backstage have been very nice to Rachael and Jessica. One day Darnell came by our room and began to talk to and play with the girls. He said “You never know…I could have a scene with them one day.” Tamara also showed an interest in the girls. She actually got down on her hands and knees and played with Rachael.

8. Have the girls gotten the opportunity to interact with the other AMC kids?

Yes! Most of the time they are only called with Alexa, but they have seen Lucy, as well as the boys that play Spike and Ian on the show.

9. Is one of the girls used more or do they do scenes equally?

So far the girls have done scenes equally. The actor or actress that they are doing the scene with will usually pick one. There was one time that Jessica seemed tired so Rachael went to hair and make-up. When they were ready to tape the scene, Rachael had fallen asleep and they used Jessica!

10. How did you feel when the girls got casted?

We couldn’t believe it!


I would like to take this time to thank the Slomovitz family for taking the time to do this Q&A with us :)

Who: Garrett, Spencer and Mitchell Grey
When: March 4th 2000
Age: 9 years old! (can you believe it?)
Role: Zack on Days from 2001 to 2006; Christmas Eve 2008 and Raymond on Big Love, all three seasons
Info: Wow, how time flies! I remember just a few years ago when they left the role of Zack on Days and they were little. When we saw them again on the Christmas Eve episode, it was certainly a treat. Garrett & Spencer have grown up in the eyes of viewers of television and continue growing up as they have continued on the show Big Love. They filmed the pilot of that when they were 4 years old! Mitchell has also appeared on Big Love as a stand-in for the character of Wayne.
OMG. I really can not believe that they are now 9 YEARS OLD!

Happy 9th Birthday Mitchell!
Happy 9th Birthday Spencer!
Happy 9th Birthday Garrett!
We hope you three had a great birthday!
(there would be a photo but the gallery is still down... )

Young actor Sterling Beaumon, 13, of Canyon Country, scores plum role on popular television show

Portraying the young version of an evil genius is all in a day's work for 13-year-old Sterling Beaumon. The Canyon Country resident has been acting, singing, dancing, and skating his way into stardom since scoring a Hollywood agent at 3 with a rousing rendition of "The Star Spangled Banner."

"I love being in front of people and getting noticed," Beaumon said.

Beaumon will get plenty of notice when his five-episode arc as the teen Ben Linus of the hit television series "Lost" airs March 18. Beaumon originally appeared as the young Linus in 2007. Depending how the show's notorious flashbacks play out, Linus is - or is not - directly responsible for ruining the lives of several characters cohabitating a mysterious island after a plane crash.

The fact that Linus isn't exactly popular among the castaways doesn't faze Beaumon. "Ben wasn't strange as a kid, he's nothing like what he turned out to be. I know what happened on the island, but I can't tell you," Beaumon said with a smile. He shares the same eerily blue eyes as his older counterpart, portrayed by Michael Emerson.

Playing Linus is a departure from Beaumon's happy-go-lucky geek character on Disney Channel's "Mostly Ghostly," though the youngster has shown a wide range of acting skills as a guest star on shows ranging from "ER" and "Heroes" to "Crossing Jordan" and "7th Heaven."

He's also an accomplished dancer and stage actor, performing as a guest artist in the National Ballet of Korea's "Nutcracker" at the L.A. Shrine Auditorium, and appearing in a Geffen Playhouse production of "All My Sons," with Neil Patrick Harris and Laurie Metcalf.

"Being on stage is so different than being on television. You never know what's going to happen, that's the scary part," Beaumon said. "But I like what I do and the attention that I get. Otherwise, why do it?"

A natural
According to Beaumon's mother, Claire, her son comes from a long line of performers - a musician father, opera singing grandmother and a grandfather who was a bit-part actor in the 20s. So it didn't come as a surprise when at age 3, Beaumon turned to her at a hockey game and said he wanted to sing "the flag song" to the players and the crowd someday.

Instead he sang it for an agent, and was immediately cast in a series of print ads. Meanwhile, the youngster started dancing.

"Ballet, tap, jazz, he wanted to do everything," Claire Beaumon said. He was also comfortable on the ice, and at age 5 skated opposite Olympic gold medal winner Scott Hamilton during a hometown show in San Diego.

After a photographer told Beaumon that her son was too animated for print and should be cast in TV commercials, the duo moved from San Diego to Burbank to be closer to the entertainment industry. A Disney Cruise Line commercial soon followed, instilling in Beaumon a love of travel.

"Going places when we work is cool. I've been to the Bahamas, Germany, New York, Hawaii and Vancouver," he said. "When we break at ‘Lost,' which films in Oahu, we walk off the set and right onto the beach."

Prior to "Lost," Beaumon's big break came with the role of Max Doyle in "Mostly Ghostly." "A geek who becomes cool," Beaumon said describing his role in the work based around the popular book series by R.L. Stine. The Universal feature premiered on the Disney Channel in October 2008 to high ratings after its theatrical release and became a best-selling children's DVD.

"We're hopefully doing more, though it's not for sure," Beaumon said. "It's been fun and doing the Disney thing brings a whole bunch of kid fans."

Off the set
While he often lives out of a suitcase, there are a few constants in Beaumon's life. He is now home-schooled, studying online and with a tutor, since his acting schedule makes public school impossible to attend.

Since moving to Canyon Country in June, Beaumon has joined a hockey league at Valencia's Ice Station, practicing or playing in games three times a week. At home, Beaumon hangs out with a core group of friends whose idea of a good time includes video games and Nerf Dart Tag.

Beaumon's crew can also be found creating avant-garde home movies. Using a hand-held video camera, they sneak up on unsuspecting friends and family members for improvisational shorts that will never end up on YouTube.

"Not everyone in our movies really wants to be there and it might bring up some negative attention," Beaumon said. Instead, Beaumon makes DVDs for the parties involved.

A University of Southern California fan, Beaumon plans to attend the Los Angeles campus and study film to eventually become a director or cinematographer. The idea was cemented by experiences Beaumon had acting in films produced by USC students over the last few years.

"The students showed him what they know. They were so good about letting him handle the equipment, teaching him about lighting and setting up the shot," said Claire Beaumon.

Beaumon took that knowledge to the set of "Mostly Ghostly," where he was allowed to film a take. "I like working with cameras, they can do so many things. It's so much fun," Beaumon said. "I'd like to direct whenever I can."

He also likes to play surf, skateboard, play guitar and sing. Beaumon recently attended a Jonas Brothers concert, sitting front row center during the show. He's met them more than once. "They're really nice guys," he said.

Getting "Lost"
Beaumon and his mother weren't always so fond of "Lost." The show kept pre-empting "In Case of Emergency," a pilot Beaumon filmed that both thought would be his big break.

"We were like, what is this ‘Lost' show?," Beaumon recalled. "We started watching it and became big fans."

Fans of Beaumon started approaching him after his initial appearance as Linus two years ago, such as a surf shop employee who spotted him while shopping.

"The guy was like, ‘Aren't you on TV? Hey, you're young Ben!' He gave me free posters," Beaumon said. "It's fun, though sometimes I'm shy and don't always want to be recognized."

It's Beaumon's voice that will be in the spotlight as a character on the Japanese Anime series "Gunswords," and as one of the stars of the upcoming "Astro Boy," starring Nicholas Cage, based on a Japanese franchise hit about a scientist who creates a robot in the image of his lost son. Sterling will also lend his voiceover talent to "Sludge/Sam" opposite Freddie Highmore, a Imagi Imagination Studios' big screen production due for theatrical release later this year. The hectic schedule is fine with Beaumon.

"I don't know what else to do. If someone told me I couldn't act or perform, I don't know what else I would do."