In recent years, as women have become an afterthought on soaps, it's become meaningless about whether or not men can play strong and emotional scenes with women. With the likes of Sheffer, Guza, and Frons, it's almost a positive if you don't bother to make an effort with women.

But this wasn't always the case.

Which actors do you think worked exceptionally well with women, not just romance or passion but also friendship, emotion, and being a good listener/supporting player to their problems?

For me Ben Hendrickson and Scott Bryce top the list (and that's probably one of the reasons they both became so popular with fans).

Peter Bergman and David Canary.

The only one in recent times I think qualifies is Jake Wood (Max Branning) on EastEnders....

To me, Max is the same with all women. He is one-note. Yeah, I said it. He plays this... this weird sort of j*rk meet coward... Some bizarre mixture that is eventually turning into a crap character that's going down the shitter.

To me, Max is the same with all women. He is one-note. Yeah, I said it. He plays this... this weird sort of j*rk meet coward... Some bizarre mixture that is eventually turning into a crap character that's going down the shitter.

With Tanya, I would agree. But not with Stacey, and Max is amazing with Carol, IMO. They have a really great sibling dynamic.

The only time I can stand stage school Tiffany is when she's in scenes with Max it seem as well...

Edited February 2, 201115 yr by Y&RWorldTurner

I forgot about David Canary! I used to like Bergman too but something changed in recent years.

I think Jordan Clarke and Robert Newman are good at this too, although I wouldn't have said that about Newman for a long time. I underrated him.

With Tanya, I would agree. But not with Stacey, and Max is amazing with Carol, IMO. They have a really great sibling dynamic.

The only time I can stand stage school Tiffany is when she's in scenes with Max it seem as well...

You are right, of course, yet I can't escape the feeling of how static this character ultimately ill. He just plays a pathetic, cowardly womanizer. I thought it would develop over time into something other than that, but it's just all the same. I feel as if he is a remnant of the Santer era. And I don't hate Santer as much as Carl does.

OK, Max sucks.

Sylph, which actors do you think work well with women?

AFAIC, the late, great James Mitchell has a lock on this category. Lover, friend, grandpa, partner-in-crime, worst enemy...he could do it all and often in the same episode.

James too, definitely. I don't think it ever worked with Opal but he had a great few years with Vanessa.

I'd say Clint Ritchie too.

I don't think Peter Bergman ever had romantic chemistry with any woman on Y&R. Though, he was great with Beth Maitland, Eileen Davidson, and Brenda Epperson for a while.

I liked Peter with MTS, and Luan.

I think A Martinez has always worked very well with women. He had chemistry with all the ladies on SB, not just Marcy. Loved his bro-sis type relationship with Robin Wright's Kelly, his friendship with Nancy Grahn's Julia, his general camraderie with mother-in-law Sophia (Judith McConnell), his venom toward villainess Gina (Robin Mattson), and his protectiveness over Gina Gallego's Santana.

Some others that come to mind:

Paul Michael Valley (Ryan, AW)

Stephen Schnetzer (Cass, AW)

Eric Martsolf (moreso on DAYS than Passions)

Trent Dawson

William Grey Espy

OK, Max sucks.

Sylph, which actors do you think work well with women?

My mind is blanking. Apart from two or three already mentioned, there are so many absolutely chemistry-less and/or sleazy guys around, they've suffocated the good ones.

John Ingle.

A lot of people liked the Edward/Alan relationship, and I did, too. But for me, Edward and Tracy's relationship was always the best and most real/tender. Not to mention his fun relationship with Monica and the brilliance that was Edward/Lila. Not to mention John Ingle was always great with Amber Tamblyn and Robin Christopher.

Husband, friend, dad...He's great.