TV/Radio & Cable Week, July 18, 1982
Is Lance Cumson TV's top jerk? by Steven Reich
The Lance Cumsons stink up the world. Even though Cumson is a fictitious character on "Falcon Crest," he reminds us of a despised boss, a devious colleague or a brown-nosing classmate. Cumson is the kind of fellow who lies, cheats and steals to achieve his own ruthless ends. Male heartthrob, Lorenzo Lamas, the son of famed actor Fernando, is having the time of his life portraying Angela Channing's (Jane Wyman) scheming nephew. There are popular obscenities to describe just such a fellow. But Lamas doesn't view Cumson in those dark terms.
"He's a jerk. But. I think he does have some redeeming qualities," the actor informed TV/Radio Week. "Lance really has a good heart. He just looks after his family. He just doesn't like to see anybody upset his domain. He's out for the bucks. If it weren't for the money, he would have left 'Falcon Crest' with the girl he had fallen, in love with last season. Lamas may be kidding himself, but he actually sees Cumson as a good guy. "By the end of the season, I made him act like a son of a gun only when it was necessary to protect his family. When he was around his mother and sister, he began to show warm emotions."
The Hollywood native modeled this character on several fellows from his youth. "I've met a few Lances and even had a good time with them running around L.A. and acting like we were maniacs. We used to wreak havoc. There's enough of that past in my life to really get into this character. I understand that beneath this slick and shallow heart lies a young man with big. problems. Being exposed to great wealth, heavy expectations were put on him at an early age." Lamas says a heretofore unknown stepson of Angela Channing's will visit "Falcon Crest" this fall. "He's a real snake in the grass. He inherits the news business from his late father, who was played by Stephen Elliott last season.' He stirs up a cacophony of romance and crooked business dealings." David Selby, of the cancelled "Falmingo Road" series, plays the wicked stepson.
Having spent several summers in Bordeaux, France, Lamas became familiar with wines, the product produced in "Falcon Crest's" vast vineyards. "I watched barrels being made, grapes being pressed. But by no means am I a wine expert. I've learned a lot just being on the show. I don't ever want to read a line and not know what I'm talking about. I keep the Encyclopedia of Wines" always handy. Though I'm not an accomplished wine taster, I know the difference between good wine and bad."
Before winning the Lance Cumson role, Lamas costarred in two poorly-received series — "California Fever" and "Secrets of Midland Heights." He admits that he began to question his own talents following those debacles. "You begin to really doubt yourself. It's difficult. But you have to live in the present and have faith that the right thing will come along. In the case of 'Midland Heights,' it was a blessing in disguise because Lorimar remembered me for 'Falcon Crest.' Even if a show doesn't last, you still meet people, make important contacts that can help you later on."
Lamas claims that reports of the snowballing drug crisis in Hollywood have been' overblown by the press. "I've read a lot more about it than I've seen. You have to remember, however, that when you are in the midst of creative people and a lot of money, some will experiment and live their own experiences. But it's just not this industry, it's everywhere now." Actor Richard Thomas has warned the industry that he will walk off the set or expel offenders if faced with a drug situation on any of his film projects. Lamas admits that his views aren't as strict. "If they know their lines, don't bump into the furniture and come to work on time, I don't think I would have any right to do such a thing. I don't really see how anybody could stay focused if they're strung out. After all, it does something to your memory and you have to remember your lines. I never mix the two."
By
Paul Raven ·
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