Christine Davis recently shared that one of her co-stars from “Melrose Place” was not very friendly during their time together on the show in the 90s. She discussed this on the podcast “Hey Dude… The ’90s Call!” The actress, now 60, recalled feeling like she had hit the jackpot when she landed the role of villain Brooke Armstrong in the third season, which aired from 1995 to 1996.
However, Davis mentioned to hosts Christine Taylor and David Rusher that there were some tense moments on set. She felt that the atmosphere was competitive, and particularly noted that one cast member wasn’t very approachable. “There were so many people there,” Davis said, reflecting on her time. “I’ve seen many of them since, and a lot are really nice. But back then, it felt a bit different.”
She pointed out Marcia Cross as a colleague whom she felt coldness from, recalling that while she had friends nearby, Cross didn’t seem inclined to engage. “I didn’t have a scene with her, which wasn’t an issue, but I would say things like ‘Good morning,’ and there would be no response,” she explained.
Taylor chimed in, sharing that he faced similar situations with co-stars, especially during what he called a “tense period,” where everyone was on edge about job security.
Davis couldn’t help but reminisce about some experiences, noting that it was a mix of good and difficult times. “Sometimes things were really nice on set, but, I think it’s just how it was back then,” she said, while also mentioning that the same former colleague who had been distant was now friendly towards her. It left her thinking, “Do you remember when you weren’t so warm?”
In contrast to this experience, Davis talked about her time on “Sex and the City,” where she took on a role of welcoming new cast members and guest stars. “I remember how intimidating it felt, so I really tried to be an encouraging presence,” she said. “That fear of being in a new environment is real.”
Despite her mixed feelings about working with that one co-star, Davis expressed that her time on “Melrose Place” was significant for her career. “It was a little scary at times,” she admitted, mentioning how she grew up watching shows like “Dallas” and “Dynasty.”
“Being on that set meant so much to me,” she reflected. “I mean, I was thrilled to have a job. It felt like winning the lottery,” adding that she thought she would be there longer than just one season, which turned out to be 32 episodes.
Her character met a dramatic end in an episode titled “Devil’s Wet Dress,” where she drowned in the Melrose Place Pool after a fall.
In a past interview, Davis noted that she actually beat out Hillary Swank for the role of Brooke, recalling the audition process with fondness. “It was me and a girl named Meredith,” she said, remembering the final audition vividly.
She shared that some actresses worried about her long hair, suggesting she cut it, which she hesitated to do. “But the audition wasn’t intimidating; everyone was so nice,” Davis reflected. “Hillary came out looking so young and sporty. I thought, ‘Hmm.’”
After leaving the audition, she and Meredith even comforted Swank, who obviously went on to achieve great success. “She’s done just fine, winning two Oscars and all,” Davis added with a laugh.
