Sami Brady is my favorite Days of Our Lives’ characters. I’ve loved her from her bad girl days to her current trauma with her kidnapped daughter. And so when given the opportunity to ask Alison Sweeney, the actress who plays Sami, some questions, I {fainted, waved smelling salts} thoughtfully selected a few that I’m sure people want to know!

Linda: Where is Sami’s brother Eric? Is he OK after the accident and why don’t they bring him back into the storyline?

Alison: Ha! Eric is a professional photographer who shoots around the world. I’ve mentioned him a few times, and he is always in some far off country, and that’s why he can’t come to weddings, funerals, etc. I don’t know why the writers don’t bring him back. You’d have to ask them!

Linda: There is no denying true loves Tom and Alice, Doug and Julie, Bo and Hope; but who do you think is Sami’s soul mate?

Alison: I don’t think there is one right answer to this question. I have my own thoughts, but it’s impossible for me to be objective, since my opinion is skewed based on my experiences working with each of my co-stars over the years. The obvious three choices are Lucas, Rafe & EJ. And it just depends on where the writers take it. I’m so sad that the producers have decided to let go of Bryan Dattilo. They’ve been a major part of each others lives for 17 years, and at this point I have no idea how they’ll explain his absence, but it will without question be a major void in Sami’s life.

Without Lucas on the scene, you could make an argument (and lots of fans do) for the star-crossed lovers story of Sami & EJ. They come from feuding families, and bring out the best & worst in each other. It’s a fun turmoil to play, and James is a talented actor to work opposite. The accent isn’t bad either. Rafe is her knight in shining armor. And knowing how hard Sami has fought to provide a healthy family life for her and her children, it makes sense that this would be her happily-ever-after. And there is a solid fan-base who see it happening with Rafe. Galen is so fun to work with because he adds so much to what’s on the page, and it’s always real & deep. I know I can count on him through any type of scene.

I always remember Deidre Hall said once, a long time ago that “Roman was the love of Marlena’s life, but John was the passion.” If Sami’s like her anything like her mother, the question then becomes, which is which??

(Linda’s note: I was always Team Lucas until EJ came along…now I’m Team EJ all the way – man he’s HOT)

Linda: Do you bring a lot of Alison to your role as Sami? Which character (past or present) on Days would you say you (Alison) most relate to and why?

Alison: I always liked Jennifer Deveraux the best. I loved Missy’s portrayal of just such a fun, out-going, spirited charming spit-fire. You’re definitely right, Sami had a troubled childhood, without question. I remember one time, Sami was shot at by Italian mobsters and literally a week later Austin had a line “get over it already”…gotta love soaps. People go through surgeries and are out on romantic dates within days. But I digress. I bring in my sense of humor, my energy… but the rest is just Sami being Sami. She wears clothes often I would never wear, she is a lot more emotional than I am. I like how she wears her heart on her sleeve, but that’s not really me.

Linda:I think we’d all love to be a Jennifer Deveraux. She was always a favorite of mine too. As was her hair {gorgeous!} And of course I remember Jennifer Rose being born. But then I digress…

Now, you have a lot going on outside of Days. We love you on The Biggest Loser. Which competitor has inspired you the most on that show?

Alison: I am inspired every season. I bond with so many of the contestants each season. We have so much fun getting to know them all and rooting for them each week. There have been a few truly amazing, strong people who stand out for me. Obviously, this list would start with Abby from season 8. Her ability to come through such a tragedy will have me forever in awe of her strength and courage. Others like Tara, season 7, Ali V from Season 5, people who don’t quit no matter what, who embrace the show and every thing it offers and run with it. I am always inspired by people like that. And there are several people in the new season which starts in January who also are incredibly motivational… you’ll love them too!

Linda: What is your exercise and healthy eating regimen? I would imagine it’s a challenge to maintain with your hectic schedule. What advice do you have for busy moms like yourself?

Alison: I love keeping busy, but it makes simple things like fitting in time for the gym difficult. I try to really lay out the day in my head, and prepare myself for getting to the gym whenever I can. If that means bringing my gym clothes to set, and having them ready to go, that’s what I do. That helps get everything done, but then also, my gym bag is just sitting there staring at me, and that also motivates me by taking away my excuses.

Linda: I understand that you are working with California Raisins and Feeding America. What are these groups doing to put help put an end to childhood hunger?

Alison: The California Raisin growers recently contributed immensely to Feeding America, including a $50,000 donation along with a semi-truck load of California Raisin snack packs. The monetary donation went to help with the Feeding America backpack program – an effort designed to provide kids with meals to take home over the weekend or during school breaks. So many kids only get a healthy full meal while at school. By delivering the healthy foods and snacks via backpacks we’re able to minimize the social attention that they are getting aid in this way. The campaign has been very successful. Lots of people don’t realize how many kids are fighting hunger, but there are more than 12 million kids nationwide who don’t know where their next meal is coming from.

Linda: In working with California Raisins and Feeding America what message do you hope to pass along to people?

Alison: I got to know Feeding America through the partnership with Biggest Loser. The CEO, Vicky Escara is so inspiring. Because the organization is run so well, I am confident asking people to lend their time, support or money to a charity that I know puts its money to good use. When people think of hunger…it’s not the stereotypes that often come to mind. It’s families, kids…it’s the people who are working, who just can’t make ends meet. And I’m so proud of being part of solution with Feeding America and with organizations, like California Raisins, who are doing their part to make a difference.

Thank you Alison for sharing these tidbits and we are very excited with all that is going on in your life. You are an inspiration to young moms everywhere! And suddenly I’m craving raisins…go figure!