FLASHBACK: ATWT's Andy Kavovit 1989

Career takes `Turn' for better But Andy Kavovit's success didn't come easy

By Nancy M. Reichardt
Chicago Tribune
April 16, 1989

"I've been unusually lucky," says 16-year-old Andy Kavovit, who plays troubled college student Paul Stenbeck on AS THE WORLD TURNS. "My whole career has been a fluke."

Kavovit says he is having the time of his life on the soap (1 p.m. weekdays on CBS-Ch. 2), playing Paul, the son of fashion maven Barbara Munson (played by Colleen Zenk) and her ex-husband, dastardly James Stenbeck (Anthony Herrera). Ever since Paul was a baby, he has been caught in a virtual tug-of-war between the two battling former spouses. And James recently tried to abduct Paul. For years, Paul has worried that he might turn out just like his father and has been displaying a mean streak of late. Kavovit couldn't be happier to have the chance to play a more rebellious side of the character.

"I don't know how any kid could handle what Paul has been through and still be well-adjusted," opines Kavovit, who last year was nominated for a Daytime Emmy Award as Outstanding Younger Leading Man. "Paul has been shuffled around a lot. I don't know if the show plans to make him a total bad guy, but I've added some evil touches to Paul on my own because I wanted to spice up the character.

"I think Paul would be a lot more interesting to watch if he eventually turns into a James Stenbeck Jr.," adds the Bronx-born actor. "I was worried the audience might be getting bored with Paul as such a wholesome boy. I'd love to see Paul get involved in some criminal schemes with his father."

For Kavovit, one of the many perks of being on WORLD is the close friendships he has developed with costars Martha Byrne (Lily Walsh) and Scott DeFreitas (Andy Dixon).

"Although I don't know how this would go over with the audience, I'd like to see Paul get together romantically with Lily. Martha and I are good buddies, so I'd love to work with her.

"Scott and I have become really good pals, too," Kavovit says. "We give each other a lot of support, and because we're in the same boat we understand each other's crazy schedules. I enjoy attending the various functions and parties with Scott. My relationship with him is a real comfort."

In addition to appearing on the soap, Kavovit is finishing up his senior year of high school. After he graduates, he plans to take business courses at New York University.

In his spare time, he participates in as many charity events as his schedule will allow and is also involved in his school's lacrosse team. As for a social life, the actor admits "he's playing the field."

Asked to describe his "ideal girl," Kavovit says, "She'd have to be very understanding and personable and not expect too much from me because my job has to come first right now."