Catching up With Alex

dr. andy yablonksi, Three Rivers

In just a couple hours we will be blessed with the premiere of Three Rivers. Wahoo!!!

I took the weekend off to spend time with my family so here is what you may have missed:

Alex’s appearance with Dr. Gonzo Gonzalez-Stawinski on The Doctors:

Another CBS video: Three Rivers – You Ask They Tell

Also an interview with TVguide.com:

TVGuide.com: You’ve been an organ donor since your teens. Why did you decide to become one?
Alex O’Loughlin:
Yeah, I sort of stamped it on my license way back when. That was more about kind of doing the right thing and having an open mind as a young person in the cool group. It wasn’t about what it is about for me now. I wasn’t sure before, but now I’ve been officially confirmed as a donor. I have the card saying I’m an organ and tissue donor. I’m like, “You take it all.” God forbid anything ever happens. When I first read the script, one of the initial things that came to me was the obvious potential for community service, and this sort of philanthropic idea of maybe being involved with Donate Life America or any company that would come onboard with us.

TVGuide.com: And you’ve become a spokesperson for Donate Life.
O’Loughlin:
I am now officially a spokesperson and an ambassador. I’ve done my ambassador training, which is great. I’m very, very proud and I feel very privileged to be a part of an organization like Donate Life because it’s just so important. They save so many lives every day. The way they operate — they do it with such integrity on a mass scale. I’m only one person, but hopefully I’ll bring more awareness to more people.

TVGuide.com: Can you give us an idea of what you’ll be doing with them?
O’Loughlin:
Before we even started shooting, I approached CBS and said, “Listen, this is my plan of attack. If we do this script, I want you guys to sign on with me now and be in agreement that you will help me get this up and running.” What I’ve been doing with Donate Life, in conjunction with the show, is PSAs for TV. I’ve gone to a couple charity events. I’ve written some testaments for them. I’ve done a lot of press about the organization on the red carpet and stuff like that. Every opportunity I get. I went on The Bonnie Hunt Show and I forgot to wear my pin. I was so mad at myself. I take my pin everywhere. People ask about it and I tell them about it. Whenever people ask me about it like you’re talking to me now, I will talk about Donate Life.

TVGuide.com: Do you get input from them? How accurate are the procedures and the storylines in the show?
O’Loughlin:
They’re very accurate. We have an incredible writing staff, who are not only talented but very meticulous and professional. None of them will deliver, I can say in faith, something to be shot without all the possible research done. We have a large team of medical technicians and consultants. Donate Life, when I approached them, they were hesitant for very good reasons. Until this point, other people’s storytelling around these issues has been so inaccurate that they have not wanted any involvement. They found it made their lives more difficult. This is a non-profit organization that saves people’s lives everyday, so why would you not want to get it right? Forgive me for searching for the specifity here, but really, it’s so important.

TVGuide.com: How did you get them to come onboard?
O’Loughlin:
At first, we convinced them the integrity of the organization was of utmost importance and that we wanted to tell the truth of how it is for everyone — donor, recipient and medical group. We wanted to tell real stories about what’s really happening to real people right now. Once they read some scripts, they’re like, “Oh my God, this is exactly how it is.” I met with one of the heads of the organization. He came down to set and I showed him around and we sat down and I said I really want to be involved. If enough people see the show and know my face and who I am, then hopefully we can make a difference, or at the very least get a few more people to realize the importance of being a donor and giving the gift of life.

TVGuide.com: What’s the most important thing people need to know about organ donation? What are the myths that need to be dispelled?
O’Loughlin:
It’s not true that a doctor will not try to save you if you’re a donor. It’s not true that the medical staff of whatever medical institution you’re in will put less of an effort toward you if you’re going to allow your organs to be procured post-mortem. A lot of people I’ve spoken to have said they’re not an organ donor for that reason. That’s an absolute fallacy. Also, the hospital doesn’t have access to the records the procurement organization has to see if you’re a donor.

Read more…

Some other articles you may like:

Doctored Pittsburgh-set medical drama finally premieres

Cast of ‘Three Rivers’ is diverse – One of the aspects I love most about this show…

Organ donor advocates are fans of new series

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20 Comments - Write a Comment

  1. I just watched TR for the second time. I was out of town for the premiere and I watched it at the hotel where I was staying. I had to see it again when I got home . I loved it. I can’t believe that the reviews said Alex was wooden. That reviewer had to be an idiot. I thought he was so believable as a doctor. He is so prepared for all his roles. I hope this show gets a chance to prove itself, because I think it can really be a hit.

  2. I just want to say tahnks guys. I can;t watch 3R’s, even on internet, CBS blocks it for anyone outside US. It starts on Aussie TV 14, but can;t watch that either live in the outback we dont get all the stations.
    I am reading such negativity, and bad ratings etc. Getting very depressed. But you all brighten things up you all like it, so it can;t be that bad, Feeling sad for a very talented and caring actor, who perhaps feels not too good at present if he reads all this stuff.

    Thanks again folks.

  3. Yes. Tiffany is doing a spectacular awesome job. I can’t say to much for some of the reviews stating Alex as “wooden”….HELLO!!! He’s playing a doctor not Pinocchio.

  4. Thank you for all the great posts! I too LOVED the first episode of the Three Rivers! I found it very compelling and realistic. I am anxious to see the characters unfold over the season. Alex has once again given his entire heart and soul to this CBS project and I hope that his dedication is rewarded. Threee Rivers has the potential of being a great and inspirational show!

  5. Tiffany,

    Thanks for always keeping us updated. I’ve been reading some bad comments on other sites and I had to stick up for Alex and Three Rivers. I really enjoyed watching Alex in his new role as Dr. Andy Yoblanski and I thought it was a great first episode. People forget the original pilot with Julia Ormond couldn’t be shown as planned so they’ve had things to deal with from the start. It reminds me of the re-casting they did after the original pilot of Moonlight. Thank God they kept Alex! All we can do is keep watching and supporting Alex. He was so unbelievably hurt by the cancellation of Moonlight that he needs all of our support to keep Three Rivers afloat. You know he said his fans are so RAD so I guess he loves us as much as we love him!

  6. · Edit

    Is it just me or do you guys get the sense that Alex is talking directly to YOU when you watch an interview like this CBS video on TR??? He is so candid and so charismatic it’s hard to believe you’re watching a film….More Alex please. And if he can’t convince people to Donate Life no one can. What a guy.

  7. · Edit

    I watched TR last nite and loved every minute of it. How could anyone see Alex as wooden?? They muxst be blind. Alex was great on the Doctors show and it was so interesting to learn more about Gonzo. I watched and taped the whole show. Now I can’t wait for next Sun for the next episode of.TR and.hopefully our dear Tiffany will have posts inbetween on Alex to keep us happy.! My only criticism of TR was the constant interruptions of commercials …every 6 or 7 minutes. Makes me yearn for the DVD…when we can enjoy continuity and the story line better.

  8. I read the reviews and they are saying the numbers aren’t looking to good. This show has to stay on. They better give Alex a chance. It just barely started. Some people don’t know a great show when they see one! I’m getting pissed off!!

    1. It got 9.2 million viewers and it was opposite Sunday night football. It kicked the butt of several other popular CBS shows like Ghost Whisperer. I am not sure why these are terrible numbers… it did better than Moonlight usually did.

      1. Good to hear that. I’m so glad Tiffany you’re on the Alex side. You’re awesome as well. Keep posting those good stuff on Alex. I enjoy reading it.

  9. I truly enjoyed TR last night also. I found it to be intense, compelling, riveting, and fantastically realistic! It reminded me of the drama ER. There was nothing bland about Alex’s character; matter of fact, I found him to be sensationally charismatic = I couldn’t keep my eyes off him. It makes me wish I had a doctor that handsome to take care of me…… I enjoyed the other actors as well – especially Alfre Woodward. I don’t see anything negative about this show and fully expect it to last at least 1 season. Whoever finds something bad to say about it may need to get their eyes and ears checked….

  10. Watched 3R last night. Alex was wonderful as always. Watched the Doctors on Friday, Alex acted nervous. And he looked very tired. Hope he gets some me time so he can rest. Can’t
    wait for next Sunday.
    Glad you took some time for your family Tiffany, you’ve been working over time to keep us up to date.
    Thank you for your time and love for Alex.

  11. I watched Three Rivers last night and was not disappointed by Alex or the show.. He is such a terrific actor and always prepares fully for his character. His character comes across as a real person not just someone “acting” the role. I have seen all of the shows Alex has been in , especially the one on Criminal Minds The Big Wheel, He was superb in that show and it certainly shows his acting abilities. He can play a bad guy, a vampire and any other kind of role very realisticaly. Good work Alex, can’t wait for next week. I will watch every week and tape it also like I did with Moonlight.

  12. Sorry…I meant ‘wooden’ not ‘wooded’.

  13. I too read reviews where Alex was described as ‘wooded’ and ‘bland’. What show were those critics watching? Alex is NEVER wooden or bland. He is the best actor around. I loved the show and found it very interesting. Alex, of course, was wonderful.

  14. I was really impressed with Three Rivers last nite. I approached viewing it in an intellectual manor not just for entertainment. To me Alex portrayed Dr. Andy as confident, compassionate, professional and when needed very human. I particularly enjoyed the scene near the end when the wife awoke at his gentle urgings and the overwheming pride, joy and relief when he explained to her what they did, her prognosis and showed her the vid of her husband and new baby boy. That really pulled my heartstrings. Overall I think it was a successful premier

  15. Thank you Tiffany once again for such wonderful gesture by keeping us constantly updated on what’s going on…
    I haven’t seen TR yet so I’m terribly frustrated but you managed somehow with this post to ease the feeling.
    OBRIGADA

    p.s. Can I kindly ask you to post some of the msot importante reviews on TR? It would be great to get a sense of the critics – good or bad …

  16. Three Rivers is such an AWESOME show. I felt my heart beating a bit faster when I saw Alex. He’s so adorable. I wish he was an Oncologist; so I can have him as my doctor.

  17. Thank you so much for posting the Doctors clip Tiffany 🙂
    I completely forgot about it on Friday..but thanks to you i got to watch it!

    thanks again 🙂

  18. Three Rivers just finished here and I thought it was terrific! Alex was great as well as the rest of the cast. As expected it was a very relevant show, but can’t wait to see “Dr. Andy’s” backstory. All in all I think it was a safe first show…it’s just wonderful to have Alex back on TV and in our homes. And to that reviewer in the Philadelphia paper “You are so very wrong!!!” (If you haven’t read her review she said he was “wooden”) Here’s wishing the show and Alex the very best of luck.

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