Bryan Dattilo's had to out-think crafty Sami Brady on 'Days of our Lives' for years; now he's trying to outsmart a bunch of 11-year-olds on 'Are You Smarter Than A 5th Grader,' the syndicated game show hosted by Jeff Foxworthy."I had never seen the show before but my brother is a big fan of Jeff and his 'jerky' jokes," said Dattilo, who has played Lucas Roberts on 'Days' since 1993. The actor didn't have to go through the rigorous pre-test that regular potential contestants do (believe us, it's not easy), but he caught a few episodes in the green room prior to taping. He talked to AOL about the '5th Grader' experience, plus what's next for Lucas on 'DOOL.'
Who did you see on the show from the green room?
Sarah Brown (soon-to-be-ex-Claudia on 'General Hospital'; Sandy, 'The Bold and the Beautiful'). She looked like she was having a great time. That helped me relax. [But then] Tyler Christopher [Nikolas, 'GH'], who'd also done a show, passed by me and said, "'Dude, you're not ready for this.' He had the look of fear in his eye."
What other game shows have you done?
I'm a game show 'ho. I've done 'Family Feud.' Ali [Sweeney, Sami] and I used to take on Ty [Treadway] and Lisa [Rinna] in segments of 'Soap Talk,' too. I actually had a hard time on 'Family Feud.' We played the Playboy Playmates. My answers didn't always fit the norm. But I have to say '5th Grader' ranks as my favorite game show experience.
Did you have a Cindy Brady/red light moment?
No. The stakes are definitely higher though when you're in front of the camera. Things that would normally pop into your mind just aren't there.
What's keeping you busy now?
The gym. I always take time to get back in shape. I pride myself on weight-lifting. When you're working [every day on the show], it's hard to stay on top of that. I'm being a dad [to son Gabe, 9,] and coaching a flag football team.
Is there a game show you'd like to try next?
'Jeopardy!' maybe. I watch that a lot. But the categories would have to be rock 'n' roll, hip-hop and sports. I'm actually pretty good in science, too.
What's next for Lucas? He went off to rehab a while ago.
Yes. Lucas was in rehab. He came back for a few shows. I'm on the backburner for now. Maybe in the next month I'll be back for more shows.
You've been in daytime long enough to know there's an ebb and flow. Lucas once came back from being in a coma after he was caught in a fire, too.
Ah, yes. I was. I remember the 'coma days.' [Wryly] There's nothing like the 'Coma Days of our Lives.'
Dattilo donated his earnings to Autism Speaks. His episode of '5th Grader' airs on Monday, November 2 at 5:30PM ET and 1:30PM PT.
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