Andrew Shue and Courtney Thorne-Smith, who played on-and-off lovers on the iconic '90s show "Melrose Place," recalled how they navigated intimate scenes after their real-life breakup, establishing a "no tongue" rule to maintain professionalism.
In an appearance on the "Still The Place" podcast, Andrew Shue and Courtney Thorne-Smith, who shared an on-screen romance in the hit FOX prime time soap "Melrose Place," discussed their experiences working together after their real-life breakup.
The actors, who started dating shortly after filming began in 1992, recalled how they handled the transition from lovers to professional co-stars.
Melrose Place" Stars Andrew Shue and Courtney Thorne-Smith Reveal "No Tongue" Rule for On-Screen Kisses After Breakup
"It was shockingly not weird," Thorne-Smith said, surprising listeners.
Shue agreed, adding, "We handled it well. I remember there was a little bit — a little bit of time where it was tough."
Melrose Place" Stars Andrew Shue and Courtney Thorne-Smith Reveal "No Tongue" Rule for On-Screen Kisses After Breakup
Thorne-Smith shared that she had a conversation with Shue to establish boundaries for their characters' love scenes.
"Do you remember me having to talk with you because the characters were still dating and you and I weren't dating?" she asked. "So we'd been broken up for two months and then we had to kiss. You remember me saying, 'OK, now we're professionals, no tongue, you know?'"
Melrose Place" Stars Andrew Shue and Courtney Thorne-Smith Reveal "No Tongue" Rule for On-Screen Kisses After Breakup
The actors both expressed their admiration for how smoothly they navigated the situation.
"We were dating before we were dating on the show, then we were dating on the show after we broke up in real life," Thorne-Smith explained. "But you and I segued into friendship really well. I don't remember a lot of tension."
Melrose Place" Stars Andrew Shue and Courtney Thorne-Smith Reveal "No Tongue" Rule for On-Screen Kisses After Breakup
Shue echoed her sentiments, crediting their ability to support each other during a whirlwind of fame after "Melrose Place" became a massive success.
"Yeah, our relationship, we helped carry each other through a very intense time," Shue said. "The show got a lot of attention. I know you had already been fairly well known, but we were dealing with a lot of, we'll call it Fox celebrity craziness."
"And I remember just feeling safe knowing we were together guiding each other through it," he added.
Since their time on "Melrose Place," both Shue and Thorne-Smith have gone on to successful careers and personal relationships.
Shue was married to floral designer Jennifer Hageney from 1994 to 2008, and to "Good Morning America" co-anchor Amy Robach from 2010 to 2023. He is now dating Marilee Fiebig, the ex-wife of his former "GMA" co-anchor T.J. Holmes.
Thorne-Smith married geneticist Andrew Conrad in 2000, but they divorced a year later. She has been married to author Roger Fishman since 2007, with whom she shares a son.
Their experience on "Melrose Place" remains a testament to their professional and personal maturity, as they navigated the complexities of portraying a romantic relationship on-screen while their own had ended.
