[taken from SoapsInDepth.com]

Michael Dietz thinks TLC is the Rx for Mark

We all know that doctors can occasionally have a God complex. After all, pulling people back from the brink of death can certainly make someone feel like they’re top dog. Viewers still may be reserving judgment on whether or not THE BOLD & THE BEAUTIFUL's Mark Maclaine exhibits such tendencies for conceit, but his portrayer, Michael Dietz, thinks the physician manages, for the most part, to keep his ego in check. "He’s full of himself, but not to the point where he comes across as an ass," says the actor. "What’s so great about playing this character is trying to walk that line of being confident, but not arrogant — because people hate that."

All's Fair
In contrast with his rival, C.J., who occasionally short-changes himself with regard to his chances with Bridget, Mark is no self-doubter. "His confidence is almost charming, but it’s a tricky line because if you push it too much, people are going to think the character is a jerk — and I don’t think he is," says Dietz, who admits his alter ego likes to go for the gusto. "If there’s something he wants to say, he says it, and if people can’t handle it, that’s too bad. That’s just the way he is."

While he may feel plenty secure about his ability to get the girl, Dietz suspects his character may not be totally invulnerable to the havoc true romance could wreak on his life. Just because he understands the physical workings of the human heart doesn’t mean he’s got a real grasp on its romantic underpinnings, regardless of his Don Juan demeanor. "I think his only weakness will probably be love. Not the attraction of dating someone and going out and being confident, but really letting go and falling in love," he says. "If that does happen with Bridget, I think that would be his kryptonite. It could be the only thing that could ever knock him off balance."

May The Best Man Win
Then again, Mark may not get the chance to be kicked in the butt by love if his half brother C.J. has anything to say about it. The two eligible bachelors are currently neck-and-neck in the challenge for Bridget’s affection. While it’s any man’s game, Dietz thinks Mark has the real prescription for the young woman’s heart. "When Mark goes after what he wants," says the actor, "He usually gets it."