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All My Children's Cady McClain on Susan Lucci, Poison Pancakes & Dixie and Tad!

Courtesy/CadyMcClain.

Courtesy/CadyMcClain.

All My Children’s Cady McClain always has a lot of insightful things to offer up in an interview when discussing her passion for the genre, the online revival of the series, and her alter-ego, Dixie Martin’s past and present!

In an new conversation with Huffington Post blogger, Mark Brennan Rosenberg, McClain weighed-in on several topics including the MIA Susan Lucci as Erica Kane, Cady’s relationship with former AMC head writer, Megan McTavish which resulted in her being killed-off via Poison Pancakes, and where Tad and Dixie are now, with Michael E. Knight (Tad) still not a part of Prospect Park’s version of Pine Valley!  Here are some excerpts below!

Cady on how she thinks fans will react with an AMC sans La Lucci:  “Susan is obviously a big star, but in the bigger picture of the show, she was always a member of the ensemble that made up the cast of All My Children. I know there are a lot of fans who love her and want her back but I think it’s important to remember there are also die-hard fans of Debbie and Darnell (Angie and Jesse). From what I am getting, the fans are excited to have their show back and that is what comes first and foremost. I’ve heard that Susan is totally supportive of the return of the shows return, and she will always be welcome in Pine Valley!”

Cady on what went down when former head writer, Megan McTavish killed off Dixie via Poison Pancakes:  “I have to say it broke my heart when I was killed off because I had given so much to the show and I had cared so much and wanted the show to be wonderful. I have to say that instead of feeling sorry for myself I took the time to learn the Internet and began blogging and working on a memoir about growing up in show business, a book I hope to release later this year! Megan McTavish and I had some disagreement when it came to the storyline of Tad killing Greg Madden. I really would have liked to film a scene where Tad and Dixie explained to their children that Tad had done a very bad thing and that it wasn’t okay. I wanted Tad and Dixie (American soap opera characters mind you) to be able to tell their kids, “What Dad did was wrong.” Needless to say we agreed to disagree, even though it really sucked at the time. But when I think back, it all worked out for the best.”

Cady on where the reboot is taking the story of Tad and Dixie without Michael E. Knight on board as of now:  “I’m getting great stuff to play. Relationships are what soap operas are all about. I can’t speak to the plot but I feel very fulfilled in what they have given me. In regards to the character of “Tad,” no one knows exactly what is going to happen with that, but just like when Dixie wasn’t on-screen, Tad is still “there,” an important part of the show. I feel like the writers are being very respectful to what is going on. But, it’s a soap opera for Chrissake, so you never know what’s going to happen, right? Anything is possible!”

So AMC fans, what do you think about a Susan Lucci-less AMC?  How the Tad and Dixie relationship will be explained? And about “death” via poison pancakes? Weigh-in!

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Cady is my favorite and I love how supportive she is of the soap genre. Megan McTavish can kiss my a$$ for the way she killed Dixie off. I honestly do not think that soaps should kill off the core family characters like Dixie and others. GH made similar mistakes and it takes a new writer to come up with ways to bring these characters back. The fans don’t care how it is done, they just want their faves on their screens. I am very excited to see what Marlene McPherson has planned for AMC 2.0

Well what do you expect AMC folks to say. They have to be positive. They have to say stuff that the show will go on, this lets other actors and characters to take the focus, if they want to be mean the show is aimed at a younger audience and Lucci is over 65, being could be cruel and say Lucci is a hasbeen, too skinny, can’t act, her character too much, too unrealistic etc. But the truth is Susan Lucci really was or is AMC. She was the one star who stayed true to the show throughout its tv run. She made daytime tv and the soap genre get noticed. AMC has wonderful characters like Dixie and Angie and Jessie but the truth of the matter is they need Erica Kane and Susan Lucci. They unite the show; give it foundation – love or hate her Erica or for that matter Lucci. And to be honest Lucci gets them the media attention. The proof is in this article. The woman isn’t even on the show and yet the first question with Dixie is what about not having Susan Lucci. Susan has always been gracious and kind and said she was part of an incredible ensemble but she is a large part if not the show. Even in the background a quick snip by Erica Kane gets noticed. Hopefully Susan will come back and make AMC AMC again. While I don’t want Devious Maids or Deadly Affairs cancelled I wish these shows would use AMC as a chance to further their cause AND maybe the public can give them some brownie points and viewerss for allow a soap icon back where she so belongs even part time. (I am sure some stars on AMC are glad Lucci isn’t there because she stole their thunder but others will be hinking Lucci is needed for the media attention and viewers.)

I agree with all your comments on AMC and OLTL…you said just about everything i wouldve said!

Oh and one other problem. I think OLTL has a much better chance of surviving though I note their actors are looking a little haggard (the older ones) What is with Robin Strasser’s hair – it looks like a wig from the dollar store. But I digress, AMC has a cast which while they have Dr. Martin back for a bit as well as David Canary they don’t have very good roots – the relationships aren’t the strongest ties. Miranda without Bianca and Erica regularly as well as Aunt Kendall and their families doesn’t make sense. Likewise Dixie without Tad, and Angie and Jessie withotu Greg and Jenny have always been kind of an add on story or sadly, let’s get the african american demographics included. David is a gerat villan but the brother and sister doctors are kind of a weak add on with weak linkages to the rest of the character though both are great eye candy. If relationships truly sell and last then this is not a good situation on AMC. It will have to be heavily manufactured.

I totally hear what youre saying and get it. But if you look at AMC and expect to get the same show that went off the air, you probably will be disappointed. All My Children started as a show about the lives of teenagers and their dealings within their own lives and the lives of their parents. The show is going back to that format.

I for one will miss Susan Lucci. I think her strength was in comedy and “divatude”. And no one could play that like she did! BUT, one of the reasons she is so big is because the audience got to see her “journey” through the years. As well as Dixie and Jesse and Angie and Brooke. That’s what theyre trying to do now. I love the characters of Bianca and JR because that’s sort of when I became a fan myself. So I’ve gotten to see them “grow up” and start their families. That was over ten, fifteen years ago. So now, someone on their teens, like I was, is going to watch, hopefully fall in love and relate to AJ and Miranda they way I did with their parents.
It’s a cycle. Eden IS in the cast, so Miranda will have her mom and sister and Uncle to interact with. And you can’t tell me Aunt Kenall and “whatever word they use to substitute for grandmother” Erica aren’t going to pop up for important events in the future.

I say, give it a chance. Just approach it with an open mind. After a month, it should be clear with the direction and flow of the show and people will probably be able to tell if it’s still the great show it always (even dispute the poison pancakes era) has been.

Robin’s hair looks cute.. I hope both shows succeed but I have a feeling OLTL will do better, because they are continuing where they left off.and have most of the original cast back, AMC is jumping ahead five years,they have some recasts which seems like new characters and they have hired new people for new parts instead of asking some of the actors they haven’t asked back yet.Like Walt Willey Bobbie Eakes etc.. Maybe if they showed new episode previews like they did for OLTL it would make me feel better..

I hope Tad never has to put up with that PH hillbilly Dixie again..
The woman was nothing but a pain in his butt, Tad was forever cleaning up her messes because she never had a brain in her head that worked.
That character was zeroed out without Tad, she was nothing, and when she was gone Tad finally grew, lived happily, found himself, and with Cara he was exploring life and living happily. Tad was a better Tad without Dixie defining him.
Maybe this time around she will get a brain and thanky that Tad is not cast to be stuck with her again lol ..
The Dixie character needed to stay dead.. she was killed off for reasons, more than once. (probably for being overwhelming annoying lol)

So, I am very pleased that Tad and Dixie are not together this time around.
Tad and Cara would be most welcomed ..

Your kinda like Dixie yourself…know what i mean! pmp!

I couldn’t disagree more, I love Dixie and I was really mad when they killed her off so abruptly and stupidly. I hated the forced pairing of Cara and Tad, the age gap was silly and Cara was always too heavily made up! I’m very much hoping MEK and Susan will return when they’re ready and they can, and I sincerely hope they didn’t recast Walt Willey and Bobbi Eakes, but no matter what I will be watching! dr Joe, Angie and Jesse and David and of course Adam make me happy!

AMC will survive without Susan. She can always appear. Love Dixie & Tad but if he can’t come back now maybe later. Love that Cady is so excited about the reboot. Thank you Michael for the article. Ready for The 29th.

I have said this before and I’ll say it again…with any great soap, there is always hope! I know in my heart that if these show are a huge success our favorites will come home!

i like the fact that amc will be 5 years in the future – it can be easily explained why every major character is not there right now. i watched amc from the beginning and it was based around mostly the teens so the show is just going back to how it originally started. as far as susan lucci goes yes she was a big part of the show but she was not “the” show because there was an entire cast and amc will survive with or without her being there……………………..

I just love Cady, I have met her a couple of times and talk to her on Twitter, she is a sweetheart.. I hope Michael decides to come back, I just have to have my Tad and Dixie, plus Michael adds humor to the show.

Indeed, Michael is really funny and multi-dimensional, heck we grew up and older together!

I had hopes for Tad and Jake because I love both of those guys together.But Ricky has went to Days and no one can play Dr.Jake like him and he and Tad really seemed like brothers.Even though I am sad about that I still am looking forward to the reboot.

Rickys not on Days…he went Bold&The Beautiful…but he would make a good Bo Brady on Days, i think!

I’m sure it will do fine, really. It would be nice if Susan Lucci could return as Erika Kane but I think the writers can write around her easily enough. I think the character of Dixie could branch out, and she was always fighting with Dr. David Hayward, and he’s back on board. I can see some scenes between Jill Larson as Opal maybe arguring with Dixie that she should be faithful to Tad’s memory or something along those lines. Surely it will be interesting to see how the storylines play out.

I cannot begin to tell you how enlightened I am…and it’s all due to being so well informed by the very intelligent (NOT) Cady McLain. Wow, what would we do without her opinions informing all of us. Like I said before, she is a dullard. Miss Sweetness and Light. In fact, she is like a glass of Crystal Light, you know, the drink that sticks in your throat and you GAG on it instead of refreshing yourself when you’re thirsty! It was her time to go and the lady who made her ‘gone’ should have gotten an Emmy for that. But no, they had to keep bringing Dixie’s ghost back. And no one really cared. Life went on and it went on for the better after she was gone. As I’ve said, this is a pathetic lot they are reviving for the re-boot. Here’s who I think counts (if anyone cares, I don’t really care if anyone does or not) and not in any particular order: Debbie Morgan, Darnell Williams, Vincent Irizarry, David Canary, of course our beloved ‘Opal’ and I think that’s it. Lucci cannot act, plain and simple. Never could, never will. They just needed someone to focus on and make a big ‘ta do’ about on AMC. Her daughter, Kendall, is absolutely wonderful. I think she shouldn’t return because this is going to be absolutely beneath her. The same for the above mentioned favorites of mine. But they are already added in so…too bad for them. I hope they can make some good money and run! Tad, you are most definitely the smartest of the lot. You see a pile of crap and are not biting. Good for you! I miss you, your sweetness and humor and very good acting, but for your sake, this is a dud.
I am, of course, going to give it a day or two. But I feel very confident that a day or two will do it for me!

Yikes,,,I have watched AMC from day one but have never had such animosity towards any of the characters..u r entitled to your opinion tho no matter how negative..

Wow, such a personal attack, hopefully “fans” (not) like you are few, I’m grateful AMC is returning and it looks much richer and fuller, they’re going to do it right! Susan Lucci is indispensable and has always been my fave, that lady can act and she’s so lovely and exudes grace and class.

I think we should all be rejoicing with the fact that Cameron Mathison, Rebecca Budig, Alicia Minshew and (gasp!, can’t believe I am about to say this), even Susan Lucci isn’t coming aboard.

Those four individuals hogged up precious screen time for too many years. I’m looking forward to the show delving deeper in the Hubbards, Chandlers and even the Martins (without Tad). I think Dixie will have some amazing storylines to go through before Michael E. Knight comes back. You know he will.

Wow some powerful comments by various posters. I do agree there are lots of good characters that “could” be focussed on but no Susan Lucci or Erica kaneis rather hard to take. Using Dixie and forging ahead new relationships is the best they can do because thelinks are not the best of the returning characters and thus AMC will lose reliance on the “old” or past boost as much as OLTL. Think about it obtectively the characters in order of power (or actor) would be Susan Lucci, Michael E Knight, Camerona Mathison, Alicia Minshew, Rebecca Budwig, vincent iszarry so of the power characters actors top five (it is debatable but you get my just well they got no one. You can’t include david canary as he was gone. It doesn’t make it easy; really this is almost a new show. I get it we should be thankful AMC is back and be open minded still AMC Erica is like well Fish without chips, A Big Mac without the special sauce, Bert without Ernie, it just “ain’t” AMC:( But still one hopes…Come on Propsect Park make a deal to get Erica Kane back. Be nice Susan, Devious Maids and Deadly Affairs – you owe it to allow an American icon to grace AMC once again – it is almost like you don’t have a right to stop Erica Kane from being in Pine Valley it is like a national disgrace, a scandal an outrage. Love her or hate her Erica Kane is AMC or a huge part of it.

Even if she’s not cast, Lucci should be opening the book in the credits and just say “Welcome Back” on the first show….She’s as vital as Viki on OLTL. As for me….I wan’t Tad!!

I am ok w/an AMC sans Erica. So many interesting and fun characters to watch!! I already miss Tad/Michael E Knight… LOVE him! I am hopeful he and the ptb can work out something so he can have some air time:D

As long as Angie and Jesse are on I’m happy!

Our shows are back and I hope both are on air for another 40+ years!

Thank heavens for grateful fans or else the AMC & OLTL would have never made a comeback..

Agreed! Viva AMC, the fans, PP and here’s to the next 40 years!

I was sick of Dixie at least two ghost stories ago but without tad she and cady McClain are insufferable. Cady must be head public relations and marketing person of the reboot. Having read her blog several years ago I do not buy the Susie cheerleader role for cady but she knows this online reboot may be her last acting paychecks. I agree with the prediction one life to live has a better chance to survive. All my children had lost so much of the audience. I think Michael e knight is the glue that bound viewers to the show. Erica was not that important to the audience but Susan lucci has cache with the public and therefore will be missed. I do not blame some of the vets for staying away as this experiment in on line drama is a step down for many. For others it is a last paycheck.

AMC has had so many really fantastic actors in the ensemble over the years. And I think I’ve mentioned which ones ( who are returning to the re-boot) whose work I have enjoyed and admired and which ones are a big waste of time to watch (I will not). But when you see such horrid actors, i.e. Jordi V., posting himself all over the place, self-promoting ( so very desperate and full of himself is he), it goes to show how sad this re-boot is to hire such a terrible actor and throw him into the mix with really fine, well-seasoned actors. He is at the top of my cannot stand list (obviously) and I hope his career is a short one. The rest of the ‘old’ cast members who signed on are so very good at their craft. As I said, I hope they take what money they can, do the job and run. Run fast, run far and run upward – where you all belong. Too good to be wasted on this re-boot trash!

Susan Lucci is my favorite. SUSAN PLEASE COME BACK TO AMC!!!!!!

I was satisified with the happy ending AMC gave Tad & Dixie. Now that Prospect Park is about to begin, I’m nervous. If they start this show up again and MEK never returns, and the show doesn’t work out, they ruined my happy ending for T&D, I’m not going to be a happy fan.

Everyone is entitled to their opinions I am glad PP or anyone tried to save an iconic soap. I do understand the comments about Cameron Mathison and his looks versus acting skills. I will stand up for Susan Lucci though – the woman is an icon well her character. I am sick and tired though respectfully of those who say she can’t act or don’t like her character. Yes, she can be hard to take (Erica Kane) and yes Susan is hired to be Erica Kane – that is what she is known for when we see her in different roles which is rare ie. Anastasia wel she does a fine job but people want Erica Kane and she is hired to play that role whether we want to accept it or not. We know she can act because as we saw in dancing witht he stars she can dress sexy and all but when she is in her real life she is rather shy and not much of a diva – which shows she can really act. But beyond that, Susan has cache with publicity. TO be honest she was under used often and was given some bad stuff ie. the twin – she did a great job acting but the story line sucked and went too fast because of the soap’s demise. DIxie is a fave and she is outspoken – interesting most people or co stars always rave about Susan Lucci as a person – not Cady Cady looks great with the hair and few less pounds but she is not Erica kane; she cannot generate the interest or the oomph of Susan Lucci. Michael E knight is a great actor and agreat daddition, him and Lucci are key. Even without his looks as he has gotten older and heavier as many of us sadly do his character or acting like Lucci’s comes through. THe new sow really has issues – isn’t relying on the past? It now has relationships that are hard to fathom and people who you don’t know and mothers who look like daugthers and twins who come back as new charactes (Francesca James – great actress but she was a director for AMC in the past and actress maybe it is time to go. AMC is an ensemble cast but it is really hurting with Tad and Erica.

I will give it a try but I am a huge tad and dixie fan so I am not sure if i will continue the show if they kill off tad. I love dixie as well but can only see her with tad.

All My Children

Carol Burnett Talks About Being a Superfan of ‘All My Children’ on ‘Live with Kelly and Mark’

In a heartfelt reunion, of sorts, the one and only Carol Burnett appeared on Monday March 25th episode of Live with Kelly and Mark.

Burnett had first met Kelly Ripa (Hayley) and Mark Consuelos (ex-Mateo) back when they all appeared on All My Children together. Carol played Verla Grubbs first in 1983 and then again in the 90’s.

Host Kelly Ripa (ex-Hayley, AMC) noted to Burnett that “we go back a long time”. She also described Burnett’s character of Verla Grubbs, “extraordinary in every way.”

Carol’s love for All My Children is well-documented, hence legendary soap creator, Agnes Nixon, created the role of Verla for Burnett.

Photo: ABC

Speaking on how her passion for All My Children began, Carol told Kelly and Mark, “It started with my kids. They would watch at noon. I said, ‘What are you guys doing?’ I sat down and I started to watch and I got hooked!”

When Carol’s family decided to travel through Europe during one summer, the comedic legend recalled thinking, “How am I going to last if I don’t know what’s going on in Pine Valley?” She revealed she had a friend, “who sent me a telegram to the (different hotels) on Fridays to bring me up to date.”

Photo: ABC

In a hilarious moment from the segment, Carol recalled receiving a late night telegram while in Lake Cuomo when there was a knock at her hotel room door from the hotel manager who was shaking.

Carol related what it said, “Erica is still in a coma. Mark slipped again and ran away from rehab.” As Kelly and Mark broke into laughter, Burnett continued, “Chuck has learned that Donna is carrying his baby, who was once a hooker.”

Check out Carol explaining how she became an AMC Superfan below.

Now, let us know, did you enjoy Carol as Verla Grubbs? What show do you consider yourself a Superfan of? Tell us in the comment section.

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All My Children

Malachy McCourt, ‘Ryan’s Hope’ and ‘All My Children’ Actor, Dead at 92

If you watched Ryan’s Hope through its 14-year-run, you know that Kevin the bartender became a beloved “member’ of the Ryan clan on the defunct ABC daytime drama series. The character of Kevin MacGuiness became so loved by the fans because of the actor who portrayed him, Malachy McCourt.

Sadly, according to his wife Diana McCourt to The New York Times, Malachy passed away on Monday from a heart condition and battling cancer. The actor was 92-years-old.

Playing Kevin on Ryan’s Hope was not much of a stretch for McCourt, because in his lifetime, he was the owner of 1950s Irish pub Malachy’s on Third Avenue in Manhattan. Known as one of the city’s great story-tellers, patrons from longshoremen to the actor Richard Harris would stop in and talk all things Irish with . On Ryan’s Hope, Kevin was best friends to “Ryan’s Bar” owner, Johnny Ryan (Bernie Barrow) and he tried to keep Delia (Ilene Kristen) on the straight and narrow.

Photo: ABC

In his soap opera career, McCourt also was widely-known for his role of Father Clarence McCourt on All My Children especially come Christmastime. Was Clarence, actually St. Nick? That was always the proverbial question. McCourt also appeared on the New York soaps: One Life To Live, Search For Tomorrow and Another World. Other roles included: Devil’s Own, Brewster’s Millions, The Molly Maguires, and Starman, to name 

Later in 2006, Malachy ran for governor of the state of New York as a Green Party candidate. He tackled social issues of the time including being an advocate for gay and lesbian groups to march in the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

Photo: ABC

McCourt’s childhood was recounted within his brother Frank McCourt’s Pulitzer Prize-winning memoir Angela’s Ashes, which detailed their mother’s attempt to raise the four of their surviving seven children in poverty in Limerick, Ireland. Later, Malachy wrote his own memoirs: 1998’s Monk Swimming, and 2000’s Singing My Him Song.

Malachy is survived by his aforementioned wife, Diana, daughter Siobhan McCourt; sons Malachy Jr., Conor and Cormac; stepdaughter Nina Galin; nine grandchildren; and one great-grandson.

Share you remembrances and condolences for Malachy McCourt via the comment section, but first check out this scene from a 1983 episode of “Ryan’s Hope” featuring the late actor with Ilene Kristen.

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All My Children

‘Live with Kelly and Mark’s’ Annual ‘After the Oscars’ Show Brings Backstage Interviews, Fashion Review and Red Carpet Arrivals from Movie’s Biggest Night

Monday morning, Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos took to the stage at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood for the talk show’s annual Oscar post show.

However, this time it would be Consuelos’ first time as the co-host of ‘Live’ for an Oscars episode. Mark took over the gig from Ryan Seacrest to team with his wife back in April of 2023 and since then the show has seen a ratings spike hitting several all-time highs.

The After the Oscars show opened with a tribute to the movies were the former All My Children stars took on iconic roles from: Sharon Stone in Basic Instinct to Barbie and Ken in Barbie, to the Cameron Diaz and Ben Stiller role’s in the romantic comedy Something About Mary and more.

Courtesy/DisneyABC

During After the Oscars, Kelly and Mark were shown in clips backstage as the first stop for the newly-anointed Academy Award winners including: Finneas and Billie Eilish and Da’Vine Joy Randolph. The Bachelor host, Jesse Palmer was the talk show’s guest correspondent who spoke to the nominees, and celebrities as they were entering the Dolby Theatre on Sunday night.

Singer Andy Grammar took to the stage and performed on Live’s  After the Oscars show as well, and Project Runaway’s Elaine Welteroth shared her thoughts on the night’s Oscar fashion.

You can watch the full ‘Live with Kelly and Mark After the Oscars’ show below, plus the full movie parody below that. Now let us know, what do you think of Kelly and Mark’s first post-Oscar show together on ‘Live’? Share your thoughts in the comment section.

 

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