All My Children
AMC's Michael E. Knight talks Dixie's return, and the past, present & future of soaps!
Courtesy/ABC
All My Children’s Michael E. Knight (Tad Martin) gave a terrific interview to Smashing Interviews Magazine’s, Melissa Parker on his thoughts on the ending of AMC, the return of Cady McClain as Dixie to wrap up their story, and offered his thoughts on what went wrong and what could be done with the soap genre, and some missteps AMC had along the way. Here are a few excerpts:
Knight on the return of Cady McClain as Dixie: “ I was lucky and the positioning was such that Cady could come back and reprise the role of Dixie. I certainly love working with her. She’s been a dear friend for a long time and is a wonderful actress. They’re supposedly bringing her back from the dead (and we’re no stranger to that), but they’re bringing her back to have Tad and Dixie walk off in the proverbial sunset. I think that’s the way they’re looking at it. I always had such wonderful chemistry working with Cady. It will be nice to get a chance to do that. Other than that, I think they’re kind of struggling to give the audience some semblance of closure, bringing down the curtain as it were, but I think they’ll leave it open ended in case the show gets picked up somewhere else.”
Knight on how AMC had changed over the years where they used to give characters a longer development period : “In the old days, 20 years ago, there was a longer period of character development. They would bring characters along very slowly. As we went along there was less and less time for that. I noticed they would bring on major characters very quickly and characters that had only been on the canvas a short period of time would be handed major storylines very quickly. Sometimes the characters worked and sometimes they didn’t. The character would come on, work a lot, and then sort of disappear. Some of the fondest things I remember are some of the character actors I thought were so wonderful; first and foremost being Jill Larson who plays Opal. I have a glowing respect for her. I go back to people like Billy Clyde Tuggle, Phoebe, Myrtle, and Langley. There was sort of a more rounded ensemble. That was when the budgets were bigger and you had room for character actors. As things have become leaner and meaner over the years basically there has been a stripping away of characters that drive story.”
All My Children
AMC Alum Sarah Michelle Gellar Reflecting on Her Time on Soaps: “Anything I Can Do to Continue the Legacy I’m Very Proud Of”
Daytime fans knew of Sarah Michelle Gellar her way before her Buffy the Vampire Slayer days, when she stepped on to the small screen as Erica’s (Susan Lucci) troubled daughter Kendall Hart on ABC’s All My Children.
Gellar played the role from 1993 to 1995, and made a brief return in 2011 as the show came to its conclusion on ABC. Additionally, Sarah won a Daytime Emmy for her performance in the Outstanding Younger Actress category in 1995.
Photo: NATAS
Sarah has partnered with Lysol for their brand’s Disinfecting Wipes “Buy One, Donate One” program. where now through September 26, whenever a pack of Lysol Disinfecting Wipes is purchased, another pack will automatically be donated to an under-resourced school through the Kids In Need Foundation.
The program is aimed to help curb the spread of illness-causing germs in schools this back-to-school season, a total of up to 16 million packs of Lysol Disinfecting Wipes will be donated to Title I schools across the country.
The program is the latest component of Lysol’s HERE for Healthy Schools initiative. Started in 2019 with the mission to help curb the spread of preventable illness and to help kids miss less school so they are able to learn, grow and thrive, HERE for Healthy Schools has provided educational materials for students and Lysol disinfecting supplies for educators and administrators to more than 49,000 schools across the country. This year, HERE for Healthy Schools is focused on helping to protect children, educators and parents as they make their big return to in-person learning in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Speaking with TV Insider on the partnership, Gellar recalled her time on the soaps and how it changed her career and outlook, noting: “it was the training ground for the rest of my career.”
She went on to say: “I made incredible friends at that time and I learned incredible work habits, and soap operas are an intense amount of work, and I’m incredibly grateful for that time and the people that I met. We live in a world now where my kids don’t even really know what a soap opera is, so anything I can do to continue the legacy I’m very proud of.”
So, do you remember Sarah’s time on AMC? What do you think of her thoughts on her time on the soaps? Comment below.
All My Children
‘Dynasty’ and ‘All My Children’ Co-Stars React to the Death of Michael Nader
UPDATED: Yesterday, Michael Fairman TV broke the news of the passing of Michael Nader (Ex-Dex, Dynasty and Dimitri, All My Children). As reported, Michael died on Monday morning of an untreatable form of cancer at his home in Northern California with his wife, Jodi, and his beloved dog, Storm by his side.
Since then, several of Nader’s former Dynasty and All My Children co-stars have taken to social media with their reactions and remembrances after having learned that he has no longer with us.
From his leading ladies, Joan Collins and Susan Lucci, to Emma Samms and John James, Eva LaRue, Finola Hughes, Maxwell Caufield, Vincent Irizarry and more, so many are taking a moment to share their grief and outpouring of love for Michael.
Michael Fairman TV will continue to update this post throughout the day as more remembrances are posted.
Here are what several of Nader’s former co-stars and colleagues shared below:
Susan Lucci (Ex-Erica, All My Children):”MICHAEL NADER—so handsome, so talented—so wonderful and beloved as All My Children’s DIMITRI MARICK—and a great love of “Erica Kane”. I am so lucky to have played opposite Michael—playing some of the most romantic scenes ever—dancing in palaces in Budapest, our gorgeous Greek Orthodox wedding, complete with crowns. Michael was a doll to work with and to know. RIP, Michael💙💙💙🙏🙏🙏”
Joan Collins (Ex-Alexis, Dynasty): “Very sad to hear of the death of my onscreen husband and lover #michaelnader aka #dexdexter – I loved working with him and his character was a wonderful mixture of tough and tender. #alexis was crazy to keep on rejecting him! #rip #ripmichaelnader”
Photo: ABC/Getty
Emma Samms (Ex-Fallon, Dynasty): “Incredibly sad news about Michael Nader. What a blessing it was to have had his participation and support for our Dynasty Reunion fundraiser back in March. Thinking of his wife Jodi and sending condolences to all of his many fans.”
Photo: Amazon
John James (Ex-Jeff, Dynasty): “I’m so sad to hear, that my dear friend Michael Nader passed away. We shared some great laughs together and I will miss miss you buddy. Sending prayers to the family.”
Finola Hughes (Ex-Alex, All My Children): “Oh #michaelnader sweet man. I worked with him so briefly, but he cared about his craft and his fellow actors. Sending much love and condolences to his family ❤️”
Eva LaRue (Ex-Maria, All My Children): “So heartbreaking to hear about the passing of Michael Nader! The sweetest man, with the best stories and the funniest out takes! Thank you for the endless belly laughs around that Wildwind dining table at #AMC ! You will be remembered with so much Love!😢♥️ All my prayers and sympathy to his family🙏🏼♥️ Rest peacefully sweet man♥️”
Photo: Sue Coflin/MaxPhotos
Cady McClain (Ex-Dixie, All My Children): “Michael was always a joy to work with, and one of the funniest human beings I ever met. I feel so blessed to have crossed his path and been able to watch him work his magic. I know he felt the love and appreciation of his colleagues and I’m grateful our discussions were always deep or kind. #RIP #michaelnader Photo by @stevenbergman29 💕 (note his book and bookmark! Only Michael would carry it on the res carpet. 😂)”
Maxwell Caufield (Ex-Miles, Dynasty): “That #MichaelNader in the arena many seasons with both @Joancollinsdbe and #SusanLucci – quel hombre.”
Dondre T. Whitfield (Ex-Terrence, All My Children), who commented on Eva LaRue’s post: “Wow. Haven’t seen him in years. So sad to see the Brother. He was very mice to me during my “Pine Valley” time. RIP Nader.”
Vincent Irizarry (Ex-David, All My Children), who commented on Eva LaRue’s post: “OMG, my heart is breaking!!! Loved dear Michael, working opposite him in both “Pine Valley” and in Jackie Collins’ ‘Lucky Chances’. So so sad to hear of his passing. Yes @evalarue, the sweetest man, and ABSOLUTELY the funniest outtakes…”
Sean Kanan: (Ex-AJ, GH, Deacon, B&B) “I was so sorry to hear that Michael Nader passed away. He and I played father and son in Perry Mason: The Case of the Maligned Mobster. We spent some time together and he was a very authentic person. My sincerest condolences to his family. RIP Michael.”
Share your thoughts and remembrances of these wonderful co-stars with Michael throughout his years on Dynasty and All My Children via the comment section below.
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All My Children
‘Dynasty’ and ‘All My Children’ Star, Michael Nader Passes Away at 76
Heartbreaking news to report this Wednesday morning. Michael Fairman TV has learned exclusively that Michael Nader, best known for his role as “Dex” Dexter on ABC’s original version of Dynasty, and as Dimitri Marick on All My Children, has died at the age of 76.
Nader passed away on Monday, August 23rd at 11:30am from an untreatable form of cancer at his home in Northern California with his wife, Jodi by his side, and Michael’s rescue dog, Storm.
In an exclusive statement to MFTV, Michael’s wife, Jodi Lister expressed: “With heavy heart, I’m sharing the news of the passing of my beloved, Michael. We had 18 wonderful years together with the many dogs we fostered and adopted. Recently, Michael was so thrilled to reconnect with his friends from the cast of Dynasty during Emma Samms virtual event to help raise funds for Long-Covid research. Michael was working on a book about his life and addiction at the time of his death. He was a beautiful and fascinating man with many talents and skills. I will miss him forever.”
Michael’s acting career spanned several decades. His first soap role was that of Kevin Thompson on As the World Turns (1975-1978, then the primetime soap, Bare Essence (1983) as Alexi Theopolous, before landing on Dynasty later that year as Alexis Colby’s (Joan Collins) third husband, “Dex”. Nader remained with the series until its cancellation in 1989.
Photo:ABC
When All My Children came calling, Michael took on the role of Erica Kane’s (Susan Lucci) magnetic husband, Dimitri Marick, a role he played from 1991-1999, then again in 2000-2001. Michael returned to AMC during Prospect Park’s online revival of the series in 2013.
Photo: ABC
Throughout his TV and motion picture career Nader also appeared in: The Flash, Law and Order: SVU, Cold Case, Gidget, Beach Blanket Bingo, The Great Escape II: The Untold Story, Lady Mobster (with Susan Lucci) the miniseries, Lucky Charms, to name but a few.
Photo: MNaderFacebook
Michael is survived by his wife of 18-years, Jodi, stepmother Lillian, sister Stephanie, daughter Lindsay, ex-wife Robin, son-in-law Trevor, and granddaughter Juniper.
A Zoom memorial will be planned at a later date.
Share your thoughts and remembrances of Michael, and send condolences to his loved ones, in the comment section below.
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Mr. Knight got it right, Pine Valley was a place of great character with great characters, it hasn’t been that place for quite a long time.
can’t wait for tad and dixie to finally reunite
Michael,
I just wanted to say that i have loved your character Tad on AMC since you were just a cad! I hope you will continue with AMC when it goes to PP.
Can not wait for the tad & dixie reunion 🙂
I have come to love many characters and find it unfornuate that abc has used financial bogus to say that they are unable to run these shows. I think it has to do a lot with upper management. But thanks for writing and sharing this article. Your by far one of the greatest humorours characters. Your one of my fams favorites 🙂
I hope now that the show will continue online that both Michael and Cady continue on- such great chemistry!
Much Love to Michael and Cady!!!
I can’t wait Dixie in Reunion. I love AMC…. I love couple Dixie and Tad…..
Ever since you joined AMC I hated when you left and when you came back.. OMG true bliss. You are second only to Susan Lucci on AMC. Loved Tad the Cad. While not so much the Cad these days, the sense of humor is what we need to escape this world. I am not in the best job position of my career, but I will do what it takes to still watch “All My Children”. It is my legacy, not pop culture.
Clearly this interview was done prior to Prospect Park picking up All My Children. Michael was gracious as always. I hope with all my heart he will continue in the role of Tad Martin when AMC moves to Prospect Park. I can’t imagine Pine Valley without him.
Hi Michael,
I have been watching AMC for almost 9 years now and you were the person that got me clued to that TV the moment I turned it on!! You are not only cute (don’t tell my husband) but you are the funniest character on AMC!! I am so happy that AMC has been saved and is going to PP and I truly hope that you will continue as Tad! It just wouldn’t be the same without you 🙂
I meant glued not clued! LOL Oops 🙂
GREAT to see Michael talk so openly! Especially about his hope for someone to pick it up!! I have got to say, the last few days between Jr and Tad going at it with their lines and banter and the whole thing at Oak Haven, I havent laughed so hard in a LONG TIME!!!! THIS is what AMC has needed for a LONG time. Character interaction!!! Great writing again!!!!
I’ve been watching All My Children since the show began. I remember when Ruth found Tad. Oh, the storylines that have developed over the years!! Tad & Dixie, a great love story….right up there with Luke & Laura! Thanks for all your great work. I hope to see more of AMC through Prescott Park…..and hopefully, on TV!
I’ve always had affection for Tad. The storyline that ended with Greg in a wheelchair was wrenching, with Tad anguished over his role in causing hurt to his sister Jenny. And that quirky sense of humor! Hard to believe that kid is now one of the few links to Pine Valley’s past. But here you are… I fervently hope you help usher AMC into this new era ,with a chance to bring our favorite American town back to its character rich splendor!
Tad the Cad is one fun person, even when he was a jerk! I hope he remains when they go to the online version. I would love to see them bring in Billy Clyde Tuggle again! Verla Grubbs with Opal too bad Myrtle is not there along with Phoebe.
We want to add more and more memories to our AMC “albums” that reside in our hearts. These soaps have gotten so many of us thru hard times in our own lives.
Keep the faith soap fans, MEK and all our actors and actresses!
I have loved you, Michael, since you first began your character Tad on AMC. I cried with you when you had such a despicable father, and laughed with you when you were with Liza and her mother, Marion Colby, at the same time. You were a great detective for your friends whenever one was needed – you always solved the case most efficiently I might add. I think the best times were when you were the great lover with oh so many Pine Valley Gals – especially Dixie – who is the love of your life. I hope you and… Read more »
It is my sincerest hope, that PP works out the best possible deal for the actors – even if that means flexibility to pursue other projects. I’d rather share MEK than lose him. 🙂
Please stay on AMC it goes online,you are a very important part of pine valley!!
I am going to miss All My Children. I will not watch ABC daytime television anymore. I am sick and tired of reality television. I am going to cable stations more and more. That is where I can find more dramatic shows, and interesting movies. The networks are getting more and more unwatchable. I hope AMC will get picked up somewhere else.
Thanks for being Tad the cad, Ted and now Tad the man! If you don’t stick with AMC & go to PP with the show, I will be VERY disappointed. Love your sense of humor … I’m sure it’s not all scripted! I have been a fan of the show since 1972 & a fan of yours since day one on the show.
I left a comment on the news feed posting about this interview. I hope he reads it.. He is a wonderful actor with comedic talent that is off the charts. I’ve been watching him since he first started on the show. He has only gotten better with age. Please read the other comment. My respect and love for him is properly expressed there. I will close with saying “Thank you for all your years of devotion and talent for a show I love and have been watching since 1976-1977”. Much love MEK!
I know it hasn’t been easy these past few years but believe me, MEK, we appreciate everything you do on the show. In my mind, you are AMC. It just won’t be the same if you leave. I really hope that tbtb offer you a fair deal and you decide to take it.
Either way, thank you for the countless hours of great television. Much love and respect.
Liz Arnold
I hope to see the legacy of Tad and Dixie’s love affair continue onto Prospect Park with thew same actors. Tad & Dixie forever!
I’ve been watching AMC for over 40 years! I consider this a kind of entertainment “guilty pleasure”. My children watched with me and my daughter (and her husband) became loyal fans. Tad and Dixie are two of our favorite characters with “fun” and entertaining storylines throughout. We were shocked to hear that ABC and Disney decided to “axe” this show–after forty+ years!! Apparently, longevity means NOTHING! More talk shows and reality shows–boring. I will not be watching daytime television after we say good-bye to our Pine Valley “family”.