Breaking News
Days of our Lives Cast Sign Petition Calling For Co-EP and Director Albert Alarr to Be Replaced
There are more developments in the ongoing and unfortunate saga playing out behind the scenes at Days of our Lives. In a new report revealed on Wednesday, Deadline has learned that over 25 members of the cast of the Peacock streaming soap opera have signed a petition to have co-executive producer and director, Albert Alarr removed from his duties with the show.
This comes after the findings of the misconduct investigation report amid allegations against Alarr, which only led to a written warning and for him to take some sort of training. According to the cast petition document received by Deadline, it read, in part: “As a result of said actions of the current co- executive producer Albert Alarr, mentioned in the report, many of us feel — and will continue to feel — very uncomfortable and distraught should he stay involved with the show.” It went on to say, “Many of us have either been physically or verbally violated by him, including witnessing those objectionable and offensive actions.”
The actors want change and added that they would like Alarr to be replaced with another director-producer who has the cast’s respect and trust. The group wrote, “We all want to make the most of this significant moment, not just for us in entertainment, but for our loyal viewers and the culture as a whole.”
In addition, since Deadline’s initial June 25th report (which first broke the story), several current and former Days of our Lives staff and performers are said to have corroborated the incidents cited in the piece, but also offered up their own accounts and several other incidents, but kept their anonymity, for fear of retitalation.
Photo: JPI
One major issue, as a staff member pointed out is that there is still no HR department at Corday Productions or at the set of DAYS, adding, “I don’t want to point a finger at anybody but there’s no help for us, the crew and cast. Part of it too is, when nobody would do anything or say anything or if things were reported and it got brushed under the rug. Most of the time, it really feels like, ‘Oh my god, I’m going to lose my job if I say anything.’ There’s no meritocracy.” Another performer cited, “The actors are held to a standard, and the fact that a producer isn’t, it’s just madness to me.”
Photo: JPI
One cast member shared on their ultimate goal, “All we’re trying to do is create a safe, balanced and fair work environment. We want this beautiful show to continue for as long as we can. We want all these people to have jobs.”
What do you think of most of the cast of Days of our Lives banding together and seeking change to who they work with on the floor as a director and as co-executive producer running the beloved soap opera? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.
Thank you for reporting this, Michael. It’s about time soap press pick up on these stories.
The fact the cast needed the week off is baffling; why is the accused being protecting? And only receiving a slap on the wrist. This is not the first problem this soap has had on-set… but I am hoping it may the last. Albert Alarr deserves his walking papers, and should have received them by now. It’s so baffling that cast are not protected, and are subject to sexist, bigoted and mean-spirited words from someone whom they work for, and if they fight back, then their jobs are at jeopardy. Insanity.
So proud of the cast and crew for standing up for their rights! They deserve to feel safe and comfortable in their work environment. I love this show and want it to continue without anyone feeling the need to leave their job. Please fire Alerr now and move forward in a positive direction now. This has gone on far too long!
I’m waiting for any comment from Deidre Hall. I don’t like her silence on this. I feel the same about Mary Beth Evans. Maybe we’ll find out that they signed this petition.
But, seriously, they had to sign a petition to get someone to do the right thing? That’s really bad.
I hope they let him go and we see real change on the set and the show.
I am so beyond saddened and upset for what the Days cast has endured all these years dealing with a predator. Albert Alarr is a bully and the cast and crew deserve to work in a safe environment. It breaks my heart to read how the actors have been treated. I am incredibly disappointed in Ken Corday. I don’t understand what he is thinking. I thought he respected his parents legacy and Days of our Lives. Ted and Betty would not condone his silence and inaction of not firing Alarr. It is not right that the cast is not protected from Alarr’s abuse. I am hoping Mr.Corday does the right thing and removes Alarr from the show asap. We stand with the Days actors. Thank you Michael for covering this. We appreciate all of your hard work and writing the truth.
How can I sign the petition? He should be fired and I hope the cast and crew prevail. No one should have to work in a toxic environment.
If this was GH, he’d already be gone as Disney wouldn’t let this get this far. They’d bite the bullet with any payout necessary. It’s much simpler when the same company owns the show, self produces and airs it.
With Sony’s direct ownership Y&R and B&B would also dismiss fairly quickly.
It’s the costlier multiple level structure at DAYS that has Corday dragging his feet. Sony and Comcast (Peacock owner) are not going to shuffle around any money to make the problem go away – it’s all on Corday.
Also with Y&R as seen with the prompt firing of Michael Muhney (ex-Adam)after allegations of sexual harassment surfaced. I’m glad the actors are circulating a petition but it’s sad it had to come to this. This EP should have been fired years ago.
All this man has to do is scream racism and poof not one thing will be done so good luck you created this mess once the genie gets out of the bottle you can’t put it back in for years now everything is about skin color or gender or sexuality . Try reading the bill of rights and having faith in it Martin Luther King John F Kennedy Robert Kennedy would be appalled at what they fought for decades ago is not a dream anymore but a nightmare.
This is where you are going with this news?This is not about race and you using Martin Luther King to support your racist viewpoints is downright vulgar. This is about sexual harassment and abuse on the work front period!
Really then why did he just use racism because he was a black man was the reason they were going after him?
Obviously you misunderstood me I said he was going to say it was racism and that was not what these leaders in the past wanted they fought for everyone to be equal so if that’s vulgar or racism so be it. That’s ok I don’t watch the show souls not comment just frustrating. I would have preferred he had his day in court not media and why are none of the oldies saying a word?
If Weinstein can be held accountable for his actions, then Albert Alarr should be accountable for his actions. And not just a slap on the wrist. This man needs to be terminated ASAP!!!
Everything is about race I knew he was going to use the race card. Then you all posters say I’m the racist you have crazies in the streets who are destroying cities and yet we say one word we are the racists. So go at it destroy each other because of your ignorance and this bastard is proof of the problem
Breaking News
Marla Adams, The Young and the Restless’ Dina Mergeron, Dies at 85
Marla Adams, best known for portraying matriarch, Dina Abbott Mergeron on CBS’ The Young and the Restless for 37 years, died on April 25, 2024, in Los Angeles. The news came from Y&R’s Director of Media and Talent, Matt Kane.
Throughout her veteran soap opera career, Marla appeared had appeared on Secret Storm (in her other longest running soap role as Bell Clemens from 1988-1974), The Bold and the Beautiful (ex-Beth Logan), Days of our Lives (ex-Dr. Claire McIntyre), Generations (ex- Helen Mullin), General Hospital (ex-Mildred Deal) and Capitol (ex-Myrna Clegg).
However, it was her role as Y&R’s upper crust Dina, who abandoned her children and her marriage to John Abbott (the late Jerry Douglas) that was her most memorable role. Throughout the years, Dina would have several romantic reunions with John, but in 2017, the character returned to Genoa City to reunite with her estranged family. Dina was the on-screen mother to Ashley Abbott (Eileen Davidson), Traci Abbott (Beth Maitland) and Jack Abbott (Peter Bergman).
Photo: JPI
As for Adams, she joined Y&R in 1982, but left the soap three years later her contract expired. She returned to Genoa City for stints in 1991, 1996 and 2008 before being asked by then Y&R head writer-producer Sally Sussman to return in 2017, which would begin the top-rated daytime drama telling the story of Alzheimer’s disease. Through Dina, the show shed light on a person going through the perils of the illness, and how the family copes and tries to come to terms with its fate.
In fact, Marla took home the Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Daytime Drama Series in 2021 for her work in the storyline, She had previously been nominated in 2018.
Photo:JPI
Speaking with Michael Fairman TV, Marla shared on her final scenes on Y&R when Dina passed away and was reunited with John Abbott, “It was heart-wrenching for me. In the story, Dina died when she went outside and to the front door of the Abbott home. They did not tell me before-hand, and that’s why it was so wonderful. I hope they came in for a closeup of that because I had no makeup on, it was beautiful, and then, Dina said, “Oh, John.” I’ve done everything from movies, to daytime, to nighttime, to Broadway, but that was the iconic moment for me, to do this gig with wonderful, wonderful actors and friends, and to do this particular storyline.
Born in Ocean City, New Jersey, on August 28, 1938, Adams’ love for the stage was ignited after winning the Miss Ocean City and Miss Cape May pageants and finishing as a runner-up in the Miss New Jersey pageant. She also fondly remembered being the Miss Diamond Jubilee Queen during the 1954 celebration of the 75th anniversary of Ocean City’s founding. A student at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, Adams appeared on Broadway in the 1958 production of The Visit at the Morosco Theatre with Alfred Lunt and Lynn Fontanne and starred as June in the 1961 feature film, Splendor in the Grass
Over the span of her decades long career, Adams starred in more than 40 productions including television’s: The Golden Girls, Hart to Hart, The Love Boat, The New Dick Van Dyke Show, Harry O, Adam-12, Starsky and Hutch, Marcus Welby, M.D., Barnaby Jones, and the feature film, Beneath the Leaves.
Photo: CBS
In a statement, Y&R’s current head writer and executive producer, Josh Griffith expressed, “On behalf of the entire company of The Young and the Restless, we send our deepest sympathies to Marla’s family. We’re so grateful and in awe of Marla’s incredible performance as Dina Mergeron as both Marla and Dina made an unforgettable mark on Y&R.
Marla is survived by her daughter, Pam Oates, son, Gunnar Garat, grandchildren, Gefjon and Stone, and her great-grandson, Remi.
Photo: JPI
Michael Fairman TV sends our condolences to Adam’s family, friends and co-stars. Now below, share your remembrances of Marla Adams, and watch a few of our interview with Marla from the set of Y&R during the show’s 45th anniversary celebration and on the red carpet at the Daytime Emmys below.
Breaking News
REPORT: Nicholas Chavez Not Returning to General Hospital
For those who were holding out hope that Daytime Emmy winner and fan favorite, Nicholas Chavez would be returning to General Hospital after filming his leading role in Ryan Murphy’s Monsters anthology, it looks like those hopes have been dashed.
According to a report from TV Line, although unconfirmed from General Hospital or a representative for Chavez, the actor will not reprise his role as Spencer Cassadine on the long-running ABC soap opera and continue the love story of Sprina opposite Tabyana Ali (Trina, GH).
Chavez was cast as Lyle Menendez over the the summer of 2023 for the second season of Murphy’s limited Monsters series on Netflix. In the upcoming season, the series will focus on the the case of Lyle and Erik Menendez, the two well-to-do Beverly Hills brothers accused of murdering their parents in 1989.
Photo: ABC
After word from Chavez casting was revealed, GH fans were concerned over the fate of the Sprina story, a spokesperson for GH shared, “We support Nicholas’ endeavors and look forward to having him return to General Hospital once this project is wrapped.”
In story, the series “killed off” Spencer when he went overboard with Esme to the steely waters below after being injected with a drug, thanks to Esme and falling into the Seine River in France. However, his body was never recovered, and believed to have drowned or washed away. Thus, leaving an opening for Spencer to return in the form of Chavez or be recast down the line.
Photo: ABC
TV Line shared that ‘multiple sources’ are confirming that Chavez is not returning to the ABC soap opera, which is what many had suspected might be the case once he left for this major starring role in a Ryan Murphy project. Chavez has been relatively quiet on social media for months.
Photo: ABC
The Michael Fairman Channel spoke with Nicholas Chavez for a virtual interview when he first joined the show in 2021, and spoke to him right after when he won the Daytime Emmy in 2022 – you can see those below.
No word yet on when Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menéndez Story will debut on Netflix, but it is assumed later this year.
So, what do you think about the news of Nicholas Chavez not returning to his role as Spencer Cassadine on General Hospital? Comment below.
Breaking News
‘Neighbours’ EP Jason Herbison on Series Daytime Emmy Nomination: “It’s a Huge Honour to be Nominated Alongside Such Iconic US Daytime Dramas”
When the 51st annual Daytime Emmy nominations were revealed last Friday, the iconic Australian soap opera, Neighbours, made the grade as one of the nominees for this year’s Outstanding Daytime Drama Series going up against U.S. titans such as General Hospital, The Young and the Restless et al.
That is because the revival of Neighbours, which is now seen in the United States streaming on Amazon Freevee, is now eligible under the rules from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS).
Not only did Neighbours receive its first Daytime Emmy nomination for Drama Series, but also for one of its legendary stars, Guy Pearce, who returned for a stint in the revival as Mike Young. Pearce is nominated for Outstanding Guest Performance in a Daytime Drama Series.
Photo: Freemantle
Throughout its run, Neighbours has received several nominations and wins in Australian and the UK, with this being its first nomination in the U.S.
Neighbours Executive Producer Jason Herbison shared on this momentous moment for the series: ‘Neighbours has been on an incredible journey these past few years and a Daytime Emmy Award nomination is the icing on the cake! It’s a huge honour to be nominated alongside such iconic US daytime dramas. This news is an exciting moment for our hard working cast and crew and a wonderful recognition of the new chapter of the show on Amazon Freevee.”
Photo: Freemantle
For those who need a bit of a refresher on the revival of Neighbours. The series streams exclusively on Amazon Freevee in the UK and U.S. and on Prime Video in Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, Australia, and South Africa. New episodes air daily Monday-Thursday on Amazon. The new series launched on 18 September, 2023, and picks up two years after the finale left off. In Australia, Network 10 retains first-run rights in Australia for the new chapter of the series.
Photo: Freemantle/AmazonFreevee
The series is known as the longest running local drama of all time in Australia and has launched the careers of so many celebrities including: Margot Robbie, Kylie Minogue, Jason Donovan, the aforementioned Guy Pearce, and Liam and Chris Hemsworth, to name but a few.
Long running series star Alan Fletcher and Jackie Woodbridge shared their many thanks on Neighbours Daytime Emmy nominations in a video message below.
So, what do you think of ‘Neighbours’ being nominated for Outstanding Daytime Drama Series at the 51st annual Daytime Emmy Awards? Could they be the spoiler in the category? Weigh-in below.
Alan Fletcher and Jackie Woodburne would like to share a special message regarding our incredible #Neighbours Daytime Emmy Award nominations 💛 @DaytimeEmmys pic.twitter.com/wWWo5PxmfD
— Neighbours (@neighbours) April 23, 2024
Serena Scott Thomas to Days of our Lives, But What Role Will She Play?
Jon Lindstrom and Cady McClain Announce They Have Ended Their Marriage
Y&R Stars Pay Tribute and Remember Marla Adams
(INTERVIEW) B&B’s Annika Noelle Reveals Her Lead Actress Emmy-Nominated Scenes, and the Ups and Downs of a Tough Year
Marla Adams, The Young and the Restless’ Dina Mergeron, Dies at 85
Jon Lindstrom and Cady McClain Announce They Have Ended Their Marriage
REPORT: Nicholas Chavez Not Returning to General Hospital
Adam Huss Makes Another Return to General Hospital as Nikolas Cassadine
Wally Kurth Talks on His DAYS Daytime Emmy Nomination, His Emotional Scenes, and Remembering John Aniston
DAYS and ‘Supernatural’ Alum Jensen Ackles Joins the Cast of Justin Hartley’s CBS Series ‘Tracker’
Marla Adams, The Young and the Restless’ Dina Mergeron, Dies at 85
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Sonny and Jason Trade Threats on Each Other
REPORT: Nicholas Chavez Not Returning to General Hospital
Cameron Mathison Previews New Game Show ‘Beat The Bridge’ (Promo)
Y&R’s Michelle Stafford Talks on Her Lead Actress Daytime Emmy Nomination, Allison Lanier, and ‘Pacific Palisades’ with Finola Hughes
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