An Insider's Guide To All My Children:
Memories, Reflections, Classic Lines, Celebrity "Recasts"--And More!
Knight Reflections: AMC's Tad Shares His Pine Valley Memories
In a show filled with classic characters, AMC's Tad "the Cad" Martin is a rarity: a charming rogue who became such a hit with fans that he changed his ways (with a few exceptions) and turned into one of Pine Valley's most popular leading men. In a rare interview, Michael E. Knight, who joined AMC as Tad in 1983, talks about how the show and his character have evolved.
Digest: How do you feel when you see tapes of Tad's early adventures?
Knight: Old! I remember when I had more hair. Seriously, it's great to look back, and it's great to be able to work with somebody like Marcy Walker (Liza) again after so many years. I sincerely believe that she is one of the five best actresses in daytime.
Digest: So why isn't Tad part of the Liza/Adam triangle?
Knight: There's a certain perception in the audience about Liza. Tad looks two-faced if he goes for Liza.
Digest: Let's go back in time to the mid '80s. Were you surprised that Tad took off as strongly as he did?
Knight: Oh, yeah. Tad was conceived as God's vengeance on Liza for being a bitch to Jenny. The part was very, very slick and evil. I went to (then-Executive Producer) Jackie Babbin and asked if humor could be a part of it, and she and (AMC Creator) Agnes Nixon backed me up. Another person who has always supported me is (AMC Head Writer) Lorraine Broderick. She was my freshman dean at Wesleyan University, and three years later, I was working for her (at AMC). That whole story with Liza and Marian was the best entree a young actor could hope for.
Digest: Do you have a favorite storyline?
Knight: In terms of an overall story arc, I'd have to say the Liza/Marian/Tad thing. In those days, we had these wonderful scenes called "talk tos." It was an almost Shakespearean device where you'd say, "This is how I really feel about what I'm doing." Bob Georgia was Tad's "talk to," and we had so much fun. I also love anything with David Canary. One of my dreams is to do an Of Mice and Men storyline with Stuart.
Digest: Let's talk for a minute about Tad and Dixie. AMC fans still obsess about them.
Knight: Cady (McClain, ex-Dixie) is a dear friend of mine, and that was a one-in-a-million relationship. Cady and I got to the point where we could read the phone book together and have something going on. She's the kind of actress who is so wonderful--and Marcy is the only other person I say this about--all you have to do is catch the ball and they'll make you look good.
Digest: Does Tad love Gloria?
Knight: The love he has for Gloria is of the same purity he felt for Dixie, but I wish they would explore the fact that (Gloria and Tad) are a lot alike. Gloria has been a con artist. She was the bad girl. I think Tad's
realization that he's not going to be your average Martin should figure more into it. The most significant event Tad has had (in recent years) was when Dixie asked him to swear that he'd be faithful, and he had to look her in the face and say, "I can't."
Digest: You mentioned Tad's offbeat humor. Are you thinking of his first proposal to Dixie in the chicken suit?
Knight: That was kind of a cheap gag. I liked the knock-hockey game with Gloria. I liked being locked in the vault on my wedding day (to Hillary). The only time I've ever been able to play a con man was as Tad Martin, because let's face it--I look like a dentist or a lawyer.
Digest: Wasn't Hunter Tylo (ex-Robin; now Bold and Beautiful's Taylor) locked in the vault with you?
Knight: Yes, and I've got to admit that I had a bit of a crush on her. I believe that Tad and Robin went to bed once.
Digest: Who have you never had a love scene with, but would like to?
Knight: Susan Lucci (Erica). She is hotter than hot.
Digest: Have you talked with her about it?
Knight: Hell, no! I think she's hot, though. I really do.
Digest: Why do you think Tad has remained so popular?
Knight: Because people remember the history. Soap fans are amazing. And you know, every hit nighttime show operates on a soap format, including Friends, ER, and all of Steven Bochco's (NYPD Blue; Murder One) and David Kelley's (Chicago Hope; Picket Fences) shows.
Digest: How long will you play Tad?
Knight: As long as they'll have me. This is my home.
Mouthing Off With Marian
When Marian Colby opens her mouth, something memorable is sure to pop out, thanks to Jennifer Bassey, who debuted as the man-hungry matron in 1983.
"The dialogue writers love writing for Marian because they can hear Jennifer's voice," says AMC Head Writer Lorraine Broderick. "She cracks us up!"
"They give me incredible dialogue," responds Bassey. "Some of it is like Tennesee Williams, and some is like Noel Coward. When I found out that Liza and Marian were going to be living with Adam, I said, 'Darling, the three sickest people on this program are moving in together!'"
Below, a sample of Marian's most recent classic exchanges.
(Marian counsels Liza about Jake.)
Marian: "Liza, you're making a catastrophic mistake here."
Liza: "I don't care, Mother."
Marian: "Well, you're going to care when you're on your hands and knees looking for some pocket change under a sofa cushion. Listen to me, simply take Jake as a lover, okay?"
Liza: "That's your solution?"
Marian: "Well, darling, is there any other way?"
Liza: "What about honesty?"
Marian: "Honesty, darling? Life is not a Girl Scout jamboree, you know. Security is everything, and Adam is the golden goose. Oh, Liza, please don't walk away from all those 18-karat golden eggs."
Liza: "Mother, I'm not going to sleep with one man when I want another."
Marian: "Don't be ridiculous darling, people do it all the time. Don't ignore my expertise here." (Liza stalks away.)
(Marian tries to "reason with Jake.)
Marian: "You know, Jake, marriage can be a great deal of fun, but it's also a lot of hard work."
Jake: "Marian Colby on marriage--a how-not-to guide."
Marian: "Unfortunately, I didn't write the book, Jake, but have you read The Venus/Mars Dichotomy?"
Jake: "I thought you came from Pluto."
Marian: "You should really read it, darling. It might curb your appetite for home wrecking.... I see the way you look at Liza in front of Adam, and I wonder what the male equivalent of brazen hussy would be.... Being Mrs. Adam Chandler may not be easy, but Liza likes the perks. Adam can give her two things that you never can--power and a vault full of cold, hard cash."
Jake: "I've seen her much happier."
Marian: "I've seen her ecstatic, darling, mid-manicure on Adam's private jet on the way to Palm Springs, where she was going to be hosting society's elite in gowns worth more than your unfinished education."
Jake: "So if I was Doctor Jake Martin, you'd be prodding me to push Adam aside."
Marian: "Prod you? No, darling. But I'd be a lot less suicidal than I am right now."
Jake: "Gee, thanks, Marian."