AMC Fans Protest
Nader's Ouster (SOD 6/29/99)AMC Fans Protest
Nader's Ouster (SOD 6/29/99)
"As word spread that All My Children was ousting Michael Nader (Dimitri) after eight years, online fans rallied with a letter-writing campaign to save Pine Valley's brooding count.
Nader's fans plan to bombard AMC with missives focusing on three major gripes: 1)They have waited two years for a Dimitri/Erica reunion, which they won't get now that he's leaving. 2)They adore Nader's chemistry with on-screen brother John Callahan (Edmund) and don't want to lose it. 3)They fear that Nader has been sacrificed to make room in the budget for new- and younger- cast members.
Here's a sample of the e-mails: 'You may think that once viewers are hooked, they will put up with a lot of teenage storylines before they quit watching. While this is partly true, we will quit watching if Nader if let go. If AMC is not going to show any respect or consideration for its 30-something viewers, then we will no longer support the show.' Another noted, 'Don't kid yourself into thinking that younger, shirtless men will lure or keep viewers. The viewers want exciting romance. These young studs can't begin to portray the confident, sexy mannerisms so abundant in Nader's Dimitri.'
An AMC spokesperson responds that the show has big plans for the over-30 set this summer, including Tad, Dixie, Erica, David, Edmund, and newcomer Finola Hughes (ex-Anna Devane, GH) who will find herself entangled with some of Pine Valley's most popular folks.
As for Nader, his spokesperson says that the actor has taken his dismissal in stride. 'He was there a lot longer than he originally anticipated,' explains the spokesperson. 'He's really fine with it. It's kind of a mutual thing. [Nader had AMC] both had an option to exercise in the middle of the contract and both decided that it's time to cut the cord.' Look for Nader to exit in late July."