 Transcripts Snappies Fan Creations M & M Press LinksKnight Reflections AMC's Tad Shares His Pine Valley Memories 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 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 Shakesperean device where'd you say, "This is how I really feel about what I'm doing." Bob George 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 he'd be faithful, and he had to look her in the face and day, "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] 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.    |