Person of the Week: Michael E. Knight

For the first time in forty-one years, our friends in Pine Valley will not be coming into our homes since All My Children aired its final broadcast television episode last Friday. But, we can still appreciate the many talented people who tirelessly brought the show to us through the best and worst of circumstances.

Of the exceptional cast, one of the first outstanding names which comes to mind is Michael E. Knight who is best known for playing “Tad Martin” from 1982–1986 and then from 1988–1990, and again from 1992 to 2011. Devoted fans of the show also know that Knight also played the role of Tad’s look-a-like, Ted Orsini from 1993–1994. That was rather odd, but somehow, Knight managed to pull it off with charm and cleverness.

During Knight’s brief absences from All My Children, he pursued other projects which would give him an opportunity to expand his experience and showcase his talent. He starred in the 1987 feature film Date with an Angel, and made numerous primetime television appearances which allowed him to spotlight both his dramatic and tremendous comedic abilities. In that spirit, Knight starred in the off-Broadway productions of Wrong Turn at Lungfish and Cakewalk with Linda Lavin.

Still, Pine Valley was always in Mr. Knight’s blood and he returned to his daytime home to the relief of his many fans who long appreciated his portrayal of “Tad.” The character developed from the rogue-ish “Tad the Cad” to being, in many ways, the show’s father figure. It was only fitting, then, that Knight was given the honor of delivering the final toast of the show as his character addressed a gathering of Pine Valley’s elite, reminding them of the importance of family and friends and reminding the audience of Agnes Nixon’s vision for the show.

This talented actor was honored with three Daytime Emmy Awards and, even more impressive, the unceasing loyalty of his fans.

Michael Fairman recently published an interesting interview with the intelligent Mr. Knight who addresses the show’s past and future and adds his thoughts about the cancellation of All My Children.