Is Alexis Thorpe the Next to Exit?
In the wake of the recent firings at Days of our Lives, it is rumored that Alexis Thorpe (Cassie) could be the next to go.
Internet fans are a buzz with the message that Thorpe allegedly posted on her message board on Thursday, September 25, 2003.
“Unfortunately I have some sad news,” she allegedly writes. “The rumors you have been hearing are true. I am leaving the show. I was told that my character will fall victim to our serial killer. I am disappointed because I love my job, the cast and crew I work with, and you guys....”
The massive cuts at Days are attributable to several factors: EP Ken Corday admitting in a published interview in Soap Opera Digest (September 30, 2003) that in order to guarantee a 5-year pick up at NBC, the show had to make concessions which included high cuts in costs and fees. The quickest way to save money is to cut actors, especially actors who have been around for a while and have gotten salary increases over time.
“I had to do the right thing for the show – and for the 500-600 employees who would have been out of work – which was to keep it on the air,” Corday admitted to Digest.
Couple the NBC mandate with the return of James E. Reilly as headwriter whose focus is to streamline the cast so that stories can be more fully developed for the remaining characters, and to date, four actors have been given pink slips. Those actors are James Reynolds (Abe, whose last airdate is Monday, September 29, 2003), Matthew Ashford (Jack), Peggy McCay (Caroline) and Suzanne Rogers (Maggie). Together, those four actors represent 80 years on Days combined.
The question remains, is Thorpe truly the next to go? If so, one thing is certain. She will miss playing the part.
“The thing that I find saddest, though, is that I am going to have a hard time saying goodbye to my character of Cassie,” she posted on her board. “I have cherished every day that I have been able to play this character, and I am sad that we won't see other sides of her. She is fun, isn't she?”
An upbeat Thorpe looks toward the future and expresses her appreciation to her fans. “I do want to tell you however, that I am extremely excited for what is yet to happen...I feel without a shadow of a doubt, that everything happens for a reason and that good things are ahead,” she writes. “I hope you guys follow me, wherever the path leads! You all have truly been the best. And as I have said from the beginning, I am so thankful for all of you.”
Then, in a remarkably generous gesture, she tells the fans to hang in there and continue to support the show. “Now...what is important is to not get mad at the show, or the writers,” she offers. “They are simply doing what they believe is best for the show. If people get upset and stop watching -- because of anybody who is leaving -- then ratings will continue to drop, and this story will have been done in vain. Let's support Jim Reilly and the producers, and put Days on top where it belongs.”
In a recent interview with Thorpe, she shared with Soapdom what she would like to see happen for Cassie. “My fantasy storyline would be a threesome between Cassie, Maurice Benard (Sonny, GH) and Ashton Kutcher (That 70’s Show),” she said. “And then maybe Justin Timberlake could join us, too!” she added. Then she giggled. “I mean a threesome as in a love triangle. Not anything crazy!”
If she was already aware of Cassie's fate during this interview, she did not allude to it. Should the reports of her dismissal be true, we will never get to see that fantasy play out on DOOL. But who knows? Thorpe could end up playing opposite one (or more of, LOL) her fantasy leading men in the near future.
Thorpe started in the role of Cassie in 2002, fresh off a stint on the Young and the Restless as Rianna (2000-2002.) While at Y&R, she met David Lago (Raul, Y&R) and the two were engaged to be married. The engagement was called off.
When contacted regarding Thorpe’s internet post and if there was any truth to the message, a spokesperson for Days declined to comment.
Photos: LMS for Soapdom, Inc.
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