Soap Star Michael Nader Dead at 76

The soap world is mourning the passing of an icon as Michael Nader has died at the age of 76. He passed away on Sept. 23 at his home in Northern California from an untreatable form of cancer. “With a heavy heart, I’m sharing the news of the passing of my beloved, Michael,” his wife, Jodi Lister, said in a statement. “We had 18 wonderful years together with the many dogs we fostered and adopted. Recently, Michael was so thrilled to reconnect with his friends from the cast of DYNASTY during Emma Samms’ virtual event to help raise funds for Long-COVID research. He was a beautiful and fascinating man with many talents and skills. I will miss him forever.”

Although well known for playing Dex Dexter in ABC’s primetime sudser, DYNASTY, Nader made his soap debut as Kevin Thompson on AS THE WORLD TURNS in 1975 and played the role for three years. And in 1983, he played Alexi Theopolis in NBC’s primetime soap BARE ESSENCE. In 1991, Nader returned to daytime to play Dimitri Marick on ALL MY CHILDREN, a love interest for the iconic Susan Lucci’s Erica Kane. After being written out in 1999, Nader reprised the role for a short time in 2001 and returned again in 2013 for AMC’s sadly short-lived online revival.

Some soap fans might be surprised to learn that Nader’s Hollywood career actually began back in the ‘60s in a series of beach party movies like Muscle Beach Party, Bikini Beach, Beach Blanket Bingo, and How to Stuff a Wild Bikini. He also appeared on the classic TV series GIDGET from 1965-66! He also made appearances on primetime series like MAGNUM P.I., FINDER OF LOST LOVES, PERRY MASON, THE FLASH, and COLD CASE during his lengthy career.

Our thoughts are with Nader’s friends and loved ones during this difficult time.