In a shocking decision Martha Byrne who plays Lily Snyder has decided to leave ATWT. All that she asked was that she be allowed to work the same number of shows that she did last year. This was not a big request but TPTB wouldn't allow this and therefore Martha is leaving. If you want too keep Martha on ATWT please help us out!
UPDATE: March 23rd 2008: Martha Byrne had a chat with fans on Sunday March 16th and she answered some questions about her decision to leave the show. Below is most of the questions about her leaving:
To read the rest go here: http://welovesoaps.blogspot.com/
MarkH: There is a bit of inconsistency in the press. ATWT/P&G are saying you got a "generous offer" which you refused. Your press release says you offered to continue at a cut rate of pay, but when negotiations stalled and a recast was ordered, you quit negotiations. True?
MarthaByrne> I know there has been a lot of I did not quit negotiations. I made a request to work at least the same number of shows that I was in last year and was told NO. That day is when the recast call went out.
Catseye: What was the contract dispute over?
MarthaByrne> I wanted to work at least the same amount of days this year as I did last year. That is it all I asked for.
janefitz: There's been a lot of rumors about what happen between you and the producers. Can you share now what caused the breakdown in negotiation? Also, best of luck in whatever you decide to do.
MarthaByrne> I did not want storyline approval-No one gets that. I had already taken a substantial pay reduction last year. The only thing I wanted was to work at least the same amount of episodes this year as last year. This was denied and that is when I heard about my recast.
MarkH: Is CBS lobbying with P&G on your behalf? I'm sensing disagreements between P&G and CBS on several issues.
MarthaByrne> P&G owns ATWT. They are the final say regarding actors contracts. CBS is involved on many levels, but they don't deal with the actors contracts.
Mrcy: How do we send letters to P&G?
MarthaByrne> One P&G Plaza Cincinnati, Ohio Address it to P&G Productions
shallotpeel: If there's reason to send letters to P&G, does that imply that there is some hope?
MarthaByrne> There is always hope...
december: Are the "powers that be" even listening to the fans anymore? Dusty, Craig, and now this?
MarthaByrne> I truly believe that the fans voice is the most important. Without the fans Daytime wouldn't exist. I am a fan myself and I understand your frustrations. You should know that every person behind the scenes appreciates your voice.
shallotpeel: When you made your statement to Jen Lenhart of Soap Opera Digest mentioning that you had taken a paycut previously by intent & that you were negotiating and into it for 3 weeks and then, etc., etc. I just had a feeling that it was something utterly ridiculous for this to happen over. Were you completely bowled over when this happened? I mean, you've gone into negotiations without an agent or anything at times in the past, etc. ... did you feel like the rug was pulled out from under you?!!
MarthaByrne> I have negotiated over thirty contracts in my career and have never had a problem.
Sleepydreams143: Can I ask how they wrote Lily off? I am going to miss you soooo much!! Best of luck in all you do!
MarthaByrne> Lily gets in a limo and takes off...
Lolo: Was the recast call the only reason you stopped negotiating?
MarthaByrne> That was the beginning...
blackcat: Do you really think the fans can make a difference? What is the best way to be heard? We want to do something fast and effective......Lily rocks!
MarthaByrne> Write to P& G Productions...
UPDATE March 6th 2008: Martha Byrne speaks out about her departure in Soap Opera Digest. I want to thank Ryan Chandler at SOS for typing this up:
http://boards.soapoperasource.com/index.php?showtopic=75
"I have never commented on contract negotiations with AS THE WORLD TURNS throughout my 23 year association with the show. It was always a private and personal business matter. I decided to comment now to clarify the statement the show chose to release about my departure. Last year, understanding the impending fiscal restraints the show faced, I willingly signed a one-year contract with a substantial pay reduction. With six weeks remaining on that contract, the show began negotiations on a new one. I made it known I was willing to sign a multi-year contract and was committed to stay with the show. After less than three weeks of talks, we hit an impasse, which often happens with negotiations. I then learned the show that same afternoon put out a breakdown for my immediate replacement. That was the end of any further negotiations for me. Unfortunately, I what I thought to be a reasonable and workable request, the shwo determined to be unworkable.
I want to thank all the loyal fans who, over the course of two decades, have unconditionally supported me and the characters of Lily and Rose," she continues. "It was a wonderful journey, one I sincerely hoped would continue. I consider myself fortunate to have shared so many years with you. A door has been closed, but I have always found it to be true that another one soon opens up. Until then! Love to you all, Martha."
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