UPDATED: Time’s up for Albert Alarr as he is no longer co-executive producer and a primary director at “Days of our Lives,” reports Deadline. Effective immediately, he will be replaced by longtime producer Janet Drucker co-executive producer. Production on “Days of our Lives” will resume on Monday, August 7, with new protocols, including implementing an HR presence on set. The announcement was made this evening via email to cast and crew by executive producer and series owner Ken Corday.
“Effective immediately, Janet Drucker will be elevated to co-executive producer of ‘Days of Our Lives,’ replacing Albert Alarr, who will be exiting his role,” Corday wrote in his email obtained by both Deadline and TheWrap. “Moving forward, we will be implementing additional HR protocols, including an increased HR presence as well as channels for reporting any concerns. It is imperative that we have a safe and inclusive workplace environment.”
Earlier this week, more than 25 cast members signed a petition demanding Alarr’s dismissal as co-EP and director. Last Friday, when it was learned that Alarr’s name was on the production sheet for directing the planned August 4 episode, the news allegedly didn’t sit well with cast and crew, forcing the show to extend its planned two-week hiatus to a third week. The show planned to resume production on Monday, August 7, which until now likely would have included Alarr’s continued presence on set had he not departed. “Production will resume, as planned, on Monday with new leadership in place. As a reminder, we still have a pre-planned hiatus set for the week of August 14th,” Corday’s email stated in conclusion.
Launched in March, the nine-week investigation was “triggered by a complaint related to a recent round of layoffs,” Deadline revealed. Filed by a female employee, the complaint alleged that a number of recent staff cuts had “disproportionally impacted women” who were not receiving equal pay on the show compared to their male counterparts, people close to the matter told the outlet. Seven contract actresses were said to have departed the series around the time of the layoffs, five of whom were either let go altogether or dropped to recurring status. The remaining two actresses reportedly made the decision to leave the series on their own. Separately, one male actor was laid off.
In a since-deleted Instagram story, former “Days of our Lives” star Lisa Rinna said, “Karma is a bitch,” referring to the news of Alarr’s behavior behind the scenes. “Well, this took a long time. Let’s see, when’s the last time I went over there and did that week on Peacock I couldn’t believe the work environment,” said Rinna of her return to the role of Billie Reed on spinoff “Days of our Lives: Beyond Salem” (Chapter One), which took was taped and aired in 2021 on the streaming service. She called the experience “disgusting” and said she was “shocked” at how things were managed on set. She further noted, “I let many people know how I felt, Albert included, and they didn’t do a thing until now, it seems.”
Without the cast working together and the fans rallying behind them, Alarr’s alleged behavior could have continued as the concluded investigation was reportedly handed over to Corday Productions, owner and producer of the series, by distributor Sony Pictures Television which handled the HR investigation as the show up to that point did not have in-house HR representation.
In a statement released to Deadline following the investigation’s conclusion and the outlet’s reporting on the subject, Corday Productions said, “After a two-month investigation, the independent investigator produced a report with its findings. Based on those findings, Corday Productions has taken a series of actions designed to ensure a safe and respectful work environment.”
The supposed actions at the time included Mr. Alarr reportedly receiving a “written warning” and being asked to “undergo training.” The plan would have seen Alarr keeping his dual roles as co-EP and director, which is said to be what sparked outrage among the cast and crew.
READ ALSO: Albert Alarr Statement on Ouster as Co-Executive Producer of ‘Days of our Lives’
As for Drucker, in a 2015 interview when the show was celebrating its 50th anniversary, she discussed her role as a producer, noting that as part of her job, she would work closely with the writers, on stage with the cast and even the control booth “doing a little bit of everything,” she said matter of fact.
Check out Drucker’s interview below and tell us what your thoughts are in the comments below.