For months Days of Our Lives viewers wondered about the secret caller keeping tabs on Madison. In a surprise twist, the mystery man turned out to be her wealthy older husband, Ian McAllister. Daytime veteran Ian Buchanan is tackling the deliciously wicked character and reveling in all the trouble he’s about to stir up.
How would you describe Ian McAllister?He’s highly manipulative, filthy rich, super successful, and very passionate. He’s also somebody who’s probably a little emotionally unstable.
He sounds like a hot mess of trouble. How long has it been since you played someone like him?
Probably since Port Charles. [Joshua Temple] was quite a mess. Also, Greg on All My Children was a little twisted. But this character is pretty bright and will get away with quite a lot.
Since Ian’s such a rich, successful guy, you must have a fabulous wardrobe.
Oh, I do. That’s the great thing. He’s also the same size as I am, so there’s a chance I could keep some of it. It’s a great wardrobe; very chic, nicely tailored and just powerful. Great colors. It’s John Varvatos, which is very cool.
What was that first scene with Eric Martsolf (Brady) like, where you deliver the blow that Madison is your wife?
Very well written and kind of creepy, because Ian got into Madison’s hotel room and waited for her. She was shocked to find him, and Brady assumed he was some creep who broke into her room. Of course, Ian was like, “No. I’m married to her.”
So for viewers invested in the Brady/Madison coupling, you’re the guy coming between them.
Yeah. Oh God! It’s been so long since I’ve been hated. (Laughs.) Probably since I did the un-abortion thing on All My Children. It’s going to be terrible. But I don’t care. Let them hate me, as long as they watch it.
Do Ian and Madison have a Svengali type relationship?
Yes. He met her when she was very young and ambitious and selling cosmetics out of the trunk of her car. Ian recognized her potential and was her mentor. He fell in love with what he created. So he thinks he owns her. She has actually grown and developed in other ways, but he’s kept a very tight rein on her.
What’s it been like working with Sarah Brown (Madison)?
Absolutely enjoyable. It reminds me of when I first worked with Finola (Hughes, Anna) on General Hospital... The same kind of energy and fun. She’s wonderful. I’m also having a great time working with Lauren Koslow (Kate), too.
Kate and Ian share a past. Don’t they?
Kate was the great love of Ian’s life. He actually pushed her away to protect her, which is something that is just coming out now. It’s a really nice, old-fashioned, kind of romantic relationship, but it has its problems. She has a husband.
Speaking of that husband, have you worked with Joseph Mascolo (Stefano) and James Scott (EJ) yet? I’m looking forward to that scene and all the battling accents.
I’m waiting for that scene, too, actually. It hasn’t happened yet. But I’ve been polishing up on Joe’s accent. I think I may out accent him.
Did you know anyone from Days before joining the show?
I knew Deidre Hall (Marlena). She and I had done a Columbo together several years ago. I knew Wally Kurth (Justin) from doing multiple Emmy shows together. I also knew Lisa Rinna (Billie) very well. She and I actually modeled together, when she was a kid. Then, we’d see each other off and on.
Have you been enjoying the show, so far?
I’m loving it. At the very least I hoped to like it, but I’m pleasantly surprised that I love it. Ian just crackles with electricity. He has so many layers and colors. It forces me to pull out all the stops.
