User:Nk3play2/Chad DiMera

Chad DiMera

2014–
Chad returns in 2014, and attacks EJ having discovered his affair with Abigail in Will's (Guy Wilson) recent article. As Chad reconnects with his friends, he grows jealous of Abby's budding romance with his bartender Ben Rogers (Robert Scott Wilson) and tries to fire him for stealing, but Sonny stops him. Chad briefly dates Ben's sister Jordan Ridgeway (Chrishell Stause) but she leaves town. Chad's life is turned upside down when EJ and their sister Kristen (Eileen Davidson) are killed months apart from each other making Chad Stefano's sole surviving heir. Abigail and Chad have an affair in June 2015 and Chad rejects her soon after claiming he just wanted revenge for her affair with EJ. However, Chad pushes Abby away to protect her from Stefano. Abby later discovers she is pregnant and DNA test concludes that Ben is the child's father. After Stefano disowns him, Chad gets drunk and has a drunken confrontation with Serena Mason (Melissa Archer) when she rejects him. Serena is found murdered the next morning and Chad is the prime suspect, but Chad does not remember that night because he is drunk. Horrified by his potential fate, Chad gets drunk and appeals to Paige Larson (True O'Brien), who witnessed the confrontation with Serena, to clear his name. Unable to remember his whereabouts again, Chad convinces Marlena Evans) to hypnotize him to prove his innocence.

Creation and casting
The character and casting was announced on May 25, 2009. Casey Deidrick originated the role of Chad on June 19. Deidrick initially auditioned for the role of Tad. Deidrick made an impression on casting director Marnie Saitta and Saitta brought him back to audition for the role Chad. He auditioned for the role opposite Taylor Spreitler whom he had previously met through a mutual friend. Deidrick learned a few weeks later that he had won the role and signed the standard four-year contract.

In the spring of 2013, the series released a casting call for an actor matching Deidrick's description which led to speculation that the role of Chad was to be recast. At the time, Deidrick's screen time had declined dramatically and he had also booked several guest appearances in prime time. Deidrick officially confirmed his departure and announced that he had filmed his final scenes on June 20, 2013 -- with his final airdate slated for October 30. Michael Fairman revealed that it was Deidrick's decision. In his exit interview with Soap Opera Digest, Deidrick said that while he was not opposed to a recast, he was also open to future guest appearances. On his decision not to renew his contract, Deidrick said "I basically wanted to pursue other opportunities." However, Deidrick was grateful for all he learned.

On August 12, 2014, Soap Opera Digest reported that actor Billy Flynn had joined the cast in the role of Chad. Flynn made his debut on September 12.

Introduction (2009)
Chad's introduction causes trouble for Will Horton (Dylan Patton) and Mia McCormick (Taylor Spreitler).