Vartan Addresses Alias Rumor
Michael Vartan, co-star of ABC's spy series Alias, denied to Entertainment Tonight rumors that he has been written out of the show. The New York Post reported that Aug. 17 was Vartan's last day of shooting because he was killed off in the show. Asked if this was just a rumor, Vartan replied: "Yes indeed."
The persistent rumors that Vartan is getting the boot have prompted some fans to mount a campaign to keep him on the show, though no official word has come out about Vartan. At the end of last season, Vartan's character, Michael Vaughn, was about to reveal a deep secret to paramour Sydney Bristow (Jennifer Garner) when another vehicle smashed into their car. (In real life, Vartan was romantically linked with Garner before her marriage to Ben Affleck.)
For his part, Vartan appreciates the fans' attention, premature though it may be. "On a personal level it's flattering to know there are people out there who actually care about the character I play," Vartan told E.T. reported Kevin Frazier. "But, come on, it's a TV show. ... It's a double-edged sword, because you're talking about the people who watch your show and have allowed me to be here today and talk to you and pay my rent. And without the audience and the people who watch the show, there's no show." Alias returns to ABC Sept. 29 in its new Thursday-night timeslot.
