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ER execcutive producer John Wells proudly announced this morning he has stemmed the tide of cast regulars leaving to explore other avenues. He declared Tony Dexter, 43, agreed to a three-year contract extension, reportedly with a significant pay raise, that will keep him on the show through the 2004-2005 season. His character, Pete will be steadily expanded now that practically every other veteran cast member has left the show. "We are proud to preserve the bond our audiences have had with this character, who has appeared regularly since the show's inception. Along with Noah Wyle, he provides a link to the show's beginnings for our most loyal viewers."
Dexter's previous screen time has been limited to being spotted in the background several times each season, usually mopping something up. His previous spotlight came several years ago when, in one memorable episode, he asked Dr. Del Amico, (played by Maria Bello, who has since departed) to please move so he could empty a wastebasket. Future storylines will help expand the character so that Pete will not only be given more dialogue, but will be featured prominently interacting with the other cast members.
Dexter's older brother Larry, serving as his spokesman, said, "Tony's really excited about this. We're going out to Outback to celebrate, as a matter of fact. Tony said he just hopes nobody expects him to step in and replace guys like Anthony Edwards right away."
Wells, however, insisted that the signing and the increased airtime are not merely due to the departures of popular stars Anthony Edwards, Eriq La Salle, and dozens of others before them. "We have been looking for ways to take more advantage of Tony's skills for some time now. Our writers are already salivating at the opportunity to dramatize the vital custodial functions that are an essential part of any ER."
Wells urged observers not to interpret the move as an admission Noah Wyle, who has been with the series from the beginning, is not enough to anchor the long-running drama. "Noah is very loyal, in addition to being a heck of a guy," Wells said, "and a lot of our viewers think he's cute."
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