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45th Daytime Emmys: Watch Outstanding Younger Actor In a Drama Series Nominated Reels! Who Should Win?

By Michael Fairman

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Courtesy/NATAS

Who will take home the gold in the Outstanding Younger Actor in a Drama series category at this year’s Daytime Emmys on April 29th?

Best way to try to figure it out is to go to the videotape!  NATAS has released the video submissions in the category for soap fans viewing.

Five young men are vying for the prize: Days of our Lives’ Casey Moss (JJ) and Lucas Adams (Tripp), former The Bold and the Beautiful star, Rome Flynn (Ex-Zende), The Young and the Restless’, Tristan Lake Leabu (Reed), and General Hospital’s Hudson West (Jake).

After the jump take a look at the nominated reels and then let us know who you think should win in the Outstanding Younger Actor category via the comment below!

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If Casey Moss loses this it would be a crime

Tristan impressed me as soon as he arrived. I wish him well.

Plain and simple, while all actors were great in these clips, Casey Moss stole it. That young man’s acting chops are natural and pure. He is stunning as JJ Devereaux. No shade to any one else involved in this process but Casey deserves the prize for his EXCELLENT work.

Casey should win but his reel was poorly assembled. It’s slow and plodding and doesn’t include his best scenes from the shooting story. Lucas Adams’ reel is much more captivating. I think if Casey wins it will be because of the nature of the story they were telling about white on black copy shooting.

Younger actor, younger…
there are 2 that I’d consider Younger;
Tristan Lake Leabu (Reed), and General Hospital’s Hudson West (Jake).

The other 3 are not young as in young..
I’d date them ..

The age limit for the category is 26, su. (Or it used to be. I think it still is.)

Now, maybe that’s the wrong age limit, but the Daytime Emmys have never been very logical. . . .

Casey gets my vote!

I just watched Casey Moss’ tape. This was tough to watch again. Best of luck to Casey!

Hudson or Casey.

Casey Moss…what a fine actor he has become!!!

casey moss,he is the next justin harley

I am pulling for Casey Moss. I think he is terrific playing all the facets of JJ. The suicide episode was riveting. All of his work during the Theo shooting story was outstanding. Good luck Casey!!!!!!!!

Casey Moss

Probably the easiest category to pick — Casey Moss in a runaway

Hudson West (Jake, General Hospital)

Gotta go with Casey Moss here. JJ’s been through a lot of shit in the relatively short time he’s been in Salem, and he usually knocks it out of the park, especially this recent storyline with Theo’s shooting. (and the after effects of that whole mess – Lani’s pregnancy and all that – might already have next year’s nomination wrapped up for him)

Gotta say that Casey Moss was riveting in his portrayal of someone contemplating suicide.

Lucas Adams lights up the screen in every scene, even if I don’t agree with some of the decisions that he has been forced to show his character making.

As a side-note, I guess it’s only fair for Chandler Massey to leave some of these awards for other actors occasionally. 😉 (I’m also wondering what the heck happened to the chemistry that Chandler clearly showed in every scene with every other actor during his previous enlistment.)

Casey Moss!

I vote for Casey Moss JJ from days of our lives

Hudsdon West makes me wish they had a Child Category. He is SO good, and very reminiscent of the young guy who played Brandon on Santa Barbara whowon an Emmy in this category. These young categories, with only four soaps, are so weird because they are filled with young people, some of whom would never be nominated in a million years if the playing field wasnt so small. I REALLY like Tristan as Reed. Although he hasn’t had major story, he just has that IT factor that separates young actors from future stars. Casey had some very challenging material and delivered it well, although I feel he should have won in this category a few years ago. This category is entirely incomplete without Kyle who played Theo on Days. In the aftermath of his shooting and coma he delivered some amazing and heartbreaking work! He made some understated and unusual acting choices. He played his part with heart and sincerity that brought me to real tears more than once! He was robbed and should have won!!
3

“… This category is entirely incomplete without Kyle who played Theo on Days. ”

absolutely – the “firing” of Kyle.. because of an immature leak and/or mistake… was simply that

I’ve posted – NO ONE CARES what leaked… WE, THE AUDIENCE, just want, GOOD story. that has been asked and answered… DAYS is ON top.

simply put… our mindset, in this industry…. just want the show to go on. Firing Kyle Pettis , is WRONG. he is an excellent actor

NBC / Sony / DOOL – have their standards ? LOL sigh

Kyle was not even in the pre-nom list. so that answers that.

what a mistake. any way… like you… I teared up multiple times.

I MISS Lexie son : Theo

I’m really only familiar with Casey Moss (JJ) and Hudson West (Jake)-both are great. Casey Moss has definitely grown as an actor; and Hudson West has more talent in his pinky than most of the adult actors on the show. Best of luck.

Hi, dmr,
I wish ‘they’ would have a separate category for children actors/actresses. Choosing between an adult, albeit a young adult, and a child is sort of discombobulating….does not jive.
Little Hudson is a natural….quite a dilemma. This child is on his way to greatness, as an actor, if he sticks to it.
He’s a baby….the world is open to him and his to take…..so many roads.
Yes, my friend, you are sooo right; Hudson does put some adult actors to shame. He never steps over his lines…..never looks ‘staged’ or prompted….his lines flow naturally and flawlessly.
I’m for either, Casey or Hudson. We shall see.
Casey could win simply on his looks, LOL….Hudson on his cuteness. Nah, just kidding…..
Those who ‘select’ the ‘winners’ can be capricious…so, it’s a toss-up, I guess.

It’s Casey Moss’s to lose. He was brilliant in that Christmas episode, and IMO, his reel didn’t even do his entire performance justice (because of all the splicing). If he submitted full episodes like they used to do, the magnitude and the impact would have been even more compelling.

Still it doesn’t take away from what a phenomenal fourth quarter Casey Moss had in 2017.

Casey Moss, for sure. Not only has the actor come a long way personally, but his acting has improved 100%!

The one that should win is (Jake played by Hudson West) General Hospital.

lil’ Jake , broke me, when he first heard that Drew was not his father. in that moment he didn’t want Jason to be. every since that moment… before and after

GH can drop that sugary sweet syrupy run. OK Jake we get it.

I’ll take James Nigbor for shade and because he’s cuter.

OUCH!!!! Both are cute!

I adore Hudson West! Absolutely adorable/lovable!

Well, young Mr. West is outstanding, especially in his scenes with Billy Miller (Drew), but to me, this is Casey Moss’ award by a long shot. He’s gone from teen eye candy to an accomplished actor who can handle heavy material. The others are good also, but the story and the gravitas brought to it should bring Casey the prize.

I agree, Soaphound. Casey was so moving during the whole Leo story and his suicide attempt. But Hudson is so darn cute (as is the actor who plays Danny. Love these kids!)

Hi, Soaphound,
Oh, yeah….Casey for the award!! Do you remember how we were soooo ‘iffy’ about him when he first stepped onto the Days’ stage?
Well. He certainly made a rewarding and literal transformation as an actor and as an upstanding Salem citizen. His talent actually ‘grew’ right before our eyes.
I must admit I wasn’t really into JJ ( but always appreciated Casey—gorgeous!!)……and, I thought he would always remain the brat; the angry teen; the trouble-maker….but, wow!! What a jump and leap into maturity he made. I think Paige had much to do with it as JJ came into his own….his revelation into manhood, leading him to recognize who he really was as a person, came after his fling with Eve…..that was disgusting to me; but it did help JJ grasp what it was he was looking for!!
I love both the actor and the character. Go Casey!

Evolution, not revelation, LOL.

Celia, dear, you summed it up beautifully. But I gotta say…though I was also put off by the Eve affair, I’ve never wanted to change places with another woman more in my life! God, even his shoulder blades are sexy!

HaHaHaHa….you got me chuckling, my friend….you are as observant as I….yeah, Soaphound; his shoulder-blades, the shape of his head, his neck, his arms….hmmmmm….everything!!
My husband gets a kick out of this….he keeps asking me if he should worry? LOL.

Casey Moss (JJ, Days) should win the Best Younger Actor Emmy just for the Christmas Eve scenes alone!

How could Casey Moss lose? No one can compare to his reel.

Lucas Adams – “Tripp” son of Steve Patch Johnson… step-mom “Kayla Kayla Kayla”

I love this young man foray in to acting… he’s doing a bang up job. his job is only going to get that much better…

in scenes with HOT off the track, nuErica Kane herself, Cierra Alice LIVES

in scenes with dad Steve… battling his blindness

in scenes with Kayla – this one I want … because they have wild chemistry as mother and son… who are off the tracks and finding their way back. with dad beset with going blind… this will UNITE Mary Beth and Lucas to work magic. Kayla and Steve NEED that familial bond.. and it’s worth all the effort getting their.

I congratulate his emmy nod. this nomination is warranted. KEEPER

DOOL’S Casey Moss…HANDS DOWN!!!!! As for the rest of them, well…never mind.

Later.

Casey Moss 100%

Taken from Wiki : Moss began his acting career on May 3, 2013, by joining the NBC soap opera, Days of Our Lives.

from the get go he turned –

it was he that kept his family forefront: mom Jenny Bear, and sis Abs.

he was electric with Kassie DePaiva : what ? daresay you ? this young buck with megawatt Kassie DePaiva . go their… it was that HOT.

JJ is now back in the drivers seat… Thanks to , Ron Carlivati.

he’s a riveting act. let’s call him James Dean. that sensitive portrayal of , shock and hurt, hard knocks of “that” cop who shoots an unarmed man. his betrayal from Lani.

yeah, he can act. loved him from day 1. I look forward to the emmy excitement , for : @DAYS of OUR Lives. YES !

” .. and the emmy goes to;” “Casey Moss”

The winner is clearly Casey Moss.

Breaking News

53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards Presenters Announced

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Daytime Emmy Presenters

The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) revealed on Thursday, the lineup of presenters for 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards taking place on Friday, October 30, 2026, at the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles, California.

The ceremony will stream live on the NATAS YouTube channel at YouTube.com/@theemmys and watch.TheEmmys.tv.

Scheduled to present from the current soaps are: Katelyn MacMullen (Willow, General Hospital), Delon de Metz (Zende, The Bold and the Beautiful), James Preston (Nick, The Bay), Paul Telfer (Xander, Days of our Lives), Tamara Tunie (Anita, Beyond the Gates) and Susan Walters (Diane, The Young and the Restless).

Genie Francis

Photo: NATAS

In addition soap alums, Crystal Chappell, Lesli Kay, Joe Lando, Eva LaRue, who is also a nominee this year,  A Martinez, Juliet Mills, and Alicia Leigh Willis, will also be on hand to present.

The ceremony which celebrates nominated lifestyle programs and dramas will also include presenters: Eva zu Beck (Superskilled with Eva zu Beck), Danielle Chang (Lucky Chow), Sunny Hostin (The View), Derek Hough (Extra), Pati Jinich (Pati’s Mexican Table), Star Jones (Divorce Court), Michael Jr. (Stand Up and Do Something), Judge Greg Mathis (Mathis Court with Judge Mathis), Keke Palmer (Glam Through the Ages), Nischelle Turner (Entertainment Tonight), and Andrew Zimmern (Andrew Zimmern’s Wild Game Kitchen).

The 2026 Daytime Emmy Awards will bring together an exciting mix of presenters representing the full spectrum of daytime television,” said Adam Sharp, President & CEO of NATAS. “From familiar faces in daytime drama to the personalities and creative voices behind talk shows and lifestyle programming, this year’s lineup reflects the breadth of talent that makes daytime so special. We look forward to celebrating the people who continue to shape the genre.”

Matthew Hoffman (Love Island USA, Cheap A$$ Beach Houses) will serve as the ceremony’s Voice of God, bringing his signature comedic narration to the evening’s celebrations. As previously announced, Lifetime Achievement honoree Genie Francis (Laura, General Hospital) will be presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award by her husband, Jonathan Frakes.

So, what do you think about the list of presenters for the 2026 Daytime Emmy Awards? Let us know who you are looking forward to seeing via the comment section below.

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Days Of Our Lives

‘Days of our Lives’ Reveals Kyle Pryor Cast as Dominic Marino

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Kyle Pryor

For months now, Days of our Lives has teased the character of Dominic Marino. In recent weeks, viewers learned that Marino is on the down low working with Sami Brady’s (Alison Sweeney) apparent fiancé ‘Dante Vitali (Franco LoPresti), and that he is the never-before-heard-of child of Stefano DiMera (the late Joseph Mascolo) and Marlena Evans (Deidre Hall)!

Up until now, the Peacock streaming soap opera has never revealed his face, but that all seemed to change on the Tuesday, October 2o episode of DAYS. In story, Dante met Sami’s parents for the first time, Roman (Josh Taylor) and Marlena.

He shows them a photo of Dominic, which he happened to have on his own phone and even commented he kind of looked like he could be Marlena’s son. The photo, which has quickly made it around Soap Twitter/X, revealed that British-born actor Kyle Pryor is the man in the photo and eagle-eyed viewers actually located said photo on Pryor’s Instagram.

Dominix

Photo: Peacock

Deadline revealed Pryor started taping at the end of 2025 and will first be seen in the role, on air Monday, November 2.  In addition, Days will celebrate its 61st Anniversary with two special episodes featuring Dominic’s arrival, as well the returns of Tony and Anna DiMera, played respectively by Thaao Penghlis and Leann Hunley, on Friday, November 6 and Monday, November 9.

Those in the know, are are that Pryor previously held series regular roles on Australia’s Home and Away, and the UK’s Hollyoaks and guest starred on Emmerdale. In an ironic twist, Pryor appeared in the series Spartacus: Blood and Sand which is the same action series his apparent TV brother, Dan Feuerriegel (EJ DiMera), once appeared in before coming to DAYS.

So excited to see Kyle Pryor take on the role of Dominic Marino as Days of our Lives sets its anniversary story to kick-off with is arrival in Salem? Share your thoughts in the comment section. And in case you missed our latest conversation with Conner Floyd (Chad DiMera) he weighs-in on how Dominic’s appearance will shake things up in Salem. You can check that out below.

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Days Of Our Lives

Days of our Lives’ Conner Floyd Talks Dominic Marino Mystery, Chad and Belle, and Susan Seaforth Hayes (Exclusive)

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Conner Floyd

Fasten your seat belts Days of our Lives fans, as the mystery of Dominic Marino continues to unravel on all-new episodes of the Peacock streaming soap opera. Last week, Chad DiMera (Conner Floyd) learned that he may have a half-brother, who may be the biological child of his father, the late Stefano DiMera (the late Joseph Mascolo) and Dr. Marlena Evans (Deidre Hall), giving him great pause, because he knows Stefano had kidnapped Marlena for four years back in the late 80s and early 90s.

Chad has already been hunting down clues with his current girlfriend Belle Black (Martha Madison) in Italy and Salem, which revealed a photo of a young boy with Stefano with the date 1992 on the back of it, hidden inside Stefano’s chess set. So, what’s next?

Conner Floyd chatted on the Michael Fairman Channel in a new virtual interview released on Sunday, October 18, where he spoke on what the new addition to the DiMera family could do to the already dangerous sibling rivalries, the state of Chad’s relationship with Belle and much more.

EJ and Chad

Photo: JPI

DIMERA RIVALRY

After finding out from EJ (Dan Feuerriegel) that Dominic Marino could be the never-before-heard-of child of Stefano and Marlena, Conner Floyd explained, “I think it blows Chad’s mind a little bit. I think there’s a lot of things working there with old Chad. Obviously, bringing in another DiMera could cause some noise and the whole situation with Marlena’s a little awkward as well because he’s dating Belle, so this could cause a little tiff there. I think his head’s spinning and he does not know what to expect, but I also think he kind of expects that from Stefano, for sure.”

As to how this will change and color Chad’s relationship with EJ, Floyd responded, “Chad knows EJ’s not happy about it and I think he’s going to be real upset if this gets in his way of doing what he wants to do with the DiMera legacy and all that. However, for Chad, I think he’s just going to keep a sharp eye, see what this guy’s about, see if he’s here to cause some trouble or here to be a friend and kinda play it by ear.”

Belle and Chad

Photo: JPI

BELLE OF MY HEART

With Chad and Belle already being sleuths, Floyd says, you can look for the duo to continue getting to the truth. “I think Chad and Belle are committed to this. They’re going full National Treasure, Nicolas Cage,” says Conner. “They’re going to follow the clues. They’re going to get some answers.”

Since beginning in the role of Chad in June of 2025 and debuting on-screen back in April of 2026, the former Y&R star (where he played Chance Chancellor), says it was Madison who helped him get comfortable in his new surroundings.

“Martha is phenomenal. I couldn’t have asked for a better person to get tagged up with when I started here, just because she knows everybody,” shares Floyd. “She knows where to go, who to talk to. She’ll get the tea if you want, and so it was kind of cool. Martha took me under her wing, showed me the ropes. She’s a sweetheart.  I love working with her too. She’s a great actress.”

But, is Chad in love with Belle after such a tortured past with his beloved Abigail Deveraux DiMera? Floyd thinks so! “I think he’s into it. They’re such good friends and they have such a rich history. I think he’s in for the ride. You know, it’s one of those things you probably overlook at first and then they reconnected, and it feels easy and they’re going on these fun adventures.”

MAKING CHAD HIS OWN

Conner had the arduous task of being the successor to Billy Flynn in the role of Chad.. Flynn had played the part for 12 years before deciding to exit and head to Y&R. So, how did Conner approach learning the ins and out of Chad? Floyd shared, “I really dove into Chad when I first got this job. I liked that he kind of walks this tightrope of DiMera and not DiMera, you know. He want to so honor his family roots and really do something for the DiMera family, but he doesn’t want to fall into that trap that all the other DiMera have found themselves in. Chad is a DiMera at heart. He’s got those demons, but he’s just trying to keep them contained.”

Susan Seaforth Hayes

Photo: JPI

ICONIC

When Floyd got to DAYS, it was none other than Susan Seaforth Hayes (Julie Williams) who most surprised him in the most delightful way, given that he knew Hayes was a Daytime Emmy Lifetime Achievement Award winner and the current longest-running cast member on the canvas.

“I love working with Susan Hayes! I love her. She’s a sweetheart. Susan is one of the nicest people there. I just thought she was cool and it’s Susan Hayes, you know?  We’ve had a lot of scenes together, which is nice,” explained Conner.

“We’ll go to her dressing room, we’ll run our scenes, and then we’ll spend about an hour just talking about life and she’ll tell me about a book she’s reading. She’s such a history buff, which blows my mind. She’ll start dropping all these historical facts on me. I learn something new by the time I walk out of her dressing room every time!”

Now below, check out the full conversation with Conner Floyd via the Michael Fairman Channel.

Weigh-in: Do you like Chad and Belle as couple? Do you think Chad will get to the bottom of the Dominic Marino mystery? If so, do you think Dominic is truly Stefano and Marlena’s son … and what about Rita (Maggie Carney) in all this? Let us know your theories in the comment section.

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