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52nd Annual Daytime Emmys: Lead Actor in a Daytime Drama Series Nominees

By Michael Fairman

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Photos: JPI and ABC

Ahead of Thursday’s full list of nominations for the upcoming 52nd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards, some of the major categories were announced on Wednesday via several syndicated television entertainment/news programs including: Entertainment Tonight, Extra and Access Hollywood.

NATAS (National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences) will unveil the rest of the nominations on Thursday at 12 pm ET/9 am PT via their account on X @TheEmmys or @TheEmmysTV.

Meanwhile, Entertainment Tonight had the exclusive to reveal the nominees in the Outstanding Lead Performance in A Daytime Drama Series: Actor. In a very competitive year, three of the nominees are from Days of our Lives. Let’s take a look at who’s going for gold below.

Photo: JPI

The nominees for Outstanding Lead Performance in A Daytime Drama Series: Actor are:

Peter Bergman (Jack Abbott, The Young and the Restless)
Eric Martsolf (Brady Black, Days of our Lives)
Greg Rikaart (Leo Stark, Days of our Lives)
Paul Telfer (Xander Kiriakis, Days of our Lives)
Dominic Zamprogna (Dante Falconeri, General Hospital)

The Lead Actor category features three Daytime Emmy winners: Peter Bergman who has won Lead Actor three times in his career (1991, 1992, and 2003), and has landed 25 nominations. Days of our Lives’ Eric Martsolf and Greg Rikaart have both won gold in the Supporting Actor category before: Rikaart for his work as Y&R’s Kevin Fisher in 2005 and Eric Martsolf for his role as DAYS Brady in 2014.

Photo: JPI

This marks Paul Telfer’s first Lead Actor nomination for his role as Xander on DAYS having previously earned a Supporting Actor nomination in 2020. GH’s Dominic Zamprogna is nominated for the fifth time in his career, having scored in both the Supporting Actor and Lead Actor categories, previously.

So, what do you think of this year’s crop of nominees in the Lead Actor in a Daytime Drama category? Any snubs? Let us know via the comment section below.

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Only five nominations is insane to me; again, Stefan Dennis from Neighbours should have gotten a nod. Dominic Zamprogna is the only one on this list I’d like to see win.

Good for days would love to see Paul Telfer win

Great to see DZ move up to the Lead category. His work after Sam’s death and Lulu reawakening was top notch.

Actually kind of surprised not to see Benard get a nomination this year. The scenes when Valentin (then Ava) altered his meds had him doing some powerful scenes.

That said, Bergman will likely take home number 4, assuming he submitted the bender scene with MTS.

Another category head scratcher – Rikaart as lead? Wasn’t most of Leo’s 2024 revolving around that awful soap within a soap storyline?

DZ should win it based on his character’s reaction to Gio announcing at the Nurse’s Ball that BLQ and Dante were his parents. Within a few seconds, Dante’s expression went from bemusement, then to confusion and ending with askance. His facial expression told a story with no words. Powerful.

Well, that would be on his reel for 2025 maybe. But not for the current nomination. I’m guessing his 2024 reel was based around Sam’s death & Lulu’s return from veggieland, which of course played out at the same time.

Oh that’s right. Losing track of time.

Dom Zamprogna gets my vote. His performances have been stellar. He definitely displays Leading Man energy and deserves to be acknowledged for the extraordinary actor he is.

Not surprised to see Peter Bergman on here. He very likely submitted those mind blowing scenes of Jack’s bender with Melody Thomas Scott as Nikki. He would be stupid not to submit those scenes. In all of the years that I’ve watched that man grace our TV screens, this was by far the best work he’s done. Get that Emmy Peter!! You deserve it.

Peter Bergman

Paul Telfer deserves it for being so hot

What a shallow and silly comment.

I agree but it’s true

As I huge Days fan, I would love any of the Days guys to win, but I am a huge Eric Martsolf fan. So I am pulling for Eric. Paul was amazing also.

The only one of the nominees I personally don’t care for is Peter Bergman. I simply do not like his acting, sue me, I don’t think he should be the most nominated performer in Daytime Emmy history.

I am rooting for Paul Telfer to win but honestly would be happy with Eric, Greg or Dominic too.

I wonder if Michael Easton submitted? I thought he was deserving for Finn’s exit storyline. Chad Duell as well, but he usually submits in supporting.

Surprised to see Greg in Lead Actor, but I’m not going to quibble because he does a great job. Congratulations to Eric, Greg, Paul, and Peter. I don’t watch GH.

Dominic for the win, as far as I’m concerned. He always brings his A game to the scene.

Evan Hofer( Dex) should have been nominated for best lead actor. I wonder if he submitted that wondrous tape of Dex practicing for the police physical fitness test in the park as Joss looked adoringly on? It triggered memories of Rocky practicing for his come back heavy weight boxing match with Apollo, the reigning champion. Watching Dex perform push ups, timed runs and gymnastics in the sunlight wsd one of those golden soap moments that will live in until infinity like Luke and Laura dancing at Wyndham’s Department Store.

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2026 Daytime Emmy Awards: ‘Extra’ Partners with NATAS for Pre-Ceremony Red Carpet Stream; Week of Segments Leading to Ceremony and Post-Coverage

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Extra hosts

The National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS) announced on Thursday that the syndicated entertainment news series, Extra will be its partner for exclusive coverage of the 53rd annual Daytime Emmy Awards being held on Friday, October 30 at the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles.

The 2026 Daytime Emmys as previously reported can be seen streamed via the The Emmys,YouTube channel, via watch.theemmys.tv, as well as on the official Emmys app, available for phones, tablets, and smart TVs.

Here’s a breakdown of the pre, during and post Daytime Emmys coverage via Extra below!

Beginning Monday, October 26, Extra will feature five nights of dedicated Daytime Emmys segments leading up to the ceremony, giving fans an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the award show.

In addition, Mona Kosar Abdi, Weekend Host & Senior Correspondent with Extra will host the pre-show red carpet stream on the @TheEmmys Youtube channel.

Extra host and Dancing with the Stars judge, Derek Hough will present during the ceremony, and correspondent Terri Seymour will also host coverage throughout the evening.

Extra’s weekend edition (A WEEK FOLLOWING the ceremony) will features notable red carpet moments, winner reactions, and exclusive footage from the night’s festivities.

The entertainment news program is also nominated for three Daytime Emmy Awards going into the ceremony.

So, what do you think of Extra’s scheduled upcoming coverage of the 53rd annual Daytime Emmy Awards starting on Monday? Weigh-in via the comment section below.

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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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Tom Pelphrey and Kaley Cuoco Welcome Baby Girl, Philomena into the World

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Tom Pelphrey and Kaley Cuoco

Congratulations are in order for three-time Emmy winner, Tom Pelphrey (ex-GL and ATWT) and his fiancée Big Bang Theory star, Kaley Cuoco! The couple welcomed their second baby daughter together on October 12, and revealed they named the little bundle of joy, Philomena Carmine Bobby Pelphrey.

Tom and Kaley shared the news via their Instagram accounts on Wednesday with some adorable baby pics. Cuoco captioned the photo“🎀Philomena Carmine Bobby Pelphrey🎀. 💖10/12/26💖. There are no words to describe this feeling once again. What a blessing.

Cuoco added, “We are so grateful for the crazy wild up and down journey that brought us to our little Philo! Family officially complete 😭Time to bring Matilda’s baby home! 😂💕”

Tom Pelphrey and Kaley Cuoco

Photo: KCuoco IG

BABY MAKES FOUR

Next, Kaley shared her love for the father of her children, exclaiming, “Tom Pelphrey, life exploded the minute we met, and the gifts keep coming. I love you forever , girl daddy! 💘.”

Philomena now joins big sister, Matilda mwho was born in 2023, as part of the Pelphrey/Cuoco family! Tom and Kaley began dating in 2022 and became engaged in 2024.

Daytime fans first saw the talented actor on Guiding Light as Jonathan Randall, the son of Reva Shayne (Kim Zimmer). Tom won two Daytime Emmys for his memorable performances during his run from 2004-2009.

He later played Mick Dante on As the World Turns from 2009-2010, before heading to work in primetime and motion pictures. Last month, Pelphrey one the Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series for his role in HBO’s Task.

TOM PELPHREY CELEBRATES EMMY WIN AND NEW DAUGHTER WITHIN A MONTH OF EACH OTHER

After winning his Emmy, the expectant dad told E! News, “We’re both so excited. Our daughter’s excited. We’ll see how it goes when it actually gets there.” Tom added, “The things that are new and the things that feel like not a big deal this time. But mom and baby are healthy, so God willing, that keeps up, and we’re thrilled,” added the actor.

Pelphrey took to his own Instagram and said on the birth of his second daughter, “Philomena Carmine Bobby Pelphrey. Another miracle. Welcome to our family youngest queen!  Kaley you showed up in every way as a partner and a mom even when you weren’t feeling your best- you’re a CHAMPION. The girls and I would be lost without you. Thank God for the gift of this family and these girls.”

Jumping in to the comment thread to congratulate Tom and Kaley were Beyond the Gates star Ashley Jones (Heather), Dave Annabelle, Martha Plimpton, Alyssa Milano and many more.

Share your congrats and well-wishes to Tom, Kaley, Matilda and their new addition to the family, little Philomena via the comment section below.

 

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