In a shocking and special videotaped message and posting on Wednesday from DAYS Daytime Emmy-winner, Freddie Smith (Sonny); the actor shared that he, along with his longtime on-screen scene partner, Chandler Massey (Will), have been reportedly released from their contracts at Days of our Lives.
Freddie relates that the two are currently wrapping up their final episodes, as of now, with the long-running NBC daytime drama series, which was just officially renewed for another season by NBC.
According to Smith, what he posted with the video said: “I know it’s a bit shocking, but it’s true. Will and Sonny’s last episode is projected to air September ”
Remember, DAYS tapes months ahead of air. Smith says he will not divulge how Sonny and Will leave the canvas. He also says that Massey will join him for a special podcast tomorrow to discuss the situation further.
Within the video, Smith shares his thoughts on being part of the power couple of WilSon that has meant so much to so many fans of the series and the LGBTQ community. He adds on the upcoming departures: “It was not our choice. We were looking forward to staying on and keeping the story going.”
In a tweet today, Chandler Massey added: “Wish it weren’t coming to an end, but I will be forever grateful to everyone who went on this journey with us.” While Smith shared: “I will miss Salem so much!! Thank you all for the incredible love and support throughout the years. I really feel we told a love story that will live on forever.”
Watch the video below where Freddie talks about his exit at DAYS and his thoughts on it.
Now let us know, what do you think about Freddie and Chandler exiting Days of our Lives? Share your sentiments in the comment section.
And yet, I don’t see them surviving the fallout, once Lucas realizes his “son” is actually his nephew’s son, and that Brad knew about it all along. Actually Lucas already knows this, but a head injury made him forget it. Once his memory returns, Brad is probably toast. Sad for Lucas, as there doesn’t seem to be any other options for him in Port Charles (the nurse, Felix?? was that his name?? seems to be long gone.)
I do agree that Brad (despite being on the show for 7 years) is not viable as a long term character. Felix isn’t the answer as the character is rather milquetoast.
Perhaps someone like Brando will surprise us and be on Lucas’ team.
Well, depending on who Brando works for, that could present some interesting conflicts. Logically, he’s either an undercover cop, federal agent, or working for this new criminal Cyrus.
Lucas is a Jerome by birth, and he has two sisters married into the Corinthos organization (not to mention Brad’s lineage to the Chinese mob of the old Asian Quarter storyline) so his life is already a mob balancing act as it is.
GramS
4 years ago
Will and Sonny haven’t had a good storyline since before Chandler came back. Seems to me that the writers have no idea how to write for this couple. I’m sorry to see them go.
The writers do know, but co-executive producer Albert Alarr strikes every “Wilson” storyline down. He has said some of their proposed storylines are too gay.
I think Albert Alarr wanted Sonny and Will gone long ago
Satan
4 years ago
Wow… this is a virtual replay of the way ReRon destroyed characters on GH. Write nothing but steaming piles of dragonshit storylines for them for months on end, and then force them out completely.
Will being a Horton & a Brady and Sonny being a Kiriakis, this couple represents a big part of carrying Days forward into the next generation. Add to that the fact that they were the first gay couple on the show, which was a pretty big deal at the time it happened.
Huge mistake to screw them over like this.
Rachel Murgia
4 years ago
What are they doing to this show? All the favorites are being let go. This stinks. Fans will be dropping like flies. Hate these changes.
I would not be surprised if letting Freddie Smith and Chandler Massey, along with Galen Gering, go is in response to NBC orders to cut the costs of production
mike
4 years ago
Who is the idiot who who fired them? I came back to Days when Chandler returned, I’ll leave again when he does.
Mike
4 years ago
This is sad. It was Will and his coming out story that made me a regular viewer of Days and while I’m surprised, I’m not surprised (hey, this show wrote Marlena and John off for a few years – ANYONE is clearly expendable on DAYS). Thing is, this is DAYS – they could easily be back in six months or a year. I think in some ways, Will and Sonny were cursed. Too ‘special’ to the show as their first gay couple to actually tear apart for long, and the only gay guys in town unless the show brings in a ‘third’ every so often to cause some potential – but not long lasting – problems for the duo. It’s ulitimately a limitation of imagination and willingness, but it has been an issue for them on the show. And although they could always be in other stories, Sonny was never a convincing suited up business man, and Will is a writer only when it’s convenient for the story. Romance and breakups and new partners are ultimately what keep a soap couple or character going over time and if the writers are going to treat them like delicate crystals that you don’t want to put too many cracks in – then there’s no where for them to go. I wish both of them success.
I have been a DOOL fan since 1965(yes,Iam old).Chandler and Freddie are two of my favorites,cannot believe they will not be on show.Let’s hope it’s only a short hiatus because,if they don’t come back eventually,DOOL will lose a long-time viewer.
Soaphound
4 years ago
OUTRAGEOUS! Two of the show’s best, and bravest, actors gone? Casey Moss leaving also? Wow, the dreamboat factor just hit a major iceberg. Two core family characters cut reminds me of Y&R’s current crisis…abandon the best in favor of the new. Not sure that’s what’s happening here, but whatever it is stinks. It also reeks of homophobia. On the plus side, maybe they can move to GH or Y&R.
Freddie Smith… if Casey Moss… AND ^^^^ as posted !!!! Galen Gering
well… that still leaves me : dag their dreamboat HUGE. Justin, Eric, Brady, Xander, Ben, Chad
NONETHELESS – my faves being.. JJ – Rafe’alicious – Sonny
so.. the “sting” is on
cache low… sacrifice
it’s a wonder to me how much it hits that these actors have personal lives.. and who knows how much their nest egg meets. LOVE THE SHOW… the upheaval to the respective cast, crew, hardened fan… oy
Thomas
4 years ago
I am so disappointed in how this show has treated these characters under head writer Ron Carlivati. In the last 3 years, I have finally fallen out of love with Days of Our Lives. Now with my last 2 reasons to continue watching this series being removed, I will no longer be watching after the fall. Both actors and characters deserved so,so much better. I’ll check back in if and when these 2 characters return, or Ron Carlivati is replaced.
Lew S.
4 years ago
Hmmmm, writing out a number of fan favorites? Not very smart! DePaiva, the actor who plays JJ, possibly Galen Gering, Judi Evans and probably more to come. I miss the days when soap writers would give interviews and explain the upcoming plans for the shows. I gave insight into future plots and leave you wondering wtf!
I think they ‘WILL’ be back and there will be ‘SONNY’ DAYS once again!!!!
Patrick
4 years ago
this IS a’ “bloodbath” @the expense of being renewed
HIT
argh! the heart stop ; empty OUT! fits of anger… why should Hope, Nicole, Jennifer, time and again be given reprieve
if the show wants new viewers.. they certainly don’t know ^^^^ WHY? the acting ; by Kassie DePaiva; Judi Evans, Freddie Smith, Chandler Massey are god send…. on so many levels of parlay AND whet the audience fervor, no?
having no lay of the land, AND waiting out this superlative mind field of ;
Ron C. is seriously , going to have to , address this , blood let
whos coming ; whos going
like never before to curtail or stampede
fallout ; rally ; this is difficult to fan
it’s still 6 months to wait
James R. Poissant
4 years ago
Does anyone see the common thread here? The big name characters are being written off. It’s about money. The show had to pitch the idea of a much decreased budget and this is how they got the reprieve back when they were supposed to have been cancelled a few months ago. A part of me feels now that they should have wrapped up all the storylines and let the show die in a happy way. I don’t see how all these exits will keep DAYS going beyond that year extension they just got.
I mean, the only reason I’ve ever bothered to watch this show is Will & Sonny. It’s bittersweet, because I know they have so much story to tell – and I’d love to see it play out on screen – but a certain executive producer has held them back for years now. I hope the show can rectify two mistakes as soon as possible here.
Momo
4 years ago
Would have been nice if this hadn’t been spoiled. I am sorry to see them go. I’ll miss them.
Being that the show continues to tape 7 months ahead of airing, not spoiling is near impossible. If they waited until the story aired in September, DAYS would be taping episodes for May 2021 then, with storylines likely planned out until contract renewal time. As these are popular characters, releasing the story at this time allows for fan outcry to bring them back in a timely manner.
Davy
4 years ago
Very sad.
Rodd
4 years ago
This is such a shame! WilSon’s story became very ho-hum over the past year or more. They really weren’t given any meaty story to play since that Leo guy left town. And even that wasn’t very deep. If the word is true and that new-ish producer put the ax on any story pitches for them, then he’s the one who needs to go.
Of course, there are many others gone or going that I’m not pleased about. Practically all the time-jump stories leave me wanting it all to be a dream. Maybe this will be just another dream.
On the other hand, budget cuts stink. As soon as the sets started to shrink, I had that de ja vu feeling like when Guiding Light had massive budget cuts and started filming outdoors and in tiny real rooms. It spelled the end for them and I fear the same for DAYS. Hope not.
Colin
4 years ago
This show has a lot of dead weight…these two included. I like when they freshen up the show every so often. It’s not like they wont be back! They cut a bunch of contracts back in 2003 with that Stalker storyline. That was just a big money saving crunch. They cut about 10 vets for nearly a year….some of them only returned on a very recurring basis…they saved alot of money. I love DePaiva, but she played a poorly written, islanded character with little to no rooting value. It was time for her to leave. Ron’s writing is SO predictable…Justin and Kayla’s (wedding day) will come….and Steve and Adrienne will crash the wedding. Enjoy the comings and goings…..quit whining…..they’re fun. You know you’re not going to quit watching. I have. Since the time jump I have watched three episodes only. It is plot driven nonsense. It is back to that Jim Reilly level of production…where a middle school stage production is better written and put together. I would be embarrassed to put out this product. New writer time!
Lola Gibson
4 years ago
As I posted about Rafe/Galen. I think Days is making a BIG mistake. Letting you 3 go doesn’t sound like a good business decision considerering how popular you are with us fans. Going to miss all of you and hope you do get to come back.
Oh and I forgot about JJ/Casey. That’s 4 main characters leaving. Big big mistake on Days’ part. I’ve only been watching when Will, Sonny, and Rafe are on cause I hate the Hope/Gina & Stefano/Steve storeyline. Its just so far out there. But again best of luck!
Angela
4 years ago
What are the idiots in charge of Days doing? The head writer should be fired first..he can’t develop characters & creates stagnation. All he knows is tiresome triangles for angst, sci fi body swapping, etc. Keep those two & jettison the ridiculous Justin/Kayla pairing. They can go to GH & pick up their roles as Ned/Katherine. MEH chemistry there too but hey Wally has a full time Contract with GH. Then u can open up money to keep some talent such as Chandler.
Melody Thomas Scott and Edward J. Scott to Receive Daytime Emmy Lifetime Achievement Honors
May 6, 2024
The Young and the Restless iconic Melody Thomas Scott (Nikki Newman) and her husband, Emmy-winning producer, Edward J. Scott have been named by the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences as Lifetime Achievement Honorees at the 51st Annual Daytime Emmy Awards.
Melody and Ed will be presented with the award on June 7th during the 51st Annual Daytime Emmy Awards (8 PM ET/delayed PT) broadcast live on CBS and streaming live and on-demand on Paramount+*.
In a statement Melody and Ed expressed, “We are honored and humbled to receive this recognition from NATAS. Throughout our decades-long careers in front of and behind the cameras, we have had the opportunity to work not only with each other, but also with an incredibly talented pool of people who excel in their crafts and are passionate about the art we create in daytime television. We are grateful to have worked side by side with them and to be included with such esteemed recipients who have made their mark in our industry. We look forward to spending another wonderful evening celebrating the daytime community!“
Adam Sharp, President and CEO, NATAS added,“We’ve long wanted to honor the legendary daytime duo of Melody Thomas Scott and her husband Edward J. Scott. With a combined 93 years of contributions to our community, they are true institutions in the world of Daytime television.”
In addition to Melody and Ed receiving their Lifetime Achievement honors, public television host and cookbook author Lidia Bastianich will also be honored.
Photo NATAS
Lidia Bastianich said, “It is a tremendous honor to be recognized and receive the Daytime Emmy Lifetime Achievement Award for having shared my passion for food with TV audiences for over 25 years. Cooking together and sharing food remain a common denominator of all cultures. Food nurtures, it connects diverse people, and it brings families, friends, and strangers together. There is no better place to be on this earth, especially in these trying times, than sharing food at a table with others. That simple idea has been the basis of my life’s work. Hence, as I say in my shows, “Tutti a Tavola a Mangiare!” Mille Grazie to NATAS for this honor.”
While Adam Sharp shared, “Lidia Bastianich’s astounding success combines her love of cooking while simultaneously entertaining millions each day. It is an honor for us to say ‘grazie’ for the many fine meals borne from her TV kitchen and cookbook pages.”
Melody Thomas Scott recently celebrated 45 years in the role of Nikki Newman, having joined the show in February 1979. Scott’s character has matured from the girl from the wrong side of the tracks to the serial’s luminous and resourceful leading lady. After garnering a Daytime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress in 1999, she went on to win in the same category for the Soap Opera Digest Award in 2001 and received four Soap Opera Update Awards for Outstanding Lead Actress (1992, 1993, 1995 and 1996). Scott began her career at age three. She studied singing, tap dancing, ballet and jazz and became one of the world-famous “Meglin Kiddies,” performing in USO shows as she started booking national commercials and guest spots on such series as “Wagon Train,” “My Three Sons,” “Ironside” and a recurring role on “The Waltons.” Scott made her motion picture debut at age eight when she was cast by Alfred Hitchcock as the young Tippi Hedren in the thriller “Marnie.” She has co-starred with legendary actors Clint Eastwood, Geraldine Page, John Wayne and Kirk Douglas. Scott has worked on stage and in numerous television shows and was the subject of Lifetime Television’s “Intimate Portrait.” As a lifelong fan of “I Love Lucy,” Scott served as a founding member of the Board of Directors for the Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Center in Jamestown, N.Y., which is committed to preserving the legacy of the great comedienne. In 2020,
Scott released her memoir, “Always Young and Restless.” Married since 1985 to Edward J. Scott, the couple have three daughters and five grandchildren.
Photo: JPI
Edward J. Scott is a six-time Daytime Emmy Award-winning producer who has played a pivotal role in the historic development of the soap opera genre for nearly five decades. Scott is currently supervising producer for The Bold and the Beautiful, the #2-rated daytime drama in the U.S. and the most-watched daily drama in the world, which is nominated for 12 Daytime Emmy Awards this year. Scott began his association with The Bell Family and Bell-Phillip Television Productions when he joined “The Young and The Restless” as an associate producer in 1976. He quickly moved up the ranks and served as the show’s executive producer for decades.
Scott’s legendary 48-year producing partnership and creative collaboration with “The Young and The Restless” and “The Bold and the Beautiful” creators, the late William J. Bell and Lee Phillip Bell, and their son, Bradley P. Bell, has helped create the two most popular daily American television series. Today, both daytime dramas are syndicated internationally. Before joining “B&B” Scott was executive producer for the NBC daytime drama “Days of Our Lives.” Born and raised in Santa Monica, California, Scott earned a B.A from California State University at Northridge with a double major of anthropology and broadcasting journalism. He has been married since 1985 to actress and author Melody Thomas Scott. The couple have three daughters and five grandchildren.
So, excited to hear Y&R’s Melody Thomas Scott and longtime daytime soap opera producer, Edward J. Scott are receiving this year’s Lifetime Achievement Honors at this years 51st Annual Daytime Emmys? Comment below.
‘Daytime Stands Up: A Benefit For Stand Up To Cancer’ Live Virtual Event Announced; Featuring Soap Opera Notables and Moving Tributes
May 2, 2024
Stand Up to Cancer in collaboration with Alan Locher and Michael Fairman, will come together for a a three-hour livestream benefit, Daytime Stands Up: A Benefit for Stand Up To Cancer … We All Have a Story.
Several stars from from daytime drama television past and present are scheduled to participate for an evening of stories of emotional on- and off-screen experiences with cancer, and moving tributes to beloved daytime favorites who lost their battle plus musical performances.
Daytime Stands Up: A Benefit for Stand Up To Cancer … We All Have a Story, streams live on Thursday, May 16, from 8 to 11 p.m. ET/5 to 8 pm PT simultaneously on StandUpToCancer.org and YouTube channels The Locher Room and Michael Fairman Channel.
Photos: CBS and JPI
Tune-in for cancer survivorship stories with General Hospital’s Cameron Mathison and The Young and the Restless’ Colleen Zenk, who will reflect on the impact of publicly sharing their diagnoses; 2024 Daytime Emmy nominee Eric Braeden, who shares his cancer journey as well his memories of beloved The Young and the Restless co-star Meg Bennett, who passed from cancer April 11; and more.
Moving tributes to soap stars who’ve lost their cancer battles, including: Daytime icon Jackie Zeman, who played nurse Bobbie Spencer on General Hospital for 45 years, shared by daughters Cassidy MacLeod and Lacey Gorden, a tribute to Elizabeth Hubbard who played the iconic Lucinda Walsh on As the World Turns and Dr. Althea Davis on The Doctors, as shared by her on-screen daughter Martha Byrne and real-life son Jeremy Bennett, two-time Emmy Award-winner Jerry verDorn (Guiding LightOne Life to Live), shared by widow Beth verDorn and his on-screen wife on Guiding Light, friend and co-star Liz Keife, the iconic Andrea Evans, who played Tina Lord Roberts on One Life to Live, shared by her husband Stephen G. Rodriguez and daughter Kylie Rodriguez and Kamar de los Reyes shared by his One Life to Live co-stars Michael Easton(General Hospital)Trevor St. John (The Young and the Restless).
Photo: MEastonFacebook
Poignant reflections from actors who have portrayed breast cancer survivors, including Sharon Case and Eileen Davidson from The Young and the Restless; Erika Slezak from One Life to Live; Tina Sloan and Kim Zimmer from Guiding Light and more.
Additional talent slated to participate in the virtual benefit include (*subject to change): Eddie and Kristen Alderson (One Life to Live); Elia Cantu (Days of Our Lives); The Day Players, Featuring Days of OurLives castmates Carson Boatman, Brandon Barash, Wally Kurth (2024 Daytime Emmy nominee), Eric Martsolf (2024 Daytime Emmy nominee); Kassie DePaiva (One Life to Live); Don Diamont (The Bold and the Beautiful); Linsey Godfrey (2024 Daytime Emmy nominee, Days of Our Lives); Leo Howard (Days of Our Lives); LesliKay (The Bold and the Beautiful); Eden McCoy (General Hospital); Kin Shriner (GeneralHospital); Michelle Stafford (2024 Daytime Emmy nominee, The Young and the Restless).
Courtesy/LaceyGorden
“Daytime television invites viewers into the private lives of characters, often bringing important issues like cancer screenings into living rooms and around water coolers. Soaps debuted the first cancer storyline in 1962 – years before the topic was discussed in the mainstream, and it left an indelible impact: a whole generation of women who scheduled a potentially life-saving Pap smear for the first time,” said Daytime Stands Up host Alan Locher. “For so many viewers, this brought the issue front and center,” added co-host Michael Fairman. “Today, it’s become almost impossible to avoid; but there is hope with cancer research, thanks to organizations like Stand Up To Cancer.”
SU2C Co-Founder Sue Schwartz, SU2C President and CEO Julian Adams, Ph.D., and SU2C Health Equity Committee Member Elizabeth Jaffee, M.D., will also participate to speak to the importance of early detection, exciting scientific breakthroughs, and the ongoing work yet to be done to make screenings and treatment equitable for all.
“This year, an estimated 2 million people in the U.S. will be diagnosed with cancer, presenting an opportunity for the public to stand with us and rise to the occasion,” said Adams. “We’re thankful to Alan Locher, Michael Fairman and our friends from the daytime television community, who will raise critical funding to honor those we’ve lost – and to propel new scientific breakthroughs for current and future patients. Everyone has a story, and we’re grateful to all of you for sharing yours.”
For over 15 years, SU2C has leveraged its relationship with the entertainment community – which includes more than 1,100 celebrity ambassadors – to generate public donations, increase awareness and fund cutting-edge cancer research. SU2C research has contributed to the development of more than 10 scientific breakthroughs that have significantly impacted the field and provided new treatment options for breast, colorectal, lung, melanoma, pancreatic, pediatric and prostate cancers.
Photo: SUTC
In support of the event, SU2C will also be launching a 10-day eBay silent auction, from May 16 through 26, for fans to bid on items, including a meet-and-greet experience with the cast of NBC’s Days of Our Lives; an autographed script from the cast of Young and Restless and signed merchandise from the Bold and Beautiful cast; a 1:1 video call with General Hospital’s Cynthia Watros, Maura West and Laura Wright, and with daytime legends Robert Newman, Vincent Irizarry, Colleen Zenk, and more. Full details will be shared the evening of May 16, on Stand Up To Cancer’s website.
Are you looking forward to this very special one-night only virtual event to help benefit cancer research and shed light on the stories, performances and lives of the people we love and have loved in daytime TV? Comment below.
Haley Pullos Receives 90-Day Jail Sentence Following DUI Charge And Wrong-Way Car Crash
April 29, 2024
Former General Hospital actress, Haley Pullos (ex-Molly Lansing-Davis) is going to be doing time in jail, exactly one-year after her arrest from a hit and run wrong-way car collision.
The crash resulted in bodily harm and damages to the other driver, and now Pullos who pleaded “no contest” to the charges and will serve 90 days in jail. She was taken in custody on Monday, April 29th, after the ruling.
According to Haley’s attorney, Mark Daniel Melnick, the 25-year-old actress struck a plea deal and after her three months in jail will be sentenced on July 29th. As part of that sentencing, she must serve five years probation, 200 hours of community service and pay $8,260 in restitution to Courteney Wilder, the other driver in the crash and her driver’s license is revoked for a year.
Courtesy/ABC
According to TMZ, the plea deal for Pullos has the “no contest” to one DUI, while the judge dropped the felony DUI causing bodily injury and misdemeanor hit and run charges.
Melnick said in a statement to PEOPLE, “Haley is very grateful to the court for a minimum sentence and for recognizing her remorse and the strides she has made in her sobriety.”
Pullos had played the daughter of Alexis Davis (played by Nancy Lee Grahn) on the ABC soap opera since 2009, but after her car crash and DUI she was replaced by three different actresses until the show finally settled on the current Molly, Kristen Vaganos.
Photo: Pasadena PD
Back in April 29 of 2023, and at the scene of the crash, the police found edibles and mini-bottles of tequila in Pullos’ vehicle and that she was intoxicated. As it turned out, this was to be the second hit and run in the evening for Pullos who had an earlier collision with another car.
The courts decision follows a year-long legal battle with Haley’s pleas changing throughout it, ranging from “not guilty” to “no contest”. She sought treatment for her drinking at a rehab following the crash.
Nancy Lee Grahn, who portrayed Pullos’ on-screen mom took to X on Monday night, April 29th and shared on the sentence and the specific jail, Haley will be serving time: “As Haley’s TV mom I can tell some truths about her as I’ve loved her since she was little girl. She made a HUGE mistake, knows it, owns it & has spent the last yr doing EVERYTHING imaginable to take responsibility 4 it. It’s not that I oppose jail. It’s that I oppose this jail.” The jail in question by Grahn is the L.A. county jail.
So, what do you think about Haley Pullos serving a 90-days jail sentence, and the other rulings that will be part of her sentencing? Comment below.
