Monday’s Christmas episode of Days of our Lives brought it with it plenty of laughter and plenty of tears as this would be the final appearance of John Aniston in his iconic role of Victor Kiriakis.
The Daytime Emmy Lifetime Achievement Award winner in 2022, passed away in November at the age of 89. Aniston’s Victor had been a key character on the Salem canvas since he first appeared in the role back in 1985.
Courtesy/CordayProductions
So just how did Aniston’s final appearance stack up with how we love to see Victor? IF YOU HAVE NOT WATCHED THE EPISODE YET, PLEASE NOTE THERE ARE SPOILERS BELOW.
As fate would have it, Victor’s final on-screen foil would be none other than Leo Stark (played to the hilt by Greg Rikaart). In the Christmas set up, Leo stayed overnight at the Kiriakis mansion unbeknownst to Victor. When Leo greets Victor on Christmas morning in his holiday jammies, he is not one bit amused. Leo asks, “So when do we open the presents?” To which Victor replies, “About an hour after we throw you out on your sugar-plum ass.” When Victor tells his longtime butler, Henderson to throw Leo out the front door, including demanding that Leo “scamper back to Whoville”, in walks Sonny (Zach Tinker).
Victor is horrified to learn that his nephew invited Leo to stay. Then, Victor reads off a laundry list of Leo’s crimes to Sonny as only he can: “Have you completely lost your senses? The man blackmailed you into marriage … almost destroyed our company with a fraudulent lawsuit … it was just last year that he drugged you and took comprising pictures of you and then sold them to the tabloids … why in God’s name would you forgive this creep!?””
Eventually, Victor gives Sonny an ultimatum: either get rid of Leo or he would fire him from his job at Titan. Sonny stands up to Victor! Telling his Uncle that he forgave Leo for his past transgressions just like many people have forgiven Victor for his over the years. Sonny goes on to say that he and Leo are starting over and that, in fact, he would call them “friends” to which Victor, in the best dead-pan delivery, says, “That is the stupidest thing I have ever heard.”
Soon after, Victor reneges and not only allows Leo to stay, but allows Sonny to keep his job, stating, “I changed my mind because I have a heart of gold.” And, ain’t that the truth, that is why we have always loved Victor and John’s portrayal of the Greek tycoon. Leo promises Victor he will not hurt Sonny ever again, to which Victor replies, “I don’t know how you expect me to take you seriously when you are sitting there in baby jam jams.” In an ominous warning to Sonny and in Aniston’s last scene, Victor says, “Tell me Sonny, what does your husband think of your little sleep over party?”
Courtesy/CordayProductions
As the episode came to its conclusion, Days of our Lives included a heartfelt montage as a tribute to John and the complex character of Victor Kiriakis. From clips with Vic’s many wives including: Carly, Vivian, Kate, Nicole, Maggie, to his classic one-liners, to some of his most villainous turns, to illustrating that Victor at his core was an enduring family man, the series captured the essence of this one-of-a-kind actor.
In very moving fashion, the end of the montage featured a younger Victor sailing away on his yacht named, “Victor”. No word yet on how and when DAYS will deal with the death of Aniston on-screen.
Aniston’s final scenes truly showcased all of his strengths, that classic delivery, his humor, his strength, and most of all his humanness.
To pay tribute to John throughout Monday on theDays of our LivesYouTube page and their social platforms, looks for special messages from the cast honoring the late actor’s memory and legacy. You can check out one below from John’s on-screen son, Peter Reckell (Bo Brady).
So, what did you think of John Aniston’s final episode of Days of our Lives? The montage? Share your thoughts in the comment section.
The tribute at the end was great. I loved seeing the Victor/Stephano scene. Joe and John at thier finest. Also, you can tell by on the tributes from different cast members what an impact he had on them personally. These tributes are truly heartfelt.
Moto62
1 year ago
Honestly Michael, no wonder you don’t cover Days Of Our Lives much. 1 comment at the time of my writing! That’s ridiculous. Maybe we don’t deserve you.
The tribute today was perfect. I loved seeing Victor at sea on his boat. I’ll truly miss the character. His final jab at Sonny today about Will was flawless.
Thank you for your comment. This has been my dilemma. When i do cover this show and take the time to do recaps, write-ups, etc, at least through commenting there is a general lack of interest. And it’s getting to the point where I have to reassess cost/benefit ratio of doing coverage at all, if no is interested or appreciative of my coverage. Clearly they have many choices in the digital space of where they may prefer to comment or read. Happy holidays to you.
Albert Guajardo
1 year ago
Thanks, Michael! I appreciate this review and your coverage of the DOOL.
Steven
1 year ago
It was a very nice episode! We will miss him greatly… love watching days on peacock and can’t wait to see what they do in February! Thank you Michael for your coverage! Sorry I read everything just don’t always comment I will try and do better!
Rodd
1 year ago
Most of his scenes were in the first half of the show and I so wanted to see more of him in the second half. Still, it was vintage! I loved the tribute at the end. So much to cover. Well done!
I know a lot of people were so broken up about watching his last scenes. It makes me wonder where Victor was going to be for the next four or five months if they taped so far ahead and this was his last day of shooting before he passed.
He cannot be replaced; Victor cannot be recast. NO ONE could play Victor ever again.
I’m confident they’ll do a wonderful storyline to usher the character off to the great beyond.
Anne
1 year ago
John Aniston made DOOL worth watching
Satan
1 year ago
Though it was obvious the last couple of years that John wasn’t physically doing all that well (all his scenes were shot with him sitting) mentally, he never lost a step even up until his last day on the job, delivering those one liners, and I’d be willing to bet a few souls that some of those were ad-libbed. Why not? It’s not like anybody was going to cut them from the scenes, as great as they were.
Just as it was with Joe Mascolo before him, John leaves a hole in the Salem canvas that isn’t going to filled anytime soon. It was great to see them on screen together one last time, even if it was a flashback.
Hi Michael,
I thought the tributes to Mr. John Aniston were extremely moving and touching. He was such a presence that will be forever missed on Days. But Days honors their character’s so I am sure John and Victor will not be forgotten thankfully.
Just a note, that although I don’t comment a
lot, it does not mean that I, and I am sure many others, don’t appreciate all of your coverage, especially on Days. We do. Thank you for all the hard work you do.
Hope you are feeling better and wishing you a very happy, healthy,, and peaceful New Year. Sincerely, Iris
NanaT
1 year ago
I wish they would air this on regular peacock just for this episode
‘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.
Deidre Hall to Guest Star on Season 3 of Comedy Series ‘Hacks’
May 1, 2024
Days of our Lives star Deidre Hall (Marlena) is set to play a version of herself on third season of Hacks. Look for Hall this month in an episode titled “The Deborah Vance Christmas Spectacular,” to air on May 23 on Max.
Not only will Hall appear in the episode, but so too, will Back to the Future and Taxi star, Christopher Lloyd.
According to EW.com, Deidre will play “a fictional version of herself, who just so happens to be the mom of Paul W. Downs’ Jimmy.”
Photo: JPI
Hacks co-creator and Downs’ wife, Lucia Aniello shared on Hall’s casting, “It made sense to us that Jimmy’s late father, a big-time manager, would have been married to an actress. When the idea for Deidre Hall came up, it just felt right.”
As for Lloyd, he will portray, reclusive writer Larry Arbuckle, who is to have had a rather famous grandfather. In the episode, Hall and Lloyd’s character intersect, which leads to onscreen sparks.
Photo: AP
“We had written some things that were flirty, but the chemistry was palpable,” says co-creator and series star, Downs shared. Hacks stars Jean Smart as comedy legend Deborah Vance.
Photo: Max
Season 3 of Hacks debuts on Thursday night May 2nd on Max 9 pm ET/6 pm PT.
So, will you be watching Deidre Hall guest starring on Hacks? Comment below.
Peacock Raising Subscription Prices $2 Dollars a Month This Summer; Includes Days of our Lives
April 30, 2024
As the Paris Summer Olympics are a few months away, the Peacock streaming service has revealed its plan for a two dollar summer price hike on its subscription plans, beginning in July for its content which will include Days of our Lives.
According to Deadline, in July, look for the monthly price for Peacock Premium to increase to $7.99. Premium Plus, which offers limited advertising, download capability and live local programming, will now be $13.99, while Annual plans will go up to $79.99 for Premium and $139.99 for Premium Plus.
This price hike will effect new customers starting on July 18th, while existing subscribers will notice the price change on their next billing date on or before August 17th.
Photo: JPI
This marks the second price change in two years for the streaming service, the previous one being in 2023, which was the first since the service launched back in 2020. The Summer Olympics in Paris which will be on NBC and Peacock run from July 26 to August 11.
The bright spot for Days of our Lives fans, is that unlike if the show was still on network television and NBC, the show would be preempted for two weeks, but with it being on Peacock it will continue with all-new episodes without interruption.
Photo: Peacock
At the recent Days of our Lives 15K episode celebration, Michael Sluchan the EVP, Current Scripted Programming & Limited Series for NBC/Peacock shared that the soap opera is doing extremely well for the streaming service, and they were very happy with its performance.
If you want to join Peacock now, there is still some time to get in on the current rates to watch DAYS and all of the programming and series it offers.
So, what do you think about the Peacock streaming service next price hike? Comment below.
