In his first interview since taking over the role of Will Horton from two-time Daytime Emmy winner Chandler Massey, his replacement, Guy Wilson, spoke with TheWrap.com to share his thoughts on stepping into this key character in Salem and all of soaps. Wilson debuts tomorrow on the January 8th episode of Days of our Lives!
Guy discussed the challenges he faced taking over the role, who was most helpful and welcoming, the quick audition process to land the role, if he was intimated taking over the role of Chandler Massey, and if he was concerned about if the die-hard and loyal and passionate soap fans will accept the switch with the character currently firmly in the hands of Wilson.
Here are a few interesting excerpts below!
Guy on if he is worried about the fans accepting him as Will Horton: “I’m not worried about it, more just because I feel like I understand. It can be frustrating when you’re a fan of an actor or the character and it changes, because, going back to the concept of relationships, people connect with these characters. I certainly don’t take it personally, and if anything, it furthers my admiration for soap fans that they do develop such a connection to an actor or a character.”
Guy on if he was intimated by the performance of his predecessorin the role… Chandler Massey: “You know, I wouldn’t say I was intimidated, but knowing that Chandler won those two Emmys, it shows that he created something very special. So more than a sense of intimidation, I feel a great sense of responsibility to carry that role forward. And I really feel that I have what it takes to do that, provided I work as hard as I can. So there was never a sense of anxiety or intimidation, and I certainly don’t feel a need to measure up in terms of accolades or awards — certainly, those are always very exciting, but to me what matters most is just portraying the truthfulness behind the story of Will and Sonny. So knowing that Chandler did such an amazing job, and because he did such an amazing job, the groundwork is there. I just have to keep going in the direction that Chandler put it in. So if anything, he’s made my job easier, because he has established such an amazing character.”
So, are you ready to give Guy a chance to win you over the pivotal role of Will Horton? What do you think about his understanding of the soap fans and inheriting the role from Chandler Massey? Comment below!
I WILL give this GUY a chance…lol…ive seen many recasts on soaps the last 50 years…some were great, some were ok and some were terrible…but i still gave them all an equal chance!!!
Meanwhile, i wonder if E.J. and Abigail was a one time thing or will it continue? Either way will Abby have a little Dimera and announce it at the wedding of E.J. and Sami(Days loves an interupted wedding…lets go 4 no. 3…lol)
Scott (ATWT Fan)
10 years ago
I’m sure Guy will bring something Chandler didn’t to the role of Will. I’m quite excited to see his take on the character. I was originally skeptical about the recast, but I have slowly come around to it and cannot wait to see how it turns out. Wishing him the best of luck in his new role and cannot wait what the future brings for Will Horton.
mo
10 years ago
I’m going to miss Chandler, but I’m willing to give Guy a chance.
kay
10 years ago
I am a WilSon supporter and love the character of Will and also the relationship of Will and Sonny. So I am going to continue to support Guy Wilson. I loved Chandler and was sad to see him leave but understand his reasons for leaving. I hope Guy will be given the chance by fans to show his interpretation of the character of Will. I also hope he and Freddie will be given the chance to show Will and Sonny’s relationship and also on an individual level with good stories. It is up to the writers now.
toscanti
10 years ago
Looking forward to his take on the role!!
boes
10 years ago
If the guy gives have a good performance as he does an interview, he should be good. He’s well spoken.
Days is so good right now, and I hope he adds to the mix.
CM has been pretty wonderful, and he’s moving on with his life. I wish him all the best, and I do the same to the “new guy”.
Tom Welles
10 years ago
He will be fine in the role I am sure. At least, DAYS OF OUR LIVES is surviving, I was and am a long time fan of All My Children and it’s just heart wrenching that the show is gone, and didn’t work as an On-line presentation.
So, I plan on tuning in to Days on a regular basis, and I am sure that this new actor will bring another dimension to the character.
I was/am an AMC fan too, from Day 1 of the show and feel as you do. Ditto with OLTL.
For me, DOOL is truest to the soap format I love best, and it has such a wonderful intergenerational cast, and features family heavily, just like AMC used to do – and OLTL.
DOOL has been the best of the surviving soaps for me personally, and I hope it is for you too.
This is wild! I have always been a DAYS only fan, but I have relatives that were long term AMC fans. They called their show All My Kids. lol. They started watching DAYS and say it’s like watching AMK. They are hooked!
boes is correct in saying DAYS features family heavily. In fact, the character of Will is from two long standing families. He is a Horton and a Brady.
That proves how serious DAYS is about Will.
JENNNN
10 years ago
Well the current Will has this smirk on his face when he gets upset… which doesn’t go over well when he is trying to be serious. I hope the new Will does a better job.
Jennnn!!! OMG! I thought I was the only one who noticed the smirk and just lazy acting style Chandler has exhibited for the past year or so. I feel like he didn’t feel challenged by the role any more so he kind of phoned in his performance. I for one am glad to see him go. Looking forward to the new guy!
Iakovos
10 years ago
I am just glad the character of Will Horton is not leaving with the actor as happens too many times these days.
Patrick
10 years ago
Guy Wilson: you are surrounded by thee best cast on daytime.
so many dynamics play out… conferring, relating, just playing out… with each other
I love it!
put aside the two emmy wins and relate to your intuition… and focus on Sonny- DAYS took great pains.. to reach … and feature a select peoples… and stratosphere electric
everything about DAYS is ON…
just keep Daniel and Jenn… apart… and even give us a little break…
all the rest of the show… takes hold and fires
it’s not like the remaining shows… who are scrambling… to cohesively knit, package and sublimely Feature Salem!
you are one amidst a convoy of talent
LOVE DOOL
Taeylor
10 years ago
I too will support Guy. I also hope that he will be more comfortable kissing another man. I think Freddie Smith is very passionate and seems very naturally and comfortable. Sometimes I felt Chandler was when it was a smooch. And he had some good kiss moments. I also really hope that they focus on their sex life. I mean we see Sami and EJ going at it all the time. If they focus more on them in bed, whether it’s just laying there etc. it will make it more of the “norm” and nothing but another love story unfolding. Not a “Gay” story…..Hopefully these terms will not even matter in 20 years.
4everDAYS
10 years ago
Considering all the pressure he is under, Guy’s debut was great! He will settle in quite nicely!!!
boes
10 years ago
I think he did a fine job! Good start. He already has an ease in his scenes with Gabi and Sonny.
June Clayton
10 years ago
Was Chandler let go or did he quit. I loved him.
Rachelle
10 years ago
Personally i dont like the new will horton at all…we want the oid will back please.
cr
10 years ago
I think guy wilson is doing a good job as will and lot of viewers do not like him and want chandler back, but we would have a new actor in the role anyway because chandler was not going renew his contract. So days higher ups took action and. I like chandler but he is recast to. Nobody likes change.
‘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.
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).
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).
“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.
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.
I WILL give this GUY a chance…lol…ive seen many recasts on soaps the last 50 years…some were great, some were ok and some were terrible…but i still gave them all an equal chance!!!
Meanwhile, i wonder if E.J. and Abigail was a one time thing or will it continue? Either way will Abby have a little Dimera and announce it at the wedding of E.J. and Sami(Days loves an interupted wedding…lets go 4 no. 3…lol)
I’m sure Guy will bring something Chandler didn’t to the role of Will. I’m quite excited to see his take on the character. I was originally skeptical about the recast, but I have slowly come around to it and cannot wait to see how it turns out. Wishing him the best of luck in his new role and cannot wait what the future brings for Will Horton.
I’m going to miss Chandler, but I’m willing to give Guy a chance.
I am a WilSon supporter and love the character of Will and also the relationship of Will and Sonny. So I am going to continue to support Guy Wilson. I loved Chandler and was sad to see him leave but understand his reasons for leaving. I hope Guy will be given the chance by fans to show his interpretation of the character of Will. I also hope he and Freddie will be given the chance to show Will and Sonny’s relationship and also on an individual level with good stories. It is up to the writers now.
Looking forward to his take on the role!!
If the guy gives have a good performance as he does an interview, he should be good. He’s well spoken.
Days is so good right now, and I hope he adds to the mix.
CM has been pretty wonderful, and he’s moving on with his life. I wish him all the best, and I do the same to the “new guy”.
He will be fine in the role I am sure. At least, DAYS OF OUR LIVES is surviving, I was and am a long time fan of All My Children and it’s just heart wrenching that the show is gone, and didn’t work as an On-line presentation.
So, I plan on tuning in to Days on a regular basis, and I am sure that this new actor will bring another dimension to the character.
I was/am an AMC fan too, from Day 1 of the show and feel as you do. Ditto with OLTL.
For me, DOOL is truest to the soap format I love best, and it has such a wonderful intergenerational cast, and features family heavily, just like AMC used to do – and OLTL.
DOOL has been the best of the surviving soaps for me personally, and I hope it is for you too.
This is wild! I have always been a DAYS only fan, but I have relatives that were long term AMC fans. They called their show All My Kids. lol. They started watching DAYS and say it’s like watching AMK. They are hooked!
boes is correct in saying DAYS features family heavily. In fact, the character of Will is from two long standing families. He is a Horton and a Brady.
That proves how serious DAYS is about Will.
Well the current Will has this smirk on his face when he gets upset… which doesn’t go over well when he is trying to be serious. I hope the new Will does a better job.
Jennnn!!! OMG! I thought I was the only one who noticed the smirk and just lazy acting style Chandler has exhibited for the past year or so. I feel like he didn’t feel challenged by the role any more so he kind of phoned in his performance. I for one am glad to see him go. Looking forward to the new guy!
I am just glad the character of Will Horton is not leaving with the actor as happens too many times these days.
Guy Wilson: you are surrounded by thee best cast on daytime.
so many dynamics play out… conferring, relating, just playing out… with each other
I love it!
put aside the two emmy wins and relate to your intuition… and focus on Sonny- DAYS took great pains.. to reach … and feature a select peoples… and stratosphere electric
everything about DAYS is ON…
just keep Daniel and Jenn… apart… and even give us a little break…
all the rest of the show… takes hold and fires
it’s not like the remaining shows… who are scrambling… to cohesively knit, package and sublimely Feature Salem!
you are one amidst a convoy of talent
LOVE DOOL
I too will support Guy. I also hope that he will be more comfortable kissing another man. I think Freddie Smith is very passionate and seems very naturally and comfortable. Sometimes I felt Chandler was when it was a smooch. And he had some good kiss moments. I also really hope that they focus on their sex life. I mean we see Sami and EJ going at it all the time. If they focus more on them in bed, whether it’s just laying there etc. it will make it more of the “norm” and nothing but another love story unfolding. Not a “Gay” story…..Hopefully these terms will not even matter in 20 years.
Considering all the pressure he is under, Guy’s debut was great! He will settle in quite nicely!!!
I think he did a fine job! Good start. He already has an ease in his scenes with Gabi and Sonny.
Was Chandler let go or did he quit. I loved him.
Personally i dont like the new will horton at all…we want the oid will back please.
I think guy wilson is doing a good job as will and lot of viewers do not like him and want chandler back, but we would have a new actor in the role anyway because chandler was not going renew his contract. So days higher ups took action and. I like chandler but he is recast to. Nobody likes change.