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Guy Wilson Makes His DAYS Debut As Will Horton! What Were Your First Impressions?

Courtesy/NBC

Courtesy/NBC

Being a recast is never a walk in the park for any actor, who has to take over a role from a very popular star, who let alone originated the role and has become beloved by the audience!

When two-time Daytime Emmy winner Chandler Massey announced he was planning on leaving the pivotal role of Will Horton on Days of our Lives at the end of his contract, but then was let-go before the end of it, it set the roll-out of DAYS plan to have the role of Will continue with another actor, and the actor who got the part was Guy Wilson.

For Wilson, he has been working for several months now taping episodes, but we, the audience, are just finally seeing his first episode today, circle January 8th, 2014!

When Guy was in his first scenes on DAYS it was business as usual for Will, no real dramatic intense scenes as of yet, but scenes where Will interacted with Gabi (Camila Banus) and his on-screen boyfriend, Sonny (Freddie Smith) over the continued cover-up of Nick’s “murder” and Abigail (Kate Mansi) receiving the texts messages from Kate, and how EJ would “handle” Abby.

Later, viewers got to see EJ (James Scott) and Will (now played by Wilson) in some scenes where they shared some moments which included Will saying to EJ: “You’ve gone out of you way for me and my family and I know it’s because you love mom so much.  I hope she appreciates everything you have done for us.  That’s all.”   So can James Scott and Guy Wilson create the same on-screen chemistry as James and Chandler?  Time will tell!

So, what were your first impressions of Guy Wilson in the role of Will Horton?  Now remember, this is only his first airshow! So,  for some the jury may still be out! Yet, for others, will you  embrace Guy now as the new Will?  Let us know! And if you didn’t see Guy’s first DAYS scenes, you can watch them after the jump!

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Guy did a fantastic job!!!

Chandler made the character his own remember he was also a recast.

Guy did great. He fit like a glove.

I like him!!! Great job would maybe prefer his hair to be a bit more blonde as Chandlers was; he has a resemblance to Chandler so that helps with the recast. Rock on!!! 🙂

my gut reaction

I wasn’t put off or disarmed in any way by him: Guy Wilson

what a relief! whew! “Wilson” proves ON and forges ahead!

granted… we’ve yet to see the intimacy between Will and Sonny
his relationship with his mother… Sammi
and his relationship with gramma Marlena

but… his portrayal… was not in any way… unnatural

yikes!

I’m so pleased

Other than Sonny, I believe Marlena is the key!

Remember all those great scenes between Will and Marlena/Chandler and Deidre?

Deidre will work her magic!

gut reaction
first instinct
premiere

there’s nothing to say… he won’t improve

it’s not like he was shot down… and doesn’t have a chance or prayer

————-

I so agree with you… Deidre Hall… will embrace and wholly work this…..
as will Kate… so…

his premiere… was not undoing any thing… it’s only going to get better…

cast expertise
writers challenging

cohesive blend

I thought his scenes were very natural. I was excited for his debut and he didn’t disappoint. He stepped right in the role and took control. It’s definitely a change from Chandler’s Will (not the same, shall we say “chemistry”, with James Scott/EJ as he had, and Guy’s Will feels much more assertive to Chandler’s doubty/self conscious Will, for example) but that’s not a bad thing. In time, I trust he will blend into the role and make it as memorable as Chandler did for those years. I could already tell by his reels on youtube he had the chops, and I have total faith today was just a taste of what this guy can do.

Can’t wait for more!

Guy’s Will feels much more assertive

I saw this as well

and that bodes well for nuWill

the thing i’m really excited about… is the nuChallenges in acting chops for Freddie Smith…

DAYS has a whole new feel to it… the vibe, excitement… acceptance of production…. collectively driving

god… sorry Fans…. if this fan … presses … it’s just .. DAYS deserves to repeat as best Serial… 2013! 2 years in a row

A repeat as best serial for 2013 will not come from any work delivered by Guy Wilson ! Rather it will come from the collective efforts of the cast as whole and in particular the very fine performances delivered by Camilla, Blake, Freddie and Chandler, Allison and James! Some of the story arcs dragged on for too long . Others were so boring even the very blackest of Coffee and clothespins used on the eyelids wouldn’t keep a viewer from dosing off! The twins who played Ari were priceless additions to to the WilSon story Arc. And I think they made some pretty significant and unique contributions to the show in their interaction with Chandler and Freddie and the rest of the cast!!

You think the babies playing “Ari” made “pretty significant contributions to the show”, but meanwhile one day of work from Guy and he’s tanking on the show and will be the serial’s downfall?

I am seriously doubting your judgement right now and am not taking any of your posts here at face value. Your comments here have been nothing short of baseless presuppositions, and not to mention childish and borderline rude towards the actor.

Lighten up. It was the kid’s first day on a job taking on a monumental role in a huge storyline.

I thought he was awful his acting was stilted there was no emotion. Zero chemistry with Freddie the whole thing was awkward. Freddie and Camila just looked uncomfortable. If Guy is supposed to be a professional actor,then it didn’t show here. Judging by the comments on the official Days facebook page. He was a total flop.

What your seeing Sandra is general lack of skills as a Soap actor. It will take him many years to develop a good set of them . By that time Sandra, Days will most likely have been cancelled.

It was his first day! Let’s give the guy a chance before we begin crucifying his acting skills. Just sayin!

My opinion? He can’t act, and his delivery seems insincere and contrived. I don’t like him.

I miss Chandler Massey already. But then again it always takes me a while to warm up to re-casts. Im sure he’ll grow on me !

Sorry but I really didn’t like him. The true test was the s end with EJ. Chandler and JS had great chemistry. This guy just doesn’t have IT.

I agree with you Michael

A fine start for Guy Wilson. I have a feeling he will do well. Has to be a tough job to step into (soap acting in general) and I look forward to his upcoming scenes in the months ahead when he will make this role his own.

All the best to Chandler in his new endeavors!

Guy Wilson did a wonderful job, and I say this as a huge fan of Chandler Massey’s work as Will. It’s apparent that Guy did his homework on the role as opposed to going in there and starting off with his own take on the character. He’s done a fine job of honoring sensibilities that Chandler brought to the role, which definitely helps in facilitating a smoother transition for viewers. I will miss Chandler’s Will *so* much, but I also wish Guy Wilson the very best in making the role of Will his own while assuming the precedent set by Chandler.

I found his performance to be cold and flat. His acting to be is stiff like cardboard and one dimensional. I saw none of the highly touted chemistry spewed in the recent months by the PR department in all the media. The highly touted “edge” he is supposed to bring the role is nothing more than than a general reflection of his lack of skills as a Soap Actor. How very sad for all the WilSon fans the world over, because the warm loving couple we grew to love so well has been destroyed

So would you have preferred both Will and Sonny leaving the show? Chandler Massey was going regardless.

What i would have actually preferred would have been Chandler had stayed on in the role. As for the repeat rhetoric oh he was leaving anyway, Chandler never really decided whether he actually was going to return to College full time or not in January . The mistake he made was opening his mouth at the Daytime Emmys. He got taught the bittersweet lesson that every person gets taught when they tell their bosses they are thinking about leaving. You get replaced and kicked to the curb without warning. And that is exactly what happened to him . I am pretty sure he has learned his lesson and will not open his mouth in the wrong place at the wrong time again .

I don’t know because I didn’t watch and won’t watch. I only watched for Freddie and Chandler, not a replacement. If they hadn’t recast or found someone else, I’d still be watching, but I don’t want to see the sorrow in Freddie’s eyes. I read that many people thought all the scenes with the recast were awkward. So, yes, I don’t want to watch Freddie struggle through this ordeal. TPTB mucked up!

The awkwardness would be by fans that have followed closely. In time, the experience will be less awkward. Camilla was the awkward one!

Both babies must have been scared because their was no interaction between Guy and Ari.

But the babies have an excuse. They are babies! You’re not a baby. Or are you?

I think the characters of Gabi and Will should have been written to exit Salem together. The part of Will should not have been recast in the first place.

I liked his first appearance, it was subtle. I have seen Guy’s work and I know he has the acting skills to the role justice. I know some people were looking for him to come out guns blazing but the scenes did not require it and as the storyline of Nick’s (alleged) death moves forward and Gabi’s eventual departure from the show; we will see him shine in the dramatic scenes that will be required to tie up those two storylines.

Soap audiences never cease to amaze me in how judgmental they are. It takes time for chemistry to develop, for an actor to inhabit a character. Look at Chandler’s first scenes, they weren’t all that either. Snap judgments are useless and do not advance the conversation. Give him a month or so to develop.

And for the record, Michael, you’ve written your lead so we are to assume Chandler Massey created the role of Will Horton, which we all know is patently NOT the case. Chandler was a RECAST himself. He was, if my calculations are correct, Will #5.

It was not a home run or a strike out. Yes, the viewer saw him with Sonny, Gabi, and EJ. Once we see him with actress Deidre Hall, characters T and Sammi, the viewer will have a greater feel for what type of chemistry Guy can establish with key relationships.

I thought he was ok for his first show. And that’s why I’m willing to take a wait & see approach. It was his FIRST show! It was alittle jarring at first because I thought there would be a voice over announcing the recast but I knew he was starting so I was expecting it. Sad to see some of the really negative comments on other sites. I loved Chandler but he was going to leave anyway so it didn’t matter to me if it was now or later.

His scenes with EJ were ok but it’s going to take time for everyone to be comfortable around each other. Can’t wait to see his first scenes with Sami & Marlena. It’s hard to tell about his chemistry with Freddie yet. They didn’t have really any intimate scenes except for a hug.

I wish Guy all the luck. He has a big job ahead of him but I will give him a chance.

I thought he did great with the material he was given. Anyone who has seen Guy’s previous work knows he’s a strong actor. I think Days did great with the recast. I’m mostly looking forward to seeing him interact with Marlena & for some romantic scenes with Sonny. Those will be the real test.

I’ve seen his work. And “strong” was defiantly not the word I would use to describe his acting. Lackluster, boring, drone like. Now there are words!

I reviewed all of his previous work before his debut, Lee, and he gave the type of performance I expected him to: cold and stiff and one dimensional.

In my opinion I thought he did great. Guy’s Will seems more serious. It will take time for him to relax and not be so stiff. I hope he and Freddie will have that natural chemistry that Chandler and Freddie had where they imptlrovised a lot of their scenes. Time will tell. We just need to be patient and support WilSon. I liked his scenes with EJ.

I’m going to give him time to get comfortable in the role. His first outing I’m sorry but it sucked! You could see his nerves taking over and he struggled to perform. I agree with other comments, he had zero chemistry with anyone he shared a science with. Hopefully he will get better. Change is always tuff at first.

I thought it was a seamless transition. He did very well for his first appearance and I know he will get better as he gets more comfortable in the role. It’s extremely difficult to replace a popular actor, so it will take time.

To all the haters out there…Give him a chance!

He did a fine job…however, im not totally sure just yet after only one episode…at least he doesnt have that almost constant Chandler smug look which is a plus!!! lol

I believe what you were actually seeing in that so called “smug look” was actually confidence and security in the knowledge he was delivering a fine performance. The one thing that Chandler Massey did was strive for excellence in his craft. Even with some really crappy writing , he managed to deliver a good one. I am not impressed with Guy Wilson at all.

Chandler was perfect in the role…but he rarely changed that ‘smug look’ which he used in most of his scenes and it was a little to much at times…Guy may have got off to a rocky start with some fans…its not easy replacing someone as popular as Chandler…back in the 1970s on Days i remember when popular Denise Alexander who played Susan Martin left the show for GH and was replaced by Bennye Gateys(spelling?) in the role…fans were somewhat more patient back then and gave the actress a chance to grow into the role…she wasnt as great as Denise but i started to like her eventually and she did a fine job…so im going to wait and see before making up my mind…at least a month before i have more of opinion…so far his best chemistry in that first episode was with Gabi!!!

I wasn’t impressed. I think it was good they didn’t give him a whole lot to do, but what I saw did not impress me. I thought, they dumped Chandler early for this guy? WHY? I know it will take time for him to settle in and we’ll see. I’m sure he was nervous. Hopefully he will improve.

Surprised that some people really enjoyed him. Frankly, I think he was forgettable.

That’s just it Mo, his performance was forgettable! And I’m afraid the warm loving couple they we all came to love is gone now!

Yes, I wasn’t really feeling the love with Sonny and Will. Granted, we’re expecting him to be able to portray an intimate relationship with another actor right away, but after all the build-up by Days’ execs on how great this guy was, so great in fact that they let they two-time Emmy winner go early, I expected more. I forgotten nuWill was debuting yesterday and I had to rewind because I was thinking, who is Sonny hugging?

Some actors come on with a bang and show command straight away. Not so here. Let’s hope he finds it soon.

I think Chandler should come back as Will!!! I was not impressed some were some weren’t. I did not see this great chem that was talked about between him and Freddie it was just off to me. He seems like a good actor but he just isn’t right as Will to me. He doesn’t fit as Sami and Lucas child. Chandler actually looked like he could be their kid. I was surprised that so many enjoyed what they saw but its in the eye of the beholder I guess. I can’t believe Chandler was let go early due to what I saw yesterday I know it was his first day but the way he was talked about I expected this grand performance and it wasn’t there in my opinion. I think NBC/Korday or whoever jumped the gun on this one the should have kept Chandler to the end of his contract and then went from there I don’t think I will be watching anymore.

Yes, they let Chandler go early so they could sign this guy because he might not be available later. Frankly, I think that was a major mistake.

I thought he was fine. His introduction was lowkey, and his interactions with Gabi and Sonny and EJ were played quietly and well. As I think they should be, since the character isn’t new, just the actor portraying him.

Chandler Massey was leaving anyway, by his own choice – even if that did get sped up a bit by management. He himself was a recast.

There is a new Will Horton in town, so far, so fine.

You can’t force chemistry. If it’s not there, it will never be. I haven’t watched, and won’t. Maybe I’m judgemental, but with Guy it’s not even about his acting skills (I know nothing about it), but about him – totally unsympathetic, physically and otherwise. Don’t think it’s a problem for him if I’m not his fan and he is there whether I watch or not, but I’m allowed to my opinion so here it is.

Chandler’s exit was inevitable, but did it have to happen when it happened? Don’t think so. And had the show found someone different than Guy, I may even be tuning in. Can’t imagine how crushed Freddie must have been and still is. The burden is all on him and he is stuck and TPTB know it. What an unkind business!

I have to admit, I was looking forward to your comments. Freddie was fine and Guy was nervous, but did a great job considering he knew the microscope he was under.

Think about what Chandler said. He told many people he wanted the story to go on. The story is going on!

Get ahold of yourself, wipe your tears and honor his wishes. It will get better.

DAYS chose a replacement for the long haul. Keeping Chandler for a few months longer would have not mattered for the long haul.

You wanted to see a wedding between your favorites. That would not have happened with Chandler if he would have stayed because a wedding is still long off.

I hope to see you at the wedding, but not holding a gun or having some bid secret to spew! lol

4everDAYS – I know what Chandler said and it sounded very convincing too.. I also know what Freddie said, but people decided not to remember. Corday for instance.

Yay, for the story going on. I have no problem with that – it’s great. Most fans are really happy about it because they can’t wait for the steamy scenes that they were promised. Equality right? All we want is to see the gay guys having hot sex just like all the other DAYS couples. Yay!

You’ll see me at the wedding? With Guy in the picture? I don’t think so.

So you can tell there’s no chemistry without actually watching them interact? That’s quite the superpower you have.

No C, I don’t have that superpower nor any other superpower. I was basing myself on the masses of fabricated pictures of Guy and Freddie they have been forcing on us in the last few weeks (btw, where were such pictures with Chandler and Freddie? Right, nowhere!.. Or maybe 2 years ago.. nevermind, people choose not to notice that and are in deep denial also about the fact that there has been not ONE single joint interview with Chandler and Freddie ever and I bet you we’ll get a nice joint interview with Freddie and Guy very soon – totally forged too of course but nobody will notice that either).

I don’t have to watch any of Guy’s scenes to know that I don’t like him. It’s not his acting. I don’t care about his acting. He doesn’t appeal to me. It’s a matter of taste. If he won 5 Emmys and was nominated for an Oscar, I wouldn’t watch. I also go by the stuff I see coming from him on Twitter and it’s not good. Maybe I’m easily offended, but it’s just not good.

I love Chandler and wish him the best. Lives change and evolve…I remember when Chandler replaced the first Will. His character was not nearly as important to the show then so it did not make such an impact. For the first day of seeing Guy Wilson…and not knowing Chandler was leaving the show…I thought he fit in very well. His confidence and ability will fill the role very well.

I don’t believe Chandler originated the role of Will, he may have played the older version first, but I don’t think he was the first and only Will. That said, it is hard to tell because the scenes yesterday were pretty generic. I thought the show should have announced the role was being played by someone new— my sister in law is blind and listens to the show all the time. She doesn’t follow fan sites etc, and she doesn’t like it when I tell her about cast changes in advance, so I don’t know if she knew who this new voice was– just saying —

He is great like the rest of days which I can’t get enough of!!!

Good Luck! GW. I liked CM and FS as Will and Sonny very much. DOOL is my favorite soap; I hope GW and FS will be as good as Will and Sonny. It may not happen overnight; adjusting to any change takes time.

Well, first of all the appearances of the two actors (C and G) is more obvious on screen than on photos and it really affects my perception, specially because I think Chandler was way hotter than Guy.
The acting, the method of the two actors are obviously different, Chandler used to bring so much impression by his face, but with Guy it seems it’s all the acting, I don’t know, maybe it is a little too soon to tell?!

I watched, he did fine in the role – there wasn’t much going on script-wise for Will, what does anyone expect this young actor to do, improvise? Some of the viewers are really hard to please, be happy the show is still on and be happy they chose to continue the character’s storyline. For pete’s sake give the guy a chance.

It was very disappointing. It seemed like he was simply reading a script and sadly there was absolutely no emotion. I’m really confused as to what Days was thinking. It was very, very awkward. There was no connection at all to Freddie and even worse with Gabi. I do agree that Guy shouldn’t focus on trying to be Chandler; he just needs to focus on improving his acting skills. If people really, truly believe that Guy was terrific that worries me. That means that the bar in soap operas has definitely been lowered. Soap operas are fighting for their survival. Casting mediocre talent and proclaiming them to be the best thing since sliced bread is not going to help the cause.

Fortunately for Guy I think the upcoming story of the Will/Sonny wedding will help him. It will be light and happy material. He wont have to give the type of emotionally gripping performances that won Chandler two emmys. Because based on yesterday’s performance, if he had to do that, he would be so far out of his league.

I truly hope that he gets better though. Freddie Smith has worked very hard for the pairing to succeed.

For your information, there are movie stars that could not handle the pace of taping a soap.

Guy will get used to it. Fans will accept him.

People are comparing a new soap actor to a beloved one who had been on for a few years.

Chandler did not start out the way he ended, but then again…

the dialogue… and script… for his first… day… wasn’t asking, or reaching for him to rip his heart out and aggrandize, give an oscar worthy performance

i thought it was simply a means of easing him in to the character

it’s day one… and I am interested in his development

Not all fans will accept him. Or wait, I’m not a fan, so I don’t have to (anyway).

But yeah Linda, we’ve seen many DAYS cast proclaim that Guy is wonderful and talented and yeah.. Not buying it. Especially since most of those comments were all in writing. I haven’t seen any of these comments from DAYS cast, being said in front of a running camera. Probably because they know we’d be able to tell that it’s not all quite how they say… I’ve read too many comments of people who watched Guy’s scenes and who weren’t impressed at all, to believe all the PR stuff they have been feeding the crowd.

Guy is a very handsome man. More my type than Chandler. But it was hard to watch him. Yeah this was only his first day. But given the amount of screen time he had I expected him to get better. He never did. It was weird seeing him play a 21 yr old. Ok. I will let them re write that. But what is it going to look like when he is next to Allison? Please don’t let them ruin what Chandler built! Fine recast! I mean PLEASE recast! Guy may be a really nice man. I’ve seen he interacts with the people that already ship him. But he can’t act. Reading lines doesn’t mean he can act. Come on Michael! Your not that hard up getting access to the talent to need to like him or give him props. Call t what it is! Be honest! You can do it! I will respect you more if you did.

Interesting post! I like.

But beauty is in the eye of the beholder. ‘Very handsome’ is definitely not what I would say to describe GW. But that’s a subjective matter.

It shocks me to see comments that Guy WilSon did a good job portraying Will for two reasons. One: I watched and it was awkward and mediocre at very best. He spoke assertively when not needed and was disconnected with other actors I saw no chemistry. He portrayed a character unknown to us. TWO: the high majority if comments I have read on social media have been negative and expressing disappointment in both his acting and the chemistry.
So, I guess it’s good to hear some other opinions. Personally, I was not impressed and I am disappointed that Will, who has been such a loved character, is now EVOLVING into this harsher, less engaging character. I cannot even imagine how anyone could say there was instant chemistry. I felt sad for Freddie. He’s worked so hard for this.

I totally agree with you Lee! Apparently Corday wants Will to to become a cold , unfeeling, one dimensional character who can’t relate any feelings to anyone. And if that is the case, then Guy Wilson will be perfect in the role. If not , then Corday needs to find a replacement very soon that can actually be the other half of a warm loving gay couple.

i’m holding out optimism

that the chemistry with Will and Sonny develops

with shooting 4 months in advance… that’s the bust… with recast… no time… to kill and change…

be that as it may… every thing about days works… save for Daniel and Jenn.

’nuff about that… no more wasting energy on this tired pair … should DAYS continue to feature this pair

I so agree with you about Freddie Smith… he was my favorite of the two… at least in the attraction dept…

I truly saw Chandler Massey as spearheading… how a person, coming out… with family … would unfold… now that he has… it’s simply a matter of forging ahead… and the cast accepting Guy Wilson … and moving on

like several posts have inclined… if it works with Sonny and gramma Marlena.. then he’s doing his job

Any blonde young male would be accepted in the role of Will.

I don’t understand in the least why some folks say that Freddie Smith must be “crushed” having to work with Guy Wilson instead of Chandler Massey. Freddie Smith and Chandler Massey aren’t in a real relationship. Why would Freddie resent Chandler from moving on with his life, or resent Guy Wilson for landing the role?

Just my opinion, but it seems to me far too soon to declare that the new guy has no chemistry with anyone, or can’t act, based on the miniscule amount we’ve seen so far.

It seems to me that there are other agendas at work, agendas that have only a little bit to do with the reality of the actors playing these roles.

Change is hard especially when you had an award winning male who had to be replaced due to the grainy issues of moola and contracts. Sad to see we lost such a wonderful character, but change is acceptable, when it affects the show itself and it’s ability to maintain 1.) a fan base and 2.) be able to afford to stay on the air and pay the cast and crew, etc. Change is hard, but in the long run, is usually for the better for all. Think about it the next “change” to hit your life….then you’ll understand it’s one of those full circle attacks we figure our way out of every day or figure our way into…whichever way you look at it. Be productive. Be happy. Take time to kick back and relax and watch an hour of “Days of Our Lives” lol. Peace.

Change is hard especially when you had an award winning male who had to be replaced due to the grainy issues of moola and contracts. Sad to see we lost such a wonderful character, but change is acceptable, when it affects the show itself and it’s ability to maintain 1.) a fan base and 2.) be able to afford to stay on the air and pay the cast and crew, etc. Change is hard, but in the long run, is usually for the better for all. Think about it the next “change” to hit your life….then you’ll understand it’s one of those full circle attacks we figure our way out of every day or figure our way into…whichever way you look at it. Be productive. Be happy. Take time to kick back and relax and watch an hour of “Days of Our Lives” lol. Peace.

Also Chandler you should finish the Fast and Furious 7…CASTING CALL*****************if your looking for any work. Good fit!

Sorry to say, but i was not impressed, there were no connections between him and Sonny, including Gabbi and Ej. He suck big time, can you can feel the awkwardness, it was a hot mess. Yeah i Chandler was a recast, but he was the one who played a gay character and the better looking Will. Days has ruin a great storyline, and all the magic has gone down the drain.

It is Chandler Massey just look at his eyes are wide and watch when he blinks and we will know it is Chandler Massey

I will have to get used to him — unfortunately without soapnet — I won’t see him.

to me it was like he was just saying what was write in the script but no showing any emotion.

I enjoyed William massey I will miss him guy Wilson he is new to me I will get use to him and get past it i’m sure he’ll do will wounderfully with will horton

i want my soapnet back please do something i had a good thing going with soapnet i use that as my backup system if i miss days of our lives at 1 please help me get and return soapnet too me asap

Breaking News

‘Daytime Stands Up: A Benefit For Stand Up To Cancer’ Live Virtual Event Announced; Featuring Soap Opera Notables and Moving Tributes

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.

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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 Light  One 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).

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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 Our Lives 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); Lesli Kay (The Bold and  the Beautiful); Eden McCoy (General Hospital); Kin Shriner (General Hospital); 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

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Days Of Our Lives

Deidre Hall to Guest Star on Season 3 of Comedy Series ‘Hacks’

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.

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Days Of Our Lives

Peacock Raising Subscription Prices $2 Dollars a Month This Summer; Includes Days of our Lives

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.

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Peter Reckell returns for a second visit with Michael Fairman following the wrap-up of his recent run as Bo Brady on Days of our Lives.Leave A Comment

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