Days Of Our Lives
A Martinez Makes His Debut On Days of our Lives! What Were Your Impressions Of His First Scenes As Eduardo?

Courtesy/NBC
Monday gave soap fans quite the emotional on-screen entrance for Daytime Emmy winner A Martinez on NBC’s Days of our Lives!
The former star of Santa Barbara, who is currently also co-starring on Longmire, made his highly-anticipated debut as Eduardo: the father of the late Paige (True O’Brien), ex of Eve’s (Kassie DePaiva) and the father of Rafe Hernandez (Galen Gering), which all was basically revealed on the episode!
However, it was A’s scenes with Kassie DePaiva that were so nuanced, that right off the bat it was nice to see this mega-talent being given some material that pulled at the heartstrings as “Eddie” tried to comfort Eve, learn about the daughter he had not seen in many, many years, and attempting to come to grips with losing his little girl via a serial killer. Both Martinez and DePaiva stepped up to the plate in their very first scenes together.
At the end of the episode, Eduardo ran into Rafe … with the cop asking, “What are you doing here?” The pick-up of that scene will air Tuesday.
What were your first impressions of A as Salem’s Eduardo? Did you enjoy the scenes between Martinez and DePavia? Looking forward to seeing how the NBC soap utilizes A in future episodes and storylines? Share your comments below!
Days Of Our Lives
‘Heated Rivalry’ Star Franco LoPresti Opens Up About ‘Days of our Lives’ Debut as Dante Vitali

Next week on Monday, September 14 will mark the first appearance in Salem of Franco LoPresti in his new Days of our Lives role of Dante Vitali.
Heated Rivalry fans now LoPresti very well from his part as hockey player Cliff Marleau in the series first season. (No word yet if Cliff appears in season 2).
Now in a conversation with TV Insider, DAYS fans will learn that LoPresti is on the soap for a limited run. No timetable was given.

Photo: Corday Productions, Inc
When LoPresti does burst onto the scene come Monday, Dante makes quite the impact as Franco LoPresti explains. It seems that viewers will first see him in scenes in Monte Carlo at a poker table with none other than Gabi Hernandez (Cherie Jimenez) and Philip Kiriakis (John-Paul Lavoisier). However, Dante will come to Salem to talk to the Brady family about his supposed fiancée Sami Brady (Alison Sweeney).
Franco shared, “Dante was born and grew up in Italy and educated at this pretty top-tier English boarding school. He then went on to build his own dynasty in finance, all the while trying to distance himself from the Vitali name (as viewers know Tamara Braun played his cousin Ava Vitali).”
“But at the core of Dante, there’s definitely an old-school quality to him”, continued LoPresti. “He’s super passionate, he’s sincere and incredibly generous, but he’s also someone that you probably shouldn’t underestimate. Loyalty is something that means a lot to him. As Dante enters Salem, I think the audience will get to slowly peel back those layers and discover what’s really driving him. So, I’m excited for Days fans to go on that ride with Dante.”

Photo: Almay
As it turns out, LoPresti taped his episodes of DAYS starting back in November 2025 which happened to be weeks before Heated Rivalry became a smash hit.
Franco recalled, “It’s so funny because I thought my episodes would air in a month (on Days of our Lives). But I found out it was nine to 10 months and I was like, ‘I gotta wait that long?!’ So, I’ve been biting my nails, trying not to think about it, and I think it’s actually kind of helped because now it’s here and it’s all coming at me from all different angles. I’m nervous. I’m excited, and I just can’t wait to see it all come together. It’s one of the best jobs I’ve ever had for sure.”
In his personal life, Franco just had his first child with wife, actress Emily Alatalo, just a weeks ago on August 23rd when they welcomed their daughter, Stella into the world.
So, looking forward to seeing Franco LoPresti’s debut come Monday? What do you think about the fact that it’s being reported as a limited run? Do you think Dante and Sami have a chance on-screen or off-screen to be a happy couple? What do you really think brings Dante to Salem sans Sami? Let us know your thoughts via the comment section below.
Days Of Our Lives
‘Days of our Lives’ Reveals ‘Class of Season 62’

In a metaphor for the start of the school year and their upcoming anniversary in November, Days of our Lives revealed its “Class of Season 62,” with a very clever yearbook montage on their social media handles, welcoming new cast members, while paying respect to the veterans and “class”-iying the other characters in Salem.
The official Days of our Lives Instagram account shared on the posting, “The Class of Salem Season 62 has arrived. Familiar faces, new names and plenty of personality. Flip through our yearbook for a peek at this year’s class.”
Let’s take a look at how they broke it all down: The Salem Yearbook starts with saying “another unforgettable season,” with some group pics, and then we dovetail into Salem’s new class which features: Sydney Malakeh (Sydney DiMera), Brandon Butler (Mason Whitfield), Angelica Nero (Victoria Kiriakis), Cole Gersmeyer (Thomas DiMera) and Lorelei Olivia Mote (Rachel Black).

Photo: Days of our Lives
Next up, are the likes of: Cherie Jimenez (Gabi Hernandez), John-Paul Lavoisier (Philip Kiriakis), Tyler Joseph Andrews (Theo Carver) and LeeAnn Hopkins (Joy Wesley). Then, in the “Drama Club” section are: Dan Feuerriegel (EJ DiMera) and AnnaLynne Cipriani (Cat Greene).
Following the ‘Recess” section with some group snaps, comes “Homeroom Highlights” with: Abigail Klein (Stephanie Johnson), Eric Martsolf (Brady Black), Rob Scott Wilson (Alex Kiriakis), Lamon Archey (Eli Grant) and Sal Stowers (Lani Price Grant).
The “Salem Spectator” section features: Conner Floyd (Chad DiMera), Greg Rikaart (Leo Stark), Stowers again, and Ashely Puzemis (Holly Jonas). In the “Afternoon Sweets” section look for: Paul Telfer (Xander Kiriakis) and Linsey Godfey (Sarah Horton), Emily O’ Brien (Gwen Rizchech), Stacy Haiduk (Kristen DiMera/Susan Banks), Brandon Beemer (Shawn Brady), plus Jackée Harry (Paulina Price).
Towards the end of the yearbook, veteran performers such as: Mary Beth Evans (Kayla Johnson), Stephen Nichols (Steve Johnson), Lauren Koslow (Kate Roberts) and Josh Taylor (Roman Brady) are featured, plus Deidre Hall (Marlena Evans), James Reynolds (Abe Carver) and Matthew Ashford (Jack Deveraux), Susan Seaforth Hayes (Julie Williams) and Suzanne Rogers (Maggie Kiraikis) with her on-screen daughter, Linsey Godfrey.
The Salem Yearbook comes to a conclusion noting “Big things happening in Salem” and to tune-in on Peacock, where we also find Jacob Martinez (Javi Hernandez), Maggie Carney (Rita Lesley), and a host of other favorites previewing what’s to come this fall.
So, what do you think of the Days of our Lives Class of Season 62? Looking forward to seeing what happens in Salem? Did you like the yearbook concept for promotional tune-in? Let us know via the comment section below.
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Days Of Our Lives
‘Days of our Lives’ Head Writers Give Fall 2026 Preview: Marlena and Stefano’s Chess Mystery, The Arrivals of Dante and Sydney, Romance Drama for Sarah and Others

As summer comes to a close with Labor Day weekend, the former Days of our Lives co-head writing duo of Paula Cwikly and Jeanne Marie Ford have given their annual fall season preview in episodes taped some 10-11 months ago.
As previously reported this past July, Ryan Quan returned to Days of our Lives and is now co-head writing the show with Ford, while Cwikly is now a consultant. The new co-head writing teams stories will not be seen till late spring/early summer 2027.
So for now, the stories pick up from where we left off with Cwikly and Ford promising via TV Insider, “Fall in Salem is full of twists and turns and secrets and surprises. Dots connect in unexpected ways as seemingly unrelated threads converge.”

Photo: JPI
CHECKMATE?
In one of the top mystery’s, Marlena is still having troubling memories and she will have another one on the Monday, September 7 episode. Meanwhile, her daughter Belle (Martha Madison) has gotten very close to Chad DiMera (Conner Floyd) and as pictured here, the two smooch while in Italy searching for answers to the chess set that Stefano DiMera gifted th the late John Black and Marlena (Deidre Hall) that has some significance.
The head scribes share, “The (chess board) mystery and its fallout are central to the fall stories. Chad and Belle follow the clues to a discovery that changes both of their families, and Salem, forever. Marlena worries that their investigation/the chess set may be a Pandora’s box that has been opened. And she is right…”
Newcomers are also the order of the day for Cwikly and Ford, this fall. We have already seen the debut as Brandon Butler as Mason Whitfield, and next week you can add as previously reported Sydney Malakeh on the Thursday September 1o episode as Sydney DiMera, followed by the the Monday, September 14 arrival of Franco LoPresti as Dante Vitali.

Photo: Corday Productions
Paula and Jeanne Marie expressed on the incoming Dante, “The arrival of a stranger who will set the whole town on its ear. The character has several strong ties to the current canvas and impacts many storylines.” What will Dante be up to? We know Sami Brady (Alison Sweeney) had mentioned in 2025 she got engaged to the man, but that was off-screen.
LOVE THE ONE YOU’RE WITH OR THE ONE YOU WANT?
In the romance department, the triangle between Brady/Sarah/Xander heats up with a very conflicted Sarah (Linsey Godfrey). The head writers reveal, “When Sarah faces attacks personally and professionally, Xander (Paul Telfer) and Brady (Eric Martsolf) work together to help and protect her. Sarah’s new love for Brady is challenged by her lingering love for Xander. Xander risks everything for Sarah.”
In addition look for, “Gabi (Cherie Jimenez) and Philip (John-Paul Lavoiser) to draw closer as he tries to save the family company and home.”
Kristen (Stacy Haiduk) will also be returning at some point this fall and she won’t be alone. Who might she bring with her? And from the looks of the Peacock promo for next week’s DAYS, someone is wearing Stefano’s ring around their finger, but who … and how does it all tie in this fall?
So, what do you think about some of the highlights coming up this fall on Days of our Lives per the series head writers? Does anything float your boat or pique your interest? If so, what? Let us know via the comment section. But first, check out the action next week on DAYS in the promo entitled “Bag of Tricks” below.
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His debut was super awesome…
Love the actor but that facial hair is NOT good, They need to shave have him shave that off.
yeah, I don’t like it either…. it’s making him unattractive and unappealing…
he made reference to it… with MF and Galen Gerring… in their interview “fest”
ie: that .. A. Martinez… left the facial hair on… and it seemed to get him more work….
well? you have a contract ! lose that stubble
Mr. Santa Barbara; soon to be; Mr. Days
I don’t think he’s allowed to shave, Vicki. That’s for his role in the Netflix series titled “Longmire.”
Thanks for that info, I STILL HATE it-Makes him look like he ISNT redeemable at all and never will be.
It was foolish to write out Eve at this time with a new character connected to her past…wouldve liked to have seen Eves and Eddies backstory played out!!!
She isn’t leaving for awhile since they film so far in advance. Hopefully we’ll see that part of the storyline before she goes…
Hope so…
We’ll most likely see it played out, Jimh. We may have Kassie/Eve for another five months.
4got they film in advance
@Jimh, -Days films six months in advance which means we won’t see Eve leave town until at least March 2016.
I forgot that they film that way
@Jimh: Me too. Kassie DePaiva has been brilliant with the fallout of Paige’s death. She always has been brilliant, but the writing for Eve has really sucked up until now. The whole Jennifer/JJ crap was an injustice to all three of those actors IMO.
I hope some great casting director/producer sees her recent work and casts her in something really superb. She is, was, always has been, very talented and riveting to watch. Wishing her all the best.
“…Both Martinez and DePaiva stepped up to the plate in their very first scenes together ”
we’re talking two mega-watt magnates
NBC : must watch!
you need to re-hire this gem!
I am a big fan of understated performances and Martinez is a master of them. I thought he was brilliant, as was Kassie DePaiva. He’s going to be a valuable asset to Days and a pleasure to watch. There are generally two types of actors on soaps – those who are line readers and those who truly inhabit a character. The line readers deliver the dialogue as written and little more while those who inhabit a character create memorable roles. A Martinez is in the latter category.
ummm that goatee? somebody please explain that wire belongs on a spool not your chin. and I am not quite certain what the big deal is about A Martinez. Kassie DePaiva chewed him up and spit him out on his “debut” day. Cause when push comes to shove only the strong (talented) survive. he didn’t even react at all. All he did was give that “look” that says nothing other than “what’s my line again?”. He may have been good on Santa Barbara but if this is excellence the bar is VERY low.
I thought he did a great job. He had to play the scenes and show caring to an actor/character he never worked with.
It is too bad Days killed Paige off and let Kassie go now that the father/husband is on the show. Paige was related to Rafe and Gabi. There is story there.
I thought A’s scenes with Kassie were fantastic, and I too was thinking why get rid of Eve now when they are finally letting her connect with other characters. But back to A. I had always heard how good he was on Santa Barbara and to see him in those scenes with Eve, taking the brunt of her rage at him not being there for her and Paige. All the emotions that were on his face…it was good soap. I am really looking forward to seeing more of Eddie.
I suppose he did fine in his scenes with Kassie (as Eve) and their acting together, dramatic histrionics and all, were believable.
I guess they are writing “Eve” out because they are concentrating on this Anniversary dull-as-dishwater jazz, with Caroline seeing faces on the wall. I am already bored to tears with Kayla telling her teen-age rebellious son (gee….how different and unusual) to learn to behave. “Patch” is going to look for Hope’s long-lost husband who of course couldn’t get back to Hope because he is being held captive……yawn…..
For a while there, the show was really moving in a progressive direction with Sonny, Will, Paul and the elusive Derrick. Of the four of them, only Will and Paul remain, and they have been reduced to supportive roles.
Oh well, I didn’t really think the show would continue to be quite so innovative.
Popping into days after a 3 yr hiatus, im not exactly impresses myself. Came to check out stephen, peter and thaao. Not liking Joey, never liked Abigail and there is wayyyy too much of her, do not like Kassie as Eve and glad they let her go and i dont think this show needs A Martinez on it; no offense to the actor. I imagine I will pop out again once the 50th hoopla dies down. Bored.
No more Will, Sonny, Paul, and Derrick? “Happy days are here again! The skies are bright and clear again. Let us sing a song of cheer again, Happy Day Are Here Again!”
That’s fine, your entitled to your opinion, however sarcastic and homophobic it may come across.
Yes, you can sing Happy Days because the Gay characters are gone.
But you still have Caroline seeing old faces on the wall, and John and Marlena talking of finding their way to each other when they should be discussing Medicare. How much longer can THAT dull as dishwasher
storyline go on?
How long? Forever! Those characters, Caroline, John, Marlena, along with others you also probably consider dull are what made the show reach its 50 year milestone!
“Happy days are here again…!” What a nice and fitting song! Happy “Days”! Yes, I am VERY happy! God truly answers prayer!
Great debut. The scenes his character had with Eve were emotional and heartbreaking. Looking forward to more from A. Martinez!
I know when new writers come in there isn’t always a smooth transition from what was to what will be, but I wished there had been more back story about this character and Eve’s relationship– also think it would have been more interesting for Rafe and us, to have found out Paige was related to that family, before she got killed. Now that Paige is dead, this reveal seems a bit anti-climatic — it also doesn’t help knowing that Eve has an expiry date.
That said my first impression of this character is positive– ripe with possibilities. Enjoyed his and Eve scenes, but I really enjoyed Eve and Kate– what a brilliant idea to make these ladies friends, again such a shame it will be short lived.
I enjoyed Eve and Kate too!
A Martinez is a terrific actor and his few episodes so far have confirmed that. He works well with everyone he’s been in scenes with so far. But it stings to say this because I wish that DOOL had brought him on sooner so that he could interact with KDP more. They are extraordinary together. I already feel like I understand so much of Eduardo’s backstory even though he’s only appeared in 3 episodes so far. Why oh why didn’t DOOL try to write more for veteran actors who know how to pull off grief, anger, rejection, or any other strong emotion before now? KDP is finally kicking butt and taking names. Galen Gering has more to do now than just walking restaurant patrons over to their table and handing them a menu. Why didn’t DOOL write a better storyline for James Read, who is another huge talent who had the writing fail him? It’s so frustrating but if the ratings rebound like they did last week, then maybe it’s better late than never.
“…They are extraordinary together.”
didn’t they just up the “it” factor
stratosphere / top draw
and took it to an all together ‘nother level
as only ; Kassie DePaiva and A. Martinez REELED
to say that all else paled in compare
you betcha
ps: I was going by the pic: his “goatee” stubble is not bad at all
his acting drove.. and KD’ helmed and flew
“It ain’t over till the fat lady sings!” And she hasn’t sung yet! There may be more twists and turns in the story that offer hope for future returns and better story for actors who are leaving. If they were not killed off we may see them again in Salem! (I even expect to see Kristen DiMera again, although I have no idea when! Maybe Andre will have something to do with Kristen’s return!)
I also think a temporary change is good for the actors as well as the writers if the story told for the actor’s character was not a good one. It gives the writers time to regroup and come up with something better. I do hope this is the case for Kassie DePavia. James Read too!
The fans of the soap opera Santa Barbara will forever remember him as Cruz . Cruz and Eden … what a love story … What a soap Santa Barbara was … We still miss it . Glad to see A Martinez back in the soap industry . Could someone revive Santa Barbara with new episodes ?
Could someone revive YOU into 2015…LOL…but seriously though…
A Martinez can’t go or do wrong, no matter what. He is la creme de la creme, always, without fail. Nonetheless, Kassie did it again….she stole the show. I love her more than ever. I only hope that this unique actress’s talent is not swept under the proverbial rug.
Thought was good but rather predictable. Don’t like the facial hair. Was hoping there would’ve been a Santa Barbara reference!
I heard that Cassie/Eve is being recast by Marci Walker.. It is brilliant casting by Days.. they are rockin it!!
“god” I could let KD go; if this were true
and only…
if KD was the recast of NLG; Alexis Davis
Tim: Marcy Walker retired from acting she is now a youth minister for Life Church in Edmond, Oklahoma.
I hope Eve won’t be gone for good, I’m hoping DAYS might bring some people back if they get renewed. Probably keeping the budget down to help make that happen. Enjoying the show
I left a brief message, stating that the chin hair on A Martinez does him no favors, and my comment wasn’t published. Yet countless others have mentioned the same thing. What’s up?!?!
Speaking of DOOL, Chad evidently doesn’t heal quickly. Will he still have that cut on his lip throughout the trial?
Didn’t Marci Walker play the role Of Liza Colby on AMC?
I did not know she was possibly going to play Eve on Days of Our lives. I think that Kassie
does a very good job with the role. I will be sorry to see her go.
Personally, I started watching the show for it’s innovation, watching how Will and Sonny
progress. Now it’s like a different show, bringing back characters from long ago, before I started to watch.
Well, in all fairness, you can’t please everyone….and I’m not pleased.
Yes she was Liza-and brilliant in my opinion –on AMC– but then on Santa Barbara with A Martinez and they were a couple.
I love Kassie and she is a great actress and singer and don’t like that she got fired. I haven’t seen or heard anything about Marcy Walker taking her place in the role– but if that is true I think it is a brilliant casting move and will drive more viewers to Days.
Love A. Martinez, that thing on chin needs to go. Reminds me of a Billy goat.
he was brilliant
To the viewers who expected/wanted a reference to Santa Barbara, that is what GH does, not DOOL.
I love this show. I am a proud fan of Days of our lives. 51 years I have watched this show. I have seen them come and seen them go. Keep up the good work. Mary
For the record, I hate what they have done to the character Aiden. Daniel Cosgrove has been amazing in this turn to the darkside, but sometimes I like a good guy to just be a good guy. He’s one of them. Loved Hope and Aiden. I think I’m the only one not looking forward to Bo’s return. I’m happy for his fans and for the sake of the Anniversary, I just wish they’d kept Aiden and Hope as endgame. My understanding is Peter Reckell’s return isn’t for the long haul. If that is true, I don’t look forward to going back to “Lonely Hope” with no storyline.
I want to know what is up between Eduardo and Kate! Do they know each other from the past. Hope not because she had an affair with Rafe!
A Martinez is doing a nice job. But he acts like a wounded puppy. I feel sorry for him. That may not be what the writers intended but he behaves like a dog who has been beaten mercilessly. Even though he was a bad father I get there is more to the story than meets the eye.
I don’t remember having a feeling like that about a new character before, especially one who was introduced as having a bad reputation.
I don’t even know if I answered the question(s) above or not. Didn’t stop to read the article. Just jumped in with my first impression of Eduardo. Will read now.
I watched a clip of Santa Barbara about two months ago and ended up watching the whole show from day 1 to its finale. As I watched it as a teen, I got hooked again. Literally a few days later, To turn on the TV and see A Martinez on DOOL, I threw my hands in the air saying yes! I was so excited to see him on my fav show let alone back again. I’m looking forward to his role on DOOL. Marcy Walker would be great casting for replacing Eve. Supposedly she quit acting years ago so although that would be a perfect match… that does not look promising. It is Daytime so u never know. I say bring Lane Davies from Santa Barbara onto DOOL… Good ole Mason Capwell….. Hilarious character… If ha loved EJ… Lane can give a character like that a good run… Just saying! Enjoy everyone!
Mr. A. Martinez: I’ve watched 2 eps with him… and i’m smitten
in the 9/23/15 issue of SOD… there is a wonderful two page ditty on his DAYS gig.
he is so thought provoking… just a dear man… who cares about his craft… and has such nice things to say about his castmates
I had no idea he was… on OLTL.. and worked with both Eve and Gabs…
and here he is on DAYS, once again, playing , her father.
Gabs… I’m going to enjoy seeing Gabs have a father… much to Rafe chagrin and/or dismay… the rebonding… between these two…. since Eduardo didn’t even meet Page… this should be interesting… especially, being a grandfather to Arianna Grace.
Eve… he mentioned in SOD… ie: acting with Kassie DePaiva… how their collaboration and chemistry was that easy affecting and met their mark….
this is just top draw to me… I will laud Kassie DePaiva… till she’s reHIREd… some where!
Rafe: this really impressed me… what A. Martinez… (this is not verbatim) says about GG… that their is this light in Galen Gerring that shows in his acting…
Galen Gerring… is not given near enough credit for how much he carries with. his looks are astounding… and it’s all you really see… but … when you really look at his acting choices… and the witty repartee… good dialogue… he’s funny… for instance… it was a delight for the short time… Rafe interacted with Victor.
this could have been a “BIG” family… Eduardo, Eve, Rafe, Gabs, Ariana grace… and that twin daughter… MIA.. (OK jimH) that Eduardo took for his own… and he reunites w/Eve.
Welcome to Salem; A. Martinez !
whew!