Days Of Our Lives
Alison Sweeney Talks Her Departure From DAYS, Her New Book & Sami's Exit!
Courtesy/NBC
Last week Alison Sweeney left the building at NBC’s Days of our Lives as she completed her over 20 year run as Sami Brady. The departure of Sweeney will leave a gaping hole in Salem, where she has been the driving force behind many of the central stories on the canvas.
In a new interview out today with TV Guide Magazine’s Michael Logan, Alison reveals: DAYS EP’s Ken Corday reaction when she informed him of her decision to leave the show, teases how Sami will exit the canvas, talks about her new book Scared Scriptless (available June 3rd), and what she thought of the EJ/Sami fantasy episode where Sami “learns” EJ (James Scott) had an affair with Abigail (Kate Mansi). Here are a few intriguing excerpts below!
Alison on Sami’s upcoming exit: “She won’t just vanish into the night. I had no say over what they wrote, so my only leverage with executive producer Ken Corday was to promise that I’ll come back to the show if someone gets married or dies, or for Christmas or the 50th. I could not handle it if I was not there for the show’s 50th anniversary next year. I very much wanted that door left open and Gary Tomlin wrote a great send-off story that allows that to happen. I will always be a Days champion. I hope Salem is still here in five years and that there’s still a job for me. I want that town to be around forever.”
Alison on the theories out on social media on how Sami will find out that EJ had an affair with Abigail: “There is no secret agenda or revenge plot. The idea that she has known all along just couldn’t happen, especially not with this story going on for so long. Sami could never pull that off because you’re right — she does wear her heart on her sleeve. There’s another fan theory floating around that Sami knows what EJ did but she’s already forgiven him. That’s so not happening, either … I will say this: There is one theory circulating out there on social media that is actually very close to accurate.”
So how do you think Sami will eventually find out about EJ and Abby’s fling? How do you think the writers will exit Sami from the canvas, in order for her to still return, when viewers see that moment happen this fall? Weigh-in below!
Days Of Our Lives
‘Brilliant Minds’ Officially Canceled After 2 Seasons at NBC; DAYS Alum Al Calderon, OLTL Alum Teddy Sears and Zachary Quinto Among the Cast
After languishing on the bubble for months, on Friday, NBC handed down the decision and canceled the medical drama Brilliant Minds after two seasons.
Brilliant Minds stars Zachary Quinto as neurology physician Oliver Wolf, who’s character and the series is inspired by the life and books of neurologist. Oliver Sacks. The series focuses on the medical mysteries of the mind, as Wolf a larger-than-life neurologist and his team of interns explore the last great frontier, the human mind, while grappling with their own relationships and mental health.
The final six episodes of what will now be the end of its second and final season were already set to air beginning on May 27, after being pulled off the network schedule in February as viewership saw a steep decline. Brilliant Minds second season became the lowest-rated drama on linear TV viewing, which didn’t bode well fo a network renewal, although it had its hard core fan base.
Photo: NBC
There are some exceptional notables in the cast along with the talented Quinto that includes Days of Our Lives alum, Al Calderon (ex-Javi Hernandez) who joined the series in its second season as Nurse Nico Silva, and One Life to Live alum, Teddy Sears (ex-Chad Bennett) who plays Wolf’s love interest and fellow physician, Dr. Josh Nichols.
The rest of the talented cast includes: Tamberla Perry, Ashleigh LaThrop, Alex MacNicoll, Aury Krebs, Spence Moore II, Donna Murphy, John Clarence Stewart, and Brian Altemus.
In an ironic twist of fate on Thursday, April 30, Days of Our Lives finally revealed the actor who was Al Calderon’s successor in the role of Javi, when they announced that actor Jacob Martinez had now stepped into the role. Since DAYS tapes ten months ahead of streaming new episode, Calderon left in the spring of 2025, but will be seen in the part for the final part this month, and then on June 20, Martinez debuts as Salem’s new Javi.
Taking to his Instagram with a sorrowful and heartfelt post on the Brilliant Minds cancellation was Teddy Sears who wrote, “Thank you, Brilliant Minds. I got the call today and I didn’t want to hear, but I knew that it would come, You have to be a particular vintage to quote Don Henley from memory, but that’s the line that came to mind earlier today after I got off the phone with our inimitable showrunner Michael Grassi who delivered the news that NBC has cancelled the series”.
Photo: NBC
Sears continued, “To say that I feel sad to be moving on from these stories, this character, and this cast and crew just doesn’t paint the entire picture. I’m sad, sure. But I’m also deeply grateful that I got hired to play this part, so proud of the stories we told, and the other actors I got to play alongside. I’m excited to see what comes next, what adventures await, and terrified to be without a professional home. A quick and heartfelt thank you to everyone, all over the globe, who found us and found themselves in us, in our characters and in our stories. We wouldn’t have been able to tell them without you. And we still have 6 fresh episodes yet to air, and I do hope you tune in enjoy the remainder of the series. They’re the best we’ve done.”
As he wrapped up his sentiments, Sears signed off with, “The more I know, the less I understand. All the things I figured out I have to learn again. I’ve been trying to get down to the heart of the matter. But everything changes…Thank you, Brilliant Minds.”
The medical drama was created and executive produced by Michael Grassi alongside Greg Berlanti, Sarah Schechter, Leigh London Redman, Lee Toland Krieger, DeMane Davis, Jasmine Russ, Henrik Bastin, Jonathan Cavendish, Andy Serkis and Shefali Malhoutra.
So, what do you think of NBC’s decision to cancel Brilliant Minds after two seasons? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.
Days Of Our Lives
DAYS OF OUR LIVES: Sophia Seemingly Plans to End Her Life, But Not Before Setting Fire to Johnny’s Apartment With Him Trapped Inside
The final few moments of the Thursday, April 30 episode of Days of our Lives, will pave the way, to what just may be the end of Sophia Choi’s (Rachel Boyd) life, but not as you may think!
After an unhinged Sophia paid a visit to Johnny DiMera (Carson Boatman), maced him in the eyes, knocked him out and then tied up to a chair, now conscious, she lets him know that she holds him responsible for all the trouble and trauma she has gone through from adopting her child, and her being sent to a mental institution.
So instead of the unregistered gun Kristen (Stacy Haiduk) gave her to finish off Johnny, Sophia sets up a plan to light candle, use nail polish remover and turn on the gas on the stove to ultimately create a mass explosion, which although Johnny pleaded to her not to that to all the innocent people inside his apartment building, she doesn’t seem to care.
Photo: JPI
FIERY FACE OFF
The plan was supposed to be, after she takes care of Johnny she will toss the gun in the Salem River, then focus on payback to Holly Jonas before leaving town to start a new life.
Now, Sophia makes her exit, leaving Johnny to be a few moments away from an explosion or gas inhalation, when Chanel (Raven Bowens) comes home after awaiting the results of her mammogram. She sees Johnny tied up, as he panics and tells her to put out the flame on the candle, things go awry, and a fire has begun and everything may go up in flames with Johnny and Chanel inside.
Photo: JPI
A BROKEN SOPHIA
Back in her room, Sophia breaks down after reading the social media comments about her, she planted, and then starts writing a suicide or farewell note which says. “I’m tired of begging for forgiveness for my mistakes. All I wanted was to move forward, to be loved and understood. But it’s clear that I was never going to get that. Holly Jonas said that I was dead to her. So, as her former BFF, I’m going to make her dream a reality.”
Photo: JPI
A DEADLY TRAP
Now, the fate of Johnny, Chanel and Sophia will be revealed on tomorrow’s May 1st cliffhanger, which may be the end of Sophia when she crosses paths with Kirsten at the bridge near the river. We do know Rachel Boyd is no longer appearing in the show credits section and is now off contract with the soap.
So, what did you think of the climatic final moments of DAYS? What did you think of the performance of Rachel Boyd as Sophia Choi? Let us know via the comment section.
Breaking News
Jacob Martinez is ‘Days of Our Lives’ New Javi Hernandez Replacing Al Calderon in the Role
Finally! The casting has been revealed as to just who would be Al Calderon’s successor in the role of Days of our Lives, Javi Hernandez. On Friday, April 30, the long-running soap opera revealed Jacob Martinez is taking on the part and he will first be seen this coming June 30th and then on all-new episodes streaming on Peacock.
As previously reported, the popular Calderon exited the soap opera last year to join the cast of the NBC primetime medical drama, Brilliant Minds as nurse Nico Silva, who in May will air the remainder of their second season. The series has been on the bubble for renewal by the network. His last episodes as Javi will also air this May on DAYS.
Since DAYS tapes ten months ahead of streaming, Martinez has been secretly ensconced in all the drama in Salem for quite some time. When viewers see the new Javi in story, we should learn what will happen in Javi’s relationship with Leo Stark played by Emmy winner, Greg Rikaart, plus his continued relationship with his relatives in the Hernandez clan. Currently, when Javi returned to Salem after taking care of his ailing father, and after the bust-up of his marriage to Leo thanks to Dimitri (Peter Porte), he claimed he had moved on with someone else while he was away from Salem.
Photo: JPI
Like Calderon before him, Martinez is a multi-talented actor and singer. Jacob’s resume is impressive having appeared in the musical In Pieces: The Musical at Joe’s Pub at The Public Theater and he was hand-picked by Joey Contreras to play the role of Grey. Other credits include: the short film, Memory Swim and the play Dog Sees God: Confessions of a Teenage.
Martinez hails from Norfolk, Nebraska and appeared when he was very young at the Johnny Carson Theatre, and as DAYS fans know, Jacob is now working at the Days of our Lives studios, right where the “Tonight Show” is filled. In addition, Jacob Martinez is a graduate of The American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA).
Taking to his Instagram on Thursday, April 30 once the news of his casting was revealed, Martinez, expressed, “Way too many people to thank in one post, so I’ll just say THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART to each and every person who continues to pour into me and encourage me to chase my dreams. I cannot even begin to express how grateful I am. I already feel beyond blessed, supported, and loved. See you all in Salem ⏳”
Jacob Martinez appeared on Friday on the Days of our Lives Instagram account announcing his casting. You can check it out below. Deadline was the first to report the casting switch.
So, excited to learn who is the new Javi Hernandez? Please welcome Jacob Martinez to the role and be on the lookout for his debut on June 30. Comment below.
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I think it’s awesome that they’re leaving the door open for Sami to return in the future. I also hope DAYS is on in five year’s time so Alison can come back, because it sounds like she wants a five-year break, which I fully support.
Well if Abigail had been preggy She wouldve found out the baby is E.J.s when the boy is born and Abigail names it Damian and Sami sees the no. 666 on the back of its head…sounds like something James Reily wouldve written…lol…or if Abigail was preggy and had a girl she wouldve named Elvis’s daughter Lisa Marie and that wouldve made Sami suspicious…they shouldve had Abigail preggy or is she…kidding aside i think Sami and E.J. will move to Europe to work in a branch of Dimera interprises or go on an extended trip around the world!!!
I dont think Sami shot Nick but i cant wait for the trial…maybe Will or whoever goes on trial and on a Fri cliffhanger the courtroom doors open and in walks NICK FALLON!!! Percy…on the witness stand to testify against the suspect…gasps in shock and exclaims: “You cant be alive! You’re dead! You’re dead! Im the one who shot you!!!” We learn Percy did it…but how is Nick alive?…because Percy had shot and killed Nicks identical twin brother Rick Fallon who has been impersonating Nick for months!!!
I would love to have nuWill or Sonny be the killer; ugh, those two are nauseating. I can’t stand nuWill. I think Nick’s killer will be someone no one expects; but, not sure who?!
Nick’s murderer will be revealed in the next few episodes and then going to prison.So there won’t be a trial.However those photos Nick had of EJ and Abagail could resurface again and be found by someone.
Gabby shot Nick– the gun used was Victor’s and since she is the one leaving the show it is a safe bet she is the one who did it and will be going to prison –
I do think Allison will come back to DOOL eventually even if it is just for short visits.However right now she just might need a break from the show.As for how and when Sami finds out about EJ’s affair i’m thinking it happens around their wedding.Maybe after marrying EJ Sami overhears him and Abagail talking about their affair and then plots revenge.As for how Sami leaves i’m thinking after she gets her revenge she takes her younger kids and moves away.That way she could leave with her head held high sort of.
You mean how Abigail and EJ talk about their affair in open public and at the mansion? I mean, does it matter if the door is closed, really? HAHA!
If Sami leaves that way then E.J. will eventually go looking for her and try to convince her to take him back(all done off screen since both are leaving the show)
Well we don’t know yet how EJ is leaving.So he might not be in any shape to follow Sami.Plus James Scott wrapped his taping a couple of weeks before Allison Sweeney.So unless he taped scenes that can be inserted into episodes later i’m assuming when Sami leaves EJ will already be gone.
I actually dont want to know how or why they each leave…i like to be suprised but there is fun in making a harmless guess…hope Kristens return for however long it is and Eve’s return keeps the show interesting!!!
Good luck, Ali. I have to say, I have my doubts that she had no say in how her character would exit, considering her character is from a core family, a legacy character, and a very popular one, as well. But, who really knows?! Should be interesting. I will miss James Scott.
Man is she going to be missed!!!!!!!!
I watched her very first scenes and have loved Alison for years. However, something about her reasons for leaving just doesn’t ring true. She has worked nonstop for years, and all of the sudden she needs to rest? She practically gave birth on camera! I wonder what really happened to spark her departure.
Nothing awful “sparked” her departure except wanting to be with her family. She has hinted at such in several interviews. Remember, she has other acting/hosting gigs, plus being a writer, she needed some time off while her kids are still little.
Glad to hear Allison will be back for the 50th Anniversary. She has been such a hallmark for the show the last 21 years, and then not be there for the 50th would seem strange. Nice to know the door is open for her to make some returns. Will be nice to see her for time to time. All the best, Allison!
hi ali I loved u on days and biggest loser goin to miss u good luck in your nexy journey hope u can come back to days cant believe u r leaving and EJ and the twins boys they r so cute good luck your fan always
I am really going to miss her. Salem won’t be the same without her. Glad she will be returning for special events.
Best of luck Alison and thanks for the years of entertainment!
Good luck to her, but Sami will not be missed by me or many people I know. The character has been a nauseating witch for so longl i think she learns EJ cheated on the altar and leaves him, then he dies, and she eventually takes the kids out of town.
I hope the social media theory regarding Sami and Ej that AS is referring to as being close to accurate is the one where it all isn’t real, that it never happened and that it is all in Abigail’s head. I want Ej and Sami to leave Salem together. C’mon Ejami! The writers better give the fans what we want-EJAMI FOREVER!
I agree I think ej and sami should be happy and Abigails losing her mind
First of all, I want to say Allison Sweeney is my all time favorite. I LOVE HER!!! What I would like to see happen when she leaves, is her and EJ reconcile and they decide to leave Salem to get a fresh start. Since EJ leaves first, he will go find them a home and get things settled, and then call for her to join him and that is how she leaves, to meet him. That way, they can both come back, and still be together.
Love like Ejami should go on forever. I am to old for waiting to see in nursing home and I am 70 yrs old. Please leave their charatures alive aned some day come back
I hope her and the children go to Paris and EJ meets her at the plane when she gets off….. that would be great… Bye Sami you will be so missed.