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:Â “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
Stephen Schnetzer Talks On His Return to Days of our Lives and Working with Susan Seaforth Hayes In Emotional Episodes
Who says you can’t go home again? In the case of Another World favorite, Stephen Schnetzer (ex-Cass Winthrop), he has proven that it is true, and you can go back to your soap roots and where it all started for you.
Last week on April 11th, Schnetzer, along with several other key returns were on set at Days of our Lives taping all-new episodes of the Peacock streaming soap opera, centering on the funeral of Doug Williams (the late Bill Hayes), and as part of the iconic soap opera’s 15,000th episode.
Stephen is reprising his first daytime role as Steve Olson, the brother of Julie Williams (Susan Seaforth Hayes). The last time Schnetzer appeared on a DAYS set was during his one and only run on the show from 1978 to 1980. Clearly, viewers will be in for some very emotional scenes when Steve returns to Salem to be there for his sister, Julie in her time of need. In real-life, Susan has been going through her own grief, having just lost Bill back on January 12th at the age of 98.
Photo: NBC
Michael Fairman TV caught up with Stephen during the 15K episode celebration ceremony, and during a break from taping the gut-wrenching funeral scenes, to get his thoughts on being part of these highly-anticipated moments that will air later this year in December. Here’s what he shared with us below.
What has this been like for you to work with Susan Seaforth Hayes after all of these years?
STEPHEN: She’s a dream and she’s so bright. We ran lines yesterday and we ended up just visiting for about 45 minutes and just catching up and telling tales about each other’s career. She even dropped off the autobiography that she and Bill did. And being back here at DAYS, every time I turn a corner, there’s another familiar face. When I was on the show 40 more years ago, a bunch of the guys, played softball on a team together. This is really a trip down memory lane as I knew it would be.
Photo: JPI
Taping Doug’s funeral must be a hard day for Susan. Are you checking in with her to help hold her up through this?
STEPHEN: I am and I’m checking in with Amy Shaughnessy (Susan’s assistant), and she’s holding her up more than anybody. We’re there for each other.
There will obviously be some major hankie-inducing moments when Steve comes back to Salem to console his sister.
STEPHEN: Oh, wait till you see it in December. It’s going to be great.
Were you surprised you got this call to come back to the show decades later?
STEPHEN: It was out of the blue! I was completely surprised. They should have called me decades ago! That’s what surprised me. When Another World went down, I thought I’d land somewhere else and it never happened. That was more of a surprise.
Photo: JPI
Cass is such an identifiable character for you. As well, you and Linda Dano (ex-Felicia Gallant) are so synonymous together as best friends Cass and Felicia from Another World. When fans heard you were reprising your role as Steve Olson on DAYS, they are now hoping there will be more of you on the show to come.
STEPHEN: Steven Olson is a real “Cassian “character. I cut my teeth on Steve Olson and that’s how Cass was introduced. He was kind of a roguish charmer. And then when the character stuck for Another World, they rehabilitated me, and turned me into one of the shows heroes. And that’s what would’ve happened if I stayed as Steve Olson probably. So, Steve is the ‘pre-Cass’, Cass.
Photo: JPI
As the story goes, you originally decided to leave Days of our Lives?
STEPHEN: I was never on contract. I was doing a day and a half a week and I got a Broadway play directed by Franco Zeffirelli starring Joan Plowright and Frank Finlay. I was able to it as I didn’t have to break a contract or anything. I cut loose and went back to New York for that.
How well did you get to know Bill Hayes during your first time around on DAYS?
STEPHEN: My first episode was with Bill and Susan, as her long lost brother coming into Salem. They were so good to me. They were so kind. I had been doing eight years of classical repertory theater, never been in front of a camera. I tell everybody, it took me longer than any other actor I’ve ever seen to get comfortable in front of a camera. And they were very supportive at that time in my career. Coming back to honor Bill now in 2024, and to be see Susan, I am just so happy to be here.
Looking forward to seeing the scenes between Stephen and Susan Seaforth Hayes come December and Doug’s funeral and surrounding episodes? Do you hope that DAYS might bring the character of Steve Olson back for a longer stay? Comment below.
Breaking News
51st Daytime Emmys: Outstanding Daytime Drama Series Nominations
On Thursday, the 51st annual Daytime Emmy Awards revealed nominations in several key categories via four entertainment news programs: Access Hollywood, E! News, Extra and Access Hollywood.
Three of the four announcements were major categories in the field of Daytime Dramas.
The nominees in the Outstanding Daytime Drama Series category are: The Bay, The Bold and the Beautiful, Days of our Lives, General Hospital, Neighbours and The Young and the Restless.
Photo: JPI
General Hospital won this category last year, and has the most all-time wins for a series in this category. For the first time, the beloved Australian-based soap opera, Neighbours is now eligible for competition due to its reboot which streams on Amazon Freevee.
Photo: AmazonFreevee
The 51st annual Daytime Emmy Awards will be handed out in ceremonies in Los Angeles and broadcast live on CBS and streaming on Paramount+ on Friday night, June 7th.
Previous categories announced tonight via the entertainment news outlet included: Lead Actor and Lead Actress in a Drama Series.
So, what do you think about this year’s nominee for the Outstanding Daytime Drama Series? Who do you think should win? Comment below.
Breaking News
51st Daytime Emmys: Tamara Braun, Finola Hughes, Katherine Kelly Lang, Annika Noelle, Michelle Stafford, Cynthia Watros Score Lead Actress Nominations
The nominations were revealed for the 51st annual Daytime Emmys. in the prestigious Lead Actress in a Drama Series category by Entertainment Tonight.
This comes ahead of tomorrow’s full list that is set to be unveiled at 12noon/9am PST on Friday.
In the running for this year’s Outstanding Lead Actress are Tamara Braun (Ava, Days of our Lives), Katherine Kelly Lang (Brooke, The Bold and the Beautiful), Annika Noelle (Hope, The Bold and the Beautiful), Finola Hughes (Anna, General Hospital), Cynthia Watros (Nina, General Hospital) and Michelle Stafford (Phyllis, The Young and the Restless).
Photo: Getty
Previous winners in this category include GH’s Finola Hughes, Cynthia Watros and Y&R’s Michelle Stafford. Days of our Lives nominee had won in the Supporting Actress category twice in her career.
Earlier, the Lead Actor nominees were revealed and you can find them here.
Make sure to be with us Friday night, April 19th for the Michael Fairman Channel’s 10th annual Daytime Emmy Nominations Special beginning at 5 pm PT where we chat live with some of this year’s nominees.
So, what do you think about this year’s Lead Actress nominees? 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.