The story of super EJami fan, Nujeen Mustafa continues! The teenaged Syrian refuge who has cerebral palsy and is wheelchair bound, has become an inspiration for so many by making it all the way to Germany for safe haven. But what everyone learned along the way is that Nujeen is also a big fan of Days of our Lives and was devastated over the “death” of EJ DiMera (James Scott)
After reunting on late night TV for Nujeen and then making a phone call to her, clearly both Alison Sweeney (Sami) and James Scott were moved by this young girl’s story. Now, Sweeney has taken to CNN.com to post an op-ed story entitled: Why Nujeen Mustafa Inspires Us All. Meanwhile, Sweeney is set to return to the NBC soap opera on-air next week.
Contained within Sweeney’s post are words about the power of DAYS: “In 1993, when I joined the cast, I met people on the street. Fans would share how they grew up watching the show with their parents or grandparents. Kids who were named after main characters on the show would share how their own stories helped them through tough times in school or through the loss of a loved one. But what I didn’t realize was the extent to which the show provided comfort and an escape from reality around the world. I didn’t truly comprehend the impact of the show until the producers of John Oliver’s HBO show approached James Scott (who played EJ) and me to ask if we could reunite for a special scene just for Nujeen. I had been trying to get in touch with the journalist who interviewed Nujeen because I wanted to make contact with the brave young girl, so this opportunity was perfect. Oliver’s producers wanted to offer insights on the humanity behind a politicized struggle. I loved the piece but never anticipated the flood of response. So many news outlets recounted Nujeen’s story and the scene we played out for her. It clearly sparked something in a lot of people.”
Courtesy/YouTube
Alison also added: “Nujeen has profoundly affected my life. As the mother of two young children, I cannot fathom the struggles she has faced in her short lifetime. She told me that when she was sad or scared, watching ‘Days’ would always brighten her. I cannot begin to imagine what those words mean to someone in her shoes. She had me laughing about how angry and emotional my character often was and promised that even though she was going to have to watch a new show to learn German, ‘Days’ would always be her favorite.”
So this begs the question: How has DAYS affected your life? Has it provided you comfort, solace, and escape throughout its 50-year run? And what did you think of Alison’s piece for CNN on the perserverance of Nujeen? Share your thoughts below!
All the daytime dramas provide entertainment and escapism from a very stressful and difficult real world. They also provide continuity in an ever changing world. Viewers develop genuine affection for characters and the history of their shows. People want to be entertained. Too bad the very arrogant former president of daytime programming for a pitiful rival organization didn’t know that.
Guest
Steve
Alison is amazing. Such a great heart. I grew up watching with my babysitter.
Guest
MBmomof3
I have just loved following this story. Allison’s piece on CNN.com reminded me how much soaps have impacted my life. From Dark Shadows to today’s remaining four, they have given me so much comfort & joy, and every emotion in between. Coincidentally, (or not so coincidentally) all 3 of my kids share their names with OLTL characters. I know times change and nothing in life is permanent, but I wish DOOL 50 more great years! I’m loving it!
Best wishes to Nujeen on her journey. She has reminded me to appreciate life’s blessings.
Guest
Harry
With all the bad news transpiring in the world leaving me feeling disheartened by my fellow man, stories like this really inject a sense of hope and optimism into my sense of humanity.
I never get tired of this story. Now I am a huge Allison Sweeney fan as well as a NuJeen fan.
Guest
Jt
Huge Steve Kayla fan. Hope we are not reverting back to just the Same hour. It’s been better lately don’t go back!
Guest
Jt
Typo sami hour was meant.
Guest
nancy dillingham
Count me also has a huge Kayla and Steve fan! Keep up the good work, Days!
Guest
Gmbenet
Days was a great source of diversion during my college years when I was struggling to make decisions about a major or even whether or not I was even in the right school! The main storyline during that time was Marlena in the sanitarium because her twin sister Samantha has placed her there and stolen her identity. Whenever Deidre Hall would scream it would seem like she was screaming for me and my frustration. The other main storyline during that time was Marlena’s impending wedding to Don Craig and her struggles with his daughter Donna. When Don Craig fell off… Read more »
Guest
Shelly
God bless Nujeen. Soaps in general have always been a part of my life. My grandmothers watched them. I remember the tornado on ATWT that injured Kim. I remember Renata on SFT giving birth to a baby in a burning building as David was forced to choose which one he was going to save. I thought Alan Spaulding, John Dixon, and Stefano were the most evil men on Earth (until Bradley Raines came along). I thought Rachel Cory was an angel. I watched Katherine get a face lift on live TV. I thought Dr. Miles Cavanaugh (EON) was the most… Read more »
Guest
mary
Ron C wrote a great monologue for Vicki, B on the 2nd to last eapisode of OLTL.. the Monologue explained why people may like a Soap and what it means in their lives. Watch it, its great.
Guest
MBmomof3
Yes, it was very moving, quite memorable, and relatable. Ron C. at his best.
Guest
Rock
Allison Sweeney and James Scott are the characters on Days of Our Lives that gave hope and inspiration to people around the world! Just like Nujeen grasped what was so real in the story line to the viewers, the human will of love to survive. In the story line, their characters overcame tragedies, disappointments, grief, families against them, and overwhelming odds, yet kept their passion and hope for love alive. In real life they they rose above bad writing and disrespect for their acting genius. These two are a once in a lifetime phenomenon that transcended all types of odds… Read more »
Guest
Pamela
The story of Nujeen Mustafa is one that is sweet, beautiful, inspiring and sad! That is what DOOL has been to me over the years! My mother got me hooked on the show. She first started watching it on maternity leave with me 50 years ago. I began watching it regularly when I was 11 years old. I remember when Mary Anderson and Chris Kositchek had a thing for each other, Marlena and Don were together and my second favorite to EJ and Sami —-Liz and Neil! What ever happened to them? Thank God for VCR, and now DVR! During… Read more »
Guest
carole matthews
Been watching Days od Our Lives off and on almost 50 years.Sometimes get busy wont see if for awhile but tune in and know most of the characters so right back in the groove in no time. Would like to see more of Steve and Kayla Marlena and John and by the way Steve an Kaya are best friends of years in real life. Its the only soap I watch comes on right after lunch. Convenient
Peter Porte, Miranda Wilson and Colton Little Tease Dimitri’s Love Interest, Who’s the Daddy & The Future of Andrew & Paul
May 27, 2023
Following recent revelations on Days of our Lives, which include that Dimitri Von Leushner (Peter Porte) is the biological son of Megan Hathaway (Miranda Wilson), thus making him a DiMera, Megan moving back into the DiMera mansion after her prison term, and Andrew (Colton Little) being kidnapped, the performers who take on these roles chatted with Michael Fairman on Friday during a livestream conversation on You Tube’s Michael Fairman Channel.
Courtesy/Peacock
During the live chat a myriad of subjects and upcoming story teases came up including: if there might be the love interest for Dimitri. Peter Porte shared, “Yes, there certainly will be. There will be two. One, out of perhaps, we’ll say necessity, and one out of heart’s desire.” As to if ‘said’ relationship will show Dimitri’s obsessive side, Porte expressed: “I think he goes through a full journey of emotions. I don’t think he fully reaches obsession. I would say he reaches a level of extreme devotion.” When Porte found out who the character would be that Dimitri seemingly falls for, the actor said, “I was certainly surprised.”
When we posed the question to the DAYS fans in the live chat, as to who they think will be Dimitri’s love interest or interests, guesses ranged from Gwen (Emily O’Brien) to Sloan (Jessica Serfaty) to Leo (Greg Rikaart). Could any, or two, of those be right?
Miranda Wilson and Porte weighed-in on the mother/son bond and troublemaking duo of Megan and Dimitri. Wilson shared: “I think it’s fair to say that Dimitri is a grown man and probably has his own mustache twisting to be doing without Megan to be involved. I just think that what is going to be coming up now is a beautiful relationship between the two.” Porte followed with, “At the heart of it, Dimitri would do anything for his mother, anything.”
Photo: Peacock
Another mystery on DAYS fans minds is just who is the bio-dad of Dimitri? Is it someone on the canvas? Someone from the past? Porte previewed, “He certainly has a name and a title, but I don’t know if we’ve met him yet.” Wilson added, “I don’t believe he has been on the show.”
Many DAYS fans are also hoping that there be will be more to the burgeoning love story of Andrew and Paul (Christopher Sean). Colton revealed, “I have a real-life love and affinity for Christoper Sean, because he is just a ball of light and energy and a good human. I don’t think my success on the show would be anything if he hadn’t taken me under his wing and showed me the ropes. So much kudos and love to him. Getting to play opposite of someone like that as a love interest, is a treat and a joy. I think it’s really sweet, a lot of it is happening off-screen. I know the fans have expressed they want to see it on-screen.” However, Little teased, ‘There is some good stuff coming up with Andrew and Paul. Stay tuned.”
Photo: NBC
When Miranda Wilson first appeared on Days of our Lives, it was back in 1984 as Megan was revealed to be the daughter of Stefano DiMera, played by the late, great Joseph Mascolo. This week, Megan made her way back to the DiMera mansion and Miranda weighed-in on her relationship with her late on-screen father, and more. “Joe was a very dear friend,” she detailed. “When we worked together in the past, he was truly a father figure for me. DAYS was my first professional job in Los Angeles. The fact that Joe was there for me and we worked together so frequently, and he had a lot of time for me, meant the world to me. So, it was bittersweet being back (in the DiMera mansion), and him not being there. It still touches me, but at the same time, the character of Megan has her edge and she doesn’t let this show. As the actress, there was a lot of tenderness, that the character didn’t necessarily display. The whole ‘being back’ thing was amazing.”
Courtesy/Peacock
You can watch the entire livestream featuring Peter, Miranda and Colton below. The talented trio also chat on working with Steve Burton (Harris, DAYS) and Colton’s opportunity to work with the one and only Dick Van Dyke who is making a guest appearance this fall on the soap.
Now weigh-in: Who do you think will be the love interest or interests for Dimitri? Who do you think will turn out to be Dimitri’s father? Are you hoping for more Andrew and Paul? Share your thoughts and theories in the comment section.
No one is really ever written off Days of our Lives forever! Now, Linsey Godfrey (Sarah) is coming back to the Peacock streaming soap opera, reprising her role of Sarah. However, this time, Sarah returns to Salem, pregnant!
We last saw Godfrey back in March when Sarah exited the canvas to take a job in Chicago with Rex (Kyle Lowder). At the time of her exit, she was pregnant with Xander’s (Paul Telfer) child, but their divorce went through on the same day.
Courtesy/Peacock
Now, next week on DAYS, when Bonnie (Judi Evans) goes to visit Rex, she sees a very pregnant Sarah along with him. Meanwhile back in Salem, Xander is growing closer to Chloe (Nadia Bjorlin).
Linsey chatted with Soap Opera Digest on her return (in their latest issue on newsstands now), sharing that she was very excited to be back on DAYS, and for the next leg of this story. The actress commented, “This is the antithesis of what Sarah would want to happen. She moved to Chicago to be far away from anything like this and to keep this secret.”
Check out the latest promo for next week’s DAYS below featuring plenty of baby drama to go-around.
Let us know, do you want Xander and Sarah to reconcile? Do you want the baby to be Xander’s or do you think there is a twist coming, especially since Sarah and Rex hit the sheets before they left Salem? Share your thoughts and theories via the comment section.
DAYS Peter Porte, Miranda Wilson, and Colton Little Chat Live on Their Dramatic Returns and Storylines
May 24, 2023
This Friday, May 26th join Days of our Lives stars: Peter Porte (Dimitri), Miranda Wilson (Megan) and Colton Little (Andrew) for a special livestream conversation on You Tube’s Michael Fairman Channel. It all begins at special earlier time – 4PM ET/1PM PT.
This talented trio will talk about the latest developments, and relationships between Dimitri and Megan, as the new mother/son DiMera duo, and ISA agent-to-the -rescue, Andrew Donovan, and how being back on the mothership at DAYS has given continued life to the characters they initially portrayed on the 2022 limited series, Days of our Lives: Beyond Salem Chapter Two.
As Days fans know, Peter Porte was just revealed to be on contract with the Peacock streaming soap opera, so there must be plenty of drama and romance in Dimitri’s future. As for Megan, clearly her plan to resurrect Bo (Peter Reckell) hit a major snag, when she was found out … and he is now in coma. Meanwhile, Andrew had fallen for John’s (Drake Hogestyn) son, Paul (Christopher Sean). Will the two be back on-screen in the future? Lots to dig into.
If you have any questions you would like us to pose to the actors during our livestream, you can share them in the comment section below, and we just might share it live to get their responses.
All the daytime dramas provide entertainment and escapism from a very stressful and difficult real world. They also provide continuity in an ever changing world. Viewers develop genuine affection for characters and the history of their shows. People want to be entertained. Too bad the very arrogant former president of daytime programming for a pitiful rival organization didn’t know that.
Alison is amazing. Such a great heart. I grew up watching with my babysitter.
I have just loved following this story. Allison’s piece on CNN.com reminded me how much soaps have impacted my life. From Dark Shadows to today’s remaining four, they have given me so much comfort & joy, and every emotion in between. Coincidentally, (or not so coincidentally) all 3 of my kids share their names with OLTL characters. I know times change and nothing in life is permanent, but I wish DOOL 50 more great years! I’m loving it!
Best wishes to Nujeen on her journey. She has reminded me to appreciate life’s blessings.
With all the bad news transpiring in the world leaving me feeling disheartened by my fellow man, stories like this really inject a sense of hope and optimism into my sense of humanity.
I never get tired of this story. Now I am a huge Allison Sweeney fan as well as a NuJeen fan.
Huge Steve Kayla fan. Hope we are not reverting back to just the Same hour. It’s been better lately don’t go back!
Typo sami hour was meant.
Count me also has a huge Kayla and Steve fan! Keep up the good work, Days!
Days was a great source of diversion during my college years when I was struggling to make decisions about a major or even whether or not I was even in the right school! The main storyline during that time was Marlena in the sanitarium because her twin sister Samantha has placed her there and stolen her identity. Whenever Deidre Hall would scream it would seem like she was screaming for me and my frustration. The other main storyline during that time was Marlena’s impending wedding to Don Craig and her struggles with his daughter Donna. When Don Craig fell off… Read more »
God bless Nujeen. Soaps in general have always been a part of my life. My grandmothers watched them. I remember the tornado on ATWT that injured Kim. I remember Renata on SFT giving birth to a baby in a burning building as David was forced to choose which one he was going to save. I thought Alan Spaulding, John Dixon, and Stefano were the most evil men on Earth (until Bradley Raines came along). I thought Rachel Cory was an angel. I watched Katherine get a face lift on live TV. I thought Dr. Miles Cavanaugh (EON) was the most… Read more »
Ron C wrote a great monologue for Vicki, B on the 2nd to last eapisode of OLTL.. the Monologue explained why people may like a Soap and what it means in their lives. Watch it, its great.
Yes, it was very moving, quite memorable, and relatable. Ron C. at his best.
Allison Sweeney and James Scott are the characters on Days of Our Lives that gave hope and inspiration to people around the world! Just like Nujeen grasped what was so real in the story line to the viewers, the human will of love to survive. In the story line, their characters overcame tragedies, disappointments, grief, families against them, and overwhelming odds, yet kept their passion and hope for love alive. In real life they they rose above bad writing and disrespect for their acting genius. These two are a once in a lifetime phenomenon that transcended all types of odds… Read more »
The story of Nujeen Mustafa is one that is sweet, beautiful, inspiring and sad! That is what DOOL has been to me over the years! My mother got me hooked on the show. She first started watching it on maternity leave with me 50 years ago. I began watching it regularly when I was 11 years old. I remember when Mary Anderson and Chris Kositchek had a thing for each other, Marlena and Don were together and my second favorite to EJ and Sami —-Liz and Neil! What ever happened to them? Thank God for VCR, and now DVR! During… Read more »
Been watching Days od Our Lives off and on almost 50 years.Sometimes get busy wont see if for awhile but tune in and know most of the characters so right back in the groove in no time. Would like to see more of Steve and Kayla Marlena and John and by the way Steve an Kaya are best friends of years in real life. Its the only soap I watch comes on right after lunch. Convenient