Days Of Our Lives
Alison Sweeney's Wrap-Party At DAYS Brings Back Familiar Faces & Deidre Hall Posts Emotional Message!
Photo Credit: HutchinsPhoto.com
After over 20 years last week Alison Sweeney wrapped up her run as Samantha Gene Brady! For those who watched the NBC soap opera for those two decades, they have seen Alison grown before their eyes from a teenager to a woman who became the centerpiece more often than not of the series.
Alison will be seen on episodes into the fall, since DAYS tapes so far in advance, but when it was time for the on-set farewell party on Friday, she was in for a surprise when none other than Wayne Northrup (Ex-Roman), Christie Clark (Ex-Carrie) and Patrick Muldoon (Ex-Austin) where in attendance to wish her well and congratulate Ali on a job well-done!
The actress/author/host told Soap Opera Digest about the party on Friday: “That gathering and Ken Corday, executive producer. talking and seeing everyone there meant so much to me, in particular that people who came so far, like Wayne, and Christie flying all the way down form Northern California, and Patrick picking her up at the airport.” Sweeney also revealed, as one would expect that knowing this was the end of her run: “My last day was such an emotional day,” It was so difficult and sad, but also really wonderful and special. ”
Deidre Hall, who for years has played Alison’s mother, Marlena on DAYS for decades wrote on her own facebook page on Friday. “Dearest Ali. I don’t know how we will get through today, much less all the Days to follow. For years I have stood arms-length from you, finding our light, watching the greatest show of all. It has been your breathtaking journey to womanhood. I am unspeakably proud. My love and respect for you go beyond words. You are the daughter I never had. I always knew you would walk, I never dreamed you would fly. Clear skies, little one. Deidre”
So, this week Alison Sweeney is no longer taping at DAYS, hard to imagine! What do you think of Wayne, Christie and Patrick showing up for Ali’s swan song? And the words in Deidre’s post to honor Alison? How do you feel knowing that Alison has officially left the building to continue with her other projects and spend more time with her children? Share your thoughts 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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‘Brilliant Minds’ Officially Canceled After 2 Seasons at NBC; DAYS Alum Al Calderon, OLTL Alum Teddy Sears and Zachary Quinto Among the Cast
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I’m glad that the show threw Allison a fareweel party and that some of her former cast mates came to say goodbye to her.As for Allison leaving the show i can understand that after 20 years she needs a break to do other stuff and spend more time with her family.However it wouldn’t surprise if she returns one day even if it is just for short visits from time to time.So she could come back for holiday episodes or for the show’s 50th anniversary next year.So finally i wish her all the best in whatever she does next.
That was so nice that former castmates showed up. Deidre’s message is wonderful. It all just shows how highly people think of her.
I remember when Ali/Sami first showed up in Salem. I have enjoyed watching her all the Days of my Life. I’ll miss her, but the show will go on!
Deidre Hall is always such a class act. I absolutely adore her; I love when she is on-air and am so happy to see Marlena give John the boot! She’s incredibly beautiful and classy. Best of luch to Ali.
“the divorce is preceding”
“there was no reason for you to come back”
————
woah, hold the horses one dang minute
let me get my bearings
this is coming from Marlena at John
as she walks out
scene end
???
WOW….
DAYS writing stirs up continually within that cast everything gells
I just couldn’t be happier
—————
I admire Deidre Hall immensely
she sees the big picture and helps her lot….
she’s magnanimous in her being their…
her part in the DAYS production is rock….
“like the daugher I never had”
even I don’t know what will become of John and Marlena… but I know they caught me off guard and I”m up and waiting for MORE
I really like that Lucas is a suspect… he just props his dig in and runs away with show…
Now, if only they would start featuring Mary Beth Evens’ Kayla….
then give me some Bev
then start T (tad)
so many avenues and outlets – it’s rich beyond – the cast cull…..
DAYS is healthy, out their… and
well you know…. Days of OUR Lives is in command, must watch mode
DOOL has really shown a vast amount of improvement since the ’90’s. The writers are back to writing about the core families and the legacy characters. The storylines have balance. The cast is a good size. I love how the show is now being recognized at the Daytime Emmys. I also watch General Hospital, which has seen a decline with too many characters and storylines not getting enough plug. The show is all over the place. Back to DOOL, I would love to see the actress who plays Kate Roberts be nominated for an Emmy, as well as, Deidre Hall. Two beautiful and talented woman with a lot of class and sophistication. I can’t wait for Gabi to leave. Wish she would take Rafe with her, too. “Wil-Son” nauseates me. I don’t care for nuWill. To each their own, I suppose!
Sami will be back one day…i guess Chandler Massey wasnt there!!!
I haven’t watched the show in over a year but as a big fan of Days for many, many years and watching Alison Sweeney since day one on the show, I think it’s a great send-off for her. How awesome that Wayne, Christie & Patrick all made a special visit too!
Nice message from Deidre as well.
AS can always come back. I wish WN would come back as Roman.
Wayne will always be Roman to me!!
agreed. Drake is John Black. Josh Taylor is CHRIS KOSTICHEK! Can’t believe he has “played” Roman this long. ridiculous.
Agreed. It was really a shame to see Josh as Roman Brady. Although not as bad as when DOOL fired Natasha Livingston as Taylor and replaced her with Tamara Braun. Loved her as Carly Corinthos, but her chemistry with James Scott was downright terrible.
I can remember her first episodes. Loved that naughty little character. Love Samir now and can’t imagine DOOL without her. All the best to Allison Sweeney. You’ll be missed.
I haven’t watched this show in years but boy was AS a find I can remember ML from TV Guide writing an article on her and how great she was he was right. To my knowledge she has never had a emmy nomination this is why I think the emmys are a big joke! I saw a picture of Wayne Northup on the set to visit her he looked wonderful. I am sure she will be missed. Best wishes AS!
I will miss Alison so much, she is a wonderful actress. Days should fire Josh Taylor and bring. back Wayne Northrop.
totally!!!!
good luck to her. I don’t watch days anymore but I did .Nice of her *family*,to show up. Wish her the best.
I knew Allison was leaving DAYS but I thought she was taping through December. It won’t be the same but I hope they don’t ever recast and leave it open for both her and James to return anytime.
Allison said she would be willing to come back to the show for weddings,funerals and big events like the 50th anniversary next year.However if the show decided to recast Sami Allison said it would break her heart but would understand that the show would have to do what’s best for them.Plus she said if the show did recast Sami she would wish the new actress luck.However i think before the show recasted Sami they would make every attempt to get Allison back first.
Thank you for the update. If TBL becomes canceled at some point, I am sure Days would welcome her back with open arms if Allison wanted to return.
I will miss Allison as Sammie I do not know how the show will ever be the same. She was such an important part of the show. I really was hoping she would change her mind and stay but I do wish her good luck in what ever she does.I know she wants to spend time with her family and also wants to do other things. I hope to see her back on dool some time in the future
The show never is and never has been the same. It is forever evolving, as it should. It can be just as good or better than ever with her exit. Many things come into play. Not being the same does not automatically mean it will be worse. The show will go on. I’ll be watching until the end of time.
Ive seen many comings and goings(the worse in 1980 during the shows mass firings) since the 1960s(with a few breaks over the years but i came back,) and ill probably continue to watch until the hour glass stops!!!
She will bes sorely miss but I am sure she will come back one way or the other..Good luck to her..I been watching for close to 3 years, and I always get giddy when she comes on screen..A soilid actress who delivers..Those who do not watch DAYS are missing out on a damn good soap..The best in the business for the last couple of years and I watch 3 of the 4..Started boycotting B&B for the last few weeks.
Days Deidre and Ali are just so classy! There is no better show than Days!!!!!
I can’t think of anyone who deserves a great sendoff party more than her. Like the character or hate her, I don’t think anyone could ever say that AS doesn’t put her ALL into each and every scene.
I’m really going to miss her and I’m only a newish viewer. I can’t imagine how long time fans must feel.
Thank you Allison for so many wonderful scenes. My Family and I have watched you from the beginning. You will be missed at our house.
could Christie and Patrick or Austin peck stay!!!!!!!!!! love carrie and Austin!!!
after a 10 year hiatus from Days, I returned for Christie, Patrick and Matthew only for them to be dumped …. continued to watch due to Dee, Drake, Ali, Eileen, Chandler, Kristian & Peter but gave up anyway …. just couldn’t stay interested in the Daniel, Jennifer, her icky son, Abigail, Chloe and Hope’s backburner status.
AS is the whole package– beauty, brains and talent. She is one of those soap actresses who has earned the right for her character to be retired if she is truly finished with Days. I suspect she will pop in now and then, can’t imagine they would kill off Sami.
My favorite Sami moments were in her early days, kidnapping her baby sister, the love triangle between her, Carrie and Austin. Loved her with Lucas in those early days too– partners in crime those two were.
But I think I respect her loyalty to the soap and to the character. Sad truth is many of the young ones, once they get a taste of fame, want out, to move on, but AS stayed put and we got a chance to grow up with her, and her character– quite the emotional investment for her and us as viewers.
“Bon chance’ Allison– you will be missed.
I am going to miss AS so much. She is extremely beautiful and she is my favorite soap actress. Thank you! AS and Good Luck! DH’s tribute to AS was absolutely wonderful.
She is favorite actress and character, I will miss her character like crazy. Im glad they threw her farewell party. Alison is truly a great talent!
Hard to believe that both Ali and James are gone. They have been front and center for so long. With that said, I thank them for the entertainment, and wish them the best. Well, Days the ball is in your court to fill the void, and keep the drama going to draw us in. Look forward to see what you will do.
So completely devastated. In tears. Heart felt words from Deidre. So sad to see her go. EJAMI better have a happy ending!!!
We love you Ali. Good luck and God bless you in future endeavors. I am PRAYING that Wayne Northrop came to the farewell not only to say goodbye to Ali but to maybe talk to the powers-that-be to reprise his role as THE REAL ROMAN BRADY. I am not being cruel here at all, but Josh Taylor is NOT Roman and NEVER has been in my opinion. We need Wayne back to show the true acting ability and stage presence that he personified as Roman Augustus Brady all those years ago. If they want to keep Josh Taylor, that’s fine. Bring back Chris Kositchek and let Josh take over his own original role. I honestly think the reason that Roman gets little screen time is that fans don’t get excited about the portrayal of the character by Taylor, As a man of 48 years old, I have watched this show since the early 80s. Deidre Hall & Wayne Northrop had chemistry that sizzled back in the day. If Wayne came back to the canvas as Roman, that would be an awesome way to get those two back together, especially now that John Black is being such a jerk. No offense, Drake, we still love you just not JOhn at the present time. LOL. Anyway, good luck Ali. WE WILL MISS YOU GREATLY> Hugs and love to you.
I will miss Alison i’m sad to see her go she reminds me of a poem she walks in beauty for so many years and throughout her years so beautiful with a lot of bite as sami think you for sami
I ment to say at the end thank you for sami
I’ll miss seeing her because that “girl” can really act !!!! I have watched her from day one, she acts her ass off …..
I am sorry to see her go even though the character she plays is one gigantic pain in the neck (of course, that’s the way she’s written I know) – with the characters of EJ and Sami going bye-bye I wonder how the writers will work around their absense.
They are the focal point of the show it seems to me (I am a relatively new viewer)
so it should be
interesting to watch.
I’d love to see photos from the party. Anyone know where we can see some pics?
Go to Deidre Hall’s facebook fan page and you will see many photos of Alison’s last day.
Ms. Sweeney,
Thank you for the wonderful yrs that you’ve shared with us, your fans, you. Ive watch you on the show since you came on, and I must say, you have grown into a beautiful young lady. Good luck in the next chapter of your life, whatever that will be, you will be awesome in it. Sami, don’t stay away from Salem to long like your Uncle Bo, or Aunt Kim……………….
There have been many awesome storylines that defined you, but the one that sticks out is when Sami saw mom n John on the table at da party… CLASSIC!!!! Did Sami ever forgive her mom??
And Oct 232014 show. That hug between Sami n Nicole……….WOW!!! I freekn cried Allison!!!! lol. Finaly, the letter from Deidra Hall.. Only a **mom*** would know how to put things in order…….Awesome Doc.Evans…………..
Again Samantha Gene Brady, aka Allison Sweeny, Thx and good luckin your new adventures.