Connect with us

Breaking News

19

Brandon Barash OUT as Stefan DiMera on Days of our Lives

By Michael Fairman

Published

on

Photo: JPI

Days of our Lives favorite, Brandon Barash is no longer with the Peacock streaming soap opera in the role of Stefan DiMera. In fact, his last airdate is coming up on soon, and we mean right around the corner on the upcoming Monday, October 28th episode.

According to an interview with Soaps.com, Barash revealed that it was not his decision to leave, but the writers decided to have the character exit the canvas.  In fact, it was series, co-executive producer, Janet Drucker who delivered the news to a shocked Barash.

The timing of Barash’s exit as Stefan seems odd given that the show finally recast his on-screen love interest, Gabi, now played by Cherie Jimenez. Brandon came to DAYS in 2019 as Stefan replacing the late Tyler Christopher. He later played Stefan’s twin, Jake DiMera from 2020-2023, before Stefan was revealed to be alive, and Brandon returned to that part also in 2023.

Photo: JPI

Brandon recalled the moments he learned he was departing DAYS. “I knew exactly what was happening as soon as I was called up to (the boss’) office,” he shared. “And she said, ‘Look, this is not my doing. I don’t like it. And this is no reflection on you or your abilities. You’re very talented. We know your work ethic is very high, but it’s just where we’re deciding to take the character.’”

The harsh reality of Barash’s pink-slip was that he noted that he was “in the middle of a contract, and it was the writers’ decision” to have Stefan exit the canvas.

Photo: JPI

However, Brandon’s ultimate outlook was when one door closes, another one opens, citing, “I walked out of the office equal parts shocked and excited about what was around the corner.” Before coming to DAYS, soap viewers remember Barash’s run on General Hospital as Johnny Zacchara  from 2007-2013,

When asked if he would be open to returning as Stefan down the line, Brandon shared, “I don’t know, this is the second time this has happened to me at Days of our Lives.”  He added, “It would have to be very, very right. The terms would have to be right. The story would have to be right, the contract would have to be right and I would have to be able to trust them and I don’t. I’ve lost that. I’ve lost that ability to trust that team, quite frankly.”

What do you think about Days of our Lives decision to let go of Brandon Barash? Share your thoughts via the comment section below.

19 Comments

19 Comments
oldest
newest

Love to see him back on GH

Nicholas Cassadine recast ?

Although GH has had numerous actors play multiple roles, Barash is fondly remembered for playing Johnny (who was not killed off).

There’s really no space on the GH canvas right now for him to return full time.

That’s a real shame he’s a great actor with a big package! Lol. Get rid of gabby too she is one of the worst recasts ever so boring no spunk like camela sorry…

I disagree about Gaby…she is the best recast in my opinion.

Very sad to see him go was always great

So we let Brandon go but have Jonny is this ridiculous bad storyline head to behind the gates Brandon I love days it’s my fave but you close that door twice and yes he is very talented

I hope he is picked up somewhere soon. He’s a true talent. I haven’t watched Days since it left NBC but I always liked Brandon.

I am so sorry this happened…I am very disappointed in the writers. They don’t care how the fans feel. They should treat the actors better…this is uncall for.

I would rather Fiona go.

Sorry, DAYS, but this is truly messed up!

DAYS has been messed up ever since they hired Ann Marcus to be head writer in 1977.

He is so adorable. He reminds me of Don Diamond a bit they should bring him on Bold and Beautiful and give Liam the pink slip.

I think it sucks! Would love him back on GH

I think it sux. But would love for him to go back to GH. Sonny needs a new enemy.

Actually I think it’s crazy for him to go now, since Gabby is finally back in the picture! ( which I prefer the original girl who played her) but that’s the problem with the show. Letting characters go without a thought to how the viewers feel about it! Especially in the case of aka; Nicole!

I believe it is a big mistake getting rid of Brandon. The writers have really gone bonkers.

Damn I hate to see Stefan go, well since Stefan is gone now they should bring Stefano back from the dead

That would be blasphemy.

And believe me, that’s not a term the Devil uses lightly.

Breaking News

Tom Pelphrey and Kaley Cuoco Welcome Baby Girl, Philomena into the World

Published

on

By

Tom Pelphrey and Kaley Cuoco

Congratulations are in order for three-time Emmy winner, Tom Pelphrey (ex-GL and ATWT) and his fiancée Big Bang Theory star, Kaley Cuoco! The couple welcomed their second baby daughter together on October 12, and revealed they named the little bundle of joy, Philomena Carmine Bobby Pelphrey.

Tom and Kaley shared the news via their Instagram accounts on Wednesday with some adorable baby pics. Cuoco captioned the photo“🎀Philomena Carmine Bobby Pelphrey🎀. 💖10/12/26💖. There are no words to describe this feeling once again. What a blessing.

Cuoco added, “We are so grateful for the crazy wild up and down journey that brought us to our little Philo! Family officially complete 😭Time to bring Matilda’s baby home! 😂💕”

Tom Pelphrey and Kaley Cuoco

Photo: KCuoco IG

BABY MAKES FOUR

Next, Kaley shared her love for the father of her children, exclaiming, “Tom Pelphrey, life exploded the minute we met, and the gifts keep coming. I love you forever , girl daddy! 💘.”

Philomena now joins big sister, Matilda mwho was born in 2023, as part of the Pelphrey/Cuoco family! Tom and Kaley began dating in 2022 and became engaged in 2024.

Daytime fans first saw the talented actor on Guiding Light as Jonathan Randall, the son of Reva Shayne (Kim Zimmer). Tom won two Daytime Emmys for his memorable performances during his run from 2004-2009.

He later played Mick Dante on As the World Turns from 2009-2010, before heading to work in primetime and motion pictures. Last month, Pelphrey one the Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series for his role in HBO’s Task.

TOM PELPHREY CELEBRATES EMMY WIN AND NEW DAUGHTER WITHIN A MONTH OF EACH OTHER

After winning his Emmy, the expectant dad told E! News, “We’re both so excited. Our daughter’s excited. We’ll see how it goes when it actually gets there.” Tom added, “The things that are new and the things that feel like not a big deal this time. But mom and baby are healthy, so God willing, that keeps up, and we’re thrilled,” added the actor.

Pelphrey took to his own Instagram and said on the birth of his second daughter, “Philomena Carmine Bobby Pelphrey. Another miracle. Welcome to our family youngest queen!  Kaley you showed up in every way as a partner and a mom even when you weren’t feeling your best- you’re a CHAMPION. The girls and I would be lost without you. Thank God for the gift of this family and these girls.”

Jumping in to the comment thread to congratulate Tom and Kaley were Beyond the Gates star Ashley Jones (Heather), Dave Annabelle, Martha Plimpton, Alyssa Milano and many more.

Share your congrats and well-wishes to Tom, Kaley, Matilda and their new addition to the family, little Philomena via the comment section below.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Kaley Cuoco (@kaleycuoco)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Tom Pelphrey (@tommypelphrey)

Continue Reading

Breaking News

2026 Daytime Emmys Gold & Silver Circle Inductees: Francesca James, Patrika Darbo and Meredith Vieira Among Those Being Honored

Published

on

By

Daytime Emmy Gold & Silver Inductees

The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) announced on Thursday, October 8, the 2026 Gold & Silver Circle Inductees who will be celebrated at the 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards on Friday, October 30.

This year’s honor roll features industry professionals that have made contributions across daytime television, including daytime dramas, talk shows, comedy, and more.

The Gold inductees include: Meredith Vieira (former c0-host of The View, journalist and EP and CEO, Meredith Vieira Productions),Patrika Darbo (ex-Nancy, Days of our Lives and Shirley, The Bold and the Beautiful, soon to be seen reprising her role of Shirley on Y&R), three-time Daytime Emmy winner, Francesca James (ex-Kitty/Kelly, All My Children, and ex-Marcy Wade, One Life to Live, plus director and/or producer at All My Children, General Hospital, Loving, Santa Barbara et al), and finally Byron Allen (Founder, Chairman & CEO Allen Media Group).

It should be noted that Vieira made guest appearances on both All My Children and General Hospital throughout her career. On GH, she played madam Bree Flanders in 2003 and 2012. She also appeared as a wedding planner on All My Children back in 2001.

Photo: NATAS

The Silver inductees are: Stephen Brown (VP Programming and Development, Fox Television Stations)  and Rubin Ervin (Announcer/Warm-Up Host for Family Feud, The Bachelor and more).The Gold and Silver Circle Society Inductees are deemed by NATAS as “exceptional professionals who have performed distinguished service within the television industry, setting standards for achievement, mentoring, leadership and professional accolades for 50 or 25 years, respectively. They represent the best and brightest in the industry.”

In a statement, Adam Sharp, President and CEO of NATAS shared, “This year’s Gold & Silver honorees are recognized for their continued exceptional contributions to our television industry. We are proud to honor a class of honorees from diverse career paths across many daytime genres. Their impact is evident in programming every day, inspiring generations and enriching the lives of countless viewers.”

MORE ON THE 53RD ANNUAL DAYTIME EMMYS

NATAS previously announced that soap opera icon Genie Francis (Laura, General Hospital) will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award during this year’s ceremonies.

The 2026 Daytime Emmys will be held at the historic Hollywood Palladium and will stream live on the NATAS YouTube channel at YouTube.com/@theemmys and watch.TheEmmys.tv.

The annual awards have recognized outstanding achievement in television programming and crafts since 1974, honoring work in a variety of genres, including daytime dramas, talk series, entertainment news, culinary, adventure, instructional and legal/courtroom programming.

The 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards will be a single ceremony in 2026, produced by NATAS Productions. Adam Sharp and Lara Gates are executive producers, with Leon Knoles returning to direct for a fifth straight year. Rachel Schwartz serves as Head of Daytime, and the firm of Lutz & Carr, LLP, provides accounting services for the competition.

So, what do you think of this year’s Gold & Silver Inductees? Happy to see some of the names that will be recognized on October 30? Who in the future who has had enduring contributions to daytime television or the soap opera genre, would you like to see receive these honors in years to come? Let us know via the comment section below.

Continue Reading

Breaking News

Robert Kelker-Kelly, ‘General Hospital,’ ‘Days of our Lives’ and ‘Another World’ Star Dies at 62

Published

on

By

Robert Kelker-Kelly

Robert Kelker-Kelly, who became prominent as a one of the leading men in soap operas back in the late 80s and 90s has died at the age of 62. TMZ first reported the news of Robert’s passing on Saturday, October 3 at his home in St. Peters, Missouri.

According to the St. Peters police report, officers responded to call at around 8:16 pm about an unconscious man who was not breathing, as paramedics and other EMS were en route. Kelker-Kelly had reportedly complained of chest pain shortly before becoming unresponsive and the circumstances appeared consistent with a medical event.

Officers and paramedics administered life-saving measures, but were unsuccessful in reviving Kelker-Kelly. The cause of his death is still unknown and under investigation.

Robert Kelker-Kelly

Photo: NBC

Daytime fans first saw Robert back in 1987 when he was cast as Sam Fowler on Another World. He played the role for three year suntil 1990. Two years later, he took over the role of Bo Brady on Days of our Lives replacing Peter Reckell, who at that time decided to leave the show.

As Bo, Kelker-Kelly was major in story playing opposite the likes of: Crystal Chappell as Dr. Carly Manning, Kristian Alfonso as Hope Williams and Lisa Rinna as Billie Reed. When Peter Reckell returned to his signature role in 1995, Kelker-Kelly left the show.

Next, Robert returned to his original stomping grounds at Another World but this time as race car driver, Bobby Reno who was actually Dr. Shane Roberts. His second AW stint lasted from 1996-1998.

Robert Kelker-Kelly, GH

Photo: ABC

Eventually, the actor would begin his run as the evil Stavros Cassadine on General Hospital in 2001, then make returns in 2002 and 2003. In 2013, he briefly returned as Stavros as part of the show’s 50th anniversary celebration, and made one last appearance in 2014.

Robert has also became a professional pilot full from 2003 to 2015 and had been married to former Days of our Lives star, Miriam Parrish (ex-Jamie Caldwell) from 1997-2011, but the couple divorced in 2011. Since that time, he has not remarried.

Recently, Robert was back in the news when Lisa Rinna talked about her time working with her former Days of our Lives co-star in her recently released memoir, You Better Believe I’m Gonna Talk About It.

Rinna shared on her then on-screen love interest, “Behind the scenes, we hated each other. Remember when Kathy Hilton said I was the biggest bully in Hollywood? Not true. Not even close! I have legit stories about the real bullies in this town. Robert Kelker-Kelly is one of those bullies.”

The former Billie Reed and reality star even punctuated that with, “He made my life a living hell on the set of DAYS, He was horrible to me, I’d go so far as to say verbally abusive. He was passive-aggressive, manipulative and played weird mind games.”

Besides his role in the soaps, Kelker-Kelly appeared on primetime on Touched by an Angel and Rescue 77 , and played Bo in the Days of our Lives specials Night Sins and Winter Heat in the early 90s.

Michael Fairman TV will provide further updates as they become available on the death of Robert Kelker-Kelly.

Now, share your remembrances and condolences on the loss of Robert Kelker-Kelly via the comment section below and let us know of all his daytime roles, which was your favorite.

Continue Reading

Video Du Jour

Jonathan Bennett joins the cast of GH as Joe Fitzpatrick. Catch the latest promo! Leave a comment.Leave A Comment

Recent Comments

Power Performance

Heather Tom

The Bold and the Beautiful

Airdate: 7-24-2026

Popular

19
0
Would love your thoughts, please comment.x
()
x