Days Of Our Lives
Crystal Chappell's reactions on her Daytime Emmy nomination!
Photo Credit: JPI Studios
It was big day for Otalia fans around the globe when Crystal Chappell (Olivia, GL, now Carly, DAYS) got her long awaited Daytime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series! Considered one of the early favorites to walk home with Daytime’s highest honor, On-Air On-Soaps caught up with Crystal this afternoon for a quick chat about nomination day, and the classic graveyard scene where Olivia professes her love for Natalia, which garnered her a slot in the final five!
Crystal on how she found out she was nominated: “I was awakened at 5:30AM by my publicist, Leslie Penny. And I said to her, “Oh, that is so wonderful!”, and then I went back into bed! My son turned ten yesterday and we had celebrated with him last night so I was a bit tired, but it’s exciting! I texted other people and congratulated them as well. I was actually out scouting locations today for season two of Venice, so I will be twittering later. Those twitter folks are right there with me, and amazing.”
Crystal on the meaning of the nomination for her time on Guiding Light: “I am thrilled. It is always excited to get nominated. I am sure Beth Chamberlin (Ex-Beth, GL) feels the same way. Guiding Light meant so much to me. It’s not here anymore, and so it’s a different feeling this time. It all just reminds me of all the things I miss about it and the people. And, I have great wonderful memories and friendships. I just ran into a woman at a restaurant. She goes, “Oh my God, Guiding Light! I loved the story and the character of Olivia,” and it just happened 15 minutes ago… and that doesn’t happen everyday. So, I think it’s amazing that it happened today of all days. She also said, “I wept when Guiding Light went off the air. I had been watching it from when I was in the second grade. And I am 37 now.” So, here I am talking about missing Guiding Light, and I said, “I know exactly how you feel” But this is nice to go to the Emmys and represent a show that is no longer here, but a part of so many people lives. It’s really an amazing thing.”
Crystal on if she wins if she will recognize the LGBT community in her acceptance speech: “Well, of course! That is what the whole nomination and the whole thing is about. It’s these two women who fall in love and the obstacles they had to overcome. So absolutely, I would definitely speak to that.”
Crystal on her fellow nominees for Lead Actress: “I love all of them. Michelle Stafford (Phyllis, Y&R) texted me this morning and said, “We are having lunch in Vegas!” Maura West (Carly, ATWT), I love. Bobbie Eakes (Krystal, AMC) and I have known each for a very long time, and she is wonderful. I mean, I socialize with these people, and Sarah Brown (Ex-Claudia, GH) is adorable. It is a good group. We will have a good time at lunch and take pictures and tweet them out!”
Crystal on if she knew when she filmed the graveyard scene if she knew immediately she had hit a home run: “You know whether something is cooking or not, and if you are fully in a moment. But what was important to me was in the writing of the scenes. By the way, Jill Lorie Hurst called me this morning crying. She was GL’s head writer, and she has a wonderful character sense. As soon as I read it, I went, “Wow, I can’t wait to do these.” I thought it was just so honest. When we shot the scenes it was freezing out there in Peapack. But what we learned to do on Guiding Light, is notice that things like that added to the realism of the scenes. At the end of it, I knew those scenes went really well.
Crystal on the nominations for her new cast at DAYS: “I am happy for them. They are cool and talented people. I am happy that they got represented like that.”
Crystal on if she feels pressure being the favorite to take home the gold: “I have been doing this a long time, and people that I thought were going to win, didn’t win. So I don’t look at that way. If it happens that would be great. If it doesn’t, I got the nomination and that is really special to me.”
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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Thanks Michael for this. Am so happy that Crystal got nominated…richly deserved. ITypical of Crystal to acknowledge Jill’s writing talents, because I believe behind every great actor is a great writer helping them shine as brightly as they can. If I’m feeling this happy about her being nominated, God knows how I’ll feel if she wins! 🙂
I am thrilled beyond belief that Crystal is nominated! I am thrilled Beth Chamberlin and Zach Conroy are nominated too! As a fan of theirs and a fan of Guiding Light…and seeing how last year’s GL tribute went so badly (no matter how much thought, care and planning went into it)…I have my fingers and toes crossed that all 3 are wins.
Crystal is so right that filming outside in Peapak…in the cold and the snow…did add so much realism to the scenes…and as a fan watching those scenes on television, I could appreciate the beauty of those scenes all the more.
That’s one thing I noticed when attending the GL fan events…having to shoot scenes on location was talked about in such a negative way. And I only found out later on that the conditions for the actors were trying at times, to say the least. But as a fan who wasn’t aware at the time of all the hoops the cast had to jump through…for me, the on-locations scenes were wonderful…beautiful…and made the cast even more handsome and beautiful. I *loved* the outdoor scenes…especially the scene with Olivia and Natalia in the gazebo after Natalia ran away from her wedding to Frank…and Bill and Lizzie’s outdoor wedding among the trees…the setting itself was a 3rd character in those scenes…the setting made those scenes. So I hope the cast gets to know at some point how fans like me appreciate the extra efforts they had to go through to shoot their scenes in Peapak.
Also, I must say I am a bit confused about the reference wondering if Crystal will recognize the lgbt community in her acceptance speech. I am confused because it was and has been fans…period…who have supported Crystal and drawn to the love story of Olivia and Natalia. It was the regular soap press who first gave the storyline the attention it deserved. Many people…regardless of sexuality…were drawn to and cheered the storyline. Long-time fans of Crystal…long-time soap fans…you name it, they loved Olivia and Natalia and they loved their story. And to suggest that the majority of the support of the Otalia story and Crystal came from the lgbt community is to basically miss the message of the love story of Olivia and Natalia.
Hi Maureen:
Thanks for your comments. I , in no way, was referring to that one component was more important in terms of the Otalia fan base, than the other. What was so great about this story was the universal love story that transcended to all segments of the population. My question came to Crystal came out of this thought..many times on award shows when an actor wins an award, for instance Sean Penn, for his performance in “Milk”, when he got up to accept his honor, he took a moment to speak to equality – something that had to do with the intergral part of the character they had played. Since Olivia and Natalia became a sex-sex couple, I thought it is part of a social message that Crystal might want to address, as just a small part of her acceptance speech if she were to win. I hope this makes sense.
Well, see…I said I was confused by the question…and thank you Michael for taking the time to reply. Your explanation makes perfect sense.
Thank you Michael and Crystal for taking the time to do this interview. I am so happy for Crystal. She deserves this nomination and much more. Otalia was such a beautiful story that touched our hearts like no other. I totally agree with Maureen that the on – location scenes were absolutely beautiful and it made the story feel even more real. The incredible acting, especially from from the brilliant Ms. Chappell took it to an entirely different level. Wow!
I so look forward to seeing Crystal win the “Best Lead Actress” Emmy. It should have been hers along time ago. Congratulations, Crystal ! You are up there with the very best.
Thank you, Michael, for talking to Crystal and posting this interview. Crystal was indeed tweeting last night and so happy for her fellow nominees..she is a gracious person, always. I am so happy for her nomination; I really hope she wins. It will mean so much to the Otalia/GL fans!
LOVER HER!!
Thanx Michael.Graveyard scene cooking? I would say SMOK’N! My fave part of that scene is after Olivia’s outburst of emotion. Those moments are so achingly tender and raw. The contrast really shows the essence of CC’s talent. I hope she includes those few seconds in the clip for the Emmy’s.
No matter how many times I watch that scene, it still gives me butterflies. *sigh*
~roo
I remember watching the wedding week and the graveyard scene in particular and thinking, “Yep. Crystal Chappell just won an Emmy.” It was an amazing time for the Otalia story and for the show, especially coming on the heels of CBS’ announcement that “Guiding Light” was cancelled. If she wins I hope she takes the time to thank Jessica Leccia instead of the LGBT community because as awesome as Crystal was throughout the whole Otalia arc, Jessica was right there with her in the much less showy role of a character forced to keep her emotions under wraps from everyone, even herself. These two were Yin and Yang and together they made an incredibly special story that will resonate for years.
Nice getting the first interview following her nomination. But couldn’t you have posted a pic of Olivia looking a little less forlorn? CC is such a talented actress and has long deserved recognition as a lead. Hopefully it will be the Otalia story that finally gives it to her.
Thank you Michael for the interview.
All the actresses did a phenomenal job, though It’s hard to compare the realism of Crystal Chappell’s performance to the rest. Not only did her talent shine in such a unique and compelling storyline- the production model of GL was beautifully used to making her scenes that much more invigorating and raw in the graveyard scenes and gazebo scenes. She killed it!
I am looking forward to the Daytime Emmys!
Crystal congrats we will support you all the way
I just have a strong feeling that this is the year for Chrsytall’s Emmy. She has done so much for the soap world and with her online soap, Venice. And don’t forget the LGBT community. She is a beautiful woman who does beautiful work. More power to her and Good Luck at The Emmy’s..
thanks Michael & Crystal….once again, great questions and i always love any and all answers Crystal gives! funny, honest, sassy….she brings it all plus more! i’ve heard a few stories about who will win this year’s EMMY but i support Crystal and look forward to her gracing the stage with an endearing acceptance speech! if by some silly twist of fate one of the other nominees wins (OMFCC, i can’t believe i just put that in writing) she’s said she’ll drink enough to make her think she has…and so will i!
L*O*V*E & T*H*A*N*K*S* to you Crystal for EVERYTHING you have brought, and continue to bring to your audience ☮♡☺xo♥♀♀