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
DAYS OF OUR LIVES Preview: Kristen Locates an Alive Sophia, How Much Does Rita Know About the Birth of Dominic Marino?
Next week, expected surprises and schemes on Days of our Lives. In official spoilers for episodes streaming on Peacock from October 5-9, it looks like Kristen (Stacy Haiduk) has hunted down a very much alive Sophia Choi (Rachel Boyd), while Marlena (Deidre Hall) admits a deeply concerning confession to her daughter Belle (Martha Madison), and more.
As previously reported, Tajh Bellow (ex-TJ Ashford, General Hospital) is stepping in for one day for Tyler Joseph Andrews in the role of Theo Carver and will share scenes with Gabi (Cherie Jimenez), where Theo finally agrees to go along with Gabi’s plan, after she offered him a job.
Meanwhile, Gabi may have her hands full with Philip (John-Paul Lavoisier) whose big win in Monte Carlo may have sparked his gambling addiction … all over again, but Philip reveals her has a plan.
Photo: Corday Productions
Sydney (Sydney Malekeh) is in for a shock when Dante (Franco LoPresti) arrives in Salem. Why is he in Salem? Is he part of the unraveling of the Dominic Marino mystery, since we know he seemed like he was talking to the man in Monte Carlo?
Will Marlena ever figure out what Rita (Maggie Carney) is hiding about the mystery of Dominic, and if Marlena is truly his birth mother or did something more suspicious go on and how deeply involved is Rita in this whole story?
EJ (Dan Feuerriegel) finally demands answers of his own from Rita after overhearing on today’s Cliffhanger Friday her conversation with Marlena. Will Rita cop to anything?
Then as noted, while everyone thinks Sophia took her own life, after Kristen “murdered” her, Kristen is infuriated to find she is somehow alive working as waitress in a diner in Kentucky. Will Kristen try to kill Sophia yet again?
Take a look at some of the additional spoilers for next week’s action on DAYS below.
Monday, October 5
Joy worries about her future.
Alex surprises Stephanie.
Chanel supports Johnny through a difficult decision.
Tuesday, October 6
Rachel gives Brady cause for concern.
Roman surprises Kate.
Wednesday, October 7
Leo’s good day takes an unexpected turn.
Brady is forced to make a difficult call.
Thursday, October 8
Paulina refuses to give up on Lani.
Chanel asks Johnny for a promise.
Friday, October 9
Stephanie and Alex steal a private moment.
Steve gets troubling news from Johnny.
So, what do you think will happen when Kristen finds that the woman she thought she murdered and framed (making it looking like a suicide) is alive and well and working in a diner far away from Salem? Was Rita more involved with Stefano DiMera than we even know? Who is the birth mother of Dominic? Is it really Marlena or did someone else carrying her child? And what of Dante? Why is he back in Salem? To get at Philip, or something else? Weigh-in via the comment section below.
Days Of Our Lives
‘General Hospital’ Alum Tajh Bellow Fills In for ‘Days of our Lives’ Tyler Joseph Andrews in the Role of Theo Carver
After an earlier post on Thursday, October 1 about General Hospital alumni Tajh Bellow’s (ex-TJ Ashford) upcoming project from Issa Rae’s HOOPAE Digital, comes word that Bellow is temporarily stepping into the role of Days of our Lives Theo Carver to fill in for Tyler Joseph Andrews on the Peacock streaming soap opera.
According to TV Insider, Bellow will be making a one-day appearance next week on the October 6 episode of DAYS as Andrews was unable to make the tape date that was shot 10 months ago on a day last December. Andrews (pictured below) took over the role of Theo in September of 2025.
In Bellow’s upcoming episode as Theo, he will share scenes with Cherie Jimenez (Gabi Hernandez). A DAYS spokesperson tells the outlet that Bellow “stepped seamlessly into the role, and the cast and crew were grateful for his professionalism and commitment, albeit for only one episode.”
Photo: JPI
TAJH WILL BE SEEN IN MULTIPLE PROJECTS IN OCTOBER
As General Hospital fans know, Tajh played the role of TJ Ashford from 2018 to his last appearance in December of 2024. Along the way, he received two Daytime Emmy nominations for his performances as TJ, the last being in 2025 in the Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Daytime Drama Series category.
In addition, bellow along with Y&R alum Loren Lott will be seen starting on October 14 in the new Love Island spoof series, The Compatibility Experiment. The show will drop exclusively on TikTok and the PineDrama platform.
The Compatibility Experiment gives a satirical look at reality dating shows, think Love Island! The story centers around Kelvin (Bellow) and Camila (Lott), whose relationship is put to the test when they join a reality show to try to win a the million dollar prize.
So, what do you think of Tajh stepping in for Tyler Joseph Andrews as Theo on DAYS? Perhaps, the soap opera liked his work that he might be considered for another role in the future bringing Bellow back to the soaps? Let us know your thoughts via the comment section below.
Four cast members are officially on contract at Days of our Lives, according to the soap opera’s closing credits on Peacock and longtime Days expert and historian Jason 47.
Lauren Koslow (Kate), Sydney Malakeh (Sydney), Sal Stowers (Lani) and Jacob Martinez (Javi) are the names that appear in the closing credits in the contracted cast members section. Days of our Lives fans also note that the series tapes ten months in advance of streaming episodes.
As Days of our Lives fans know, Lauren Koslow has played Kate Roberts since 1996, and recently filled-in for Jess Walton in the role of Jill Abbott on The Young and the Restless when Walton was unable to travel from Oregon to Los Angeles during the specific tape dates. But now, Koslow has been re-upped to contract status as of the September 8 episode.
Photo: JPI
SIGNED, SEALED, DELIVERED
Sydney Malakeh is the newest member of the contract players when she debuted on contract status on the September 10th episode. Days fans first met Sami (Alison Sweeney) and EJ’s (Dan Feuerriegel) daughter in scenes in Monte Carlo around a gambling table.
As for Sal Stowers, the actress had been on contract from 2015-2022, then on recurring status with the soap, and would make appearances and limited runs since 2023. Soap fans first saw Sal as Cassandra Foster on Prospect Park’s revival of All My Children in 2013. Sal’s first new contracted episode was noted to be September 16.
Jacob Martinez, debuted on June 30 of this year as the successor to Al Calderon in the role of Javi Hernandez, and has now been bumped up to series regular as of the September 10 episode.
Photo: JPI
CREDITS
According to the referenced posting from Days of our Lives expert and historian Jason 47, he shared, “It took me four weeks to realize, but the same week that Sydney Malakeh (Sydney) debuted (9/7-9/11), “Days” also put Lauren Koslow (Kate), Jacob Richard Martinez (Javi) and Sal Stowers (Lani) on contract.”
Jason47 added, “This confirms the “errors” of Lani being listed in the credits the week of 9/7 but not appearing, and Kate and Javi appearing in the credits the week of 9/14 but not appearing. It also now makes sense why Javi and Sydney are being listed before Rafe and Philip in the credits.”
He also shared, “For the record, Lauren Koslow’s first date back on contract was 9/8, Jacob Richard Martinez was upped to contract on 9/10, Sydney Malakeh debuted on contract 9/10 and Sal Stowers’ first date back on contract was 9/16. The records will be fixed on the website in the coming days.”
So, glad to hear Lauren, Sydney, Sal and Jacob appear to be on contract with Days of our Lives (as of these episode airings)? Share your thoughts via the comment section below.
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL Preview: After Carter Blurts Out That ‘Implantation and Fertilization’ Has Begun to Daphne; Will Steffy Put the Brakes on His Scheme?
Mark Consuelos Celebrates Kelly Ripa’s 56th Birthday on ‘Live,’ But Remember When Wendy Williams Outed the Couple as Married Before Anyone at ‘All My Children’ Knew?
DAYS OF OUR LIVES Preview: Kristen Locates an Alive Sophia, How Much Does Rita Know About the Birth of Dominic Marino?
TUNE-IN: ‘Beyond the Gates’ Banneker Homecoming Episodes, EP Sheila Ducksworth Speaks on Impact HBCUs Have in Real Life
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Sonny Tells Dante, “I Don’t Want a Son Like You,” While Michael Tells Brook Lynn to Bide Her Time Till Chase and Willow Have an Affair
REPORT: ‘Days of our Lives’ Puts Four Actors On Contract
‘Beyond the Gates’ Honors HBCU Tradition with Banneker University Homecoming Episodes
Alley Mills Returns to ‘General Hospital’ as Heather Webber
Judith Light Joins Cast of ‘Shrinking’ Season 4 in Recurring Role
TUNE-IN: ‘Beyond the Gates’ Banneker Homecoming Episodes, EP Sheila Ducksworth Speaks on Impact HBCUs Have in Real Life
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL Preview: After Carter Blurts Out That ‘Implantation and Fertilization’ Has Begun to Daphne; Will Steffy Put the Brakes on His Scheme?
Mark Consuelos Celebrates Kelly Ripa’s 56th Birthday on ‘Live,’ But Remember When Wendy Williams Outed the Couple as Married Before Anyone at ‘All My Children’ Knew?
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Sonny Tells Dante, “I Don’t Want a Son Like You,” While Michael Tells Brook Lynn to Bide Her Time Till Chase and Willow Have an Affair
GH Alum Tajh Bellow and Y&R Alum Loren Lott Star in New Tiktok and Microdrama ‘Love Island’ Spoof
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Ava and Drew Revealed to be Behind Framing Sonny for Sidwell’s Prison Beatdown
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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♥♀♀