Days Of Our Lives
DAYS Chandler Massey Chats On His Bittersweet Daytime Emmy Nomination
He’s won three Daytime Emmys in the Outstanding Younger Actor in a Drama Series three years in row in 2012, 2013 and 2014, and now Chandler Massey is going for gold for the second time in his career in the Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series which in a field where he is competing with two co-stars from Days of our Lives among others.
Massey has long been a stand out performer, giving nuanced and emotional portrayals in the angst-ridden life of Will Horton and the love of his life, Sonny Kiriakis (Freddie Smith).
Back in February of this year, DAYS fans learned that Chandler and Freddie had taped their last episodes, and since the NBC soap tapes more than 6 months ahead of air, that the two will still be on the air into the fall. That has made this moment of recognition for Massey all the more poignant.
Michael Fairman TV talked with Chandler to get his reaction to the news that he is once again a Daytime Emmy nominee, and here’s what he had to say about it all.
Photo: JPI
I thought it was great that you received another Emmy nomination. What do you think?
CHANDLER: Yeah. I thought it was pretty great too, actually. I was surprised. I wasn’t keeping up on when they were announcing the nominations. I was thrilled that Wally (Kurth) and Paul (Telfer) also got nominated too in the same category. So, hopefully, DAYS, has a decent shot to take it home.
What did you end up submitting that ultimately landed you the nomination?
CHANDLER: I went with some scenes that aired on December 16th of last year (I just looked that up), where Will basically breaks up with Sonny when Sonny comes to visit him in prison. I liked those because they were sort of subtle. I just found myself drawn in when I watched it, and it wasn’t big or dramatic, but it felt like two real people sharing their pain. So, that’s why I chose it.
Photo: JPI
I remember those. Those were heartbreaking because he had to get Sonny to let him go.
CHANDLER: Yes. He said he has a new prison boyfriend, and that he’s doing really well in prison, so he doesn’t want to be tied down. (Laughs)
You’ve had Freddie Smith as your scene partner for so much of your run on DAYS. What did he give you in those scenes that helped you, or even further enabled the performance that you gave?
CHANDLER: Freddie always gives everything. He is a consummate professional, so he really commits every time. I think it is more that we are just so comfortable with each other that we are not afraid, and that there is no hesitation between the two of us, so we just are able to do the work. We usually know we are there to listen to, and support each other. in the scenes.
Photo: NATAS
Was your entire submission from the prison scenes or did you include something else?
CHANDLER: It was just that. I know I could have included something else, but I like to keep it sort of short because I feel like as a judge, I know within a few minutes. It’s not that I get bored, but it really only takes a scene or two, and then, you’re like, “this is something special.” You can recognize it pretty quickly.
So, you have won three Daytime Emmys. This is your first nomination in a few years, right?
CHANDLER: Yeah, I didn’t get nominated the year before. I had a gap year… to my family’s great shame. (Laughs) They were not pleased with me.
Photo: JPI
This is your second nomination in the Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Daytime Drama Series category.
CHANDLER: Yes. I was nominated in ‘Supporting’ for the first time when I came back to DAYS, and then submitted for “Lead” the next year, didn’t get nominated, and then went back to ‘Supporting’. I learned my place. I went back to ‘Supporting’ for this year. (Laughs)
It’s such a game though, right? .
CHANDLER: Yeah, you’ve got to be smart. I just thought, “What the heck?” Freddie and I were like, “Maybe there’s a shot that if we pick different categories, we can both get nominated,” but then, after that didn’t work, I said, “Screw that… going back to ‘Supporting”
Now, you’ve been through Emmy night before, and this is obviously going to be a virtual Emmy’s. Now, if they did a six-shot of all of the nominees, what would you wear? Would you be dressed up? Would you be casual? What would you see yourself doing?
CHANDLER: That’s a good question. I think maybe… I’ll do a little of both. I’ll go the middle ground. I’ll be in my finest bathrobe, a silk bathrobe so it’s casual but also still sort of fancy.
There you go. (Laughs) Is this nomination all the more special for you in that you are no longer working at DAYS?
CHANDLER: Oh, totally. Every year is special, but you know, I’m not on the show anymore, so it’s a nice reminder that the work that I did had an effect on people, and it won’t be forgotten for at least a few more hours.
Photo: JPI
I saw the fan outcry and show of support for you and Freddie, when viewers got wind that you were exiting the series. It was sad and heartwarming at the same time. The WilSon fans are so behind you guys.
CHANDLER: Yeah, if only they knew what horrible people that we were in real life, then they wouldn’t be this way, but thankfully… (Laughs) Yeah, it’s really nice, but it is sad. I started in 2009, and that was over 10 years ago, and nothing lasts forever. I had a really, really great run, and so did Freddie. I am very satisfied and don’t feel jipped, or like, I was entitled to anything more than I got.
Courtesy/NBC
Obviously, your co-nominees, Wally and Paul you worked with many times. What can you say about them?
CHANDLER: I think that both men deserve definitely to get second and third place. (Laughs) I have known Wally for a while now. I love him. I think his work is phenomenal. I think he is really, really underrated. Paul, I don’t know as well, but I think obviously his work speaks for himself. If only he were physically attractive, I think that would really, really help his career.
Photo: JPI
I know, it’s a shame.
CHANDLER: Unfortunately, he is kind of schleppy, you know? (Laughs)
Photo: JPI
Did Freddie reach out to you after you received the nomination?
CHANDLER: Oh yes, he sent a text congratulating me, and we talked about it. It was nice. I feel like our stories are so intertwined, the scenes we submit are mostly with each other. So, it’s really kind of a shared accolade.
So, will you be rooting for Chandler to cap off his career on DAYS with an Emmy win on June 26th during the virtual ceremony on CBS? What did you think of the nominated scenes he submitted? Share your thoughts via the comment section below.
I think Chandler’s performance was perfectly worthy of a nomination this year. I don’t know if he will win, but I would be satisfied if he were to. I think a tie between Wally and Chandler would just be about the perfect outcome.
I think it’s a sin that he and Freddie were fired because Wilson brought the show back years ago And Chandler is a supreme actor,he can do it and we’ve seen it.Chandler acts with his eyes and he just makes me feel the moment!
I definitely feel with my whole heart that Chandler is definitely taking the Emmy nod home with him. He submitted the perfect scenes.
I have let him go from the nest… he lives
chandler massey, bittersweet
they Knew the order’ got paid
my heart FILLed’ WARMED
the integrity of the work; sailed
Freddie Smith is always a favorite
always my loved
there’s schleppy ween, right ?
I will miss Will and Sonny. So much. They bring realty to the show. They are great actors. Please don’t let them go. We all Love them.
For sure!
Days has a revolving door…characters are like guest stars…some on for weeks, months, years then leave only to return sometime later when needed…not enough room to keep all on screen at the same time….Will and Sonny will return..its not like they will be gone forever!!!!..Vivian and Lucas are coming back again…same will happen to them as welll!!!
That revolving door spins so fast that it’s like an amusement park thrill ride, Jimmy! I love the rotations!
Hopefully another Emmy win will be an incentive to bring Chandler back to Days! Looking forward to seeing Chandler & other Days actors this October at the Salem Proud Event in Burbank hosted by Spectrum Celebrity Events!
Chandler deserves the win.
Love Chandler!! He’s extremely talented and has the best sense of humour in every interview he gives. Will sure miss him on Days and hopefully he will be back❤️
I hope Chandler does win another Daytime Emmy this year because his performances have been phenomenal and he deserves to be recognized. I am still hoping that DOOL showrunners will bring both Chandler and Freddie back to the show in the future as I feel there is so much more to their story yet to be told.
Chandler and Freddie should never of been Let go. They are fan favourites and told such an important storyline
I hope Chandler does win and the powers that be realise what a huge mistake they have made. Love Justin and Xander too. To anyone reading with any power please re hire Chandler, Freddie and Galen
Me too, but after they leave I’m not watching anymore. It’s just not interesting. They have all these whiny actors and it’s irritating over and over. It’s goodbye Days……
I’m rooting for Chandler. I think he is outstanding. I’m going to miss him terribly on Days.
I still can’t believe they let him go , We waited so long to get him back
If there’s one thing we’ve learned, Karen, it’s DAYS has a good track record for returns. I predict it’s a temporary absence and Will returns without Sonny.
I love Chandler and wish him nothing but the best in what he does. Days should be a stepping stone for him to go onto bigger things he is that talented!!! Rooting for him or Bryton from Y/R to take home the Emmy. Great interview.
Everytime I see a sxene with Chandler I feel part of the scene he is such a good actor and pulls you into the scenes no matter what scene it is.
I think it will be kind of cool if he went out with another win myself 🙂
Beyond the Gates
53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Nominations Announced: ‘The Young and the Restless’ Tops With 18, ‘Beyond the Gates’ With 16
The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) today announced the full list of nominees for the upcoming 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards, and it was CBS daytime’s The Young and the Restless and broadcast television newest soap opera, Beyond the Gates that racked up the most nominations with 18 and 16, respectively.
The full reveal on Tuesday follows the announcement of several major categories including Lead Actor and Actress on Monday via Extra and Entertainment Tonight and The View today revealing Daytime Drama Series and more.
The 53rd Annual Daytime Emmys ceremony is set to take place on Friday, October 30 at the historic Hollywood Palladium in Hollywood, California.
Photo: CBS
In a statement, Adam Sharp, President and CEO of NATAS expressed, “We’re proud to honor the extraordinary talent and creative teams whose work continues to define and elevate daytime television, As the Daytime landscape evolves and new forms of storytelling emerge, we remain committed to recognizing the innovation happening across the industry.”
“Each year, the Daytime Emmy Awards celebrate the creativity, passion, and dedication that drive this vibrant community of storytellers,” said Rachel Schwartz, Head of the Daytime Emmy Awards. “Congratulations to this year’s nominees, whose work continues to entertain, inspire and connect with audiences every day. We look forward to celebrating their remarkable achievements in Hollywood this October.”
The Daytime Emmy 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.
This year’s Lifetime Achievement Honoree, Gold & Silver Circle Inductees, and ceremony host will be announced at a later date.
Now below, check out the nominees in the daytime drama, talk show, entertainment news series and creative arts categories and congratulations to all!
Photo: JPI
Outstanding Daytime Drama Series
Beyond the Gates
Days of Our Lives
General Hospital
The Young and the Restless
Outstanding Lead Actress in a Daytime Drama Series
Stacy Haiduk (as Kristen DiMera), Days of Our Lives
Karla Mosley (as Dani Dupree), Beyond the Gates
Michelle Stafford (as Phyllis Summers), The Young and the Restless
Heather Tom (as Katie Logan), The Bold and the Beautiful
Tamara Tunie (as Anita Williams Dupree), Beyond the Gates
Outstanding Lead Actor in a Daytime Drama Series
Eric Braeden (as Victor Newman), The Young and the Restless
Steve Burton (as Jason Morgan), General Hospital
Scott Clifton (as Liam Spencer), The Bold and the Beautiful
Thorsten Kaye (as Ridge Forrester), The Bold and the Beautiful
Christian Jules Le Blanc (as Michael Baldwin), The Young and the Restless
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Daytime Drama Series
Linsey Godfrey (as Sarah Horton), Days of Our Lives
Camryn Grimes (as Mariah Copeland), The Young and the Restless
Beth Maitland (as Traci Abbott), The Young and the Restless
Trisha Mann-Grant (as Leslie Thomas), Beyond the Gates
Amanda Setton (as Brook Lynn Quartermaine), General Hospital
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Daytime Drama Series
Sean Dominic (as Nate Hastings), The Young and the Restless
Timon Kyle Durrett (as Bill Hamilton), Beyond the Gates
Michael Graziadei (as Daniel Romalotti), The Young and the Restless
Roger Howarth (as Matt Clark), The Young and the Restless
Mike Manning (as Bradley “Smitty” Smith), Beyond the Gates
Lawrence Saint-Victor (as Carter Walton), The Bold and the Beautiful
Outstanding Emerging Talent in a Daytime Drama Series
Braedyn Bruner (as Emma Scorpio-Drake), General Hospital
Al Calderon (as Javier Hernandez), Days of Our Lives
Alice Halsey (as Rachel Black), Days of Our Lives
Giovanni Mazza (as Gio Palmieri), General Hospital
Ambyr Michelle (as Eva Thomas), Beyond the Gates
Arielle Prepetit (as Naomi Hamilton Hawthorne), Beyond the Gates
Outstanding Guest Performance in a Daytime Drama Series
Jasmine Burke (as June Hughes), Beyond the Gates
Jeff Kober (as Cyrus Renault), General Hospital
Eva LaRue (as Natalia Rogers-Ramirez), General Hospital
Christopher Sean (as Paul Narita), Days of Our Lives
Ray Wise (as Ian Ward), The Young and the Restless
Outstanding Writing Team for a Daytime Drama Series
Beyond the Gates
The Bold and the Beautiful
Days of Our Lives
General Hospital
Outstanding Directing Team for a Daytime Drama Series
Days of Our Lives
General Hospital
The Young and the Restless
Outstanding Casting for a Daytime Program
Beyond the Gates
General Hospital
The Young and the Restless”
Outstanding Daytime Talk Series
3rd Hour of TODAY
The Drew Barrymore Show
The Kelly Clarkson Show
Live With Kelly and Mark
TODAY With Jenna & Friends
The View
Outstanding Daytime Talk Series Host
Joy Behar, Whoopi Goldberg, Alyssa Farah Griffin, Sara Haines, Sunny Hostin & Ana Navarro, The View
Kelly Clarkson, The Kelly Clarkson Show
Tamron Hall, Tamron Hall
Jennifer Hudson, The Jennifer Hudson Show
Sherri Shepherd, Sherri
Outstanding Entertainment News Series
Access Hollywood
Entertainment Tonight
Extra
Outstanding Daytime Personality (Daily)
Mona Kosar Abdi, Derek Hough & Terri Seymour, Extra
Cassie DiLaura, Denny Directo, Kevin Frazier, Rachel Smith & Nischelle Turner, Entertainment Tonight
Scott Evans, Zuri Hall, Kit Hoover & Mario Lopez, Access Hollywood
Star Jones & Corey Jovan, Divorce Court
Outstanding Arts and Popular Culture Program
Beyond the Gates: Welcome to the Neighborhood — An Entertainment Tonight Special
Off Script With The Hollywood Reporter
Variety & CNN Actors on Actors
Variety Studio: Actors on Actors
Working In the Theatre
Outstanding Music Direction and Composition for a Daytime
Beyond the Gates,” Episode 103
Have Guitar Will Travel World
The Kelly Clarkson Show Episode 5033
Let Frankie Cook,” Getting the Band Back Together
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
Outstanding Technical Direction and Video for a Daytime Program
Beyond the Gates,” Episode 104
The Bold and the Beautiful,” Episode 9511
Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade”
The Jennifer Hudson Show, ” Episode 4041
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade”
Outstanding Hairstyling and Makeup for a Daytime Program
Beyond the Gates,” Episode 103
General Hospital,” Episode 15719
The Kelly Clarkson Show,” Episode 5033
The Young and the Restless,” Episode 13273
So, what do you think of the 53rd annual Daytime Emmy nominations? Who are you happy to see receive a nomination and who do you think was snubbed? Weigh-in via the comment section.
Monday on Entertainment Tonight, the second set of nominations for the 53rd annual Daytime Emmy Awards were announced which included the highly-coveted Outstanding Lead Performance in a Daytime Drama Series – Actress and Outstanding Daytime Talk Series.
ET followed suit after Extra announced the nominees, as previously reported, in the Outstanding Lead Performance in a Daytime Drama Series – Actor and Outstanding Daytime Talk Host.
Now, five leading ladies of the soaps are vying for the gold for Lead Actress and the category marked the first-ever nominations for CBS daytime’s Beyond the Gates when two actresses made the final cut. Only General Hospital is not represented among the actresses this year after Nancy Lee Grahn (Alexis Davis) took home the trophy last year.
Photo: NATAS
THE FIVE LEADING LADIES OF THE SOAPS ARE …
The 2026 Lead Actress nominees are: Stacy Haiduk (Kristen DiMera), Days of Our Lives, Karla Mosley (Dani Dupree), Beyond the Gates, Michelle Stafford (Phyllis Summers), The Young and the Restless, Heather Tom (Katie Logan), The Bold and the Beautiful, and Tamara Tunie (Anita Dupree), Beyond the Gates.
This marks the first Daytime Emmy nominations for Karla Mosley and Tamara Tunie. In addition, this marks the first-time in her career that Stacy Haiduk had received a Lead Actress nod after two Supporting Actress nominations.
Meanwhile, Michelle Stafford had previously won 3 Emmys – 2 for Lead Actress and 1 for Supporting, but this recognition makes it her 11th overall nomination.
Heather Tom currently is tied for the most all-time Daytime Emmy wins with One Life to Live alum and General Hospital guest star, Erika Slezak. The B&B star has 19 nominations throughout her career.
Photo: ABC
DAYTIME TALK SERIES
In the Outstanding Daytime Talk Series category, the nominees are: 3rd Hour of Today, The Drew Barrymore Show, The Kelly Clarkson Show, Live with Kelly and Mark, Today with Jenna and Friends and The View.
“We’re proud to honor the extraordinary talent and creative teams whose work continues to define and elevate daytime television,” NATAS president and CEO Adam Sharp said in a statement on the nominations. “As the Daytime landscape evolves and new forms of storytelling emerge, we remain committed to recognizing the innovation happening across the industry.”
The rest of the nominations will be revealed tomorrow on Tuesday July 14 starting on The View and then the full list of nominees in both the main and creative arts will be released by NATAS. The 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards are slated for October 30th in Hollywood, California.
So, what do you think about the women who are vying for the Lead Actress Daytime Emmy? Happy with who got in? Who do you feel got snubbed? What do you think of the nominees for Daytime Talk Series? Weigh-in via the comment section.
It’s Daytime Emmy nomination week, and as previously reported things kick-off on Monday, July 13 when Entertainment Tonight (7pm ET) will announce the nominees for Lead Actress category and Daytime Talk Series for the upcoming 53rd annual Daytime Emmy Awards. In addition on Monday, Extra (7pm ET) will reveal the nominees for Lead Actor and Daytime Talk Host.
On Tuesday, The View (11am ET) starts things off with their announcement of Daytime Drama, Entertainment News program and Outstanding Daytime Personality-Daily. That is followed by the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS) full reveal of all the categories beginning at 12noon ET/9am PT on their website and their official social handles on X and Instagram.
Then, Tuesday night at 8pm ET/5pm PT join Michael Fairman as he hosts his 12th annual Daytime Emmy Nominations Special 2026 live on You Tube’s Michael Fairman Channel where he will chat with some of the just announced nominees as we celebrate the hard work of the men and women in front of the camera who will be going for gold.
WHEN ARE THE DAYTIME EMMYS?
This year, the 53rd annual Daytime Emmy Awards will be handed out on October 30 in ceremonies in Hollywood, California (Venue yet to be revealed). At that time, as like last year, both the major categories and creative arts will be presented. There is no word yet on a broadcast partner for the annual celebration of daytime programming, or if it will soley be streamed on NATAS’ watch.theemmys.tv and various apps and platforms.
WHO WILL BE APPEARING ON THE DAYTIME EMMY NOMINATIONS SPECIAL 2026?
Throughout Tuesday, keep an eye on Michael Fairman TV’s social media handles on X, Facebook and Instagram, for updates of who will be expected to appear on our live show.
If you have a question or comment for one of the nominees, or on the nominations, we can encourage you to join us in the live chat on Tuesday night.
So, who are you hoping lands a nomination from Beyond the Gates, General Hospital, Days of Our Lives, The Bay, The Bold and the Beautiful and The Young and the Restless? Let us know via the comment section. More Tuesday!
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GENERAL HOSPITAL Spoilers Promo: Jason’s Back, Drew Begins to Make His Move, Portia Goes Into a Labor
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