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 🙂
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.
View this post on Instagram
‘Brilliant Minds’ Officially Canceled After 2 Seasons at NBC; DAYS Alum Al Calderon, OLTL Alum Teddy Sears and Zachary Quinto Among the Cast
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Has Dylan’s Mystery Caller/Stalker Been Revealed to Be an Alive Luna Nozawa?
THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS: Nick Confesses His Drug Problem to Victor; Joshua Morrow, Mark Grossman, Eric Braeden Bring the Newman Bond
‘General Hospital’s’ Jonathan Bennett Receives 3 ‘Critics Choice Real TV Awards’ Nominations for Hallmark Series, ‘Finding Mr. Christmas’
DAYS OF OUR LIVES: Sophia Seemingly Plans to End Her Life, But Not Before Setting Fire to Johnny’s Apartment With Him Trapped Inside
DAYS Stephen Nichols Remembers Drake Hogestyn as the ‘Most Vital, Enthusiastic, Committed Man I Ever Knew’ Ahead of the PanCan PurpleStride Walk
DAYS Stephen Nichols and Co-Stars Walk in Honor of Drake Hogestyn at PanCan PurpleStride LA, ‘I Felt Him With Us’
Brandon Barash Granted Restraining Order Against ‘General Hospital’s’ Kirsten Storms
‘Days of Our Lives’ Rob Scott Wilson Talks ‘Turning Heel’ as Necktie Killer, Ben Weston
Paige Herschell Marks One-Year as ‘General Hospital’s’ Jacinda Bracken
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Has Dylan’s Mystery Caller/Stalker Been Revealed to Be an Alive Luna Nozawa?
THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS: Nick Confesses His Drug Problem to Victor; Joshua Morrow, Mark Grossman, Eric Braeden Bring the Newman Bond
WWE Hall of Famer Trish Stratus Talks Humble Beginnings, Test and Albert, WrestleMania 22 with Mickie James, Current Women’s Roster (Exclusive)
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Michael Reveals His Plan to Set Up Chase and Willow to Have an Affair
Judith Light Talks Her Role in ‘The Terror: The Devil In Silver’ Dropping on AMC+ with Co-Star ‘Downton Abbey’ Alum, Dan Stevens
-
Days Of Our Lives1 week agoDAYS Stephen Nichols Remembers Drake Hogestyn as the ‘Most Vital, Enthusiastic, Committed Man I Ever Knew’ Ahead of the PanCan PurpleStride Walk
-
Days Of Our Lives5 days agoDAYS Stephen Nichols and Co-Stars Walk in Honor of Drake Hogestyn at PanCan PurpleStride LA, ‘I Felt Him With Us’
-
General Hospital4 days agoBrandon Barash Granted Restraining Order Against ‘General Hospital’s’ Kirsten Storms
-
Days Of Our Lives4 days ago‘Days of Our Lives’ Rob Scott Wilson Talks ‘Turning Heel’ as Necktie Killer, Ben Weston
-
General Hospital1 week agoPaige Herschell Marks One-Year as ‘General Hospital’s’ Jacinda Bracken
-
General Hospital6 days agoGH’s Giovanni Mazza Performs Violin Version of Michael Jackson’s ‘Smooth Criminal’ at LA Lakers Playoff Game; Co-Stars Heap High Praise
-
Days Of Our Lives3 days ago‘Days of Our Lives’ Conner Floyd on Chad’s Quest For Abigail’s Resurrection; But Who Should Be Cast as NuAbby?
-
General Hospital1 week agoSteve Burton’s Wife, Michelle Lundstrom, Raises Alarm on AI Scammers and Hoaxes, Pretending to be the ‘General Hospital’ Star