Days Of Our Lives
DAYS Christie Clark Interview: Carrie's return, Patrick Muldoon & if sparks will fly with Rafe!
Courtesy/NBC
As Days of our Lives is now a few weeks into their reboot bringing many longtime favorites back to the fold, viewers are starting to see the beginning seeds of many stories being planted for some time to come. One of the biggest returns was bringing the popular original supercouple pairing of Austin and Carrie back to the screen. One half of the duo, Christie Clark (Carrie) has taken a few trips to Salem over her career. She is back again in the fall of 2012, this time making Carrie Brady Reed more of a force to be reckoned with a distinct new career direction and fighting for justice.
On-Air On-Soaps had the chance to catch-up with Christie today. When we spoke to the earthy and honest actress, we got into the latest developments affecting the lives of Carrie and Austin, Sami and Rafe, and John Black. Plus, what it was like for Christie coming back to DAYS and working with her first leading man, Patrick Muldoon (Austin). Here’s what Christie had to say about it all!
Have you seen the show since the reboot? You had to wait a long time to see your work on-screen!
CHRISTIE: I did. I saw last week’s airshows, but I did not have a chance to check out my DVR this week. So, I don’t even remember what we have done! (Laughs) It seems like so long ago. It is kind of exciting for us in the cast to watch now.
Why the decision to come back to DAYS now? Was it just good timing for you? Or, did the stars just align?
CHRISTIE: A little of both. It seems to always happen that way for me with DAYS. I left in 1998. I went traveling, and studied some Shakespeare, and then I met my husband. Next, I kind of came back into Los Angeles while he was working up in San Francisco. I was twiddling my thumbs a little bit and then DAYS popped up again. Then, that ended and we decided to have a baby, and now we have two children. I love being a mommy, but it is nice being fulfilled artistically as well. Now I go back and forth from San Francisco to Los Angeles. I dip in and I dip out and it’s fantastic. I like both spots. I like L.A. for the obvious reasons of the nice weather and where my industry is, but San Francisco is about clean air and has a lot of Granola and hippie-types, and is more flavorful for me.
Courtesy/NBC
What was it like working with Patrick Muldoon again? It had to be trippy after 16 years!
CHRISTIE: It was really, really trippy! First of all, we think we are still the age we were, and then we look at each other and go, “Oh crap. We are not twenty anymore!” So that is a trip. Then, all of the memories we have. We are in the same building where everything happened 16 years ago. So we have all those fun times to reflect on, and it’s weird. It feels like 16 years have truly flown by!
I think though having Patrick back is very special too. Austin Peck did a good job at making the role his own, but I think Patrick held a special place in people’s hearts.
CHRISTIE: Yes. I heard that and think that, too. But I felt bad for Austin Peck, because when someone originates a role like Peter Reckell did with Bo Brady, for most people if they are really good, that is thee “Austin” or thee “Bo”. It can be hard for another actor coming in and making these signature roles their own.
And it had nothing to do with the actor that replaced them; it had more to do with who the fans identified with the roles. You were replaced at one time too!
CHRISTIE: Yes, I was. But first I replaced Andrea Barber, and then Tracy Middendorf came in for a year…
Courtesy/NBC
… That’s right and we all went, “Who’s this?” (Laughs) So now Carrie is a defense attorney! When you found out that you were going to be a “defense attorney” were you like, “bring it on I can do all this legalese?” Or, “Oh crap. Now I am going to have to learn this type of dialog?”
CHRISTIE: My first reaction was that I called Patrick and he called me. We found out what are jobs were going to be … and he is a Forensic Accountant!
…Which, if you listen to my last podcast with Patrick as special guest, just cracked me up!
CHRISTIE: We did, too! We just were cracking up thinking that these two professions were the two furthest things from either of us. But when it scares you, it’s a good thing. So it really scared the both of us, and I of course, was scared to learn all the lawyer jargon. However, I went and visited my wonderful girlfriend in San Francisco who was a defense attorney. From day one, I said, “OK, I can do this. I see these people and all is well. They are not that much different than me.” After that, I wasn’t scared at all.
So you have done some courtroom scenes now, and when you got to the point of saying, “Well, your honor…” … were you thinking, “This is so surreal?”
CHRISTIE: Yes! I was thinking that this was so surreal and even more than that. But it was such fun to get into those powerful business suits. (Laughs)
Courtesy/NBC
Yeah, she is a “smarty pants” which is great! Now you can kind of see coming up that Rafe and Sami’s relationship could be headed for trouble, and Carrie and Austin’s, since these two came back onto the canvas. It seems like Rafe and Carrie are being thrown together in all sorts of circumstances. Next week, Rafe gets fired and he contacts Carrie with vital information about John! Carrie follows up on Rafe’s lead. So don’t you think this clearly points to something?
CHRISTIE: It seems like that is a direction that could take place between Carrie and Rafe, but what is great about our new head writers is that we don’t really know. I mean, I am working with Galen Gering (Rafe) a lot and our characters are on the same page fighting for John, because Rafe fights for his family, and so we are connecting for sure.
And Austin is reconnecting with Sami, because we know she does not like John, and Austin has evidence to prove John’s guilt in the embezzlement and fraud charges!
CHRISTIE: Yes. Austin and Sami are finding a connection again, but they have not had too many scenes yet. So, I do not if that is the direction they are going to take. Carrie and Rafe are definitely working together, bonding, and having fun.
Now you know, if you got to have a sex-scene with Galen, you would be happy with that!
CHRISTIE: (Laughs) I think that would be swell sure! I like to make sure I have sexual tension with anyone I have scenes with.
Of course! Because in soaps the actors need to play that into their scenes if they want to indicate to the writers a pairing they think would work, or to show the writers how the pairing they have chosen will register on the screen to the viewers at home. And, most importantly if the fans will buy into it.
CHRISTIE: Exactly! And if the fans want it, great!
Courtesy/NBC
Have Alison Sweeney (Sami) and you had any bitch-fights yet as Sami and Carrie?
CHRISTIE: No, not yet. But you know people love that, so I am sure it will happen at some point. I am so enjoying that we are trying to get along, and trying to be the sisters we secretly always wanted to be, but we both find each other difficult to get along with!
I think that is true to life in families. Now on soaps and with you two, there may be a heightened sense of disgust with one another. I think there is that in family dynamics where siblings try to tolerate each other, but in the end it wears off and they go back to the old feelings they have for one another. Try as they might!
CHRISTIE: Yeah, and you just know how to push each others buttons.
I just never knew how Carrie could ever forgive Sami for all the heinous things she did to her!
CHRISTIE: No, and Carrie is trying and has always wanted to, but she was young back then and Sami seems so different now. I am playing it that Carrie does not trust her. I am so pleased that the writers have written that way. If I would just go back and trust Sami right away, that would be lame. They have written it very well.
What I want to see for you now is that Carrie would have a backbone, and not become that wimpy wipe-the- floor-with-her kind of girl again?
CHRISTIE: I agree. I want to know who the mastermind behind all of this is. I feel like it’s our co-executive producer, Greg Meng. I want to know who our Wizard of Oz is, and I am not sure. But honestly, I do think it’s Greg. He really loves Days of our Lives. Somebody is doing what the fans have always wanted. For one thing, they have always wanted Carrie to have a backbone, and they have always wanted the connection with Drake and Deidre as John and Marlena. Everyone wants to see Carrie, John, and Marlena, and that is who I grew up with, or Bo and Hope. I worked with them for years. We are now acknowledging each other and working with each other in terms of family, and it’s great!
Had you seen Deidre Hall (Marlena) and Alison since you had been away from daytime?
Courtesy/NBC
CHRISTIE: I had seen Ali, but unfortunately during my time away, Dee and I did not get a chance to see each other. It’s wonderful to see her again.
While you have been gone, Alison’s career has taken off more … and more … and more!
CHRISTIE: She has turned into quite the business lady and entrepreneur and I am loving watching that, and so impressed by her.
As we wrap up, if you were to describe Patrick Muldoon what would you say? And, most especially for all those Carrie and Austin fans who are very excited that the two of you are back in Salem?
CHRISTIE: I would say, Patrick is a romantic, animalistic Marlon Brando from “Streetcar!”
The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) revealed on Thursday, the lineup of presenters for 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards taking place on Friday, October 30, 2026, at the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles, California.
The ceremony will stream live on the NATAS YouTube channel at YouTube.com/@theemmys and watch.TheEmmys.tv.
Scheduled to present from the current soaps are: Katelyn MacMullen (Willow, General Hospital), Delon de Metz (Zende, The Bold and the Beautiful), James Preston (Nick, The Bay), Paul Telfer (Xander, Days of our Lives), Tamara Tunie (Anita, Beyond the Gates) and Susan Walters (Diane, The Young and the Restless).
Photo: NATAS
In addition soap alums, Crystal Chappell, Lesli Kay, Joe Lando, Eva LaRue, who is also a nominee this year, A Martinez, Juliet Mills, and Alicia Leigh Willis, will also be on hand to present.
The ceremony which celebrates nominated lifestyle programs and dramas will also include presenters: Eva zu Beck (Superskilled with Eva zu Beck), Danielle Chang (Lucky Chow), Sunny Hostin (The View), Derek Hough (Extra), Pati Jinich (Pati’s Mexican Table), Star Jones (Divorce Court), Michael Jr. (Stand Up and Do Something), Judge Greg Mathis (Mathis Court with Judge Mathis), Keke Palmer (Glam Through the Ages), Nischelle Turner (Entertainment Tonight), and Andrew Zimmern (Andrew Zimmern’s Wild Game Kitchen).
The 2026 Daytime Emmy Awards will bring together an exciting mix of presenters representing the full spectrum of daytime television,” said Adam Sharp, President & CEO of NATAS. “From familiar faces in daytime drama to the personalities and creative voices behind talk shows and lifestyle programming, this year’s lineup reflects the breadth of talent that makes daytime so special. We look forward to celebrating the people who continue to shape the genre.”
Matthew Hoffman (Love Island USA, Cheap A$$ Beach Houses) will serve as the ceremony’s Voice of God, bringing his signature comedic narration to the evening’s celebrations. As previously announced, Lifetime Achievement honoree Genie Francis (Laura, General Hospital) will be presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award by her husband, Jonathan Frakes.
So, what do you think about the list of presenters for the 2026 Daytime Emmy Awards? Let us know who you are looking forward to seeing via the comment section below.
For months now, Days of our Lives has teased the character of Dominic Marino. In recent weeks, viewers learned that Marino is on the down low working with Sami Brady’s (Alison Sweeney) apparent fiancé ‘Dante Vitali (Franco LoPresti), and that he is the never-before-heard-of child of Stefano DiMera (the late Joseph Mascolo) and Marlena Evans (Deidre Hall)!
Up until now, the Peacock streaming soap opera has never revealed his face, but that all seemed to change on the Tuesday, October 2o episode of DAYS. In story, Dante met Sami’s parents for the first time, Roman (Josh Taylor) and Marlena.
He shows them a photo of Dominic, which he happened to have on his own phone and even commented he kind of looked like he could be Marlena’s son. The photo, which has quickly made it around Soap Twitter/X, revealed that British-born actor Kyle Pryor is the man in the photo and eagle-eyed viewers actually located said photo on Pryor’s Instagram.
Photo: Peacock
Deadline revealed Pryor started taping at the end of 2025 and will first be seen in the role, on air Monday, November 2. In addition, Days will celebrate its 61st Anniversary with two special episodes featuring Dominic’s arrival, as well the returns of Tony and Anna DiMera, played respectively by Thaao Penghlis and Leann Hunley, on Friday, November 6 and Monday, November 9.
Those in the know, are are that Pryor previously held series regular roles on Australia’s Home and Away, and the UK’s Hollyoaks and guest starred on Emmerdale. In an ironic twist, Pryor appeared in the series Spartacus: Blood and Sand which is the same action series his apparent TV brother, Dan Feuerriegel (EJ DiMera), once appeared in before coming to DAYS.
So excited to see Kyle Pryor take on the role of Dominic Marino as Days of our Lives sets its anniversary story to kick-off with is arrival in Salem? Share your thoughts in the comment section. And in case you missed our latest conversation with Conner Floyd (Chad DiMera) he weighs-in on how Dominic’s appearance will shake things up in Salem. You can check that out below.
Days Of Our Lives
Days of our Lives’ Conner Floyd Talks Dominic Marino Mystery, Chad and Belle, and Susan Seaforth Hayes (Exclusive)
Fasten your seat belts Days of our Lives fans, as the mystery of Dominic Marino continues to unravel on all-new episodes of the Peacock streaming soap opera. Last week, Chad DiMera (Conner Floyd) learned that he may have a half-brother, who may be the biological child of his father, the late Stefano DiMera (the late Joseph Mascolo) and Dr. Marlena Evans (Deidre Hall), giving him great pause, because he knows Stefano had kidnapped Marlena for four years back in the late 80s and early 90s.
Chad has already been hunting down clues with his current girlfriend Belle Black (Martha Madison) in Italy and Salem, which revealed a photo of a young boy with Stefano with the date 1992 on the back of it, hidden inside Stefano’s chess set. So, what’s next?
Conner Floyd chatted on the Michael Fairman Channel in a new virtual interview released on Sunday, October 18, where he spoke on what the new addition to the DiMera family could do to the already dangerous sibling rivalries, the state of Chad’s relationship with Belle and much more.
Photo: JPI
DIMERA RIVALRY
After finding out from EJ (Dan Feuerriegel) that Dominic Marino could be the never-before-heard-of child of Stefano and Marlena, Conner Floyd explained, “I think it blows Chad’s mind a little bit. I think there’s a lot of things working there with old Chad. Obviously, bringing in another DiMera could cause some noise and the whole situation with Marlena’s a little awkward as well because he’s dating Belle, so this could cause a little tiff there. I think his head’s spinning and he does not know what to expect, but I also think he kind of expects that from Stefano, for sure.”
As to how this will change and color Chad’s relationship with EJ, Floyd responded, “Chad knows EJ’s not happy about it and I think he’s going to be real upset if this gets in his way of doing what he wants to do with the DiMera legacy and all that. However, for Chad, I think he’s just going to keep a sharp eye, see what this guy’s about, see if he’s here to cause some trouble or here to be a friend and kinda play it by ear.”
Photo: JPI
BELLE OF MY HEART
With Chad and Belle already being sleuths, Floyd says, you can look for the duo to continue getting to the truth. “I think Chad and Belle are committed to this. They’re going full National Treasure, Nicolas Cage,” says Conner. “They’re going to follow the clues. They’re going to get some answers.”
Since beginning in the role of Chad in June of 2025 and debuting on-screen back in April of 2026, the former Y&R star (where he played Chance Chancellor), says it was Madison who helped him get comfortable in his new surroundings.
“Martha is phenomenal. I couldn’t have asked for a better person to get tagged up with when I started here, just because she knows everybody,” shares Floyd. “She knows where to go, who to talk to. She’ll get the tea if you want, and so it was kind of cool. Martha took me under her wing, showed me the ropes. She’s a sweetheart. I love working with her too. She’s a great actress.”
But, is Chad in love with Belle after such a tortured past with his beloved Abigail Deveraux DiMera? Floyd thinks so! “I think he’s into it. They’re such good friends and they have such a rich history. I think he’s in for the ride. You know, it’s one of those things you probably overlook at first and then they reconnected, and it feels easy and they’re going on these fun adventures.”
MAKING CHAD HIS OWN
Conner had the arduous task of being the successor to Billy Flynn in the role of Chad.. Flynn had played the part for 12 years before deciding to exit and head to Y&R. So, how did Conner approach learning the ins and out of Chad? Floyd shared, “I really dove into Chad when I first got this job. I liked that he kind of walks this tightrope of DiMera and not DiMera, you know. He want to so honor his family roots and really do something for the DiMera family, but he doesn’t want to fall into that trap that all the other DiMera have found themselves in. Chad is a DiMera at heart. He’s got those demons, but he’s just trying to keep them contained.”
Photo: JPI
ICONIC
When Floyd got to DAYS, it was none other than Susan Seaforth Hayes (Julie Williams) who most surprised him in the most delightful way, given that he knew Hayes was a Daytime Emmy Lifetime Achievement Award winner and the current longest-running cast member on the canvas.
“I love working with Susan Hayes! I love her. She’s a sweetheart. Susan is one of the nicest people there. I just thought she was cool and it’s Susan Hayes, you know? We’ve had a lot of scenes together, which is nice,” explained Conner.
“We’ll go to her dressing room, we’ll run our scenes, and then we’ll spend about an hour just talking about life and she’ll tell me about a book she’s reading. She’s such a history buff, which blows my mind. She’ll start dropping all these historical facts on me. I learn something new by the time I walk out of her dressing room every time!”
Now below, check out the full conversation with Conner Floyd via the Michael Fairman Channel.
Weigh-in: Do you like Chad and Belle as couple? Do you think Chad will get to the bottom of the Dominic Marino mystery? If so, do you think Dominic is truly Stefano and Marlena’s son … and what about Rita (Maggie Carney) in all this? Let us know your theories in the comment section.
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Great interview! I’m all for a Rafe/Carrie/Austin triangle. Carrie is definitely more Rafe’s speed than Sami is, and maybe an illicit affair will spice Rafe up a bit (it worked for Carrie when Mike was brought into the picture). Plus watching two of the show’s “good guys” battling it out would be fun to watch. And the bonus, of course, is that it would most certainly shock Sami back into anti-Brady-mode, which would be a very welcome change of pace.
Exactly! I LOVE my Sami always, but anti-Brady mode is the best! And think of all the poetic justice of Sami getting her man stolen from her by her sister. LOL I so hope that’s how it plays out. But, we shall have to watch and see. (I’m going to stock up on popcorn). =)
Oh boy–Great interview with Miss Christie, Michael! 🙂
Well I totally lost any respect for Christie in that interview. And if Carrie sleeps with Rafe-she is dead to me. ha! I really don’t think the writers will go with that,,no matter how bad Christy wants to play that out with Galen! Rafe is too good of man to fall for her or to cheat on Sami!
That Christie Clark cheated me! Hahaha! A few weeks ago she said on Twitter that she feels bad for her co-stars because of all the garlic or onions she ate the night before. Then Galen replied with a tweet that said “Awwww great! :(“. My mind went into suspicious mode. For him to be so annoyed by her breath would mean that she would be kissing him, because they were going to get super close. So I tweeted them both asking if they were making out. She denied it! Now I find out that her and Ali were interviewed and they talked about how Carrie has kissed all of Sami’s hubbies except for one. She hasn’t kissed EJ, so that leads me to believe it’s Rafe after reading this article. Sneaky sneaky! Now this is going to get interesting. Bring on Carrie and Rafe lovin’!
Bring it on. Maybe EJAMI can get a chance as EJOLE are as boring as watching paint dry and for the first time Im actually bored to tears
Why would you want Sami with EJ, the man who raped her? Anyhow, Sami belongs with Lucas.
Conjuring the r-word just to insult others opinion makes you look uncivilized. You have no respect for real victims, because you wouldn’t mention that word in such a nonchalant manner to prop up your own agenda. I hope one day you learn to be more empathetic to other people’s feelings and opinions.
Alistair, to save time you should just copy and paste your comment under every Days-related interview now while you have a little spare time, that way you won’t have to trail all the EJ and Sami fans across the internet leaving the same tired old comment. Elle, I’m with you. It’s uncivilized, disrespectful, insensitive to victims (like myself and thousands of others), and just plain lazy. But by all means – keep it up. You’ve been doing it since 2006. They say you can’t teach an old dog new tricks, after all.
Carrie and Rafe? Um, Yesssssssssssss!!!!!!!!!!! I hope it’s true. haha
Sami and rafe belong together , but if they go that direction with carrie and rafean let sami take austin once and for all.
heck yeah! bring on Carrie and Rafe! he is so dead in the water with Sami. they just don’t have that “wow” factor. but maybe going with a Carrie and Rafe pairing, things could get very spicy! soaps need spice! let’s do this thing! GO CRAFE!
Carrie and Rafe would be DISGUSTING. Carrie belongs with Austin and only Austin! I will be so disappointed with these new headwriters if they brought Carrie and Austin back only to break them up. Ugh!
I agree with you 100 percent
I don’t mind Carrie sparking some jealousy in Sami and keeping her on her toes where her husband is concerned, but I would hate for Rafe and Carrie to have a fling. One of Rafe’s outstanding qualities has always been his devotion to Sami. I’d hate to see that just tossed away. I think the writers are clever enough to keep us entertained with this quad than just relying on bed-hopping them. I’m glad to hear Christie say that the writers are respecting Sami and Carrie’s history and writing them true to form. I can’t wait for more scenes with the sisters!
Carrie belongs with Austin and Sami belongs with Lucas. Rafe and EJ can have each other for all I care.
I’m all for a Carrie/Rafe pairing for a while, but then I was always a bigger fan of Carrie and Mike than I was of Carrie and Austin. This time around, though, I wouldn’t mind if Rafe ended up heading off to Israel by himself.
I hate love triangle,
put Sami and Lucas back together.
I dont give a rats ass about Carrie or Austin or Rafe,let them have each other.
the best act on Days is Nicole and EJ JMO 🙂
i think on days of our lives dan the doctor is going to be maggies son and melanie will be her grand daughter my thought
Rafe and Carrie and Austin triangle might be a nice change since the latest spoilers about Sami’s raunchy behavior. I do hope that it doesn’t derail EJOLE too much though EJ’s so much more respected when he’s not obsessing over Sami and being her whipping boy.