Days Of Our Lives
DAYS Confirms the Character of Will Horton is Coming Out!
Courtesy/NBC
In the midst of persistent speculation, and seemingly some brakes put on along the way, it has now been confirmed by Days of our Lives that it is indeed Will Horton (Chandler Masseey) that will be revealed as another gay character on the canvas, following Freddie Smith (Sonny) who joined the show this past summer.
EW.com released this statement from Chandler Massey, about Will’s upcoming coming out story: “I’m thrilled to be able to portray my character in an empowering way that will show his struggle to accept who he is. It is my hope that this storyline will inspire others to be true to themselves as well.”
“DAYS Co-Executive Producer, Greg Meng explained, “Will’s sexual orientation will become obvious to the viewers as well as family and friends but his journey toward self-acceptance is expected to unfold over the next few weeks, the show says. We are excited to have the encouragement and support from both NBC and Sony to tell the inspiring story of a young man learning who he is as he defines and creates his relationships with others.”
EW.com also states that for now, the show won’t say whether Will eventually hooks up for Sonny.
So are you looking forward to Will Horton’s coming out story? Let us know!
Now that this year’s 53rd annual Daytime Emmy Nominations have been announced, several of the acting nominees will share their reactions and more to learning they are going for gold when the ceremony rolls around on October 30.
However, tonight on Tuesday July 14 beginning at 8pm ET/5pm PT, Michael Fairman once again host his 12th annual Daytime Emmy Nominations special live on You Tube’s Michael Fairman Channel.
Scheduled to appear thus far are: Beyond the Gates stars, Lead Actress nominee: Karla Mosley (Dani), Supporting Actress nominee: Trisha Mann-Grant (Leslie), and Supporting Actor nominees: Mike Manning (Smitty) and Timon Kyle Durrett (Bill).
From The Young and the Restless: Lead Actress nominee Michelle Stafford (Phyllis), Lead Actor nominee Christian LeBlanc (Michael), Supporting Actress nominee Camryn Grimes (Mariah) and Supporting Actor nominee Sean Dominic (Nate).
In addition look for General Hospital’s Supporting Actress nominee Amanda Setton (Brook Lynn), from Days of Our Lives, Outstanding Guest Performer nominee, Christopher Sean (Paul) and from The Bold and the Beautiful Lead Actor nominee Scott Clifton (Liam) and Supporting Actor nominee Lawrence Saint-Victor (Carter) plus more featured guests.
So, what did you think of this year’s Emmy nominations for Beyond the Gates, General Hospital, Days of Our Lives, The Bold and the Beautiful and The Young and the Restless?
Be with us in the live chat with your questions and comments on this year’s nominations and for our special guests.
For upcoming celebrity features, livestreams, special event coverage and more, make sure to “subscribe” to the Michael Fairman Channel.
So, looking forward to tonight’s special show with the nominees? Let us know via the comment section below and if you can’t be with us live, if you have any questions you want posed to our special guests and we just might ask during the broadcast.
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.
TONIGHT: Daytime Emmy Nominations Special 2026 Live: Nominated Guest Line-Up
53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Nominations Announced: ‘The Young and the Restless’ Tops With 18, ‘Beyond the Gates’ With 16
‘General Hospital’s’ Steve Burton Shares Reaction to His Lead Actor Daytime Emmy Nomination, ‘It Was to Honor Leslie Charleson’
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Jason Reconnects with Danny; Tristan Roberts Arrives in Port Charles, Lots of Nods to #16
53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Nominations: Outstanding Lead Actress Drama Series
Scott Bryce, ‘As the World Turns’ Craig Montgomery, Passes Away at 68
Randolph Mantooth, ‘Emergency!’ and ‘Loving’ Actor, Dies at 80
‘The 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards’ Nominations Announcement Date Revealed: Who Will Be Going For Gold?
Steve Burton Returns to ‘General Hospital’ on Its 16,000th Episode: How Will Jason Be a Changed Man?
‘Daytime Emmy Nominations Special 2026’ Live on the Michael Fairman Channel
TONIGHT: Daytime Emmy Nominations Special 2026 Live: Nominated Guest Line-Up
‘General Hospital’s’ Steve Burton Shares Reaction to His Lead Actor Daytime Emmy Nomination, ‘It Was to Honor Leslie Charleson’
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Jason Reconnects with Danny; Tristan Roberts Arrives in Port Charles, Lots of Nods to #16
GENERAL HOSPITAL Spoilers Promo: Jason’s Back, Drew Begins to Make His Move, Portia Goes Into a Labor
Scott Bryce, ‘As the World Turns’ Craig Montgomery, Passes Away at 68
-
As The World Turns2 days agoScott Bryce, ‘As the World Turns’ Craig Montgomery, Passes Away at 68
-
Breaking News4 days agoRandolph Mantooth, ‘Emergency!’ and ‘Loving’ Actor, Dies at 80
-
Beyond the Gates6 days ago‘The 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards’ Nominations Announcement Date Revealed: Who Will Be Going For Gold?
-
General Hospital4 days agoSteve Burton Returns to ‘General Hospital’ on Its 16,000th Episode: How Will Jason Be a Changed Man?
-
Beyond the Gates2 days ago‘Daytime Emmy Nominations Special 2026’ Live on the Michael Fairman Channel
-
General Hospital2 days ago‘General Hospital’s’ Rory Gibson Ties the Knot with Alicia Ruelas
-
General Hospital6 days agoKelly Kruger Set to Debut on ‘General Hospital’: Why Serena Baldwin Comes Back to Port Charles Revealed
-
General Hospital3 days ago‘General Hospital’s’ Lisa LoCicero Pays Tribute to Her ‘Loving’ Leading Man Randolph Mantooth
I’m glad they waited until Marlena arrived, to tell you the truth. The scenes with those two so far show that chemistry is not something only a romantic couple must have. The day Massey and Hall shared the scene at Horton Square where she reminded him he had mentioned something in emails he wanted to talk about–nothing cane out, but the scene was still amazing! Can’t wait for more. (Too bad Will’s dad won’t be around, too!)
Awesome! About time! I’m really looking forward to this storyline.
I am escatic about this storyline, it’s about time Days has done a storyline like this. I hope it paves the way for other soaps to do it this kind of story. (Like OLTL with Jack Manning)
I am tired of every single show jumping on the bandwagon. In every show the topic of homosexuality ends up being the exact same.
Yea, Ellen because all of the straight couple storylines of mixed up DNA tests, surprise pregnancies, marrying every family member, surprise family members company to town are so original! LOL
believe me, its not original. its the same storyline used on every single show that introduces gays. big deal. generic storyline for soaps now.
Not really a bandwagon , Ellen . It’s life for some of us . like it or not , we exist EVERYWHERE . Now the fictonal town of Salem has a couple of gays ! About time ! Who in the world of 2011 doesn’t know or is somehow connected to a homosexual ??? You calling this storyline a bandwagon gives me the impression that your interaction with the current world is stiffled and naive .
never did i say i was against it, if you read the second part you’ll see i said in how it is presented. its getting old now.
Maybe that’s because the “topics” we deal with are universal human “topics” experienced by everyone regardless of sexual orientation. We’re all the same inside, but equally as important we all form a diverse society and that it’s important that diversity be represented in every aspect-soap operas included.
actually, no.
One thing that is “same old, same old” is prejudice. Maybe this storyline will raise your consciousness and dispel some of your opposition to gay and lesbian characters being integrated into shows that had been straight-only. I’m actually going to start watching for the first time-just like I did when “Luke” came out on ” As The World Turns.”
I’m looking forward to this storyline. I love his relationship with Marlena and I’m looking forward to whom he comes out to. For me I hope he come’s out to Marlena as Deidre and Chandler have such wonderful chemistry together.
Can’t wait to see whom Will trusts enough to share his secret:)
This looks like a good storyline compared to the other awful storylines they have at the moment. EJ and Nicole have literally bored me to tears!
Maybe this could be the storyline that fills the void for those of us who followed Luke and Noah so closely on ATWT.
This is great, I was wondering what was going on with Will. Could tell he was checking that guy out during the town square opening.
Homosexuality is a fact of life not a bandwagon topic. It should be discussed. If this story line can help anyone, then it is wonderful. The fact that these are characters from major families is commendable. I’m looking forward to it. Hopefully they will bring Lucas home to help his son!
its political correctness
LUCAS LUCAS LUCAS
help your son Will HORTON
This storyline will be pointless without Lucas. They need to bring back Bryan Datillo. Will will need his father and I’m sorry but Rafe is not his dad. I don’t understand why Lucas is the only one who has not come back of the original 6 who were rumored to be coming back this past summer. Do the writers dislike him that much? Lucas/Lumi still has a lot of devoted fans. I don’t understand why they won’t bring him back.
Ejami is maybe the most popular potential pairing this show have had in years but years after years these writers NEVER give them a chance so Lucas not being here is not surprising as a wasted potential for a good story..Rafe seems to be the ‘new’ Lucas sadly..except Lucas was an interesting character whereas Rafe is the epitome of BORING..no wonder you are LAST in the ratings Dool..no wonder..you are not smart to say the least.
Hey Guys I have not watched this show in years but did it ever occur to somebody that Ellen was not making a homophobic statement maybe just maybe she might have been suggesting writers just throw something against the wall and try to make it stick. The case of writers for soap operas has been established they are not like the old days and just maybe you might want to consider she thanks they will screw this up also. Hey Ellen I never respond when I get attacked so yes you can thank me! Ha!
I am not so sure how I feel about Will being gay, but now that we know they are going that route, what a perfect opportunity to bring back Lucas. The story line just won’t be right unless they bring his father back to support him.
I’d be happier if there were some signs that Will was gay prior to this storyline coming out of nowhere. It just feels to me like Will is ‘turning gay’ rather than that he was gay all along. Not that I expect 100% realism on the soaps (LOL), but I at least expect that of a storyline of this magnitude.
People do not “turn” gay. When you say you wanted some signs that he was gay earlier, why should that be when in real life, many people do not release “signs?” In real life many guys date girls exclusively and they are still gay. They just repress it or sweep it under the rug in theor own mind. Which is probably what Will has done until recently now that he has become friends with a gay person.
Maybe the show will show that. So far they haven’t.
First of all the idea that Will is gay has been totally obvious for a long time. In fact if you didn’t know, he and Chad have so much chemistry, they gave themselves a couples name Chill! Second of all, you seem to have absolutely no idea how it works to come out. The first person you have to get on board with it is yourself. Coming out to oneself is sometimes the hardest part. Noone wants to be different as a teenager. So sometimes people repress those feelings until they are mature enough to deal with them. Not everyone springs from the womb ready to proclaim their sexuality! I was in my late 20s before I came out to everyone. It starts out as a very private issue that people do not usually discuss unless there is some sort of indication that the person is going to be totally accepted. Will has dated this one girl, who has been the agressor most of the time in the relationship.It is totally believable and within a normal situation for a young man to date and even have sex with a girl before he comes out. In fact it is also normal for the boy or girl to get married and have children before coming out. So your idea of realism is totally not on par with reality
First of all, I am gay and have been my entire life (I’m 39) so your need to educate someone you don’t even know on the coming out process, something I’m well aware of or the realities of others coming out, another thing that I’m well aware of, was unnecessary.
I was commenting on the fact that I felt that this plotline came out of nowhere. Maybe after it plays out I’ll feel differently. But thanks for reemphasizing to me why I normally never comment in online forums. If I had the power to remove the comment (something this site apparently doesn’t give the option to do), I would.
I am sorry if I missunderstood your comments but I stand by my defence of this story. There has been plenty of subtext and ground work laid for this story. For anyone to say it came out of nowhere is to have not been paying much attention. Chad and Will for two years have been playing this crush situation. Then the writers got on board and after Chad got a girl, then Will got into this uneasy uncomfortable relationship with Gaby. He has been half hearted at best and very uncomfortable with this relationship. The sex between them has been blah and when they did do it, it was after alot of pressure being put on him. He doesn’t really think of Gabi as his girlfriend obviously because he didn’t introduce Gabi as such to his grandmother. He also didn’t mention her or anything about himself to her in his emails. Something has been going on internally with him for a while. So to say this is coming out of nowhere is just inaccurate.
Hi Mark, I totally agree with you and couldnt have said it better.
I’m bi-racial and I would love to see an interracial couple on the show. There are so many racist people who watch soap opera’s who believe that race mixing is wrong. It’s 2011 and people care more about the color of someone skin then the state of the economy.
true. interracial relations are still the most controversial, even more controversial than homosexuality. the fact that days can’t even do a storyline on that should be a warning that the gay storyline ain’t gonna pan out. pc police will be on their way picketing days in no time when they realize how limited in scope this will be.
I am very excited to see this storyline unfold. I have been watching Days for 15 years and to finally have a character to be able relate to is a wonderful thing.
I have been watching this show for the last 40 years and will continue to watch it til the day it ends or I am gone, and that won’t be for a long time. This show is what real life is like for people. I love all the cast of days and I think Will should come out…I have known for a long time he was gay and the story line will once again be great. I do not find Rafe boring as one person had said I think he is just a different person than Lucas and I am sure Lucas will return to help his son, although Will loves Rafe as well. They are all great actors and actresses on this show and I say thanks for all the years of hard dedicated work to keep us all with you 🙂
Debbie, i, too have been watching Days for 40 years. My mother and i used to watch it together. i am very proud of Chandler Massey who plays Will as he comes from my home town, Atlanta, GA. I think he is a tremendously talented young man and good looking to boot. i have to admit that i am tired of Sami always screwing (pun intended) up her relationships. She has a great man in Rafe but can’t stay away from EJ long enough to realize it. or maybe she doesn’t want a good man. Anyway i too will continue to watch until it goes off the air, or until i do.
This is great! Cannot wait to see how this will all unfold!
I heard that Sonny and Chad are going to be fighting over Will after he tells them he is gay. Chad will then reveal he is also gay, and that he’s in love with Will. Sonny will tell Will the same, and the triangle will begin. It has been speculated that the three of them will be in a relationship all together, when Will cannot decide whether he wants Sonny or Chad. They will all agree to just be together as a threesome, and will move in together, much to the dismay of Victor and Lucas, who will return soon. Also, I have heard that it will be revealed that EJ is John’s son. Also, Madison, Rafe, Gabbi, Melanie, and Daniel will be written off the show (no great loss on any of them).