Days Of Our Lives
DAYS Drake Hogestyn Chats On The Son In Salem John Never Knew He Had!
Photo Credit: Kathy Hutchins
This week, Days of our Lives moves their story of Paul Narita (Christopher Sean) and his bio-dad into high gear! The former mercenary, “pawn” and priest, John Black (Drake Hogestyn) is set to be a dad again! Only it’s not a newborn son, it’s the all grown up son he never knew was his!
As fans had guessed for months, Paul Narita, the gay pro-baseball player turns out to be John Black’s son! Apparently years ago, Tori (Hira Ambrosino) and John had sex resulting in Paul! Recently after was John basically was telling Paul to get out of Salem, he now realizes he better change his tune.
In an interview with TV Guide Magazine’s Michael Logan, the stalwart and enduring Hogestyn revealed his thoughts on the plot twist and if there was any chance John would not be accepting of Paul’s sexuality: “It’s not an issue and that’s very healthy. John is very cool and accepting and that’s important for the audience to see. The more we educate, the more we can fight the fear. This might have played out in a different way 20 years ago. In fact, even as recently as Will’s coming out, the writers had one of our characters having a problem with it but those lines were removed from the script. You can’t do that these days. Well, maybe you could have a villain be homophobic or racist, but you can’t do that with someone like John. [Laughs] He has enough issues of his own! We don’t need to pile it on. If anything, it’s Paul who has a problem. He tells John to go piss up a rope. But John is determined to get to know his son and forge a real relationship.”
Drake also commented on how half of Salem knows before John’s know the secret: “And it’s been right under his nose. He runs into Tori, whom he had a brief relationship with a long time ago, and she’s Japanese. And Paul’s Japanese. And they’re the only two Japanese people in Salem, and John is still not putting it together. [Laughs] It’s like there’s a ton of bricks hovering over his head waiting to drop on him. He really is excited to see Tori. It’s such a warm feeling he gets—she’s like that girl from college that you went to bars and did crazy stuff with. She and John went their separate ways and he never imagined that those couple of nights they spent together had resulted in a child. I’m pretty familiar with the twists and turns of my character and there really wasn’t a time when that would have happened because Tori was working for Stefano and John wasn’t around him then. But we just gloss over that. [Laughs] Oh, well.”
So what do you think of John being revealed as Paul’s dad? Share your thoughts below!
No surprise. I guessed it a few weeks ago.
Me too, no surprise because every time Paul’s mother saw John she almost had a heart attack…
Good for Drake to get a storyline—if he is shown…im all for gay acceptance but to teach and educate cant the show be a little more realistic—because not everyone is cool and accepting, and there is still a lot of discrimination—be truthful and show both sides of the issue because that is the only way you can teach and educate—maybe there is a town biggot who refuses to give Paul a job—at first some think its because he is Japanese but its really because he is gay—why not the biggot turn out to be Chad—let him secretly be against gays—do not bring in a day player like they once did—it could make for a more compelling story…jmo!!!
But will John really be Paul’s father—maybe Stephano is and Tori had the paternity test changed because she hates Stephano and doesnt want him to know???
Well, I like the Paul character, but I really wants DAYS to bring back Swamp Girl, aka Greta!!! I’m still convinced she’s John’s daughter with Princess Gina!!! She could stay in Salem and duke it out with Nicole over Eric!!! Greta/Eric/Nicole was hot back in the day!!!
Only on Days does a soap columnist have to explain the child two characters had came from having sex, and not some other bizarre way- LOL And who knew liking baseball and wearing leather jackets was genetic?
But in all seriousness the better story would have been if Jordan had been John’s and Hope’s daughter when they were the Pawn and Gina– that would have fitted with the history of show, there would have been no need to invent an affair with a stranger to connect a newbie to a core character. But like Drake I will just gloss over that part and ride the wave–at least this twist will give Marlena something to do other than bully Nicole.
I have a question. I started watching Days the week of Sonny and Will’s wedding. I have no concept of time. Was that really a year ago in real time or are we talking storyline time?
It’ll be a year on April 3rd.
“And they’re the only two Japanese people in town….” shhhh don’t tell DEADLINE, for them that’s two too many.
I love it! I’ve wanted this since Paul said he was a professional baseball player, because I’ve always believed it will come out John has baseball in his past too…somebody gave Paul his pitching arm and we’ve seen John’s pitching arm on screen! I’m so happy that finally the talented Drake Hogestyn will be given the opportunity to work out his acting chops! I don’t care that the timeline doesn’t fit, nothing TomSell write makes sense. I’m just happy to see Drake on my screen doing what he does best, selling emotional scripts. I can’t wait until John sees Tori and finds out Paul is his son!
Drake Hogestyn will always be relevant in my eyes
John and Marlena cemented a supercouple status and belong
adding them to the concurrent livelihood of life happen
LOL… is beyond measure
as an actor to carry… an impact that resonates
kudos applause and generates feeling
Never gonna buy this story about John being Paul father sorry,, Linda, As much as I love Drake and want his to have a great story, this just isn’t it EVEN If it does involve baseball. I am happy for Drake in that sense but the rest is total BS no matter who came up with the whole idea John Black is far to manly a guy to be saddle with a son like this. BTW I completely disagree with days doing a gays storyline in the first place. So I guess that makes me homophobic, are some of you GODphobic??? I am I fear him with my whole heart!!!
Your comment doesn’t make sense. Manlyness doesn’t exclude gay offspring. Sorry to burst your bubble.
*manliness
Let me guess “Laura”, you must be from Indiana.
Join the real world, woman.
Please don’t use the word, ‘woman’ in a pejorative manner, even if we disagree with what Laura has to say. She is entitled to voice her opinion. Why should she walk on eggshells when addressing homosexuality? I do not agree with her statement, however, I respect her opinion.
Speaking of speaking one’s mind? I do not like John Black. That thing he does with his eye….actually the entire side of his face, makes me think of Jughead…and his face looks like a question mark….he always has this puzzled look. It is my opinion, as shallow as it may be.
CeeCee…girlfriend…YOU SAID IT…T-H-A-N-K Y-O-U!!!!! H-o-n-e-y…sometimes, I DVR DOOL. And…whenever that DORKY AND DULL John Black pops up on my TV screen (BOTH B-L-A-H AND G-A-G!!!!!), I am S-O ON THE QUICK when it comes to FF through that sleepwalking-looking STIFF John…O-K-A-Y!!!!! As for John and that D-R-E-A-M-Y baseball-playing dude Paul being NuFather and NuSon…HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!! Any-hoo…NOT BUYING IT…AT ALL!!!!! A-n-d…I guess this means that both Paul and that ANNOYING, WHINY AND TEMPER-TANTRUM-THROWING Will are now related…AAAARRRRGGGGHHHH!!!!!! Y-i-k-e-s.
Later on, CeeCee. Peace.
jaybird, I agree that John is stiff and boring.
CeeCee, Drake H.’s bizarre acting style is unsettling, to say the least.
However, if we buy into the theory that he and Marlena are meant to be together, then, at some point, they have to give him a storyline, don’t they? I think it’s high time Drake H. was given something substantial to do. Maybe it will make the character more appealing. Now if the actor can only do something about the ever-present eye squint…
It is just a way to keep another gay character on the show! Don’t see this working out.
Days Of Our Lives
‘Heated Rivalry’ Star Franco LoPresti Opens Up About ‘Days of our Lives’ Debut as Dante Vitali
Next week on Monday, September 14 will mark the first appearance in Salem of Franco LoPresti in his new Days of our Lives role of Dante Vitali.
Heated Rivalry fans now LoPresti very well from his part as hockey player Cliff Marleau in the series first season. (No word yet if Cliff appears in season 2).
Now in a conversation with TV Insider, DAYS fans will learn that LoPresti is on the soap for a limited run. No timetable was given.
Photo: Corday Productions, Inc
When LoPresti does burst onto the scene come Monday, Dante makes quite the impact as Franco LoPresti explains. It seems that viewers will first see him in scenes in Monte Carlo at a poker table with none other than Gabi Hernandez (Cherie Jimenez) and Philip Kiriakis (John-Paul Lavoisier). However, Dante will come to Salem to talk to the Brady family about his supposed fiancée Sami Brady (Alison Sweeney).
Franco shared, “Dante was born and grew up in Italy and educated at this pretty top-tier English boarding school. He then went on to build his own dynasty in finance, all the while trying to distance himself from the Vitali name (as viewers know Tamara Braun played his cousin Ava Vitali).”
“But at the core of Dante, there’s definitely an old-school quality to him”, continued LoPresti. “He’s super passionate, he’s sincere and incredibly generous, but he’s also someone that you probably shouldn’t underestimate. Loyalty is something that means a lot to him. As Dante enters Salem, I think the audience will get to slowly peel back those layers and discover what’s really driving him. So, I’m excited for Days fans to go on that ride with Dante.”
Photo: Almay
As it turns out, LoPresti taped his episodes of DAYS starting back in November 2025 which happened to be weeks before Heated Rivalry became a smash hit.
Franco recalled, “It’s so funny because I thought my episodes would air in a month (on Days of our Lives). But I found out it was nine to 10 months and I was like, ‘I gotta wait that long?!’ So, I’ve been biting my nails, trying not to think about it, and I think it’s actually kind of helped because now it’s here and it’s all coming at me from all different angles. I’m nervous. I’m excited, and I just can’t wait to see it all come together. It’s one of the best jobs I’ve ever had for sure.”
In his personal life, Franco just had his first child with wife, actress Emily Alatalo, just a weeks ago on August 23rd when they welcomed their daughter, Stella into the world.
So, looking forward to seeing Franco LoPresti’s debut come Monday? What do you think about the fact that it’s being reported as a limited run? Do you think Dante and Sami have a chance on-screen or off-screen to be a happy couple? What do you really think brings Dante to Salem sans Sami? Let us know your thoughts via the comment section below.
In a metaphor for the start of the school year and their upcoming anniversary in November, Days of our Lives revealed its “Class of Season 62,” with a very clever yearbook montage on their social media handles, welcoming new cast members, while paying respect to the veterans and “class”-iying the other characters in Salem.
The official Days of our Lives Instagram account shared on the posting, “The Class of Salem Season 62 has arrived. Familiar faces, new names and plenty of personality. Flip through our yearbook for a peek at this year’s class.”
Let’s take a look at how they broke it all down: The Salem Yearbook starts with saying “another unforgettable season,” with some group pics, and then we dovetail into Salem’s new class which features: Sydney Malakeh (Sydney DiMera), Brandon Butler (Mason Whitfield), Angelica Nero (Victoria Kiriakis), Cole Gersmeyer (Thomas DiMera) and Lorelei Olivia Mote (Rachel Black).
Photo: Days of our Lives
Next up, are the likes of: Cherie Jimenez (Gabi Hernandez), John-Paul Lavoisier (Philip Kiriakis), Tyler Joseph Andrews (Theo Carver) and LeeAnn Hopkins (Joy Wesley). Then, in the “Drama Club” section are: Dan Feuerriegel (EJ DiMera) and AnnaLynne Cipriani (Cat Greene).
Following the ‘Recess” section with some group snaps, comes “Homeroom Highlights” with: Abigail Klein (Stephanie Johnson), Eric Martsolf (Brady Black), Rob Scott Wilson (Alex Kiriakis), Lamon Archey (Eli Grant) and Sal Stowers (Lani Price Grant).
The “Salem Spectator” section features: Conner Floyd (Chad DiMera), Greg Rikaart (Leo Stark), Stowers again, and Ashely Puzemis (Holly Jonas). In the “Afternoon Sweets” section look for: Paul Telfer (Xander Kiriakis) and Linsey Godfey (Sarah Horton), Emily O’ Brien (Gwen Rizchech), Stacy Haiduk (Kristen DiMera/Susan Banks), Brandon Beemer (Shawn Brady), plus Jackée Harry (Paulina Price).
Towards the end of the yearbook, veteran performers such as: Mary Beth Evans (Kayla Johnson), Stephen Nichols (Steve Johnson), Lauren Koslow (Kate Roberts) and Josh Taylor (Roman Brady) are featured, plus Deidre Hall (Marlena Evans), James Reynolds (Abe Carver) and Matthew Ashford (Jack Deveraux), Susan Seaforth Hayes (Julie Williams) and Suzanne Rogers (Maggie Kiraikis) with her on-screen daughter, Linsey Godfrey.
The Salem Yearbook comes to a conclusion noting “Big things happening in Salem” and to tune-in on Peacock, where we also find Jacob Martinez (Javi Hernandez), Maggie Carney (Rita Lesley), and a host of other favorites previewing what’s to come this fall.
So, what do you think of the Days of our Lives Class of Season 62? Looking forward to seeing what happens in Salem? Did you like the yearbook concept for promotional tune-in? Let us know via the comment section below.
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Days Of Our Lives
‘Days of our Lives’ Head Writers Give Fall 2026 Preview: Marlena and Stefano’s Chess Mystery, The Arrivals of Dante and Sydney, Romance Drama for Sarah and Others
As summer comes to a close with Labor Day weekend, the former Days of our Lives co-head writing duo of Paula Cwikly and Jeanne Marie Ford have given their annual fall season preview in episodes taped some 10-11 months ago.
As previously reported this past July, Ryan Quan returned to Days of our Lives and is now co-head writing the show with Ford, while Cwikly is now a consultant. The new co-head writing teams stories will not be seen till late spring/early summer 2027.
So for now, the stories pick up from where we left off with Cwikly and Ford promising via TV Insider, “Fall in Salem is full of twists and turns and secrets and surprises. Dots connect in unexpected ways as seemingly unrelated threads converge.”
Photo: JPI
CHECKMATE?
In one of the top mystery’s, Marlena is still having troubling memories and she will have another one on the Monday, September 7 episode. Meanwhile, her daughter Belle (Martha Madison) has gotten very close to Chad DiMera (Conner Floyd) and as pictured here, the two smooch while in Italy searching for answers to the chess set that Stefano DiMera gifted th the late John Black and Marlena (Deidre Hall) that has some significance.
The head scribes share, “The (chess board) mystery and its fallout are central to the fall stories. Chad and Belle follow the clues to a discovery that changes both of their families, and Salem, forever. Marlena worries that their investigation/the chess set may be a Pandora’s box that has been opened. And she is right…”
Newcomers are also the order of the day for Cwikly and Ford, this fall. We have already seen the debut as Brandon Butler as Mason Whitfield, and next week you can add as previously reported Sydney Malakeh on the Thursday September 1o episode as Sydney DiMera, followed by the the Monday, September 14 arrival of Franco LoPresti as Dante Vitali.
Photo: Corday Productions
Paula and Jeanne Marie expressed on the incoming Dante, “The arrival of a stranger who will set the whole town on its ear. The character has several strong ties to the current canvas and impacts many storylines.” What will Dante be up to? We know Sami Brady (Alison Sweeney) had mentioned in 2025 she got engaged to the man, but that was off-screen.
LOVE THE ONE YOU’RE WITH OR THE ONE YOU WANT?
In the romance department, the triangle between Brady/Sarah/Xander heats up with a very conflicted Sarah (Linsey Godfrey). The head writers reveal, “When Sarah faces attacks personally and professionally, Xander (Paul Telfer) and Brady (Eric Martsolf) work together to help and protect her. Sarah’s new love for Brady is challenged by her lingering love for Xander. Xander risks everything for Sarah.”
In addition look for, “Gabi (Cherie Jimenez) and Philip (John-Paul Lavoiser) to draw closer as he tries to save the family company and home.”
Kristen (Stacy Haiduk) will also be returning at some point this fall and she won’t be alone. Who might she bring with her? And from the looks of the Peacock promo for next week’s DAYS, someone is wearing Stefano’s ring around their finger, but who … and how does it all tie in this fall?
So, what do you think about some of the highlights coming up this fall on Days of our Lives per the series head writers? Does anything float your boat or pique your interest? If so, what? Let us know via the comment section. But first, check out the action next week on DAYS in the promo entitled “Bag of Tricks” below.
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