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
DAYS OF OUR LIVES Preview: Kristen Locates an Alive Sophia, How Much Does Rita Know About the Birth of Dominic Marino?
Next week, expected surprises and schemes on Days of our Lives. In official spoilers for episodes streaming on Peacock from October 5-9, it looks like Kristen (Stacy Haiduk) has hunted down a very much alive Sophia Choi (Rachel Boyd), while Marlena (Deidre Hall) admits a deeply concerning confession to her daughter Belle (Martha Madison), and more.
As previously reported, Tajh Bellow (ex-TJ Ashford, General Hospital) is stepping in for one day for Tyler Joseph Andrews in the role of Theo Carver and will share scenes with Gabi (Cherie Jimenez), where Theo finally agrees to go along with Gabi’s plan, after she offered him a job.
Meanwhile, Gabi may have her hands full with Philip (John-Paul Lavoisier) whose big win in Monte Carlo may have sparked his gambling addiction … all over again, but Philip reveals her has a plan.
Photo: Corday Productions
Sydney (Sydney Malekeh) is in for a shock when Dante (Franco LoPresti) arrives in Salem. Why is he in Salem? Is he part of the unraveling of the Dominic Marino mystery, since we know he seemed like he was talking to the man in Monte Carlo?
Will Marlena ever figure out what Rita (Maggie Carney) is hiding about the mystery of Dominic, and if Marlena is truly his birth mother or did something more suspicious go on and how deeply involved is Rita in this whole story?
EJ (Dan Feuerriegel) finally demands answers of his own from Rita after overhearing on today’s Cliffhanger Friday her conversation with Marlena. Will Rita cop to anything?
Then as noted, while everyone thinks Sophia took her own life, after Kristen “murdered” her, Kristen is infuriated to find she is somehow alive working as waitress in a diner in Kentucky. Will Kristen try to kill Sophia yet again?
Take a look at some of the additional spoilers for next week’s action on DAYS below.
Monday, October 5
Joy worries about her future.
Alex surprises Stephanie.
Chanel supports Johnny through a difficult decision.
Tuesday, October 6
Rachel gives Brady cause for concern.
Roman surprises Kate.
Wednesday, October 7
Leo’s good day takes an unexpected turn.
Brady is forced to make a difficult call.
Thursday, October 8
Paulina refuses to give up on Lani.
Chanel asks Johnny for a promise.
Friday, October 9
Stephanie and Alex steal a private moment.
Steve gets troubling news from Johnny.
So, what do you think will happen when Kristen finds that the woman she thought she murdered and framed (making it looking like a suicide) is alive and well and working in a diner far away from Salem? Was Rita more involved with Stefano DiMera than we even know? Who is the birth mother of Dominic? Is it really Marlena or did someone else carrying her child? And what of Dante? Why is he back in Salem? To get at Philip, or something else? Weigh-in via the comment section below.
Days Of Our Lives
‘General Hospital’ Alum Tajh Bellow Fills In for ‘Days of our Lives’ Tyler Joseph Andrews in the Role of Theo Carver
After an earlier post on Thursday, October 1 about General Hospital alumni Tajh Bellow’s (ex-TJ Ashford) upcoming project from Issa Rae’s HOOPAE Digital, comes word that Bellow is temporarily stepping into the role of Days of our Lives Theo Carver to fill in for Tyler Joseph Andrews on the Peacock streaming soap opera.
According to TV Insider, Bellow will be making a one-day appearance next week on the October 6 episode of DAYS as Andrews was unable to make the tape date that was shot 10 months ago on a day last December. Andrews (pictured below) took over the role of Theo in September of 2025.
In Bellow’s upcoming episode as Theo, he will share scenes with Cherie Jimenez (Gabi Hernandez). A DAYS spokesperson tells the outlet that Bellow “stepped seamlessly into the role, and the cast and crew were grateful for his professionalism and commitment, albeit for only one episode.”
Photo: JPI
TAJH WILL BE SEEN IN MULTIPLE PROJECTS IN OCTOBER
As General Hospital fans know, Tajh played the role of TJ Ashford from 2018 to his last appearance in December of 2024. Along the way, he received two Daytime Emmy nominations for his performances as TJ, the last being in 2025 in the Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Daytime Drama Series category.
In addition, bellow along with Y&R alum Loren Lott will be seen starting on October 14 in the new Love Island spoof series, The Compatibility Experiment. The show will drop exclusively on TikTok and the PineDrama platform.
The Compatibility Experiment gives a satirical look at reality dating shows, think Love Island! The story centers around Kelvin (Bellow) and Camila (Lott), whose relationship is put to the test when they join a reality show to try to win a the million dollar prize.
So, what do you think of Tajh stepping in for Tyler Joseph Andrews as Theo on DAYS? Perhaps, the soap opera liked his work that he might be considered for another role in the future bringing Bellow back to the soaps? Let us know your thoughts via the comment section below.
Four cast members are officially on contract at Days of our Lives, according to the soap opera’s closing credits on Peacock and longtime Days expert and historian Jason 47.
Lauren Koslow (Kate), Sydney Malakeh (Sydney), Sal Stowers (Lani) and Jacob Martinez (Javi) are the names that appear in the closing credits in the contracted cast members section. Days of our Lives fans also note that the series tapes ten months in advance of streaming episodes.
As Days of our Lives fans know, Lauren Koslow has played Kate Roberts since 1996, and recently filled-in for Jess Walton in the role of Jill Abbott on The Young and the Restless when Walton was unable to travel from Oregon to Los Angeles during the specific tape dates. But now, Koslow has been re-upped to contract status as of the September 8 episode.
Photo: JPI
SIGNED, SEALED, DELIVERED
Sydney Malakeh is the newest member of the contract players when she debuted on contract status on the September 10th episode. Days fans first met Sami (Alison Sweeney) and EJ’s (Dan Feuerriegel) daughter in scenes in Monte Carlo around a gambling table.
As for Sal Stowers, the actress had been on contract from 2015-2022, then on recurring status with the soap, and would make appearances and limited runs since 2023. Soap fans first saw Sal as Cassandra Foster on Prospect Park’s revival of All My Children in 2013. Sal’s first new contracted episode was noted to be September 16.
Jacob Martinez, debuted on June 30 of this year as the successor to Al Calderon in the role of Javi Hernandez, and has now been bumped up to series regular as of the September 10 episode.
Photo: JPI
CREDITS
According to the referenced posting from Days of our Lives expert and historian Jason 47, he shared, “It took me four weeks to realize, but the same week that Sydney Malakeh (Sydney) debuted (9/7-9/11), “Days” also put Lauren Koslow (Kate), Jacob Richard Martinez (Javi) and Sal Stowers (Lani) on contract.”
Jason47 added, “This confirms the “errors” of Lani being listed in the credits the week of 9/7 but not appearing, and Kate and Javi appearing in the credits the week of 9/14 but not appearing. It also now makes sense why Javi and Sydney are being listed before Rafe and Philip in the credits.”
He also shared, “For the record, Lauren Koslow’s first date back on contract was 9/8, Jacob Richard Martinez was upped to contract on 9/10, Sydney Malakeh debuted on contract 9/10 and Sal Stowers’ first date back on contract was 9/16. The records will be fixed on the website in the coming days.”
So, glad to hear Lauren, Sydney, Sal and Jacob appear to be on contract with Days of our Lives (as of these episode airings)? Share your thoughts via the comment section below.
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Mark Consuelos Celebrates Kelly Ripa’s 56th Birthday on ‘Live,’ But Remember When Wendy Williams Outed the Couple as Married Before Anyone at ‘All My Children’ Knew?
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