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.
Breaking News
53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards Presenters Announced

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.
Days Of Our Lives
‘Days of our Lives’ Reveals Kyle Pryor Cast as Dominic Marino

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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