Days Of Our Lives
DAYS Freddie Smith Charged With OVI and Vehicular Assault In Car Crash Incident!
Photo Credit: Kathy Hutchins
The latest report from the Star-Beacon, the local Ashtabula, Ohio news and online outlet, has that Days of our Lives star Freddie Smith (Sonny Kiriakis) was formally charged Friday with operating a vehicle while intoxicated and vehicular assault, according to the Ashtabula County Prosecutor’s office.
From the Ohio State Highway Patrol: Freddie 26, was legally drunk on October 7th when he crashed his car on Route 84 in Kingsville Township Smith, lost control of the Mazda 6 he was driving on a curve in the road. His girlfriend, actress Alyssa Tabit, 27, of North Hollywood, Calif., was seriously injured in the crash and is now recovering from her injuries. OSHP also reported that Smith’s blood alcohol test result was .093, when the legal limit in Ohio is .08.
In terms of the charges: Vehicular assault is a fourth-degree felony, and the OVI charge is a first-degree misdemeanor, Ashtabula County Assistant Prosecutor Cecilia Cooper revealed. (In Ohio, OVI is an acronym for Operating a Vehicle Impaired). An arraignment date has not been set.
So what do you think of the charges brought upon Freddie Smith and information from the OHSP? Share your thoughts below!
Don’t drink and drive. Period.
Hope he gets a good 20-40 years in prison. I have no sympathy for these drunk drivers whether it be Colleen Zenk-Pinter or Kristoff St. John or this douche.
After all the public info campaigns and education about NOT drinking and driving, people still do. I’ll never understand it.
Call a cab. Call a friend for a ride. Call a car service. Just do NOT drink and drive.
As far as Freddie goes, he’s damn lucky he didn’t kill someone.
This might be a dumb question, but was is OVI?
Did you read the article?
Yes. Why don’t they just call it a DWI or DUI? This is my first time of hearing of an OVI.
I think it is just an issue of what different states call it.
@Lou…Michael gives the definition in the article but I’d never heard that acronym either. LOL…yes, why DON’T they just keep it as DWI or DUI or DUMB? 😉
Ohio changed the wording in 1982..it still stands for the same charge.
the article said operating a vehicle impaired……………………
Operating a Vehicle under the Influence – OVI
I think they change it from DUI to OVI to make it clearer that you can get charge for operating a vehicle, not just while driving it, meaning if you go in your car drunk, turn on the engine and fall asleep, the cops could still charge you with impairment– it is just a more precise term for what the law covers than driving—
I like Freddie Smith on Days Of Our Lives and hope he will stay with the serial for many years in his break-through role. The injuries from the car accident and the pending trial could keep him off Days Of Our Lives for a long time. So hard for an actor to juggle his work life and keep his personal life and problems in balance at the same time.
And the injuries more seriously attached to his passenger??? If he’s not done he will be. Ohio takes great joy in low level cases that cause major hoopla on a national stage. He’s going to be jailed!!!
Do you have an idea of how long he will be jailed?
He should serve a good 20 years in prison.
His blood alcohol level means they could double hits sentencing time. He will have to serve some time or the courts will look bad.
They are lessening the charges. Only vehicular assault even though the law states it should aggravated vehicular assault. He will get with a wrist slap. Disgraceful.
Hopefully this does not affect Freddie’s career and he uses it as a wake up call. He and his girlfriend were very lucky to not be more seriously injured. I think Freddie is a good guy who made a stupid mistake that millions of others have made. Let him do some public service and move forward. Best wishes to his girlfriend for a swift and speedy recovery.
“… Freddie is a good guy who made a stupid mistake ”
I can only hope… that he and his girlfriend work through this and just look forward
it’s a mindless misdeed.. that shouldn’t go unpunished (inexcusable)
Don’t GLOSS over a laminated page…it distorts the TEXT…or do I mean TRUTH
Just as a frame of reference until about a decade ago the legal limit in most states was .10. The federal government coerced states to lower it to .08 in order to receive highway funding.
That is not to in any way excuse what Freddie has done – he took a stupid risk, violated the law, and caused harm to himself, his girlfriend, and his vehicle. He is VERY lucky the injuries were not more severe.
However, to put it into context I do think it helps to understand that this young man was not exactly falling down drunk. The amount of alcohol in his system was relatively small. More likely he is a characteristically dangerous and speedy driver and that plus the small amount of alcohol caught up with him.
I reiterate that I hope he learns his lesson and makes wiser choices in the future. However I do not think that this needs to have any major repercussions on his career. There won’t be a trial or anything like that. He will lose his licence for a time and possibly do some community service. That is the appropriate punishment here.
Drinking and driving, texting and driving, distracted driving – it is all the same thing.
When it comes down to it, most Americans fail to remember that
DRIVING IS A PRIVILEGE NOT A RIGHT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
And whenever you have a passenger, you have precious cargo. You need to be responsible for those in your vehicle and those other vehicles on the road.
I am so sick of the irresponsible people behind the wheel – and it isn’t just automobiles. Look at the casualties from public transportation – ferries and trains. This world needs to wake up and realize it is not all about the individual and his/her needs like no one else exists.
OOPS! I forgot to add to my last message that if Days Of Our Lives tapes 4 months and a half ahead of schedule, it will probably be in late February when we notice Freddie Smith is not on Days so much, if he took time out to heal from his injuries and the pending trial.
Put him in jail, what a jerk for drinking and driving. His girlfriend almost died. I hope Days of Our Lives fires Freddie Smith, and recasts the role of Sonny. Freddie you should have taken the cab, give your head a shake Freddy.
I dont understand why he wasnt given a DUI at the time of the accident. The police report stated alcohol and speed were involved.
I’ve heard of..
DWI .. DUI .. but never of OVI …
I’m happy they were not DOA!
Freddie is a really fine young man. I hope people who were affected to forgive him.
I perfectly know that what he feels right now is enough torture.
I wish that Freddie remain strong, my wishes also go to Alyssa that she will get healed.
we all need to be positive and learn from all incidents of our lives and others as well !
we love you Freddie and Alyssa !
From the severity of the crash and injuries it sounds like the charges should be more serious then a misdemeanor and fourth level felony. Hope he takes these charges seriously and gets the help he needs. If he needs to leave the show for that to happen then he should, dealing with this and why he thought it was OK to drink and drive is most important. He is so lucky no one was killed.
It’s very sad that he chose to drive drunk and not only put himself and his passenger at risk, but others on the road as well. He’s lucky he didn’t kill anyone. I wonder why his passenger got in the car with him. Was she sober?
How many times have we had imprinted in our brains DO NOT DRINK AND DRIVE. I like Freddie and love the character of Sonny, but what he did was wrong, and should be held accounted for the actions he’s caused. This is simply unacceptable. He could’ve killed himself, his girlfriend or anyone else for that matter, due to his negligence on the road. I’m disappointed.
He will get a slap an the wrist. My sister has a problem and has maybe 6 or 7 DUI in Ohio. She didn’t serve time until maybe the 4 or 5th. Probation is my guess.
Did she injure anyone at anytime all that happened? I sure hope you and your family stepped in with an intervention! That’s certainly nothing to brag about. He caused injuries in an accident!
No One hurt. You can’t force an addict to get help. I’m using the tough love approach.
Sad but true 🙁
Michelle.. Tough love is more than closing your eyes in the middle of winter and hoping when you open them it’s SUMMER… she needs your help before she’s in the news.. Hopefully she’s better but if not….
Lawyers will plead it down probation community service fines probably request rehab. My girlfriend was killed by a drunk driver a year ago the person has still not went to trial and still running around taking no responsibility for the tragedy. He does not need to continue to have a job show him the exit door.
So sorry. I can’t imagine how you feel. . But that would leave me with a lifetime of anger!
Thanks I know I came off harsh about this actor but I have zero tolerance for these actions stay home and celebrate or get a designated driver. He made a mistake yes I would like to think he will learn something from it but I am sorry we have hollywood and politicians out there excusing their behavior with look at me I am a big shot when most of them aren’t fit to kiss my boots. Private business owner never have drawn an unemployment check in my life raised by a farmer and a business owner we were never given a chance for excuses you screwed up you owned it. Rant over!
Also just so you will know she did make-up and hair for a lot of Broadway shows she was a wonderful human being. SO actors take note please do not drink and drive stay home or hire a driver you have the money!
k/kay…girlfriend…you have EVERY RIGHT to be H-A-R-S-H!!!!! As far as I’m concerned, drunk drivers are nothing but CONNIVING CREEPS AND COWARDS who act like they’re above the law…which they AIN’T!!!!! Honey…the fact that your girlfriend’s killer (one year later) is STILL running around and all scot-free…N-O. That just proves to me that THE SO-CALLED JUDICIAL SYSTEM in our country is STILL W-A-Y TOO LENIENT when it comes to drunk drivers!!!!! k/kay, check this out: Back in the early ’90’s (1991, I think), a friend of my mom’s had an older brother who was killed by a drunk driver. He was less than 10 minutes away from his house (aka almost home) when this happened. His killer (a female college student who was B-O-T-H drunk and high as a kite!!!!!) got off scot-free!!!!! No jail and/or prison time, no license REVOKED…NOTHING!!!!! To this day, this COWARDLY CHICK (whoever she is) REMAINS FREE!!!!! BEYOND UNFAIR!!!!! k/kay…if you wouldn’t mind, I will keep you and your friend’s family in my thoughts and in my prayers. k/kay…STAY STRONG SWEETHEART!!!!!
Peace.
I was going to leave this alone but here goes about a year ago every soap columnist in the world was hanging a wonderful actor out to dry for a alleged sexual harrassement charge. Unfounded charges bullshit rumors! But somehow when a actor pulls a dumb shit act like driving drunk he is just misunderstood. I am sorry everybody is sick with their double standards! I hope this actor has a wake up call but to even put thes guys in the same ball park makes me sick!
Am I angry you dam right I am thanks Jaybird you are a nice guy!!!
Kudos to k/kay and jay! And my sincere sympathies to k/kay.
People need to be held accountable for their crimes, particularly when there is loss of life or personal injury. As so many others at this thread have stated eloquently, there is no reason to get behind the wheel of a car impaired in any way. In addition to drunk drivers and high drivers, we also have to worry about texting drivers. As I learned in driver’s ed (a long, long time ago), driving is a privilege, one that takes skill and responsibility. Distractions and impairments adversely affect the operation of a motor vehicle.
If one is impaired, there is no dishonor in asking for assistance to return home safely. And most friends/family won’t mind providing that assistance, especially in lieu of the possibly deadly alternatives…
When you make choices you chose the consequences of that choice, by choosing to drive while impaired you are accepting the risk that you could cause an accident, kill or seriously injured an innocent bystander and risk being charged and convicted of various things.
I just don’t understand in this day and age when the risk factors of driving while impaired is so well known and proclaim, why people don’t have some kind of alternative mode of getting home in place if they chose to drink is beyond me. You don’t have to be falling down drunk to be impaired, which why so many still believe they are okay to drive, they don’t think they are “drunk”.
Being charged and being convicted are two different things, so he will have his day in court to either take responsibility for his choice or prove they are wrong about his impairment level. But whatever the outcome in the court room I hope he will use his status and experience to help the public awareness campaign against driving and drinking.
I agree Mary SF… you think everything is fine until that engine kicks over. . You’re no longer caught up in the partying mayhem but on the street. . In a car. . Calmed down. . And THAT’S when the alcohol kicks in! !
The prosecutor is lessening the charges. Because the OHP and the victim family asked him too. So he will walk away scott free. He will do no time. and maybe pay a fine. That’s what it means to be a celeb in this country. You get to do what you want but you don’t get due punishment because you’re a celeb. Oh and MAYBE he’ll get probation. Big whoop, he will be in Calif. So what does he care and what do calif laws care. It truly is sad when appropriate charges are not filed because of who you are.
I think they should give him a chance. Since it is just his first time.
That is what is wrong with this country.
Oh, it’s just his FIRST time. So when he is a distracted driver (in any capacity the next time), what do you think should happen?
I repeat, DRIVING IS A PRIVILEGE AND NOT A RIGHT!
We don’t know if Freddie Smith has anything else on his driving record from the past, nor if he has any past charges on him, so we assume this is his first-time offense.
If the girlfriend wanted to press charges of her own against him for drunk driving and negligence, dangerous and reckless driving, putting her in harm, whatever a lawyer could add to it, she most certainly could do that.
There is nothing for us to think about the charges against Freddie. They are what they are. I would like to know the penalties for both charges. Is jail time a possibility? If so, the writers may have to write in a temporary trip out of Salem for Sonny so that he can fulfill his obligation to the State of Ohio.
I am glad Freddie and his girlfriend are okay.
I don’t think the authorities in Ohio will care one hill of beans about what Days of our lives fans think about their decisions in this matter.
Days Of Our Lives
‘Brilliant Minds’ Officially Canceled After 2 Seasons at NBC; DAYS Alum Al Calderon, OLTL Alum Teddy Sears and Zachary Quinto Among the Cast
After languishing on the bubble for months, on Friday, NBC handed down the decision and canceled the medical drama Brilliant Minds after two seasons.
Brilliant Minds stars Zachary Quinto as neurology physician Oliver Wolf, who’s character and the series is inspired by the life and books of neurologist. Oliver Sacks. The series focuses on the medical mysteries of the mind, as Wolf a larger-than-life neurologist and his team of interns explore the last great frontier, the human mind, while grappling with their own relationships and mental health.
The final six episodes of what will now be the end of its second and final season were already set to air beginning on May 27, after being pulled off the network schedule in February as viewership saw a steep decline. Brilliant Minds second season became the lowest-rated drama on linear TV viewing, which didn’t bode well fo a network renewal, although it had its hard core fan base.
Photo: NBC
There are some exceptional notables in the cast along with the talented Quinto that includes Days of Our Lives alum, Al Calderon (ex-Javi Hernandez) who joined the series in its second season as Nurse Nico Silva, and One Life to Live alum, Teddy Sears (ex-Chad Bennett) who plays Wolf’s love interest and fellow physician, Dr. Josh Nichols.
The rest of the talented cast includes: Tamberla Perry, Ashleigh LaThrop, Alex MacNicoll, Aury Krebs, Spence Moore II, Donna Murphy, John Clarence Stewart, and Brian Altemus.
In an ironic twist of fate on Thursday, April 30, Days of Our Lives finally revealed the actor who was Al Calderon’s successor in the role of Javi, when they announced that actor Jacob Martinez had now stepped into the role. Since DAYS tapes ten months ahead of streaming new episode, Calderon left in the spring of 2025, but will be seen in the part for the final part this month, and then on June 20, Martinez debuts as Salem’s new Javi.
Taking to his Instagram with a sorrowful and heartfelt post on the Brilliant Minds cancellation was Teddy Sears who wrote, “Thank you, Brilliant Minds. I got the call today and I didn’t want to hear, but I knew that it would come, You have to be a particular vintage to quote Don Henley from memory, but that’s the line that came to mind earlier today after I got off the phone with our inimitable showrunner Michael Grassi who delivered the news that NBC has cancelled the series”.
Photo: NBC
Sears continued, “To say that I feel sad to be moving on from these stories, this character, and this cast and crew just doesn’t paint the entire picture. I’m sad, sure. But I’m also deeply grateful that I got hired to play this part, so proud of the stories we told, and the other actors I got to play alongside. I’m excited to see what comes next, what adventures await, and terrified to be without a professional home. A quick and heartfelt thank you to everyone, all over the globe, who found us and found themselves in us, in our characters and in our stories. We wouldn’t have been able to tell them without you. And we still have 6 fresh episodes yet to air, and I do hope you tune in enjoy the remainder of the series. They’re the best we’ve done.”
As he wrapped up his sentiments, Sears signed off with, “The more I know, the less I understand. All the things I figured out I have to learn again. I’ve been trying to get down to the heart of the matter. But everything changes…Thank you, Brilliant Minds.”
The medical drama was created and executive produced by Michael Grassi alongside Greg Berlanti, Sarah Schechter, Leigh London Redman, Lee Toland Krieger, DeMane Davis, Jasmine Russ, Henrik Bastin, Jonathan Cavendish, Andy Serkis and Shefali Malhoutra.
So, what do you think of NBC’s decision to cancel Brilliant Minds after two seasons? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.
Days Of Our Lives
DAYS OF OUR LIVES: Sophia Seemingly Plans to End Her Life, But Not Before Setting Fire to Johnny’s Apartment With Him Trapped Inside
The final few moments of the Thursday, April 30 episode of Days of our Lives, will pave the way, to what just may be the end of Sophia Choi’s (Rachel Boyd) life, but not as you may think!
After an unhinged Sophia paid a visit to Johnny DiMera (Carson Boatman), maced him in the eyes, knocked him out and then tied up to a chair, now conscious, she lets him know that she holds him responsible for all the trouble and trauma she has gone through from adopting her child, and her being sent to a mental institution.
So instead of the unregistered gun Kristen (Stacy Haiduk) gave her to finish off Johnny, Sophia sets up a plan to light candle, use nail polish remover and turn on the gas on the stove to ultimately create a mass explosion, which although Johnny pleaded to her not to that to all the innocent people inside his apartment building, she doesn’t seem to care.
Photo: JPI
FIERY FACE OFF
The plan was supposed to be, after she takes care of Johnny she will toss the gun in the Salem River, then focus on payback to Holly Jonas before leaving town to start a new life.
Now, Sophia makes her exit, leaving Johnny to be a few moments away from an explosion or gas inhalation, when Chanel (Raven Bowens) comes home after awaiting the results of her mammogram. She sees Johnny tied up, as he panics and tells her to put out the flame on the candle, things go awry, and a fire has begun and everything may go up in flames with Johnny and Chanel inside.
Photo: JPI
A BROKEN SOPHIA
Back in her room, Sophia breaks down after reading the social media comments about her, she planted, and then starts writing a suicide or farewell note which says. “I’m tired of begging for forgiveness for my mistakes. All I wanted was to move forward, to be loved and understood. But it’s clear that I was never going to get that. Holly Jonas said that I was dead to her. So, as her former BFF, I’m going to make her dream a reality.”
Photo: JPI
A DEADLY TRAP
Now, the fate of Johnny, Chanel and Sophia will be revealed on tomorrow’s May 1st cliffhanger, which may be the end of Sophia when she crosses paths with Kirsten at the bridge near the river. We do know Rachel Boyd is no longer appearing in the show credits section and is now off contract with the soap.
So, what did you think of the climatic final moments of DAYS? What did you think of the performance of Rachel Boyd as Sophia Choi? Let us know via the comment section.
Breaking News
Jacob Martinez is ‘Days of Our Lives’ New Javi Hernandez Replacing Al Calderon in the Role
Finally! The casting has been revealed as to just who would be Al Calderon’s successor in the role of Days of our Lives, Javi Hernandez. On Friday, April 30, the long-running soap opera revealed Jacob Martinez is taking on the part and he will first be seen this coming June 30th and then on all-new episodes streaming on Peacock.
As previously reported, the popular Calderon exited the soap opera last year to join the cast of the NBC primetime medical drama, Brilliant Minds as nurse Nico Silva, who in May will air the remainder of their second season. The series has been on the bubble for renewal by the network. His last episodes as Javi will also air this May on DAYS.
Since DAYS tapes ten months ahead of streaming, Martinez has been secretly ensconced in all the drama in Salem for quite some time. When viewers see the new Javi in story, we should learn what will happen in Javi’s relationship with Leo Stark played by Emmy winner, Greg Rikaart, plus his continued relationship with his relatives in the Hernandez clan. Currently, when Javi returned to Salem after taking care of his ailing father, and after the bust-up of his marriage to Leo thanks to Dimitri (Peter Porte), he claimed he had moved on with someone else while he was away from Salem.
Photo: JPI
Like Calderon before him, Martinez is a multi-talented actor and singer. Jacob’s resume is impressive having appeared in the musical In Pieces: The Musical at Joe’s Pub at The Public Theater and he was hand-picked by Joey Contreras to play the role of Grey. Other credits include: the short film, Memory Swim and the play Dog Sees God: Confessions of a Teenage.
Martinez hails from Norfolk, Nebraska and appeared when he was very young at the Johnny Carson Theatre, and as DAYS fans know, Jacob is now working at the Days of our Lives studios, right where the “Tonight Show” is filled. In addition, Jacob Martinez is a graduate of The American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA).
Taking to his Instagram on Thursday, April 30 once the news of his casting was revealed, Martinez, expressed, “Way too many people to thank in one post, so I’ll just say THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART to each and every person who continues to pour into me and encourage me to chase my dreams. I cannot even begin to express how grateful I am. I already feel beyond blessed, supported, and loved. See you all in Salem ⏳”
Jacob Martinez appeared on Friday on the Days of our Lives Instagram account announcing his casting. You can check it out below. Deadline was the first to report the casting switch.
So, excited to learn who is the new Javi Hernandez? Please welcome Jacob Martinez to the role and be on the lookout for his debut on June 30. Comment below.
View this post on Instagram
‘Brilliant Minds’ Officially Canceled After 2 Seasons at NBC; DAYS Alum Al Calderon, OLTL Alum Teddy Sears and Zachary Quinto Among the Cast
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Has Dylan’s Mystery Caller/Stalker Been Revealed to Be an Alive Luna Nozawa?
THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS: Nick Confesses His Drug Problem to Victor; Joshua Morrow, Mark Grossman, Eric Braeden Bring the Newman Bond
‘General Hospital’s’ Jonathan Bennett Receives 3 ‘Critics Choice Real TV Awards’ Nominations for Hallmark Series, ‘Finding Mr. Christmas’
DAYS OF OUR LIVES: Sophia Seemingly Plans to End Her Life, But Not Before Setting Fire to Johnny’s Apartment With Him Trapped Inside
DAYS Stephen Nichols Remembers Drake Hogestyn as the ‘Most Vital, Enthusiastic, Committed Man I Ever Knew’ Ahead of the PanCan PurpleStride Walk
DAYS Stephen Nichols and Co-Stars Walk in Honor of Drake Hogestyn at PanCan PurpleStride LA, ‘I Felt Him With Us’
Brandon Barash Granted Restraining Order Against ‘General Hospital’s’ Kirsten Storms
‘Days of Our Lives’ Rob Scott Wilson Talks ‘Turning Heel’ as Necktie Killer, Ben Weston
Paige Herschell Marks One-Year as ‘General Hospital’s’ Jacinda Bracken
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Has Dylan’s Mystery Caller/Stalker Been Revealed to Be an Alive Luna Nozawa?
THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS: Nick Confesses His Drug Problem to Victor; Joshua Morrow, Mark Grossman, Eric Braeden Bring the Newman Bond
WWE Hall of Famer Trish Stratus Talks Humble Beginnings, Test and Albert, WrestleMania 22 with Mickie James, Current Women’s Roster (Exclusive)
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Michael Reveals His Plan to Set Up Chase and Willow to Have an Affair
Judith Light Talks Her Role in ‘The Terror: The Devil In Silver’ Dropping on AMC+ with Co-Star ‘Downton Abbey’ Alum, Dan Stevens
-
Days Of Our Lives1 week agoDAYS Stephen Nichols Remembers Drake Hogestyn as the ‘Most Vital, Enthusiastic, Committed Man I Ever Knew’ Ahead of the PanCan PurpleStride Walk
-
Days Of Our Lives5 days agoDAYS Stephen Nichols and Co-Stars Walk in Honor of Drake Hogestyn at PanCan PurpleStride LA, ‘I Felt Him With Us’
-
General Hospital4 days agoBrandon Barash Granted Restraining Order Against ‘General Hospital’s’ Kirsten Storms
-
Days Of Our Lives4 days ago‘Days of Our Lives’ Rob Scott Wilson Talks ‘Turning Heel’ as Necktie Killer, Ben Weston
-
General Hospital1 week agoPaige Herschell Marks One-Year as ‘General Hospital’s’ Jacinda Bracken
-
General Hospital6 days agoGH’s Giovanni Mazza Performs Violin Version of Michael Jackson’s ‘Smooth Criminal’ at LA Lakers Playoff Game; Co-Stars Heap High Praise
-
General Hospital1 week agoSteve Burton’s Wife, Michelle Lundstrom, Raises Alarm on AI Scammers and Hoaxes, Pretending to be the ‘General Hospital’ Star
-
Days Of Our Lives3 days ago‘Days of Our Lives’ Conner Floyd on Chad’s Quest For Abigail’s Resurrection; But Who Should Be Cast as NuAbby?