Days Of Our Lives
DAYS Greg Vaughan Interview: Fan Favorite Weighs-In On Holy Eric!
Courtesy/NBC
Daytime fans have finally gotten to see the long-awaited debut of Greg Vaughan as Eric Brady on Days of our Lives. However, this time as Eric re-emerged in Salem (the character has not been seen for 12 years and was last played by Supernatural’s Jensen Ackles) he came back as a priest … a man of the cloth! Vaughan, who has been one of the most popular actors in the genre, is most notable for his work in daytime as Lucky Spencer on General Hospital, and also had appeared on The Young and the Restless, plus countless primetime roles.
On-Air On-Soaps caught up with Greg for a “quickie” chat to get his thoughts on: playing the priestly Brady, what will develop between former on-screen love Nicole (Arianne Zuker) and Eric, how he landed the part of the long MIA Eric, and who on earth thought it would be a good idea to put Vaughan, one of the hottest guys on soaps, into a stiff collar? Check out our fun interview with the talented Vaughan below!
Soaps fans are not used to seeing you all “buttoned up” in a collar instead of taking your shirt off gratuitously in scenes. So the big question is, are you going to be “buttoned up” much longer? (Laughs)
GREG: As long as I have an opinion about it, I will keep the collar all the way up to my chin if I have to, not that anybody wants to see somebody do that for long periods of time. But I did run around the Horton Square and I turned my back to the camera with my shirt off … that was good enough. I actually think that is some of the best work I have done in a long time. (Laughs)
That was tremendous work! (Laughs) Now because they have made Eric Brady a man of the cloth, I figure either: one, He is really not a man of the cloth, but has gone undercover, or two, Marlena is going to become possessed by the devil again and her son will exorcize her. Your thoughts?
Courtesy/NBC
GREG: Now that could be interesting and I will go with the latter. I think that would be quite cool! (Laughs) Especially since Ms. DiMera is in town, she can cause quite the havoc! You know, I am such a fan of that idea, because I was watching Eileen Davidson (Kristen) do her magic, and I am such a huge fan of what is happening between Marlena and Kristen. So anywhere I can get into the mix is good. I will referee, I will mediate, maybe, they both need my services. I think I need to get paid for this, because I have everybody coming in and repenting for everything in my little closet. (Laughs)
Now, what about Arianne …?
GREG: … Other than she is just fabulous? Other than that? There is nothing really that I haven’t said, or anyone else, but she is a delight and delicious, and so much fun.
Seems on the air, that Eric and Nicole are reconnecting!
GREG: Oh, it’s not going anywhere! She is just too much trouble!
But, Eric loves troubled gals!
Courtesy/NBC
GREG: You know what? She is a drama queen, and in Eric’s older and wiser years, I think he has definitely wised up to Nicole’s game. Honestly though, I think it really nice to see them come together, but so platonically in a sense, and baby steps, if you will. It’s not something that is being pushed or forced down your throats. I am enjoying the growth between these two, and I think both Arianne and I like that. It’s not just, “OK, the man in the cloth, a little rumble and frolic in the sheets and its over.” I like instead that it’s growing nicely and organically. There have been a lot of years in between that have kind of shaped the characters, who they have become and where they are going, and each in their own right. As long as it’s not rushed and it’s really played, you are going to start seeing the tug of war and the emotional strings of their relationship.
Will we eventually learn why Eric chose to be a man of the cloth?
GREG: You are going to start hearing about and understanding the choices that have been made for him, and why he chose this path in life. There is a bigger, higher reason for that and not just God, per se. I think that Eric had a father figure that he meets a long the way that kind of made him see things differently, and it also kind of enlightened him to the way he looked at life.
You had to audition for the role of Eric Brady, correct?
Courtesy/ABC
GREG: Yeah, it was not offered to me. As much as I wished those things were true and people come knock at my door all the time, and my phone is blowing up off the hook, unfortunately it wasn’t, but everything worked out the way it was meant to be. I have said in the past that I feel very confident in the choices that I make and what I am doing and in my craft as an actor. I have been fortunate enough to have a long career and be a working actor. So to come in and perform, and to earn the job, always is much more rewarding at the end of the day than somebody saying, “Hey just give it to him!”
Did you know when you went through the audition process that Eric was going to be a man of the cloth?
GREG: Yes. I did understand that before I came in for the screen test. You know, after I had time to sit with it and it was explained to me, and DAYS telling me where it was going to go – I kind of thought about it and I saw the big challenge behind this opportunity and so I said, “ You know what? I want to do it,” and if it’s meant to be it will all work out, and so far it has.
A tricky thing about being on DAYS is that they shoot so far ahead. So my concern for any actor joining the series is that they are so advanced in taping story that they can’t go back and get out of it if something isn’t working for the audience. And that could ultimately doom a new character, or in this case, a new actor in a familiar role.
GREG: I would think if something was not working already they would go, “Abort! Abort! And push the button, and let’s get it off the screen.” The way the machine at DAYS is nowadays is much more advanced and at a faster pace, and a lot more shows are consolidated in a shorter amount of weeks, which allows us to be on-point every day. I like it. I like where we are going, either way, it would not affect me.
Courtesy/NBC
Who at DAYS surprised you that you never worked with before? So much so that you thought, “Oh my God. They are so fun!?”
GREG: Well, I have to say, I do enjoy Arianne Zuker and Eric Martsolf (Brady). So I say, “Did you guys ever connect? And if not … why not? What’s the deal? ” I mean it could be fun for a hot minute? (Laughs) But they are both so funny. It’s like when we do our block rehearsal, they go into this performance mode of live theatre shouting in their best actor voices, “We are thespians and we are performing this work!” It’s like they have their own show going on! But, everybody is just a pure delight and so much fun to watch. I love the Nick and Gabi storyline and I like how all the younger leading actors are coming into their own and where they are going. I think they have been doing a fantastic job in this whole baby storyline.
So being a religious figure on DAYS now, what do you think Eric thinks of Will’s homosexuality?
GREG: I don’t think that has come to the forefront yet. I don’t think that is burning issue for Eric, by any means. I don’t think Eric has any negative responses. I am sure in regards to Will, Eric thinks, “You are family, and I love you for who you are.” Eric is not a judgmental individual, as he has clearly stated.
Did you ever think, being a proud Texan, that you were surprised by how far your career has come from your early modeling days?
Courtesy/IMDB
GREG: Yes, I am a proud Texan, but anything north of San Antonio, nothing south! (Laughs) You know, I was modeling out of high school, and it took on a life and career of its own. It was very enjoyable and it was very educational. My grandparents think to this day that I would just walk into a room and just smile, and people gave me a job! (Laughs) It’s not easy, and it’s a large hill to climb. You know, I have friends who have children who are very interested and passionate about modeling or acting, and they ask me my opinion on it. I say, I want them to be a kid and grow, and not say they want to be in show biz just because I am in it. I also don’t want my own kids to feel obligated to do what I do. I want them to make their own choices. If this is the path that they choose, this is their choice, not mine.
How many mini-Vaughan’s are there now? I think I may have lost count! (Laughs)
GREG: Three and they are growing, one is five, the other almost three in January, and the other little one is eight months. I got a daddy day care with mommy in the kitchen working her magic. I love being a dad of three boys; it starts and finishes my day, every day.
So soapers, are you enjoying Greg as the new Eric Brady thus far? What do you think is behind why Eric chose to serve God? Would you like to see Eric and Nicole reunite? Weigh-in!
I hated that they let him go as Lucky Spencer but seeing him back on daytime is a dream come true . I can imagine women going crazy how is it a wonderful sexy god looking man can be in a cloth. Wow women will be in confession daily. Welcome Back Greg missed u xoxo
I’m liking Greg in the role of Eric so far! It will be interesting to see how his relationship with Nicole evolves, and how he deals with all the crazy drama that is going on in Salem. I’m glad to see Greg back on our screens again!
Not so thrilled yet… hoping I will embrace him soon.. Just have been a fan of previous Eric and this Eric is just tooo different from the previous Eric. I still think they should have at least given him some Blond Highlights… although I did enjoy his first scene in Horton Square… Time will tell….. only if I keep watching.. Most of the storylines for me have been “YAWN”…..
I do like the idea of a Marlena getting repossessed again…..
Are you exactly the same as you were 12 years ago?
Nope, but it is a soap and I wanted an actor that was a better fit giving more of a feeling of the old character/actor, but I do understand that Days has lost sooo many viewers that many never knew the original actor….
Perfect casting. GH’s loss is Day’s gain.
Lucky female parishioners at St. Luke’s in Salem. I only wish a priest that good looking would be assigned to my parish, in real life most of them look like Fr. Tobias. O darn, now I have to go to confession for having lustful thoughts. I guess I will need to have my priest on speed dial because I have a feeling watching GV as Fr. Eric on Days that is going to happen a lot. LOL
I like Eric. He seems like a genuinely good guy and a great friend to Nicole. Glad he isn’t going to be mean to Will about his homosexuality. Also, I hope his probable romance with Nicole is a slow build.
I adore this guy but I do not watch DOOL so anyway I am sorry Y&R did not bring him back or GH. I know I am going to make some people mad but he should have never been replaced with Johnathan Jackson I know JJ was the original but the character had grown up and he GV had such amazing chemistry with RH & KM it made you say Jason who. I am glad he is back on Daytime just sorry I won’t get to see him!
You were so right Gh is loss and Days has gain one great actor…
Greg is an awesome .actor so, glad to see him again. cant wait to see what he brings to the show . I know he will do a great job no matter what the writers give him to do.
I love him & think this is great. I am glad to see Eric back-shocked that he is a priest, but find it very interesting. I enjoy the family aspect of soaps & Eric is a Brady connected to many on the show. His scenes with Caroline were sweet Friday. I think Days is really good right now & I can’t wait til tomorrow. That goes for all the rest of the shows too! The best thing about Monday is a fresh new week of our shows!
GV is doing a great job as that “very handsome “man of the collar, Greg AWESOME job can’t wait to see where this story line goes.
He is adorable! Love watching him. Eric and Nicole could be so passionate a la Thorn Birds! I know it has been done before, a woman in love with a priest,and the priest struggling with his emotions versus his religious commitments, but that kind of conflict makes for good drama (albeit soapy melodrama). I say bring it on!
Agreed! Would prefer this to a possession storyline again
He is a disarming presence… he fits right in with the cast…. kudos to DAYS and the writers for slowly melding… GV’s Eric… like Eileen Davidsons’ Kristen… two “at the top of their game” actors.
I can wait… for their characters to deliver story….
I have to give props to Nick/Gabby/Will story…. what is up with Nick? is he accepting of Gabi’s baby? theirs something in his eyes – his demeanor that speaks of something else entirely…. and this is good because of Nick… is his past/prison going to rear it’s ugly head… his jelousy/love of Gabi’s “betrayal”… and his version/belief that Will’s life is a choice?
I’m not loving him, but that may have to do with the character. I don’t think they should have made him a priest. How much fun can a priest have? Plus, I think there is too much religion on Days lately. I can deal with a little, but it’s just too much.
I think Eric should have blonde hair.
I like Greg as Eric, although I love Jensen Ackles in the role. I just don’t like Nicole at all as a character and I wish if anyone could leave Salem it would be Ari Zucker. Never liked this character since the beginning so I hope Eric doesn’t get stuck with her day in and day out.
The character is fine but the writing on this show sucks though.
I’m loving GV as Eric. Perfect casting.
Great interview, Michael. Your interviews help us get to know the actor and the character more. I really liked what I read about Greg. He seems to have a handle on his role. That’s a thumbs up for Days that they’ve hired him and made sure he’s well acquainted with his role. I really liked him as Lucky on GH and hated to see him go. Glad he’s now on my favorite soap.
Also, liked what he had to say about Eric’s relationship with Nicole. Doesn’t sound as if Days is rushing into a Thornbirds scenario, like so many suggested. Yay! I’d rather see Eric emerge as a grounded character and not just one of Nikki’s boytoys.
I think he is okay…I am not hating it by any means. I think that DAYS is starting to get good, but Eric isn’t the reason. Kristen’s return and the Nick and Gabby storyline has me hooked. I think the priest thing really hasn’t helped much. I do hope that they are not going the way of a possession storyline again….please anything but that!
Making Eric a priest and even considering any connection with Nicole is horrible especially considering the time of year, Christmas REALLY Day’s as usual pathetic.
As for all of a sudden pushing the religious aspect all around town is also a bit over done but then that seems to be Day’s style, the writing sucks.
Having Gabi get pregnant right behind murdering Nicole’s baby at the end of her pregnancy and having Gabi consider abortion, another horrible choice. Day’s writers are horrible in the execution of storylines as well as thinking them through.
Best Characters on the show are getting trambled on by all the hypocritical characters making the villians the ones rootable to the audience. They need to stop the Sami Hour and unfortunately the character of Eric is just another storyline to have Sami involved in.
No matter how talented GV is he’ll be just another wasted character if he’s not in Sami’s bed.
Your last statement doesn’t make sense considering Eric is Sami’s twin brother. I never known any soap willing to tackle incest which would have to happened for GV to end up in her bed. Perhaps you meant Nicole? I hope so.
First, I am not a religious person but, I think allowing the character to remain true to his priestly vows for as long as possible would make for better story than hopping into bed with Nicole or anyone else in a matter of a month or two. Hopefully, DOOL will allow the story to take its time just as they did with Will & Sonny.
I think it would also be good for story if Nicole and Eric remained friends and their relationship stayed platonic. Nicole needs to be refreshed and not just move from relationship to relationship. I am really disgusted that they had her lose another child – especially so close to term – and think the character deserves a break. Let Kristen be the town bad girl for a while.
I agree it would be refreshing for a soap opera priest who isn’t over the age of 60 to actually honor his vows, but if they go this route I hope like you said they go slowly and show the real pain it is for a priest to choose between his vocation and someone he loves. It does happen and when you read websites from priests it has happened to, it is not as simple or easy as soaps make it to be.
In light of what others said about Eric/Nicole having a relationship or not, I hear what everyone is saying. When I posted that I wanted to see passion between Eric and Nicole, I did not mean it had to be rushed, or that they actually had to be together – maybe they will or maybe they won’t. To me what makes good drama is showing human conflict and struggle, so it could be that Eric and Nicole care for each other deeply, have passionate and romantic feelings, but Eric struggles between ‘temptation’ and his spiritual commitment, so the drama is in how he handles it – the universal theme – do you give in to your desires or do you control them, and stay with the commitments you have made. Could be good ‘soap’ stuff….
I do like him a Eric. Initially I thought the casting should have been blond w/ blue eyes to match Samantha Gene.
I only hope they will leave him as a good, honorable priest. Someone the Salemites can be counseled, led and become stronger. Everyone on a show does not have to be a stripper skank.
No! I would not like to see Fr. Eric reunite with anyone. You know, there are clergy who take VOWS seriously. I would like to think Fr. Eric is that person. The way the reveal episode was presented was a slap in the face to all good men of the cloth. Surely, there is room in the SOAPS for at least one person with redeeming qualities and good character. Enjoy Greg Vaughan in the part.
Breaking News
51st Annual Daytime Emmy Award Nominations: CBS Soaps Score Most, Eric Braeden, Dick Van Dyke, Guy Pearce Receive Nods
The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) have officially announced on Friday, the full list of nominees for the 51st Annual Daytime Emmy Awards.
While Thursday brought with it four reveals of the nominees in the Outstanding Daytime Drama, Talk Show Host, Lead Actor and Actress categories (as presented by various entertainment news programs), today’s nominations include all the other categories not previously announced.
The Daytime Emmy Awards telecast is set to be presented live on Friday night, June 7, at 8 PM EDT /delayed PT, on the CBS Television Network, and available to stream live and on-demand on Paramount+. This will mark the 18th time that CBS has broadcast the Daytime Emmys.
Photo: JPI
In addition, The Daytime Creative Arts & Lifestyle Emmy Awards will be presented on Saturday, June 8 at t9 PM ET/6 PM PT and streamed on The Emmys apps and at watch.TheEmmys.tv. The ceremonies will take place at the Westin Bonaventure Los Angeles.
Television icon, Dick Van Dyke has received his first-ever Daytime Emmy nomination in the Outstanding Guest Performer category for his touching portrayal of Timothy Robicheaux on Peacock’s Days of our Lives. The nomination makes Van Dyke the oldest Daytime Emmy nominee in history at 98-years-old. In addition, motion picture and TV star, Guy Pearce, is also nominated as Guest Performer for his longtime role as Mike Young in the reboot of Neighbours.
Speaking of Neighbours, the Australian soap opera also received its first ever Daytime Emmy nomination for Daytime Drama Series now that its a revival can be streamed on Amazon Freevee. In addition, The Young and the Restless iconic, Eric Braeden (Victor Newman) received his first Daytime Emmy nomination in more than 20 years in the Lead Actor in a Drama Series category.
Photo: AmazonFreevee
In the Daytime Drama series categories, CBS’ The Bold and the Beautiful and The Young and the Restless each scored 12 nominations more than any other show. Leading the acting nominations was B&B, who landed 7 performers in the various categories, a first in its 37-year history.
In a statement, Adam Sharp, President & CEO, NATAS expressed, “We are happy to once again honor the creative talent both in front of and behind the camera of America’s favorite Daytime programs. We look forward to celebrating the icons who enliven the days of audiences across the country.”
Photo: JPI
Brent Stanton, Head of Daytime, NATAS added, “Producing the Daytime Emmys is a labor of love for all of us at NATAS. The huge popularity of these shows continues to be must-see viewing for their fans.” NATAS also revealed that Lifetime Achievement Honorees, Hosts, Presenters, and Silver and Gold Circle honorees will be revealed at a later date.
The Daytime Emmy Awards recognize outstanding achievement in television programming honoring work in a variety of categories, including daytime dramas, talk shows, instructional programming, hosting, culinary, and legal/courtroom programs. In 2021, NATAS and the Television Academy jointly announced plans to realign the Daytime and Primetime Emmy Awards to be organized by content genre, as opposed to program airtime.
The 51st Annual Daytime Emmy Awards will be produced once again by NATAS and Associated Television International (ATI). Adam Sharp and Lisa Armstrong are executive producers from NATAS, while David McKenzie executive produces from ATI.
Congratulations to all the men and women in front of the camera and behind the scenes for their recognition as we take a look at who will be going for gold come June. Here are the nominees below starting with the Daytime Drama Categories.
Photo: JPI
OUTSTANDING DAYTIME DRAMA SERIES
The Bay
The Bold and the Beautiful
Days of our Lives
General Hospital
Neighbours
The Young and the Restless
OUTSTANDING LEAD PERFORMANCE IN A DAYTIME DRAMA SERIES: ACTRESS
Tamara Braun, Days of our Lives
Finola Hughes, General Hospital
Katherine Kelly Lang, The Bold and the Beautiful
Annika Noelle, The Bold and the Beautiful
Michelle Stafford, The Young and the Restless
Cynthia Watros, General Hospital
Photo: JPI
OUTSTANDING LEAD PERFORMANCE IN A DAYTIME DRAMA SERIES: ACTOR
Eric Braeden, The Young and the Restless
Scott Clifton, The Bold and the Beautiful
Thorsten Kaye, The Bold and the Beautiful
Eric Martsolf, Days of our Lives
John McCook, The Bold and the Beautiful
Photo: JPI
OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING PERFORMANCE IN A DAYTIME DRAMA SERIES: ACTRESS
Jennifer Gareis, The Bold and the Beautiful
Linsey Godfrey, Days of our Lives
Courtney Hope, The Young and the Restless
Allison Lanier, The Young and the Restless
Emily O’Brien, Days of our Lives
Photo: JPI
OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING PERFORMANCE IN A DAYTIME DRAMA SERIES: ACTOR
Robert Gossett, General Hospital
Bryton James, The Young and the Restless
Wally Kurth, Days of our Lives
A Martinez, The Bay
Mike Manning, The Bay
Photo: JPI
OUTSTANDING GUEST PERFORMANCE IN A DAYTIME DRAMA SERIES
Linden Ashby, The Young and the Restless
Ashley Jones, The Bold and the Beautiful
Alley Mills, General Hospital
Guy Pearce, Neighbours
Dick Van Dyke, Days of our Lives
OUTSTANDING WRITING TEAM FOR A DAYTIME DRAMA SERIES
The Bay
The Bold and the Beautiful
Days of our Lives
General Hospital
The Young and the Restless
Photo: JPI
OUTSTANDING DIRECTING TEAM FOR A DAYTIME DRAMA SERIES
The Bay
The Bold and the Beautiful
Days of our Lives
General Hospital
The Young and the Restless
OUTSTANDING LIGHTING DIRECTION
General Hospital
The Jennifer Hudson Show
The Kelly Clarkson Show
The View
Photo: ABC
OUTSTANDING TECHNICAL DIRECTION, CAMERAWORK, VIDEO
The Bold and the Beautiful
Days of our Lives
Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade
The Kelly Clarkson Show
OUTSTANDING CASTING
African Queens: Njinga
Days of our Lives
General Hospital
Start Up
The Young and the Restless
OUTSTANDING ART DIRECTION/SET DECORATION/SCENIC DESIGN
African Queens: Njinga
The Drew Barrymore Show
General Hospital
The Kelly Clarkson Show
The View
The Young and the Restless
OUTSTANDING COSTUME DESIGN/STYLING
African Queens: Njinga
The Bold and the Beautiful
The Jennifer Hudson Show
Sherri
Photo: WarnerBros
OUTSTANDING HAIRSTYLING AND MAKEUP
African Queens: Njinga
The Drew Barrymore Show
Sherri
The View
The Young and the Restless
OUTSTANDING ORIGINAL SONG
“Shine” General Hospital
“Unexpected Truth”Unexpected
“We’re Home” Reconnecting Roots
OUTSTANDING DAYTIME TALK SERIES
The Jennifer Hudson Show
The Kelly Clarkson Show
Tamron Hall
Turning The Tables with Robin Roberts
The View
Photo: ABC
OUTSTANDING ENTERTAINMENT NEWS SERIES
Access Hollywood
Entertainment Tonight
Extra
OUTSTANDING CULINARY SERIES
Be My Guest with Ina Garten
Family Dinner
Selena + Chef: Home for the Holidays
Valerie’s Home Cooking
What Am I Eating? with Zooey Deschanel
OUTSTANDING LEGAL/COURTROOM PROGRAM
Hot Bench
Judy Justice
Justice For The People with Judge Milian
The People’s Court
We The People with Judge Lauren Lake
Photo: Disney/ABC
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
Mark Consuelos, Kelly Ripa, Live with Kelly and Mark
Akbar Gbajabiamila, Amanda Kloots, Natalie Morales, Jerry O’Connell, Sheryl Underwood, The Talk
Tamron Hall, Tamron Hall
OUTSTANDING CULINARY HOST
Lidia Bastianich, 25 Years with Lidia: A Culinary Jubilee
Valerie Bertinelli, Valerie’s Home Cooking
Eduardo Garcia, Big Sky Kitchen with Eduardo Garcia
Emeril Lagasse, Emeril Cooks
Sophia Roe, Counter Space
Buddy Valastro, Legends of the Fork
OUTSTANDING DAYTIME PERSONALITY – DAILY
Frank Caprio, Caught in Providence
Kevin Frazier, Nischelle Turner , Matt Cohen, Cassie DiLaura, Denny Directo, Will Marfuggi, Rachel Smith, Entertainment Tonight
Deborah Norville, Steven Fabian, Lisa Guerrero, Ann Mercogliano, Jim Moret, Les Trent. Inside Edition
Robert Hernandez, Star Jones, Divorce Court
Judge Judy Sheindlin, Whitney Kumar, Kevin Rasco, Sarah Rose, Judy Justice
What do you think about the nominations for the 51st annual Daytime Emmy Awards? Who do you think deserved to get in that did? Who do you think got snubbed? Who are you happiest to see receive a nomination? Let us know via the comment section below.
Make sure to be with us live starting tonight Friday, April 19th at 8pm ET/5pm PT for the Michael Fairman Channel’s 10th anniversary edition of its Daytime Emmy Nomination Special 2024, featuring some of the just announced daytime drama nominees.
Days Of Our Lives
Stephen Schnetzer Talks On His Return to Days of our Lives and Working with Susan Seaforth Hayes In Emotional Episodes
Who says you can’t go home again? In the case of Another World favorite, Stephen Schnetzer (ex-Cass Winthrop), he has proven that it is true, and you can go back to your soap roots and where it all started for you.
Last week on April 11th, Schnetzer, along with several other key returns were on set at Days of our Lives taping all-new episodes of the Peacock streaming soap opera, centering on the funeral of Doug Williams (the late Bill Hayes), and as part of the iconic soap opera’s 15,000th episode.
Stephen is reprising his first daytime role as Steve Olson, the brother of Julie Williams (Susan Seaforth Hayes). The last time Schnetzer appeared on a DAYS set was during his one and only run on the show from 1978 to 1980. Clearly, viewers will be in for some very emotional scenes when Steve returns to Salem to be there for his sister, Julie in her time of need. In real-life, Susan has been going through her own grief, having just lost Bill back on January 12th at the age of 98.
Photo: NBC
Michael Fairman TV caught up with Stephen during the 15K episode celebration ceremony, and during a break from taping the gut-wrenching funeral scenes, to get his thoughts on being part of these highly-anticipated moments that will air later this year in December. Here’s what he shared with us below.
What has this been like for you to work with Susan Seaforth Hayes after all of these years?
STEPHEN: She’s a dream and she’s so bright. We ran lines yesterday and we ended up just visiting for about 45 minutes and just catching up and telling tales about each other’s career. She even dropped off the autobiography that she and Bill did. And being back here at DAYS, every time I turn a corner, there’s another familiar face. When I was on the show 40 more years ago, a bunch of the guys, played softball on a team together. This is really a trip down memory lane as I knew it would be.
Photo: JPI
Taping Doug’s funeral must be a hard day for Susan. Are you checking in with her to help hold her up through this?
STEPHEN: I am and I’m checking in with Amy Shaughnessy (Susan’s assistant), and she’s holding her up more than anybody. We’re there for each other.
There will obviously be some major hankie-inducing moments when Steve comes back to Salem to console his sister.
STEPHEN: Oh, wait till you see it in December. It’s going to be great.
Were you surprised you got this call to come back to the show decades later?
STEPHEN: It was out of the blue! I was completely surprised. They should have called me decades ago! That’s what surprised me. When Another World went down, I thought I’d land somewhere else and it never happened. That was more of a surprise.
Photo: JPI
Cass is such an identifiable character for you. As well, you and Linda Dano (ex-Felicia Gallant) are so synonymous together as best friends Cass and Felicia from Another World. When fans heard you were reprising your role as Steve Olson on DAYS, they are now hoping there will be more of you on the show to come.
STEPHEN: Steven Olson is a real “Cassian “character. I cut my teeth on Steve Olson and that’s how Cass was introduced. He was kind of a roguish charmer. And then when the character stuck for Another World, they rehabilitated me, and turned me into one of the shows heroes. And that’s what would’ve happened if I stayed as Steve Olson probably. So, Steve is the ‘pre-Cass’, Cass.
Photo: JPI
As the story goes, you originally decided to leave Days of our Lives?
STEPHEN: I was never on contract. I was doing a day and a half a week and I got a Broadway play directed by Franco Zeffirelli starring Joan Plowright and Frank Finlay. I was able to it as I didn’t have to break a contract or anything. I cut loose and went back to New York for that.
How well did you get to know Bill Hayes during your first time around on DAYS?
STEPHEN: My first episode was with Bill and Susan, as her long lost brother coming into Salem. They were so good to me. They were so kind. I had been doing eight years of classical repertory theater, never been in front of a camera. I tell everybody, it took me longer than any other actor I’ve ever seen to get comfortable in front of a camera. And they were very supportive at that time in my career. Coming back to honor Bill now in 2024, and to be see Susan, I am just so happy to be here.
Looking forward to seeing the scenes between Stephen and Susan Seaforth Hayes come December and Doug’s funeral and surrounding episodes? Do you hope that DAYS might bring the character of Steve Olson back for a longer stay? Comment below.
Breaking News
51st Daytime Emmys: Outstanding Daytime Drama Series Nominations
On Thursday, the 51st annual Daytime Emmy Awards revealed nominations in several key categories via four entertainment news programs: Access Hollywood, E! News, Extra and Access Hollywood.
Three of the four announcements were major categories in the field of Daytime Dramas.
The nominees in the Outstanding Daytime Drama Series category are: The Bay, The Bold and the Beautiful, Days of our Lives, General Hospital, Neighbours and The Young and the Restless.
Photo: JPI
General Hospital won this category last year, and has the most all-time wins for a series in this category. For the first time, the beloved Australian-based soap opera, Neighbours is now eligible for competition due to its reboot which streams on Amazon Freevee.
Photo: AmazonFreevee
The 51st annual Daytime Emmy Awards will be handed out in ceremonies in Los Angeles and broadcast live on CBS and streaming on Paramount+ on Friday night, June 7th.
Previous categories announced tonight via the entertainment news outlet included: Lead Actor and Lead Actress in a Drama Series.
So, what do you think about this year’s nominee for the Outstanding Daytime Drama Series? Who do you think should win? Comment below.
51st Annual Daytime Emmy Award Nominations: CBS Soaps Score Most, Eric Braeden, Dick Van Dyke, Guy Pearce Receive Nods
Stephen Schnetzer Talks On His Return to Days of our Lives and Working with Susan Seaforth Hayes In Emotional Episodes
51st Daytime Emmys: Mark Consuelos and Kelly Ripa Receive Talk Show Host Nominations
51st Daytime Emmys: Outstanding Daytime Drama Series Nominations
51st Daytime Emmys: Tamara Braun, Finola Hughes, Katherine Kelly Lang, Annika Noelle, Michelle Stafford, Cynthia Watros Score Lead Actress Nominations
General Hospital’s Steve Burton Reveals the Emotional Scene He Almost Could Not Get Through
Days of our Lives wins WGA Award for Daytime Drama Series
DAYS Alum Tanner Stine to Appear in ‘Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story’ Starring Nicholas Chavez
51st Annual Daytime Emmy Nominations Set to Be Announced
B&B’s Sean Kanan, Heather Tom and Lawrence Saint-Victor All Had Creative Hand in Sheila’s ‘Ten Toe’ Reveal
51st Annual Daytime Emmy Award Nominations: CBS Soaps Score Most, Eric Braeden, Dick Van Dyke, Guy Pearce Receive Nods
General Hospital’s Steve Burton Reveals the Emotional Scene He Almost Could Not Get Through
Y&R’s Hayley Erin Previews Her Role in Horror-Thriller ‘New Life’
‘The Golden Bachelor’s’ Gerry Turner and Theresa Nist to Divorce Three Months After TV Wedding
‘Tamron Hall Show’ Fire Forces ‘The View’ Hosts to Evacuate Studio
-
General HospitalApril 12, 2024George Russo to Appear on General Hospital as Carmine Cerullo
-
General HospitalApril 15, 2024General Hospital’s Steve Burton Reveals the Emotional Scene He Almost Could Not Get Through
-
Days Of Our LivesApril 13, 2024Ron Carlivati Talks on Decision to Make Days of our Lives 15000th Episode About Doug’s Funeral, and Previews Chances for WGA Award
-
RecapsApril 14, 2024Y&R’s Eileen Davidson Delivers the ‘Power Performance of the Week’
-
Days Of Our LivesApril 14, 2024Days of our Lives wins WGA Award for Daytime Drama Series
-
NewsApril 12, 2024Y&R’s Hayley Erin Previews Her Role in Horror-Thriller ‘New Life’