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.
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.
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