Days Of Our Lives
DAYS Greg Vaughan Talks On Serena and Eric's History, Any Future With Nicole, and Daytime Emmys!
Photo Credit: HutchinsPhoto.com
This week on NBC’s Days of our Lives Eric Brady (Greg Vaughan) meets up with an old flame when Serena Mason descends upon Salem. One Life to Live favorite Melissa Archer (Serena) has been brought in to play the world traveled journalist to spark up Eric’s messed up love life after his relationship with long time love, Nicole (Arianne Zucker) went south.
On-Air On-Soaps caught up with one of our favorite gents, Greg Vaughan to ask him what it has been like crafting and playing this new love story in front of the camera with a relationship that has never been heard of before by the viewing audience. Plus, Greg weigh-in on if he thinks there is still hope for a reconciliation for Eric and Nicole and he shares his thoughts on the embattled and always controversial Daytime Emmy process, and if he might be even be a contender when the Pre-Nominations are announced in 2015, and much more.
Melissa Archer just debuted as your new love-interest Serena Mason. Was it hard for you to create this never before spoken of relationship?
Courtesy/NBC
GREG: It was not hard. It was just to establish a quick relationship and back-story with someone who was Eric’s former love interest from years off the canvas, and that they kind of coexisted in a place that was third world and had a lot of turmoil in it, was a bit challenging. So Eric and Serena bonded back then and they created something. Was it quick and easy? Was it long and lasting? Is it kind of like oil and vinegar? These were questions to be answered.
Did Eric’s relationship with Serena ultimately lead him to turn to become a man of the cloth?
GREG: No. They, being in the same field of expertise with journalism and news, they were always fighting one another for the feature story …
… That means sex on the soaps!
GREG: Well, that came later. (Laughs) It was like passionate, and so when they had it, they had it. But once that Eric made the choice to go towards the missionary and the priesthood, I think that was a fine line he was walking.
Photo Credit: HutchinsPhoto.com
Were you sad that the writers decided to pull apart Eric and Nicole’s (Arianne Zucker) love story?
GREG: Of course, I was sad. I don’t think the story is quite finished yet. I think it’s an unfinished story that will cross paths once again. You know, when you go through a hurdle, or have a big hill to climb to overcome, or what these characters went through which was a big mess … it’s going to take a lot to bring them back together. After some time, some separation, and some piece of mind, maybe we’ll come back together and maybe rekindle a flame. I don’t think the flame is going to die.
What do you think of Serena and Eric’s story since you are five months ahead and have delved into it a bit more deeply?
GREG: To be honest, it’s a bit of a forced story, and by that I mean where you’re forced to do things the character never did before. The writers ask you to take it and run with it, and even though there are some new things about my character, it’s up to me and it’s my job to make it real. Hopefully, it will be judged by good performances and the acting.
Photo Credit: Getty Images
Did you submit yourself for Daytime Emmy contention this year?
GREG: Not by choice. Here is my thing; there is a lot of political red tape behind it. I can honestly say I don’t feel it’s really structured, and not represented by the core of the cast. It’s judged by who wants to be in the category. Who is the blue-ribbon judging panel? I don’t know. I know that certain networks or producers, they have control of who they want to have put in to each category, and unfortunately, I have gone through that dilemma, whether the work is there, or not. Some have better work than others, and some get favored over others, and it’s a political system that I hate. I believe that with resources in our own offices at NBC and DAYS, they were very behind the Emmys this year. Our casting director and our publicist, they were the ones that were in charge of getting everyone involved and having you submit yourself. They have been at the forefront of this year’s Emmy submissions. I won’t be taking credit for anything. I do think they kind of unearthed a stone, and showed me some scenes that I had forgotten about. I am grateful for the show, and the opportunity to be able to create, and what we are able to produce. I think there is an extremely amount of amazing talent within this pool. I do hope, of course, my work could get recognized every year. Maurice Benard (Sonny, GH) said to me, and I love this guy so much, he said, “You don’t need a statue to mark all the work you have ever done. You’re work has already been marked. You know what you do, and you know what you’ve done, and everyone else does. You don’t need everyone else to acknowledge your success.”
Courtesy/GVaughanInstagram
And on a closing holiday note, what will you and your boys be doing come Christmas time?
GREG: We are talking some snow, and snow angels, and maybe a beach somewhere. We are kind of putting everything in the hat, and the boys are going to select … best out of three. (Laughs)
So, what do you think about Eric and Serena’s back-story? Are you willing to give it a chance and see how it plays out on air?
Do you still hope Eric gets back together with Nicole? What do you think of Greg’s comments on the Daytime Emmys? Comment below!
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They make a great couple. I can’t wait to see where this goes!
Plain and simple, Yes Definitely….I have never watched Melissa Archer anywhere. Greg Vaughan did what I thought was impossible….he became Eric Brady and I loved Eric before Greg….now I just love the character even more. As much as I hate the rape of him as a priest the conflict that this has brought about really has wonderful potential….I can’t wait to see how Serena will fit into this…and now Serena meet Marlena as well I wonder what’s up with that 🙂 ……that just add so many possible elements to the whole story!!!!
Personally, I agree with Greg. The Serena pairing is way too forced! She comes off as desperate, and he clearly is not over Nicole! Eric and Nicole’s story was a well written slow burn story. You don’t see that too often these DAYS! Ericole have unbelievable chemistry, and I’m praying for an Ericole reunion in 2015!
#Ericole for the win!!
Greg reinforced my opinion regarding Ericole. I don’t blame him for feeling the way he does. Why the show did a 180 on them boggles my mind. It is insulting to the many loyal viewers who have watched this love story unfold from the very beginning.. They are the loves of each other’s lives as it has been pointed out numerous times and I don’t think Serena can ever take Nicole’s place in Eric’s life.
ICAM. I really hate most of the storylines on DAYS, of the ones I liked Ericole was my favorite. Now it’s gone. I have no idea why. They have taken away my main reason to watch.
Great interview. I just love Greg Vaughn, but I am so sad and ANGRY at what the writers did to the Eric and Nicole love story. They made us wait so long, and for what.??They just ended it with a former priest not being able to forgive. I just don’t get it, and I believe the fans are not going to enjoy a newbee being a love interest for Eric. So sick of what they have done to Nicole’s character. She always comes out the loser. Just sick of Days period and after watching for 49 years, I just may… Read more »
“…Nicole’s character. She always comes out the loser. ” there’s so much truth to this it’s like she’s being passed around… between Eric, Brady, and Daniel. heck…. for what it’s worth… till DAYS production steps up to the plate…. why not give NIcole and Rafe a try… they both truly care about each other at lest it’d be different until the DAYS brass ??? find the monies and production value to hire her a leading man her last interview with MF… is not lost on me she’s always left fending for herself and shimmying up to the same ole same… Read more »
I was so involved in the storyline of Eric and Nichole. and when it ended the way it did with hate on Eric’s part my heart was broken for Nichole. I hope the writers find it in their hearts to pair them together again. Serina is new to DOOL and I’m sure they can pair her up with someone good.
I want Ericole back!! Chemistry like that doesn’t come along very often!!
Michael, once again hanging out with the dreamboat of Days. Really great interview. Greg is so down to earth and you can see it in the way he is with his 3 boys. The Serena story feels a bit rushed to me as well. I guess I miss the passions and luring of two people wanting to be together but they cant etc type of storyline. Looking forward to seeing how this unfolds.
Thanks!!
First of all, thanks for the incite into Greg & his character, Eric. I for one loved the pairing of Greg (Eric) & Ari (Nicole). They have undeniable chemistry & I was sad to see the relationship come to such an abrupt halt with no true closure for either character. I’m a huge Greg fan so seeing him have screen time despite it not being with Ari is something that will take some getting used to. Greg is an incredibly gifted actor & I hope he continues to get the screen time he deserves. Loved the interview & love Greg!!… Read more »
Ericole was the perfect angst filled story and tptb trashed it. Why?? It’s like with AS gone KC & co, NBC, tptb don’t care any more. Good to know that Greg sees what viewers do – a rushed, out of left field story that makes no sense. Days is wasting a talented actress in Ari Zucker and the amazing chemistry of Ari and Greg. How sad.
I agree – Days had a goldmine with Eric & Nicole – great chemistry, great acting, a history, a storyline…and they trashed it so they could pair Nicole with Daniel? Make me puke – Daniel sucks & I hate that they’ve done this!! Get some new writers, Days!!
Why are they forcing Eric and Serena together? MA might be okay, but should of been brought in for Rafe, Brady, or better yet Lucas instead of making Eric look boring with this story. Reunite Eric with Nicole along with their long await child. After 15 years wait they need their child which will be more story than a silly girl Eric meet in Africa could give.
it really is time to lay low on the constantly interweaving… the goes nowhere
chanteuse godiva top of the heap Nicole… layering for naught… w/ Daniel, Eric, and Brady
leave well enough alone
pair her with Rafe !
she’s at the top for leading lady contender
it can’t be that difficult to hire her mother … the very much alive, FAY
Fay alone would brighten the lives of Roman, Abe, Victor, and Stefano
YES, YES, and double yes
he is so dazzling ‘ly handsome : it’s not lost on the audience… that he is able to feature prominently
let him loose… wouldn’t it be something to see him so extreme from the priesthood… to Salem’ nuDIMERA esque leverage
his acting style leaves the audience piqued
EJ, Sami, and Kristen of the topless hierarchy are bereft… barren
forward : Eric, Nicole, Lucas, Kate, Kayla, JJ, T, Eve, Theresa, Justin, Adrienne, Paul,
feature these dynamic presence , as they are deserving
I love this team
would Stefano hire him
I do agree with GV’ Eric :
Eric and Nicole are never out of our orbit and in Salem
first loves do not leave
Greg is so cute. I love Days! I am loving paul narita to bits!!!!
“…I am loving paul narita to bits!!!! ”
I can’t believe our good fortune
I have the utmost respect for Greg Vaughan…as a decent human being….an incredibly sensitive actor….and a loving and responsible father. .I liked Greg’s response “I take what the writers give me and run with..it is my job to make it real ” He’s a Pro.
He is a typical soap star, a class act with a humble approach.
Greg Vaughan is such a H-U-N-K!!!!! And…he can A-C-T!!!!!
Love this candid interview. I respect that. I agree with GV, Ericole are not over, the story is not finished. He knows, and the fans know it. We were short changed a real pay off. And yes this insta new love interested with newly created back story, am not buying it. AZ and GV’s chemistry is palpable. From the little I have seen with MA and GV….I will borrow the word ‘forced’ from the interview. No thanks. Eric was written to have one love of his life, Nicole. Serena would be better with Rafe or Brady. I hope they reunite… Read more »
I’m glad Greg is being honest about his new pairing. It IS forced. I hope Eric and Nicole find a way back to each other sooner rather than later.
Send Melissa Archer to GH and pair her with Silas…………hard to see her with someone else, even if it is a different Soap.
I agree with you Tali! Why not bring Tanner back and develop a story with Melissa? I am long overdue for some Michael and Melissa magic…
Jonathan Jackson and Anthony Geary had amazing chemistry but Greg was an excellent Lucky on GH and I would welcome him back in a heartbeat. I actually think he would be better as Lucky now since he looks older and so is the character.
I watched GH during part of Greg’s run as Lucky. He did an excellent job of playing Lucky the adult. I thought it was a shame the way TPTB kicked him to the curb when Jackson wanted to return. We see how long that lasted. Another bone headed move by the alphabet people. But, it worked out for me. I stopped watching GH in 2005 and now get to enjoy Greg’s work on Days.
Yeah thats the problem with actors going off and doing bigger projects. IF they come back on their old soap its only for a limited time or some kind of stunt casting move. I enjoyed Greg and I would prefer him over Jonathan BUT with Jonathan and Anthony together, thats tough to beat!
Melissa Archer does fit in perfectly with the cast…i will have to wait and see how hers and Erics story goes…it does seem a little forced at the moment…its like the writers dont know what to do with Erics character and like they needed to hurry this to fill the void after Ejamis departure…Serena feels like the next Sami Brady…big mistake not casting her as Sarah Horton…Sarah and Eric still couldve played out this storyline plus had she been Maggies daughter it wouldve been a bonus having her connected to other characters…jmho!!!
Greg and Melissa have such great chemistry so far. I rather see the beautiful Serena with a guy who actually gets airtime, like Brady.
I wanted to say eric need to be with a woman that is honest to me that is serena and not that loser nicole.i hope that eric and nicole never get back together has a couple and beside the are so wrong for each other.
I am so looking forward to seeing this story develop. I love Greg Vaughan and want to see much more of him. I love Melissa Archer and know she will do an outstanding job.
I love Greg’s honesty. He has given me hope that ericole aren’t done, nicole is always the underdog and I will always root for her. I hope one day to get back the Eric that I loved, the one that cherished nicole.
I love Greg’s honesty. This was much needed for despondent DAYS fans that feel like they have lost one of the best pairings in a long time – Eric and Nicole. I support Greg, but can’t bring myself to watch the character of Eric with this other person. Eric and Nicole were perfect together and obviously something special. I hope they get this fixed so I can enjoy my show again!
Thank you Greg Vaughn for expressing how many DAYS fans feel. This story is forced, and while I normally enjoy MA as an actress so far Serena is no Natalie Buchanan. I just hope they shuffle Serena out of this story quickly, because I want to enjoy MA on DAYS and quite frankly if they keep her such a Melanie clone it’s. just not going to work
A wonderful interview with GV – he certainly doesn’t seem to be scared to voice his opinion. I hope he is right, and that Eric and Nicole will eventually circle back to each other. What Days did to their story still blows my mind – they finally had an interesting, believable couple, with built in angst, they crafted a beautiful, slow burn story that reminded me of the great supercouples of years ago and then they blew it all to pieces. I will never understand the purpose of that. With regards to MA, I have no opinion of her one… Read more »
She’s just too boring for my tastes…no sex appeal, like jennifer, and Salem doesn’t need another annoying red head…
I have watched DOOL in bits and pieces over the years and am familiar with many past storylines and characters especially John and Marlena, Bo and Hope, and EJ and Sami. I am only watching it full time now because of Melissa Archer. I personally think Melissa Archer is doing a great job of making viewers believe that she knows Eric and that they share a past. However; I would have preferred for her to enter Salem in a different storyline. It is abundantly clear to me that Eric and Nicole are an end-game couple. They will have several years… Read more »
I appreciate the candid interview with Greg.
It does feel forced…where as GV and AZ just have that thing, the IT factor.
I don’t really see any chemistry with M.A to be honest. Feels awkward.
I think he even had more chemistry of sorts with Eve.
No one brings the heat like Ericole though.
They will always circle back to each other, like moths to a flame. I wouldn’t want to compete with that.
M.A fans should want better for her.
GG/Rafe needs a love interest with Jordan leaving.
Or Lucas, he definitely needs one!
for the love of all things possible where is the love interest for Kassie DePaiva’ Eve Donovan !?!? it was announced she’d be joining DAYS : 01-28-14 her first airdate : June 18, 2014 6 months later… and nary a nibble… her first dance seemed like with Daniel right out of the gate : Whew! thank the stars that didn’t take then she met Aiden… and that sparked… he’s taken with Hope… and even Kayla… dang! he just won’t let up… Aiden has it on for every one… and that’s fire then it seemed like Eric was on the upswing…… Read more »
Kayla and Adrian look too much alike…I’ve been watching this show since the 70s and I can’t even keep them straight…both boring too.
I adore Greg Vaughan. He’s the perfect man…gorgeous, not full of himself, great father and human being. His role as a priest who was raped was insanely good, and for that he should hands down win an Emmy. When he cried, I cried. His pain was palpable. Nicole was his first love and that’s how it should stay. They had great chemistry. A couple of things…perhaps because nicole and Daniel are a couple now in real life, they decided to pair them on the show. Not good. I hated that scene in the park where they were playing ball. Please.… Read more »
Chloe might have been a good match for eric since she’s very sexy…but nicole belongs with him…I thought maybe Rafe and hope would get together…but obviously not…
Nobody has chemistry like Eric and Nicole please bring them back together. Serena is not for Eric she is just boring !!!
I respect Greg Vaughan very much. He is a single parent with three young boys who he obviously loves very much. He is being wasted in the chasm DAYS has sunk to over last 13 months. The show has changed again and doesn’t seem to have the money to continue. I think we will see show wrap up on its 50th anniversary. That probably equates to production stop at studios around May/June. All of the DAYS actors should be keeping a high profile and garner support for their next gigs. Just like Kassie DePaiva, her role could not possibly been… Read more »
I’m a huge Melissa fan from OLTL – used to watch DOOL a long time ago and just started re-watching again with the appearance of Serena. I have to say: I think Ari is an amazing actress and I get why people are upset over Serena coming between that couple (although I have not seen them together) and I for one, would rather see Melissa’s character with Brady = that actor is more of a match to Melissa then Greg is and I think they could be dynamic together – so my choice is a Brady = Serena match
Agree with so many of the comments made. Eric (Greg Vaughan) and Nicole (Ari Zucker) are amazing together. Great chemistry!! I miss their incredible storyline. Couldn’t agree more that they are the next super couple or could be!!! Loved the build up of their relationship and am devastated that the writers tore them apart. Have not been able to bring myself to watch the show since they separated these two. Hope that Greg is correct that they are not over. Please put these two back together and I’ll return to the show.
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Ron Carlivati Talks on the Creation, Scenes & Cast of ‘Days of our Lives: Beyond Salem’
Last week viewers saw all five episodes of the limited-series Days of our Lives: Beyond Salem drop on Peacock. It was the first foray for the long-running NBC daytime drama series onto a streaming platform with an original self-contained story, in a move that is forward-thinking, and another avenue for soaps to be seen on and to keep the genre remaining relevant in the pop culture of today.
The head writer of Days of our Lives’ Ron Carlivati was also in charge of the overall story and direction and development of the creative of the limited-series, and following the initial streaming of all five episodes talked with Michael Fairman for in-depth look at the scenes, the moments and the casting of “Days of our Lives: Beyond Salem”, exclusively on You Tube’s Michael Fairman Channel.
Photo: JPI
During the conversation, Carlivati explained the impetus for bringing back Lisa Rinna to her signature role as Billie Reed, how the writing team created the parody of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills infamous “Amsterdam'” scene which featured Rinna and Eileen Davidson (Kristen/Sister Mary Moira) who also returned for the DAYS limited-series, and why they felt it was important to bring Davidson back to the roles she originated for the streamer.
Photo: JPI
In addition, Ron shares details of what went into the decision to recast the role of Sonny Kiriakis for the series with Zach Tinker, after Freddie Smith did not return for it, the casting of Peter Porte in his dual role as ISA agent Kyle Graham and bad guy Dimitri Von Leuschner, how the hilarious drag show scenes came to fruition, and how the decision was made to have Deidre Hall do the voiceover in the opening title sequence, plus his thoughts on the performances of the stellar cast.
Photo” JPI
Watch the chat with Ron below, and in case you missed it, our chat with cast members: Eileen Davidson, Peter Porte, Charles Shaughnessy, Zach Tinker and Rob Scott Wilson … and if you haven’t check out “Days of our Lives: Beyond Salem” its continuing to stream on Peacock.
So, what was your favorite part of Days of our Lives: Beyond Salem? Let us know in the comment section below.
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