Days Of Our Lives
DAYS Head Writer Josh Griffith On How OLTL, Winterthorne & A Magazine Cover Led To Casting John-Paul Lavoisier As Phillip Kiriakis!
Courtesy/IMDB
The latest issue of Soap Opera Digest (on newsstands now) features an in-depth interview with DAYS co-head writer Josh Griffith, who recounts how he along with co-head writing partner Dena Higley helped create, shape, and mold the vision that fans of the NBC soap opera will be seeing for the 50th anniversary storylines and beyond.
One of the questions posed to Griffith was on how the casting of former One Life to Live star John-Paul Lavoisier (Ex-Rex Balsom) came to pass as the new Phillip Kiriakis.
It just so happens that JP’s role in Winterthorne, which bowed this week, was part of the impetus for the inspired casting, plus his time on Llanview and an SOD cover! Josh revealed the events that led to the casting.
JOSH GRIFFITH: “Well, the casting was because he’s fantastic and we knew that he was fantastic, because we both worked with him, but not at the same time. We had been saying, “We’ve got to bring Phillip back,” and I was looking at your magazine and it had a little picture of him on the cover of it that said he was doing Winterthorne. I saw the picture of him and went, “There it is. Right there.” I took the magazine into the meeting and said, “Guys, here’s Phillip!”
What do you think about the interesting events that led JP to DAYS? How do you think Phillip will return to the canvas? Who will be his love interest? You can also watch our latest video interview with Lavoisier here. Comment below!
I love it! It sounds so old Hollywood -ish. I think he is going to be an amazing Phillip, but one thing…he needs to leave Rex Balsom behind. If he brings any part of Rex into the new character, he’ll ruin it. Phillip was nothing like Rex, and hopeful JPL has done his research on the guy. As for Phillip’s new love interest? They’ve got to bring Stephanie back. I only wish Shelly were available.
Yes, I hope they recast Stephanie. With Steve and Kayla and Joey all in town, it’s time for Stephanie to come back too.
I’m just very pleased that John Paul is on DAYS and as a Phillip recast.
I think he will do a fabulous job in the role. I can’t wait!
Looking forward to some great scenes with Lauren (Kate) and John (Victor). Perhaps, the return of Philip will give Kate some sort of solid story. It feels like to me that Kate is in no man’s land. I want a big storyline for Kate….enter Philip? I hope so.
…hope so…I adore Kate!
did they drop the ball… on Kate and Justin?
I haven’t seen “scenes” between these two in a long while
there was definite sparks?
meh? as much as I like Clyde… perhaps they are waiting to wrap his character up in all the murder mystery mayhem?
Still think its a bad casting choice. Don’t know why they couldn’t just bring back JKJ.
They would have had to force JKJ to come back. He wants to be left alone. He lives like a caveman now. He gained a bunch of weight and has a beard like ZZ TOP!
I think that is wonderful for him. I hope that it all works out for everyone involved.
I just wish that another Daytime drama would find something for Matthew Atkinson to play. He has a lot to offer. All he needs is a meaty role. Something that he can sink his acting chops into, spread his acting wings. Something that Chuck Pratt Jr. And Jill Farren Phelps cheated him out of!!!
Being a new Days viewer, I have don’t know anything about Phillip Kiriakis. I am very excited to see John-Paul Lavoisier again. He did a great job with the twists and turns and growth of Rex on One Life to Live. It will be great to see him in this new role.
of ALL the changes plus
this is the one… I have issue
pelt me… when he was on OLTL… I just didn’t see him as a strong masculine character
will his comedic light attitude swift?
I don’t know
I’m holding reservation… belonging with the Kiriakis’ Manse is huge
He should have been Dillon Q and brought on in 2012 he had the perfect look and style for that role.
On Gh!
I would like to know whether or not Jay Kenneth Johnson was even considered for reprising the role of Philip. I so enjoyed Jay as Philip. If he was not available, I understand. It just seems strange that no mention was made of the possibility of Jay reprising then role of Philip.
I would, firstly, like to get to now John-Paul’s version of Phillip before giving an opinion as to whom is a good fit for him. Why entangle him? I can’t even think of anyone that would do this actor Justice, right now on DOOL. Perhaps, if brand new, older Belle, returned? Oh, wait…are they related? No incest, PLEASE!!! LOL.
He, himself, should get acquainted with his peers,, also, before TPTB make him jump into the fire, LOL. He needs to feel his peers and get comfortable and, I would think, so does the viewer.
I did not like Jay, as Phillip…..he was devious. I just hope John-Paul is not turned into a Kiriakis evil-doer. I am such a fan of his……it would be a shame to steer this great actor in the wrong direction, as was Melissa Archer. And, please do not turn him into another holier-than-thou, sanctimonious Brooding-Brady, who thinks his ‘high morals’ are no match for Theresa’s……NOT!!
Know…correction, not ‘now’.
PS.
I was mulling over this and I thought of Theresa. I still think JP should just ‘hang out’, getting to know his cast members before Phillip ventures into a relationship. But, I am as sure as the sun rising again, that TPTB will indulge the character with some kind of love affair or whatever we may label it. If that is to be the case, I would love to see him get involved with Theresa. What a maelstrom of events that would create. It would set so many ‘wars’ in motion…… drive Victor absolutely crazy…and Brady? Perhaps the idea of Theresa and Phillip together would shake his ego-centric self into admitting to himself that he wants….actually, fiercely desires Theresa, ergo his disdain toward her. He is actually mad at himself for craving her so much….yes? Sounds good to me.
And, what about goody-two-shoes Saint Maggie? Ugh!!!!! she came in and crowned herself Queen of La Maison Kiriakis . The competition, especially being Theresa, would catapult her into stop-wearing- leggings-and-blazers in 100-degree weather.
I think this was a great choice to cast JPL as Philip—I think what I see coming is the Philip who was played by Kyle Brandt some years ago and that was exciting for me when he played the character so knowing JPL’s work from OLTL, I know he will bring a new dynamic to the role while keeping the character’s streak alive. As for his love interest, I can’t help wondering if Eve will get involved with him but that is only a wild guess on my part.
Theresa will obviously make a play for him…i see Brady showing his jealous side and he and Philip coming to blows over her…isnt it time Brady took anger management classes…lol
Now if Melissa Archer had only been cast as Sarah Horton…never mind…lol
Ah, Jimmy. I wish they had done that. I remember with clarity you saying that as soon as we learned Melissa was joining the DOOL family. Too bad ‘they’ did not listen to you. LOL
Good luck, “Days” viewers. Lavoisier was fantastic during his first couple of years on “One Life” but a complete mess during the last four years of the show, sucking all of the oxygen out of the air and turning even the most dramatic stories into his opportunity to display his Jim Carey impersonations.
this is what “bothers” me….
the Kiriakis’ Manse : doesn’t need schtick, jokes, impersonations… etc….
they blend so well together… and it’s their inside joke that we are witness to
Victor, Maggie, Justin, Adrienne, Brady… add in Theresa and the butler
see? how well they cut each other? with nary a jokester
I’m not sure… about JPL
John Anniston’ Victor quick wit; Justin manner; and how well Maggie and Adrienne play off of their men
now if Brady and Theresa could just relax and get sexy!
LOL
I LOVE the Kiriakis’
I love John Aniston, Patrick. You are so right….he cracks me up as no other. Even when he’s mean, he’s funny….I love the way he brings down anyone he doesn’t like, with his sarcastic and smearing words. He certainly is an anomaly.
Hearing that both Dena and Josh knew they had to get Phillip back, as a way to re-build the history of the soap, it excites me in knowing that they’re serious about the soap. And casting JPL was incredible; I look forward to seeing his take on the character, and the direction they’ll be taking him!
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.
Breaking News
51st Daytime Emmys: Eric Braeden, Scott Clifton, Thorsten Kaye, John McCook and Eric Martsolf Score Lead Actor Nominations
Ahead of the full list of 51st annual Daytime Emmy Award Nominations to be revealed tomorrow on Friday, April 19th, Extra’s Melvin Roberts unveiled the nominations in the highly-coveted Outstanding Lead Performance in a Daytime Drama Series: Actor.
Going for gold are Eric Braeden (Victor, The Young and the Restless), Scott Clifton (Liam, The Bold and the Beautiful), John McCook (Eric, The Bold and the Beautiful), Thorsten Kaye (Ridge, The Bold and the Beautiful) and Eric Martsolf (Brady, Days of our Lives).
All five of the nominees are previous Daytime Emmy winners, with Eric Martsolf the only won in the group to have won his previous Emmy for work in the Supporting Actor category.
Photo: JPI
B&B could make it three years in a row as the reigning champs in the actor race, having won in 2022 with John McCook and 2023 with Thorsten Kaye.
In addition, as previously announced, the Michael Fairman Channel will play host to its 10th annual Daytime Emmy Nominations special featuring several of the nominees for the 51st annual Daytime Emmys which happens live tomorrow Friday, April 19th beginning at 8 pm ET/5pm PT.
Check out Extra’s announcement of this year’s Daytime Emmy nominees for Lead Actor, then let us know in the comment section, which of the five do you hope takes home the prize?
We’re honored to announce the @DaytimeEmmys nominees for Outstanding Lead Performance in a Daytime Drama Series:@EBraeden, @YandR_CBS@CliftonsNotes, @BandB_CBS@Iamthorstenkaye, @BandB_CBS
John McCook, @BandB_CBS@EricMartsolf, @DaysPeacock#DaytimeEmmys pic.twitter.com/2fWsxtWs3W— ExtraTV (@extratv) April 18, 2024
Days Of Our Lives
DAYS Alum Tanner Stine to Appear in ‘Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story’ Starring Nicholas Chavez
Another face familiar to daytime fans has already boarded Ryan Murphy’s limited series, Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story which stars General Hospital favorite, Nicholas Chavez (Spencer Cassadine) in the role of Lyle.
Tanner Stine who played Kayla (Mary Beth Evans) and Steve’s (Stephen Nichols) son, Joey Johnson on Days of our Lives will also appear in the series.
In ‘Monsters’, look for Stine to portray the role of Perry Berman, who was Lyle and Erik’s friend and former tennis coach. In the story, Perry found himself at the epicenter of the murder mystery when he had accepted a phone call from Lyle shortly before the brutal murders of Jose and Kitty Menendez.
Photo: JPI
Other previously announced castings included: Cooper Koch (who plays Erik), Javier Bardem and Chloë Sevigny as parents Jose and Kitty Menendez, Nathan Lane as Dominick Dunne, Ari Graynor as Leslie Abramson, and Leslie Grossman as Judalon Smyth.
Photo: IMDb
In the series, the two wealthy brothers stand trial for shooting their parents in Beverly Hills, amid claims of self-defense after years of abuse, while prosecutors alleged that greed was the motives for the killing. Lyle and Erik Menendez have been behind bars in California for more than three decades for the 1989 killing of their parents.
Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story will debut later in 2024 on Netflix.
What do you think about Tanner Stine being part of the all-star cast for ‘Monsters’? Miss Joey on Days of our Lives? Comment below.
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
51st Daytime Emmys: Eric Braeden, Scott Clifton, Thorsten Kaye, John McCook and Eric Martsolf Score Lead Actor Nominations
Mark Consuelos Celebrates One-Year Anniversary as Co-Host of ‘Live’ Alongside Kelly Ripa
DAYS Alum Tanner Stine to Appear in ‘Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story’ Starring Nicholas Chavez
General Hospital’s Steve Burton Reveals the Emotional Scene He Almost Could Not Get Through
Y&R’s Eileen Davidson Delivers the ‘Power Performance of the Week’
Days of our Lives wins WGA Award for Daytime Drama Series
Matthew Ashford and Melissa Reeves Talk Return to DAYS for Doug’s Funeral, Susan Seaforth Hayes, and Their Enduring Friendship
DAYS Alum Tanner Stine to Appear in ‘Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story’ Starring Nicholas Chavez
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
WrestleMania 40 Night Two: Cody Rhodes ‘Finishes the Story’ and Defeats Roman Reigns for the WWE Universal Championship with Run-Ins by The Rock, John Cena & The Undertaker
-
General HospitalApril 12, 2024George Russo to Appear on General Hospital as Carmine Cerullo
-
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
-
General HospitalApril 15, 2024General Hospital’s Steve Burton Reveals the Emotional Scene He Almost Could Not Get Through
-
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’