Days Of Our Lives
DAYS Matthew Ashford Interview: Jack's coming back to Salem & what comes next will be unpredictable!
Photo Credit: JPI Studios
Jack is back! Finally, one of the most beloved characters in the history of Days of our Lives is coming home to Salem! And that means, the fabulous Matthew Ashford will be back on screen full-time when the NBC soap opera does it’s highly anticipated reset of the show on the September 26th episode.
On-Air On-Soaps spoke to Matt this morning to get his thoughts on his return, what we can look forward to, how are they going to explain why Jack has been away from his loved ones for so long, and how is Jack going to deal with the fact that his beloved Jennifer (played by Melissa Reeves) has fallen head over heels for Dr. Daniel Jonas (played by Shawn Christian)? Here’s our “quickie” chat with Matt!
What happened that finally brought you back to DAYS? Did someone say, “Now with the reboot…. let’s bring him back?”
MATT: I guess so. I am not a party to conversations of what is going on in the bigger picture. But, I got a call one day asking what would be my interest level in coming back to Days of our Lives and if I was available to come back. I figured if they asked there was something substantial for me there. And they told me, “Yes, we have some ideas and some story,” and that is obviously good news for an actor to hear that. So that is what I heard and I then said I was interested. We began this odyssey, and very soon the viewers will see the first results and fruits from it.
What we saw in the fall promo released by NBC was Jack falling into a cake and there was Jennifer and Dr. Daniel in an embrace of some sort!
MATT: Yeah, this guy and this girl! (Laughs) It just kind of starts from there and it does not stop. It was an intense and crazy first week of work for me, as it was for everybody. The character of Jack is suddenly there and then things go nuts!
Photo Credit: JPI Studios
Well there is a big misunderstanding, right? Jennifer believes he left her, but he was kidnapped… or something?
MATT: I had been hearing things for quite some time – that he was in some ashram in India and then I heard he was running around the Outback. But I believe the Outback of Australia is where they send many soap opera characters! So I think they must all be running around together there! (Laughs) My character has been out there a number of times!
Whenever you left the show or they wrote Jack off the canvas, the writers had to construct some reason behind it. Much of that upset the audience. Why else would this wonderful guy who loves Jennifer so much, disappear on her time and time again?
MATT: Yeah, I think in the last go round that was part of the Jim Reilly (DAYS ex- head writer) years. I never quite understood it. Now you get into conversations with people who will ask me, “Is your character dead or alive?” And I realize to even have this conversation is in itself a tremendous challenge. I had to go back and say, “No. The character of Jack has never been really dead, but he has been written right off the page a number of times! (Laughs) I think we are dealing now in story with the reality of him not being there in Salem for quite some time, and that is what he has to now overcome.
I would think he would have to deal with Jennifer’s and Abigail’s trust issues with him. That is what I would assume. He will have these big hurdles to overcome to get back in the good graces of his family. And on top of that, Jennifer has moved on with another man in Dr. Daniel! And… Oh. My. God. Jack! Now what is he going to do?
MATT: That is what I wonder! And that is the $64,000, or whatever your percentages are, question of, “What is he going to do now?”
Courtesy/MattAshford.com
Are you having fun being back at DAYS?
MATT: Oh yes. But it is a lot of work. The pace at which we work at now is that you have got to know your material and kind of just go with it. But it is also very challenging, because our new creative team is asking for more. They are asking, let’s just not just have a funny moment or strange or goofy moment, but they are asking, what is this all about? And they are asking a lot more of us as actors. That has not been asked of us for awhile. So now the creative team is asking things like: “What makes this person tick?” and, “Why are they doing that?” So we are getting a chance to dig into that, and that is exciting. And like I said, those first airdates are just the beginning of peeling back these layers of all these characters.
I think Jack is in for a real shock, because Dr. Daniel is a real threat to his relationship with Jennifer! I think Jenn really loves Daniel.
MATT: Yes very much. I think Daniel is a real guy. I am not saying the other guys in Jennifer’s life were fly-by-night, but Daniel wants to be happy and happy with Jennifer! So it will be a real challenge for Jack.
Do you think Jack would resort to some of his infamous “Jack machinations” to try to win her back?
MATT: Um, he could. There is always the risk then of being set up as the “machinator”. It is tempting, but I think even that in itself is a story. When your first tendency is to try and figure away around this, that might get you something in the short term, but in the long term it is not so good.
Photo Credit: JPI Studios
I am feeling Jack and Jennifer are going to have to get together and solve some mystery like they were doing back at the old newspaper days! I predict that they will end up in close proximity and maybe, just maybe, mend some fences.
MATT: I think there is a whole new generation of people watching. They can look at things and see who this character is and what he has done, and what Jack and Jennifer over the years have meant to each other. I am more than open to everyone’s interest on different levels.
What do you think fans should look forward to with Jack falling in to the cake (laughs) and then the aftermath, and the future of his story?
MATT: A lot of turnarounds and quick changes, because that is what I experienced. I thought it was going this one way, and then quickly it changes and turned into something else. I think it is to the credit of the creative team: the writers, producer and directors. They wanted to dig in. I thought, “Wow. I sort of came in her hoping for some good times,” and they wanted to dig in!” But it’s been very challenging and exciting.
I am worried Jack may have been tortured or abused while on assignment, or something like that while he was away! Something had to have happened. How else can he have any credibility in the storyline?
MATT: There could be some sadder moments, I really don’t know. You know some people like that stuff, you never know. (Laughs) It is going to be different. Our new writers are very interested at looking at the story that has been created and looking back at what happened 10, 15, or 20 years ago, and they are looking at a very interesting situation. Greg Meng (DAYS co-executive producer) told me that they are really going to be listening to the audience, and being flexible and seeing how things go.
Courtesy/NBC
How is working with Kate Mansi as your daughter, Abigail?
MATT: She is wonderful. Kate is Italian, and actually Melissa’s family is Italian, too. She is from the Jersey shore. I have these powerful woman and actresses with me. Kate brings a lot of focus and passion to her role and what we are doing. I am very excited to be working with her, and Missy and Shawn Christian, who is really fun to work with as well, and he is not giving an inch either!
It is so great that Jack is back! Now we will have to sit back and see where it all goes.
MATT: Absolutely! I ask that people come along for the ride, because it only gets better!
So excited to have Jack back for Jennifer! Jennifer’s return has been a total bust because she hasn’t had her soulmate Jack by her side. Very happy that Days is rectifying this mistake.
Exactly, no amount whitewashing negates the fact Dan is sleazy, not this great guy. Glad that Darrell/Marlene/Greg are fixing Jack after the silly in absentia destruction. Though I want Jack to move on for a while, get his paper back, investigate hot stories, have his snark back, been cynical and more like 89-91 Jack, date — the poor guy has been loyal for years despite Jennifer always moving on. Then if things work out have Jennifer chase Jack.
It would be smart and savvy of Days to have Jack run an online version of the Spectator given the state of the newspaper/publishing industry.
Yay!
yay i so cannot wait until i see jack i rally hope jen leaves daniel i cannot stand them togather….jack and jenn please get back please her story line has been so borning with daniel at least jack and jenn had a awsome story line BRING IT BACK DAYS JACK AND JENN 4 EVER
Go Matt Go! 🙂
I’m very excited to have Mathew Ashford back as Jack. I’m hoping the new writers will do right by Jack and Jennifer and get their essence.
I really want Jack to move on with someone else for awhile and if Jennifer is bedding the sleaze while Jack is there then I do not want Jack winning her back at all it should be her. I am tired of Jennifer playing the saint all the time. We all know she has issues of abandonment they need to be issues. she needs stop blaming everything on Jack.
One thing to remember even though Jennifer is Horton and she legacy character does not make her most interesting character without Jack she is not interesting. Jack is more than just about Jennifer he had life before her and I hope the writers give him storyline does not involve chasing Jennifer or winning her back if she continues to throw Daniel in his face then I want new love for Jack I seriously. I mean what about Jack’s happiness I want someone for him and if Jennifer is going stay with Daniel let Jack move on for awhile. There are plenty of women on the show he has chemistry with. Maybe Nicole or new girl Madison anyone but Jennifer she acting like school girl.
I wonder how Jennifer would feel if the shoe was on other foot and she was away and Jack assumed that she abandon the family and he met beautiful women and divorce Jennifer without consent and slept with that women so many times and did not bother to find her and she comes back finding her husband with another women I wonder how Jennifer would feel losing everyone that she love. Jennifer did not even bother to even find Jack and assume the worst in him and jump bed with next sleaze Dr that comes along. Jennifer is disgusting and I just want Jack to come back tell her to just stay with Daniel and he is moving on do not bother to even win her back if she going play these games with men then she deserves lose Jack to another women for sure.
I like Jenn with a real man,not saying Dan is that man,but come on Jack is so silly
I would like Jack with real women because the way Jennifer has been throwing herself at Daniel she acts like teenager instead of adult. She did not never bother to investigate those emails either whatif Jack was really hurt or kidnapped she did not care at all she just wanted to hit sack with this man who has history of sleeping with his patients. Jennifer has real mental problem she has abandon issues. What kind of role model is she setting for Abby? Why she was dull and boring when she is with Jack she never makes herself look sexy or hot with him I can see why Jack leaves her she is boring. I do not know Jennifer became so popular but she never be like her grandmother. I want see Jack move on and I do not think Jack is silly anymore I hope he does not fight too hard for her she is not worth it. I want see Jack with new love interest and let Jennifer stay with Daniel for awhile think about what mistakes she made.
Also I want mention I hope writers let Jack have new women for him I do not want him to waste his time begging for Jennifer to come back she is no prize at all. Jennifer is pathetic she calls herself reporter. I hope Jack gets his paper back and hires Nicole to be his assistant let see how green Jennifer becomes while dating Daniel test her love for him if she is really over Jack then she should not mind if Jack sleeps with Nicole I hope he does serves Jennifer right. I cannot stand her character anymore.
One thing for sure Jack has never love anyone but Jennifer and I feel Jennifer never love Jack or else she would have try to find him maybe he is hurt or kidnapped it has happen and she does not ever care what happen to her son either. I really hope that when Jack comes back he does not make things easy for her I am sick and tired Ms Goody Shoes getting free pass all the time. If I was Jack I would not even bother to let her choose and if she wants Daniel let her have him but she should not get upset if Jack decides to move on. I want Jack to be angry and hurt that she did not even bother to find him she just assume the worst and divorce him and moved on quickly with next loser that came along I do not care if she is happy with Daniel or in love with him I just want Jack to have new love interest why should he be alone. I want him to fall in love with that girl and sleep with her serves Jennifer right I want her to feel she has lost Jack to another women. Jennifer is ruined for me.
Its about time that we let Jack get his own storyline and not even worry about Jennifer anymore she did not care what happen to him or anything since she did the deed with Daniel she should stay with Daniel and let Jack get his new love for him even though he will always be devoted to that slut Jennifer I feel it is time Jack gets new love and Abby should not tell her father to fight for Jennifer she did not even bother to find her husband at all she does not deserve Jack at all for that matter. Jack is adult he has every right to move on without Jennifer like she did with Daniel. I want Jennifer to be one to fight for Jack this time.
IF Jennifer going keep leading men on and not admit her mistakes I do not want see Jack wait for her anymore I hope he just tells her to stay with daniel and moves on let her realize what mistake she making with him. Jennifer I really lost respect for her charater she not same sweet innocent fiesty girl that Jack fell in love with she is more acting like sex kitten from 1994 with Peter. I really think it is time that Jack finally moves on and find happiness with women who love him back because he takes love seriously and if lost Jennifer to that loser Daniel I want him go back this darkside again and maybe bring Greta back for him someone like Madison I just want see jack happy too. I am sick of Jennifer playing Ms Saint all the time.
I hope this time Jennifer is one who has to admit her mistakes I am sick tired of her blaming Jack for everything and she did not bother to find Jack or anything she wanted excuse to have sex with next loser that comes along. Well I hope that Jack is hurt and angry at Miss Slutty Horton when he returns because he was not aware what happen to her and he was held hostage. Jennifer needs to realize that if she keeps to doing this to Jack she is going end up lose everything. Jennifer has serious abandonment issue that need to be address and she is not good influence on Abby either. Jennifer is one who needs grow up not Jack. I want Jack to move on with his life with his children and the paper and get new love I really do not want see him win her back let her have Daniel they both shallow and boring together they deserve each other.
The writers should let Jack move on away from Jennifer for awhile and let her be one to win his heart back for once. I want see Jack have new love for him that would drive Jennifer crazy and involve with Abby and the paper and let Jennifer suffer with Daniel they both deserve each other.
I want Jack to discover she slept with Daniel as soon as she filed for divorce and did not bother to find him either I hope Jack decides to leave her with Daniel and move on with his life with someone else leaving Jennifer to think about her mistakes that she made seek therapy for her problem of abandonment. I want jack to file custody lawsuit against Jennifer because she did not care what happen to their son instead she was busy with Carly and hitting sack with that Dr Sleaze Daniel. Jennifer deserve to get what coming to her.
Why are they even having love triangle with Jack and Jennifer and Daniel I mean if she loves Daniel and Jack is returning I do not want him to fight for her again with this loser I say let her stay with him and have Daniel’s child and let Jack finally move on away from her and get his paper back and new love maybe Greta or Billie or new girl Madison. I think writers want to end Jack and Jennifer for good. I do not want see Jack leave the show just because Jennifer chose to be Daniel. I think Jack is more than about Jennifer he has potential and he can be devious and charming with any women and have his storyline. He does not need Jennifer to have story he can handle himself.
I am tired everyone bashing Jack whatabout Miss Perfect Jennifer thinks she has done nothing wrong just because she had heart removed does not mean anything I am tired of sympathizing with her. Jennifer knew what she was getting herself into when she marry Jack. She does not care about her son or Jack she only cares about jumping into the sack with Dr loser well new flash I hope that when Jack returns he does not even bother to win her back if she choses to be with Daniel then I hope he hooks with Nicole. I am sick tired of Jennifer and her men of the year she is sick bitch and she needs therapy. I want see Jack mature adult and move on away from her let her be one to win Jack back since she is one divorce him.
I just want to see the devious Jack back and I want him to be angry and hurt that Jennfier moved on and divorce him without consenting with him and without knowing the truth about his missing. I want Jack to really tell her off and if she wants Daniel then he will not chase her anymore and he moving on with his life. Jennifer is real nut case she deserves that loser Daniel.
I love the actor, but I am not excited about Jack returning. Sorry but this couple is BORING and the last 2 times he came back were epic fails. I am still hoping for the best tho!
I can care less about Jennifer and her loser boyfriend Jennifer I really want see devious Jack back and not go after Jennifer if she is with that Daniel guy then do not let Jack be goofy or silly anymore give him edge and let him move on with his life and paper. I love Jack I cannot stand Jennifer she never admits her faults and she has abandonment issues that she needs to resolve on her own instead of jumping into bed with next loser that comes along. The writing has not been good for Jack or Jennifer due to Jer and Higley they do not understand Jack’s character. Hopefully we will good storyline out of it but I hope that Jack gets to mix with other castmembers not just boring Jennifer and Daniel. I hope Jack and Nicole hook up maybe. I just do not want see Jack involve in another stupid triangle with Jennifer again just let her be with Daniel and suffer to till she realize what mistake she made with Daniel and try to win Jack back on her own.
Well I hope that Jack is mad and hurt that she moved on without him and did not bother to even find him either and she calls herself reporter. Also I hope he finds out she jumped into bed with that loser and divorce him same time. I really want see Jack move on without Jennifer meaning let her realize what mistake she made and let her stay with Daniel and let Jack move on with maybe Nicole or new girl Madison because he struggle enough with her loser of year
I hope Jack gets hair cut I do not like his long hair at all. Also if Jennifer is going sleep with Daniel after Jack comes back then I want see Jack move on away from her and let her suffer with Daniel.
I just pray that no more buffoon Jack or silly Jack I just want devious Jack back with edge I hope he does not let Jennifer off the hook I am sick and tired of her saint games and if she continues to sleep or have sex with Daniel while Jack is there then I do not want jack to bother to win her back let him free from that Horton slut and let him move on.
One more thing I hope they do not reunite jack and Jennifer right away I hope there is some sexual tension between the two but also I want Jack to be mad and hurt that she moved on quickly with Daniel and divorce I do not want Jennifer get away this time either, Also I hope they give Jack nice haircut and snarky and devious attitude no more goofy or buffoon Jack either and give new love maybe Nicole or new girl Madison and let Jennifer stay with Daniel realize her mistake she made.
I do not want Jack to be Jennifer’s lap dog anymore I want more for Jack than just being counterpart for Jennifer. I hope he gets interact with other characters. I do not want him to live with Jennifer either let her stay with Daniel while Jack explore other option. I do not want quick reunion either between Jack and Jennifer either.
I do not want see Jack look bad I rather Jennifer look bad I cannot stand anymore. I do not want see Jack grovel to her anymore.
Why should Jack have to fight for Jennifer if anyone it is her that to fight for Jack after she is one who file for divorce so she can hop into bed with next loser that comes along. Jennifer is not love with Daniel she is using him just like other men to cover her feelings for Jack that is her pattern. Jennifer is ruin for me and I wish the writers would give Jack new love interest maybe Greta or Nicole because I am tired of Jack having to win her back over and over she is not worth it anymore if she wants boring let her stay with Daniel but I hope Jack is one gets custody for the kids I do not want Jennifer to have the kids she is unfit to be mother to Abby and Jack Jr. They just need send Jennifer offsunset with loser Daniel and let Jack stay on the show and have his own love for him. Missy Reeves is a bitch and she ask to have new love herself I do not think she wants to be hook with jack all the time and I hope Matthew Ashford request new love interest for him because i find Missy to whore she cheated on her real-life husband with Peter Blake (Jason Brooks she probably doing again with Daniel. I donot believe in her religious crap. Jack deserves better now than that slut Jennifer.
First I want see Jack have nice hair cut. The best haircut he had was in during the cruise Deception or 1993 haircut after Abby was born without sideburns. I do not like Jack with long hair. I hope they give us devious and edgy Jack and I hope he does not grovel or win Jennifer back either I am tired of her getting her way all the time I want see her be one to grovel to Jack. I do not want him to forgive her either because she has lots nerve not even bother to find him then she does not deserve to know where he has been either. Jennifer has been real bitch lately.
I want see Jack really move on away from that slutty Jennifer and find happiness with someone else I am sick of Jennifer immature games I hope she will lose Jack and Daniel and learn from her mistakes. Most of the problems is Jennfier abandon issues and she needs to stop playing this Miss Perfect Act because she is not perfect at all but she does deserve that loser Dr sleaze they deserve each other. I want Jack with new love interest and get his paper back and get the children away from Jennifer she is not fit to be parent.
I’m Dannifer all the way, baby!
What is so wrong about Daniel??
I would take him over Jack any day..
Hit the road Jack
Team Jack: 20+ years of supercoupledom and 2 children trumps 3 dates & sex. Not only does Jack have the looks but he also has the bonus wit and the same career choice as Jennifer to blow Daniel out of the water.
I am getting real fed with Jennifer and boy toy of the year I thinks she deserves that loser Daniel after three dates and sex with him and not even bother to find out what really happen with Jack then she is one who does not deserve Jack anymore I am sick and tired of writers painting her as saint all the time I do not really care if she is Horton or not it does not excuse her behavior at all and she is not in love with Daniel either it is rebound relationship and Daniel is not saint either he is more of sleaze than Jack is. I really want see Jack and Nicole and let him have someone who he can relate too because unless Jennifer fixes herself and realize what mistake she is made with Daniel I do not want see Jack with Jennifer. I hope Jack really get angry and upset with her for moving quickly with Daniel and divorcing him without knowing all the facts. Jennifer deserves that loser and I want Jack free from Jennifer for awhile.
I am tired of the writers making Jennifer look like innocent victim all the time she never admits her mistakes and blames everything on Jack. She deserves that loser Daniel I want someone new for Jack maybe Madison to catch Jack’s eye I am sick tired of all the men going after pathetic bitch Jennifer she is not worth it. I want see Jack move on away from her he had enough of her men of the year she can have that loser and be miserable with him. She maybe Horton but she used to be fun and fiesty now she is boring slutty witch. This not same Jennifer we used love she is ruin. Jack deserves better than her. I just want Jack to fix his relationship with Abby and get Jack jr back and let that horny slut Jennifer stay with Daniel because I do not think Jack should trust her anymore.
I hope that when that snowstorm comes it is Jack and Nicole together in bed and Jennifer comes and sees them together serves her right for hopping into bed with that loser Daniel she needs taste of her own medicine. Matthew Ashford and Ariana Zucker have good chemistry I hope they get together since Jennifer is busy playing house with Dr sleazeball those two deserve each other. Jennifer is so pathetic and she deserves to lose Jack to some other women. I cannot stand Jennifer and her saint act she is acting like teeanger I do not think she is no sweetheart at all she is beyond pathetic. It is time for Jack to move on.
I am hoping that Matthew Ashford/Jack gets more airtime and away from Miss Saint Jennifer too. Jennifer belongs with Daniel now I cannot stand her with Jack anymore I really want Jack with someone new so that way Jack can stay in Salem
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
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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
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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
Matthew Ashford and Melissa Reeves Talk Return to DAYS for Doug’s Funeral, Susan Seaforth Hayes, and Their Enduring Friendship
51st Annual Daytime Emmy Nominations Set to Be Announced
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