Days Of Our Lives
Ashley Puzemis Addresses Her Exit as Holly Jonas on ‘Days of our Lives’
As previously reported four Days of our Lives actors were blindsided as 2026 began when they were informed by the Peacock streaming soap opera that they were being let-go. In addition, since that time, they have all wrapped their runs, including Ashley Puzemis who played Holly Jonas.
Puzemis, along with her on-screen love interest Leo Howard ((Tate), Carson Boatman (Johnny) and Raven Bowens (Chanel) have all made their exits, but since DAYS tapes ten-months ahead of dropping new episodes, they will be seen well into 2026.
Now for the first time, Ashley Puzemis acknowledged her run on DAYS with a heartfelt post sharing video and images via her Instagram account over the Valentine’s Day weekend. Puzemis joined the soap opera as the SORAS’d daughter of Nicole (Arianne Zucker) and Daniel (Shawn Christian) in October of 2023.

Photo: JPI
Ashley shared: “Been meaning to post… but that’s officially a wrap on Holly Jonas! 222 episodes later, an Emmy nomination, many tears shed, and an entire cast who has become my family. Thank you for the memories.”
Several of her now former DAYS co-stars jumped in her IG comment thread including: Martha Madison (Belle) who said, “You light up the screen and every room you walk into. You will crush whatever comes next, and we will be cheering you on the whole way.” Hank Northrup (Liam) expressed, “Such a superstar, ” while Dan Feuerriegel (EJ) added, “Miss ya Ashy ❤️”
A DAYS spokesperson previously commented on the exits of Puzemis and the other younger set members: “While we don’t comment on individual contracts or casting decisions, we have tremendous respect and appreciation for the actors who bring these characters to life. What may seem sudden is part of long-range storytelling decisions. Our goal is to balance the show’s rich history with where we’re headed creatively. Due to our long tape-to-air gap, any changes won’t be on screen for some time.”
Now the question becomes, how did the DAYS writers handle the exits of Holly and Tate? Do they leave the canvas and Salem happy together to start their lives somewhere else, or do they go their separate ways? Stay tuned.
So, how do you feel about Ashley Puzemis exiting DAYS as Holly Jonas? Do you hope they will bring the character back at some point? Let us know via the comment section below.
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I love the character of Holly. I will miss her. I hope she and Tate get their happy ending.
As Martha Madison said about Ashley Puzemis (Holly)… Such a superstar & I agree, Ashley, does bright up the screen. Ashley did what she could with the direction of the character since Nicole & Eric moved to Paris. I feel like there was more investment and value with the character when Nicole, her mother, was in the picture.
Ari & Ashley had a great dynamic and communion … and, when Holly was sick and in recovery, Ashley did some of her best work with the drug overdose and coma and her rebellious behavior. She had really nice chemistry with Suzanne Rodgers.
The silly storyline with Sofia (1 & 2)… wasn’t fully carved out and it didn’t serve the character of Holly especially when Doug II had eyes for her. I think the writers didn’t know what to do with Holly when Nicole left. Ashley is a superstar and I’m hoping she can land on General Hospital.
GH could expand the Quartermaine clan with Skye Chandler- Quartermaine’s daughter, Lila Rae Alcazar. Keep auditioning, Ashley! It sounds like in the past few years, you grew very close and connected with the cast… cherish those memories with them and know you are on a new path, and I hope you land a part worthy of your talents.
And, you are a daytime Emmy nominee, well done for the recognition of that. That’s really awesome.
I would love for Ari Zucker to come back for 1 episode to bring Holly home to Paris with here. I think Tate will go out with Sophia . That storyline is not finished in my opinion.
Zucker will never return to DAYS.
I think you firing those 4 awesome young, bright actors is a huge mistake. The young stars of today are the stars of the future. I really feel like if anyone should have been fired it should have been Sofia. She is physco. Those 4 are major assets to the show. You will be sorry . How Could You???
It’s nothing new at Days of Our Lives, though. This has happened before. Plus, Carson Boatman (Johnny) was in contract negotiations, so he was already about to be a free agent.
Rumors abound that Eden McCoy is leaving GH. After resting the character for a few months, could Ashley be the next Joss?
It’s a good idea and I wouldn’t be upset by it, but I would like to see Josslyn rested for more than a few months at this point.
Bring her back
I still don’t get why DAYS is so far ahead in production. When storylines aren’t clicking with us, it’s pointless to say anything because by the time any changes can be made, almost a year has passed and that’s a good way for viewers to find something else
She is very beautiful.
Days Of Our Lives
DAYS OF OUR LIVES Preview: Lexie Emerges and Shocks Abe as the DiMera Family Gathers for The Reading of Stefano’s Will
Next week on all-new episodes of Days of Our Lives, finally it looks like Lexie Carver is fully resurrected when the character now played by Nikki Crawford stumbles into a DiMera family gathering, which is supposed to be for the reading of Stefano DiMera’s will.
In the Peacock video teaser, as EJ (Dan Feuerriegel) and company toast the Phoenix, the secret tunnel door swings open, and out stumbles out Lexie! Meanwhile, Dr, Rolf (Richard Wharton) realizes Lexie is gone and no longer in her bed. When Abe (James Reynolds) sees his beloved Lexie, he is absolutely stunned. But the question is, when Lexie speaks, is she the Lexie of old, or will her memory and brain be all scrambled eggs?
As longtime DAYS viewers know, the part of Lexie was portrayed for years by Renee Jones, who retired from acting after her run which lasted from 1993-2012. At the time of her departure, Lexie was killed-off with an inoperable brain tumor.

Courtesy/Peacock
Elsewhere, Kristen (Stacy Haiduk) is up to no good and now makes a play for Xander (Paul Telfer). but then tells him, “What I want now, is for you to kill him!” Who does she want killed? EJ? Johnny (Carson Boatman)? Or someone else?
Take a look at the official Days of Our Lives spoilers for the week of May 11-15 below.
Monday, May 11
Lexie crashes the reading of Stefano’s will.
Tony makes Gabi an unexpected offer.
Kristen sees Sophia.
EJ questions Cat.
Chad defends Leo.
Tuesday, May 12
Belle asks Marlena for advice.
Holly lashes out at Tate.
Brady and Sarah comfort each other.
Philip comes through for Gabi.
Ari opens up to Liam.
Wednesday, May 13
Steve pays Alex a visit.
EJ pulls a fast one on Gwen.
Marlena offers Paulina support.
Thursday, May 14
Johnny and Chanel lean on each other.
Jada moves Shawn into her place and opens the door for renewed romance.
Gabi presses Ari about her relationship with Liam.
Amy confronts Holly.
Friday, May 15
EJ wants to explore his past with Cat.
Kristen and Chad discuss life and death.
Javi opens up to Rafe.
Gwen plays hardball with Xander.
Check out the latest DAYS promo entitled, “Heartbreak Hotel” below.
Then, let us know, does this Lexie come back from the dead intrigue you, even though Nikki Crawford is taking on the role and not Renee Jones? Do you think she will be anywhere near the same personality she had before she “died’? Who does Kristen want killed now? Weigh-in via the comment section.
Breaking News
DAYS Lauren Koslow Temporarily Fills-In for Jess Walton as ‘The Young and the Restless’ Jill Abbott
In a ironic twist, Lauren Koslow, who currently plays Kate Roberts on Days of Our Lives is returning to The Young and the Restless to play Jill Abbott while temporarily filling in for Jess Walton. Koslow will appear for five episodes beginning on Thursday, June 25.
Koslow first appeared on The Young and the Restless back in 1984 in what was her first soap opera role when she was cast as Lindsey Wells. Now, she returns decades later subbing for Walton, who due to a scheduling conflict, was was unable to travel to Los Angeles when the storyline called for Jill. The Emmy-winning Walton has played the Jill since 1987 and went on recurring status with the show in 2012. Jess also left Los Angeles to reside in Oregon in 2011.
Making this all the richer was the original Jill played by Brenda Dickson, often shared scenes with Koslow’s Y&R character. Lauren played Lindsey Wells until 1986, before moving over to The Bold and the Beautiful as Margo Lynley. Koslow was B&B’s Margo from 1987–1992, and again in 2002. Then, in 1996, she was cast on Days of Our Lives as Kate Roberts, replacing Deborah Adair, and she has been in Salem ever since. But there’s still another another twist to this casting history. Y&R viewers recall Deborah Adair also played Jill, after Brenda Dickson left in 1980, and following a brief stint by Bond Gideon, before heading to DAYS to originate the role of Kate.

Photo: CBS
THE DAYS AND Y&R CONNECTION
As soap fans know, Days of Our Lives and The Young and the Restless are both part of Sony. Y&R is produced by Bell Dramatic Serial Company in association with Sony Pictures Television, while DAYS is owned by Corday Productions and distributed by Sony.
So, having Koslow visit The Young and the Restless to fill in for Jess Walton has nothing to do with her continued role of Kate on DAYS. In fact, a rep for the show shared that her upcoming appearance on Y&R, “does not affect her status with the show in any way.” Recently, Stacy Haiduk reprised her role of Patty Williams on Y&R, even though she is still being seen as Kristen DiMera on DAYS.
In a joint statement offered up to TV Insider, executive producer, Sally McDonald and head writer, Josh Griffith expressed, “We’re extremely grateful to Lauren Koslow for returning to her Y&R roots and temporarily stepping into the role of Jill. We want to extend our sincere thanks to Ken Corday (executive producer) and Noel Maxam (co-executive producer) at Days of Our Lives and Peacock. Their support embodies the collaborative spirit of the daytime television community.”
McDonald and Griffith clarified that Jess Walton is forever their Jill and shared, “Jess Walton is an enduring cornerstone of Y&R. We look forward to welcoming her back to Genoa City as her schedule permits and celebrating her extraordinary 40th anniversary as the iconic Jill Abbott.”
So, what do you think of Days of Our Lives Lauren Koslow stepping in for Jess Walton as Jill Abbott? Excited to see what she does in the role while filling in for the Jess? Weigh-in via the comment section below.
Days Of Our Lives
‘Days of Our Lives’ Alum Al Calderon Shares Parting Thoughts on ‘Brilliant Minds’ Following its Cancellation
Last week, NBC pulled the plug on the medical drama, Brilliant Minds, as the last 6 episodes of its second and final season will begin to air later this month. The series which saw its ratings plummet was taken off the schedule in February, with reports of it being on the bubble until finally the decision was handed down.
Al Calderon, who departed Days of our Lives in the role of Javi Hernandez in 2025 to join the primetime series as Nurse Nico Silva, was a part of the stellar cast that also featured One Life to Live alum, Teddy Sears (ex-Chad Bennett) and series star, Zachary Quinto.
On Brilliant Minds, Quinto plays 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.

Photo: NBC
In a real-life twist, Days of our Lives announced Calderon’s successor, Jacob Martinez as the new Javi debuting this June on April 30. Come May 1, NBC canceled Brilliant Minds. Now, on Wednesday, May 6, Al Calderon took a moment to reflect on his experience at Bronx General Hospital, the backdrop of Brilliant Minds, via a post on his Instagram.
“Thank you Brilliant Minds” Calderon began. “What a life changing experience. Met forever friends. Learned from the absolute best. Was reminded that my voice mattered. Learned that it’s okay to believe in yourself. Felt like I was part of something. While our beautiful show has gone onto glory we’ve got 6 more incredible episodes to share with you starting May 27th.”
Al also added, “NBC and Warner Brothers TV, thank you for allowing me to be silly and quippy, Demane Davis, Michael Grassi, David Rapaport, Zachary Quinto, thank you for all of your encouragement and support.”
As his heartfelt post came to a close, Calderon explained why the experience on Brilliant Minds was life-changing: “I’ve been at this a long time and this show gave me hope for the future of my career. I owe it to these incredible individuals. Our crew. Our writers. Our editors. The whole shebang. I love you all endlessly.”
Taking to the comment threads were several of Al’s Brilliant Minds and DAYS former co-stars, and even his successor, Jacob Martinez jumped in and shared, “YOU are brilliant 💕”
What did you think of Al’s heartfelt message about his time on Brilliant Minds? Will you miss seeing him on DAYS and on the primetime series? Looking forward to seeing what he will do next? Share your thoughts in the comment section.
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