Days Of Our Lives
Casey Moss Talks on His Return to Days of our Lives: “Healthy” On Set Environment Under Janet Drucker, Remembrance of Drake Hogestyn, and JJ’s Future
Last week, Casey Moss returned to Days of our Lives in his role of JJ Deveraux to officiate the “wedding” of “Abigail” and Chad (Billy Flynn) in Paris. As JJ is about to find out, and everyone else, “Abigail” is really Cat Greene (AnnaLynne McCord), and the whole Deveraux clan has been scammed.
Previously, Moss appeared on DAYS from 2013-2020, where he earned a Daytime Emmy nomination for his work. Now in 2024, Casey is back on DAYS and while his initial stint is streaming now on Peacock, he is currently taping all-new episodes at DAYS, which will air most likely nine months from now, since the soap opera tapes so far in advance of when it drops episodes on its streamer.
On Friday October 18th, Moss visited the Michael Fairman Channel for a livestream conversation where he opened up on life away from the soap opera, his own growing pains, coming back to work with Billy Flynn and AnnaLynne McCord, plus what lies ahead for JJ. In addition, the actor commented on the current “healthy” state behind the scenes at DAYS now under the auspices of current, Janet Drucker. Casey also took a moment to remember the late Drake Hogestyn, who passed away last month due to his battle with pancreatic cancer at age 70.
Photo: JPI
Moss revealed what happened when he received the call to come back to the soap opera, relating, “I was actually site supervising the new Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story on Netflix in Woodland Hills, California, and then I get a text from Marni Saitta (casting director) saying, ‘Ron (Carlivati, former head writer, DAYS) wants to know if you want to come back for a few episodes’. So I said, ‘Absolutely, yes,” and here we are, nine months later. Casey also shared his thoughts on former GH star Nicholas Chavez (ex-Spencer Cassadine) and Cooper Koch in the lead roles in Monsters, “These guys were absolutely phenomenal. It’s some of the best acting I’ve seen in a very long time.”
Photo: JPI
Speaking on the loss of beloved DAYS veteran Drake Hogestyn, Moss related, “He was probably everything you aspire and hope to be as a person in the entertainment industry. It never got to his head and he was always respectful. When I got off the show, and in a nutshell, I was kinda stupid with how I went about my finances just like every young kid, or at least the majority. I had to get a job at a restaurant in Malibu. It was the best thing that ever happened to me. The restaurant happened to be the one in Malibu that Drake frequented. I was serving him one time, and it was amazing how he treated me. He did the exact same hand on the shoulder thing he does, and gave me a big hug in front of his family, and then he told me a story.” Casey added, “Drake’s going to be very, very missed. My dressing room is right next to where his was.”
Photo: JPI
When Janet Drucker took over the the co-executive producer position from the ousted Albert Alarr back in August of 2023, the goal was to change the backstage culture of the show. Having been gone full-time from the show for four years, Moss reports that coming back now the environment could not be better, relating, “Janet, being the head here now, (and I’ve seen this set, you know, less than other people, but more than others for the past decade), this set is so healthy. People that are here want to be here and want to do their best work. This is the healthiest set I’ve seen. Everyone loves each other, because just like any other work environment; you got people that aren’t necessarily fond of each other, and I’ve seen that throughout the years. However, the type of environment that she’s created on this set is just magical.”
Since more JJ will be coming up down the line, Moss shares that he may have an on-screen love interest or two, and addresses if JJ might somehow get his police badge back after it was taken away following the shooting of Theo Carver (then Kyler Pettis) back in 2017. That storyline (where JJ contemplated ending his life because of it) won DAYS multiple Emmys.
Photo: JPI
The actor shared, “I think it’s probably in the blood for who JJ is and thinking about what his mom (Jennifer) and his dad (Jack) do as well with investigative journalism. JJ come from the same mindset, but with a little bit of young man machismo put into it and wanting to protect and serve, whether that be in a profession or whether that be in a relationship.” Casey then teased for JJ’s future, “I hate saying this, but you guys are gonna have to watch and tune in (to find out what happens).”
Check out our full livestream conversation with Casey below.
Now let us know, who do you think JJ should be involved with romantically? What story do you hope is coming up down the line? What did you think of Casey’s thoughts on Janet Drucker and Drake Hogestyn? Share your thoughts in the comment section.
I’m glad he’s back. Look forward to seeing more of him!
We need our core families back.
I miss jj’s old drug dealer friend. That guy was hilarious.
Rory!
So glad he’s back and glad to hear the environment is healthy
Now that Albert is gone I hope Janet brings back Ari Zucker and all the other ladies who were affected by his uncomfortable work environment.
I hope they bring back ari Zuckerberg miss seeing her
Last I heard, she was still suing them. Which unfortunately makes it unlikely that she will be back.
On the other horn, some of the other actresses who left during Alarr’s “reign of terror” have apparently already started taping again. Others returned after they fired ReRon, so maybe Al wasn’t the only one keeping them away?
Whatever it takes to get “Body and Soul” off the screen as soon as possible, for Hell’s sake.
LOL please cancel it!!! But not days!!
Days Of Our Lives
DAYS OF OUR LIVES Preview: Xander Fights for His Life, Halloween in Salem, Lani Returns to the Salem PD
This week on all-new episodes of Days of our Lives streaming October 26-30 on Peacock; after Xander (Paul Telfer) has been shot by George (Michael Rose), and retaliates by firing a bullet his way, Sarah (Linsey Godfrey) is on the scene!
In a key moment, Dr. Horton does everything she can to stabilize Xander in order to rush him to the hospital, which finds the two former loves rekindling many of the feels that brought them together in the first place.
The official Days of our Lives promo for the week also teases how Mason (Brandon Butler) and Holly (Ashley Puzemis) get a very unexpected caller which is Sophia (Rachel Boyd)!
Photo: Corday Productions
Meanwhile, Steve (Stephen Nichols) is heard saying, “Never give EJ DiMera the benefit of the doubt. You might learn to regret it!” Next, we see Cat (AnnaLynne McCord) appear to be hanging onto Steve’s every word.
Meanwhile, Lani (Sal Stowers) celebrates her return to the Salem PD, while many Salem residents get ready for Halloween.
Chad (Conner Floyd) and his son Thomas (Cole Gersmeyer) are ready for Fright Night, as is Kirsten (Stacy Haiduk)! But as things go in Salem, masks, hidden identities, and more make for mystery and mayhem! The conclusion of the promo shows an upset EJ (Dan Feuerriegel) throwing a book at the portrait of his father, Stefano DiMera. What has him so unglued?
Photo: Corday Productions
SPOILERS
Here’s a look at additional Days of our Lives spoilers for this week.
Monday, October 26
Brady gets devastating news.
Leo and Javi share an emotional moment.
Tuesday, October 27
Marlena hesitates to reach out to Dominic.
Kristen makes a confession to Lani.
Wednesday, October 28
Johnny faces down his father – and his future.
Stephanie gets surprising news from Alex.
Thursday, October 29
Johnny and Chanel receive wonderful news.
Brady and Sarah have a heart-to-heart conversation.
Friday, October 30
Sarah and Xander share an emotional reunion.
Julie breaks up with Foster.
Kristen ties up some loose ends.
Chad refuses to be intimidated by EJ.
Now below, check out this week’s DAYS promo entitled, “Spooky Salem.”
Then weigh-in: are you rooting for Sarah and Xander to get back together? What is EJ so upset about? Is it about his half-brother, Dominic Marino? What skullduggery might go down on Halloween night in Salem? Share your thoughts and theories via the comment section.
The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) revealed on Thursday, the lineup of presenters for 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards taking place on Friday, October 30, 2026, at the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles, California.
The ceremony will stream live on the NATAS YouTube channel at YouTube.com/@theemmys and watch.TheEmmys.tv.
Scheduled to present from the current soaps are: Katelyn MacMullen (Willow, General Hospital), Delon de Metz (Zende, The Bold and the Beautiful), James Preston (Nick, The Bay), Paul Telfer (Xander, Days of our Lives), Tamara Tunie (Anita, Beyond the Gates) and Susan Walters (Diane, The Young and the Restless).
Photo: NATAS
In addition soap alums, Crystal Chappell, Lesli Kay, Joe Lando, Eva LaRue, who is also a nominee this year, A Martinez, Juliet Mills, and Alicia Leigh Willis, will also be on hand to present.
The ceremony which celebrates nominated lifestyle programs and dramas will also include presenters: Eva zu Beck (Superskilled with Eva zu Beck), Danielle Chang (Lucky Chow), Sunny Hostin (The View), Derek Hough (Extra), Pati Jinich (Pati’s Mexican Table), Star Jones (Divorce Court), Michael Jr. (Stand Up and Do Something), Judge Greg Mathis (Mathis Court with Judge Mathis), Keke Palmer (Glam Through the Ages), Nischelle Turner (Entertainment Tonight), and Andrew Zimmern (Andrew Zimmern’s Wild Game Kitchen).
The 2026 Daytime Emmy Awards will bring together an exciting mix of presenters representing the full spectrum of daytime television,” said Adam Sharp, President & CEO of NATAS. “From familiar faces in daytime drama to the personalities and creative voices behind talk shows and lifestyle programming, this year’s lineup reflects the breadth of talent that makes daytime so special. We look forward to celebrating the people who continue to shape the genre.”
Matthew Hoffman (Love Island USA, Cheap A$$ Beach Houses) will serve as the ceremony’s Voice of God, bringing his signature comedic narration to the evening’s celebrations. As previously announced, Lifetime Achievement honoree Genie Francis (Laura, General Hospital) will be presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award by her husband, Jonathan Frakes.
So, what do you think about the list of presenters for the 2026 Daytime Emmy Awards? Let us know who you are looking forward to seeing via the comment section below.
For months now, Days of our Lives has teased the character of Dominic Marino. In recent weeks, viewers learned that Marino is on the down low working with Sami Brady’s (Alison Sweeney) apparent fiancé ‘Dante Vitali (Franco LoPresti), and that he is the never-before-heard-of child of Stefano DiMera (the late Joseph Mascolo) and Marlena Evans (Deidre Hall)!
Up until now, the Peacock streaming soap opera has never revealed his face, but that all seemed to change on the Tuesday, October 2o episode of DAYS. In story, Dante met Sami’s parents for the first time, Roman (Josh Taylor) and Marlena.
He shows them a photo of Dominic, which he happened to have on his own phone and even commented he kind of looked like he could be Marlena’s son. The photo, which has quickly made it around Soap Twitter/X, revealed that British-born actor Kyle Pryor is the man in the photo and eagle-eyed viewers actually located said photo on Pryor’s Instagram.
Photo: Peacock
Deadline revealed Pryor started taping at the end of 2025 and will first be seen in the role, on air Monday, November 2. In addition, Days will celebrate its 61st Anniversary with two special episodes featuring Dominic’s arrival, as well the returns of Tony and Anna DiMera, played respectively by Thaao Penghlis and Leann Hunley, on Friday, November 6 and Monday, November 9.
Those in the know, are are that Pryor previously held series regular roles on Australia’s Home and Away, and the UK’s Hollyoaks and guest starred on Emmerdale. In an ironic twist, Pryor appeared in the series Spartacus: Blood and Sand which is the same action series his apparent TV brother, Dan Feuerriegel (EJ DiMera), once appeared in before coming to DAYS.
So excited to see Kyle Pryor take on the role of Dominic Marino as Days of our Lives sets its anniversary story to kick-off with is arrival in Salem? Share your thoughts in the comment section. And in case you missed our latest conversation with Conner Floyd (Chad DiMera) he weighs-in on how Dominic’s appearance will shake things up in Salem. You can check that out below.
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