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DAYS Dan Gauthier Holds OLTL Close to His Heart: “It’s a Shame There Aren’t Any More Soaps in New York City”

By Michael Fairman

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Photo: JPI

After 15 years away from the soaps, Dan Gauthier will be seen in the role of a recast Peter Blake on Days of our Lives starting with the Friday, December 19 episode on Peacock. It has been almost three decades since Kristen DiMera’s brother has been on the canvas as he was last played by Jason Brooks from 1993 to 1998.

In story, look for Peter to somehow land as the next captive in the DiMera crypt joining his siblings, Chad DiMera (Billy Flynn), EJ DiMera (Dan Feuerriegel), Thaao Penghlis (Tony DiMera) as well as Tyler Joseph Andrews (Theo Carver). Just how will all the DiMeras be utilized for the secret project that is going down remains to be seen, or if they are kidnapped for another reason. Stay tuned.

However, daytime fans first met Dan when he played One Life to Live’s Kevin Buchanan, Viki (Erika Slezak) and Clint’s (Clint Richie) son (he adopted Kevin, as the late Joe Reilly was Kevin’s biological father), Gauthier appeared on One Life back in New York City at the most bustling times of the soaps when the East Coast shows were plentiful.

Photo: JPI

It was back in 2003 that Gauthier became the eleventh actor to play Kevin, a role he portrayed on and off until 2010. After bringing more of an edge to the former “good guy character, Dan was nominated for a Daytime Emmy in 2007 in the Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Daytime Drama Series category.

Speaking with TV Insider on the most memorable of times in his life, working and living in the Big Apple, and being part of the iconic One Life to Live, Dan shared, “It was an extraordinary time for me. It couldn’t have been more enjoyable. Living in New York City and being on a soap opera is one of the great jobs of all time. Just being able to walk through the city and go to work was really incredible. It’s a shame there aren’t any more soaps in New York City.”

Dan’s right! It is a shame. Back in the heyday of soaps, and from the 7os, 80s, 90, 2000’s, the soaps were a mainstay of daytime television and culture. Sadly, One Life to Live was the last and final soap to film there, when it bowed out in 2012 and shot its last episodes in November of 2011. Before we lost Llanview, we lost Pine Valley and All My Children in 2011, As the World Turns aired its final episode in 2010, and Guiding Light in 2009, and of course Another World in 1999, Loving in 1995, and Ryan’s Hope which last aired in 1989, etc.

When One Life to Live was canceled, Robert S. Woods, (ex-Bo Buchanan), Gauthier’s co-star told the New York Post, “I never thought it would happen. To think that there wouldn’t be soap operas produced in New York! I always thought there would be the serial format on ABC, as long as there was an ABC.”

Gauthier noted that he met lifelong friends to this day while working at One Life: “Trevor St. John (Todd Manning/Victor Lord] Jr.) is one of my best friends, and we’re still incredibly close. Kassie DePaiva (Blair Cramer) was so welcoming to my family. We spent a lot of weekends with her and Jimmy (DePaiva, Max Holden), and they had kids, too, and so my son was really welcomed in. Kristen Alderson (Starr Manning) and Eddie Alderson (Matthew Buchanan) were there, and Kristen and my son are the same age, so my son spent a lot of time on the set with Kristen, and they became good friends, especially in the first year we lived in New York. It was just a really magical thing for me. It was the best job I ever had. It was extraordinary.”

Additionally, Gauthier worked with and became friends with Days of our Lives John-Paul Lavoisier on One Life to Life when JP played Rex Balsom. Now, Lavoisier takes on the role of Philip Kiriakis on the Peacock streaming soap opera, so when Gauthier taped his DAYS episodes as Peter, he knew a familiar face from his favorite days in New York City.

So, do you think that it’s a terrible shame that all soap opera production which used to be in New York City as its epicenter no longer exists? Do you agree with Dan Gauthier? Do you think the New York soaps had more cache than the LA soaps at the time for the actors that were part of their casts? Share your thoughts below, and if you will be happy to see Dan on DAYS starting tomorrow.

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I agree what a terrible shame it is that no soaps are filmed in NY anymore! One Life to Live and All My Children would still be doing fine but were replacing by shows that I refuse to watch. Another hour of Good Morning America, no thanks!!! I’m still disgusted that the soaps were cancelled!

The New York Soaps had more cache and most of their actors moonlighted on Broadway. The L A soaps had better set designs and clothing. He writing really was the same so I call it a draw.

I love dan
I agree being on NY soap must’ve been wonderful.

I totally agree with Dan. It is a shame there are no soaps in production in New York City. NYC was ground zero for American soaps for decades. I realize the price of studio space kept going up and up. But, all the networks owned studios there. I believe if they wanted to produce soaps in NYC, they would.

I have to comment on Robert S. Woods’ statement: “I always thought there would be the serial format on ABC, as long as there was an ABC.” Unfortunately, the television network is just another part of the mouse company.

Not a day goes by that I don’t miss One Life to Live.

Breaking News

53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards Presenters Announced

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Daytime Emmy Presenters

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).

Genie Francis

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.

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Days Of Our Lives

‘Days of our Lives’ Reveals Kyle Pryor Cast as Dominic Marino

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Kyle Pryor

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.

Dominix

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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Days Of Our Lives

Days of our Lives’ Conner Floyd Talks Dominic Marino Mystery, Chad and Belle, and Susan Seaforth Hayes (Exclusive)

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Conner Floyd

Fasten your seat belts Days of our Lives fans, as the mystery of Dominic Marino continues to unravel on all-new episodes of the Peacock streaming soap opera. Last week, Chad DiMera (Conner Floyd) learned that he may have a half-brother, who may be the biological child of his father, the late Stefano DiMera (the late Joseph Mascolo) and Dr. Marlena Evans (Deidre Hall), giving him great pause, because he knows Stefano had kidnapped Marlena for four years back in the late 80s and early 90s.

Chad has already been hunting down clues with his current girlfriend Belle Black (Martha Madison) in Italy and Salem, which revealed a photo of a young boy with Stefano with the date 1992 on the back of it, hidden inside Stefano’s chess set. So, what’s next?

Conner Floyd chatted on the Michael Fairman Channel in a new virtual interview released on Sunday, October 18, where he spoke on what the new addition to the DiMera family could do to the already dangerous sibling rivalries, the state of Chad’s relationship with Belle and much more.

EJ and Chad

Photo: JPI

DIMERA RIVALRY

After finding out from EJ (Dan Feuerriegel) that Dominic Marino could be the never-before-heard-of child of Stefano and Marlena, Conner Floyd explained, “I think it blows Chad’s mind a little bit. I think there’s a lot of things working there with old Chad. Obviously, bringing in another DiMera could cause some noise and the whole situation with Marlena’s a little awkward as well because he’s dating Belle, so this could cause a little tiff there. I think his head’s spinning and he does not know what to expect, but I also think he kind of expects that from Stefano, for sure.”

As to how this will change and color Chad’s relationship with EJ, Floyd responded, “Chad knows EJ’s not happy about it and I think he’s going to be real upset if this gets in his way of doing what he wants to do with the DiMera legacy and all that. However, for Chad, I think he’s just going to keep a sharp eye, see what this guy’s about, see if he’s here to cause some trouble or here to be a friend and kinda play it by ear.”

Belle and Chad

Photo: JPI

BELLE OF MY HEART

With Chad and Belle already being sleuths, Floyd says, you can look for the duo to continue getting to the truth. “I think Chad and Belle are committed to this. They’re going full National Treasure, Nicolas Cage,” says Conner. “They’re going to follow the clues. They’re going to get some answers.”

Since beginning in the role of Chad in June of 2025 and debuting on-screen back in April of 2026, the former Y&R star (where he played Chance Chancellor), says it was Madison who helped him get comfortable in his new surroundings.

“Martha is phenomenal. I couldn’t have asked for a better person to get tagged up with when I started here, just because she knows everybody,” shares Floyd. “She knows where to go, who to talk to. She’ll get the tea if you want, and so it was kind of cool. Martha took me under her wing, showed me the ropes. She’s a sweetheart.  I love working with her too. She’s a great actress.”

But, is Chad in love with Belle after such a tortured past with his beloved Abigail Deveraux DiMera? Floyd thinks so! “I think he’s into it. They’re such good friends and they have such a rich history. I think he’s in for the ride. You know, it’s one of those things you probably overlook at first and then they reconnected, and it feels easy and they’re going on these fun adventures.”

MAKING CHAD HIS OWN

Conner had the arduous task of being the successor to Billy Flynn in the role of Chad.. Flynn had played the part for 12 years before deciding to exit and head to Y&R. So, how did Conner approach learning the ins and out of Chad? Floyd shared, “I really dove into Chad when I first got this job. I liked that he kind of walks this tightrope of DiMera and not DiMera, you know. He want to so honor his family roots and really do something for the DiMera family, but he doesn’t want to fall into that trap that all the other DiMera have found themselves in. Chad is a DiMera at heart. He’s got those demons, but he’s just trying to keep them contained.”

Susan Seaforth Hayes

Photo: JPI

ICONIC

When Floyd got to DAYS, it was none other than Susan Seaforth Hayes (Julie Williams) who most surprised him in the most delightful way, given that he knew Hayes was a Daytime Emmy Lifetime Achievement Award winner and the current longest-running cast member on the canvas.

“I love working with Susan Hayes! I love her. She’s a sweetheart. Susan is one of the nicest people there. I just thought she was cool and it’s Susan Hayes, you know?  We’ve had a lot of scenes together, which is nice,” explained Conner.

“We’ll go to her dressing room, we’ll run our scenes, and then we’ll spend about an hour just talking about life and she’ll tell me about a book she’s reading. She’s such a history buff, which blows my mind. She’ll start dropping all these historical facts on me. I learn something new by the time I walk out of her dressing room every time!”

Now below, check out the full conversation with Conner Floyd via the Michael Fairman Channel.

Weigh-in: Do you like Chad and Belle as couple? Do you think Chad will get to the bottom of the Dominic Marino mystery? If so, do you think Dominic is truly Stefano and Marlena’s son … and what about Rita (Maggie Carney) in all this? Let us know your theories in the comment section.

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