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Greg Rikaart Acknowledges Departing DAYS Head Writer: “Thank You Ron Carlivati. What A Great Run.”

By Michael Fairman

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Photo: JPI

The daytime world learned on Friday that Days of our Lives Daytime Emmy-winning head writer, Ron Carlivati was no longer with the Peacock streaming soap opera effective immediately. That ended Carlivati’s seven-plus year run in Salem.

As Carlivati’s departure was announced so too were his replacements. The new co-head writing team of Paula Cwikly and Jeanne Marie Ford will now steer the stories on DAYS, although fans won’t see their work for awhile since Carlivati’s shows will stream through April of 2025.

After the news of his exit, Days of our Lives star Greg Rikaart (Leo Start) took to his Instagram story and posted, “Thank you Ron Carlivati. What a Great Run.” Many have felt that the character of Leo was Carlivati’s muse, and Rikaart played him to the hilt.

Photo: JPI

Greg first appeared as Leo Stark in 2018, was was then “killed-off,” but returned by the end of the year. He then exited again in the spring of 2019. The DAYS writing team brought Leo back in 2020 for an episode and then he was part of the antics for Days of our Lives: Beyond Salem, the limited series on Peacock in the summer of 2021.

Eventually, Leo returned to the mothership and Days of our Lives in February of 2022 and as of current streaming episodes remains active in story. Leo has been the benefactor of Carlivati’s one-line zingers, comedy hijinks, and shared storylines with other LGBTQ characters at one time or another including: Sonny Kiriakis (Zach Tinker) and Craig Wesley (Kevin Spirtas).

Photo: JPI

With the new writers coming aboard, fans are already wondering what does this mean for the fate of Leo and other characters on the soap? When Rikaart, who is married to television writer and producer, Robert Sudduth, got the opportunity to play Leo in the first place and then made an exit in 2019, he shared publicly, “Playing this role has been a gift. An absurdly fun and delicious gift.” Rikaart’s Leo has certainly been a mainstay scene stealer on DAYS for the last several years.

What do you think about Greg’s ‘thank you’ to Ron Carlivati? Do you hope that the new writers continue the mischief and story of Leo, and write him in a way that is benefitting the character? Comment below.

Photo: GRikaartIG

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I never liked Greg much until he came to days he was so hilarious

I truly hope Greg stays and the new writers continue to write for his character. I think Leo is able to give the audience some levity. Greg plays him so well and is such a good actor. Days is fortunate to have him on the canvas. It is always a little scary when new writers come in and I hope with all my heart that they focus on the family and friendship storylines of our beloved characters/ vets.

As much as I like Greg Rikkart, it makes me wonder how long they will keep the character around. Ron loves camp and that may not be an element with the new writers.

Maybe the powers that be at Y&R will bring him back. We need to see more of the Baldwin clan. The show needs sprucing up. How many nervous breakdowns can we watch Sharon have?

Yes, please keep Leo on the show, he adds so very much to the story, with comedy and a delightful pass from all the heavy stories that are always running. I am grateful they are working to make him a real part of the history of the show as a bit of levity can be wonderful and he is perfect for this part.

I have a different view on Greg, I want him to come home YR and his Chole’s kids aged to Johnny & Katie’s age for teen story and new Glow by Jabot. He’s has family in Genoa City, Gloria can stop in and visit and that’s ALAWYS levity when Gloria, Michael & Kevin reunite because of the disfunction, it true to history. Come home Greg!

I agree! I always loved Gloria. Especially the way she would grate on Michael’s nerves. We desperately need the Baldwin clan. And yes to aging the kids. We need more teen action. And Nick’s son Christian as well. How much longer can they keep that kid hidden in the house.

Maybe Leo can have more depth and dimension now instead of being written as wanting to “turn a man” or any of the other absurd gay stereotypes Greg has had to play. Not saying there can’t be humor and be light hearted but some of Leo’s storylines are so ridiculous.

Just keep in mind , that while you have been enjoying your stay at Days, we miss you at Y&R, and Chloe is at loose ends. I don’t get Days anymore, so I miss Leo too, but we can’t have everything, right?

I hope Leo stays. He is great fun and adds levity to the show.

Well, I really have come to love Leo through all these years and would hate to see him go.

Loved his character…

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

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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.

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DAYS Lauren Koslow Temporarily Fills-In for Jess Walton as ‘The Young and the Restless’ Jill Abbott

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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.

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Days Of Our Lives

‘Days of Our Lives’ Alum Al Calderon Shares Parting Thoughts on ‘Brilliant Minds’ Following its Cancellation

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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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A post shared by A L C A L D E R O N (@alcalderon)

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