Days Of Our Lives
DAYS OF OUR LIVES Preview: John Black’s Funeral Brings Back Fan Favorites, Heartbreaking Moments, and Lasting Memories
Next week on Days of our Lives, we officially say farewell to John Black and his portrayer of 38 years, the late Drake Hogestyn, in a set of episodes that is sure to be heartbreaking, heartwarming, and memorable.
DAYS viewers witnessed earlier this week, the death of John Black as he passed away following injuries sustained in the warehouse explosion in his heroic effort to get the miracle drug to save Bo (Peter Reckell). In the twist of fate, John died a hero, while Bo woke up out of his coma and has another chance at life.
In episodes airing June 9-June 13 on Peacock, John’s loved ones gather for his funeral. Attendees include: Brady (Eric Martsolf), Belle (Martha Madison), Paul (Christopher Sean), Carrie (Christie Clark), Eric (Greg Vaughan), Shane (Charles Shaughnessy), Abe (James Reynolds), Steve (Stephen Nichols), Kayla (Mary Beth Evans), Andrew (Colton Little), and Roman (Josh Taylor). And of course, Marlena (Deidre Hall), and Bo and Hope (Kristian Alfonso), among others.

Photo: JPI
Peacock and Days of our Lives have released their latest promo which is entitled, aptly “Swing For The Fences,” which was Hogestyn’s signature phrase.
Earlier this week, during the Michael Fairman Channel’s livestream tribute to Drake Hogestyn, Eric Martsolf and Martha Madison spoke on what fans will see during the funeral episodes.

Photo: JPI
“People shouldn’t be afraid to tune into it, shared Martsolf. “It has a beautiful celebratory feeling to it as well. Dare I say, even humorous at times. So fans, please, as a tribute to one of the biggest soap studs around tune in and watch it because he would want that.”
“We all shot the funeral before he (Drake) passed away, but I think we all knew that it was imminent, recalled Madison. “I remember doing the funeral and I barely remember any of it. It was like an out of body (experience). I was a total wreck. I forget the acting. I don’t know what it’s gonna look like, but I was snottin’ through the whole thing. ”

Photo: JPI
“It was just people that loved him pouring their hearts out,” responded Martsolf. “And I’m looking forward to to seeing it again. I want to witness it again and feel it again, because I know I was exhausted after those days. Just emotionally, my heart, my head, we were holding onto it. Everyone was holding hands. Oh, my God! Everyone’s hands were white. Everyone was just trying to get through. But to sum it up, it was very hard, but very worthwhile. And I’m so glad that we were able to do it.”

Photo: JPI
According to the official DAYS spoilers for the week: Monday, June 9, Salem prepares to say goodbye to John Black. Tuesday, June 10, John’s funeral service begins. Wednesday, June 11, John’s funeral service begins. Thursday, June 12, Marlena and John’s friends reminisce at John’s wake.
Now below, take a look at the heart-tugging promo. Then let us know, are you looking forward to DAYS paying homage and tribute to the iconic John Black and the late Drake Hogestyn? Share your thoughts in the comment section, and in case you missed it, check out our livestream tribute to Drake below.
I’ve tuned in for the past few weeks for the first time in a few years. Although I am a faithful GH fan, the understated acting of Marlena is beautiful to watch. I have said the Nancy Lee Grahn deserves the Emmy for her scenes after Sam’s death. But, Deidra is knocking it out of the park. It would be so great to see Deidra in the Best Actress noms.
I miss all of the returning cast members, especially Hope. Paul and Carrie.
Fortunately Nancy Lee Grahn is competing for the 2024 judging year for the scenes involving Sam’s death, and Deidre Hall would be in theory competing for the 2025 judging year for this month’s performances.
My heart goes out to the cast and crew I forgot that they film so far ahead imagine what they were all going thru ! I hope I’m the Emmy’s next year they clean up. Drake was one of the good guys . Did you ever hear that guy say a mean word about anyone? I wonder if the other soaps can say the same.
Where is Will during the funeral he has been there for John’s hospital stay and death
I love Paul, but really, Will or Johnny should have been holding the rose. I know they were grandchildren and not blood related, but they were Sami’s children and the rose was for her.
The flowers were for John and Marlena’s children. Paul is John’s child. Sami’s children aren’t siblings to Carrie, Eric, Brady and Belle. This is John’s service, not Sami’s. It is about John, not Sami. John, not Sami. John.
It’s about who?
You would have people believe it’s about Sami because that’s what you believe.
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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