Days Of Our Lives
DAYS OF OUR LIVES: John Black’s Funeral Part Two: Heartbreaking Eulogies and Bo Learns of His Beloved Friend’s Death
On the Tuesday, June 10th episode of Days of our Lives, it was the part two of three episodes devoted to the funeral of John Black in tribute to his iconic portrayer the late Drake Hogestyn. Major kudos goes to the writers who throughout the funeral sprinkled in not only the history of John, but mixed within it important nuggets in Drake’s life as well.
As anyone watching could tell, this was a story that blurs the lines between reality and scripted drama, as the emotion, sadness, and heartache on the faces of the characters were also what the actors were feeling in that moment to honor their fallen castmate and beloved friend. Drake died back on September 28, 2024 from pancreatic cancer, while John Black succumbed to injuries sustained saving a drug to bring Bo (Peter Reckell) back to life and took his final breath on the June 2, 2025 episode of DAYS.
When part two begins, Rachel (Alice Halsey) is in tears saying she is not able to say goodbye to Grandpa John. Marlena (Deidre Hall) gives Rachel, one of John’s favorite possessions, a Mickey Mantle baseball card. That way, anytime she starts to miss him, she has something to remember him by. When nothing stops Rachel from crying, it’s decided she should go home so Tate (Leo Howard) and Arianne (Marissa Reyes) step up to drive her there, so Brady (Eric Martsolf) can stay and mourn his father.
Photo: JPI
Watching the funeral from the eyes of Brady was gut-wrenching (Eric Martsolf showed us why he can do so much without even uttering a single word) as he eventually joins Marlena, Belle (Martha Madison) and Carrie (Christie Clark) in the front row as Eric (Greg Vaughan) begins to officiate the memorial service. To begin, Eric says a prayer stating that John is going to his eternal home, and will be welcomed by Shawn and Caroline, and all those who loved him.
Photo: JPI
Next, Brady gets up to the lectern and sings “Amazing Grace,” which brings tears to all the attendees. That moment is followed by the trio of Abe (James Reynolds), Steve (Stephen Nichols) and Shane (Charles Shaughnessy) who all represented a different phase of John’s professional lifetime of work. Seeing the three men together made viewers reach for the hankies. However it was Steve, who struggled the most to speak, noting how fitting that in John’s final act of courage he saved the life of a man he considered his brother. Abe shared that if you were in John’s circle you never left. Shane recalls him as a loyal friend and true hero. Marlena has tears streaming down her face as does Belle.
Photo: JPI
Meanwhile, Bo has arranged for a picnic with Hope (Kristian Alfonso), while he is still in a wheelchair. She asks how he managed to pull this off. He says he had help from Ciara (Victoria Konefal) and Shawn (Brandon Beemer). Bo notices something is wrong with Hope. She finally admits that John died and the funeral is going on today. Bo is beside himself and wants to be there. Later, when speaking to the doctor, she thinks it’s too soon for him to do that as it could put impede his recovery. Bo is determined to make it to the funeral.
Photo: JPI
Back at the memorial, now at the lectern are Kayla (Mary Beth Evans) and Roman (Josh Taylor) representing the Brady family. Roman recalls when for years everybody including John thought he was the real Roman Brady. Through that time, Roman will always be thankful to John for helping raise his children and being there for Marlena and his family. In a heartbreaking moment, Kayla shares that while not a brother by blood, John became a brother by heart. She tells the backstory of how the late Caroline Brady welcomed John in to the Brady family, even after they all learned he was not Roman and that John named his son, Brady, after the clan.
Photo: JPI
When it was Belle’s turn, she spoke of her father as someone who had a very humorous side, and was always present when she just needed advice or a shoulder to cry or a laugh. Belle says she will try not to cry all throughout today, but will also find time to laugh because that’s how her dad would want it.
Photo: JPI
As the episode came to its conclusion, it was Paul’s eulogy for his father, played beautifully by Christopher Sean, that if you were weren’t in a puddle of tears yet, had you reaching for the hankies. If DAYS fans recall, when we first met Paul, he was a professional baseball player (just like Drake Hogestyn was in real life). At the lectern, Paul spoke of their father and son bond over baseball, and how John had mad skills on the field so that he wouldn’t be surprised if he were a professional ballplayer in a past life.
Photo: JPI
As tears stream down his face, Paul wishes he could have spent more time with his dad. Paul detailed he missed growing up with John as his father as the two met later in life. Paul wishes that John could be at his upcoming wedding to Andrew. Paul says that in the short time they had together on earth, John made him feel loved and accepted. Paul looks at John’s (Drake’s) portrait and says through his tears “I love you, Dad. I can’t wait to play another game of baseball with you again.” And with that, the episode came to end with “to be continued” across the screen.
Photo: JPI
In the annals of soap opera, this was probably one of the saddest, most poignant and touching funerals we have ever seen – not only because of the iconic hero that was John Black – but also because of watching the actors grieve the loss of a man they loved so much that was taken from us way too soon.
So, did you reach for the hankies many times over during part two of John’s memorial? What moment got to use the most? Paul’s eulogy? Brady singing “Amazing Grace?” Abe/Steve/Shane taking to the lectern? Kayla and Roman? Belle’s remembrance? Bo finding out about John, or something else? Let us know via the comment section below.
Paul’s hands down followed by Bo’s for obvious reason reasons
Everyone’s tears and bloodshot eyes were real …. including mine after watching DOL for 60 years. I felt like I was attending a family funeral. Kudos to the writers.
Days Of Our Lives
Sydney Malekeh Joins the Cast of ‘Days of Our Lives’ in Mystery Role: Who Do You Think She’s Playing?
There’s a new gal coming to Salem, or is she new and a recast? That’s what inquiring minds from Days of Our Lives fans have been trying to figure out since the Peacock soap opera dropped an Instagram video heralding actress‘ Sydney Malekeh’s arrival in Salem.
The soap did confirm that viewers will first see Malekeh on the September 9 episode. In the video, Malekeh is seen going set to set from her dressing room and in to the halls of Days of Our Lives studios.
What we do know id that Sydney has been acting professionally for 6 years and had appeared on Grey’s Anatomy, Apple TV’s Shrinking and the HBO Max’s The Sex Lives of College Girls.
Plenty of Malekeh’s DAYS castmates jumped into the comment thread with positive emojis symbols or written excitement including: Paul Telfer (Xander), Linsey Godfrey (Sarah), Sal Stowers (Lani), Conner Floyd (Chad), Eric Martsolf (Brady) and Christie Clark (Carrie) and more now that fans will finally see her on-air. Since Days of Our Lives tapes 10-11 months in advance, Sydney would have started taping the show sometime back in 2025.
DAYS fans think perhaps because the actress’ name is Sydney that she might be playing the grown-up daughter of Sami and EJ. That character hasn’t bee on the canvas since 2021.
So, who do you think Sydney Malekeh might be playing on Days of Our Lives? Drop your casting director thoughts via the comment section below.
View this post on Instagram
Days Of Our Lives
Peacock Hikes Subscription Rates for Fourth Time in Four Years; ‘Days of Our Lives’ Fans Sound Off
While recently the streaming service Peacock reported turning a profit for its first time since its infancy, now comes word that the company is raising their prices for all customers, and in some cases it stared today on August 18.
The news of the subscription rate increases marks the fourth time the NBCUniversal streaming platform has done so in four years. So, on August 18, Peacock is increasing the prices for new or returning subscribers and customers, while current subscribers will see the rate increase on or after September 17 depending on their billing cycle when they initially signed up.
Here is the new pricing to follow along: Peacock Premium (which includes ads) will be $12.99/month, up two dollars from $10.99; Peacock Premium Plus will be $19.99/month, up three dollars increase from $16.99; and the Peacock Select tier (which includes current and past seasons of NBC and Bravo shows but excludes movies, live sports and Peacock originals) will increase a dollar from $7.99 to $8.99/month.
Photo: JPI
SUBSCRIBERS CONTINUE TO PAY MORE ACROSS THE STREAMER LANDSCAPE
It was back in June that the streamer reported that aid subscribers were up to 48 million adding a 2 million net gain during Q2 in of 2026. The subscription price hikes are rampant now in the entertainment streaming industry where over the last two years for example, Netflix, HBO Max, Apple TV, Paramount+ have all raised their fees to consumers.
Peacock’s tier-levels feature not only Days of Our Lives, but reality hits such as The Traitors and Love Island USA, Bravo series, and a vault of Saturday Night Live, Law & Order, The Real Housewives franchise, and Below Deck episodes as well. Pecock Premium and Premium Plus subscribers have access to sports and live events, as well.
DAYS OF OUR LIVES SUBSCRIBERS HAD A FEW CHOICE WORDS FOR PEACOCK
As Days of Our Lives fans know, the soap opera moved from NBC to the streamer back in September of 2022 after 57 years on broadcast television. When the news hit X on the price increase, DAYS fans had a lot to say about it. Here are just a few of the comments below:
“I can’t believe Peacock and can’t come to a deal with Cordya to air old episodes of #Days. That alone would bring a ton of subscribers,” to If Peacock actually cared about #Days of Our Lives, gave the show the budget it needs for better sets, cameras, background actors and enough time to tell proper stories, I wouldn’t mind paying more. If the money actually showed on screen, the higher price would be worth it,” to “I will continue to pay for a Peacock subscription as long as #Days is on it, but did we know there was another price increase coming?” and more.
So, what do you think of the new price hike increase to watch Days of Our Lives and your other favorite shows and events on Peacock? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below.
Days Of Our Lives
‘Veronica & Julian’ Feature Starring ‘Days of Our Lives’ Alums Nadia Bjorlin and Kyler Pettis Releases Key Art and More (Exclusive)
In the upcoming indie feature Veronica & Julian from director Otoja Abit, two former Days of Our Lives stars, Nadia Bjorlin (ex-Chloe Lane) and Kyler Pettis (ex-Theo Carver), headline the drama feature in this story of a May-December romance that faces challenges along the way.
Veronica & Julian centers on a confident and successful marketing executive (Bjorlin) who winds up falling for a younger aspiring architect (Pettis). From there, a journey of desire and self-discovery is set against the backdrop of present-day New York City.
The cast also includes: Blake Jenner (ex-Glee), Erin Cummings, Chrystee Pharris (ex-Simone Russell, Passions and Queens of Drama), Robert Lee Leng, Mark Famiglietti and Jennafer Newberry.
Photo:
LIVE CHAT WITH NADIA AND KYLER PLANNED
Now, Michael Fairman TV can share exclusively: the key poster art below, and that current plans that call for Veronica & Julian to be released and made available late this holiday season.
In addition, Nadia and Kyler will join us for a very special livestream conversation on the Michael Fairman Channel (Monday, Aug 24 – 3PM ET/Noon PT) to chat about their roles in the film, their time on Days of Our Lives, life post-soap opera, and much more. Fans can join the live chat and pose their questions to the actors as well.
Courtesy/Bright Leicht Content LLC
THE THEMES BEHIND VERONICA & JULIAN
Director Otoja Abit shared this statement on the feature film, “Veronica & Julian is about the right people who have a chance meeting at the wrong time. It’s a look at two people who don’t grow apart—they just grow up. This film is an authentic exploration of an imminent ending and how two people deeply in love got there. It aims to be quiet while telling a relatable story about modern-day relationships.”
Abit continued, “As a society, mainstream romantic films are often delivered through fantastical aspirations. I created this film believing that viewers who have experienced a breakup can relate to Veronica and Julian, depending on their perspective. They’re a couple navigating some of the most familiar obstacles in love: miscommunication, timing and pride.”
He concluded, “It’s a story about endings told through the small moments we often don’t recognize until they’re gone. With the support of the Panavision New Filmmaker Program, I approached the story with a deeper sense of visual control while maintaining the naturalism that defines each character.”
Photo: Bright Leicht Content LLC
NADIA AND KYLER GOT THEIR FIRST BIG BREAK IN SOAPS
As Days of Our Lives fans know, Bjorlin is best known for her long-running role as Chloe Lane. Nadia played the part from 1999-2023 with various runs in Salem. She is also known for her role as Lara in the Venice the Series since 2009. Nadia’s other TV and film credits include: A Murder Between Friends, NCIS, Two Broke Girls and more.
Pettis played Theo Carver on Days of Our Lives from 2015-2018 and earned himself a Daytime Emmy for his work in the now defunct Outstanding Younger Actor in a Daytime Drama Series back in 2019. His other TV credits include roles on: The Rookie, All American: Homecoming and Ray Donovan.
Veronica and Julian is written, produced and directed by Abit and produced through his Willful Productions alongside Kory Apton and Ian Phillips. Executive producers include: Nick Leicht, Gregory Sinche, Shelly Sinche, Torsten Sippel, Tim Freydberg, Ryan Schulke and Matthew Conlin.
So, intrigued to see Nadia and Kyler as a romantic couple in the film Veronica & Julian? Miss them on Days of Our Lives? Share your thoughts in the comment section.
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL Preview: Kelly Sullivan Debuts as Dylan’s Mom; Suspicion is Raised About Carter and Steffy
‘Beyond the Gates’ Star Mike Manning Lands Role in Indie Horror Feature ‘Deify’
GH and OLTL Alum Patrick J. Gibbons Reveals the Story Behind Writing Trina’s Song on ‘General Hospital’ (Exclusive)
‘Guiding Light’s’ Grant Aleksander Shares Heartfelt Remembrance of TV Daughter, Hayden Panettiere On What Would Have Been Her 37th Birthday
Sydney Malekeh Joins the Cast of ‘Days of Our Lives’ in Mystery Role: Who Do You Think She’s Playing?
‘General Hospital’s’ Maurice Benard Talks: New ‘Sonny’ Storyline, His Contract, and Three Characters He Would Want to See Back in Port Charles
How John Oliver’s ‘Days of Our Lives’ Guest Star Turn as ‘Devlin St. John’ Came to an End
John Oliver Recaps His ‘Days of Our Lives’ and ‘General Hospital’ Soap Opera Experience on ‘Last Week Tonight’
‘Veronica & Julian’ Feature Starring ‘Days of Our Lives’ Alums Nadia Bjorlin and Kyler Pettis Releases Key Art and More (Exclusive)
‘General Hospital’ Alum Bryan Craig Cast in ‘The Weapon’
‘Guiding Light’s’ Grant Aleksander Shares Heartfelt Remembrance of TV Daughter, Hayden Panettiere On What Would Have Been Her 37th Birthday
‘General Hospital’ Alum Chad Duell Admits That He Didn’t Expect the Role of Michael Corinthos to be Recast, and Would Consider Working on Another Soap (Exclusive)
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Ric’s History of Jealousy Where Elizabeth is Concerned Has Come Back Around
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Steffy and Carter Get Lame Excuses From Their Spouses, and Try to Shake Off Their Night Together
‘Veronica & Julian’ Feature Starring ‘Days of Our Lives’ Alums Nadia Bjorlin and Kyler Pettis Releases Key Art and More (Exclusive)
-
General Hospital1 week ago‘General Hospital’s’ Maurice Benard Talks: New ‘Sonny’ Storyline, His Contract, and Three Characters He Would Want to See Back in Port Charles
-
Days Of Our Lives1 week agoHow John Oliver’s ‘Days of Our Lives’ Guest Star Turn as ‘Devlin St. John’ Came to an End
-
Breaking News6 days agoJohn Oliver Recaps His ‘Days of Our Lives’ and ‘General Hospital’ Soap Opera Experience on ‘Last Week Tonight’
-
Days Of Our Lives5 days ago‘Veronica & Julian’ Feature Starring ‘Days of Our Lives’ Alums Nadia Bjorlin and Kyler Pettis Releases Key Art and More (Exclusive)
-
General Hospital4 days ago‘General Hospital’ Alum Bryan Craig Cast in ‘The Weapon’
-
Breaking News7 days agoHayden Panettiere, ‘Guiding Light’ and ‘Nashville’ Alum, Dead at 36
-
Recaps1 week agoTHE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS: Sharon, Nick and Marie Struggle in Aftermath of a Relapse; Jade Harlow Shares She’s ‘Really Proud’ and ‘Grateful’ to ‘Show How Addiction Can Touch Anyone’ (Exclusive)
-
News1 week agoB&B’s Don Diamont Recalls His Soap Start on ‘Days of Our Lives’ and Confrontation with Exec Prod Al Rabin (Exclusive ‘Soapy’ Preview)
