Days Of Our Lives
Days of our Lives Star Freddie Smith Sentenced In Vehicular Assault Case
Courtesy/Action19News
Days of our Lives fan favorite Freddie Smith (Sonny Kiriakis) was back in Ohio today for his sentencing in the vehicular assault case stemming back from the incident in October of 2014, when Smith crashed the car he was driving along with the passenger, Alyssa Tabit, his girlfriend.
Smith, who was leaving a wedding reception crashed his vehicle, in which Tabit sustained the more serious injuries of the two. Upon investigation, police found that Smith was over the legal limit for alcohol in the state of Ohio with a blood alcohol level at .093.
During the sentencing today at Ashtabula County Common Pleas court, prosecutors recommended two years of community control and a driver’s license suspension. The judge agreed. Smith was also sentenced to three days in jail, but that is suspended if he completes DUI school in Ohio. However, if Smith violates any laws in the future, he will have to serve a 12 month jail sentence.
In addition, as part of his probation, Smith will do lectures to local high school students about the dangers of driving drunk.
19 Action News reporter Scott Taylor was on the scene today, and spoke with Freddie outside the courtroom, where the DAYS actor related: “It was very selfish and I am very sorry for doing it.”  Smith had previously plead guilty to the charges. He went on to thank his supporters as well, stating: “Today was very nerve-racking and to hear all the support from fans, friends and family has really helped me stay strong and I really appreciate it.”
Later, Taylor asked Smith just how Alyssa Tabit is recovering from the injuries she sustained. Freddie replied: “She is doing absolutely fantastic.  She has a couple more weeks of physical therapy and she will be back good as new.” Tabit was also in court today and spoke to the judge to help Freddie’s case.
Watch the Action 19 news segment on Freddie’s sentencing, which also features Smith talking outside the courtroom after the jump. Then weigh-in: Was the sentence that the judge handed down to Freddie, appropriate or disproportionate, for breaking the law? Happy to hear that as of now, no jail time for Freddie? Comment below!
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.
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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.
‘General Hospital’s’ Dominic Zamprogna Shares He Was ‘Happy to Hear’ of The Triangle Storyline Developing Between Dante/Elizabeth/Ric
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
‘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’
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‘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
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I have always believed everyone deserves a second chance, especially since Freddie’s girlfriend supported the sentence. I am particularly glad to read Freddie Smith will be lecturing to high school students as the impact of his words could stop a young person from making the same “selfish” choice.
I wish Freddie well. I won’t judge him or put him down. He took responsibility for his actions and faced up to the consequences. What else is there? He will serve his sentence and that will be the end of it.
I had never heard of “community control”. I gather from the context it means ” probation “. So now Freddie will have to split time between California and Ohio? That will cost a pretty penny too! He will also have to catch a ride to work, or ride a bike like Peter Reckell used to.
He’s lucky it wasnt worse and no lives lost…hope its his wake up call! I get a little angry…lost a cousin to a drunk driver…glad they are both ok…Days could never find a suitable replacement!!!
Lucky, lucky, lucky.
Why not just give him the three days in jail? Maybe if offenders got a taste of f some real justice they would NEVER drink and drive again.
I think it was appropriate for what happened. He admitted to what he did and he didn’t use his celebrity to try and get off. He told the truth when so many would have lied. I think he will do as he has to and I am so happy for he and Alyssa’s engagement. Congrats to them both! From what I hear there will be wedding bells soon. Can’t wait to see pictures 🙂
He admitted to what he did? How could he deny it?! Admitting it was no act of hero. He should never have gone behind the wheel.
I think the sentencing was appropriate given the circumstances. Freddie’s blood alcohol level was over the limit but by only .013%. He wasn’t twice the limit or 3x, and he has no history of DUI. The main factor causing the accident was falling asleep at the wheel which could happen to sober people as well. He does sound contrite in this video, and I do believe that he has learned his lesson.
When did they get engaged? Was it published? I don’t remember seeing anything.
He was over the limit ‘only’ by .013?! Tell that to a person who’s dead!
Absolutely none of our business! The Sharks come out again in the water!
He got off lightly.
I can’t stand douche bags that do this.
Whether it be Freddie Smith, Kristoff St. John or Colleen Zenk-Pinter. Driving while intoxicated is absolutely inexcusable.
Leo…I think that Freddie Smith got off W-A-Y TOO LIGHTLY here!!!!! Also, Freddie has the N-E-R-V-E to use the word NERVE-RACKING to describe his own emotions (or whatever) at his own sentencing!!!!! Are you kidding me here?!?!?!?!?! Two years and all that…what a goddamn CROCK!!!!! And that judge that ‘handed down that sentence to Freddie’ is an absolute idiot!!!!! I very angrily have a feeling here that Freddie is just gonna pull this very irresponsible crap again…it’s just a matter of W-H-E-N!!!!! Bottom Line Here: In this instance and all, justice was MOST DEFINITELY N-O-T SERVED HERE!!!!!!!!!! B-E-Y-O-N-D DUMB AS HELL!!!!!!!!!!
Have a good one, Leo. Peace, bro.
Leo and jaybird: I totally agree with you! Freddie Smith showed horrible judgment, and the judge made a horrible judgment. This decision just goes to show once again that the justice system favors those with money and/or celebrities. Sadly, Smith could very well commit a DUI again, with an even worse outcome.
If it had happened in California they would have slapped him on the hand and said naughty boy! Now if he had killed someone we would be talking jail time! What interests me the most is next week we will have a glowing interview about what a great actor he is! Why don’t we get it I out there and say he is a nobody who needs to get down on his knees and think God he did not kill himself or his lady friend ! Like I said sharks in the water every time you smell blood!
I don’t watch DAYS but have heard of actor Freddie Smith. This accident happened close to my sister’s home in OH and that is what is was – an accident. Luckily his fiance nor anybody else was hurt or killed. He’s young and he’s human – as long as he complies with the Ohio laws and do what is deemed by the Court, let it be.
Deliberately drinking and then getting behind the wheel is not an accident. An accident is when you swerve to avoid an animal in the road or slip on ice. The choice was made to drink and then drive. He is incredibly lucky no one was killed. Sentence seems light to me given the severity of the Imjuries and that she is still recovering 4 months later.
Thank God that no one was killed.
I’ll pray for all who’s involved.
Very happy that he got this break. I hope he learns from this. And I hope when he speaks to others about this they listen, and learn.
I think this is a good thing. Jail would not have been a good thing for him. And he doesn’t get off completely free. And I think he already learned his lesson at the time of the accident. I’m happy for him. I don’t agree that it’s inexcusable ! People say “Don’t drink & drive”. I’m sorry, but that’s just bullshit! At this point you ARE allowed to have a drink & drive! The legal limits are different everywhere. When we go out every weekend, the driver has 2 beers, max 3. And we’re not always 100% sure that we’re still save. Depends on several things. But we still get behind the wheel. There’s always the same discussion. There’s only 1 solution to stop the endless accussations & assumptions: put the legel limit to 0.000, end of discussion ! Cause at this moment it is not ! So people can have a drink & drive, which is not illegal. He was barely over the limit, that could happen to me every weekend.
I felt a bit sadden when I read your post. The don’t drink and drink campaign isn’t about what is legal or not; it is not about passing moral judgement; or trying to stop people from enjoying a few drinks. It is about desperately trying to remind drivers when they get behind the wheel they are in control of a powerful machine that has the potential to seriously harm or kill someone.
Driving is a serious task that demands our full attention and facilities to operate this machine in a safe, responsible way. Sure you can legally drink and drive up to whatever legal limit is set, but just because you can doesn’t mean it is the mature, responsible thing to do.
So yes we can go out on the weekend have a few drinks, still be under the legal limit, or just a tad over it and feel competent enough to drink– I’m sure Freddie felt the same way when he did– but that doesn’t mean it was the best choice.
The don’t drink and drink campaign is about changing attitudes, not toward drinking, but towards driving. Driving needs to be taken more seriously, as a society we would not want to allow people to give their children machine guns to play with, so why should we want to give individuals who are just as immature car keys. But the laws don’t compel people to be responsible adults even if there was a zero tolerance in the legal sense, there will be people who selfishly will get behind the wheel of a car and put themselves and others in danger,
Your attitude that is was no big deal, is the kind of attitude that puts more people in the hospital and in the grave than any other. I truly hope and pray you never become one of those statistics, which is why I was sadden by your post because I’m afraid you might and you don’t seem to care or grasp the seriousness of that.
I know you might slam me back, give me attitude for writing this, but it is with your welfare and your welfare alone that I do urge you not to take driving so lightly, and respect the machine and just don’t take the risk. If you want to drink, go ahead, but please, for your sake and others, be the adult, find another way to get home then putting yourself behind the wheel of the car.
of course that should be the don’t drink and drive, not the don’t drink and drink campaign– my mistake– and error may be silly, but the message I was trying to convey was sincere.
You made some wonderful and completely true points.
I agree with Mary – and the law should be stated and written in a concise and clear manner. To my way of viewing it, there should be a designated driver who has not consumed ANY alcohol.
Mary that was absolutely well said and important post!!
I won’t slam you back. What I will say is that my message was completely misunderstood. First of all, I NEVER said that drinking & driving is not a big deal ! And I am totally behind the campaigns! Second, I was talking purely and ONLY about the law and not the human aspect. I am just totally shocked by the things some people say, that he is a criminal, a killer, totally irresponsible, even if he would have had 1 drink !! And that he should get behind bars for … years. That is totally over the top, cause according to the law, having a beer is nothing illegal ! He had too much to drive, I know and I totally agree, I never denied that ! I wasn’t talking abt moral stuff , but only about the law. And in that perspective, I said there is only 1 solution and I’m saying it for years already: limit to 0.000 ALL over the world !! End of discussion ! And 3rd, I do take responsibility, cause like I said, we have a strict rule that whoever drives when we go out, has no more than 2 beers which, again, is legal ! And we NEVER broke that rule ! So NEVER in my message did I say that what he did was not a big deal ! It is a very big deal ! And I am very much aware of that. I simply replied to the rudness of some people and the fact that ACCORDING TO THE LAW (!) it’s not illegal to have a drink and drive and THAT should be changed for good ! Basically, what I said is that all those different limits of 0.05 in one country or 0.08 in another country is COMPLETELY wrong and that it has to be changed to 0.000, like ages ago !!!
Sometimes a wake-up call is needed. Yes, I’m sure he is very thankful everyday that it wasn’t worse than it was. That is something he is going to have to carry around for the rest of his life…and yes, I’m speaking from experience.
Oct 3rd, 2010, I drove drunk, like I had many times. I admit it. But that night was different. I totaled my car along with someone else’s. Thankfully it was a parked car and I didn’t hurt or kill anyone but I could have easily have done so. I am thankful everyday that it wasn’t worse than it was. But trust me when I say, it was bad enough that I never want to go through that again. That was the last time I ever drove drunk. That night was actually the last time I drank. I have been sober since.
I’m not here to toot my own horn and preach the about drinking and driving. I’m just saying I have a different perspective than some others here. Or maybe not. More people drink and get behind the wheel of a car than care to admit it.
I do hope this is a life changing event for Freddie. It was for me. I don’t really think he got off lightly. See, I live in Ohio. I’m very familiar now with the OVI or DUI laws here. I didn’t hurt anyone but I did destroy someone’s car. Our sentencing is mildly comparable. But I can assure you, the guilt and humility you experience from this type of action is far worse than your sentencing.
Some of you think it’s no one’s business but his, which is in part true, but if his story keeps just one person from drinking and driving, then it’s worth sharing and that’s why I share my story with you today.
I wish him the best of luck and I hope that he takes whatever action is needed to get this under control and it never happens again.
Congratulations to you, Jeff.
Your second sentence had me appalled, but I continued to read and ended up being impressed at your sobriety and the choices you made since you totaled the vehicles.
I am not perfect either. I like to say I did all my drinking before I was 21. My cousin and I would go to lame so-called “parties” and have a few drinks and then that was it. We were just buzzed and we waited several hours before driving home. Nothing ever happened and if it did, I would have been in big trouble because my dad was a sheriff’s deputy in a small town so everyone knew your name. In my late teens it was fun and rebellious, but if I had better friends, I probably would not have taken my first drink until I was of the proper age.
I have to say I am proud to say, however, that whenever I have drunk alcohol I ALWAYS remembered what I did. My mom told me when I was 21 not to be the girl that they talk about the next day and to remember what you did. I have to say I did nothing to embarrass myself, though I am not proud of drinking before I was legally able to.
Now that I am married with two little boys, I rarely drink. Spiked eggnog for the holidays, an umbrella drink in the summer. Things like that. I like a taste of a little spirit every now and then for the relaxation feeling, but the idea of even getting tipsy is not appealing. I have a stocked liquor cabinet, but I like to cook with it instead of drink it.
Now I fear for what my own boys will choose when they are older. With each generation and all that is out there it makes it harder to make good decisions despite your upbringing. So many kids do stupid things. You think once they graduate from college and get a job they would make smart decisions. My 30-something husband had a 20-something co-worker who got drunk after working hours (at a work party), and decided to climb the building. You can imagine what happened next. He fell and ended up being taken off life support. His out-of-state parents were devastated.
Hopefully he learned his lesson. I think the sentence is appropriate. He still has work to do so even though he’s not going to jail now, it’s not like he got off.
Really, none of my business, but thank goodness no one else was hurt and his girlfriend has recovered. Hopefully, he will learn from this, and it will never happen again. Take a cab, call a friend or family membe- no shame in that better to be safe. Freddie has played a character on Days that is so likeable, can’t help but wish him the best and pray this will be the last time.