Days Of Our Lives
Days of our Lives Turns 50! Cast Members and EP Ken Corday on a Celebration of Love, Heartbreak, and Drama in the Afternoon!
This feature was first published and presented exclusively inside the 42nd Annual Daytime Creative Arts Emmy program/almanac that was given out to all those attending the awards ceremonies. Through the courtesy of the National Academy of Television Arts Sciences (NATAS), On-Air On-Soaps Michael Fairman who wrote this piece for the program, is posting it here for this online exclusive.
The feature paying tribute and honoring Days of our Lives upcoming 50th anniversary is filled with notable quotes from interviews conducted for this piece with DAYS cast members: Deidre Hall (Marlena), Kristian Alfonso (Hope), Melissa Reeves (Jennifer), Alison Sweeney (Sami), Bill and Susan Seaforth Hayes (Doug and Julie), Eric Martsolf (Brady), and the series executive producer Ken Corday.
Now below read how the DAYS stars and EP Ken Corday reflect on some of their most memorable moments and storylines during their time with the series, changes they have witnessed over the decades in Salem, and personal accounts of their time with the NBC daytime drama series.
DAYS OF OUR LIVES TURNS 50: A Celebration of Love, Heartbreak and Drama in the Afternoon!
Courtesy/NBC
If you think making it to 50 in the world of daytime drama is an easy feat, think again! Just speak to the actors and the producers, or anyone behind the scenes that has worked on Days of our Lives, and they will tell you that it’s really not that surprising that the series has made it to this milestone. The longest running scripted series in NBC television history will have its golden anniversary on November 8th, 2015. The show premiered back in 1965 when conversations were happening in black and white in the Horton family living room. While the times have changed, one key theme has remained a constant … family. The series created by Ted and Betty Corday has continued its family legacy with son Ken Corday as the series executive producer. Family struggles, triumphs, loves, and tragedies have been a hallmark of the show, as well as devastating heartbreak, groundbreaking stories, and the shocking and the outrageous.
Being part of the first family of Salem, the Hortons, is a badge of honor for any performer, as well as following in the footsteps of series patriarch and matriarch, the late MacDonald Carey (Tom Horton) and Frances Reid (Alice Horton). Long time cast member Melissa Reeves (Jennifer Horton) recalls when she found out she would be a member of this most notable of all on-screen clans: “People were like, ‘What? You’re gonna be a Horton? That’s a good thing!’ I was like, ‘Oh good. OK, great. Does that name mean something in this town?’ (Laughs) I have come to realize the enormity of it.” The camaraderie of those fortunate enough to be part of the DAYS ensemble has always been very special and unique. Alison Sweeney, who appeared on the soap for almost 22 years as Sami Brady, related, “When I think of all my big life moments – the DAYS cast and crew have been there. The camera guys had to approve my boyfriend. There were two tables of DAYS people at my wedding. They survived my pregnancies with me… You name it!”
Courtesy/NBC
Throughout its 50 years, DAYS has tackled groundbreaking and emotional issues including the Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) storyline involving new mother Marlena (Deidre Hall) back in 1980. “I was approached about the story, because there was a great debate among the executives as to whether the ‘Crib Death’ should happen to the audience, or whether they should be warned about it, and get to tune-in from a safe place, Hall recalled. “At the end of the day, it was decided that when a woman walks into that room and finds her baby has died, she doesn’t get a warning. So to do service to those people, we would not warn the audience about it. We got phone calls, and thousands of letters from people saying, ‘Oh, my gosh! It happened to Marlena the way it happened to me.’ It was a moving storyline for a huge number of fans that have been through it, and it was cathartic. It was certainly a first for daytime.” In 2014, DAYS wrote the same-sex gay male wedding between two core characters, another first for daytime. Alison Sweeney watched her on-screen son Will (Guy Wilson) take his vows to Sonny (Freddie Smith). She recalls it was quite the tearjerker … for her: “I still groan about how I was such a mess during that wedding. I couldn’t stop crying! I kept looking at Bryan Datillo (Lucas) because he and I used to joke about some day playing grandparents on the show, and to be actually seeing ‘Will’ get married was just very emotional.”
Courtesy/Pinterest
While DAYS brings the drama, it has also been known for the outrageous! Look no further than former head writer, the late James Reilly, whose twisted plots included burying a character alive, and Marlena’s possession by the devil! Ken Corday remembers when the plots were pitched: “Originally, I would say to Jim, ‘Are you serious? You are going to bury someone alive for a week and half?’ And, ‘They are going to puke green soup, and their head is going to spin around? No, no, no.!’ (Laughs) But, again, the way it was woven into the fabric of the show it was just as effective as the baby-switch stories we have told. The outrageousness in the 90’s seemed to work really well. These days the viewers are a little savvier.” Kristian Alfonso, who has played the popular Hope Williams Brady for decades, was really put to the test when she played multiple roles mostly at the same time: Hope, Princess Gina, Hope as Princess Gina, and Princess Gina playing Hope. “If they had told me that it was going to be as big of story as it was, with all these different characters, I totally would have panicked. I thought, ‘How am I going to do this? How am I going to learn my lines … her lines … this one’s lines,” Alfonso shared. “Trying to keep straight who knew what, and when they knew it, and playing opposite myself, was so challenging. I remember I would fall asleep with my scripts on my chest. But, it was the most amazing experience as an actress.”
Courtesy/TIME
Super couples have also been synonymous with Days of our Lives, from: Bo and Hope, Patch and Kayla, Shane and Kimberly, Justin and Adrienne, Marlena and John, to the show’s original super couple … Bill and Susan Seaforth Hayes (Doug and Julie Williams) … who were the first soap stars ever on the cover of a mainstream publication, TIME Magazine back in 1976. When Doug and Julie got married on the air for the first time, most of America tuned-in! “There were 16 million people watching, it was that big of a deal,” Bill Hayes said. “We had students not go to class. People wouldn’t go to work, because back then you couldn’t tape the show!” Susan added, “Fans sent snap shots of everyone they knew dressed up, and having champagne and cake in honor of Doug and Julie’s wedding.” As to the success of the super couples of Salem, Ken Corday says he can’t take credit: “I never invented the idea of the super couple; that was really the viewers. It was kind of the perfect storm. Everyone who we cast at the time seemed to have the “IT” factor. Then when the actors would get thronged during public appearances, we realized this is something we need to run with and not ignore.”
Photo Credit: Getty Images
Days of our Lives has had its share of Daytime Emmy winning moments, and none more special than enduring veteran Suzanne Rogers’ (Maggie) winning the very first Outstanding Supporting Actress Emmy back in 1979. Rogers recalled: “I remember sitting there, and Frances Reid was in my category! Oh, my God! So, they were presenting the category and named all the nominees. I was the last one, because “Rogers” was after “Reid”. Then, the late Al Freeman Jr., who presented the award, announced: “And the winner is “Susan” … and Susan Brown from GH is in front of me. I lean forward and say “Congratulations!” … and he says “Rogers” … “Suzanne Rogers!” There were about 17 steps down the aisle, and then more to get up to the stage! All I could think of was ‘Don’t fall!’ I couldn’t believe it!”
Courtesy/NBC
No matter what’s on the screen, Days of our Lives would not be where it is today without its passionate fans who have stuck with the show through its ups and its downs. Daytime Emmy winner Eric Martsolf (Brady) relates: “I’m one of those crazy guys that actually does a lot of fan events during the year. I love the flight home from these events, because it makes me remember and realize why we’re doing it. I think we can easily forget that we just come to our little warehouse in Burbank, and we do our little skits, and we go home. But the fact is; there are people out there that depend on us, and these stories. I was talking to a 16-year-old-girl at an event I did in Florida. She had several operations and she had special needs. She came right up to me and said, ‘You saved my life. I just wanted to let you know.’ It was that simple, and that made that trip worth it. I love the fans. We all know we wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for them in the first place.”
Courtesy/NBC
As the anniversary approaches, the iconic MacDonald Carey and Frances Reid are no longer with us, but their presence still reverberates throughout the show. The soap’s opening to this day is still voiced by Carey with its signature line: “Like sands through the hourglass, so are the Days of our Lives.” Kristian Alfonso remarked: “We keep them alive on the show; we talk about them. They’re our family. The love I had, and still have, is enormous for both of them. I miss them very much.” The chair that still sits in the Horton family living room set belonged to Alice Horton, and as the show continues its unbelievable run, could that privilege be handed down to another generation? Melissa Reeves, who was close to Reid, and plays granddaughter Jennifer, shared, “It would be much more of an honor than I can even fully understand, because that was Francis, and that was huge to me. To think that I would ever be that person in her place is kind of mind blowing. I hope we keep going, and our show continues to live on.”
What were your favorite quotes shared by some of your DAYS favorites for this tribute piece? What has been your favorite memory of Days of our Lives through the years? Share your thoughts below!
I congratulate DOOL for their 50 years. It’s an honor and a rich history. It breaks my heart however to see what this show has dissolved to. The storylines are boring. The core characters have minimal airtime and nothing of value ever happens. There are some dynamic actors on this show. Kassie DePaiva, Arianne Zucker, Jennifer Liley, Suzanne Rogers, John Aniston. Those are actors with class and talent. The sad part is that they are devoting way too much time to characters that have little value. Eric and Serena? Really? No one likes them much less their ridiculous hide the diamonds in an elephant from Africa tripe. They keep killing off DiMearas and they bring substance and drama to the show. They are catalysts and instead they are made to be comical relief instead of the driving force of drama. The storyline with Will and Sonny and Paul had so much potential until they basically threw Sonny’s character down the garbage can. Will is so much like Sami but never in a good way. And Paul being John Black’s son makes ZERO sense. I hope the new writing regime can save Days from the cancellation monster. If they keep dragging out boring stories and focusing on characters other than the core we will watch one more daytime drama go the route of cancellation. We only have 4 left. Save DAYS now.
I cannot wait! Happy 50th DAYS. DAYS OF OUR LIVES is my favorite daytime drama, granted I only watch DAYS & GH. So looking forward to November!
Me too Jeremy! Can’t wait to see what’s in store for us when November rolls around.
Steve (Patch) returns in August and Bo returns in September!!
Many minds will be blown well before the anniversary!!!!!
@ Tom84, I’m looking forward to Jason Cook’s return as Shawn Douglas, and looking forward to Allison Sweeney, and of course Stephen Nichols as PATCH.
My favorite couple has always been Bo and Hope. I have watched them from the beginning and I know they are soulmates. I hope the writers do a tribute to Mac and Francis. Plus get rid of the boring unnecessary characters such as Eve, Paige and especially Aiden.
DAYS premiered in color.
It was in color……i was 5 and seen the ep. when it originally aired…..my mother won a color tv in a local contest…..we watched days in color! Doug and Julie remain my favorite no.1 soap couple!
Read my comment regarding Doug and Julie below.
I have to read this later on tonight… congrats to all Salem’ites !!!
have to put right out their : ” I love ” that “TIME” magazine cover of Susan Seaforth Hayes and Bill Hayes….
“Sex and Suffering” in thee…. afternoon
LOL
very reminiscent of Liz Taylor and Richard Burton
Days’ Triumph
The 90’s were the big story lines that got me hooked as a 12 year old. Not being able to cut school everyday to watch Days, I’d spend my pocket money each week buying Soap World magazine each fortnight or whatever and read it all intricately. In Australia, we were 3 to 4 years behind what was happening in the U.S. So the first storyline that sticks out in my memory for me was watching Sami being tormented by Alan the rapist. That, and Mark Valley as Jack trying to win Jennifer back from Peter were what first got me in to the show.
Like anything, the show has its ups and downs but I am so happy to hear that the team at Days are planning to make the big 5-0 as epic as the fans are dying to see. Can’t wait to see what’s in store for the rest of 2015, 2016, and hopefully beyond!
“…Mark Valley as Jack trying to win Jennifer back from Peter were what first got me in to the show. ”
that was an epic story line… especially, with Jason Brooks as Peter DiMera
i have to so agree with @Mateo post above… DAYS ! the DiMera drive and propel Salem with so much intrigue… stop the cartoon and stratosphere Stefano, Chad… bring back Peter….
and …. what’s going on with EJ ?
ICAM Bring Peter Blake. The show has had several perfect opportunities to bring him back, most recently Kristen’s death, and they have not done it. The show keeps making it a point to mention that Chad is Stefano’s only living child and I don’t know why since its not true. Hopefully the new writers will have sense enough to remedy this situation and bring Peter back.
Yeah I have been wondering what’s going on with EJ as well. Why did Kristen inject him with that syringe? Does this mean Ej’s still alive? Will Clyde’s role in EJ’s murder ever be revealed to the residents of Salem? Are the rumors that EJ and Abby had a baby and that’s why Stefano is so interested in Abigail and Chad’s relationship with her true? Again hopefully the new writers will remedy the situation and answer some if not all of these questions.
i love the the 80’s story my favorite couple are shane & kimberly i can’t seem to get enough of them and kayla & steve to hope they come back again and the rest to thanks for the many years of days .
The story lines in the past were hopeful no matter what drama was going on. Today Days has no relief of sadness. There are many fans who have watched Days for 50 years. We need some feel good stories to keep watching.
Congrats Days on making it to 50! As Michael said no small feat. Quite amazing in fact. I have watched Days on and off over the years, so I always feel something nostalgic, and the comfort of the familiar when I see the hour glass and hear the opening theme statement – like sands through the hour glass…. and the the music. I realize Days has to stay current to attract younger viewers, and I loved and was thrilled when they had the gay storyline with Sonny and Will – that was great and kept me watching, but I also like seeing the Vets and holding on to romance, family, and relationships – a throwback to the past golden years. I hope that they will go back to some of that because that is the ‘stuff’ that made you want to watch. Still love to watch the Horton family tree trimming every year, and always loved the singing and music at Doug’s place. Kudos to Ken Corday, the other powers that be, the cast, and crew who have had the foresight to keep the show going for this long.
Applause
Thank you, Patrick! 🙂
Kristen, Susan, the Banks triplets, Marlena, John, baby Elvis: the 1996-98 saga. That was so great!!! I was glued to the set!
Ken mentioned in a recent interview that any character deaths after September 1st are permanent. Hopefully that means that Kristen is coming back on the show. If not, killing her character off will be one of the biggest mistakes this show has ever made. She such interesting character to watch (whether you love her or hate her), she can play crazy villain and sympathetic character equally well, and she’s a great rival/nemesis for Marlena.
There were so many great moments how could I chose a favorite?
I loved Jennifer and Jack’s romance– it was so cute, playful and enduring. And at the time all the super couples on the show were off on all these wonderful adventures— I was young myself so to get swept up in all the romance and obstacles they had to endured was exactly what my imagination craved. Before I had a VCR I was taping the audio with blank cassette, reliving scenes over and over in my mind while listening to soundtrack. Of course I loved all the weddings back then — big budget affairs, nothing like the weddings of today.
I honestly don’t know if the stories were better back then or if I simply had a different perspective because where I was in my life, but if the 50th year could recapture just a bit of what made this soap so special to me in my twenties, then this almost 60 year old lady would be very happy.
Even Martha and Reggie had a lavish wedding…and they were dogs!!
Where are Jack and Jennifer? They are totally a part of that SuperCouple era! COD, Alamania Great Train Adventure were some of my favorite stories. Always loved Alice & Tom. The greatest SuperCouple of Days
PETE & MELISSA!!!!!
Where is Susan Banks when you need her? You’re mean, mean, mean!!! Eugene and Calliope were the best at humor. I was ten years old when Marlena’s twin sister Sam was killed by Salem Strangler. Those were some good times.
Some of my favorite memories are of the early 80’s. I loved Roman & Marlena, they are my favorite couple! I loved the Salem Strangler storyline, and when Roman showed up at Marlena’s apt. to protect her! He brought his sleeping bag, and camped out on her floor, she was not happy! (He even brought his own food!). Loved their, first dance, the Strawberries & Cream, the first time Roman told Marlena he loved her, the firsdt tme Roman recited their poem “That Is The True Season Of Love’, the first time Marlena told Roman she loved him on the beach in Mexico, the first time they made love in the Country Inn, the goblets… I loved their wedding, even though Stefano tried to have Roman shot during the ceremony! The excitement of ‘Ridgecrest” and Stefano kidnapping Marlena & Liz…. Oh and Roman trying to teach Marlena how to ski on their Honeymoon!!!! Also the Salem Slasher storyline, when Andre DiMera was murdering the people of Salem and framing Roman for it! “The Great Doughnut Caper” with Alice Horton helping Bo, break Roman out of jail by giving him some of he home made doughnuts with poison in them!!! I loved the birth of the Brady twins, Sami & Eric…..but the saddest scene ever was Nov. 1984, when Roman fell from the cliff to the beach below, after being shot by Stefano. Roman ‘died’ in Bo’s arms while the waves washed up on them, and the haunting music of Roman’s death played, and then was merged with Roman & Marlena’s Theme….I cried like a baby… Deidre Hall & Wayne Northrop were magical together…I miss that.
I have been a Days fan since I was 5 years old. Next week I turn 49!
I have adored every single moment I have watched on Days over the years.
I would cry as a child to stay home and watch my favourite soap!
I am a 3rd generation Days fan as well….my Mom and Grandmother both loved Days too.
My favourite show over the years was Patch and Kayla’s wedding and I love any scenes with Sami Brady and Stefano!
Thank you Days for all the fun, drama and wonderful stories…God bless you all.
Happy 50th everyone!!!!!!!!
Its nice reading about the history of this iconic show however I don’t see it making it past 50 years.
Watch out GH, there’s a new (G)riffith/(H)igley in town…Days of our Lives!!
My mother,aunt, cousins and I have been watching Days of our lives forever lol. I grew up watching Sami,Eric,Brady, and Jennifer and Jack grow up and become who they are TODAY and now their kids and I just gotta say I love the actors and their characters theyare awesome! congratulations on 50 years and the love for the work you all displaying your characters. Thank you
I agree with you Lou, we need Susan Banks back on Days. I love her so much , Kristen is mean mean mean LOL. Please bring back Calliope Jones and Eugene, they were hilarious.
Jimh,
I stumbled onto some info regarding upcoming appearances involving Doug and Julie…
July 22; August 6; September 10; October 23, 26, 27 and November 2, 3, 4, 5 are specific Doug airdates. Juie’s airdates are not available, but hers will most likely be the same as his.
Notice how frequent the airdates are close to DAYS 50th!
Congratulations to Days of Our Lives for 50 fabulous, and memorable years..
I HAVE WATCHED DAYS FOR DAY 1 🙂 DOUG & JULIE STILL TOGETHER IN REAL LIFE IS AWESOME. I THINK OF MY MOM EVERYDAY AT 1PM EVEN THO I WORKED MY DAD GOT ME A TV BAND RADIO SO I COULD AT LEAST LISTEN AT WORK. NO ONE THERE HAD A CLUE. THEY THOUGHT I WAS LISTENING TO A TAPE OF MY BOSS GIVING ME STUFF TO TYPE. I STILL LAFF. LOVE THE SHOW XXOOKK
I love Days but they need to go back to the romantic/gothic stories of the 90s that had me hooked. It was like no other show on daytime then, I just loved it. I love it now too but it has lost some of its unique flavor. All of the soaps have I suppose but Days is just so special.
Love Days, never miss it unless tennis or something takes it’s spot. Love all the Characters, was sad to see Sami and EJ go but figure they can hire new Characters to play them if they need to. It will take time to get used to new Characters, but it has been done. Love Days, keep doing what your doing!!
I love Days!!! I’ve been watching on and off since I was 3 years old and all the special women in my life growing up all watched too. My mom and I still watch everyday and call each other to talk about our favorite stories. Thank you for such great years and a great actors. I hope the show lasts 50 more years. Please let us fans know if there will be a 50 year celebration with the fans. I would love to bring my mom to meet all the wonderful actors whom have made our lives so fun and colorful all these years. Happy 50th Days of our Lives! We will never forget you!!!
I loved, loved Vivian!! Vivian and Ivan.
Beyond the Gates
53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Nominations Announced: ‘The Young and the Restless’ Tops With 18, ‘Beyond the Gates’ With 16
The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) today announced the full list of nominees for the upcoming 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards, and it was CBS daytime’s The Young and the Restless and broadcast television newest soap opera, Beyond the Gates that racked up the most nominations with 18 and 16, respectively.
The full reveal on Tuesday follows the announcement of several major categories including Lead Actor and Actress on Monday via Extra and Entertainment Tonight and The View today revealing Daytime Drama Series and more.
The 53rd Annual Daytime Emmys ceremony is set to take place on Friday, October 30 at the historic Hollywood Palladium in Hollywood, California.
Photo: CBS
In a statement, Adam Sharp, President and CEO of NATAS expressed, “We’re proud to honor the extraordinary talent and creative teams whose work continues to define and elevate daytime television, As the Daytime landscape evolves and new forms of storytelling emerge, we remain committed to recognizing the innovation happening across the industry.”
“Each year, the Daytime Emmy Awards celebrate the creativity, passion, and dedication that drive this vibrant community of storytellers,” said Rachel Schwartz, Head of the Daytime Emmy Awards. “Congratulations to this year’s nominees, whose work continues to entertain, inspire and connect with audiences every day. We look forward to celebrating their remarkable achievements in Hollywood this October.”
The Daytime Emmy Awards have recognized outstanding achievement in television programming and crafts since 1974, honoring work in a variety of genres, including daytime dramas, talk series, entertainment news, culinary, adventure, instructional and legal/courtroom programming.
This year’s Lifetime Achievement Honoree, Gold & Silver Circle Inductees, and ceremony host will be announced at a later date.
Now below, check out the nominees in the daytime drama, talk show, entertainment news series and creative arts categories and congratulations to all!
Photo: JPI
Outstanding Daytime Drama Series
Beyond the Gates
Days of Our Lives
General Hospital
The Young and the Restless
Outstanding Lead Actress in a Daytime Drama Series
Stacy Haiduk (as Kristen DiMera), Days of Our Lives
Karla Mosley (as Dani Dupree), Beyond the Gates
Michelle Stafford (as Phyllis Summers), The Young and the Restless
Heather Tom (as Katie Logan), The Bold and the Beautiful
Tamara Tunie (as Anita Williams Dupree), Beyond the Gates
Outstanding Lead Actor in a Daytime Drama Series
Eric Braeden (as Victor Newman), The Young and the Restless
Steve Burton (as Jason Morgan), General Hospital
Scott Clifton (as Liam Spencer), The Bold and the Beautiful
Thorsten Kaye (as Ridge Forrester), The Bold and the Beautiful
Christian Jules Le Blanc (as Michael Baldwin), The Young and the Restless
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Daytime Drama Series
Linsey Godfrey (as Sarah Horton), Days of Our Lives
Camryn Grimes (as Mariah Copeland), The Young and the Restless
Beth Maitland (as Traci Abbott), The Young and the Restless
Trisha Mann-Grant (as Leslie Thomas), Beyond the Gates
Amanda Setton (as Brook Lynn Quartermaine), General Hospital
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Daytime Drama Series
Sean Dominic (as Nate Hastings), The Young and the Restless
Timon Kyle Durrett (as Bill Hamilton), Beyond the Gates
Michael Graziadei (as Daniel Romalotti), The Young and the Restless
Roger Howarth (as Matt Clark), The Young and the Restless
Mike Manning (as Bradley “Smitty” Smith), Beyond the Gates
Lawrence Saint-Victor (as Carter Walton), The Bold and the Beautiful
Outstanding Emerging Talent in a Daytime Drama Series
Braedyn Bruner (as Emma Scorpio-Drake), General Hospital
Al Calderon (as Javier Hernandez), Days of Our Lives
Alice Halsey (as Rachel Black), Days of Our Lives
Giovanni Mazza (as Gio Palmieri), General Hospital
Ambyr Michelle (as Eva Thomas), Beyond the Gates
Arielle Prepetit (as Naomi Hamilton Hawthorne), Beyond the Gates
Outstanding Guest Performance in a Daytime Drama Series
Jasmine Burke (as June Hughes), Beyond the Gates
Jeff Kober (as Cyrus Renault), General Hospital
Eva LaRue (as Natalia Rogers-Ramirez), General Hospital
Christopher Sean (as Paul Narita), Days of Our Lives
Ray Wise (as Ian Ward), The Young and the Restless
Outstanding Writing Team for a Daytime Drama Series
Beyond the Gates
The Bold and the Beautiful
Days of Our Lives
General Hospital
Outstanding Directing Team for a Daytime Drama Series
Days of Our Lives
General Hospital
The Young and the Restless
Outstanding Casting for a Daytime Program
Beyond the Gates
General Hospital
The Young and the Restless
Outstanding Daytime Talk Series
3rd Hour of TODAY
The Drew Barrymore Show
The Kelly Clarkson Show
Live With Kelly and Mark
TODAY With Jenna & Friends
The View
Outstanding Daytime Talk Series Host
Joy Behar, Whoopi Goldberg, Alyssa Farah Griffin, Sara Haines, Sunny Hostin & Ana Navarro, The View
Kelly Clarkson, The Kelly Clarkson Show
Tamron Hall, Tamron Hall
Jennifer Hudson, The Jennifer Hudson Show
Sherri Shepherd, Sherri
Outstanding Entertainment News Series
Access Hollywood
Entertainment Tonight
Extra
Outstanding Daytime Personality (Daily)
Mona Kosar Abdi, Derek Hough & Terri Seymour, Extra
Cassie DiLaura, Denny Directo, Kevin Frazier, Rachel Smith & Nischelle Turner, Entertainment Tonight
Scott Evans, Zuri Hall, Kit Hoover & Mario Lopez, Access Hollywood
Star Jones & Corey Jovan, Divorce Court
Outstanding Arts and Popular Culture Program
Beyond the Gates: Welcome to the Neighborhood — An Entertainment Tonight Special
Off Script With The Hollywood Reporter
Variety & CNN Actors on Actors
Variety Studio: Actors on Actors
Working In the Theatre
Outstanding Music Direction and Composition for a Daytime
Beyond the Gates, Episode 103
Have Guitar Will Travel World
The Kelly Clarkson Show Episode 5033
Let Frankie Cook,” Getting the Band Back Together
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
Outstanding Technical Direction and Video for a Daytime Program
Beyond the Gates, Episode 104
The Bold and the Beautiful,” Episode 9511
Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade”
The Jennifer Hudson Show, ” Episode 4041
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade”
Outstanding Hairstyling and Makeup for a Daytime Program
Beyond the Gates, Episode 103
General Hospital, Episode 15719
The Kelly Clarkson Show,” Episode 5033
The Young and the Restless,” Episode 13273
So, what do you think of the 53rd annual Daytime Emmy nominations? Who are you happy to see receive a nomination and who do you think was snubbed? Weigh-in via the comment section.
Monday on Entertainment Tonight, the second set of nominations for the 53rd annual Daytime Emmy Awards were announced which included the highly-coveted Outstanding Lead Performance in a Daytime Drama Series – Actress and Outstanding Daytime Talk Series.
ET followed suit after Extra announced the nominees, as previously reported, in the Outstanding Lead Performance in a Daytime Drama Series – Actor and Outstanding Daytime Talk Host.
Now, five leading ladies of the soaps are vying for the gold for Lead Actress and the category marked the first-ever nominations for CBS daytime’s Beyond the Gates when two actresses made the final cut. Only General Hospital is not represented among the actresses this year after Nancy Lee Grahn (Alexis Davis) took home the trophy last year.
Photo: NATAS
THE FIVE LEADING LADIES OF THE SOAPS ARE …
The 2026 Lead Actress nominees are: Stacy Haiduk (Kristen DiMera), Days of Our Lives, Karla Mosley (Dani Dupree), Beyond the Gates, Michelle Stafford (Phyllis Summers), The Young and the Restless, Heather Tom (Katie Logan), The Bold and the Beautiful, and Tamara Tunie (Anita Dupree), Beyond the Gates.
This marks the first Daytime Emmy nominations for Karla Mosley and Tamara Tunie. In addition, this marks the first-time in her career that Stacy Haiduk had received a Lead Actress nod after two Supporting Actress nominations.
Meanwhile, Michelle Stafford had previously won 3 Emmys – 2 for Lead Actress and 1 for Supporting, but this recognition makes it her 11th overall nomination.
Heather Tom currently is tied for the most all-time Daytime Emmy wins with One Life to Live alum and General Hospital guest star, Erika Slezak. The B&B star has 19 nominations throughout her career.
Photo: ABC
DAYTIME TALK SERIES
In the Outstanding Daytime Talk Series category, the nominees are: 3rd Hour of Today, The Drew Barrymore Show, The Kelly Clarkson Show, Live with Kelly and Mark, Today with Jenna and Friends and The View.
“We’re proud to honor the extraordinary talent and creative teams whose work continues to define and elevate daytime television,” NATAS president and CEO Adam Sharp said in a statement on the nominations. “As the Daytime landscape evolves and new forms of storytelling emerge, we remain committed to recognizing the innovation happening across the industry.”
The rest of the nominations will be revealed tomorrow on Tuesday July 14 starting on The View and then the full list of nominees in both the main and creative arts will be released by NATAS. The 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards are slated for October 30th in Hollywood, California.
So, what do you think about the women who are vying for the Lead Actress Daytime Emmy? Happy with who got in? Who do you feel got snubbed? What do you think of the nominees for Daytime Talk Series? Weigh-in via the comment section.
It’s Daytime Emmy nomination week, and as previously reported things kick-off on Monday, July 13 when Entertainment Tonight (7pm ET) will announce the nominees for Lead Actress category and Daytime Talk Series for the upcoming 53rd annual Daytime Emmy Awards. In addition on Monday, Extra (7pm ET) will reveal the nominees for Lead Actor and Daytime Talk Host.
On Tuesday, The View (11am ET) starts things off with their announcement of Daytime Drama, Entertainment News program and Outstanding Daytime Personality-Daily. That is followed by the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS) full reveal of all the categories beginning at 12noon ET/9am PT on their website and their official social handles on X and Instagram.
Then, Tuesday night at 8pm ET/5pm PT join Michael Fairman as he hosts his 12th annual Daytime Emmy Nominations Special 2026 live on You Tube’s Michael Fairman Channel where he will chat with some of the just announced nominees as we celebrate the hard work of the men and women in front of the camera who will be going for gold.
WHEN ARE THE DAYTIME EMMYS?
This year, the 53rd annual Daytime Emmy Awards will be handed out on October 30 in ceremonies in Hollywood, California (Venue yet to be revealed). At that time, as like last year, both the major categories and creative arts will be presented. There is no word yet on a broadcast partner for the annual celebration of daytime programming, or if it will soley be streamed on NATAS’ watch.theemmys.tv and various apps and platforms.
WHO WILL BE APPEARING ON THE DAYTIME EMMY NOMINATIONS SPECIAL 2026?
Throughout Tuesday, keep an eye on Michael Fairman TV’s social media handles on X, Facebook and Instagram, for updates of who will be expected to appear on our live show.
If you have a question or comment for one of the nominees, or on the nominations, we can encourage you to join us in the live chat on Tuesday night.
So, who are you hoping lands a nomination from Beyond the Gates, General Hospital, Days of Our Lives, The Bay, The Bold and the Beautiful and The Young and the Restless? Let us know via the comment section. More Tuesday!
53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Nominations Announced: ‘The Young and the Restless’ Tops With 18, ‘Beyond the Gates’ With 16
‘General Hospital’s’ Steve Burton Shares Reaction to His Lead Actor Daytime Emmy Nomination, ‘It Was to Honor Leslie Charleson’
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Jason Reconnects with Danny; Tristan Roberts Arrives in Port Charles, Lots of Nods to #16
53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Nominations: Outstanding Lead Actress Drama Series
53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Nominations: Outstanding Lead Actor Drama Series
Scott Bryce, ‘As the World Turns’ Craig Montgomery, Passes Away at 68
‘The 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards’ Nominations Announcement Date Revealed: Who Will Be Going For Gold?
Randolph Mantooth, ‘Emergency!’ and ‘Loving’ Actor, Dies at 80
Steve Burton Returns to ‘General Hospital’ on Its 16,000th Episode: How Will Jason Be a Changed Man?
‘Daytime Emmy Nominations Special 2026’ Live on the Michael Fairman Channel
‘General Hospital’s’ Steve Burton Shares Reaction to His Lead Actor Daytime Emmy Nomination, ‘It Was to Honor Leslie Charleson’
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Jason Reconnects with Danny; Tristan Roberts Arrives in Port Charles, Lots of Nods to #16
GENERAL HOSPITAL Spoilers Promo: Jason’s Back, Drew Begins to Make His Move, Portia Goes Into a Labor
Scott Bryce, ‘As the World Turns’ Craig Montgomery, Passes Away at 68
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL Preview: Daphne’s Devastated, Steffy Finds Herself at a Crossroads with Finn
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As The World Turns2 days agoScott Bryce, ‘As the World Turns’ Craig Montgomery, Passes Away at 68
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Beyond the Gates6 days ago‘The 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards’ Nominations Announcement Date Revealed: Who Will Be Going For Gold?
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Breaking News4 days agoRandolph Mantooth, ‘Emergency!’ and ‘Loving’ Actor, Dies at 80
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General Hospital4 days agoSteve Burton Returns to ‘General Hospital’ on Its 16,000th Episode: How Will Jason Be a Changed Man?
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Beyond the Gates2 days ago‘Daytime Emmy Nominations Special 2026’ Live on the Michael Fairman Channel
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General Hospital2 days ago‘General Hospital’s’ Rory Gibson Ties the Knot with Alicia Ruelas
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General Hospital6 days agoKelly Kruger Set to Debut on ‘General Hospital’: Why Serena Baldwin Comes Back to Port Charles Revealed
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Beyond the Gates1 week agoRATINGS: ‘Beyond the Gates’ and ‘General Hospital’ Score Highest Weekly Viewer Increase
