Days Of Our Lives

DAYS Wally Kurth Delivers ‘The Power Performance of the Week’

July 11, 2020

Photo: JPI

Mark our words! Next year, Days of our Lives Wally Kurth (Justin Kiriakis) will once again be nominated for a Daytime Emmy for this week’s emotional and deeply-touching work on key episodes of the NBC daytime drama series.

As viewers saw, this was to be the happy nuptials of Justin and Kayla (Mary Beth Evans), who found love again after losing the previous loves of their lives. They were dear friends to begin with, who through a set of horrific circumstances, found comfort with one another which eventually turned to love.

Photo: JPi

Problem was; Justin overheard Jennifer (Melissa Reeves) and Hope (Kristian Alfonso) before the ceremony discussing Steve’s (Stephen Nichols) feelings for Kayla and that he wants her back; something Kayla is unaware of. So what will he do? The noble thing and tell her the truth, or keep it to himself and marry her anyway?

As the Intel of what he learned weighed heavier and heavier on Justin, in the most dramatic of moments (when he was to say his “I do’s”), Justin stopped the ceremony and bared all to Kayla: that Steve wants her back and how Steve saw him propose to her and that is why he backed off. Armed with the knowledge and that her friends and family kept it from her, Kayla does not know what to do. Justin helps made it easy and clear for her when he questions her … if they would be standing here getting married, if Steve had told her his true feelings before Justin proposed to her?

Justin goes on to say to Kayla that maybe she has been avoiding her true feelings for Steve, because she did not want to hurt him. Then Justin tells Kayla that he visited his late wife Adrienne’s (Judi Evans) grave, and told her that if things were different, and if she was alive they would still be married, and Kayla would be their dear, dear friend.

Photo: JPI

With seeing the look on Kayla’s eyes, Justin knows she loves Steve. Heartbroken, but caught in an untenable situation, Justin tells Kayla he is happy for her. Kayla wraps her arms around Justin as they both cry. Kayla says she never wanted to hurt him, and when Wally as Justin says, “I know, honey,” it was one of the most honest and ten-hankie moments of the entire scenario. Justin kisses her, tells the guests there will be no wedding today, and exits the Kiriakis mansion.

The emotional drama continues in the aftermath as Justin is at Kayla’s apartment boxing up all of his belongings and tears up recalling their nights together listening to jazz and cooking dinner. Sonny (Freddie Smith) finds his dad, and tells him he did the noble thing and that time will heal all wounds, but after Sonny leaves, Justin breaks down a bit further before exiting Kayla’s for good.

And if that was not enough, Justin goes back to Adrienne’s gravesite to update her on the wedding that did not happen. He talks to her that he understands Kayla and Steve’s deep and enduring love, which was just like theirs was. Next, Justin thinks he is seeing Adrienne, when none other than Bonnie Lockhart (Judi Evans) reveals she is back in Salem – talk about kicking a guy when he is down!

Photo: JPI

Throughout this entire saga, moment to moment, Kurth delivered raw, genuine, adult emotions, in a very complex adult story and relationship. In fact, the cast and crew thought so, too! When Wally as Justin told Kayla that he can’t marry her and the speech that followed and his exit from the mansion that followed, all those on set applauded for him. His work was that moving. Wally was ably assisted throughout by the outstanding work of Mary Beth Evans in these scenes.

2020, while a difficult year for everyone thus far, has been a particular great year for Kurth on Days; as over the last six months he has really had a chance to shine in this story. So for all of these reasons and more, Michael Fairman TV gives the “Power Performance of the Week” kudos to Wally Kurth.

Did you love Wally’s performance this week on Days? Did you reach for the hankies? Share your thoughts via the comment section below.

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DAYS Wally Kurth, Mary Beth Evans & Chandler Massey Take You Behind the Scenes of Kayla and Justin’s Wedding

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Guest

Louie

This is in Wallys acting wheelhouse; he’s good but range limited. So glad story that should have ended when Steve woke up is over. Tired of the crying at Adrienne’s grave over the woman he moved on with within 3 months. Let Adrienne Rest In Peace.

Guest

Mary E

These were good episodes, so glad Steve and Kayla reunited. I like Wally but, he is a one dimensional actor and this area is where he is his strongest, but he isn’t consistent on a routine basis I think that’s why he has been a supporting actor for so long. Ned is a better role for him and hope GH will give him and Olivia this type of story arc.

Guest

Phil

I disagree! I prefer Justin over Ned any day!

Guest

Terri Davis

I enjoy him on both soaps.

Guest

James R. Poissant

I always preferred him as Ned over Justin.

Guest

Phil

He was simply phenomenal as always. I think he is greatly under appreciated and I definitely prefer him as Justin on Days over Ned on GH!

Guest

Beth

Wally Kurth is a very talented actor. I believe he may be the only actor who plays different character roles on two high profile soap dramas over many years. His performance was spot on with sensitivity and humor. Currently, I prefer his role as Justin because raw emotion, real integrity and love was portrayed toward Kayla. Sadly, GH has marginalized Ned’s role for awhile. Yet, I would like to see the storyline flushed out between Brooklyn and Ned. Since most of the Quartmaine clan was killed off or left, the writers have placed his character on the shelf. Also, I… Read more »

Guest

Virginia

Nothing against Wally, he truly seems like a nice guy, but his acting stands out on Days because the majority of the acting is cartoonish at times. For every episode like this one from him, you can point out 2-3 not so good ones.

Guest

Charday

Wally Kurth is an awesome actor. Hope he’s back on GH soon!!

Guest

Joanna A.

So glad that painful arc is over! When you have to rewrite history and characters so out of the normal to work, add in teenage dribble for dialogue it probably shouldn’t be done. Actors saved it; though was so over the living out the relationship at the hospital..WK average actor that like any other actor is given the right material for their strengths they will succeed.

Guest

Terri Davis

I watch Wally on both Days and General Hospital, he is awesome in both soaps.
Mary Beth, always outshines!
And yes I cried and cried!

Guest

Felicia

All the vets shined in those episodes…RC, head writer, deserves huge kudos for giving Wally material in an area he excels. Steve and Kayla belong together so I’m glad Justin did the right thing. Of course, he knew writing was on wall when he heard Kayla laying into Jake about losing live of her life & no one could replace him.

Guest

Rodd

He was absolutely brilliant!

Guest

Trish

The acting at times on this show is often so bad all you can do is laugh because you’re not sure if it is written that way or not. So, when you get decent scenes it’s easy to think someone is the next Emmy winner. The scenes with Jack on Monday shined light on a once again average actor.

Guest

Roy

Nice guy and dimples doesn’t make a person an automatic Emmy winner…watch his performance on a daily basis..

Breaking News

49th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards Winners Circle (Photos)

June 25, 2022

Friday night at the 49th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards, the night’s big winners in daytime drama, talk shows and more, shared their first moments of their victories in the press room where they were greeted by the paparazzi, journalists and electronic media outlets from around the country.

Getting their first snaps with Emmy gold were General Hospital winners: Frank Valentini (Drama Series), Nicholas Alexander Chavez (Younger Performer), Jeff Kober (Supporting Actor), Kelly Thiebaud (Supporting Actress) along with Allison Reames Smith and Phideaux Xavier (Directing Drama Series).

Days of our Lives was represented with a win for Ron Carlivati and his writing team, while The Bold and the Beautiful long-running cast member, John McCook finally received the Lead Actor top prize, while The Young and the Restless’ Mishael Morgan made Daytime Emmy-history taking home the gold in the Lead Actress category. Talk show host, Tamron Hall celebrated her win as well.

Take a look at some of those moments in our ‘Winners Circle’ Photo gallery below.

Now, let us know, which of these winners were you most happy to see receive a gold statuette? Share your thoughts in the comment section.

DAYS head writer, Ron Carlivati took home his 3rd Daytime Emmy as DAYS took top writing honors.

B&B's John McCook finally takes home the gold for his portrayal of B&B's Eric Forrester.

A very happy and enthusiastic, Nicholas Alexander Chavez celebrates his first Emmy win for his role as GH's Spencer Cassadine in the Younger Performer category.

It was a big moment in the life of GH's Kelly Thiebaud (Britt), when she won the Outstanding Supporting Actress prize.

Nothing like a good villain! GH's Jeff Kober's name was called for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series.

Historic! Epic win! Y&R's Mishael Morgan became the first black actress to win the Lead Actress prize in the history of the Daytime Emmy Awards.

Tamron Hall won for Outstanding Informative Talk Show Host!

GH directors Phideaux Xavier and Allison Reames Smith won gold with the Directing team of the series.

Drew Barrymore in the winners walk with GH, executive producer, Frank Valentini, shortly after she presented him with the Drama Series win for the ABC soap opera.

Photos: JPI

Days Of Our Lives

49th Annual Daytime Emmys Red Carpet Arrivals (Photos)

June 25, 2022

The 49th Annual Daytime Emmys were held on Friday night and for the first time since 2019 and the coronavirus pandemic, the event was live and the red carpet was back in full swing.

Many of your favorites from Days of our Lives, General Hospital, The Bold and the Beautiful, The Young and the Restless and The Bold and the Beautiful showed their glam side and celebrated being part of the genre with their own fashion statements. In addition, many notables from daytime talk shows, game shows and more were on-hand and also walked the carpet.

After the arrivals, the nominated guests, cast members, and colleagues went inside to the Pasadena Civic Auditorium for the presentation of the awards which were live on CBS and streamed on Paramount+. (Find out who won here)

Now below, check out some of the red carpet arrivals from daytime’s biggest night of the year.

Then, let us know, who do you think was the Best Dressed? Who looked most dashing? Which couple complimented each others look, well? Share your picks and thoughts via the comment section.

DAYS Camila Banus and husband, Marlon Aquino showstoppers on the red carpet.

GH favorite, Finola Hughes rooting on her castmates on Emmy night.

Sydney Mikayla reunited with her former GH co-stars, Nicholas Alexander Chavez and William Lipton.

Two-time Daytime Emmy winner, Tamara Braun (Ava, DAYS) does a twirl in orange.

B&B's Kimberlin Brown brings some glam.

ET and Daytime Emmy Awards co-host Nischelle Turner turns heads in blue.

DAYS bad girl, Emily O'Brien (Gwen) in floral colors - a good match for the Daytime Emmys step and repeat of yellow and blue.

'Likey' - Y&R's Christian LeBlanc and Tracey E. Bregman

Daytime icon, Susan Lucci in her first public appearance since the death of her husband, Helmut Huber.

Sleek and elegant, GH's Sofia Mattsson.

B&B's Diamond White took to the carpet with her own vibe.

Salem boyz: Brandon Barash, Carson Boatman and Rob Scott Wilson.

Y&R's Melody Thomas Scott with husband, B&B producer, Ed Scott.

DAYS Deidre Hall and Galen Gering traveled down the Emmys red carpet together.

Jordi Vilasuso with wife Caitlin - a dashing pair, indeed.

Marci Miller with her husband, Ryan, by her side.

The one and only Peter Bergman with wife, Mariellen.

B&B's Krista Allen brought superfan and good friend, Matt Hanvey to the Emmys.

Too cool for school - B&B's John McCook and wife Laurette.

Daytime Emmy winner, Greg Vaughan (Eric, DAYS) always red carpet ready.

Y&R's Conner Floyd hits the carpet.

B&B's Tanner Novlan in classic tux.

Former Days star, Lucas Adams brings a modern look to the carpet.

GH's Tanisha Harper brings it!

GH's Nancy Lee Grahn utilized the carpet to send a message about the Supreme Court's decision to strike down Roe vs Wade.

GH nominee, Laura Wright and her beau, Wes Ramsey (Ex-Peter). Quite the duo!

Y&R's Courtney Hope always an attention-getter on the carpet.

The amazing Cynthia Watros of General Hospital.

GH's Kelly Monaco looking beautiful on the carpet.

Two-time Daytime Emmy winner, and new mom, Jacqueline MacInnes Wood.

Breaking News

49th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards: General Hospital, B&B’s John McCook and Y&R’s Mishael Morgan Take Top Honors

June 25, 2022

Friday night, the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences’ (NATAS) 49th annual Daytime Emmy Awards were handed out in 15 categories on a live telecast on CBS and streaming on Paramount+. When the dust settled, it was ABC’s General Hospital who took the night’s top prize for Outstanding Daytime Drama Series.

This marks GH’s continued record-breaking number of wins in this category and brings it up to 15 victories for the iconic show, which is currently in its 59th year on the air. GH’s executive producer, Frank Valentini accepted the award on behalf of everyone connected with the show, when Drew Barrymore presented the final award of the night.

Photo: JPI

The night also brought with it the historic win of The Young and the Restless’ Mishael Morgan (Amanda Sinclair). The actress became the first black actress in Daytime Emmy history to ever take home the Lead Actress Daytime Emmy. In the emotional highpoint of the evening, in terms of acceptance speeches and significance, Morgan spoke to the current generation breaking glass ceilings.

Morgan expressed: “We are breaking glass ceilings left right and center and I am so honored to be a vessel and to experience this moment. Everybody out there today, we can do this thing called equality and unity together.” In her speech, Mishael shared: “I was born on a tiny island in the Caribbean, and I’m now standing on an international stage and I am being honored regardless of the color of my skin, regardless of my passport, for being the best at what I do, Now there are little girls around the world and no matter what the industry, the vocation they can strive to be the best.”

Veteran actor, John McCook who has played Eric Forrrester on The Bold and the Beautiful for over 35 years, finally won his first ever Emmy after four previous nominations in the Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series.

Courtesy/CBS

The Supporting Actor and Actress in a Drama Series trophies went to two standouts from General Hospital, Kelly Thiebaud (Britt) and Jeff Kober (Cyrus), while Nicholas Alexander Chavez (Spencer), added another mantle to the GH trophy case with his first win for Outstanding Younger Performer.

Days of our Lives writing team led by Ron Carlivati took home the gold for Outstanding Writing in a Drama Series, while GH won for Direction.

The biggest winner in terms of total gold belonged to The Kelly Clarkson Show. When all was said and done, between the Creative Arts ceremonies held last weekend, and last night, the talk show took home 7 awards including: Outstanding Entertainment Talk Show and Talk Show Host. General Hospital followed with five total wins for Daytime Emmys 2022.

The ceremonies featured DAYS Suzanne Rogers (Maggie) anchoring the Lifetime Achievement Award presentation to her longtime co-star John Aniston (Victor), who was not present, with the help of John’s daughter, Jennifer Aniston, who was seen on tape.

Susan Lucci (Ex-Erica, All My Children) made her first public appearance since the passing of her beloved husband, Helmut Huber and introduced the In Memoriam segment. Grammy-winner Michael Bolton performed his classic tune “How Am I Supposed to Live Without You” during the tribute.

Entertainment Tonight’s Kevin Frazier and Nischelle Turner were the hosts for the telecast, and with the overturning of the Supreme Court Roe vs. Wade decision on everyone’s mind last night, Turner gave a nod to how she and so many others felt, when Frazier told her how nice she looked in her dress. Nishcelle commented, “I chose this dress. It was my choice.” That moment received huge applause from the audience in attendance.

Check out the full winners circle list from last night’s 49th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards below.

Then let us know, are you happy with the results? Who were you most thrilled to see take home an Emmy? What did you think of the telecast? Share your thoughts in the comment section.

Outstanding Daytime Drama Series

General Hospital

Outstanding Lead Performance in a Daytime Drama, Actress

Mishael Morgan, The Young and the Restless

Outstanding Lead Performance In A Daytime Drama, Actor

John McCook, The Bold and the Beautiful

Outstanding Supporting Performance, Actor, in a Daytime Drama

Jeff Kober, General Hospital

Outstanding Supporting Performance, Actress, in a Daytime Drama

Kelly Thiebaud, General Hospital

Outstanding Younger Performer in a Drama Series

Nicholas Chavez, General Hospital