Days Of Our Lives
Drake Hogestyn in revealing interview on his exit from DAYS!
Photo Credit: JPI Studios
In his first full-length interview since being fired from Days of our Lives over a year ago, Drake Hogestyn chatted with TV Guide Canada’s Nelson Branco, while the two were sailing the seas on this past weekends Soap Cruise . Branco got some honest and revealing answers to some very thought-provoking questions from the former leading man of Salem, including if there was bad blood between executive producer, Ken Corday and former leading lady Deidre Hall, and Hogestyn. Also discussed is the abrupt and annoying exit of John and Marlena from the canvas, plus what is on the horizon for this former soap icon. Here are a few juicy excerpts:
Drake on the controversial exit story for Jarlena: “It is what it is. It was what it was. Again, it’s back to business. As we all know, DAYS was up for renewal at that time. Because of that, there was a huge reduction in the licensing fee to get that renewal, so Deidre and I were the casualties. And I don’t blame them. The show’s future is more important than two actors or characters. However, I will say that John and Marlena’s storyline did veer off in a new direction when [co-executive producer] Ed Scott was fired. When Gary Tomlin came in to assume control of the show, John immediately ran to Stefano and said, “That’s it. You win. I lose. End of the story.” Right away, that eliminated about four different story threads I was involved in. Naturally, I went up to Gary, and said “What’s happening. Which story direction are we headed in now?” He responded, by saying, “I’m not sure, but something is happening. I’ll get back to you. Let me put my ear to the ground because I think a big story is coming up for you. I’ll know in a couple of weeks!” [Laughs hilariously] A big story, alright! That story in which he referenced involved Sandra Robinson — and ultimately, our exit. In defence of Gary, however, I must say that Gary and I had an open relationship, so I personally believe he had no idea at that time that Marlena and John would be written out. And like you said the other day, our exit storyline was rushed, so it may have been a last-minute decision on Sony’s part.”
Drake on how his firing was a lesson for current leading mature men on soaps: “When I sit and have dinner with Robert Newman and Vincent Irizarry, because we’re all popular leading men in the same age range. Wanna know what they told me? “Your firing made us all really stand up and take notice. At that point, we knew things weren’t all rosy, but we never thought they’d go after the superstars on the soaps. And when they did, we all knew we had to watch our back because the same thing could happen to us if it happened to you!” Our firings essentially opened up the floodgates, which allowed other soap producers to do the same thing to their actors. Guys like Robert and Vincent said, “Before you, we were all in denial, but we’re not anymore.” And all of a sudden, it was Don Diamont being fired from Y&R, Eric Braeden and Susan Lucci being asked to take pay cuts … But back to my experience with DAYS — it’s hard not to take it personally when a show fires you twice in one year! I remember when John “died,” I had to go on an Australian press tour which I had already committed to before being let go. Want to talk about awkward? But I’m a professional, so I went with Dee and Ken Corday. That very day, John’s funeral scenes were airing in America, and despite the fact that Australia airs a couple of years behind, that’s all the press and fans Down Under were asking about.”
Drake on if Sony was using he and Deidre Hall to set a precedent with their dismissals: “You can’t assume that — even if people tell you that you’ll be on the show until the cows come home. When you look at the show from a fiscal standpoint … listen, we all knew there were budget problems. When NBC cancelled a show [Passions] that they owned outright, we all immediately knew that DAYS was on the chopping block next because NBC doesn’t own our show. Looking at my character, even one as popular as John Black, the cost/benefit wasn’t worth it, obviously. And I can see why they made the decision to fire Dee and me despite the fact that I offered to go back to my 1986 salary.”
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.
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Haven’t watch days since John and Marlena were written out!
I was a huge fan of Days as far back as the 70’s. I was one of those people who
planned their day around Days. I quit cold turkey, the minute that Drake and Deidre were fired. I can say the same for most of my friends.
I no longer watch Days, but i have to say, the only two characters i ever enjoyed were Roman & Diana i still watch old scenes on you tube. only time i really laughed, i love there story line.. maybe Drake can pop over to Y&R and hook back up with Genie.