Days Of Our Lives
Former DAYS Star Gloria Loring on Joe Gallison, Don Diamont, & The Coincidences That Shaped Her Life!
Fans of the 80’s heyday of Days of our Lives, fondly remember Gloria Loring’s portrayal of Liz Chandler Curtis. And now the former soap star, and still singer and author, has released her autobiographical new memoir, Coincidence Is God’s Way Of Remaining Anonymous, available in book stores everywhere today and through Gloria’s website. And while this is Gloria’s very personal account of her life, the book looks at how a series of coincidences can change, alter, or shape one’s life.
Loring who was married to entertainer Alan Thicke, and is the mother of R&B/Pop singing sensation, Robin Thicke, discusses her decision to exit her long-time marriage to Thicke, as well as her relationship with soap star, Don Diamont, currently Bill Spencer of The Bold and the Beautiful, then Carlo on Days of our Lives. Plus, she reveals a backstage fight with long-time co-star Joe Gallison (Ex-Neil Curtis) that has the two on-screen lovebirds not speaking until they hit the set to tape their scenes!
On-Air On-Soaps Michael Fairman interviewed Loring this past weekend for a special feature on her new book for Frontiers LA.com that incorporates as Loring puts it, “Coincidence—where it comes from, what it can be for us, what it can do for us and how we can use it for our good. ” Here are a few soapy excerpts after the jump from the chitchat with Gloria!
Photo Credit: Gilles Toucas
Gloria on her off-screen relationship with Don Diamont and how it impacted her: “Don and I were together for three years. He came from a family that was very respectful and schooled in the old ways. His mother and father were just the finest people and they raised their children to be that way. I didn’t respect myself very much. I used to call myself names, and when my marriage ended I felt guilty for breaking up the marriage to Alan. I felt all the powerlessness of my childhood come up. I was on DAYS at that point and earning a six-figure income. I was supposedly a celebrity and all of that, and I supposedly had all this talent, but I felt like a beaten up child. So, all my powerlessness came up and Don came in and treated me with such kindness and respect, and paid attention to everything I was thinking or doing. He was so attentive. I had not been paying attention to what I need. So he taught me how to pay attention. Don is a really nice man, and family is number one with him. He has really great qualities. I have been very blessed to have him and others in my life. When we parted, because he knew he had to go off and have a family of his own, because family was so important to him after the passing of his own father, I said, “What is the most important thing he gave me?” I realized it was the respect and the attentiveness. I knew I had to start doing that for myself. It’s taken me a long time. I could still do better, but Don was an important person in that process.”
Gloria on a kink in her relationship with longtime co-star Joe Gallison as beloved couple Liz and Neil Curtis on DAYS: “I have a story in the book about Joe Gallison (Ex-Neil Curtis)! I got mad at him one time while I was going through my divorce, because he was spiky, and I was spiky. I raised my voice to him, and you don’t raise your voice to a man like Joe Gallison. He is very proud, and rightfully so. He did not talk to me for weeks! (Laughs) We did not run lines, and we just showed up and did our scenes. We would have to do scenes in bed together, and we would enter the set from the opposite sides of the bed, turn and do the scene, and get out and then go our separate ways. And I did not know how to fix it! Finally, I wrote Joe a note and shoved it under his dressing room door saying that, “I do apologize for raising my voice to you; you so did not deserve that.” It took me all that time to realize that I need to be the one here to apologize. I respected him so much, and he is a wonderful actor. It was inappropriate anger that came up in the wrong way at the wrong time. Nothing more was ever said about it, and one day Joe walked up to me in the hallway and said, “do you want to run lines?’ I said, “Yes.” We just started back again. Liz had a few love interests though on DAYS. She was married to Don Craig (Jed Allan) for like a minute and half. (Laughs) And there was Carlo (Don Diamont) and then Tony DiMera (Thaao Penghlis). I loved working with Thaao. He is fabulous, and all the men were great to work with, and I got a great education.”
Gloria on if she ever thought she would end up on a soap after being known for so many year as a singer: “No. I never thought that, but I had studied acting for ten years and could not get an agent who would send me out on acting calls very often, because every knew me as a singer. Finally, I had an agent who sent me out three times in one week, and so I got over my nervousness. I finally was all revved up and ready to go, and knew how to not talk to the other actresses in the waiting room, and put my attention where it needed to be! I just went in for the DAYS audition and did it. I did it strongly, and then they had me back to read with the producers, and then they had me back with three other actresses, and then I got the role.”
Gloria on what she hopes readers and fans will come away with after reading, Coincidence Is God’s Way Of Remaining Anonymous: “I want them to know that there is a goodness in the world that they are always connected to. That it is theirs to have, if they look for it. Here is the deal: the more we look for the good, studies have shown the happier we are, and the more benefit we can be to the people around us. ”
So soapers, what do you think of Gloria’s comments on her soap life on and off-screen? Make sure to read the rest of the interview at Frontiers LA.com!
Days Of Our Lives
‘Heated Rivalry’ Star Franco LoPresti Opens Up About ‘Days of our Lives’ Debut as Dante Vitali
Next week on Monday, September 14 will mark the first appearance in Salem of Franco LoPresti in his new Days of our Lives role of Dante Vitali.
Heated Rivalry fans now LoPresti very well from his part as hockey player Cliff Marleau in the series first season. (No word yet if Cliff appears in season 2).
Now in a conversation with TV Insider, DAYS fans will learn that LoPresti is on the soap for a limited run. No timetable was given.
Photo: Corday Productions, Inc
When LoPresti does burst onto the scene come Monday, Dante makes quite the impact as Franco LoPresti explains. It seems that viewers will first see him in scenes in Monte Carlo at a poker table with none other than Gabi Hernandez (Cherie Jimenez) and Philip Kiriakis (John-Paul Lavoisier). However, Dante will come to Salem to talk to the Brady family about his supposed fiancée Sami Brady (Alison Sweeney).
Franco shared, “Dante was born and grew up in Italy and educated at this pretty top-tier English boarding school. He then went on to build his own dynasty in finance, all the while trying to distance himself from the Vitali name (as viewers know Tamara Braun played his cousin Ava Vitali).”
“But at the core of Dante, there’s definitely an old-school quality to him”, continued LoPresti. “He’s super passionate, he’s sincere and incredibly generous, but he’s also someone that you probably shouldn’t underestimate. Loyalty is something that means a lot to him. As Dante enters Salem, I think the audience will get to slowly peel back those layers and discover what’s really driving him. So, I’m excited for Days fans to go on that ride with Dante.”
Photo: Almay
As it turns out, LoPresti taped his episodes of DAYS starting back in November 2025 which happened to be weeks before Heated Rivalry became a smash hit.
Franco recalled, “It’s so funny because I thought my episodes would air in a month (on Days of our Lives). But I found out it was nine to 10 months and I was like, ‘I gotta wait that long?!’ So, I’ve been biting my nails, trying not to think about it, and I think it’s actually kind of helped because now it’s here and it’s all coming at me from all different angles. I’m nervous. I’m excited, and I just can’t wait to see it all come together. It’s one of the best jobs I’ve ever had for sure.”
In his personal life, Franco just had his first child with wife, actress Emily Alatalo, just a weeks ago on August 23rd when they welcomed their daughter, Stella into the world.
So, looking forward to seeing Franco LoPresti’s debut come Monday? What do you think about the fact that it’s being reported as a limited run? Do you think Dante and Sami have a chance on-screen or off-screen to be a happy couple? What do you really think brings Dante to Salem sans Sami? Let us know your thoughts via the comment section below.
In a metaphor for the start of the school year and their upcoming anniversary in November, Days of our Lives revealed its “Class of Season 62,” with a very clever yearbook montage on their social media handles, welcoming new cast members, while paying respect to the veterans and “class”-iying the other characters in Salem.
The official Days of our Lives Instagram account shared on the posting, “The Class of Salem Season 62 has arrived. Familiar faces, new names and plenty of personality. Flip through our yearbook for a peek at this year’s class.”
Let’s take a look at how they broke it all down: The Salem Yearbook starts with saying “another unforgettable season,” with some group pics, and then we dovetail into Salem’s new class which features: Sydney Malakeh (Sydney DiMera), Brandon Butler (Mason Whitfield), Angelica Nero (Victoria Kiriakis), Cole Gersmeyer (Thomas DiMera) and Lorelei Olivia Mote (Rachel Black).
Photo: Days of our Lives
Next up, are the likes of: Cherie Jimenez (Gabi Hernandez), John-Paul Lavoisier (Philip Kiriakis), Tyler Joseph Andrews (Theo Carver) and LeeAnn Hopkins (Joy Wesley). Then, in the “Drama Club” section are: Dan Feuerriegel (EJ DiMera) and AnnaLynne Cipriani (Cat Greene).
Following the ‘Recess” section with some group snaps, comes “Homeroom Highlights” with: Abigail Klein (Stephanie Johnson), Eric Martsolf (Brady Black), Rob Scott Wilson (Alex Kiriakis), Lamon Archey (Eli Grant) and Sal Stowers (Lani Price Grant).
The “Salem Spectator” section features: Conner Floyd (Chad DiMera), Greg Rikaart (Leo Stark), Stowers again, and Ashely Puzemis (Holly Jonas). In the “Afternoon Sweets” section look for: Paul Telfer (Xander Kiriakis) and Linsey Godfey (Sarah Horton), Emily O’ Brien (Gwen Rizchech), Stacy Haiduk (Kristen DiMera/Susan Banks), Brandon Beemer (Shawn Brady), plus Jackée Harry (Paulina Price).
Towards the end of the yearbook, veteran performers such as: Mary Beth Evans (Kayla Johnson), Stephen Nichols (Steve Johnson), Lauren Koslow (Kate Roberts) and Josh Taylor (Roman Brady) are featured, plus Deidre Hall (Marlena Evans), James Reynolds (Abe Carver) and Matthew Ashford (Jack Deveraux), Susan Seaforth Hayes (Julie Williams) and Suzanne Rogers (Maggie Kiraikis) with her on-screen daughter, Linsey Godfrey.
The Salem Yearbook comes to a conclusion noting “Big things happening in Salem” and to tune-in on Peacock, where we also find Jacob Martinez (Javi Hernandez), Maggie Carney (Rita Lesley), and a host of other favorites previewing what’s to come this fall.
So, what do you think of the Days of our Lives Class of Season 62? Looking forward to seeing what happens in Salem? Did you like the yearbook concept for promotional tune-in? Let us know via the comment section below.
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Days Of Our Lives
‘Days of our Lives’ Head Writers Give Fall 2026 Preview: Marlena and Stefano’s Chess Mystery, The Arrivals of Dante and Sydney, Romance Drama for Sarah and Others
As summer comes to a close with Labor Day weekend, the former Days of our Lives co-head writing duo of Paula Cwikly and Jeanne Marie Ford have given their annual fall season preview in episodes taped some 10-11 months ago.
As previously reported this past July, Ryan Quan returned to Days of our Lives and is now co-head writing the show with Ford, while Cwikly is now a consultant. The new co-head writing teams stories will not be seen till late spring/early summer 2027.
So for now, the stories pick up from where we left off with Cwikly and Ford promising via TV Insider, “Fall in Salem is full of twists and turns and secrets and surprises. Dots connect in unexpected ways as seemingly unrelated threads converge.”
Photo: JPI
CHECKMATE?
In one of the top mystery’s, Marlena is still having troubling memories and she will have another one on the Monday, September 7 episode. Meanwhile, her daughter Belle (Martha Madison) has gotten very close to Chad DiMera (Conner Floyd) and as pictured here, the two smooch while in Italy searching for answers to the chess set that Stefano DiMera gifted th the late John Black and Marlena (Deidre Hall) that has some significance.
The head scribes share, “The (chess board) mystery and its fallout are central to the fall stories. Chad and Belle follow the clues to a discovery that changes both of their families, and Salem, forever. Marlena worries that their investigation/the chess set may be a Pandora’s box that has been opened. And she is right…”
Newcomers are also the order of the day for Cwikly and Ford, this fall. We have already seen the debut as Brandon Butler as Mason Whitfield, and next week you can add as previously reported Sydney Malakeh on the Thursday September 1o episode as Sydney DiMera, followed by the the Monday, September 14 arrival of Franco LoPresti as Dante Vitali.
Photo: Corday Productions
Paula and Jeanne Marie expressed on the incoming Dante, “The arrival of a stranger who will set the whole town on its ear. The character has several strong ties to the current canvas and impacts many storylines.” What will Dante be up to? We know Sami Brady (Alison Sweeney) had mentioned in 2025 she got engaged to the man, but that was off-screen.
LOVE THE ONE YOU’RE WITH OR THE ONE YOU WANT?
In the romance department, the triangle between Brady/Sarah/Xander heats up with a very conflicted Sarah (Linsey Godfrey). The head writers reveal, “When Sarah faces attacks personally and professionally, Xander (Paul Telfer) and Brady (Eric Martsolf) work together to help and protect her. Sarah’s new love for Brady is challenged by her lingering love for Xander. Xander risks everything for Sarah.”
In addition look for, “Gabi (Cherie Jimenez) and Philip (John-Paul Lavoiser) to draw closer as he tries to save the family company and home.”
Kristen (Stacy Haiduk) will also be returning at some point this fall and she won’t be alone. Who might she bring with her? And from the looks of the Peacock promo for next week’s DAYS, someone is wearing Stefano’s ring around their finger, but who … and how does it all tie in this fall?
So, what do you think about some of the highlights coming up this fall on Days of our Lives per the series head writers? Does anything float your boat or pique your interest? If so, what? Let us know via the comment section. But first, check out the action next week on DAYS in the promo entitled “Bag of Tricks” below.
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I have such great memories of Liz and Neil when I was a kid watching Days. That takes a lot of class to say such nice things about an ex like she did with Don Diamont. I hope my exes would say such kind and respectful things 25 years later. Its nice to hear she’s doing well and has such great advice to impart to her fans. Days should bring her and Neil back for a short story arc. Neil Curtis does have a past with Maggie Horton if I remember correctly 😉
I would love to see her [and Neil] come back to Days. I’ve been a fan of hers since I saw her perform at one of the Disney World restaurants way back in the early 70s.
I loved the characters of Neil and LIz. They were one of favorite couples during that time frame. I didn’t realize Gloria is the mother of Robin Thicke. But after all singing is certainly in the genes.
Fascinating woman!
I don’t know how I overlooked this! Bring Gloria back as Liz!!!
There’s a mistake in the second to last paragraph of the interview.
“No. I never thought that, but I had studied acting for ten years and could not get an agent who would send me out on acting calls very often, because every knew me as a singer.”
Just letting you know that you forgot “One” in the sentence above. It says …because every knew me as a singer. I think it’s better to say …because everyone knew me as a singer.
🙂 Great Interview, hope she will come back to DOOL someday!
Gloria, I truly remember u on Days but most of all I remember u on one of the talks shows many years ago tell the host that u were giving up your rolls of acting too work with diabetes when u learned that your oldest son was diabetic, I thought at that time what a great mother u are, do hope your son is doing fine. I see u are a grand mother now, good for u.