Breaking News
Freddie Smith Reveals That He and Chandler Massey Will Be Exiting DAYS
In a shocking and special videotaped message and posting on Wednesday from DAYS Daytime Emmy-winner, Freddie Smith (Sonny); the actor shared that he, along with his longtime on-screen scene partner, Chandler Massey (Will), have been reportedly released from their contracts at Days of our Lives.
Freddie relates that the two are currently wrapping up their final episodes, as of now, with the long-running NBC daytime drama series, which was just officially renewed for another season by NBC.
According to Smith, what he posted with the video said: “I know it’s a bit shocking, but it’s true. Will and Sonny’s last episode is projected to air September ”
Remember, DAYS tapes months ahead of air. Smith says he will not divulge how Sonny and Will leave the canvas. He also says that Massey will join him for a special podcast tomorrow to discuss the situation further.
Within the video, Smith shares his thoughts on being part of the power couple of WilSon that has meant so much to so many fans of the series and the LGBTQ community. He adds on the upcoming departures: “It was not our choice. We were looking forward to staying on and keeping the story going.”
In a tweet today, Chandler Massey added: “Wish it weren’t coming to an end, but I will be forever grateful to everyone who went on this journey with us.” While Smith shared: “I will miss Salem so much!! Thank you all for the incredible love and support throughout the years. I really feel we told a love story that will live on forever.”
Watch the video below where Freddie talks about his exit at DAYS and his thoughts on it.
Now let us know, what do you think about Freddie and Chandler exiting Days of our Lives? Share your sentiments in the comment section.
Unbelievable – well this is the end of the only male gay couple on our soaps…………
Um… Lucas and Brad are still hanging on by a thread.
And yet, I don’t see them surviving the fallout, once Lucas realizes his “son” is actually his nephew’s son, and that Brad knew about it all along. Actually Lucas already knows this, but a head injury made him forget it. Once his memory returns, Brad is probably toast. Sad for Lucas, as there doesn’t seem to be any other options for him in Port Charles (the nurse, Felix?? was that his name?? seems to be long gone.)
I do agree that Brad (despite being on the show for 7 years) is not viable as a long term character. Felix isn’t the answer as the character is rather milquetoast.
Perhaps someone like Brando will surprise us and be on Lucas’ team.
Well, depending on who Brando works for, that could present some interesting conflicts. Logically, he’s either an undercover cop, federal agent, or working for this new criminal Cyrus.
Lucas is a Jerome by birth, and he has two sisters married into the Corinthos organization (not to mention Brad’s lineage to the Chinese mob of the old Asian Quarter storyline) so his life is already a mob balancing act as it is.
Will and Sonny haven’t had a good storyline since before Chandler came back. Seems to me that the writers have no idea how to write for this couple. I’m sorry to see them go.
The writers do know, but co-executive producer Albert Alarr strikes every “Wilson” storyline down. He has said some of their proposed storylines are too gay.
I think Albert Alarr wanted Sonny and Will gone long ago
Wow… this is a virtual replay of the way ReRon destroyed characters on GH. Write nothing but steaming piles of dragonshit storylines for them for months on end, and then force them out completely.
Will being a Horton & a Brady and Sonny being a Kiriakis, this couple represents a big part of carrying Days forward into the next generation. Add to that the fact that they were the first gay couple on the show, which was a pretty big deal at the time it happened.
Huge mistake to screw them over like this.
What are they doing to this show? All the favorites are being let go. This stinks. Fans will be dropping like flies. Hate these changes.
I would not be surprised if letting Freddie Smith and Chandler Massey, along with Galen Gering, go is in response to NBC orders to cut the costs of production
Who is the idiot who who fired them? I came back to Days when Chandler returned, I’ll leave again when he does.
This is sad. It was Will and his coming out story that made me a regular viewer of Days and while I’m surprised, I’m not surprised (hey, this show wrote Marlena and John off for a few years – ANYONE is clearly expendable on DAYS). Thing is, this is DAYS – they could easily be back in six months or a year. I think in some ways, Will and Sonny were cursed. Too ‘special’ to the show as their first gay couple to actually tear apart for long, and the only gay guys in town unless the show brings in a ‘third’ every so often to cause some potential – but not long lasting – problems for the duo. It’s ulitimately a limitation of imagination and willingness, but it has been an issue for them on the show. And although they could always be in other stories, Sonny was never a convincing suited up business man, and Will is a writer only when it’s convenient for the story. Romance and breakups and new partners are ultimately what keep a soap couple or character going over time and if the writers are going to treat them like delicate crystals that you don’t want to put too many cracks in – then there’s no where for them to go. I wish both of them success.
I have been a DOOL fan since 1965(yes,Iam old).Chandler and Freddie are two of my favorites,cannot believe they will not be on show.Let’s hope it’s only a short hiatus because,if they don’t come back eventually,DOOL will lose a long-time viewer.
OUTRAGEOUS! Two of the show’s best, and bravest, actors gone? Casey Moss leaving also? Wow, the dreamboat factor just hit a major iceberg. Two core family characters cut reminds me of Y&R’s current crisis…abandon the best in favor of the new. Not sure that’s what’s happening here, but whatever it is stinks. It also reeks of homophobia. On the plus side, maybe they can move to GH or Y&R.
Here Ye ; Here Ye
“…dreamboat factor just hit a major iceberg ”
“No shit” !!!!! NO!
Freddie Smith… if Casey Moss… AND ^^^^ as posted !!!! Galen Gering
well… that still leaves me : dag their dreamboat HUGE. Justin, Eric, Brady, Xander, Ben, Chad
NONETHELESS – my faves being.. JJ – Rafe’alicious – Sonny
so.. the “sting” is on
cache low… sacrifice
it’s a wonder to me how much it hits that these actors have personal lives.. and who knows how much their nest egg meets. LOVE THE SHOW… the upheaval to the respective cast, crew, hardened fan… oy
I am so disappointed in how this show has treated these characters under head writer Ron Carlivati. In the last 3 years, I have finally fallen out of love with Days of Our Lives. Now with my last 2 reasons to continue watching this series being removed, I will no longer be watching after the fall. Both actors and characters deserved so,so much better. I’ll check back in if and when these 2 characters return, or Ron Carlivati is replaced.
Hmmmm, writing out a number of fan favorites? Not very smart! DePaiva, the actor who plays JJ, possibly Galen Gering, Judi Evans and probably more to come. I miss the days when soap writers would give interviews and explain the upcoming plans for the shows. I gave insight into future plots and leave you wondering wtf!
And not leave you wondering wtf??
Quit crying please…you are not the first or last to be written off a soap … Just ask Bill and Mike Horton…
Lol. How true!!
I think they ‘WILL’ be back and there will be ‘SONNY’ DAYS once again!!!!
this IS a’ “bloodbath” @the expense of being renewed
HIT
argh! the heart stop ; empty OUT! fits of anger… why should Hope, Nicole, Jennifer, time and again be given reprieve
if the show wants new viewers.. they certainly don’t know ^^^^ WHY? the acting ; by Kassie DePaiva; Judi Evans, Freddie Smith, Chandler Massey are god send…. on so many levels of parlay AND whet the audience fervor, no?
having no lay of the land, AND waiting out this superlative mind field of ;
GOD … for acting, crew, and audience’ hold
9 years of “WilSon”
grand buffet; these two
my life on screen ? WHAT ? Fine’ally
Freddie Smith: “you” are one of my favorite male Lead
OKAY – so beyond your dazzle GOOD looks.. your acting consummate Camera loved you too
I don’t know… with Judi Evans let ; Wally Kurth enjoying his two show ; how long is John Anniston Victor .. well that’s forever in our heart
No Chandler
No Freddie, ; that’s a gaping “whole”
a quality super couple who could ACT period. which is why this is a downer
I will be curious… or rather numbed down .. come the REAL TURN around that Ron C and his ship WILL MOVE in September
Ron C. is seriously , going to have to , address this , blood let
whos coming ; whos going
like never before to curtail or stampede
fallout ; rally ; this is difficult to fan
it’s still 6 months to wait
Does anyone see the common thread here? The big name characters are being written off. It’s about money. The show had to pitch the idea of a much decreased budget and this is how they got the reprieve back when they were supposed to have been cancelled a few months ago. A part of me feels now that they should have wrapped up all the storylines and let the show die in a happy way. I don’t see how all these exits will keep DAYS going beyond that year extension they just got.
A complete SHOCK! This is NOT good.
I mean, the only reason I’ve ever bothered to watch this show is Will & Sonny. It’s bittersweet, because I know they have so much story to tell – and I’d love to see it play out on screen – but a certain executive producer has held them back for years now. I hope the show can rectify two mistakes as soon as possible here.
Would have been nice if this hadn’t been spoiled. I am sorry to see them go. I’ll miss them.
Being that the show continues to tape 7 months ahead of airing, not spoiling is near impossible. If they waited until the story aired in September, DAYS would be taping episodes for May 2021 then, with storylines likely planned out until contract renewal time. As these are popular characters, releasing the story at this time allows for fan outcry to bring them back in a timely manner.
Very sad.
This is such a shame! WilSon’s story became very ho-hum over the past year or more. They really weren’t given any meaty story to play since that Leo guy left town. And even that wasn’t very deep. If the word is true and that new-ish producer put the ax on any story pitches for them, then he’s the one who needs to go.
Of course, there are many others gone or going that I’m not pleased about. Practically all the time-jump stories leave me wanting it all to be a dream. Maybe this will be just another dream.
On the other hand, budget cuts stink. As soon as the sets started to shrink, I had that de ja vu feeling like when Guiding Light had massive budget cuts and started filming outdoors and in tiny real rooms. It spelled the end for them and I fear the same for DAYS. Hope not.
This show has a lot of dead weight…these two included. I like when they freshen up the show every so often. It’s not like they wont be back! They cut a bunch of contracts back in 2003 with that Stalker storyline. That was just a big money saving crunch. They cut about 10 vets for nearly a year….some of them only returned on a very recurring basis…they saved alot of money. I love DePaiva, but she played a poorly written, islanded character with little to no rooting value. It was time for her to leave. Ron’s writing is SO predictable…Justin and Kayla’s (wedding day) will come….and Steve and Adrienne will crash the wedding. Enjoy the comings and goings…..quit whining…..they’re fun. You know you’re not going to quit watching. I have. Since the time jump I have watched three episodes only. It is plot driven nonsense. It is back to that Jim Reilly level of production…where a middle school stage production is better written and put together. I would be embarrassed to put out this product. New writer time!
As I posted about Rafe/Galen. I think Days is making a BIG mistake. Letting you 3 go doesn’t sound like a good business decision considerering how popular you are with us fans. Going to miss all of you and hope you do get to come back.
Oh and I forgot about JJ/Casey. That’s 4 main characters leaving. Big big mistake on Days’ part. I’ve only been watching when Will, Sonny, and Rafe are on cause I hate the Hope/Gina & Stefano/Steve storeyline. Its just so far out there. But again best of luck!
What are the idiots in charge of Days doing? The head writer should be fired first..he can’t develop characters & creates stagnation. All he knows is tiresome triangles for angst, sci fi body swapping, etc. Keep those two & jettison the ridiculous Justin/Kayla pairing. They can go to GH & pick up their roles as Ned/Katherine. MEH chemistry there too but hey Wally has a full time Contract with GH. Then u can open up money to keep some talent such as Chandler.
Breaking News
Marla Adams, The Young and the Restless’ Dina Mergeron, Dies at 85
Marla Adams, best known for portraying matriarch, Dina Abbott Mergeron on CBS’ The Young and the Restless for 37 years, died on April 25, 2024, in Los Angeles. The news came from Y&R’s Director of Media and Talent, Matt Kane.
Throughout her veteran soap opera career, Marla appeared had appeared on Secret Storm (in her other longest running soap role as Bell Clemens from 1988-1974), The Bold and the Beautiful (ex-Beth Logan), Days of our Lives (ex-Dr. Claire McIntyre), Generations (ex- Helen Mullin), General Hospital (ex-Mildred Deal) and Capitol (ex-Myrna Clegg).
However, it was her role as Y&R’s upper crust Dina, who abandoned her children and her marriage to John Abbott (the late Jerry Douglas) that was her most memorable role. Throughout the years, Dina would have several romantic reunions with John, but in 2017, the character returned to Genoa City to reunite with her estranged family. Dina was the on-screen mother to Ashley Abbott (Eileen Davidson), Traci Abbott (Beth Maitland) and Jack Abbott (Peter Bergman).
Photo: JPI
As for Adams, she joined Y&R in 1982, but left the soap three years later her contract expired. She returned to Genoa City for stints in 1991, 1996 and 2008 before being asked by then Y&R head writer-producer Sally Sussman to return in 2017, which would begin the top-rated daytime drama telling the story of Alzheimer’s disease. Through Dina, the show shed light on a person going through the perils of the illness, and how the family copes and tries to come to terms with its fate.
In fact, Marla took home the Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Daytime Drama Series in 2021 for her work in the storyline, She had previously been nominated in 2018.
Photo:JPI
Speaking with Michael Fairman TV, Marla shared on her final scenes on Y&R when Dina passed away and was reunited with John Abbott, “It was heart-wrenching for me. In the story, Dina died when she went outside and to the front door of the Abbott home. They did not tell me before-hand, and that’s why it was so wonderful. I hope they came in for a closeup of that because I had no makeup on, it was beautiful, and then, Dina said, “Oh, John.” I’ve done everything from movies, to daytime, to nighttime, to Broadway, but that was the iconic moment for me, to do this gig with wonderful, wonderful actors and friends, and to do this particular storyline.
Born in Ocean City, New Jersey, on August 28, 1938, Adams’ love for the stage was ignited after winning the Miss Ocean City and Miss Cape May pageants and finishing as a runner-up in the Miss New Jersey pageant. She also fondly remembered being the Miss Diamond Jubilee Queen during the 1954 celebration of the 75th anniversary of Ocean City’s founding. A student at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, Adams appeared on Broadway in the 1958 production of The Visit at the Morosco Theatre with Alfred Lunt and Lynn Fontanne and starred as June in the 1961 feature film, Splendor in the Grass
Over the span of her decades long career, Adams starred in more than 40 productions including television’s: The Golden Girls, Hart to Hart, The Love Boat, The New Dick Van Dyke Show, Harry O, Adam-12, Starsky and Hutch, Marcus Welby, M.D., Barnaby Jones, and the feature film, Beneath the Leaves.
Photo: CBS
In a statement, Y&R’s current head writer and executive producer, Josh Griffith expressed, “On behalf of the entire company of The Young and the Restless, we send our deepest sympathies to Marla’s family. We’re so grateful and in awe of Marla’s incredible performance as Dina Mergeron as both Marla and Dina made an unforgettable mark on Y&R.
Marla is survived by her daughter, Pam Oates, son, Gunnar Garat, grandchildren, Gefjon and Stone, and her great-grandson, Remi.
Photo: JPI
Michael Fairman TV sends our condolences to Adam’s family, friends and co-stars. Now below, share your remembrances of Marla Adams, and watch a few of our interview with Marla from the set of Y&R during the show’s 45th anniversary celebration and on the red carpet at the Daytime Emmys below.
Breaking News
REPORT: Nicholas Chavez Not Returning to General Hospital
For those who were holding out hope that Daytime Emmy winner and fan favorite, Nicholas Chavez would be returning to General Hospital after filming his leading role in Ryan Murphy’s Monsters anthology, it looks like those hopes have been dashed.
According to a report from TV Line, although unconfirmed from General Hospital or a representative for Chavez, the actor will not reprise his role as Spencer Cassadine on the long-running ABC soap opera and continue the love story of Sprina opposite Tabyana Ali (Trina, GH).
Chavez was cast as Lyle Menendez over the the summer of 2023 for the second season of Murphy’s limited Monsters series on Netflix. In the upcoming season, the series will focus on the the case of Lyle and Erik Menendez, the two well-to-do Beverly Hills brothers accused of murdering their parents in 1989.
Photo: ABC
After word from Chavez casting was revealed, GH fans were concerned over the fate of the Sprina story, a spokesperson for GH shared, “We support Nicholas’ endeavors and look forward to having him return to General Hospital once this project is wrapped.”
In story, the series “killed off” Spencer when he went overboard with Esme to the steely waters below after being injected with a drug, thanks to Esme and falling into the Seine River in France. However, his body was never recovered, and believed to have drowned or washed away. Thus, leaving an opening for Spencer to return in the form of Chavez or be recast down the line.
Photo: ABC
TV Line shared that ‘multiple sources’ are confirming that Chavez is not returning to the ABC soap opera, which is what many had suspected might be the case once he left for this major starring role in a Ryan Murphy project. Chavez has been relatively quiet on social media for months.
Photo: ABC
The Michael Fairman Channel spoke with Nicholas Chavez for a virtual interview when he first joined the show in 2021, and spoke to him right after when he won the Daytime Emmy in 2022 – you can see those below.
No word yet on when Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menéndez Story will debut on Netflix, but it is assumed later this year.
So, what do you think about the news of Nicholas Chavez not returning to his role as Spencer Cassadine on General Hospital? Comment below.
Breaking News
‘Neighbours’ EP Jason Herbison on Series Daytime Emmy Nomination: “It’s a Huge Honour to be Nominated Alongside Such Iconic US Daytime Dramas”
When the 51st annual Daytime Emmy nominations were revealed last Friday, the iconic Australian soap opera, Neighbours, made the grade as one of the nominees for this year’s Outstanding Daytime Drama Series going up against U.S. titans such as General Hospital, The Young and the Restless et al.
That is because the revival of Neighbours, which is now seen in the United States streaming on Amazon Freevee, is now eligible under the rules from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS).
Not only did Neighbours receive its first Daytime Emmy nomination for Drama Series, but also for one of its legendary stars, Guy Pearce, who returned for a stint in the revival as Mike Young. Pearce is nominated for Outstanding Guest Performance in a Daytime Drama Series.
Photo: Freemantle
Throughout its run, Neighbours has received several nominations and wins in Australian and the UK, with this being its first nomination in the U.S.
Neighbours Executive Producer Jason Herbison shared on this momentous moment for the series: ‘Neighbours has been on an incredible journey these past few years and a Daytime Emmy Award nomination is the icing on the cake! It’s a huge honour to be nominated alongside such iconic US daytime dramas. This news is an exciting moment for our hard working cast and crew and a wonderful recognition of the new chapter of the show on Amazon Freevee.”
Photo: Freemantle
For those who need a bit of a refresher on the revival of Neighbours. The series streams exclusively on Amazon Freevee in the UK and U.S. and on Prime Video in Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, Australia, and South Africa. New episodes air daily Monday-Thursday on Amazon. The new series launched on 18 September, 2023, and picks up two years after the finale left off. In Australia, Network 10 retains first-run rights in Australia for the new chapter of the series.
Photo: Freemantle/AmazonFreevee
The series is known as the longest running local drama of all time in Australia and has launched the careers of so many celebrities including: Margot Robbie, Kylie Minogue, Jason Donovan, the aforementioned Guy Pearce, and Liam and Chris Hemsworth, to name but a few.
Long running series star Alan Fletcher and Jackie Woodbridge shared their many thanks on Neighbours Daytime Emmy nominations in a video message below.
So, what do you think of ‘Neighbours’ being nominated for Outstanding Daytime Drama Series at the 51st annual Daytime Emmy Awards? Could they be the spoiler in the category? Weigh-in below.
Alan Fletcher and Jackie Woodburne would like to share a special message regarding our incredible #Neighbours Daytime Emmy Award nominations 💛 @DaytimeEmmys pic.twitter.com/wWWo5PxmfD
— Neighbours (@neighbours) April 23, 2024
Marla Adams, The Young and the Restless’ Dina Mergeron, Dies at 85
Adam Huss Makes Another Return to General Hospital as Nikolas Cassadine
Arianne Zucker Reveals Her Last Days of our Lives Airdate
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Sonny and Jason Trade Threats on Each Other
Y&R’s Allison Lanier Lands Her First Daytime Emmy Nomination and Shares “Being a Recast Can Be Daunting”
Ellen Travolta Makes Another Return to General Hospital
REPORT: Nicholas Chavez Not Returning to General Hospital
Kristian Alfonso Returns to Days of our Lives for Tribute to The Late Bill Hayes
Wally Kurth Talks on His DAYS Daytime Emmy Nomination, His Emotional Scenes, and Remembering John Aniston
Adam Huss Makes Another Return to General Hospital as Nikolas Cassadine
Marla Adams, The Young and the Restless’ Dina Mergeron, Dies at 85
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Sonny and Jason Trade Threats on Each Other
REPORT: Nicholas Chavez Not Returning to General Hospital
Cameron Mathison Previews New Game Show ‘Beat The Bridge’ (Promo)
Y&R’s Michelle Stafford Talks on Her Lead Actress Daytime Emmy Nomination, Allison Lanier, and ‘Pacific Palisades’ with Finola Hughes
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Breaking NewsApril 25, 2024REPORT: Nicholas Chavez Not Returning to General Hospital