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Guy Wilson Makes His DAYS Debut As Will Horton! What Were Your First Impressions?

By Michael Fairman

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Courtesy/NBC

Courtesy/NBC

Being a recast is never a walk in the park for any actor, who has to take over a role from a very popular star, who let alone originated the role and has become beloved by the audience!

When two-time Daytime Emmy winner Chandler Massey announced he was planning on leaving the pivotal role of Will Horton on Days of our Lives at the end of his contract, but then was let-go before the end of it, it set the roll-out of DAYS plan to have the role of Will continue with another actor, and the actor who got the part was Guy Wilson.

For Wilson, he has been working for several months now taping episodes, but we, the audience, are just finally seeing his first episode today, circle January 8th, 2014!

When Guy was in his first scenes on DAYS it was business as usual for Will, no real dramatic intense scenes as of yet, but scenes where Will interacted with Gabi (Camila Banus) and his on-screen boyfriend, Sonny (Freddie Smith) over the continued cover-up of Nick’s “murder” and Abigail (Kate Mansi) receiving the texts messages from Kate, and how EJ would “handle” Abby.

Later, viewers got to see EJ (James Scott) and Will (now played by Wilson) in some scenes where they shared some moments which included Will saying to EJ: “You’ve gone out of you way for me and my family and I know it’s because you love mom so much.  I hope she appreciates everything you have done for us.  That’s all.”   So can James Scott and Guy Wilson create the same on-screen chemistry as James and Chandler?  Time will tell!

So, what were your first impressions of Guy Wilson in the role of Will Horton?  Now remember, this is only his first airshow! So,  for some the jury may still be out! Yet, for others, will you  embrace Guy now as the new Will?  Let us know! And if you didn’t see Guy’s first DAYS scenes, you can watch them after the jump!

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Guy did a fantastic job!!!

Chandler made the character his own remember he was also a recast.

Guy did great. He fit like a glove.

I like him!!! Great job would maybe prefer his hair to be a bit more blonde as Chandlers was; he has a resemblance to Chandler so that helps with the recast. Rock on!!! 🙂

my gut reaction

I wasn’t put off or disarmed in any way by him: Guy Wilson

what a relief! whew! “Wilson” proves ON and forges ahead!

granted… we’ve yet to see the intimacy between Will and Sonny
his relationship with his mother… Sammi
and his relationship with gramma Marlena

but… his portrayal… was not in any way… unnatural

yikes!

I’m so pleased

Other than Sonny, I believe Marlena is the key!

Remember all those great scenes between Will and Marlena/Chandler and Deidre?

Deidre will work her magic!

gut reaction
first instinct
premiere

there’s nothing to say… he won’t improve

it’s not like he was shot down… and doesn’t have a chance or prayer

————-

I so agree with you… Deidre Hall… will embrace and wholly work this…..
as will Kate… so…

his premiere… was not undoing any thing… it’s only going to get better…

cast expertise
writers challenging

cohesive blend

I thought his scenes were very natural. I was excited for his debut and he didn’t disappoint. He stepped right in the role and took control. It’s definitely a change from Chandler’s Will (not the same, shall we say “chemistry”, with James Scott/EJ as he had, and Guy’s Will feels much more assertive to Chandler’s doubty/self conscious Will, for example) but that’s not a bad thing. In time, I trust he will blend into the role and make it as memorable as Chandler did for those years. I could already tell by his reels on youtube he had the chops, and I have total faith today was just a taste of what this guy can do.

Can’t wait for more!

Guy’s Will feels much more assertive

I saw this as well

and that bodes well for nuWill

the thing i’m really excited about… is the nuChallenges in acting chops for Freddie Smith…

DAYS has a whole new feel to it… the vibe, excitement… acceptance of production…. collectively driving

god… sorry Fans…. if this fan … presses … it’s just .. DAYS deserves to repeat as best Serial… 2013! 2 years in a row

A repeat as best serial for 2013 will not come from any work delivered by Guy Wilson ! Rather it will come from the collective efforts of the cast as whole and in particular the very fine performances delivered by Camilla, Blake, Freddie and Chandler, Allison and James! Some of the story arcs dragged on for too long . Others were so boring even the very blackest of Coffee and clothespins used on the eyelids wouldn’t keep a viewer from dosing off! The twins who played Ari were priceless additions to to the WilSon story Arc. And I think they made some pretty significant and unique contributions to the show in their interaction with Chandler and Freddie and the rest of the cast!!

You think the babies playing “Ari” made “pretty significant contributions to the show”, but meanwhile one day of work from Guy and he’s tanking on the show and will be the serial’s downfall?

I am seriously doubting your judgement right now and am not taking any of your posts here at face value. Your comments here have been nothing short of baseless presuppositions, and not to mention childish and borderline rude towards the actor.

Lighten up. It was the kid’s first day on a job taking on a monumental role in a huge storyline.

I thought he was awful his acting was stilted there was no emotion. Zero chemistry with Freddie the whole thing was awkward. Freddie and Camila just looked uncomfortable. If Guy is supposed to be a professional actor,then it didn’t show here. Judging by the comments on the official Days facebook page. He was a total flop.

What your seeing Sandra is general lack of skills as a Soap actor. It will take him many years to develop a good set of them . By that time Sandra, Days will most likely have been cancelled.

It was his first day! Let’s give the guy a chance before we begin crucifying his acting skills. Just sayin!

My opinion? He can’t act, and his delivery seems insincere and contrived. I don’t like him.

I miss Chandler Massey already. But then again it always takes me a while to warm up to re-casts. Im sure he’ll grow on me !

Sorry but I really didn’t like him. The true test was the s end with EJ. Chandler and JS had great chemistry. This guy just doesn’t have IT.

I agree with you Michael

A fine start for Guy Wilson. I have a feeling he will do well. Has to be a tough job to step into (soap acting in general) and I look forward to his upcoming scenes in the months ahead when he will make this role his own.

All the best to Chandler in his new endeavors!

Guy Wilson did a wonderful job, and I say this as a huge fan of Chandler Massey’s work as Will. It’s apparent that Guy did his homework on the role as opposed to going in there and starting off with his own take on the character. He’s done a fine job of honoring sensibilities that Chandler brought to the role, which definitely helps in facilitating a smoother transition for viewers. I will miss Chandler’s Will *so* much, but I also wish Guy Wilson the very best in making the role of Will his own while assuming the precedent set by Chandler.

I found his performance to be cold and flat. His acting to be is stiff like cardboard and one dimensional. I saw none of the highly touted chemistry spewed in the recent months by the PR department in all the media. The highly touted “edge” he is supposed to bring the role is nothing more than than a general reflection of his lack of skills as a Soap Actor. How very sad for all the WilSon fans the world over, because the warm loving couple we grew to love so well has been destroyed

So would you have preferred both Will and Sonny leaving the show? Chandler Massey was going regardless.

What i would have actually preferred would have been Chandler had stayed on in the role. As for the repeat rhetoric oh he was leaving anyway, Chandler never really decided whether he actually was going to return to College full time or not in January . The mistake he made was opening his mouth at the Daytime Emmys. He got taught the bittersweet lesson that every person gets taught when they tell their bosses they are thinking about leaving. You get replaced and kicked to the curb without warning. And that is exactly what happened to him . I am pretty sure he has learned his lesson and will not open his mouth in the wrong place at the wrong time again .

I don’t know because I didn’t watch and won’t watch. I only watched for Freddie and Chandler, not a replacement. If they hadn’t recast or found someone else, I’d still be watching, but I don’t want to see the sorrow in Freddie’s eyes. I read that many people thought all the scenes with the recast were awkward. So, yes, I don’t want to watch Freddie struggle through this ordeal. TPTB mucked up!

The awkwardness would be by fans that have followed closely. In time, the experience will be less awkward. Camilla was the awkward one!

Both babies must have been scared because their was no interaction between Guy and Ari.

But the babies have an excuse. They are babies! You’re not a baby. Or are you?

I think the characters of Gabi and Will should have been written to exit Salem together. The part of Will should not have been recast in the first place.

I liked his first appearance, it was subtle. I have seen Guy’s work and I know he has the acting skills to the role justice. I know some people were looking for him to come out guns blazing but the scenes did not require it and as the storyline of Nick’s (alleged) death moves forward and Gabi’s eventual departure from the show; we will see him shine in the dramatic scenes that will be required to tie up those two storylines.

Soap audiences never cease to amaze me in how judgmental they are. It takes time for chemistry to develop, for an actor to inhabit a character. Look at Chandler’s first scenes, they weren’t all that either. Snap judgments are useless and do not advance the conversation. Give him a month or so to develop.

And for the record, Michael, you’ve written your lead so we are to assume Chandler Massey created the role of Will Horton, which we all know is patently NOT the case. Chandler was a RECAST himself. He was, if my calculations are correct, Will #5.

It was not a home run or a strike out. Yes, the viewer saw him with Sonny, Gabi, and EJ. Once we see him with actress Deidre Hall, characters T and Sammi, the viewer will have a greater feel for what type of chemistry Guy can establish with key relationships.

I thought he was ok for his first show. And that’s why I’m willing to take a wait & see approach. It was his FIRST show! It was alittle jarring at first because I thought there would be a voice over announcing the recast but I knew he was starting so I was expecting it. Sad to see some of the really negative comments on other sites. I loved Chandler but he was going to leave anyway so it didn’t matter to me if it was now or later.

His scenes with EJ were ok but it’s going to take time for everyone to be comfortable around each other. Can’t wait to see his first scenes with Sami & Marlena. It’s hard to tell about his chemistry with Freddie yet. They didn’t have really any intimate scenes except for a hug.

I wish Guy all the luck. He has a big job ahead of him but I will give him a chance.

I thought he did great with the material he was given. Anyone who has seen Guy’s previous work knows he’s a strong actor. I think Days did great with the recast. I’m mostly looking forward to seeing him interact with Marlena & for some romantic scenes with Sonny. Those will be the real test.

I’ve seen his work. And “strong” was defiantly not the word I would use to describe his acting. Lackluster, boring, drone like. Now there are words!

I reviewed all of his previous work before his debut, Lee, and he gave the type of performance I expected him to: cold and stiff and one dimensional.

In my opinion I thought he did great. Guy’s Will seems more serious. It will take time for him to relax and not be so stiff. I hope he and Freddie will have that natural chemistry that Chandler and Freddie had where they imptlrovised a lot of their scenes. Time will tell. We just need to be patient and support WilSon. I liked his scenes with EJ.

I’m going to give him time to get comfortable in the role. His first outing I’m sorry but it sucked! You could see his nerves taking over and he struggled to perform. I agree with other comments, he had zero chemistry with anyone he shared a science with. Hopefully he will get better. Change is always tuff at first.

I thought it was a seamless transition. He did very well for his first appearance and I know he will get better as he gets more comfortable in the role. It’s extremely difficult to replace a popular actor, so it will take time.

To all the haters out there…Give him a chance!

He did a fine job…however, im not totally sure just yet after only one episode…at least he doesnt have that almost constant Chandler smug look which is a plus!!! lol

I believe what you were actually seeing in that so called “smug look” was actually confidence and security in the knowledge he was delivering a fine performance. The one thing that Chandler Massey did was strive for excellence in his craft. Even with some really crappy writing , he managed to deliver a good one. I am not impressed with Guy Wilson at all.

Chandler was perfect in the role…but he rarely changed that ‘smug look’ which he used in most of his scenes and it was a little to much at times…Guy may have got off to a rocky start with some fans…its not easy replacing someone as popular as Chandler…back in the 1970s on Days i remember when popular Denise Alexander who played Susan Martin left the show for GH and was replaced by Bennye Gateys(spelling?) in the role…fans were somewhat more patient back then and gave the actress a chance to grow into the role…she wasnt as great as Denise but i started to like her eventually and she did a fine job…so im going to wait and see before making up my mind…at least a month before i have more of opinion…so far his best chemistry in that first episode was with Gabi!!!

I wasn’t impressed. I think it was good they didn’t give him a whole lot to do, but what I saw did not impress me. I thought, they dumped Chandler early for this guy? WHY? I know it will take time for him to settle in and we’ll see. I’m sure he was nervous. Hopefully he will improve.

Surprised that some people really enjoyed him. Frankly, I think he was forgettable.

That’s just it Mo, his performance was forgettable! And I’m afraid the warm loving couple they we all came to love is gone now!

Yes, I wasn’t really feeling the love with Sonny and Will. Granted, we’re expecting him to be able to portray an intimate relationship with another actor right away, but after all the build-up by Days’ execs on how great this guy was, so great in fact that they let they two-time Emmy winner go early, I expected more. I forgotten nuWill was debuting yesterday and I had to rewind because I was thinking, who is Sonny hugging?

Some actors come on with a bang and show command straight away. Not so here. Let’s hope he finds it soon.

I think Chandler should come back as Will!!! I was not impressed some were some weren’t. I did not see this great chem that was talked about between him and Freddie it was just off to me. He seems like a good actor but he just isn’t right as Will to me. He doesn’t fit as Sami and Lucas child. Chandler actually looked like he could be their kid. I was surprised that so many enjoyed what they saw but its in the eye of the beholder I guess. I can’t believe Chandler was let go early due to what I saw yesterday I know it was his first day but the way he was talked about I expected this grand performance and it wasn’t there in my opinion. I think NBC/Korday or whoever jumped the gun on this one the should have kept Chandler to the end of his contract and then went from there I don’t think I will be watching anymore.

Yes, they let Chandler go early so they could sign this guy because he might not be available later. Frankly, I think that was a major mistake.

I thought he was fine. His introduction was lowkey, and his interactions with Gabi and Sonny and EJ were played quietly and well. As I think they should be, since the character isn’t new, just the actor portraying him.

Chandler Massey was leaving anyway, by his own choice – even if that did get sped up a bit by management. He himself was a recast.

There is a new Will Horton in town, so far, so fine.

You can’t force chemistry. If it’s not there, it will never be. I haven’t watched, and won’t. Maybe I’m judgemental, but with Guy it’s not even about his acting skills (I know nothing about it), but about him – totally unsympathetic, physically and otherwise. Don’t think it’s a problem for him if I’m not his fan and he is there whether I watch or not, but I’m allowed to my opinion so here it is.

Chandler’s exit was inevitable, but did it have to happen when it happened? Don’t think so. And had the show found someone different than Guy, I may even be tuning in. Can’t imagine how crushed Freddie must have been and still is. The burden is all on him and he is stuck and TPTB know it. What an unkind business!

I have to admit, I was looking forward to your comments. Freddie was fine and Guy was nervous, but did a great job considering he knew the microscope he was under.

Think about what Chandler said. He told many people he wanted the story to go on. The story is going on!

Get ahold of yourself, wipe your tears and honor his wishes. It will get better.

DAYS chose a replacement for the long haul. Keeping Chandler for a few months longer would have not mattered for the long haul.

You wanted to see a wedding between your favorites. That would not have happened with Chandler if he would have stayed because a wedding is still long off.

I hope to see you at the wedding, but not holding a gun or having some bid secret to spew! lol

4everDAYS – I know what Chandler said and it sounded very convincing too.. I also know what Freddie said, but people decided not to remember. Corday for instance.

Yay, for the story going on. I have no problem with that – it’s great. Most fans are really happy about it because they can’t wait for the steamy scenes that they were promised. Equality right? All we want is to see the gay guys having hot sex just like all the other DAYS couples. Yay!

You’ll see me at the wedding? With Guy in the picture? I don’t think so.

So you can tell there’s no chemistry without actually watching them interact? That’s quite the superpower you have.

No C, I don’t have that superpower nor any other superpower. I was basing myself on the masses of fabricated pictures of Guy and Freddie they have been forcing on us in the last few weeks (btw, where were such pictures with Chandler and Freddie? Right, nowhere!.. Or maybe 2 years ago.. nevermind, people choose not to notice that and are in deep denial also about the fact that there has been not ONE single joint interview with Chandler and Freddie ever and I bet you we’ll get a nice joint interview with Freddie and Guy very soon – totally forged too of course but nobody will notice that either).

I don’t have to watch any of Guy’s scenes to know that I don’t like him. It’s not his acting. I don’t care about his acting. He doesn’t appeal to me. It’s a matter of taste. If he won 5 Emmys and was nominated for an Oscar, I wouldn’t watch. I also go by the stuff I see coming from him on Twitter and it’s not good. Maybe I’m easily offended, but it’s just not good.

I love Chandler and wish him the best. Lives change and evolve…I remember when Chandler replaced the first Will. His character was not nearly as important to the show then so it did not make such an impact. For the first day of seeing Guy Wilson…and not knowing Chandler was leaving the show…I thought he fit in very well. His confidence and ability will fill the role very well.

I don’t believe Chandler originated the role of Will, he may have played the older version first, but I don’t think he was the first and only Will. That said, it is hard to tell because the scenes yesterday were pretty generic. I thought the show should have announced the role was being played by someone new— my sister in law is blind and listens to the show all the time. She doesn’t follow fan sites etc, and she doesn’t like it when I tell her about cast changes in advance, so I don’t know if she knew who this new voice was– just saying —

He is great like the rest of days which I can’t get enough of!!!

Good Luck! GW. I liked CM and FS as Will and Sonny very much. DOOL is my favorite soap; I hope GW and FS will be as good as Will and Sonny. It may not happen overnight; adjusting to any change takes time.

Well, first of all the appearances of the two actors (C and G) is more obvious on screen than on photos and it really affects my perception, specially because I think Chandler was way hotter than Guy.
The acting, the method of the two actors are obviously different, Chandler used to bring so much impression by his face, but with Guy it seems it’s all the acting, I don’t know, maybe it is a little too soon to tell?!

I watched, he did fine in the role – there wasn’t much going on script-wise for Will, what does anyone expect this young actor to do, improvise? Some of the viewers are really hard to please, be happy the show is still on and be happy they chose to continue the character’s storyline. For pete’s sake give the guy a chance.

It was very disappointing. It seemed like he was simply reading a script and sadly there was absolutely no emotion. I’m really confused as to what Days was thinking. It was very, very awkward. There was no connection at all to Freddie and even worse with Gabi. I do agree that Guy shouldn’t focus on trying to be Chandler; he just needs to focus on improving his acting skills. If people really, truly believe that Guy was terrific that worries me. That means that the bar in soap operas has definitely been lowered. Soap operas are fighting for their survival. Casting mediocre talent and proclaiming them to be the best thing since sliced bread is not going to help the cause.

Fortunately for Guy I think the upcoming story of the Will/Sonny wedding will help him. It will be light and happy material. He wont have to give the type of emotionally gripping performances that won Chandler two emmys. Because based on yesterday’s performance, if he had to do that, he would be so far out of his league.

I truly hope that he gets better though. Freddie Smith has worked very hard for the pairing to succeed.

For your information, there are movie stars that could not handle the pace of taping a soap.

Guy will get used to it. Fans will accept him.

People are comparing a new soap actor to a beloved one who had been on for a few years.

Chandler did not start out the way he ended, but then again…

the dialogue… and script… for his first… day… wasn’t asking, or reaching for him to rip his heart out and aggrandize, give an oscar worthy performance

i thought it was simply a means of easing him in to the character

it’s day one… and I am interested in his development

Not all fans will accept him. Or wait, I’m not a fan, so I don’t have to (anyway).

But yeah Linda, we’ve seen many DAYS cast proclaim that Guy is wonderful and talented and yeah.. Not buying it. Especially since most of those comments were all in writing. I haven’t seen any of these comments from DAYS cast, being said in front of a running camera. Probably because they know we’d be able to tell that it’s not all quite how they say… I’ve read too many comments of people who watched Guy’s scenes and who weren’t impressed at all, to believe all the PR stuff they have been feeding the crowd.

Guy is a very handsome man. More my type than Chandler. But it was hard to watch him. Yeah this was only his first day. But given the amount of screen time he had I expected him to get better. He never did. It was weird seeing him play a 21 yr old. Ok. I will let them re write that. But what is it going to look like when he is next to Allison? Please don’t let them ruin what Chandler built! Fine recast! I mean PLEASE recast! Guy may be a really nice man. I’ve seen he interacts with the people that already ship him. But he can’t act. Reading lines doesn’t mean he can act. Come on Michael! Your not that hard up getting access to the talent to need to like him or give him props. Call t what it is! Be honest! You can do it! I will respect you more if you did.

Interesting post! I like.

But beauty is in the eye of the beholder. ‘Very handsome’ is definitely not what I would say to describe GW. But that’s a subjective matter.

It shocks me to see comments that Guy WilSon did a good job portraying Will for two reasons. One: I watched and it was awkward and mediocre at very best. He spoke assertively when not needed and was disconnected with other actors I saw no chemistry. He portrayed a character unknown to us. TWO: the high majority if comments I have read on social media have been negative and expressing disappointment in both his acting and the chemistry.
So, I guess it’s good to hear some other opinions. Personally, I was not impressed and I am disappointed that Will, who has been such a loved character, is now EVOLVING into this harsher, less engaging character. I cannot even imagine how anyone could say there was instant chemistry. I felt sad for Freddie. He’s worked so hard for this.

I totally agree with you Lee! Apparently Corday wants Will to to become a cold , unfeeling, one dimensional character who can’t relate any feelings to anyone. And if that is the case, then Guy Wilson will be perfect in the role. If not , then Corday needs to find a replacement very soon that can actually be the other half of a warm loving gay couple.

i’m holding out optimism

that the chemistry with Will and Sonny develops

with shooting 4 months in advance… that’s the bust… with recast… no time… to kill and change…

be that as it may… every thing about days works… save for Daniel and Jenn.

’nuff about that… no more wasting energy on this tired pair … should DAYS continue to feature this pair

I so agree with you about Freddie Smith… he was my favorite of the two… at least in the attraction dept…

I truly saw Chandler Massey as spearheading… how a person, coming out… with family … would unfold… now that he has… it’s simply a matter of forging ahead… and the cast accepting Guy Wilson … and moving on

like several posts have inclined… if it works with Sonny and gramma Marlena.. then he’s doing his job

Any blonde young male would be accepted in the role of Will.

I don’t understand in the least why some folks say that Freddie Smith must be “crushed” having to work with Guy Wilson instead of Chandler Massey. Freddie Smith and Chandler Massey aren’t in a real relationship. Why would Freddie resent Chandler from moving on with his life, or resent Guy Wilson for landing the role?

Just my opinion, but it seems to me far too soon to declare that the new guy has no chemistry with anyone, or can’t act, based on the miniscule amount we’ve seen so far.

It seems to me that there are other agendas at work, agendas that have only a little bit to do with the reality of the actors playing these roles.

Change is hard especially when you had an award winning male who had to be replaced due to the grainy issues of moola and contracts. Sad to see we lost such a wonderful character, but change is acceptable, when it affects the show itself and it’s ability to maintain 1.) a fan base and 2.) be able to afford to stay on the air and pay the cast and crew, etc. Change is hard, but in the long run, is usually for the better for all. Think about it the next “change” to hit your life….then you’ll understand it’s one of those full circle attacks we figure our way out of every day or figure our way into…whichever way you look at it. Be productive. Be happy. Take time to kick back and relax and watch an hour of “Days of Our Lives” lol. Peace.

Change is hard especially when you had an award winning male who had to be replaced due to the grainy issues of moola and contracts. Sad to see we lost such a wonderful character, but change is acceptable, when it affects the show itself and it’s ability to maintain 1.) a fan base and 2.) be able to afford to stay on the air and pay the cast and crew, etc. Change is hard, but in the long run, is usually for the better for all. Think about it the next “change” to hit your life….then you’ll understand it’s one of those full circle attacks we figure our way out of every day or figure our way into…whichever way you look at it. Be productive. Be happy. Take time to kick back and relax and watch an hour of “Days of Our Lives” lol. Peace.

Also Chandler you should finish the Fast and Furious 7…CASTING CALL*****************if your looking for any work. Good fit!

Sorry to say, but i was not impressed, there were no connections between him and Sonny, including Gabbi and Ej. He suck big time, can you can feel the awkwardness, it was a hot mess. Yeah i Chandler was a recast, but he was the one who played a gay character and the better looking Will. Days has ruin a great storyline, and all the magic has gone down the drain.

It is Chandler Massey just look at his eyes are wide and watch when he blinks and we will know it is Chandler Massey

I will have to get used to him — unfortunately without soapnet — I won’t see him.

to me it was like he was just saying what was write in the script but no showing any emotion.

I enjoyed William massey I will miss him guy Wilson he is new to me I will get use to him and get past it i’m sure he’ll do will wounderfully with will horton

i want my soapnet back please do something i had a good thing going with soapnet i use that as my backup system if i miss days of our lives at 1 please help me get and return soapnet too me asap

Days Of Our Lives

‘Days of Our Lives’ Favorites Making Returns: Alison Sweeney, Christie Clark, Chandler Massey and Bryan Dattilo

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Great news for Days of Our Lives fans, now that Ryan Quan is co-head writer of the long-running soap opera. Coming in June of 2027 (since DAYS tapes ten or so months ahead), you can look forward to the returns of Alison Sweeney (Sami Brady), Christie Clark (Carrie Brady), Chandler Massey (Will Horton) and Bryan Dattilo (Lucas Horton).

The foursome is back on set and began last week to tape their upcoming story arc, according to TV Insider. As to what exactly is going on that brings sister Sami and Carrie’s history back up, as well as Will and Lucas’ is only being teased at this time, but suffice to say, it should be intriguing.

Alison Sweeney explained on being back on set, “It was a lot of dialogue and emotion, but with all the best actors to work opposite, we fell into it as if no time had passed. It was really wonderful.”

Photo: JPI

As to working with the longstanding rivalry of Sami and Carrie, Alison added on working with Clark, “So, it really does feel like we’re sisters. It’s so fun, and she’s such a good actor that she makes everything so natural that you can really disappear into those stories.”

JUST LIKE OLD TIMES

It also seems like the deep-history, which often had the sister fighting for the love of Austin Reed, but that might not figure into the equation this time, or will it?

Alison indicated what she thought of the scripts she was given. “I felt like when I read it, it was a page-turner. I was very excited. There’s a lot of history here, and a lot of things that haven’t been said. So, it’s really not like, ‘Oh, rehashing stuff.’ And now having played some of the scenes, I’m psyched.” Sweeney added, as for the men, working again with her on-screen son, Chandler Massey and Will’s on-screen father Bryan Dattilo, was also extra special.

The last time DAYS viewers saw Sami on the canvas was back in November of 2025, when she revealed she has gotten engaged to never-before-seen Dante Vitali. As for Clark, she last visited Salem for the episodes surrounding John Black’s memorial in June of 2025.

Chandler Massey’s Will Horton last made a visit to Salem in November of 2025 when he attended the gala for the Tom Horton Free Clinic as part of the soap opera’s 60th anniversary celebration. Bryan Dattilo was last seen in December of 2025. So, by the time we see all four again it will be close to two years since they were on new episodes of the series. Time to look forward to June of 2027.

So, excited by the news of Alison, Christie, Chandler and Lucas making a return to Days of Our Lives? What do you think the story will be involving, Sami, Carrie, Lucas and Will? Let us know via the comment section.

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Days Of Our Lives

‘Days of Our Lives’ Alum Al Calderon Talks On His Daytime Emmy-Nominated Scenes as Javi Hernandez (Exclusive)

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Last Tuesday, Al Calderon scored the first Emmy nomination of his career for his role as Javi Hernandez on Days of Our Lives.

Calderon name was announced as one of the performers competing for gold in the Emerging Talent in a Daytime Drama Series category at the upcoming 53rd annual Daytime Emmy Awards on October 30.

This week, Calderon chatted live on You Tube’s Michael Fairman Channel for a one-on-one conversation where he discussed: his nominated scenes and time on the Peacock streaming soap opera, his decision to leave DAYS, his role of Nico Silva on Brilliant Minds and its sad cancellation, plus his passing the torch of Javi to Jacob Martinez, who took over the role on-screen on the June 30, 2026 episode of Days of Our Lives.

Photo: JPI

JAVI REVEALS TO LEO THAT HE HAD A DAUGHTER WHO DIED

Al revealed the scenes that comprise his now Emmy-nominated reel have at its epicenter the heartbreaking moments from the September 12, 2025 episode. In it, Javi shares for the first time to Leo (Greg Rikaart) that he had a daughter named Solana, with a woman he was seeing named Sylvia. One fateful day, Sylvia left their child in a car when she went to work and the little girl died. Javi had blamed himself for not being the parent to take his daughter to school that day since he was hungover the night before, therefore it opened up the opportunity for something to happen to the his child, and it did.

The multi-talented actor/singer explained his reel: “It was the scene where he is talking about his daughter to Leo. I also included the scene where Javi goes to talk to Melinda (Tina Huang) and to see if it would be a viable option to adopt, because I wanted to introduce the subtlety and nuance of why Javi kind of has this whole connection to Tesoro, in a way.”

It is true that Al can bring the tears and make us cry right along with him during his run as Javi.  To that, Calderon added, “I’ve read the comments that I’m a little bit of a crybaby, so I didn’t want the entire reel to be of me crying, but I wanted it to show a little bit of an emotional range of the restraint that Javi was feeling so I included that scene

In addition Calderon shared, “I also included a really beautiful scene with Cherie Jimenez (Gabi Hernandez, DAYS) where I’m looking at photos of Tesoro, and of course, Javi is crying. I just wanted to show the relationship between Javi and his family as well, and as I mentioned the reveal of the child that he lost.”

Alice Halsey

Photo: JPI

ALUMS AL CALDERON AND ALICE HALSEY REPRESENT DAYS OF OUR LIVES IN EMERGING TALENT CATEGORY

In a twist of fate, Calderon is also nominated in the Emerging Talent category with Alice Halsey who played Rachel Black. Halsey is currently starring in the reboot of Little House on the Prairie in the lead role of Laura Ingalls on Netflix.

As to his hope on Emmy night, Al expressed, “Of course, I want to win, but Alice Halsey is going to give me a run for the money. And if’s not me (who wins the award), it better be her!”

You can check out the full interview with Al below.

Now let us know, do you remember Al’s emotional scenes when he explained to Leo he had a daughter who died, which made it all the more heartbreaking to not end up with permanent custody of Tesoro? What do you think of Al’s chances to win the gold based on his Emmy scene selection? Do you miss him as Javi? Weigh-in via the comment section.

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Days Of Our Lives

Emily O’Brien Talks On Her Y&R Past as Jana Hawkes and Working with Peter Porte on ‘Days of Our Lives’

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Emily O'Brien

On the latest edition of Soapy Hosted by Rebecca Budig and Greg Rikaart which dropped on Tuesday, July 21, Emily O’Brien is the featured guest. As soap fans know, Emily has worked with Rikaart both in her first soap role on The Young and the Restless as Jana Hawkes and now on Days of Our Lives in her current role of Gwen Rizczech.

While Emily continues on DAYS, she has very impressive list of credits in the other part of her career as a voice-over actress and one in motion-capture in some of the most popular video games in the world.

O’Brien was first seen on The Young and the Restless back in 2006. She recalled her landing the role which eventually paired her for her five year run with Greg Rikaart.

Photo: JPI

BEING CAST ON THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS

“The role was just a few days and she wasn’t even supposed to be English,” Emily recalled. “The role was originally called Jade. Karen Rae, the casting director of The Young and the Restless at the time said to me “Oh, you’re from England. Try it with the dialect.” I put it on and she said, ‘I’m going to bring you back at like 3 for s callback.’ So then they changed the role to Jana and they said she’s going to be a Brit. I was only supposed to be on for like five episodes and it turned into 5 years.”

In explaining why she loved crazy Jana, Emily shared, “Jana was sort of like the misanthrope. She was just was the odd one out and I loved it. I felt so comfortable playing that because she was just eclectic and weird and she loved playing with Ouija boards and she rode a motorbike. There was just so much color to bring to her. It was just such a great match to play with Greg (Kevin), and Christian LeBlanc (Michael) and Tracey Bregman (Lauren).

Photo: JPI

GWEN, DIMITRI AND LEO ON DAYS OF OUR LIVES

On Days of Our Lives, the Leo, Gwen, Dimitri dynamic is quite unique and been through many schemes and entanglements. Often Emily finds herself in repartee with her ex-lover, Dimitri, who turned out to be gay and then had a thing for her bestie, Leo (Greg Rikaart)!

During the conversation, Greg and Emily sang, Peter Porte’s praised with O’Brien expressing, “Peter is just ready to play. He comes on set prepared. I’ve never seen him with his script. From blocking and rehearsals, he doesn’t have it. He’s prepared. He’s a physical actor and he always trying to come up with something. I think he let me slap him. He let me kiss him. He let me throw a cheeseburger in his lap. He’s ready for anything for anything.”

You can catch the full episode of ‘Soapy; featuring Emily O’Brien below where the actress also talks about replacing Jen Lilley as Theresa Donovan after being let go as Gwen; and being paired again with Greg Rikaart on the Peacock streaming soap opera this time as best friends and more.

So, were you a big Jana Hawkes and Kevin Fisher fan on Y&R? Did you like them as a couple? Do you like the dynamic between Emily and Peter Porte and Greg Rikaart on DAYS? Weigh-in via the comment section below.

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