Days Of Our Lives
James Scott Comments: “I Will Never. Never. Never. Never. Never, Go Back to Hollywood Let Alone DOOL”
Those hoping that finally James Scott would return to his signature daytime soap role of EJ DiMera on Days of our Lives, now that Alison Sweeney is on her way back to the show this fall for a longer run as Sami, can count those hopes now dashed and for good.
In a post on his Instagram account for his meditation and contemplations Sunday morning Zoom series and website, Scott posed with Deepak Chopra. When a fans posted a comment in the IG account how they miss him on DAYS and to come back with Sami, James replied, “Hi – thanks for joining me here. Please know that I will never. Never. Never. Never. Never. Go back to Hollywood let alone DOOL. There is notbing interesting there for me. J”
Fan favorite James Scott, who has been MIA from the acting profession for awhile now is running The Whisper Within – and as detailed by the website, Scott explains how he left acting to be more involved with meditation and helping others find inner-peace – “In 2014, after a successful career in the entertainment industry, I found myself with everything and nothing. I had money, celebrity, and status and the grief to match it. I had worked tirelessly for the better part of two decades to attain wealth and validation, yet no external thing could touch the emptiness I felt and the worthlessness I experienced. I knew that something unknown wished to be known—something I could feel only through its apparent absence. In my despair and depression, I faced a simple choice: to change my lived experience or to end it. One felt impossible; the other easy I had already spent so much time reading self-help books, attending workshops and retreats, drinking concoctions with shamans, exploring tantra and abstaining from sex all together, dancing and singing, and many more practices, which had done little or nothing to abate the loneliness.
Desperate and in despair, still seeking, still suffering, I found my way to an Indian meditation center. I went for a week and stayed for a year. It was there in my own reflection that I found the teacher I had been seeking silently waiting to be known. At first, there was rage and anger, but eventually the intensity of the fire burned low and sadness took its place. I cried and cried until I cried myself empty and something new arose: beneath it all, I discovered a newfound peace. Like a fragrance arising from deep within, I heard the sound of the silence that can never be spoken: the eternal wisdom of the whisper within. To live from this place is my practice and my path. To inspire others to do the same is my purpose.”
So, what do you think about James’ comments and path that he has now gone down for his life? Do you think its time for DAYS to finally re-cast EJ? Comment below.
He’s hot. And you know the old saying – they all come crawling back to Hollywood. In the above story, you might want to replace the word mediation with meditation. BIG difference…
Good for him for sticking to his guns. It is clear he has zero interest, and I hope that people allow him to live out his life in the ways for which he wants to. I am happy he seems to be happy with himself currently, and that is what matters at the end of the day.
Definitely time to re-cast! Not sure who, but just makes more sense.
Considering the failure rate of recasts under the ReRon regime at Days, it’s probably best to leave the character off the canvas.
The last thing we need is a male equivalent of NOT-Diana Colville or NOT-Eve Donovan.
It was really a dumb idea to have Elvis be one of Rolf’s zombies without a plan to bring James back, which he clearly has no interest in. They thought it would give them a convenient excuse to keep Sami out of town, “caring for her husband”, but now she’s coming back to Salem more often, so it’s probably best just to pull the plug on the unseen character again, and say Elvis has left the building, permanently.
Worth remembering the head writer in NY has almost nothing to do with casting. And while characters from long ago are free to have their personalities and priorities shifted around, EJ is too recent, with too many current connections, to be very different a character. Personally, I don’t think he’s needed. Let Sami get the bad news that he’s never going to get better than he already has and go through a great letting go story, then find love again. With Lucas or someone new. Enough time has passed.
Eve Donovan’s recast with Kassie DePaiva did not originate under Ron Carlivati; Gary Tomlin and Christopher Whitesell were head writers during that time. Stop trying to blame Carlivati for something he did not originate in writing.
On the topic of EJ DiMera the character- The show should have allowed EJ to remain missing, or confirmed he in fact had died. It would leave the door open down the road for him to reunite with Sami (not necessarily on-screen), perhaps at the closing of the show. Then Sami would be free until then to be with Lucas again, or even Rafe. They made a mistake resurrecting EJ too soon. Now, they should consider killing him off for good. Let EJ go with whatever is left of his dignity (unfortunately, not much after his ill-fated resurrection).
If he’s happy that’s great but I will always miss him on days he was wonderful.
Just four little words from me. No one is indispensible.
I’m delighted that he is doing what fulfills his soul and am delighted that he is happy and contented and willing to help others fill the emptiness within their own souls! I miss him as an imaginary character I enjoyed but I real like & admire and respect this man!
A bit rude. Recast since he doesn’t want to come back. Loved him as EJ, but these comments leave a bad taste in my mouth.
I’m gonna get hammered for this but here goes…………….
His responses seem a little “nutty” to me. The majority of people work like dogs to support a family and have some financial well-being. I’m too busy trying to balance the demands of a job, family and simply life to spend a lot of time speculating about “loneliness”, the meaning of life, etc. Yes, everyone should be happy with their life. (I generally am and certainly am not miserable). However, every day isn’t a picnic. But the rigors of a particular day are just part of the package.
This guy had a lucrative acting career — one that 90% of actors who are struggling just to pay a power bill would kill to have. I roll my eyes when I read comments from a celebrity spouting the type of stuff he says in this interview. He had a good, solid, financially good career going. Yet, he walks away from it to practice yoga, meditate and other things to overcome “loneliness”? Fine, but that ain’t gonna pay the mortgage or help your retirement account.
I may be too much of a realist. I would never abandoned my career for some ill-defined, spiritual quest. He seems like a “flake” to me.
His story is sort of reminiscent of Fleetwood Mac’s founding guitarist, Peter Green, who walked away from that band just as they were starting to get famous. He gave away all his money and went off in search of spiritual fulfillment. Of course, this being in the early 1970s, there were also some psychedelic substances involved, but some of those have been used in spiritual ceremonies by various indigenous peoples for centuries.
Not sure if James has had any “chemical” help in his spiritual journey, but if the man’s happy and didn’t abandon a family or leave anybody in debt, then more power to him, I guess. Hey, I’m the Devil! I’m the last one to discourage anybody from walking their own path!
“I” thought for sure, he left because of how bad, at that time.. the writing gets !!!! that would gnaw at me… even if, it paid the bills. I don’t know, if assessing from his BIO @wiki. you’d think he never tried Hollywood. he did a pilot in 2016.. and nada zilch, dropped off the earth. AND at that time he was neither married or a parent. so i can believe that he did have issues, demons, challenges, ( age 25 when he started AMC… and was 35 when he left @DAYS.. and left America). to up and leave EVERY THING. well… i’m just glad that he had a nest egg… and “sought” energies , that , after 6 years… he’s still being
perhaps his response, was a once and for all… fans persistence – he is an incredible actor… I so wish he would have won… best lead actor… nominated in year 2011, 2012. shoot
James Scott’ you dance
Barbara : I do like your last sentence’ first para:
“…However, every day isn’t a picnic. But the rigors of a particular day are just part of the package. ”
oh, i can only add, that our lives , are this amenable. to let things go… unfortunately, we have our lot to pick up and carry and let go when it’s time
do i pick love – easily
right – ? –
still dancing amongst you
That is fine for you, Barbara. But not everyone needs to live a life filled with materialistic possessions, and in the eye of an acting career. Clearly, he was lonely from it (as many are) and sought an out to find his own path, and that is what should ultimately matter. If he’s happy and content, why should that make him or his quest “ill-defined?” Quite judgmental of you, if I am being honest. Those in glass houses should not throw stones.
Barbara,et all
Not much to say about this. I understand everyone’s reasoning and agree with just about everything said, but in the end some people are never satisfied. even if they were hung with a new rope, go figure.
I’m with you, Barbara; no hammering here at all. It always makes me a little weary when people who have had wealth and success talk about leaving it all behind to seek “fulfillment” or some such. It’s not that I’m not happy for him, if he’s happy, but most of us—as you so accurately pointed out—don’t have the luxury of doing that. To me, it comes off as a kind of “more-evolved-than-though” preaching or maybe some kind of bragging, even, and as Julia Sugarbaker would say, “And that’s not nice.” I won’t begrudge him his spiritual fulfillment, since that’s certainly a legitimate life goal, but it would be less off-putting if he could speak of it in a way that (1) didn’t seem to be looking down his nose at the rest of us (who don’t have the luxury of doing what he’s done) and (2) showed some level of gratitude for the career that (apparently) has made it possible (financially) for him to pursue his higher goals. There’s more than a hint of smugness in what he’s saying–because of the way he says it–that does not come off as at all attractive. He might consider working on that part of himself, too. If he wants to “inspire others to do the same,” he may need to work on his script a bit.
I think it’s a bit unfair to pass judgement on someone’s journey. The grass isn’t always greener on the other side. Who knows what this man is going through. Sure, he looks great and has a ton of money but that doesn’t mean that he should be fulfilled by those things. Everyone’s walk in life is different. We don’t all view life through the same lens and that doesn’t make some of us “flakes,” that’s just what makes us individuals. All unique, with individual wants and desires. His journey is not mine and it’s not yours, it’s his.
OMG I’m glad someone else said it!!!! I feel
the same way! Recast with another British accented cute actor and it will work! Everyone loves the Chad that we have now. ♀️
Recast Hope too with Eric Brady’s real life wife!
Apparently when James Scott says “let alone Days of Our Lives”, that tells me that he did not have a very good relationship when he left the show with either the cast, the crew, or the writers. So that may be why he’s being very emphatic in saying that he’s not going back there anymore. And considering the bit of a shitshow that Days of Our Lives is in lately, it’s probably best they just let the character of EJ die off.
Given the way that Ken Corday treated KA, the rude and unprofessional way that they notified the actors who were affectionately called WilSon that they had been fired left a horrible taste in my mouth. I’m wondering now if NBC is going to give Days another year.
Perhaps, the show was smart enough to move on from the political crap that happened with Missy Reeves and permanently decided to do a complete recast with Cady McClain.
I am pretty sure that he hated the way EJ’s character was being written. From what I have read, James Scott absolutely DESPISED EJ’s affair with Abigail. Like he hated it. I dont think he liked that after EJ raped Sami, he was still considered a fan favorite.
I didn’t like EJ’s affair with Abigail either.
I didn’t like the affair either, and if you remember she wasn’t totally innocent in the whole thing.
Wow, good luck.
He was my favorite but happy for him
Days Of Our Lives
DAYS OF OUR LIVES Preview: Kristen Locates an Alive Sophia, How Much Does Rita Know About the Birth of Dominic Marino?
Next week, expected surprises and schemes on Days of our Lives. In official spoilers for episodes streaming on Peacock from October 5-9, it looks like Kristen (Stacy Haiduk) has hunted down a very much alive Sophia Choi (Rachel Boyd), while Marlena (Deidre Hall) admits a deeply concerning confession to her daughter Belle (Martha Madison), and more.
As previously reported, Tajh Bellow (ex-TJ Ashford, General Hospital) is stepping in for one day for Tyler Joseph Andrews in the role of Theo Carver and will share scenes with Gabi (Cherie Jimenez), where Theo finally agrees to go along with Gabi’s plan, after she offered him a job.
Meanwhile, Gabi may have her hands full with Philip (John-Paul Lavoisier) whose big win in Monte Carlo may have sparked his gambling addiction … all over again, but Philip reveals her has a plan.
Photo: Corday Productions
Sydney (Sydney Malekeh) is in for a shock when Dante (Franco LoPresti) arrives in Salem. Why is he in Salem? Is he part of the unraveling of the Dominic Marino mystery, since we know he seemed like he was talking to the man in Monte Carlo?
Will Marlena ever figure out what Rita (Maggie Carney) is hiding about the mystery of Dominic, and if Marlena is truly his birth mother or did something more suspicious go on and how deeply involved is Rita in this whole story?
EJ (Dan Feuerriegel) finally demands answers of his own from Rita after overhearing on today’s Cliffhanger Friday her conversation with Marlena. Will Rita cop to anything?
Then as noted, while everyone thinks Sophia took her own life, after Kristen “murdered” her, Kristen is infuriated to find she is somehow alive working as waitress in a diner in Kentucky. Will Kristen try to kill Sophia yet again?
Take a look at some of the additional spoilers for next week’s action on DAYS below.
Monday, October 5
Joy worries about her future.
Alex surprises Stephanie.
Chanel supports Johnny through a difficult decision.
Tuesday, October 6
Rachel gives Brady cause for concern.
Roman surprises Kate.
Wednesday, October 7
Leo’s good day takes an unexpected turn.
Brady is forced to make a difficult call.
Thursday, October 8
Paulina refuses to give up on Lani.
Chanel asks Johnny for a promise.
Friday, October 9
Stephanie and Alex steal a private moment.
Steve gets troubling news from Johnny.
So, what do you think will happen when Kristen finds that the woman she thought she murdered and framed (making it looking like a suicide) is alive and well and working in a diner far away from Salem? Was Rita more involved with Stefano DiMera than we even know? Who is the birth mother of Dominic? Is it really Marlena or did someone else carrying her child? And what of Dante? Why is he back in Salem? To get at Philip, or something else? Weigh-in via the comment section below.
Days Of Our Lives
‘General Hospital’ Alum Tajh Bellow Fills In for ‘Days of our Lives’ Tyler Joseph Andrews in the Role of Theo Carver
After an earlier post on Thursday, October 1 about General Hospital alumni Tajh Bellow’s (ex-TJ Ashford) upcoming project from Issa Rae’s HOOPAE Digital, comes word that Bellow is temporarily stepping into the role of Days of our Lives Theo Carver to fill in for Tyler Joseph Andrews on the Peacock streaming soap opera.
According to TV Insider, Bellow will be making a one-day appearance next week on the October 6 episode of DAYS as Andrews was unable to make the tape date that was shot 10 months ago on a day last December. Andrews (pictured below) took over the role of Theo in September of 2025.
In Bellow’s upcoming episode as Theo, he will share scenes with Cherie Jimenez (Gabi Hernandez). A DAYS spokesperson tells the outlet that Bellow “stepped seamlessly into the role, and the cast and crew were grateful for his professionalism and commitment, albeit for only one episode.”
Photo: JPI
TAJH WILL BE SEEN IN MULTIPLE PROJECTS IN OCTOBER
As General Hospital fans know, Tajh played the role of TJ Ashford from 2018 to his last appearance in December of 2024. Along the way, he received two Daytime Emmy nominations for his performances as TJ, the last being in 2025 in the Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Daytime Drama Series category.
In addition, bellow along with Y&R alum Loren Lott will be seen starting on October 14 in the new Love Island spoof series, The Compatibility Experiment. The show will drop exclusively on TikTok and the PineDrama platform.
The Compatibility Experiment gives a satirical look at reality dating shows, think Love Island! The story centers around Kelvin (Bellow) and Camila (Lott), whose relationship is put to the test when they join a reality show to try to win a the million dollar prize.
So, what do you think of Tajh stepping in for Tyler Joseph Andrews as Theo on DAYS? Perhaps, the soap opera liked his work that he might be considered for another role in the future bringing Bellow back to the soaps? Let us know your thoughts via the comment section below.
Four cast members are officially on contract at Days of our Lives, according to the soap opera’s closing credits on Peacock and longtime Days expert and historian Jason 47.
Lauren Koslow (Kate), Sydney Malakeh (Sydney), Sal Stowers (Lani) and Jacob Martinez (Javi) are the names that appear in the closing credits in the contracted cast members section. Days of our Lives fans also note that the series tapes ten months in advance of streaming episodes.
As Days of our Lives fans know, Lauren Koslow has played Kate Roberts since 1996, and recently filled-in for Jess Walton in the role of Jill Abbott on The Young and the Restless when Walton was unable to travel from Oregon to Los Angeles during the specific tape dates. But now, Koslow has been re-upped to contract status as of the September 8 episode.
Photo: JPI
SIGNED, SEALED, DELIVERED
Sydney Malakeh is the newest member of the contract players when she debuted on contract status on the September 10th episode. Days fans first met Sami (Alison Sweeney) and EJ’s (Dan Feuerriegel) daughter in scenes in Monte Carlo around a gambling table.
As for Sal Stowers, the actress had been on contract from 2015-2022, then on recurring status with the soap, and would make appearances and limited runs since 2023. Soap fans first saw Sal as Cassandra Foster on Prospect Park’s revival of All My Children in 2013. Sal’s first new contracted episode was noted to be September 16.
Jacob Martinez, debuted on June 30 of this year as the successor to Al Calderon in the role of Javi Hernandez, and has now been bumped up to series regular as of the September 10 episode.
Photo: JPI
CREDITS
According to the referenced posting from Days of our Lives expert and historian Jason 47, he shared, “It took me four weeks to realize, but the same week that Sydney Malakeh (Sydney) debuted (9/7-9/11), “Days” also put Lauren Koslow (Kate), Jacob Richard Martinez (Javi) and Sal Stowers (Lani) on contract.”
Jason47 added, “This confirms the “errors” of Lani being listed in the credits the week of 9/7 but not appearing, and Kate and Javi appearing in the credits the week of 9/14 but not appearing. It also now makes sense why Javi and Sydney are being listed before Rafe and Philip in the credits.”
He also shared, “For the record, Lauren Koslow’s first date back on contract was 9/8, Jacob Richard Martinez was upped to contract on 9/10, Sydney Malakeh debuted on contract 9/10 and Sal Stowers’ first date back on contract was 9/16. The records will be fixed on the website in the coming days.”
So, glad to hear Lauren, Sydney, Sal and Jacob appear to be on contract with Days of our Lives (as of these episode airings)? Share your thoughts via the comment section below.
Mark Consuelos Celebrates Kelly Ripa’s 56th Birthday on ‘Live,’ But Remember When Wendy Williams Outed the Couple as Married Before Anyone at ‘All My Children ‘Knew?
DAYS OF OUR LIVES Preview: Kristen Locates an Alive Sophia, How Much Does Rita Know About the Birth of Dominic Marino?
TUNE-IN: ‘Beyond the Gates’ Banneker Homecoming Episodes, EP Sheila Ducksworth Speaks on Impact HBCUs Have in Real Life
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Sonny Tells Dante, “I Don’t Want a Son Like You,” While Michael Tells Brook Lynn to Bide Her Time Till Chase and Willow Have an Affair
‘General Hospital’ Alum Tajh Bellow Fills In for ‘Days of our Lives’ Tyler Joseph Andrews in the Role of Theo Carver
REPORT: ‘Days of our Lives’ Puts Four Actors On Contract
‘Beyond the Gates’ Honors HBCU Tradition with Banneker University Homecoming Episodes
Alley Mills Returns to ‘General Hospital’ as Heather Webber
Judith Light Joins Cast of ‘Shrinking’ Season 4 in Recurring Role
‘Beyond the Gates’ Marquita Goings Delivers the ‘Power Performance of the Week’
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Sonny Tells Dante, “I Don’t Want a Son Like You,” While Michael Tells Brook Lynn to Bide Her Time Till Chase and Willow Have an Affair
GH Alum Tajh Bellow and Y&R Alum Loren Lott Star in New Tiktok and Microdrama ‘Love Island’ Spoof
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Ava and Drew Revealed to be Behind Framing Sonny for Sidwell’s Prison Beatdown
DANCING WITH THE STARS: Britt Stewart Visibly Upset After Shocking Elimination with Taylor Hanson
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