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John-Paul Lavoisier on his Return to Days of our Lives: “I Was Incredibly Shocked and Flattered … Because the Last Time I Was There They Let Me Go”

By Michael Fairman

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Photo: IMDb

Soap fans first got acquainted with John-Paul Lavoisier when he portrayed Rex Balsom on One Life to Live; a role he played from 2002 till the show last aired in early 2012.

Several years later, Lavoisier returned to the world of daytime drama when he was a recast in the role of Kate Roberts (Lauren Koslow) and Victor Kiriakis’ (the late John Aniston) son, Phillip Kiriakis. JP initially took on the role of DAYS Phillip from 2015-2016.  When the show brought back the character the next time in 2020-2021, it was played by Jay Kenneth Johnson, who was best-known in the role. Now in 2023, it’s Lavoisier who makes a comeback in a limited run beginning the week of August 28th on the Peacock streaming soap opera.

Speaking with Soap Opera Digest (in their latest edition on newsstands now), John-Paul shared a few of his reactions to learning Phillip’s latest back-story (as his character returns Salem at pivotal time for Victor’s memorial), and his thoughts on getting the call to reprise the part in the first place; especially when DAYS let him go during his first run with the series.

Photo: JPI

Lavosier noted on learning the Phillip has been faking his own death and framed Brady (Eric Martsolf) for murder, “I have to say I was shocked. I was like, ‘Oh, my God. This is crazy. This is wild. This is unforgivable.’ But as an actor you have to commit to this, you have to fall in love with it, and it’s real.”

After receiving several messages from the Days of our Lives brass attempting to track him down to reprise Phillip, it truly caught Lavoisier off-guard: “I was incredibly shocked and flattered that I was being considered to be an employee of the show again, because the last time I was there they let me go. I kind of felt they had me there, they were done with me, the end.”

According to Lavosier, he taped 13 episodes of Days of our Lives during this most-recent return.

So, looking forward to seeing John-Paul as Phillip Kiriakis, and how his arrival might shake up the canvas? Comment below.

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I am so looking forward to seeing John-Paul on screen again!

I am sooooooo far behind on Days. Recorded the show; have to check if months and months of it were saved. I always loved him John-Paul as Rex on OLTL; haven’t seen him since. I guess if I catch up on DAYS I will. They should find him a spot on GH, have him come back as Lucky.

He’s much better suited to play Dillon than Lucky. Can bring back the quirkiness the character had when Scott Clifton played Dillon.

The character grew up; Scott Clifton’s Dillon was the sweet, geeky, adorable, kid. I don’t think Dillon was intrinsically quirky. And, as I mentioned, I haven’t seen John-Paul in anything since OLTL so I still remember the younger, blonder, actor. I could see him as Lucky now, older, having been hard hit by life, drug addiction, loss, ex-cop, absent father…

But I’d be open to them casting him as Dillon, too. Who the heck knows who Dillon would be, personality-wise, with these current and/or temp writers. Drew is nothing like his “former self,” lol. And they’ve made Nikolas a horrific father who in Spencer’s recollection was never there for him, when in fact Nikolas was devoted to Spencer, and never would have let him think he was dead for three years…. (not talking about this time which is out of Nikolas’s control).

I’d be open to him being cast as Dillon; I think it’d be amazing opposite Jane Elliot & Wally Kurth, however, I would much prefer Scott Clifton and/or Robert Palmer Watkins return to the role.

This guy would make either a great Lucky or Dillon on GH!!

Not sure why GH does not recast and place Lucky at forefront of story. It’d been so do.long, the character would be welcomed and fresh. Laura without her children seems dumb to me. Lavoisier would be very good in the role.

GH has attempted two Lucky recasts. The first one was awful. Greg Vaughan was OK, but he made “Lucky” an unrecognizable character that didn’t seem at all like Luke & Laura’s kid.

I doubt they would try another recast. Though I do wish the real Lucky would show up at least once in a while. It was ridiculous that we didn’t see him when his father supposedly “died” (even though we all know better) And as the only one of Laura’s children who is currently NOT a vegetable, he should spend a little time with his mom now and then.

Was not a huge fan of him during the [very brief] time I watched One Life to Live, but I have to say: his take on Philip Kiriakis was amazing, and it’s sad it was very short-lived. Looking forward to this.

I’m so excited to see JP on screen again. I love him as an actor and as a person. He’s amazing!!

Really looking forward to seeing him on DAYS again!

He’s sooooo much better as Phillip! Love seeing him on screen again. Was he in anything else?

He is our “Favorite”! He really looks like Victor. And his humor was so real and down to earth! It’s about time the Day’s Brass realized his worth! I had stopped watching Day’s but this will bring me back! Plz stay Phillip (JL) YES…….

Days Of Our Lives

DAYS OF OUR LIVES Preview: Lexie Emerges and Shocks Abe as the DiMera Family Gathers for The Reading of Stefano’s Will

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Next week on all-new episodes of Days of Our Lives, finally it looks like Lexie Carver is fully resurrected when the character now played by Nikki Crawford stumbles into a DiMera family gathering, which is supposed to be for the reading of Stefano DiMera’s will.

In the Peacock video teaser, as EJ (Dan Feuerriegel) and company toast the Phoenix, the secret tunnel door swings open, and out stumbles out Lexie! Meanwhile, Dr, Rolf (Richard Wharton) realizes Lexie is gone and no longer in her bed. When Abe (James Reynolds) sees his beloved Lexie, he is absolutely stunned. But the question is, when Lexie speaks, is she the Lexie of old, or will her memory and brain be all scrambled eggs?

As longtime DAYS viewers know, the part of Lexie was portrayed for years by Renee Jones, who retired from acting after her run which lasted from 1993-2012. At the time of her departure, Lexie was killed-off with an inoperable brain tumor.

Courtesy/Peacock

Elsewhere, Kristen (Stacy Haiduk) is up to no good and now makes a play for Xander (Paul Telfer). but then tells him, “What I want now, is for you to kill him!” Who does she want killed? EJ? Johnny (Carson Boatman)? Or someone else?

Take a look at the official Days of Our Lives spoilers for the week of May 11-15 below.

Monday, May 11

Lexie crashes the reading of Stefano’s will.

Tony makes Gabi an unexpected offer.

Kristen sees Sophia.

EJ questions Cat.

Chad defends Leo.

Tuesday, May 12

Belle asks Marlena for advice.

Holly lashes out at Tate.

Brady and Sarah comfort each other.

Philip comes through for Gabi.

Ari opens up to Liam.

Wednesday, May 13

Steve pays Alex a visit.

EJ pulls a fast one on Gwen.

Marlena offers Paulina support.

Thursday, May 14

Johnny and Chanel lean on each other.

Jada moves Shawn into her place and opens the door for renewed romance.

Gabi presses Ari about her relationship with Liam.

Amy confronts Holly.

Friday, May 15

EJ wants to explore his past with Cat.

Kristen and Chad discuss life and death.

Javi opens up to Rafe.

Gwen plays hardball with Xander.

Check out the latest DAYS promo entitled, “Heartbreak Hotel” below.

Then, let us know, does this Lexie come back from the dead intrigue you, even though Nikki Crawford is taking on the role and not Renee Jones? Do you think she will be anywhere near the same personality she had before she “died’? Who does Kristen want killed now? Weigh-in via the comment section.

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DAYS Lauren Koslow Temporarily Fills-In for Jess Walton as ‘The Young and the Restless’ Jill Abbott

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In a ironic twist, Lauren Koslow, who currently plays Kate Roberts on Days of Our Lives is returning to The Young and the Restless to play Jill Abbott while temporarily filling in for Jess Walton. Koslow will appear for five episodes beginning on Thursday, June 25.

Koslow first appeared on The Young and the Restless back in 1984 in what was her first soap opera role when she was cast as Lindsey Wells. Now, she returns decades later subbing for Walton, who due to a scheduling conflict, was was unable to travel to Los Angeles when the storyline called for Jill. The Emmy-winning Walton has played the Jill since 1987 and went on recurring status with the show in 2012. Jess also left Los Angeles to reside in Oregon in 2011.

Making this all the richer was the original Jill played by Brenda Dickson, often shared scenes with Koslow’s Y&R character. Lauren played Lindsey Wells until 1986, before moving over to The Bold and the Beautiful as Margo Lynley. Koslow was B&B’s Margo from 1987–1992, and again in 2002. Then, in 1996, she was cast on Days of Our Lives as Kate Roberts, replacing Deborah Adair, and she has been in Salem ever since. But there’s still another another twist to this casting history. Y&R viewers recall Deborah Adair also played Jill, after Brenda Dickson left in 1980, and following a brief stint by Bond Gideon, before heading to DAYS to originate the role of Kate.

Photo: CBS

THE DAYS AND Y&R CONNECTION

As soap fans know, Days of Our Lives and The Young and the Restless are both part of Sony. Y&R is produced by Bell Dramatic Serial Company in association with Sony Pictures Television, while DAYS is owned by Corday Productions and distributed by Sony.

So, having Koslow visit The Young and the Restless to fill in for Jess Walton has nothing to do with her continued role of Kate on DAYS. In fact, a rep for the show shared that her upcoming appearance on Y&R, “does not affect her status with the show in any way.” Recently, Stacy Haiduk reprised her role of Patty Williams on Y&R, even though she is still being seen as Kristen DiMera on DAYS.

In a joint statement offered up to TV Insider, executive producer, Sally McDonald and head writer, Josh Griffith expressed, “We’re extremely grateful to Lauren Koslow for returning to her Y&R roots and temporarily stepping into the role of Jill. We want to extend our sincere thanks to Ken Corday (executive producer) and Noel Maxam (co-executive producer) at Days of Our Lives and Peacock. Their support embodies the collaborative spirit of the daytime television community.”

McDonald and Griffith clarified that Jess Walton is forever their Jill and shared, “Jess Walton is an enduring cornerstone of Y&R. We look forward to welcoming her back to Genoa City as her schedule permits and celebrating her extraordinary 40th anniversary as the iconic Jill Abbott.”

So, what do you think of Days of Our Lives Lauren Koslow stepping in for Jess Walton as Jill Abbott? Excited to see what she does in the role while filling in for the Jess? Weigh-in via the comment section below.

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Days Of Our Lives

‘Days of Our Lives’ Alum Al Calderon Shares Parting Thoughts on ‘Brilliant Minds’ Following its Cancellation

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Last week, NBC pulled the plug on the medical drama, Brilliant Minds, as the last 6 episodes of its second and final season will begin to air later this month. The series which saw its ratings plummet was taken off the schedule in February, with reports of it being on the bubble until finally the decision was handed down.

Al Calderon, who departed Days of our Lives in the role of Javi Hernandez in 2025 to join the primetime series as Nurse Nico Silva, was a part of the stellar cast that also featured One Life to Live alum, Teddy Sears (ex-Chad Bennett) and series star, Zachary Quinto.

On Brilliant Minds, Quinto plays neurology physician Oliver Wolf, who’s character and the series is inspired by the life and books of neurologist. Oliver Sacks. The series focuses on the medical mysteries of the mind, as Wolf a larger-than-life neurologist and his team of interns explore the last great frontier, the human mind, while grappling with their own relationships and mental health.

Photo: NBC

In a real-life twist, Days of our Lives announced Calderon’s successor, Jacob Martinez as the new Javi debuting this June on April 30. Come May 1, NBC canceled Brilliant Minds. Now, on Wednesday, May 6, Al Calderon took a moment to reflect on his experience at Bronx General Hospital, the backdrop of Brilliant Minds, via a post on his Instagram.

“Thank you Brilliant Minds” Calderon began. “What a life changing experience. Met forever friends. Learned from the absolute best. Was reminded that my voice mattered. Learned that it’s okay to believe in yourself. Felt like I was part of something. While our beautiful show has gone onto glory we’ve got 6 more incredible episodes to share with you starting May 27th.”

Al also added, “NBC and Warner Brothers TV, thank you for allowing me to be silly and quippy, Demane Davis, Michael Grassi, David Rapaport, Zachary Quinto, thank you for all of your encouragement and support.”

As his heartfelt post came to a close, Calderon explained why the experience on Brilliant Minds was life-changing: “I’ve been at this a long time and this show gave me hope for the future of my career. I owe it to these incredible individuals. Our crew. Our writers. Our editors. The whole shebang. I love you all endlessly.”

Taking to the comment threads were several of Al’s Brilliant Minds and DAYS former co-stars, and even his successor, Jacob Martinez jumped in and shared, “YOU are brilliant 💕”

What did you think of Al’s heartfelt message about his time on Brilliant Minds? Will you miss seeing him on DAYS and on the primetime series? Looking forward to seeing what he will do next? Share your thoughts in the comment section.

 

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A post shared by A L C A L D E R O N (@alcalderon)

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