Days Of Our Lives
Linda Dano Joins Days of our Lives as Vivian Alamain
Daytime Emmy winner and former Another World, One Life to Live, and As the World Turns fan favorite, Linda Dano has begun taping new episodes of NBC’s Days of our Lives.
Linda will be playing none other than the treacherous, Vivian Alamain, last played by Louise Sorel, who returned to her signature role after Robin Strasser stepped into play the part a year earlier.
Robin Strasser, ever the cheerleader of the soaps, sent out this tweet on the casting news: “BELOVED Soap Diva #LindaDano who joined up with beloved #AlisonSweeney in 2018 will in 2021 be joining the cast of beloved long running #DaysOfOurLives as the new VIVIAN. Linda has timeless energy-pizzazz-& marketing skills in addition to her acting sizzle.”
Look for Dano to first appear on-screen in the early part of 2021.
So what do you think of the casting choice of Dano in the role of Vivian? After all, she did play Felicia Gallant on AW, and she surely had a flare for drama and fashion! Comment below.
That’s a game-changer. Can’t wait to see.
This is fantastic news! Never thought we’d have the privilege of seeing Linda Dano on a soap again! What a treat it will be to see her version of Vivian!
She also played on GH…Lousie S…what happened to her-just asking>…why not Robin?…just asking?
Read somewhere that she was retiring!
Nothing against Linda Dano, but I really wish they would stop recasting Vivian. She’s not really an essential character on the canvas. If Louise Sorel is available, bring Vivian back. If she’s not, then wait until she is.
And for the love of all that’s unholy, she had better NOT show up on New Years Evil wearing a hooded cape for the THIRD time!
Seriously though, it might be better if they brought Linda on board as a different character.
Read somewhere that Louise is retiring, so that would mean she may never be available again.
Totally agree. Louise and Robin were fantastic in the role. I wish they had case Linda as Xander’s mom and a sister in law of Victor. Then they could make up the backstory as they went along.
What a great idea, lis!!—-I would love for Xander to have a mother on the show—and, Linda would be ideal for the role.
Aside—-what a shock today!!—-Could Ava be Charlie’s mother?
I may be wrong ( it wouldn’t be the first time),but I had intimated, when this Tripp/Allie “thing” started, that someone fraternally related to Tripp did the deed—–obviously, not Joey as he was in jail.
I think Ava is Charlie’s mum and the baby daddy. Did not see that coming!
I have had a suspicion for a while—-not that the baby daddy was Charlie, Momo—-but, that Tripp had a sibling out there other than Joey.
When Kayla did the DNA test, she specifically said that only Tripp or Steve were DNA matches for the baby. Presumably Joey would also be, but he was in prison on a different continent at the time, so that’s a fairly solid alibi. Meaning that if Charlie is a DNA match to the baby, he would have to be Steve’s son also. Ava said that Charlie & Tripp are brothers, but the most likely scenario is that they are fraternal twins, as they are approximately the same age.
The concept of long lost twins is nothing new in soap world, of course. Though they’re usually identical…. or in the case of Jason & Drew on GH, used to be identical until one of them got hit by a car, shortly after being thawed out in a cryogenics lab and had his face mangled. Only real question is how Charlie’s existence never came up in all the investigation Steve previously did to find Tripp…. and how Ava somehow found out about Charlie and apparently was able to have some sort of mother-son relationship with him while she was playing dead.
I thought Robin Strasser would kill as Vivian, but the way they wrote/directed her, it sounds like she was a cartoon character. I didn’t see it because I had given up on Days by that point. But when I read the reviews, I was glad I didn’t watch.
If they do the same thing to Linda, I will be equally glad I’m not watching! I don’t want another favorite of mine ruined!
HOWEVER, if I hear she’s doing a great job and is NOT a cartoon, I will tune in just to see Linda!
Hi SZima, You are quite right..Don’t know about Linda Dano, but without L.S , would rather not have anyone. She is the only Vivian!
It’s 7 PM —-we’re having supper and watching MATCH GAME (circa 1975? ) on BUZZR—-surprisingly enough, Louise Sorel is one of the panelsts. WOW!! So pretty!! And, so young!!
Wow another stunt casting lol, my madam will now be played by Linda Dano. Louise Sorel is the original Vivian always loved Louise Sorel. I loved Linda Dano as Felicia on Another World, I think she is a wonderful actress, but I will open my heart and give her a chance as Vivian Alamain. Robin Strasser was miscast as Vivian, on her last stint. Did not like her at all. Robin was terrific on OLTL as Dorian.
I do agree with you, Claudio—-You and I have always adored Louise as Vivian. We have both sung her praises; and, rightly so—no one can walk in her shoes.
I do hope Ms Sorel is in good health—- But, if we must have a recast, I am ecstatic —-love Linda from AW—-I grew up watching her enigmatic self!! ❤️
I AGREE…ROBIN WASN’T NEARLY AS GOOD AS LOUISE SOREL, NOT EVEN CLOSE. IN FACT, THOSE EPISODES WITH ROBIN IN THAT ROLE WERE PAINFUL TO WATCH. I NEARLY STOPPED WATCHING DAYS AT THAT POINT.
I guess Louise didn’t want to return. I wondered what happened to Viv.
I KNOW Ms Dano will soar!! She will do any role justice—-great news for a change…..
I think this will be interesting. I really thought Robin Strasser was miscast as Vivian. She was extremely over the top and campy.
I have also like Linda but why change Vivian again?Does Louise Sorel not want to play her?I like Louise the best.No offense towards Linda I am sure she will do an excellent job.
I don’t know what to say…this is exciting and unexpected news!!!
Vivian’s alive again??? Well I’m not surprised!!! Li da Danp I love her and havent seen her since Another World along time ago so excited xo
The last time Vivian “died” they made it obvious she faked her death right off the top. So this wasn’t another one of Dr. Rolf’s “miracle cures”. (Though she was one of the zombies from the Nashville warehouse/hospital previously, along with Nicole, Jack, Ava Vitali, etc.)
This is cool. To have Linda Dano on screen again is great news. But why the heck is Robin Strasser announcing it?! Did Days fire their PR team?
Doesn’t really matter, the character will be there a week and gone again.
Why can’t the original one do the part?
Great recast though I will miss robin S in the role
But the only one that can play Vivian is Louise Sorrel
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
WHY IS THIS SHOW REPLACING EVERY CHARACTER WITH OTHER ACTORS? IT’S THE BEGINNING OF THE END FOR A ONCE GOOD SHOW…A SHAME
THIS SHOW IS REALLY GETTING BORING WITH LITTLE EXCITEMENT OR INTEREST…TOO MANY CAST CHANGES…STOP THIS!
I WAS NEVER A BIG FAN OF FELICIA GALANT ON ANOTHER WORLD. THAT SHOW CHANGED WHEN SHE CAME ON BOARD. SHE WAS GOOD AT THAT ROLE. I JUST THOUGHT SHE DIDN’T ADD MUCH TO A SINKING SOAP.
I love Dano’s acting. Perfect choice
I love louise sorel as vivian but linda dano as a replacement has fit the bill. Shes classy and cunning just as louise. I’m sure its just a short stint but shes definitely an asset if louise has definitely retired
Days Of Our Lives
DAYS OF OUR LIVES: Sophia Seemingly Plans to End Her Life, But Not Before Setting Fire to Johnny’s Apartment With Him Trapped Inside
The final few moments of the Thursday, April 30 episode of Days of our Lives, will pave the way, to what just may be the end of Sophia Choi’s (Rachel Boyd) life, but not as you may think!
After an unhinged Sophia paid a visit to Johnny DiMera (Carson Boatman), maced him in the eyes, knocked him out and then tied up to a chair, now conscious, she lets him know that she holds him responsible for all the trouble and trauma she has gone through from adopting her child, and her being sent to a mental institution.
So instead of the unregistered gun Kristen (Stacy Haiduk) gave her to finish off Johnny, Sophia sets up a plan to light candle, use nail polish remover and turn on the gas on the stove to ultimately create a mass explosion, which although Johnny pleaded to her not to that to all the innocent people inside his apartment building, she doesn’t seem to care.

Photo: JPI
FIERY FACE OFF
The plan was supposed to be, after she takes care of Johnny she will toss the gun in the Salem River, then focus on payback to Holly Jonas before leaving town to start a new life.
Now, Sophia makes her exit, leaving Johnny to be a few moments away from an explosion or gas inhalation, when Chanel (Raven Bowens) comes home after awaiting the results of her mammogram. She sees Johnny tied up, as he panics and tells her to put out the flame on the candle, things go awry, and a fire has begun and everything may go up in flames with Johnny and Chanel inside.

Photo: JPI
A BROKEN SOPHIA
Back in her room, Sophia breaks down after reading the social media comments about her, she planted, and then starts writing a suicide or farewell note which says. “I’m tired of begging for forgiveness for my mistakes. All I wanted was to move forward, to be loved and understood. But it’s clear that I was never going to get that. Holly Jonas said that I was dead to her. So, as her former BFF, I’m going to make her dream a reality.”

Photo: JPI
A DEADLY TRAP
Now, the fate of Johnny, Chanel and Sophia will be revealed on tomorrow’s May 1st cliffhanger, which may be the end of Sophia when she crosses paths with Kirsten at the bridge near the river. We do know Rachel Boyd is no longer appearing in the show credits section and is now off contract with the soap.
So, what did you think of the climatic final moments of DAYS? What did you think of the performance of Rachel Boyd as Sophia Choi? Let us know via the comment section.
Breaking News
Jacob Martinez is ‘Days of Our Lives’ New Javi Hernandez Replacing Al Calderon in the Role
Finally! The casting has been revealed as to just who would be Al Calderon’s successor in the role of Days of our Lives, Javi Hernandez. On Friday, April 30, the long-running soap opera revealed Jacob Martinez is taking on the part and he will first be seen this coming June 30th and then on all-new episodes streaming on Peacock.
As previously reported, the popular Calderon exited the soap opera last year to join the cast of the NBC primetime medical drama, Brilliant Minds as nurse Nico Silva, who in May will air the remainder of their second season. The series has been on the bubble for renewal by the network. His last episodes as Javi will also air this May on DAYS.
Since DAYS tapes ten months ahead of streaming, Martinez has been secretly ensconced in all the drama in Salem for quite some time. When viewers see the new Javi in story, we should learn what will happen in Javi’s relationship with Leo Stark played by Emmy winner, Greg Rikaart, plus his continued relationship with his relatives in the Hernandez clan. Currently, when Javi returned to Salem after taking care of his ailing father, and after the bust-up of his marriage to Leo thanks to Dimitri (Peter Porte), he claimed he had moved on with someone else while he was away from Salem.

Photo: JPI
Like Calderon before him, Martinez is a multi-talented actor and singer. Jacob’s resume is impressive having appeared in the musical In Pieces: The Musical at Joe’s Pub at The Public Theater and he was hand-picked by Joey Contreras to play the role of Grey. Other credits include: the short film, Memory Swim and the play Dog Sees God: Confessions of a Teenage.
Martinez hails from Norfolk, Nebraska and appeared when he was very young at the Johnny Carson Theatre, and as DAYS fans know, Jacob is now working at the Days of our Lives studios, right where the “Tonight Show” is filled. In addition, Jacob Martinez is a graduate of The American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA).
Taking to his Instagram on Thursday, April 30 once the news of his casting was revealed, Martinez, expressed, “Way too many people to thank in one post, so I’ll just say THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART to each and every person who continues to pour into me and encourage me to chase my dreams. I cannot even begin to express how grateful I am. I already feel beyond blessed, supported, and loved. See you all in Salem ⏳”
Jacob Martinez appeared on Friday on the Days of our Lives Instagram account announcing his casting. You can check it out below. Deadline was the first to report the casting switch.
So, excited to learn who is the new Javi Hernandez? Please welcome Jacob Martinez to the role and be on the lookout for his debut on June 30. Comment below.
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Days Of Our Lives
‘Days of Our Lives’ Conner Floyd on Chad’s Quest For Abigail’s Resurrection; But Who Should Be Cast as NuAbby?
Former Y&R favorite, Conner Floyd made his debut as the recast Chad DiMera on Days of our Lives last week on the April 21 episode of the Peacock streaming soap opera
Floyd replaced Billy Flynn in the role who is firmly cemented in his old stomping grounds of Genoa City and The Young and the Restless as Chad DiMera. For the last year or two of Chad’s story, he believed his wife, Abigail Devereaux DiMera could be alive, he even thought Cat Greene (AnnaLynne McCord) was Abigail until the story turned.
Now with Floyd taking over the role and Lexie coming back to life after years of being dead, and Chad noting how Dr. Rolf (Richard Wharton) and his brother, EJ (Dan Feuerriegel), could resurrect somehow they all love, he thinks, how about Abigail? The part of Abigail was played by Kate Mansi and then Marci Miller.

Photo: JPI
Speaking with Stephanie Sloane for her new Daytime Dish Newsletter on the matter, Conner shared, “Any kind of idea that she could possibly be coming back, as farfetched as that may seem, he’s stuck on it. The idea gets in his head, and he’s locked in on it.”
CHAD WRESTLES WITH THE FATE OF ABIGAIL
Floyd added that Chad, “He’s asking Theo (Joseph Tyler Andrews) about it. He’s asking EJ about it. It’s one of those things where he loves her so much that the peace in his mind that he’s made with this kind of comes unbroken. So the fact that that she might be able to come back, he’s so bent on it, he thinks it’s going to happen and he kind of spirals away.”
A NEW ABIGAIL ON THE HORIZON?

Photo: ABC
That begs the question, with Days of Our Lives taping ten months in advance, which is already taking them into the beginning of 2027, is it possible that the soap has already recast Abigail and its being kept top secret?
Recently, it was revealed that former General Hospital favorite, Sofia Mattsson (ex-Sasha) has joined Days of our Lives. Back on March 30 it was reported that Mattsson is now taping all-new episodes that will be seen in 2027, but her role was being hush-hush! Could she the new Abby?
If not, the question is, since it seems that Kate Mansi is not coming back as she is firmly entrenched in her role as Kristina Corinthos-Davis on General Hospital and other outside projects, and Marci Miller has also been away from soaps for awhile working on other TV and film roles and indie motion pictures, who should play nuAbby?
Now below, let us know, who do you think would make the perfect leading lady opposite Conner Floyd as a recast Abigail Deveraux DiMera? Be our armchair quarterback casting director and drop your pick in the comment section.
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