Days Of Our Lives
Richard Wharton Replaces William Utay as Days of our Lives’ Dr. Rolf
This week on Days of our Lives, Dr. Rolf returns to the long-running NBC soap opera. However, he will look different, because the role is being played by actor Richard Wharton.
As longtime DAYS fans know, mad scientist, Dr. Wilhelm Rolf, had previously been played by veteran character actor, William Utay.
According to the latest issue of Soap Opera Digest, Wharton will make his DAYS debut on the Friday, July 22nd episode.
Utay was unavailable at the time of the taping of these episodes, thus requiring a recast.
Within the history of his story, Dr. Rolf started out as sort of a medical henchman for the late Stefano DiMera, when the character made its debuted in 1997. Rolf was killed-off in 2003, but then as most people do in Salem and on DAYS, he came back from the dead in 2007. Since that time, Dr. Rolf has developed devastating drug concoctions, wild experiments, plus resurrected many from the dead.
As for Wharton, he may look very familiar to primetime TV fans having appeared on: Nip/Tuck, Will and Grace, Bones, The Mentalist, American Crime Story, to name just a few.
What trouble will Dr. Rolf cause on his return to Salem? Share your theories via the comment section below.
Well… I doubt he will be bringing Abigail back right away… though Chad might ask him to do so.
I would think that Rolf might be working with our latest DiMera escapee from Hell, Megan Hathaway, though he didn’t appear to be in the room when she thawed out the “Bo-sicle”
From what I hear he’s ready to break out of jail with the rest 9f the bunch.
Dr Rolf could bring back Bart.
I got this feeling that Abby will be back.I wish it would be Marci though.
It doesn’t matter if they recast Dr Rolf – he’s not that critical a character really…and Lord knows they’ve recast so many other roles on the show. Off topic, I think they should have re-cast Abigail rather than just Killing her off…..it served no purpose really.
I felt the same. Why kill off a core character because the current actres can no longer play the part. In the past , when an actor/actress could not continue, they would recast. Why couldn’t they do that this time?
Maybe because they had been playing “musical chairs” with the two different actresses for the last several years, and they suddenly found themselves unable to keep either of them on board. And knowing that 99% of the recasts have sucked dragon ass since ReRon has been writing the show, didn’t want to take a chance on a rookie Abigail right now.
Could have been worse…. I have a pretty good idea who ReRon would think of as an Abigail recast, and if he did that, I’d have to stop watching, because that no-talent twit damn near killed GH when he forced her on to that show. No names mentioned, but I think everybody knows who I’m talking about.
Satan
You’re driving me nuts, racking my brain trying to figure out who you are referring to. The only twit I can think of now is LuLu.
I was referring to the annoying little talentless Manning child StarrTwit, who ReRon forced into GH for no good reason at all, so she could spend an entire year crying about a dead kid and an escaped criminal boyfriend whom nobody in Port Charles knew or cared about – and then, once the legal hassles over the online version of OLTL manifested themselves, rather than letting this idiotic character go, he rebranded her as “Kiki”, a character that only gained any sort of credibility when the no-talent twit finally left the show (rumored to be because of her real life breakup with Chad “Mikey” Duell) and was recast with somebody who could actually act.
Lulu’s not a twit, though I definitely preferred Julie Berman’s original over Emme’s version.
Satan
Thanks for the explanation I’d forgotten about her and sorry about LuLu, I guess we all see people differently. Here’s a good example, like you feel about “Frod”, and a lot of us like him.
Satan
I’ve already sent a reply just about begging you to reveal this no-talent twit. The only one I can think of is LuLu.
Violet, I’m with you and Satan here. Both Starr and Lulu are/were eminently annoying. I liked Emme as Lizzie Spaulding on GL but I’ve never liked trouble-making Lulu so Emme didn’t get much of a chance with me. Plus, she kind of reminded me of Cousin Itt from THE ADDAMS FAMILY T.V. series.
Recast of Dr. Rolf is alright being it is only temporary due to William Utay being unavailable at the moment.
However.. that being said.. much like The Highlander.. “There can be only one” local mad scientist of residence in Salem and that is the Dr. Wilhelm Rolf we have all known and enjoyed despising for decades now.. the original.. William Utay.
Do not get it twisted DOOL.
You already made a major faux pas in killing off legacy character Abigail.. one I sincerely hope to see rectified in time and in true DOOL fashion.
Meanwhile.. the misadventures of Milo and Clyde are sure to prove very entertaining.
The Clyde/Nancy pairing is endearing.. would be nice to see Clyde display a bit of chivalry towards his new lady.. perhaps doling out a bit of retribution to notorious Leo after discovery of the infamous wig snatching incident in the town square.
Tres gallant!!
Seven
I saw this new DR. Rolf yesterday snd couldn’t even remember what the previous one looked like. I think he’s pretty good.
I agree that he’s doing a good job , Violet.
They should’ve just waited till hw was available I doubt the storyline was that important they couldn’t wait a few weeks there are some characters you can’t replace especially Stefano I’ll quit if they do that the steve incarnation waa bad enough
It’s hard to say exactly what Kristin’s plans for Rolfie are, but it’s got nothing to do with Stefano. The brain chipped Steve was a 666% failure, and not even ReRon is dumb enough to believe that Stefano can actually be recast…. though he wasn’t above doing a “head fake” on the possibility in the recent Peacock spinoff, at least for those who didn’t figure out what Megan’s agenda truly was, early on. (which should have been obvious enough to anybody who remembered who she was obsessed with back in the 80s).
Rumors here in Hell is that Kristin might enlist Rolf’s help in some odd business involving her little brother Jake in the very near future. If you have seen next week’s preview clips, you may already know that Jake has an unfortunate run in with some armed idiot. So he could be the upcoming death that ReRon referred to in his recent interview with Michael…. although he is a DiMera and deaths are rarely “final” in that family.
It’s going to be a twist alright, wonder how that will involve Gabbi?
Possibly bring jake back but maybe as stephan- or yup work with stephanos daughter to bring no back ♀️
Beyond the Gates
53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Nominations Announced: ‘The Young and the Restless’ Tops With 18, ‘Beyond the Gates’ With 16
The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) today announced the full list of nominees for the upcoming 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards, and it was CBS daytime’s The Young and the Restless and broadcast television newest soap opera, Beyond the Gates that racked up the most nominations with 18 and 16, respectively.
The full reveal on Tuesday follows the announcement of several major categories including Lead Actor and Actress on Monday via Extra and Entertainment Tonight and The View today revealing Daytime Drama Series and more.
The 53rd Annual Daytime Emmys ceremony is set to take place on Friday, October 30 at the historic Hollywood Palladium in Hollywood, California.
Photo: CBS
In a statement, Adam Sharp, President and CEO of NATAS expressed, “We’re proud to honor the extraordinary talent and creative teams whose work continues to define and elevate daytime television, As the Daytime landscape evolves and new forms of storytelling emerge, we remain committed to recognizing the innovation happening across the industry.”
“Each year, the Daytime Emmy Awards celebrate the creativity, passion, and dedication that drive this vibrant community of storytellers,” said Rachel Schwartz, Head of the Daytime Emmy Awards. “Congratulations to this year’s nominees, whose work continues to entertain, inspire and connect with audiences every day. We look forward to celebrating their remarkable achievements in Hollywood this October.”
The Daytime Emmy Awards have recognized outstanding achievement in television programming and crafts since 1974, honoring work in a variety of genres, including daytime dramas, talk series, entertainment news, culinary, adventure, instructional and legal/courtroom programming.
This year’s Lifetime Achievement Honoree, Gold & Silver Circle Inductees, and ceremony host will be announced at a later date.
Now below, check out the nominees in the daytime drama, talk show, entertainment news series and creative arts categories and congratulations to all!
Photo: JPI
Outstanding Daytime Drama Series
Beyond the Gates
Days of Our Lives
General Hospital
The Young and the Restless
Outstanding Lead Actress in a Daytime Drama Series
Stacy Haiduk (as Kristen DiMera), Days of Our Lives
Karla Mosley (as Dani Dupree), Beyond the Gates
Michelle Stafford (as Phyllis Summers), The Young and the Restless
Heather Tom (as Katie Logan), The Bold and the Beautiful
Tamara Tunie (as Anita Williams Dupree), Beyond the Gates
Outstanding Lead Actor in a Daytime Drama Series
Eric Braeden (as Victor Newman), The Young and the Restless
Steve Burton (as Jason Morgan), General Hospital
Scott Clifton (as Liam Spencer), The Bold and the Beautiful
Thorsten Kaye (as Ridge Forrester), The Bold and the Beautiful
Christian Jules Le Blanc (as Michael Baldwin), The Young and the Restless
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Daytime Drama Series
Linsey Godfrey (as Sarah Horton), Days of Our Lives
Camryn Grimes (as Mariah Copeland), The Young and the Restless
Beth Maitland (as Traci Abbott), The Young and the Restless
Trisha Mann-Grant (as Leslie Thomas), Beyond the Gates
Amanda Setton (as Brook Lynn Quartermaine), General Hospital
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Daytime Drama Series
Sean Dominic (as Nate Hastings), The Young and the Restless
Timon Kyle Durrett (as Bill Hamilton), Beyond the Gates
Michael Graziadei (as Daniel Romalotti), The Young and the Restless
Roger Howarth (as Matt Clark), The Young and the Restless
Mike Manning (as Bradley “Smitty” Smith), Beyond the Gates
Lawrence Saint-Victor (as Carter Walton), The Bold and the Beautiful
Outstanding Emerging Talent in a Daytime Drama Series
Braedyn Bruner (as Emma Scorpio-Drake), General Hospital
Al Calderon (as Javier Hernandez), Days of Our Lives
Alice Halsey (as Rachel Black), Days of Our Lives
Giovanni Mazza (as Gio Palmieri), General Hospital
Ambyr Michelle (as Eva Thomas), Beyond the Gates
Arielle Prepetit (as Naomi Hamilton Hawthorne), Beyond the Gates
Outstanding Guest Performance in a Daytime Drama Series
Jasmine Burke (as June Hughes), Beyond the Gates
Jeff Kober (as Cyrus Renault), General Hospital
Eva LaRue (as Natalia Rogers-Ramirez), General Hospital
Christopher Sean (as Paul Narita), Days of Our Lives
Ray Wise (as Ian Ward), The Young and the Restless
Outstanding Writing Team for a Daytime Drama Series
Beyond the Gates
The Bold and the Beautiful
Days of Our Lives
General Hospital
Outstanding Directing Team for a Daytime Drama Series
Days of Our Lives
General Hospital
The Young and the Restless
Outstanding Casting for a Daytime Program
Beyond the Gates
General Hospital
The Young and the Restless”
Outstanding Daytime Talk Series
3rd Hour of TODAY
The Drew Barrymore Show
The Kelly Clarkson Show
Live With Kelly and Mark
TODAY With Jenna & Friends
The View
Outstanding Daytime Talk Series Host
Joy Behar, Whoopi Goldberg, Alyssa Farah Griffin, Sara Haines, Sunny Hostin & Ana Navarro, The View
Kelly Clarkson, The Kelly Clarkson Show
Tamron Hall, Tamron Hall
Jennifer Hudson, The Jennifer Hudson Show
Sherri Shepherd, Sherri
Outstanding Entertainment News Series
Access Hollywood
Entertainment Tonight
Extra
Outstanding Daytime Personality (Daily)
Mona Kosar Abdi, Derek Hough & Terri Seymour, Extra
Cassie DiLaura, Denny Directo, Kevin Frazier, Rachel Smith & Nischelle Turner, Entertainment Tonight
Scott Evans, Zuri Hall, Kit Hoover & Mario Lopez, Access Hollywood
Star Jones & Corey Jovan, Divorce Court
Outstanding Arts and Popular Culture Program
Beyond the Gates: Welcome to the Neighborhood — An Entertainment Tonight Special
Off Script With The Hollywood Reporter
Variety & CNN Actors on Actors
Variety Studio: Actors on Actors
Working In the Theatre
Outstanding Music Direction and Composition for a Daytime
Beyond the Gates,” Episode 103
Have Guitar Will Travel World
The Kelly Clarkson Show Episode 5033
Let Frankie Cook,” Getting the Band Back Together
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
Outstanding Technical Direction and Video for a Daytime Program
Beyond the Gates,” Episode 104
The Bold and the Beautiful,” Episode 9511
Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade”
The Jennifer Hudson Show, ” Episode 4041
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade”
Outstanding Hairstyling and Makeup for a Daytime Program
Beyond the Gates,” Episode 103
General Hospital,” Episode 15719
The Kelly Clarkson Show,” Episode 5033
The Young and the Restless,” Episode 13273
So, what do you think of the 53rd annual Daytime Emmy nominations? Who are you happy to see receive a nomination and who do you think was snubbed? Weigh-in via the comment section.
Monday on Entertainment Tonight, the second set of nominations for the 53rd annual Daytime Emmy Awards were announced which included the highly-coveted Outstanding Lead Performance in a Daytime Drama Series – Actress and Outstanding Daytime Talk Series.
ET followed suit after Extra announced the nominees, as previously reported, in the Outstanding Lead Performance in a Daytime Drama Series – Actor and Outstanding Daytime Talk Host.
Now, five leading ladies of the soaps are vying for the gold for Lead Actress and the category marked the first-ever nominations for CBS daytime’s Beyond the Gates when two actresses made the final cut. Only General Hospital is not represented among the actresses this year after Nancy Lee Grahn (Alexis Davis) took home the trophy last year.
Photo: NATAS
THE FIVE LEADING LADIES OF THE SOAPS ARE …
The 2026 Lead Actress nominees are: Stacy Haiduk (Kristen DiMera), Days of Our Lives, Karla Mosley (Dani Dupree), Beyond the Gates, Michelle Stafford (Phyllis Summers), The Young and the Restless, Heather Tom (Katie Logan), The Bold and the Beautiful, and Tamara Tunie (Anita Dupree), Beyond the Gates.
This marks the first Daytime Emmy nominations for Karla Mosley and Tamara Tunie. In addition, this marks the first-time in her career that Stacy Haiduk had received a Lead Actress nod after two Supporting Actress nominations.
Meanwhile, Michelle Stafford had previously won 3 Emmys – 2 for Lead Actress and 1 for Supporting, but this recognition makes it her 11th overall nomination.
Heather Tom currently is tied for the most all-time Daytime Emmy wins with One Life to Live alum and General Hospital guest star, Erika Slezak. The B&B star has 19 nominations throughout her career.
Photo: ABC
DAYTIME TALK SERIES
In the Outstanding Daytime Talk Series category, the nominees are: 3rd Hour of Today, The Drew Barrymore Show, The Kelly Clarkson Show, Live with Kelly and Mark, Today with Jenna and Friends and The View.
“We’re proud to honor the extraordinary talent and creative teams whose work continues to define and elevate daytime television,” NATAS president and CEO Adam Sharp said in a statement on the nominations. “As the Daytime landscape evolves and new forms of storytelling emerge, we remain committed to recognizing the innovation happening across the industry.”
The rest of the nominations will be revealed tomorrow on Tuesday July 14 starting on The View and then the full list of nominees in both the main and creative arts will be released by NATAS. The 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards are slated for October 30th in Hollywood, California.
So, what do you think about the women who are vying for the Lead Actress Daytime Emmy? Happy with who got in? Who do you feel got snubbed? What do you think of the nominees for Daytime Talk Series? Weigh-in via the comment section.
It’s Daytime Emmy nomination week, and as previously reported things kick-off on Monday, July 13 when Entertainment Tonight (7pm ET) will announce the nominees for Lead Actress category and Daytime Talk Series for the upcoming 53rd annual Daytime Emmy Awards. In addition on Monday, Extra (7pm ET) will reveal the nominees for Lead Actor and Daytime Talk Host.
On Tuesday, The View (11am ET) starts things off with their announcement of Daytime Drama, Entertainment News program and Outstanding Daytime Personality-Daily. That is followed by the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS) full reveal of all the categories beginning at 12noon ET/9am PT on their website and their official social handles on X and Instagram.
Then, Tuesday night at 8pm ET/5pm PT join Michael Fairman as he hosts his 12th annual Daytime Emmy Nominations Special 2026 live on You Tube’s Michael Fairman Channel where he will chat with some of the just announced nominees as we celebrate the hard work of the men and women in front of the camera who will be going for gold.
WHEN ARE THE DAYTIME EMMYS?
This year, the 53rd annual Daytime Emmy Awards will be handed out on October 30 in ceremonies in Hollywood, California (Venue yet to be revealed). At that time, as like last year, both the major categories and creative arts will be presented. There is no word yet on a broadcast partner for the annual celebration of daytime programming, or if it will soley be streamed on NATAS’ watch.theemmys.tv and various apps and platforms.
WHO WILL BE APPEARING ON THE DAYTIME EMMY NOMINATIONS SPECIAL 2026?
Throughout Tuesday, keep an eye on Michael Fairman TV’s social media handles on X, Facebook and Instagram, for updates of who will be expected to appear on our live show.
If you have a question or comment for one of the nominees, or on the nominations, we can encourage you to join us in the live chat on Tuesday night.
So, who are you hoping lands a nomination from Beyond the Gates, General Hospital, Days of Our Lives, The Bay, The Bold and the Beautiful and The Young and the Restless? Let us know via the comment section. More Tuesday!
53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Nominations Announced: ‘The Young and the Restless’ Tops With 18, ‘Beyond the Gates’ With 16
‘General Hospital’s’ Steve Burton Shares Reaction to His Lead Actor Daytime Emmy Nomination, ‘It Was to Honor Leslie Charleson’
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Jason Reconnects with Danny; Tristan Roberts Arrives in Port Charles, Lots of Nods to #16
53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Nominations: Outstanding Lead Actress Drama Series
53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Nominations: Outstanding Lead Actor Drama Series
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‘The 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards’ Nominations Announcement Date Revealed: Who Will Be Going For Gold?
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Steve Burton Returns to ‘General Hospital’ on Its 16,000th Episode: How Will Jason Be a Changed Man?
‘Daytime Emmy Nominations Special 2026’ Live on the Michael Fairman Channel
‘General Hospital’s’ Steve Burton Shares Reaction to His Lead Actor Daytime Emmy Nomination, ‘It Was to Honor Leslie Charleson’
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Jason Reconnects with Danny; Tristan Roberts Arrives in Port Charles, Lots of Nods to #16
GENERAL HOSPITAL Spoilers Promo: Jason’s Back, Drew Begins to Make His Move, Portia Goes Into a Labor
Scott Bryce, ‘As the World Turns’ Craig Montgomery, Passes Away at 68
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL Preview: Daphne’s Devastated, Steffy Finds Herself at a Crossroads with Finn
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