Days Of Our Lives
SAW star Tobin Bell Cast as John Black's Father For Short Story Arc On Days of our Lives!
Photo Credit: HutchinsPhoto.com
One of the most convoluted and complex paternity storylines in the history of soaps appears to be getting some closure! John Black (Drake Hogestyn) has for years been searching for his true identifty and where he came from on Days of our Lives.
According to EW.com on Friday, Tobin Bell, one of the main stars of the horror flick franchise Saw, has been cast as John’s dad. The storyline marks the culmination of John Black’s search for his father – a war hero who supposedly died in Korea three weeks before his son was born , and who went by the name, Yo Ling.
Bell will appear in a five-episode arc beginning on the March 11th episode of the NBC daytime drama series.
As well as playing Saw’s Jigsaw, a.k.a. John Kramer, Bell has also had many TV episodic roles including guest star turns on 24, ER, Seinfeld, Criminal Minds and Wilfred.
So, are you looking forward to seeing how John reacts and gets closure upon learning of his biological father? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.
Days Of Our Lives
Sean Blakemore and Gilles Marini To Appear in Season Five of THE BAY
Two more stars very familiar to daytime audiences have been added to the continual growing cast of the digital drama series, The Bay.
Now comes word that Daytime Emmy-winner, Sean Blakemore (Ex-Shawn Butler, General Hospital) who can currently be seen in the motion picture Ad Astra with Brad Pitt is coming to Bay City. Sean will take on the role of Tony Foster, a character who makes a visit in an effort to “save the day”.
In addition to that casting announcement, former Days of our Lives star, Gilles Marini (Ex-Ted Laurent) will also be showing up. Marini is also known for his work on Sex and the City, Devious Maids and Brothers & Sisters.
Look for Gilles to take on the role of Judge Nazar Zekarain, a character who will also crossover to The Bay’s s spinoff series yA – a drama focusing on Bay City’s elite and often troubled teens.
The Bay’s creator. Gregori J Martin expressed his excitement on the casting news sharing: “Sean and Gilles are absolute pros! Such a true honor to work with both gentlemen and have them a part of The Bay family!”
Currently, the first half of season 4 of the series is available via Amazon’s Prime Video, with the second half of season to be released later this fall. No release date has been confirmed at this time.
So, what do you think of Sean and Gilles coming to The Bay? Comment below.
Days Of Our Lives
RATINGS: Days of our Lives Has Strong Week
The ratings are out for the week of September 2nd through the 6th and it was NBC’s Days of our Lives that was the only daytime drama series to gain in total viewers and households.
That week featured the debut of One Life to Live icon, Robin Strasser in her debut on DAYS as Vivian Alamain replacing Louise Sorel.
DAYS topped General Hospital for the week moving into third place adding +82,000 total viewers, while GH hit a new low losing – 143,000 viewers, as well, the CBS Daytime series of The Young and the Restless and The Bold and the Beautiful also lost total viewers … -189,000 and -120,000 for the ratings period.
In addition, DAYS was up +.04 in households week-to-week. However. the show year-to-year that has continued in recent weeks to lose viewers is The Young and the Restless who from this time last year lost -453,000 viewers.
In the key demos: Y&R remained at #1 in 18-49, 18-34 and 25-54 in total viewers, but in the ratings share it tied with B&B in the 18-34 category. Over the past few weeks, B&B has also been in the top demo slots trading off with Y&R.
With the fall season upon us and summer coming to a close, perhaps many soap viewers will be checking back in to see what is happening in the towns of Genoa City, Port Charles, Los Angeles, and Salem.
But of course, story and content is king, so here’s hoping viewers will be into what the shows are serving up in the months to come. And if you love the genre, it’s important to remember in the words of Robin Strasser to “Support the Four”.
Check out the entire ratings picture via SON here.
(Compared to Last Week/Compared to Last Year)
Total Viewers
1. Y&R 3,616,000 (-120,000/-453,000)
2. B&B 3,196,000 (-189,000/-87,000)
3. DAYS 2,123,000 (+82,000/-30,000)
4. GH 2,023,000 (-143,000/-297,000)
So, what soap opera do you think is delivering the best drama right now? Which soap opera is delivering the worst? What changes would you like to see made that you think would help your favorite soap gain more viewers? Comment below.
Days Of Our Lives
‘Chad & Abby In Paris’ Chapter 2 Set To Debut On The DOOL App As The Story Continues
The story of Chad & Abby in Paris will soldier on after its very successful first chapter launch. News today is that Days of our Lives will be releasing the second chapter on the young DiMera couple abroad from Salem on the DOOL app starring Billy Flynn (Chad) and Kate Mansi (Abby).
The next set of 8 episodes brings it with some new and not-so-new faces. Look for revenge, power, romance and family to play heavily in chapter two . As after the fallout from the first chapter, this second take of the couple’s journey in Europe kicks off with a surprise visitor from Salem that shakes things up for them. Will they stay strong together …. or have more strain put on their marriage?
Be on the lookout for the debuts of Shawna Della-Ricca in the new role of Sylvie and Remington Hoffman as Li Shin, the son of DiMera Enterprises’ Mr. Shin.
Episodes of Chapter 2 of Chad & Abby in Paris will post every Thursday morning for the next 8 weeks on the DOOL app. Make sure to visit thedoolapp.com for more info on how you can download the free app to your mobile device.
So, excited to see more Chad & Abby in Paris? Who might make a surprise visit to them? Share your thoughts via the comment section below.
Sean Blakemore and Gilles Marini To Appear in Season Five of THE BAY
GH’s Maurice Benard Memoir Available Now For Pre-Order
RATINGS: Days of our Lives Has Strong Week
Y&R’s Jason Thompson Delivers The ‘Power Performance of the Week’
Eileen Davidson & Vincent Van Patten Talk ‘7 Days to Vegas’, Their Relationship and Y&R, DAYS & RHOBH
One Life to Live Alum Tuc Watkins Joins Cast Of Showtime’s ‘Black Monday’
Mishael Morgan Returns To The Young and the Restless And Shares: “I Hope To Create Something New But Just As Special As That Girl You All Loved To Hate”
GH Head Writers: Chris Van Etten and Dan O’Connor Reveal More Details On Michael E. Knight’s New Soap Role
Peter Weber Is Revealed To Be The Next ‘Bachelor’
‘Chad & Abby In Paris’ Chapter 2 Set To Debut On The DOOL App As The Story Continues
THIS WEEK: Jason Thompson Featured In Standalone Episode of Y&R
Sharon Case Celebrates 25 Years On The Young and the Restless; Shares With Fans: “Thanks For Going On The Ride With Me”
Jessica Tuck Returns This Week To General Hospital
Mishael Morgan Returns To The Young and the Restless And Shares: “I Hope To Create Something New But Just As Special As That Girl You All Loved To Hate”
GH Head Writers: Chris Van Etten and Dan O’Connor Reveal More Details On Michael E. Knight’s New Soap Role
Eileen Davidson & Vincent Van Patten Talk ‘7 Days to Vegas’, Their Relationship and Y&R, DAYS & RHOBH
Y&R’s Jason Thompson Delivers The ‘Power Performance of the Week’
Y&R’s Elizabeth Hendrickson and Greg Rikaart Talk On The Return of Chloe and Kevin
Judith Light Receives Her Star On The Hollywood Walk of Fame
Kelly Clarkson and Tamron Hall Talkers Debut With Strong Ratings; Hall On GH Friday
Eileen Davidson & Vincent Van Patten Talk ‘7 Days to Vegas’, Their Relationship and Y&R, DAYS & RHOBH
THIS WEEK: Jason Thompson Featured In Standalone Episode of Y&R
Sharon Case Celebrates 25 Years On The Young and the Restless; Shares With Fans: “Thanks For Going On The Ride With Me”
Days of our Lives New Fall Season Promo That ‘Tops All’
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Thomas Goes Over A Cliff! If He Survives, Will They Redeem Him?
DAYS Promo: What’s Going To Happen At Jarlena’s Wedding Anniversary Shindig?
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Liam Realizes Beth Is Alive As Scott Clifton Delivers Heart-Tugging Performance
David Hedison, AW and Y&R Alum and Star of ‘Voyage To The Bottom Of The Sea’ Dies At 92
THIS WEEK: Eileen Davidson Makes a Return to The Young and the Restless
DAYS OF OUR LIVES: Jack Wants His Memory Back, But Do You Want Him To Reunite With Jennifer … Or Stay With Eve?
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PreviewsSeptember 15, 2019THIS WEEK: Jason Thompson Featured In Standalone Episode of Y&R
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InterviewsSeptember 15, 2019Sharon Case Celebrates 25 Years On The Young and the Restless; Shares With Fans: “Thanks For Going On The Ride With Me”
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General HospitalSeptember 15, 2019Jessica Tuck Returns This Week To General Hospital
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NewsSeptember 19, 2019Mishael Morgan Returns To The Young and the Restless And Shares: “I Hope To Create Something New But Just As Special As That Girl You All Loved To Hate”
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General HospitalSeptember 18, 2019GH Head Writers: Chris Van Etten and Dan O’Connor Reveal More Details On Michael E. Knight’s New Soap Role
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InterviewsSeptember 20, 2019Eileen Davidson & Vincent Van Patten Talk ‘7 Days to Vegas’, Their Relationship and Y&R, DAYS & RHOBH
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RecapsSeptember 20, 2019Y&R’s Jason Thompson Delivers The ‘Power Performance of the Week’
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InterviewsSeptember 12, 2019Y&R’s Elizabeth Hendrickson and Greg Rikaart Talk On The Return of Chloe and Kevin
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John’s been moaning and groaning and squinting at Marlene in that raspy voice of his for so long about his biological parents that I can honestly say frankly my dear I don’t
give a damn.
They need to come up with something really interesting on this show….and this ain’t it.
People (characters) leave this show without a word. Eve left town, we don’t really know to where or why. Maxine, who must have extended leave at the Hospital and is head of Nursing, appears to be gone. Of course, we don’t know this for certain as her absence at the Hospital is never explained. Kayla and “Patch” are still deliberating their love even though they are far too long in the tooth to be having these teeny bopper romance problems. “I slept with Ava only to save your Life, baby!” screams Patch to Kayla. Honestly? What is so Hot about him anyway and what’s so great about Ava?
The storyline about Brady (oh yes, he just had a heart transplant) diving into the ocean to save some nitwit from drowning (because he had a dream about her) is beyond ridiculous. The last three months have been tedious to endure – they should NOT have gotten rid of Will – if they weren’t that happy with the actor, they could have attempted a recast – and if the actor who portrayed Sonny wanted to move on, they could have done a recasting of Sonny.
JJ is a nice young male character but he certainly made it through the Police Academy quickly (??) while other storylines drag on for an eternity…..including John’s search for his true biological parents.
Geez I hope the writers get on the stick and come up PLEASE WITH something more compelling than this –
I agree with you Jim, the storylines on Days need to improve. I am losing my mind, with the weak writing and horrible plots.
Lol tell us how you REALLY feel. .although I hate to admit it you are spot on correct
Wished I had a like button for every last bit.
Forget Johns closure…let this story end so i can have my own closure…i was in my 20s when it started and now i’m getting senior discounts but knowing Days IS this REALLY the END of John learning his TRUE identity…this convoluted mess of a story is old as i am…meanwhile, i hope Summer(who acts and looks somewhat like Anne) IS’NT Maggie’s daughter but someone scheming to get her hands on Victors money…dream or know dream of Brainless Brady…Maggie has two daughters they could bring back…why couldn’t Sarah suffer mental issues or something…or even Melissa…does Days forget them-i guess out-of-sight, out-of-mind.
Summer is going to turn out to be Anne’s “good” sister, and now that Anne has left her job at the secure Hospital to join a new Design Team (because everyone does that) Summer will take over the Hospital.
Yes I’m kidding but this show is getting so inane on so many levels that anything is possible.
actually, i think i would like that as the plotline for her-no kidding.
Tobin Bell’s upcoming DAYS visit is certainly “buzz”worthy news!!!!! The “jig” was up a while back when I “saw” this casting on IMDb.
LOL! That is too punny!! You should be on Day’s writing team and lighten up the place!
Who do you think you are…me?…lol
LMAO!! Oh Jim, you’re so funny!! That comment made my night. So did your points about John Roman Brady Black Alamain Dimera Brady Now Who?
Again Ben kidnaps Abigail who disappears until a new actress is found to take over the role!
Oh dear. DOOL has been chasing this storyline for what, two decades?
Will Pops arrive with two wooden elephants?
The fans (and Mr. H!) deserve better.
Honestly, they need to resolve it already – good grief who gives an
elephant’s tusk at this point –
Revamp this writing team and come up with something interesting.
The last 3 months have been dreadful, really atrocious. Belle arguing with her whiny daughter just doesn’t cut it, and when John and Marlene appear on screen I need to take a No-Doze caplet.
Kayla and Patch still having the same stupid problems that teenagers have, please get on with it.
Bring back Sonny and Will and Paul – well Paul is there yes I know but he has absolutely nothing to do except that stupid modeling job. Even watching Ben go crazy with Abigail was far MORE interesting than the dull, mundane storylines – if you can call them that – that are appearing presently.
They kind of look alike.
He looks more like Luke Spenser in that picture…imho.
Or Fluke…..LOL!
Frankly the whole who is John Black question jumped the shark eons ago– at this point I no longer care, and find this whole ending to his tale rather anti-climatic. This guy at least looks a bit like John to make it believable, but honestly a five episode arc to end a story that started in the eighties seems pointless. The should have stopped with him being Stefano’s brother or left his real identity a mystery never to be solved.
Hi Mary. ) I agree. The last John switcheroo was thrown in hastily so Theresa and Brady could get horizontal. But that makes no sense…they could have done it anyway because they would have been what…like fourth cousins twice removed? Guiding Light had Tammy and Johnathan, who were FIRST cousins, and they were a supercouple on that show…and they got married. On second thought, the show was cancelled two years later…lol. And because NO ONE knows who John is really related to, half the town could be related, married, procreated, etc. His daughter Belle could be her husband Shawn’s cousin…who knows? LOL. Gotta love the soaps. Is there NOT a private clinic OUTSIDE of Salem city limits where they do DNA, and NO ONE is there with motive and opportunity to tamper with the results?? I also chuckled handily when the end of an episode recently had Ava all breathlessly and dramatically declarng to the airport clerk on the phone…”I need a one way ticket…to Salem…USA.” LMAO. I burst out laughing, and imagined the clerk on the other end of the phone “Uh, lady…could narrow that down and be a bit more specific. This happens with Springfield too!”
It’s about time DOOL provided John with the answers.
Yes! I’m so excited to see this storyline kick off in March!
Yes but we’re the ones who have to endure his squints…
And his greatest huskily whispered, greeting of all time….”Hey, doc”….
Every single actor has mannerisms, that are a part of their personality or physical mannerisms they bring to the character. Every single person has mannerisms too, they are what make us individuals. I can not stand it when people make fun of people’s mannerisms.
Drake is an awesome actor and I for one appreciate the fact he is a method actor, willing to change his appearance for his storyline. Very few actors will do that.
And viewers.
So the endless, mind-numbing plot of “Who is John Black’s daddy?” is going to end with a 5-episode arc? Talk about little payoff for something years in the making!
“Closure”? Really? Give them another five years (and another headwriter) and they’re come up with another paternity story.
Exactly, because it had been answered years ago with that ghastly Irish story.
LOL, this is gr8! The guy who burns people alive in ovens and makes people where face crushing traps … is John’s father, LOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOL!
*wear* geez, I know how to spell
Perfect casting! Dream casting that becomes reality. How can you not watch the SAW movies and start to think….when you see Tobin Bell’s performance.
I agree…it is perfection! I love that John’s mom and dad have his blue eyes too!
This is one reason why I hate the retconning on soaps when new writers come in… Back in the day we were told, “The true reason for the feud between the DiMeras and the Bradys… the real reason why Stefano has had it in for John… it’s because he’s the product of a love child between Stefano’s dad and Grandpa Shawn’s sister, who just happened to look like EJ and Sami when they were young! Final answer!” Then, oops, “No, that was all wrong, we thought of something ‘better’ featuring day players not connected to anybody.” I think I liked it best when John was Forrest Alamain, going up against Lawrence and Vivian….
Drake Hogestyn has said he’s used Jason Bourne as a template for his character. What happened to Bourne kind of holds true here: Learning his true identity was kind of a let down. There’s something to be said, story-wise, for never finding out. The search is the fun part.
…Er, he *is* the love child, I should say….
IKR. I liked it better when it was Aunt Vivian…
He’s been everything from a Roman Brady, Catholic Priest, Soldier of Fortune… honestly I don’t care who he WAS I want him to be something Now.
Ugh.
Auntie Viv was just whacked!! I need about 1500 milligrams of whatever she was on!! Daily.
I for one couldn’t be happier! After all of these years, John is finally going to find out who his dad is and be able to fill in more missing pieces of his past! This is a story that needed to be told, after the former writers rewrote John’s past again when Drake wasn’t even on the show at the time. I love that it goes back to his mercenary past. The show has had a really bad February Sweeps, so I’m more than ready to see some of the actors that have been overused lately, to be benched a bit so actors like Drake can work out their acting chops! I’m looking so forward to March when this story gets going…finally, DAYS will be worth watching again.
This casting is brilliant. Put a hat on this guy to hide his hair and he seriously could pass as Drake’s father in real life. Two thumbs up to DAYS casting! I’m looking so forward to seeing Drake and Tobin in scenes together!
I am beyond excited that Drake Hogestyn will get to be front burner again. He and Deidre Hall are brilliant actors who have unfortunately been underutilized. Closure for this story is necessary and welcomed by many fans. I have no doubt that Drake will give a phenomenal performance as he always does and that Deidre Hall’s Marlena will stand by her man while adding another layer to the amazing relationship that is John and Marlena. Their decades of portraying these characters has been the reason to watch Days of Our Lives and I couldn’t be more excited! #Jarlena all the way!
Honestly? How are they “brilliant actors”? Every episode (well not EVERY episode) she turns to John and seems to ask “did you find your parents?” or “this should make you happy knowing who your parents are” always in that deadpan expression of her’s and John squints back in his raspy voice “yeah, Doc”.
Geez, really? To me, “brilliant acting” is comprised of portraying interesting, complex characters and utilizing different accents.
Please don’t misinterpret what I’m saying, you are most certainly more than entitled to your opinion, but to me, “brilliant acting” requires more than what John and Marlena bring to the TV screen.
I am sorry you don’t agree with me. I would challenge you to watch the relationship of John and Marlena from the beginning until today to understand the brilliant acting that I am referencing. Neither Drake or Deidre can change the writing and storyline that they are given. If you don’t like the lines they are given to play I can certainly agree with you on that as of late. I stand by my post that they are brilliant actors, especially when given a storyline worthy of their skills!
I’m really excited to see how John FINALLY finds out who his father is next month!! I’ve been waiting for years, just like John,to find out. Apparently his Dad didn’t die before John was born. It should be REALLY exciting to watch! John deserves the truth! Drake Hogestyn does a marvelous job as John! I look forward to seeing John on my TV screen as much as possible every week! #DAYS
I thought his dad was dead.
I can’t wait to find out about John’s real dad. Any story line John related is worth watching to me.
Great casting. Excited to see him and Drake in scenes together. I’m excited for this story to get underway…Drake and Deidre have been virtually MIA lately.
Exactly! It’s time to get them back on our screens in a major storyline!
About bloody time
I cannot wait for this exciting story to begin. Happy to see Drake Hogestyn & Deidre Hall in front burner story. John & Marlena are the reason I watch.
#Jarlena all the way!!!
Drake’s true identity has been withheld for 30 years. His character has searched and found betrayal and disappointment too many times. The true Drake fans are so excited that he will finally uncover his true story. To have Tobin Bell playing the part of Drake’s dad was a great choice by TPTB. It will be great to see them interact. Drake’s acting abilities have been so unchallenged for way to long. I do hope the writer’s do not butcher it with only a 5 day arc. Personally, I think John is going to feel a lot of pain and further disappointment.
Exactly. I have a feeling nothing will come out of this….so I do not care. I am tired. I will bite my tongue if I am wrong. I just don’t think John will find closure. Could it be because we waited for so long?
I do not care for the Ciara and Chase storyline. I don’t care about Theresa. I don’t care about Brady and the mystery woman, summer. Days of Our Lives has been miserable to watch this week. Too many flashbacks and dream sequences. It’s like the writers don’t know what else to write for the days episode, so they start filling in time with dreams and flashbacks.
I am enjoying the Andre storyline and hoping Hope and Rafe will finally be sent to jail. The only way Rafe and Hope are going to get off on this rap is if Stefano comes in through the door dancing or popping a wheelie in his wheel chair.
It’s fun to watch Hope be under the thumb.
I will watch Tobin Bell (the SAW franchise) play John’s father. It’s going to be interesting.
Rumors of Freddie Smith (“Sonny”) being on the set have peaked my interest.
Yup…ridiculous. Not in a million years will I get interested in this Summer-woman-story-mystery and Brady’s dreams through Daniel’s heart. Bah!!
I’m so glad John & Marlena is finally getting some Air time , can’t wait to see them performing..Love those Guys….Love it!
I’m actually quite excited about this, though I’m not sure how seriouly I’ll be able to take him in this role, I’ll be expecting him to keep saying ‘Wanna play a game’ lol
Days has been through a lot lately…new writers, comings and goings etc. Yet, it is still here!! I say celebrate what is and do not frown upon what should have been. I am looking forward to the new castmate and storyline for John…let him FINALLY be able to find his true family. They need to stay with the cast (veterans…including Drake and Deidre) that made Days what it is and will continue to be..the best!!!
Aren’t they the same age?
But….Tobin Bell is ELEVEN years older than Drake
I am so happy that John will finally know who he is and that story will bring him back to his hero roots. This is what Drake does best. Play hero with a heart. Drake has been doing such a great job with this story so far, esp in his confrontations with his mom. And Drake always said he played john like jason Bourne. This backstory fits perfectly.