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
DAYS OF OUR LIVES: Paul Signs Off In Salem With Tearjerker Goodbye
As they say, “all good things must come to an end”, and on Tuesday’s episode of Days of our Lives, viewers watched a tear-filled and emotional goodbye as actor Christopher Sean, who played the role of Paul Narita for over four years with such dignity and grace, exited the series in his final episode.
It all comes about after Paul is heartbroken to learn, thanks to Brady (Eric Martsolf) who could not lie to him anymore, that Will is still in love with Sonny. And after calling things off with Will and setting him “free”, Paul asks Brady to come by his apartment to inform him that he is leaving Salem. Brady is certain that Paul will “find love again.”
Later, Paul’s dad, John Black (Drake Hogestyn), arrives and learns the heartbreaking news that Paul had decided to move back to San Francisco to be near his mom, and because there is a top-notch rehab facility to help him get back on his feet and walk again.
John asks his son: “Are you sure that you are doing all this for the right reasons?” Paul says he is not running away, but adds: “It would be hard for me to be here in Salem with Will and Sonny back together and all that. But mostly I could be with my mom, who I really, really miss, and I could be hopeful because I could probably walk again someday.”
After looking up the clinic on the internet with Brady and Paul, John concludes this is the best situation for his son. “I need to get back on my feet again, in more ways that one,: Paul says. When John asks when he is headed out, Paul reveals now. An emotional John is filled with tears at having to saying goodbye to the son he never knew he had until a few years ago.
Photo Credit: JPI Studios
Paul says to John in a tearjerker moment: “I used to lie awake in bed thinking what kind of man my father was. And then I met you, and I saw the way that you cherished Marlena and the way you protected your family and the way you fought for what was right. You have surpassed every expectation I have ever had about a father.” He tells John he is grateful for all the time they had together. John tells Paul, “I’m so proud of you,” and he tells his son to always keep that big heart of his open, and they share a touching hug.
There is then a knock at the door at Luke, the new PT comes in to whisk Paul away to San Francisco! There seems to be an instant connection between the two, and then Luke says that he knows full-well who Paul is, “You’re one of my idols”. Luke goes on to say that when Paul came out it gave him the strength in his own life to do the same. We also learn Luke is single, which is not lost on Brady and Paul, and John.
As a nice button on Paul’s journey he says, “I’m not hiding anymore, and I’m not pretending to be anyone I’m not. And for that, I do owe Sonny and Will a lo.,” Luke says, “Who is Sonny and Will?” As everyone sort of chuckles, it’s time to leave for the flight and John and Brady exit with Luke, as Paul looks around the apartment one more time.
Kudos to both Christopher Sean and Drake Hogestyn for those heartfelt scenes between father and son. How many hankies did you need while watching them? We needed five!
Share your thoughts on Paul’s exit and the scenes in Christopher Sean’s final episode via the comment section below.
Breaking News
Christopher Sean’s Final DAYS Episode Airs Today, As He Shares Parting Thoughts: “I Was So Honored To Bring Paul Narita To Life”
Do not miss Tuesday’s November 20th episode of Days of our Lives, as it marks the final appearance of Christopher Sean in the role of Paul Narita. How does Paul leave the canvas, exactly? Grab your hankies for an emotional goodbye.
When Sean was brought on to DAYS, not only did he get involved in what would end up being a love triangle with several iterations. but so much more than that, especially since DAYS tackled a pro athlete coming out, and a Japanese American at that, who feared he would not be accepted by his family if they knew the truth about him. Christopher won the hearts of so many viewers and cast members at DAYS including: his longtime scene partners: Chandler Massey (Will), Freddie Smith (Sonny), and Paul’s on-screen father, Drake Hogestyn (John Black).
Christopher took to Instagram to share his parting thoughts as he exits the show on today’s episode of DAYS: “It’s been an amazing 4 years with @nbcdays 🙂 I am so honored to have the opportunity to bring Paul Narita to life, a Japanese American Gay Professional Baseball Player. An ally to LGBTQ and Just as important an ambassador for Diversity. Representation is so important because we all have an equal place and we all are an important resource to America’s history, not one more important than the other. Change comes when we understand that. Thank you @nbc for taking a chance with me. Thank you Bruce Evans and Ken Corday and Marnie Saitta, Albert Alarr and Janet Rider, Jennifer Sinclair… the list goes on and on. To all the cast and crew on Days, my extended family, thank you! I’ve grown so much with you and created such wonderful memories. To the fans, none of this would be possible without you. All my love and thanks. My final farewell on Days… whoa. I will miss you all, my home, my beginning. Until Next Time.”
Photo Credit: JPI Studios
Now that Christopher has shared his parting thoughts to DAYS fans, please share your thoughts for him in the comment section below. Send him your well-wishes and let us know if you will miss Paul … and what was your favorite moment on-screen during the actors run on the soap.
Breaking News
Marci Miller Final DAYS Episode Airs Today As She Shares Heartfelt Goodbye: “Thanks For The Sweet Ride, Abby”
In two years time, Marci Miller became a household name in the daytime arena as one of the brightest talents to grace the soap opera genre in a very long time.
Now today on Monday November 19th, viewers of Days of our Lives are watching her final episode as she wraps up her run as Abigail Deveraux on the NBC soap opera.
And what a run it was! Earning her a Daytime Emmy nomination for Lead Actress this year, and a possible nomination next year, Miller was heralded for her gut-wrenching performances in the DID storyline (Dissociative Identity Disorder) where she played Abby’s alters, Dr. Laura and Gabby. Not to mention her complex love story with Chad DiMera (Billy Flynn).
Photo Credit: JPI Studios
On key episodes today, Miller’s Abby goes toe to toe with a vindictive Gabi (Camila Banus) who gloats how Abby ended up back in a sanitarium … thanks to her!
Miller made the decision to leave DAYS and pursue a career in feature film and primetime TV roles
In an Instagram post, Miller shared:”This is a picture of me 2 yrs ago, painting my nails (and a dear friend’s while I’m at it) for a screen test the next morning to play a woman named Abigail Deveraux Dimera on Days of Our Lives. Who would’ve thought?! This morning I sit in the same exact spot knowing that today, my last episode will air as this beloved character. I reflect, and am grateful. I am better for having been a part of it all. Knowing I’ve laid her in a pair of loving and capable hands does me good. Thanks for the sweet ride, Abby. My heart is full today. Xx #Days #Milly#Chabby”
So, send your well-wishes to Marci here as we give her a standing ovation for an incredible job well-done for her portrayal of Abby et al. Will you miss Marci? Share your thoughts via the comment section below.
DAYS OF OUR LIVES: Paul Signs Off In Salem With Tearjerker Goodbye
Former Executive Producer & Director of All My Children, Jorn Winther Dead Following Two-Vehicle Collision
The First “Bachelor” Trailer With Colton Underwood Released Where He Threatens To Quit
Christopher Sean’s Final DAYS Episode Airs Today, As He Shares Parting Thoughts: “I Was So Honored To Bring Paul Narita To Life”
Tajh Bellow Debuts On General Hospital As The New TJ
Marci Miller Final DAYS Episode Airs Today As She Shares Heartfelt Goodbye: “Thanks For The Sweet Ride, Abby”
GH Poll: Who Will Be Ryan’s Next Victim?
General Hospital Casts ‘Fresh Prince of Bel-Air’ Alum Janet Hubert As Mike’s New Love Interest
LISTEN TO THE REPLAY: Soap Nation Live! with Jon Lindstrom, Beth Maitland, Freddie Smith, Linda Dano & Maura West
Soaps Lift Boycott Threat Of Daytime Emmys
Marci Miller Final DAYS Episode Airs Today As She Shares Heartfelt Goodbye: “Thanks For The Sweet Ride, Abby”
GENERAL HOSPITAL Flips The Switch In Sonny-Centric Episode Featuring Standout Performances
General Hospital Casts ‘Fresh Prince of Bel-Air’ Alum Janet Hubert As Mike’s New Love Interest
GH Releases ‘The Sonny & Carly Collection’ Featuring 20 Pivotal Episodes With Three Carlys
GH Poll: Who Will Be Ryan’s Next Victim?
Y&R’s Tracy E. Bregman Shares Heartbreak Of Losing Her Home In Southern California Wildfires On ‘The Talk’
Former Executive Producer & Director of All My Children, Jorn Winther Dead Following Two-Vehicle Collision
LISTEN NOW: Soap Nation Live! With Jon Lindstrom, Beth Maitland, Freddie Smith & Linda Dano
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THURSDAY NIGHT: Soap Nation Live! With Special Guests: GH’s Jon Lindstrom, Y&R’s Beth Maitland, DAYS’ Freddie Smith & Soap Favorite, Linda Dano
The First “Bachelor” Trailer With Colton Underwood Released Where He Threatens To Quit
Y&R’s Tracy E. Bregman Shares Heartbreak Of Losing Her Home In Southern California Wildfires On ‘The Talk’
REPLAY: Days of our Lives 53rd Anniversary Facebook Live Event From The Set: A Special Tribute, Preview Of The DOOL App & Fun Moments with the Cast!
DAYS ‘Before The Year Ends’ Mega-Promo: Surprise Returns, Secrets Revealed & Tables Will Turn
WATCH: Live With Kelly And Ryan’s All My Children Halloween Reboot
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Who Will Die In Ryan’s Halloween Murder?
DAYS OF OUR LIVES: Special Halloween Episode On Tap With Some Very Spooky & Familiar Faces
THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS: Abbott Family Drama Leaves Ashley To Make A Game-Changing Decision
Eileen Davidson Farewell Y&R Interview: From Her Exit Storyline, To Her Co-Stars, And Her Decision To Leave
Genie Francis Talks On Her Return To GH, Fans Outcry Of Support & Her All-Time Favorite Storylines
Breaking NewsNovember 19, 2018Marci Miller Final DAYS Episode Airs Today As She Shares Heartfelt Goodbye: “Thanks For The Sweet Ride, Abby”
General HospitalNovember 13, 2018GENERAL HOSPITAL Flips The Switch In Sonny-Centric Episode Featuring Standout Performances
Breaking NewsNovember 18, 2018General Hospital Casts ‘Fresh Prince of Bel-Air’ Alum Janet Hubert As Mike’s New Love Interest
Breaking NewsNovember 12, 2018GH Releases ‘The Sonny & Carly Collection’ Featuring 20 Pivotal Episodes With Three Carlys
General HospitalNovember 19, 2018GH Poll: Who Will Be Ryan’s Next Victim?
Breaking NewsNovember 12, 2018Y&R’s Tracy E. Bregman Shares Heartbreak Of Losing Her Home In Southern California Wildfires On ‘The Talk’
All My ChildrenNovember 20, 2018Former Executive Producer & Director of All My Children, Jorn Winther Dead Following Two-Vehicle Collision
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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.