Days Of Our Lives
Steve Burton Talks On: ‘Beyond Salem’, His Co-Stars, Dismissal From ‘General Hospital’ Over Vaccine Mandate, and What’s Next
Two-time Daytime Emmy-winning actor and enduring fan favorite, Steve Burton, chats with Michael Fairman in a brand new interview on You Tube’s Michael Fairman Channel where he chats on his recent role on the streaming series, Days of our Lives: Beyond Salem Chapter Two, which is continuing to stream on Peacock.
In ‘Beyond Salem’, Burton reprises his first ever DAYS and soap opera role of Harris Michaels. Burton made his daytime TV debut in the part back in 1988. Throughout the five episode-streamer, Burton shares pivotal scenes and story with longtime DAYS icon, Kristian Alfonso (Hope).
Photo: JPI
Burton expressed on taping his initial scenes with Alfonso (which were Harris and Hope’s wedding day): “The greatest thing about her (Kristian) was she has amazing eyes as an actress – eyes I can really connect with and it was an highly-emotional day. She helped me stay anchored – just by looking in her eyes. She’s probably going, “Why is this weirdo starring at me all the time?’ (Laughs). She was great, gracious and awesome, but she really did help me out and I told her that and I said, ‘You made my job so much easier today, thank you.'”
The actor also revealed that in story, the door was left open that Harris’ bad guy moves in the streaming series, could turn out to be more complicated than on the surface given the character’s interrogation room final scene.
Steve weighed-in on if he would welcome more ‘Beyond Salem’ or chance to jump to the DAYS mothership on NBC. He shared: “If there is another one, if there is an open door on DAYS at some point, and I don’t know this, I’m just saying, I think they wanted to make it like, ‘Hey, this guy is really not a bad guy, and he’s redeemable.”
Photo: ABC
In addition, Steve opens up about his decision to not adhere to the ABC/Disney Covid-19 vaccine mandate, which ultimately led to him being fired from his long-running soap opera, and pivotal role on General Hospital as Jason Morgan.
Steve played Jason from 1991 to 2012 and then again from 2017 until the late fall of 2021. When reflecting on if he stands by his decision to not adhere to the ABC/Disney Vaccine Mandate policy, which caused him to be let go, Burton expressed: “I do. There was really no doubt in mind, obviously. It was just something that I believed, and I just could not do it. Look, I always say, you’ve got to follow your gut in life. Anytime I’ve ever gone against my gut instinct or conscious, it’s usually not a good result, and that’s why regret is always a guideline, your conscious is your guideline, and I don’t think I could have really lived with myself if I went against it.”
The longtime daytime star also weighed-in on if he had been concerned that he would not work on another daytime show, given his stance on the vaccine mandate. Steve said, “No, things are changing daily with things all the time. I didn’t really worry about it. I felt if things change at GH, sure, I could probably go back. I was on The Young and the Restless, there could be a door open there. I never really thought about DAYS too much, but I do visualization every day and I thought about all four shows. I would go, ‘Hey, if there’s a job there, awesome, bring it.” I’m open to it. It’s daytime … it’s my home … but t I didn’t think it would be this way (with Beyond Salem) – I had no idea it would work out this way.”
Photo: SBurtonIG
During the conversation, Burton shares his sentiments on his former GH co-stars including: Kelly Thiebaud (Britt), who just won the Daytime Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series, Laura Wright (Carly) and reiterates, how again, Maurice Benard (Sonny) was instrumental in his development as an actor and shares behind-the-scenes details from his younger days as Jason.
Steve, who has been in the news of late after filing for divorce from with his wife of over two decades, Sheree Gustin, reveals during the conversation how he has faced a challenging year personally and professionally, and the lessons he has learned to get him get through the hard times.
Currently, Burton continues to travel the country with his former GH co-star, Bradford Anderson (Spinelli) as their comedy show, Stone Cold and the Jackal plays multiple venues and details during the interview, why their creative and business partnership works, plus previews his new Steve Burton fitness app and workout venture and more.
Check out the full interview with Steve below.
Then let us know, do you hope to see Steve land on Days of our Lives and continuing the story of Harris Michaels? Did you enjoy him with Kristian Alfonso on ‘Beyond Salem Chapter 2″? What did you think about the sentiments he shared for his former GH co-stars, Kelly Thiebaud, Laura Wright and Maurice Benard in this interview? Do you hope someday that Jason will return to GH in the form of Burton? Share your thoughts in the comment section.
I actually did enjoy him more on Beyond Salem and would accept him on the mother ship. I liked him and Hope but he is no Bo and now that Bo is alive, is it even worth having the conversation? Hope and Bo are way too iconic to keep apart.
What is the OBSESSION with this guy!? Enough already. I don’t care what show he alienated and is or isn’t on anymore. I’m not interested in his marriage, his take on YET ANOTHER new role, or anything else. When was the last time we had an article on Maura West or Mark Grossman or Kelly Thiebaud, other than Emmy coverage? I’m on Steve Burton overload!
Touche, Soaphound!
I’m in agreement. I’ve never understood the appeal of Steve Burton. I met him once at a GH meet & greet that I went to only because Wally Kurth was there. Steve Burton had the personality of a turtle and that’s an insult to the turtle.
How can he justify not being injected with the vaccine yet spending 40 odd hours being injected with ink which will remain in his body for life?
Whatever show he lands on will have to spend hours in makeup covering that tattoo or switch to long sleeve tshirts. If he ever returns to GH, that ink is definitely not a part of Jason Morgan’s persona.
Actors really need to think about tattoos. Vanessa Marcil had to wear long sleeves all the time. Roger Howarth often wore a band-aid on his ring finger to cover his inked wedding band.
Dominic Zamprogna and Tyler Christopher made theirs work for their characters.
Greg
Good point!
❝Steve played Jason from 1991 to 2012 and then again from 2017 until the late fall of 2021. When reflecting on if he stands by his decision to not adhere to the ABC/Disney Vaccine Mandate policy, which caused him to be let go, Burton expressed: “I do. There was really no doubt in mind, obviously. It was just something that I believed, and I just could not do it. Look, I always say, you’ve got to follow your gut in life. Anytime I’ve ever gone against my gut instinct or conscious, it’s usually not a good result, and that’s why regret is always a guideline, your conscious is your guideline, and I don’t think I could have really lived with myself if I went against it.”❞
Which is why the request for a religious exemption was DENIED. It had nothing to do with his religious beliefs. It had to do with him and his so-called “gut.” SMFH. Glad he’s done, and hopefully never comes back. Conscious my butt. Sorry, but his arrogance shines through all-the time, and it’s beyond off-putting.
I must have given the wrong email address. My comment was how can he justify not being injected with the vaccine yet spend 40 odd hours being injected with ink that will remain in his body for life?
Exactly, Greg!
Love him wherever he is. Want him back on General Hospital, though! He is missed!
JoJo Jensen
Please just tell us a few reasons, seriously.
I agree. I stopped watching after over 40 plus years. Steve was one of the best parts about the shoe and I miss his role as Jason.
I hope they bring him back, I would love to begin watching again. It was one of my favorite shows!
Can I just have Billy Miller back in daytime PLEASE! No drama no ego just please come back ! Side note nothing has changed with Burton I could care less about him just always such suckers you guys think he hung the moon well he doesn’t ! Ugh
To clarify it is none of my business about his health decisions ! I just got tired of him a long time ago
Amen, Bella. I miss brilliant, beautiful Billy every day.
While I fully appreciate and understand Mr. Fairman’s position/career as soap promoter extraordinaire, I see no reason to give any validity to this pariah, thus giving him a platform to self-aggrandize and justify his misguided, uninformed stance on COVID vaccination. I would also offer the same criticism to Ron Carlivati for casting Burton in Beyond Salem. Unfortunately, our country has far too many vaccine deniers, election deniers, science deniers, reality deniers. They shouldn’t be rewarded. And don’t get me started on Burton’s “one-trick pony” acting style…
Oh Jamesj75, as you know I love quoting classic movies; their dialogue still resonates in so many other places. So, here’s my take on why certain people in showbiz continually get so much unwarranted attention. From AMADEUS — “I speak for all mediocrities. I am their patron saint.” Maybe in one of Mr. Burton’s new roles, that can be scripted in.
Hysterical, Soaphound!
I want him back on GH!
I just want to see Steve Burton back on GH as Jason The show is not the same without him. Please come back Steve.
Days Of Our Lives
DAYS OF OUR LIVES Preview: Xander Fights for His Life, Halloween in Salem, Lani Returns to the Salem PD
This week on all-new episodes of Days of our Lives streaming October 26-30 on Peacock; after Xander (Paul Telfer) has been shot by George (Michael Rose), and retaliates by firing a bullet his way, Sarah (Linsey Godfrey) is on the scene!
In a key moment, Dr. Horton does everything she can to stabilize Xander in order to rush him to the hospital, which finds the two former loves rekindling many of the feels that brought them together in the first place.
The official Days of our Lives promo for the week also teases how Mason (Brandon Butler) and Holly (Ashley Puzemis) get a very unexpected caller which is Sophia (Rachel Boyd)!
Photo: Corday Productions
Meanwhile, Steve (Stephen Nichols) is heard saying, “Never give EJ DiMera the benefit of the doubt. You might learn to regret it!” Next, we see Cat (AnnaLynne McCord) appear to be hanging onto Steve’s every word.
Meanwhile, Lani (Sal Stowers) celebrates her return to the Salem PD, while many Salem residents get ready for Halloween.
Chad (Conner Floyd) and his son Thomas (Cole Gersmeyer) are ready for Fright Night, as is Kirsten (Stacy Haiduk)! But as things go in Salem, masks, hidden identities, and more make for mystery and mayhem! The conclusion of the promo shows an upset EJ (Dan Feuerriegel) throwing a book at the portrait of his father, Stefano DiMera. What has him so unglued?
Photo: Corday Productions
SPOILERS
Here’s a look at additional Days of our Lives spoilers for this week.
Monday, October 26
Brady gets devastating news.
Leo and Javi share an emotional moment.
Tuesday, October 27
Marlena hesitates to reach out to Dominic.
Kristen makes a confession to Lani.
Wednesday, October 28
Johnny faces down his father – and his future.
Stephanie gets surprising news from Alex.
Thursday, October 29
Johnny and Chanel receive wonderful news.
Brady and Sarah have a heart-to-heart conversation.
Friday, October 30
Sarah and Xander share an emotional reunion.
Julie breaks up with Foster.
Kristen ties up some loose ends.
Chad refuses to be intimidated by EJ.
Now below, check out this week’s DAYS promo entitled, “Spooky Salem.”
Then weigh-in: are you rooting for Sarah and Xander to get back together? What is EJ so upset about? Is it about his half-brother, Dominic Marino? What skullduggery might go down on Halloween night in Salem? Share your thoughts and theories via the comment section.
The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) revealed on Thursday, the lineup of presenters for 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards taking place on Friday, October 30, 2026, at the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles, California.
The ceremony will stream live on the NATAS YouTube channel at YouTube.com/@theemmys and watch.TheEmmys.tv.
Scheduled to present from the current soaps are: Katelyn MacMullen (Willow, General Hospital), Delon de Metz (Zende, The Bold and the Beautiful), James Preston (Nick, The Bay), Paul Telfer (Xander, Days of our Lives), Tamara Tunie (Anita, Beyond the Gates) and Susan Walters (Diane, The Young and the Restless).
Photo: NATAS
In addition soap alums, Crystal Chappell, Lesli Kay, Joe Lando, Eva LaRue, who is also a nominee this year, A Martinez, Juliet Mills, and Alicia Leigh Willis, will also be on hand to present.
The ceremony which celebrates nominated lifestyle programs and dramas will also include presenters: Eva zu Beck (Superskilled with Eva zu Beck), Danielle Chang (Lucky Chow), Sunny Hostin (The View), Derek Hough (Extra), Pati Jinich (Pati’s Mexican Table), Star Jones (Divorce Court), Michael Jr. (Stand Up and Do Something), Judge Greg Mathis (Mathis Court with Judge Mathis), Keke Palmer (Glam Through the Ages), Nischelle Turner (Entertainment Tonight), and Andrew Zimmern (Andrew Zimmern’s Wild Game Kitchen).
The 2026 Daytime Emmy Awards will bring together an exciting mix of presenters representing the full spectrum of daytime television,” said Adam Sharp, President & CEO of NATAS. “From familiar faces in daytime drama to the personalities and creative voices behind talk shows and lifestyle programming, this year’s lineup reflects the breadth of talent that makes daytime so special. We look forward to celebrating the people who continue to shape the genre.”
Matthew Hoffman (Love Island USA, Cheap A$$ Beach Houses) will serve as the ceremony’s Voice of God, bringing his signature comedic narration to the evening’s celebrations. As previously announced, Lifetime Achievement honoree Genie Francis (Laura, General Hospital) will be presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award by her husband, Jonathan Frakes.
So, what do you think about the list of presenters for the 2026 Daytime Emmy Awards? Let us know who you are looking forward to seeing via the comment section below.
For months now, Days of our Lives has teased the character of Dominic Marino. In recent weeks, viewers learned that Marino is on the down low working with Sami Brady’s (Alison Sweeney) apparent fiancé ‘Dante Vitali (Franco LoPresti), and that he is the never-before-heard-of child of Stefano DiMera (the late Joseph Mascolo) and Marlena Evans (Deidre Hall)!
Up until now, the Peacock streaming soap opera has never revealed his face, but that all seemed to change on the Tuesday, October 2o episode of DAYS. In story, Dante met Sami’s parents for the first time, Roman (Josh Taylor) and Marlena.
He shows them a photo of Dominic, which he happened to have on his own phone and even commented he kind of looked like he could be Marlena’s son. The photo, which has quickly made it around Soap Twitter/X, revealed that British-born actor Kyle Pryor is the man in the photo and eagle-eyed viewers actually located said photo on Pryor’s Instagram.
Photo: Peacock
Deadline revealed Pryor started taping at the end of 2025 and will first be seen in the role, on air Monday, November 2. In addition, Days will celebrate its 61st Anniversary with two special episodes featuring Dominic’s arrival, as well the returns of Tony and Anna DiMera, played respectively by Thaao Penghlis and Leann Hunley, on Friday, November 6 and Monday, November 9.
Those in the know, are are that Pryor previously held series regular roles on Australia’s Home and Away, and the UK’s Hollyoaks and guest starred on Emmerdale. In an ironic twist, Pryor appeared in the series Spartacus: Blood and Sand which is the same action series his apparent TV brother, Dan Feuerriegel (EJ DiMera), once appeared in before coming to DAYS.
So excited to see Kyle Pryor take on the role of Dominic Marino as Days of our Lives sets its anniversary story to kick-off with is arrival in Salem? Share your thoughts in the comment section. And in case you missed our latest conversation with Conner Floyd (Chad DiMera) he weighs-in on how Dominic’s appearance will shake things up in Salem. You can check that out below.
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