Days Of Our Lives
Thank You, Alison Sweeney: For Two Decades Plus Of The Perils Of DAYS Sami Brady!
Photo: AlisonSweeneyFacebook
Today, Alison Sweeney takes her Sami Brady to Hollywood, and leaves the role she has played for almost 22 years as her final episode of Days of our Lives plays out on-air. Although, Alison wrapped her role back in May, Sami says her final farewells to the rest of her family and loved ones, as viewers will watch her final moments unfold on the October 30th episode of the long-running NBC series.
For Sweeney, a self-proclaimed DAYS fan, nabbing the role of Sami was like a dream come true for her! Over the years, as viewers watched Sami go through her various machinations for Austin (Patrick Muldoon/Austin Peck), Lucas (Bryan Dattilo), or whoever else was in the wake of Hurricane Sami, Alison always brought her A-game! For here was a young woman determined, invested, and always willing to learn! From her younger DAYS, to her more mature ones, the character of Sami grew up, but that fire and spunk was always inside her, and as storylines unfolded; in particular those with her last love interest EJ DiMera (James Scott), Alison always made it interesting to watch, doing some of her finest work in 2014!
On a personal note: having had the opportunity to know Alison, interview her, hang out with her on set, I can say that here was a true champion of the soap genre, who cared to make it the best it can be, and who truly appreciated and loved her fans. Her social media DAYS of Sami countdown’s, her beautiful posts on her facebook page, (this one posted today, a heartfelt love letter to her fans) as we all continued to watch the final months play out, and sharing photos with the cast, memories and moments, were a wonderful repository to those who have followed her journey along the way.
There is no one quite like Samantha Brady as Grandma Caroline (Peggy McKay) said on yesterday’s episode of DAYS, and there is no one quite like Alison Sweeney, either! So, whether you wanted to throw thing at your TV set at Sami’s latest plots, or grab a hankie when she showed humanity for her family and children, or laughed at some of her catfights with Nicole (Arianne Zucker) and Kate (Lauren Koslow), or wanted her to step up and be there for her son Will (Chandler Massey/Guy Wilson), the audience always had some reaction to the antics of Sami, and that was due in large part to Alison’s portrayal.
In closing, here’s a big “Thank You” to Alison, for bringing the drama and the memorable moments. Oh, what a ride it has been! As they say, “This not goodbye … just see you later.” O K, now we need to grab a hankie … or two!
XO’s from Michael and On-Air On-Soaps!
If you would like to share a positive comment on this post, and for Alison on her final episode of DAYS, please comment below! NOTE: No negative comments will be approved by the moderators for this post.
I liked Alison and Sami as soon as the actress starting airing way back when. Sami has been my favorite character by far and I’ve loved watching Alison. I wish EJ and Sami had had their happy ending.
I will miss Sami and Alison. Good luck to them both and thank you for the entertainment!
Love you Alison and will miss you .
I would like to say to Ali Sweeney that i find everything she has became to be the most important and miraculous transformation of any soap actor’s character i have ever seen in the last 25yrs. Sammy Brady was the Girl we all loved & hated so often off and on like a beautiful roller coaster ride we all would have never choose to get off. She maid us laugh ,she maid us furious, she maid us tremble inside of sadness and provoked great emotions in all of us. She bloomed into the greatest woman i have ever had the privilege to know. Ali You will always be forever in my family as a great member just like my other daughters Who truth be told got real life jealous of you as i spent lots of time watching you and ranting about your behavior and your growth how proud i was of you . They Knew you were playing a role but i felt like you were my daughter too and always will. I shall go on too follow you were ever you go and support you in all life’s journeys take you . see you in your next great adventure. And next yr for the anniversary for days im sure you will make an appearance . Love your seragate mom and friend always Elizabeth Harrison. Mom Harrison!!
Going to miss you Samantha Jean!!
Max: not to be a smart ass but it is Samatha Gene she was named after one of the best characters ever on that show Eugene/ played by the wonderful John de Lancie. I have not watched the show in a decade or more but he was wonderful on it. 🙂
Thank you Kay I wasn’t sure about the spelling.
Going to miss you Samantha Gene!!
I am going to miss Alison and Sami so much!! Salem won’t be the same without her!! I have been watching her since high school and always loved watching her devlish antics and search for love!! While her exit story isn’t my favorite, I wish her much success and hope she returns one day with her aged kids in tow. A better story would’ve been having EJ be alive and they go on the run from Stefano and into hiding. The Hollywood story is very cheesy. But I have stuck with Sami through Carrie/Austin, Lucas, Brandon, the Stan storyline, her feuds with Kate and Nicole, her battling Marlena, being Roman’s faithful daughter and being there for Will through his coming out. Bravo, Alison Sweeney and come home soon!!!!!
What a wonderful 22 year journey to be a part if with Alison and watching she and Sami grow. The past 20 months have been the most consistently sensational performances from Ali giving me what has been one of my favourite Days storylines. She will leave a massive hole in daytime tv but I cant wait to see what the Days team bring us to make a smooth transition to a Sami-free Salem.
Best of luck Alison and we can’t wait to see what you do next.
But more importantly, Thank you!
Allison – i have watched you since you first started on Days, and Sami and I were about the same age and we “grew up” together so to speak. I am going to miss you on Days!
AS is extremely beautiful; inside and out. AS is my favorite soap actress; I am going to miss her majestic presence and fantastic acting as SB on DOOL so much. Good Luck! AS in whatever you do. As MF rightly said; this is not goodbye to either AS or SB; just see you later!
I am hopeful Alison will return from time to time as Sami. That might be the best of both worlds for Alison and her fans 🙂 All the best to her.
PS Catch her hosting The Biggest Loser~!
Thanks! Mollie: I did not know AS was hosting The Biggest Loser. Now, I am definitely going to watch TBL.
Alison and Sami Brady are completely unforgettable. She has made a permanent mark on both Salem and the soap opera genre. I will never forget her and she will always be my favorite character. I have watched and lover her “generous, self less, reckless, I’ve loved it all” and I have cried like a blubbering baby today watching Sami for the last time in the 17 years I’ve been watching soaps.
But I’m so horribly depressed about how the show wrote her ending. I wanted a HEA for her and Ej so much I could hardly stand it. And even having to let that go, I wanted to see Sami go out in a blaze of glory. And even if I had to let that go and just watch her move away.. Maybe, but to watch her leave town to publicize every mistake she has made before her kids eyes? WTF? This is not Sami Brady, the woman who does everything and anything for her kids, even if what happens always turns into chaos. Such a terrible decision. Lazy, pathetic, horrible, joke of a SL and writing. Sami and Ali deserved more than this.
Shame on the Days writers, you had the chance to make your mark in her story, and a mark on the genre by writing an epic farewell, because the characters and actors of Sami/EJ and Ali/James could have pulled off anything, and you let it slip by. You wonder why ratings are struggling. Right here people.
Allison has been the star of “DOOL” for years. After Marlena and Hope, it has always been Sami that made the show a must-watch. She has become great actress through the years and will be missed. I hope to read soon that she will be coming back for a visit.
As we move forward, I hope the writers have a HUGE storyline to offset the loss of AS and Eileen Davidson. I have said it before, but the current group of actresses have not made a big impression, especially Eve and Paige. The time has come to bring back a few characters with great history to the show – Belle, Shawn-Douglas, Chloe and Phillip. Also, it is time to make Nicole strong again and stop the endless begging for everyone in Salem to be her friend.
Thank you, Allison for your engaging and dynamic portrayal of Sami Brady. We will miss you and Sami on Days. I hope that you will ‘stop in’ periodically, so we can see Sami again. I know you are very busy with many projects going on. I wish you all the very best, and look forward to seeing you in many different venues!
A fitting tribute Michael to a bright star, one of the best in the biz. Her loyalty to the show even as her star started to climb speaks volumes.
Her void will be noticeable. Even when she was a cast member, days when she wasn’t on just weren’t the same. It’s going to be a tough while before the show feels whole without Sami.
That ending though…..Days…come on! RC would have done a better job, and that’s saying something coming rom me! I was hoping the limo driver would have come to the door and in walks Wayne Northop (who was on set her last day saying farewell)! An o course, who’s waiting in the limo? EJ. More flashbacks were needed, as was more time to say goodbye (Marlena’s especially, but where was her’s with John?). This should have been a Sami-centered episode- as good as the other parts to the episode were (ie Kristen/Daniel, Brady/Theresa/John). I wanted there to be more surprises, more tributes, more memories. It didn’t pay enough homage to Sami or Alison as they both deserved. Love you Days, but where was the creativity, thoughtfulness, Samantha-Gene-Brady-dimera grand exit? Tisk, tisk!
it’s just SO nice
superlatives galore
for this person
1. Hurricane Sami
2. Alison always brought her “A” game
3. here was a true champion of the soap genre,
4. There is no one quite like Samantha Brady
Days of OUR Lives has stratasphere in the last 3 years…. and it’s not without Alison Sweeney
gosh! she carried DAYS for, what seems like years, on her very own shoulders. I’ll always share this
this is DAYS lights out (blackout)…. candle light acknowledge of Samantha Gene
Thank You Ms. Sweeney for bringing the audience a tour de force reckon
I have to say… of all the flashback moments… I thoroughly enjoyed Sami and Lucas
LOL… her first burgeoning real deliver
I teared up when she bade Lucas …. ” I’ll never have another friend like you”
TEARS
her scenes with grandma Caroline are a treasure
and her pillar of being…. Marlena
Thank you MF… for the nice tribute to
her absolute LOVE ‘ ing for Will… knew no bounds
just a dream story…. that furthered for SO much and many
“THANK YOU ” DAYS for helping me , with, celebrate , what is no longer that alternative lifestyle….
a gather of humane love for each
I appreciate the respect that Alison has paid to the show, the cast, and her fans. I can only imagine how bittersweet this move is for her and wish her the best. 🙂
(On a side note, can Sami please take nuWill to Hollywood, indefinitely)? HA!
Love you forever sami! I wish you had the Ejami ending I so badly wanted. I will miss you AS. Sami was like a friend, her antics were always there for me and I must admit, I cried and felt very sad. AS, you are an asset to whatever you do in life. Respect always.xxx
I have watched dool since I was 5 and I love Sami but I think they did not give her a good enough exit of the show it should’ve been better than what it was very disappointed in the situation
Breaking News
Eileen Davidson and Lisa Rinna Head to Off-Broadway in ‘Real Housewives’ Rotating Casts in Neil Simon’s ‘Rumors’
Two-time Daytime Emmy winner, Eileen Davidson (Ashley, The Young and the Restless) and Days of our Lives alum, Lisa Rinna (ex-Billie Reed) are set to star Off-Broadway in a ‘Real Housewives’ reimagined version of the classic Neil Simon play Rumors.
The play is also stars other women from the Bravo ‘Real Housewives’ franchise including, Phaedra Parks and Carole Radziwill. According to the Hollywood Reporter, the revival will start this winter with two rotating casts at the Newman Mills Theater at The Robert W. Wilson MCC Theater Space.
Tony Award winner Zhailon Levingston (CATS: The Jellicle Ball) will direct the production, which will play a limited 14-week engagement starting January. 9, 2027, ahead its January 25 opening.
Photo: JPI
WHO JOINS DAVIDSON AND RINNA IN THE CASTS?
Rinna leads cast one along in the role of Chris, Phaedra Parks plays Claire, Stacey Rusch will take on Cookie, and Dolores Catania will play Cassie from January 9 through February 28.
They will be followed by the cast led by Davidson as Claire, Cynthia Bailey as Chris, Carole Radziwill as Cookie, and Candiace Dillard-Bassett as Cassie from March 2 through April 21. The production will mark the New York stage debut for all except Lisa Rinna, who made her debut as Roxie Hart in Chicago in 2007.
In story, the Neil Simon play which originally bowed on Broadway in 1988, focused on four couples gathering for a party in a wealthy New York Suburb, where instead of fun “they find their host in an alarming state, his wife missing, and the police on their way.
The original production featured the likes of: Christine Baranski, Jessica Walter and Joyce Van Patten, with Baranski winning a Tony Award for her performance as Chris.
In a statement, Zhalion Levingston expressed, “What excites me about reimagining Rumors through the lens of ‘The Real Housewives’ is how naturally these two worlds collide. Without changing a single word of Simon’s brilliant text, we can reveal something new in the piece: The delicious chaos that unfolds when private lives become public spectacle. At a time when we are so deeply divided, I can think of few things more necessary than gathering in a theater to laugh together.”
So, what do you think about Eileen Davidson and Lisa Rinna each taking on the role of Chris, originally played by Christine Baranski, in Neil Simon’s Rumors coming to Off-Broadway early next year? Do you like the concept of the two ‘Real Housewives’ casts playing the roles? Let us know your thoughts via the comment section.
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.
Daytime Emmy Lifetime Achievement Award Preview: Genie Francis Talks Historic Run as ‘General Hospital’s’ Laura and Longtime Co-Star Tony Geary
Eileen Davidson and Lisa Rinna Head to Off-Broadway in ‘Real Housewives’ Rotating Casts in Neil Simon’s ‘Rumors’
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Chase and Brook Lynn Sign Divorce Papers; Are You Glad They Ended Their Marriage or Hoped for a Reconciliation?
Y&R’s Christel Khalil and Bryton James to Crossover to ‘Beyond the Gates’
RATINGS: ‘Beyond the Gates’ Bests ‘General Hospital’ in Key Demos
53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards Presenters Announced
Tabitha Brown and Kandi Burruss Guest Star on ‘Beyond the Gates’ for Dani’s ‘Welcome to Your Life’ TV Special; What Could Go Wrong?
‘The Bold and the Beautiful’ Cast Dish on Steffy, Finn & Carter, Daphne Baby Drama! (Exclusive)
Days of our Lives’ Conner Floyd Talks Dominic Marino Mystery, Chad and Belle, and Susan Seaforth Hayes (Exclusive)
Kin Shriner Gives High Praise to ‘General Hospital’ TV Daughter Kelly Kruger
Daytime Emmy Lifetime Achievement Award Preview: Genie Francis Talks Historic Run as ‘General Hospital’s’ Laura and Longtime Co-Star Tony Geary
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Chase and Brook Lynn Sign Divorce Papers; Are You Glad They Ended Their Marriage or Hoped for a Reconciliation?
GENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: Brook Lynn Gets a Shock from Jude, Nina Gets a Reprieve, and Ava’s in the Hot Seat
DAYS OF OUR LIVES Preview: Xander Fights for His Life, Halloween in Salem, Lani Returns to the Salem PD
Y&R’s Jason Thompson and Mark Grossman Deliver the ‘Power Performances of the Week’
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Breaking News6 days ago53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards Presenters Announced
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Beyond the Gates1 week agoTabitha Brown and Kandi Burruss Guest Star on ‘Beyond the Gates’ for Dani’s ‘Welcome to Your Life’ TV Special; What Could Go Wrong?
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Interviews5 days ago‘The Bold and the Beautiful’ Cast Dish on Steffy, Finn & Carter, Daphne Baby Drama! (Exclusive)
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Days Of Our Lives1 week agoDays of our Lives’ Conner Floyd Talks Dominic Marino Mystery, Chad and Belle, and Susan Seaforth Hayes (Exclusive)
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General Hospital1 week agoKin Shriner Gives High Praise to ‘General Hospital’ TV Daughter Kelly Kruger
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Breaking News6 days ago2026 Daytime Emmy Awards: ‘Extra’ Partners with NATAS for Pre-Ceremony Red Carpet Stream; Week of Segments Leading to Ceremony and Post-Coverage
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Beyond the Gates1 week ago‘Beyond the Gates’ and Daytime Emmy Nominee Mike Manning to Chat Live on the Michael Fairman Channel
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News7 days agoSusan Flannery and Ian Buchanan Visit the Set of ‘The Bold and the Beautiful’; Daytime Emmy Winners Reflect on Show Then and Now
