Days Of Our Lives
Vanessa Williams Set To Debut As DAYS Valerie Grant!

Photo Credit: HutchinsPhoto.com
Is there a doctor in the house? Days of our Lives has announced that former Melrose Place and Soul Food star Vanessa Williams (Ex-Rhonda) is the recast Valerie Grant.
As longtime fans of the NBC soap know, Valerie (originally played by Tina Andrews) was involved in daytime’s first interaccial romance with Julie’s son, David Banning. Eventually, Valerie went to med school to become a doctor after he relationship went awry.
According to Soap Opera Digest, Valerie comes back to Salem as a respected cardiologist on the upcoming October 25th episode and look for her to be in a story that features her former flame Abe (James Reynolds) and his on-screen son, Theo (Kyler Pettis).
With Abe being shot and with fragments of bullets near his heart, will Valerie help Abe through his tough ordeal?
So, what do you think about Vanessa Williams taking on the role of Valerie Grant? How do you think her story will unravel on-screen? Comment below!
Wish they had kept Maxine and had her be Valerie’s cousin who was attracted to Abe…sometime ago i had written a little plot involving Theo’s disapproval of Valerie…dont know this actress as well as the other V.W.,…would had been something had they gotten Tina Andrews who originated the role but i dont think she acts anymore…Tina and the late Richard Guthrie(then David) had great chemistry together…wonder if a nuDavid will show up in the future???…would be nice to see some forgotten Horton’s again!!!
I wish Maxine would return. Is the actress busy? Maxine is definitely needed!
it’s the funniest thing… and/or befuddling…. for as much as we’ve seen … Doug and Julie woven in to the canvas for guest appearances… and I LOVE THEM TO BITS
I don’t know if I’ve ever seen any of their children on screen ?
Sons
David Banning
Robert Anderson, Jr.
Grandsons
Scott Banning
it would be amazing to see on of their own
A rare case of a soap character becoming younger, as Valerie Grant was in her 20s when we first met her in 1975.
They did the same with Mike Horton when Roark C. played the role making Mike a decade younger…Mike, Valerie and David should all be in their 60s now
Jaime Lyn Bauer is a decade younger than the previous Laura, Jimmy.
Truth be told, if David and Mike had not been SORASed in the first place, they would still be younger than the most recent performers who played them.
Balls of fire—I said the same thing about Valerie when it was announced they were bringing the character back some time ago.
That’s what my grandmother said, Jimmy. She shook her head in annoyance.
The same as making Alice Horton, while still alive, a great-great-great grandmother.
It’s not too off…this actress is in her 50s.
4ever…i know that too about Laura…she should be almost a decade older than Julie and now its the opposite!!!
Love Vanessa and she will be fantastic. She’s glamorous and talented and I can’t wait.
This VW is 53 not far off of 60 I don’t see what they problem is I love this actress..
The second actress who played Valerie had reach out via social media saying she was interested a few months ago of reprising the role, and now I see she was not chosen.
I don’t get why days didn’t try and do anything with the daughter of Abe as well as bring his daughter mother who was played be actress and singer Marilyn Mc Coo to return on a short term base to play the role she Created back in the 1980’s instead of going and bringing in a another blast from the past character.
Since they at days brought on a long lost daughter character for Abe who they didn’t really use nor need they should have made a wrong a right by having his daughter mother return to Salem/days. They could have use actual footage if Marilyn Mc Coo could have return since the character and Marlena was very good and dear friend of Marlena. Days still can’t get stuff right as well as make sense as well as make a wrong a right, they keep on casting new and if not blast from the past people instead of using what they currently have and the Abe and his long lost daughter Lani storyline could have been very good had they had his ex played by original actress had she complied return, Lani disappeard with out no one even noticing unless I missed that scene if not episode of days when she left.
I don’t believe days will be on five to ten years from now with the ten thousand time reboot.
for what time and FEW scenes we got…. it was a big deal… to see Abe branching out… and able to relate more familial. the three of them, having dinner in Horton Square…. bonding… aawh… I loved it. Abe / Lani / Theo. where’s my Lexi
I agree w/ JimH. Just bring back Maxine.
I don’t have a good feeling about Vanessa Williams…. I tried to like her… way back when… on Melrose Place… I never had a chance to watch SOUL FOOD. so who knows
I wonder if Debbie Morgan was interested ?
Patrick…I look at it like this: Debbi Morgan would have been a WAY BETTER CHOICE than Vanessa Williams. Just saying……….
Have a good one, dude.
Another gimmick DAYS is using. Instead of adding characters of old back into the fold how about they develop a story worth telling??? Then you can add actors to the fold. They are so intent on bringing back old time characters that everyone has forgotten but once the gimmick wears off and there is no story worth telling the gimmick fails and the actor leaves. I remember when Joan Collins came to GL as Alexandra Spaulding. That lasted all of about four weeks. Then they brought in the last actress to portray her and basically ruined the character forever. Everyone knows that after Beverlee McKinsey portrayed a character no one could EVER compare. They should have written her off. Oh wait JFP was there, I get it now, she wanted to try and make Beverlee look bad for beating her at her own game. JFP hated strong women. HA well Beverlee was smart enough to beat JFP at her contract game and walked off the show with her head held high and still in demand. I miss Ms. McKinsey every day. There is no other actress who can compare. She was and still remains the QUEEN of daytime. If anyone mentions Susan Lucci, I will upchuck on the spot. She can’t even shine Ms. McKinsey’s shoes.
Hey Mateo. I totally agree about making sure Story is there before bringing characters back. I mean Marlena hasn’t even had a SL since returning. But I do disagree about not remembering Valerie Grant. I’m only in my 30’s and even I know who Valerie Grant is, but I’m a diehard Days fan who took the time to learn the shows history. My biggest gripe though is that Valerie had MAJOR story with Julie’s son David Banning & I personally think he should have been home years ago or right now to beef up the Horton clan which seems to only be female centric. It seems the writers seem to make Lucas a Horton when it’s only convenient for them or its an afterthought. To be honest, the core family dynamics on this show has been lacking for years.
The same when Beverly played Iris on AW…when AW foolishly cast her on Texas…AW lost 1 million viewers…same when she left Texas…her replacements couldnt hold a candle to her both on AW and GL…Joan was terribly miscast as Alexandria-she made the character look like a something from a Circus sideshow…and you are right BM was the greatest actress to ever grace our daytime screens!!!
I always did enjoy Vanessa A. Williams’ acting skills, so I cannot wait to see her on DAYS as Valerie Grant. Nice seeing actresses that are not Caucasian gain work in daytime and television itself.
Okay, Vanessa Williams is entirely TOO YOUNG to be romantically paired with James Reynolds. He’s old enough to be her father! So, if they’re bringing her back to portray Valerie, that’s fine. But they shouldn’t even entertain the thought of putting her back with Abe. That ship sailed a long time ago.
They could put this new Valerie with Rafe, Dario, Deimos, Brady, or even Eric Brady now that Greg Vaughan is returning!
Yes, James Reynolds is 17 years older than Vanessa. However, it is called acting! Do you also have a problem with the romantic relationship between Susan Seaforth Hayes (Julie) who is 73 and Bill Hayes (Doug) who is 91?
Susan & Bill are married in real life..lol
Love to see Abe, Theo have more front and center storylines. The cast and storylines should include more African Americans in more prominent roles! Loved Maxine. Would love to see her more!
I like Maxine! Where is she?
Just looked her up on IMDB. She was working on two other series 2015-2016 and a TV movie in 2016. Don’t know if that occupies all her time, but she is missed at Days.
Abe looks old enough to be her father for crying out loud.
I got all excited and then I realized it is not the Vanessa Williams I was thinking of. Oh well.
I know… right
my heart took a leap… with
I knew that picture couldn’t have been thee Vanessa L. Williams.
so I can palpitate and get my pulse back to “normal”
these token actors…. when relegated to like minded actors ( Valerie + Abe )
REALLY ? argh!
They should bring back Jaime Lyn Bauer
They should bring back “Maxine”
They should bring back Flo…. Nicole mother
either of these ladies would be perfect
Do you Fay? That was Nicole’s mother.
I was hoping Laura would stick around for longer. Maybe she’ll return when Abby does.
Great actress but TOO young to play that character!
Wrong role, wrong show.
If Y&R writers decide to bring Drucilla back from that ravine, this actress would be perfect.
Days bring back Vivian and how about Linda Anderson to .I always like Elaine Princi.Wasn’t that her name?Then again what do I know lol.I do like Vanessa Williams she is good actress.
Maybe she can sing on the show too.
Bring back Maxine, Vivian, and Sami. I do not like this Abigail.
Days Of Our Lives
Netflix Canada to Stream Past Episodes of ‘Days of our Lives’ and ‘The Young and the Restless’

Canadian soap opera fans, this October looks to be bringing you classic American television show favorites via Netflix. The streamer has reportedly licensed a large slate of iconic favorites including Days of our Lives and The Young and the Restless.
Beginning the week of October 26 via Netflix Canada (hopefully, soon in other regions too), the streamer will post previously aired catalogue episodes of both iconic series. No word yet from where they may be starting from, although many of the other series in the retro line-up are from the 80s and 90s.
Meanwhile, all-new episodes of Days of our Lives and The Young and the Restless will continue to be available and shown via Corus Entertainment Canada.
This week also marks the beginning of Y&R’s season 54 which officially begins on Thursday, October 8! And come November 11, new material from the head writing team of Jamey Giddens and Dan O’Connor make their debut. The series debuted on March 26, 1973.
Peacock’s Days of our Lives is entering into their 62 season. The soap was officially renewed back in July of 2025 through its sixty-third season, which runs during the 2027–2028 television and streaming season. DAYS tapes ten months in advance of dropping new daily episodes of the drama in Salem. The series debuted back on November 8, 1965,
Before DAYS and Y&R drop on Netflix Canada, none other than ABC’s Dynasty comes your way with all nine seasons beginning on October 12 along with full seasons of Bewitched, Charlie’s Angels, The Facts of Life, The Love Boat, and The Twilight Zone.
Previously, Netflix Canada added Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman featuring One Life to Live favorite, Joe Lando (ex-Jake Harrison) and Diagnosis Murder, which featured Victoria Rowell (ex-Drucilla, The Young and the Restless).
So, looking forward to finding out what years Canadian fans will get of Days of our Lives and The Young and the Restless when its served up later this month on Netflix Canada? Share your thoughts via the comment section below.
Breaking News
Robert Kelker-Kelly, ‘General Hospital,’ ‘Days of our Lives’ and ‘Another World’ Star Dies at 62

Robert Kelker-Kelly, who became prominent as a one of the leading men in soap operas back in the late 80s and 90s has died at the age of 62. TMZ first reported the news of Robert’s passing on Saturday, October 3 at his home in St. Peters, Missouri.
According to the St. Peters police report, officers responded to call at around 8:16 pm about an unconscious man who was not breathing, as paramedics and other EMS were en route. Kelker-Kelly had reportedly complained of chest pain shortly before becoming unresponsive and the circumstances appeared consistent with a medical event.
Officers and paramedics administered life-saving measures, but were unsuccessful in reviving Kelker-Kelly. The cause of his death is still unknown and under investigation.

Photo: NBC
Daytime fans first saw Robert back in 1987 when he was cast as Sam Fowler on Another World. He played the role for three year suntil 1990. Two years later, he took over the role of Bo Brady on Days of our Lives replacing Peter Reckell, who at that time decided to leave the show.
As Bo, Kelker-Kelly was major in story playing opposite the likes of: Crystal Chappell as Dr. Carly Manning, Kristian Alfonso as Hope Williams and Lisa Rinna as Billie Reed. When Peter Reckell returned to his signature role in 1995, Kelker-Kelly left the show.
Next, Robert returned to his original stomping grounds at Another World but this time as race car driver, Bobby Reno who was actually Dr. Shane Roberts. His second AW stint lasted from 1996-1998.

Photo: ABC
Eventually, the actor would begin his run as the evil Stavros Cassadine on General Hospital in 2001, then make returns in 2002 and 2003. In 2013, he briefly returned as Stavros as part of the show’s 50th anniversary celebration, and made one last appearance in 2014.
Robert has also became a professional pilot full from 2003 to 2015 and had been married to former Days of our Lives star, Miriam Parrish (ex-Jamie Caldwell) from 1997-2011, but the couple divorced in 2011. Since that time, he has not remarried.

Recently, Robert was back in the news when Lisa Rinna talked about her time working with her former Days of our Lives co-star in her recently released memoir, You Better Believe I’m Gonna Talk About It.
Rinna shared on her then on-screen love interest, “Behind the scenes, we hated each other. Remember when Kathy Hilton said I was the biggest bully in Hollywood? Not true. Not even close! I have legit stories about the real bullies in this town. Robert Kelker-Kelly is one of those bullies.”
The former Billie Reed and reality star even punctuated that with, “He made my life a living hell on the set of DAYS, He was horrible to me, I’d go so far as to say verbally abusive. He was passive-aggressive, manipulative and played weird mind games.”
Besides his role in the soaps, Kelker-Kelly appeared on primetime on Touched by an Angel and Rescue 77 , and played Bo in the Days of our Lives specials Night Sins and Winter Heat in the early 90s.
Michael Fairman TV will provide further updates as they become available on the death of Robert Kelker-Kelly.
Now, share your remembrances and condolences on the loss of Robert Kelker-Kelly via the comment section below and let us know of all his daytime roles, which was your favorite.
Days Of Our Lives
DAYS OF OUR LIVES Preview: Kristen Locates an Alive Sophia, How Much Does Rita Know About the Birth of Dominic Marino?

Next week, expected surprises and schemes on Days of our Lives. In official spoilers for episodes streaming on Peacock from October 5-9, it looks like Kristen (Stacy Haiduk) has hunted down a very much alive Sophia Choi (Rachel Boyd), while Marlena (Deidre Hall) admits a deeply concerning confession to her daughter Belle (Martha Madison), and more.
As previously reported, Tajh Bellow (ex-TJ Ashford, General Hospital) is stepping in for one day for Tyler Joseph Andrews in the role of Theo Carver and will share scenes with Gabi (Cherie Jimenez), where Theo finally agrees to go along with Gabi’s plan, after she offered him a job.
Meanwhile, Gabi may have her hands full with Philip (John-Paul Lavoisier) whose big win in Monte Carlo may have sparked his gambling addiction … all over again, but Philip reveals her has a plan.

Photo: Corday Productions
Sydney (Sydney Malekeh) is in for a shock when Dante (Franco LoPresti) arrives in Salem. Why is he in Salem? Is he part of the unraveling of the Dominic Marino mystery, since we know he seemed like he was talking to the man in Monte Carlo?
Will Marlena ever figure out what Rita (Maggie Carney) is hiding about the mystery of Dominic, and if Marlena is truly his birth mother or did something more suspicious go on and how deeply involved is Rita in this whole story?
EJ (Dan Feuerriegel) finally demands answers of his own from Rita after overhearing on today’s Cliffhanger Friday her conversation with Marlena. Will Rita cop to anything?
Then as noted, while everyone thinks Sophia took her own life, after Kristen “murdered” her, Kristen is infuriated to find she is somehow alive working as waitress in a diner in Kentucky. Will Kristen try to kill Sophia yet again?
Take a look at some of the additional spoilers for next week’s action on DAYS below.
Monday, October 5
Joy worries about her future.
Alex surprises Stephanie.
Chanel supports Johnny through a difficult decision.
Tuesday, October 6
Rachel gives Brady cause for concern.
Roman surprises Kate.
Wednesday, October 7
Leo’s good day takes an unexpected turn.
Brady is forced to make a difficult call.
Thursday, October 8
Paulina refuses to give up on Lani.
Chanel asks Johnny for a promise.
Friday, October 9
Stephanie and Alex steal a private moment.
Steve gets troubling news from Johnny.
So, what do you think will happen when Kristen finds that the woman she thought she murdered and framed (making it looking like a suicide) is alive and well and working in a diner far away from Salem? Was Rita more involved with Stefano DiMera than we even know? Who is the birth mother of Dominic? Is it really Marlena or did someone else carrying her child? And what of Dante? Why is he back in Salem? To get at Philip, or something else? Weigh-in via the comment section below.
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