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.
Beyond the Gates
TONIGHT: Daytime Emmy Nominations Special 2026 Live: Nominated Guest Line-Up

Now that this year’s 53rd annual Daytime Emmy Nominations have been announced, several of the acting nominees will share their reactions and more to learning they are going for gold when the ceremony rolls around on October 30.
However, tonight on Tuesday July 14 beginning at 8pm ET/5pm PT, Michael Fairman once again host his 12th annual Daytime Emmy Nominations special live on You Tube’s Michael Fairman Channel.
Scheduled to appear thus far are: Beyond the Gates stars, Lead Actress nominee: Karla Mosley (Dani), Supporting Actress nominee: Trisha Mann-Grant (Leslie), and Supporting Actor nominees: Mike Manning (Smitty) and Timon Kyle Durrett (Bill).
From The Young and the Restless: Lead Actress nominee Michelle Stafford (Phyllis), Lead Actor nominee Christian LeBlanc (Michael), Supporting Actress nominee Camryn Grimes (Mariah) and Supporting Actor nominee Sean Dominic (Nate).
In addition look for General Hospital’s Supporting Actress nominee Amanda Setton (Brook Lynn), from Days of Our Lives, Outstanding Guest Performer nominee, Christopher Sean (Paul) and from The Bold and the Beautiful Lead Actor nominee Scott Clifton (Liam) and Supporting Actor nominee Lawrence Saint-Victor (Carter) plus more featured guests.
So, what did you think of this year’s Emmy nominations for Beyond the Gates, General Hospital, Days of Our Lives, The Bold and the Beautiful and The Young and the Restless?
Be with us in the live chat with your questions and comments on this year’s nominations and for our special guests.
For upcoming celebrity features, livestreams, special event coverage and more, make sure to “subscribe” to the Michael Fairman Channel.
So, looking forward to tonight’s special show with the nominees? Let us know via the comment section below and if you can’t be with us live, if you have any questions you want posed to our special guests and we just might ask during the broadcast.
Beyond the Gates
53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Nominations Announced: ‘The Young and the Restless’ Tops With 18, ‘Beyond the Gates’ With 15

The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) today announced the full list of nominees for the upcoming 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards, and it was CBS daytime’s The Young and the Restless and broadcast television newest soap opera, Beyond the Gates that racked up the most nominations with 18 and 15, respectively.
General Hospital was next with 13 overall nominations, followed by Days of our Lives with 8 and The Bold and the Beautiful with 7 nods. The full reveal on Tuesday, follows the announcement of several major categories including Lead Actor and Actress on Monday via Extra and Entertainment Tonight and The View today revealing Daytime Drama Series and more.
The 53rd Annual Daytime Emmys ceremony are set to take place on Friday, October 30 at the historic Hollywood Palladium in Hollywood, California. The ceremony is currently planned to stream via watch.theemmys.tv and its associated apps. For the second year in a row, both the main Emmys and the Creative Arts will be presented together in one night.

Photo: CBS
In a statement, Adam Sharp, President and CEO of NATAS expressed, “We’re proud to honor the extraordinary talent and creative teams whose work continues to define and elevate daytime television, As the Daytime landscape evolves and new forms of storytelling emerge, we remain committed to recognizing the innovation happening across the industry.”
“Each year, the Daytime Emmy Awards celebrate the creativity, passion, and dedication that drive this vibrant community of storytellers,” said Rachel Schwartz, Head of the Daytime Emmy Awards. “Congratulations to this year’s nominees, whose work continues to entertain, inspire and connect with audiences every day. We look forward to celebrating their remarkable achievements in Hollywood this October.”
The Daytime Emmy Awards have recognized outstanding achievement in television programming and crafts since 1974, honoring work in a variety of genres, including daytime dramas, talk series, entertainment news, culinary, adventure, instructional and legal/courtroom programming. This year’s Lifetime Achievement Honoree, Gold & Silver Circle Inductees, and ceremony host will be announced at a later date.
Now below, check out the nominees in the daytime drama, talk show, entertainment news series and creative arts categories. Congratulations to all!

Photo: JPI
Outstanding Daytime Drama Series
Beyond the Gates
Days of Our Lives
General Hospital
The Young and the Restless
Outstanding Lead Actress in a Daytime Drama Series
Stacy Haiduk (as Kristen DiMera), Days of Our Lives
Karla Mosley (as Dani Dupree), Beyond the Gates
Michelle Stafford (as Phyllis Summers), The Young and the Restless
Heather Tom (as Katie Logan), The Bold and the Beautiful
Tamara Tunie (as Anita Williams Dupree), Beyond the Gates

Photo: ABC
Outstanding Lead Actor in a Daytime Drama Series
Eric Braeden (as Victor Newman), The Young and the Restless
Steve Burton (as Jason Morgan), General Hospital
Scott Clifton (as Liam Spencer), The Bold and the Beautiful
Thorsten Kaye (as Ridge Forrester), The Bold and the Beautiful
Christian Jules Le Blanc (as Michael Baldwin), The Young and the Restless
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Daytime Drama Series
Linsey Godfrey (as Sarah Horton), Days of Our Lives
Camryn Grimes (as Mariah Copeland), The Young and the Restless
Beth Maitland (as Traci Abbott), The Young and the Restless
Trisha Mann-Grant (as Leslie Thomas), Beyond the Gates
Amanda Setton (as Brook Lynn Quartermaine), General Hospital
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Daytime Drama Series
Sean Dominic (as Nate Hastings), The Young and the Restless
Timon Kyle Durrett (as Bill Hamilton), Beyond the Gates
Michael Graziadei (as Daniel Romalotti), The Young and the Restless
Roger Howarth (as Matt Clark), The Young and the Restless
Mike Manning (as Bradley “Smitty” Smith), Beyond the Gates
Lawrence Saint-Victor (as Carter Walton), The Bold and the Beautiful

Photo: ABC
Outstanding Emerging Talent in a Daytime Drama Series
Braedyn Bruner (as Emma Scorpio-Drake), General Hospital
Al Calderon (as Javier Hernandez), Days of Our Lives
Alice Halsey (as Rachel Black), Days of Our Lives
Giovanni Mazza (as Gio Palmieri), General Hospital
Ambyr Michelle (as Eva Thomas), Beyond the Gates
Arielle Prepetit (as Naomi Hamilton Hawthorne), Beyond the Gates
Outstanding Guest Performance in a Daytime Drama Series
Jasmine Burke (as June Hughes), Beyond the Gates
Jeff Kober (as Cyrus Renault), General Hospital
Eva LaRue (as Natalia Rogers-Ramirez), General Hospital
Christopher Sean (as Paul Narita), Days of Our Lives
Ray Wise (as Ian Ward), The Young and the Restless
Outstanding Writing Team for a Daytime Drama Series
Beyond the Gates
The Bold and the Beautiful
Days of Our Lives
General Hospital

Photo: CBS
Outstanding Directing Team for a Daytime Drama Series
Days of Our Lives
General Hospital
The Young and the Restless
Outstanding Casting for a Daytime Program
Beyond the Gates
General Hospital
The Young and the Restless
Outstanding Daytime Talk Series
3rd Hour of TODAY
The Drew Barrymore Show
The Kelly Clarkson Show
Live With Kelly and Mark
TODAY With Jenna & Friends
The View

Photo: ABC
Outstanding Daytime Talk Series Host
Joy Behar, Whoopi Goldberg, Alyssa Farah Griffin, Sara Haines, Sunny Hostin & Ana Navarro, The View
Kelly Clarkson, The Kelly Clarkson Show
Tamron Hall, Tamron Hall
Jennifer Hudson, The Jennifer Hudson Show
Sherri Shepherd, Sherri
Outstanding Entertainment News Series
Access Hollywood
Entertainment Tonight
Extra
Outstanding Daytime Personality (Daily)
Mona Kosar Abdi, Derek Hough & Terri Seymour, Extra
Cassie DiLaura, Denny Directo, Kevin Frazier, Rachel Smith & Nischelle Turner, Entertainment Tonight
Scott Evans, Zuri Hall, Kit Hoover & Mario Lopez, Access Hollywood
Star Jones & Corey Jovan, Divorce Court

Photo: WBTV
Outstanding Arts and Popular Culture Program
Beyond the Gates: Welcome to the Neighborhood — An Entertainment Tonight Special
Off Script With The Hollywood Reporter
Variety & CNN Actors on Actors
Variety Studio: Actors on Actors
Working In the Theatre
Outstanding Music Direction and Composition for a Daytime
Beyond the Gates, Episode 103
Have Guitar Will Travel World
The Kelly Clarkson Show Episode 5033
Let Frankie Cook,” Getting the Band Back Together
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
Outstanding Technical Direction and Video for a Daytime Program
Beyond the Gates, Episode 104
The Bold and the Beautiful,” Episode 9511
Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade”
The Jennifer Hudson Show, ” Episode 4041
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade”

Photo: CBS
Outstanding Hairstyling and Makeup for a Daytime Program
Beyond the Gates, Episode 103
General Hospital, Episode 15719
The Kelly Clarkson Show,” Episode 5033
The Young and the Restless,” Episode 13273
Outstanding Costume Design / Styling for a Daytime Program
The Jennifer Hudson Show, Episode 4140
The Kelly Clarkson Show
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
The Young and the Restless Episode 13149
The Young and the Restless Episode 13273
Outstanding Sound Mixing and Sound Editing for a Live Daytime Program
The Bold and the Beautiful, Episode 9658
The Jennifer Hudson Show Episode 4039
The Kelly Clarkson Show Episode 5007
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
The Young and the Restless,” Episode 13260
Outstanding Lighting Direction for a Daytime Program
Beyond the Gates Episode 104
General Hospital Episode 15624
The Jennifer Hudson Show Episode 4010
The Kelly Clarkson Show Episode 6169
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade”
Outstanding Art Direction/Set Decoration/Scenic Design for a Daytime Program
The Kelly Clarkson Show Episode 5033
Live with Kelly and Mark Episode 250414
The View Episode 6280
The Young and the Restless Episode 13145
The Young and the Restless Episode 13244
So, what do you think of the 53rd annual Daytime Emmy nominations? Who are you happy to see receive a nomination and who do you think was snubbed? Weigh-in via the comment section.
Beyond the Gates
53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Nominations: Outstanding Lead Actress Drama Series

Monday on Entertainment Tonight, the second set of nominations for the 53rd annual Daytime Emmy Awards were announced which included the highly-coveted Outstanding Lead Performance in a Daytime Drama Series – Actress and Outstanding Daytime Talk Series.
ET followed suit after Extra announced the nominees, as previously reported, in the Outstanding Lead Performance in a Daytime Drama Series – Actor and Outstanding Daytime Talk Host.
Now, five leading ladies of the soaps are vying for the gold for Lead Actress and the category marked the first-ever nominations for CBS daytime’s Beyond the Gates when two actresses made the final cut. Only General Hospital is not represented among the actresses this year after Nancy Lee Grahn (Alexis Davis) took home the trophy last year.

Photo: NATAS
THE FIVE LEADING LADIES OF THE SOAPS ARE …
The 2026 Lead Actress nominees are: Stacy Haiduk (Kristen DiMera), Days of Our Lives, Karla Mosley (Dani Dupree), Beyond the Gates, Michelle Stafford (Phyllis Summers), The Young and the Restless, Heather Tom (Katie Logan), The Bold and the Beautiful, and Tamara Tunie (Anita Dupree), Beyond the Gates.
This marks the first Daytime Emmy nominations for Karla Mosley and Tamara Tunie. In addition, this marks the first-time in her career that Stacy Haiduk had received a Lead Actress nod after two Supporting Actress nominations.
Meanwhile, Michelle Stafford had previously won 3 Emmys – 2 for Lead Actress and 1 for Supporting, but this recognition makes it her 11th overall nomination.
Heather Tom currently is tied for the most all-time Daytime Emmy wins with One Life to Live alum and General Hospital guest star, Erika Slezak. The B&B star has 19 nominations throughout her career.

Photo: ABC
DAYTIME TALK SERIES
In the Outstanding Daytime Talk Series category, the nominees are: 3rd Hour of Today, The Drew Barrymore Show, The Kelly Clarkson Show, Live with Kelly and Mark, Today with Jenna and Friends and The View.
“We’re proud to honor the extraordinary talent and creative teams whose work continues to define and elevate daytime television,” NATAS president and CEO Adam Sharp said in a statement on the nominations. “As the Daytime landscape evolves and new forms of storytelling emerge, we remain committed to recognizing the innovation happening across the industry.”
The rest of the nominations will be revealed tomorrow on Tuesday July 14 starting on The View and then the full list of nominees in both the main and creative arts will be released by NATAS. The 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards are slated for October 30th in Hollywood, California.
So, what do you think about the women who are vying for the Lead Actress Daytime Emmy? Happy with who got in? Who do you feel got snubbed? What do you think of the nominees for Daytime Talk Series? Weigh-in via the comment section.
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