Days Of Our Lives
WATCH: Outstanding Lead Actress In A Drama Series Nominee Reels : McKay, Sweeney, Tognoni, West & Wright Vie For The Gold!
Courtesy/NATAS
Five women have been nominated for the Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for this year’s 42nd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards to be presented live on Sunday night, April 26th only on Pop starting at 8PMET/5PMPT.
Vying for the gold are Days of our Lives Peggy McKay as Caroline Brady and Alison Sweeney as Sami Brady. In the running from General Hospital are Maura West as Ava Jerome, and Laura Wright as Carly Corinthos Jax. Nominated from The Young and the Restless is Gina Tognoni as Phyllis Summers.
Maura West and Gina Tognoni have previously won two Daytime Emmys for their work on As the World Turns and Guiding Light, respectively. Laura Wright has won once as Carly on GH. Alison Sweeney has never received a Daytime Emmy nomination in her long and storied almost 22-year-run on Days of our Lives, and Peggy McKay has been nominated two times previously, and once for Lead Actress.
After the jump watch the five actresses nominated work and their official submissions that got them to be part of the “Fab Five” on daytime’s biggest night of the year! Then let us know, who do you think should take home the gold? Who are you rooting for?
Peggy McCay – Daytime Emmys
Alison Sweeney – Daytime Emmys
🙂 MAURA WEST 🙂
GAME OVER
I second that, Jeremy..
I love Alison Sweeney, but, she knew all the quirks, the nuances and what and what-nots about DOOL.
Maura West came to GH with nothing except her talent…and boy, did she use that gift. No sooner did she walk on stage, the scene was hers…she own it and every other one following. When Ava appeared, I knew I was not going to be left empty- handed……Say or think what you will….but, THAT, my friends, is the difference between the two. ( in my opinion)
GAME OVER, INDEED!!!
Alison or Maura…why isnt FH-Anna Devane in the lead instead of supporting…she’s been on and off GH since the 80s…now i like Maura but she’s only been on GH for a few years—Finola started back in the 80s with some time away from the show…FH importance seems to be somewhat diminished of late but i still consider her more of a leading lady…jmo!!!
It’s Ali’s time! She more than deserves it! Her work last year (and the last 22 years) were beyond EPIC!!! The fact that this is her first nomination is ridiculous IMO! #TimeForSweeneyToWin
I with you
Hands down’
#1 Maura West ….
and both .. Laura Wright and Peddy McCay.. very close to #1 / tie ..
This award belongs to Allison Sweeney…all the reels were the great work of each of these ladies.
I pulling for Alison Sweeney, her reel is top notch. Maura West has a very good reel as well. Gina is not to be counted out of the race.
tognoni? she sucks!!!!!hahahahaah who nominates this , now sweeney is totally the winner!!!
Very tough choice. Based on the reels alone might have to give it to Gina T. I’ve never watched an episode of YR in my life and I don”t know her from any other work, but was very impressed with her reel. McKay’s reel was also extremely good (I know she doesn’t belong in this category, but setting that aside).
The others: Sweeney was overacting here, in my opinion. West gave a good performance but I don’t think the reel as a whole showed her at her best – ditto for Wright.
Damn surprised myself, but as a GH fan (and Days legacy fan), I’d probably vote Tognoni or McKay. Tognoni’s performance was slightly more impressive but would be very nice to see trouper McKay win.
hey Nick D. I too, do not watch Y&R – at all, and yet, I too, was so impressed with Gina Tognoni’s reel. Wow. So good! However, I remain committed to Maura West.
Can never go wrong with MW
Can never go wrong with Maura West, FOR SURE!!!
I know it’s the much maligned “crypt sex” episode but Maura West’s reel had the most emotional impact for my money. Sweeney’s is a dream sequence which undercuts the impact for me, Tognoni and Wright’s reels are just lots of yelling, and McKay should be in the supporting category,
I would like to see Sweeney take it even though not crazy about her reel. Not really impressed by any of them to be honest I know what KKL/Brooke of B&B submitted in her pre-nom personally this should have been her year. It was subtle and I like that!
Let me just say bravo to all these ladies they turned in great reels. Here’s how I rank them
5:McKay: It’s the shortest reel but it’s also the most heartwarming. McKay is wonderful in this this as she talks about the wedding. She could shock and win but the nomination is a win.
4:Sweeney: The favorite in this category. She had the best year last year as an actress. Her reel is the longest it’s the fake out but hers the problem while she wss good her reel was a little overwrought. Another problem is three actresses Wrigjt/West/Tognoni all outshone her.
3: Maura West: She is simply divine in this. She can read the phone book and she’s already a two time emmy winner. Fabulous sexy scenes in the crypt and it’s a reel that excited u and riveted u.
2:Laura Wright: She’s the dark horse here. She gives the best work of her career in this reel and does a fabulous job acting opposite of Roger Howarth. Her range and subtly is fantsstic. She totally takes charge here. Again she’s the dark horse upset.
1: Gina Tognoni: She’s a revelation in these scenes with Peter Bergman. This is the kind of reel that wins emmy. It really takes u on the journey of Phyllis feels about Jack being with another women. There’s tons of range and emotions. Phyllis is nasty, hard, angry, sad but she makes u feel vulnerability. It’s a complete story in this reel. Tognoni is fierce here. Plus her being the only CBS nominee might give her advantage the others might get their votes split.
Powerhouse!! Maura West all the way 🙂
Powerhouse!!! I’ll say!!!
Hands down winner is Alison Sweeney. I have never really bought into the character of Sami Brady over the years. She was not a captivating actress. But her last year made up for all of her previous years. She suddenly found herself and acted the hell out of every scene. Even though the submitted scene was a dream sequence it was so well acted that when the actual truth came out it was almost a let down. Her acting with James Scott is stellar. They had the true definition of chemistry. It was a dream sequence so of course she had to overact. That is a necessity of a scene like that. But her moods and reactions were right on point. The reel was a tad too long but it did it’s job. If Alison does not win then the trophy should go to Maura West as Ava Jerome. Maura West is the last of a dying breed of daytime actresses. She has such precision and skill in her acting. She is ALWAYS on point with whatever character she takes on. There are not many actresses like her. I thought the scene with her and Sonny in the crypt was stellar. Totally in keeping with the characters personalities. Both actors Maura West and Maurice Bernard portray their disgust with themselves. They are honest enough to admit their weaknesses and still take it down a notch. I mean sex in a crypt? Geebus! Maura was bouncing off the top notch acting of Mr. Bernard and adding her own magic. They are just perfection together. She deserves the recognition for her superb work on General Hospital. As for the other three actresses nominated they were good as well but Laura Wright’s scenes were the wrong ones to submit. And that story line didn’t belong to Laura Wright. It belonged to Roger Howarth for his perfection. Laura Wright just benefitted from how she reacted to his acting catalysts. I love Laura Wright’s work on General Hospital and I love her character of Carly Jax Corinthos. But this isn’t her year. Gina Tognoni was great in her portrayal of Phyllis Newman but her arrival into that character is too new. She hasn’t found her space yet. She is doing a great job and it’s a hard one replacing Michelle Stafford but she is taking it on with relish. I just don’t think the story was strong enough. She deserves the nomination but not the win. And finally Peggy McKay. Really? She deserves neither the nomination nor the award. Plenty of actresses have taken on the storyline of Alzheimers and growing old. Her scene was confusing and messy. It had no substance nor merit. She did nothing to warrant attention for that scene. Especially in a leading actress role. Her character isn’t a lead character any way. In fact it’s so rare to see her on the show that she should be nominated in the guest actress category if at all. In my opinion her nomination was strictly for the subject matter of Alzheimers which they haven’t really explored in any depth. So she does not warrant recognition for it. It’s time to correct an age old wrong. Give Alison Sweeney the award. She earned it for sure. But if you have to go off course then go to Maura West because she is a pure winner.
Peggy McCay has been acting since 1949 and has played more character actors than any other actor. She puts her heart and soul into each and every scene. Actors can only do what the writers give them. She is truly a gifted actress and deserves whatever award they give her. She was very touching in her scene at the wedding and drew many tears. Obviously you’re not familiar with her acting career. Look up her bio……
The Emmy she is nominated for is not for her “previous” work. I did not say she was not an experienced actress, nor did I say she hadn’t done previous stellar work. My decision is based SOLELY on her Emmy reel that she herself submitted. Her role on Days is not a leading role. The reel submitted, while tender, is not even the least bit meaty in any way. So basically Peggy McCay’s previous credits attributed to her in the IMDB has zero bearing on her nomination. She is not deserving of an award because her work was submitted in the wrong category and it was also not Emmy worthy.
I watch all the shows but Allison has killed on DAYS for years. So Allison, Allison, Allison!!!!
Alison Sweeney gets her first emmy nomination after 22 yrs in daytime and most of y’all criticized her reel , say there is overacting. Everbody has a opinion , I like Maura West , but some of comments I have read. Think she is all that and bag of chips. She only a two time emmy winner. I like her reel , but Alison , Laura, & Gina reels are just as good if not better. So all of these ladies are deserving. But Maura West is no Jeanne Cooper, Susan Flannery, Erica Slezak, Heather Tom , Elieen Davidsion & etc
Maura West, not even close!!!
They’re all great reels in my opinion, but I’m gonna be loyal to the show I watch, and that’s GH. It’s hard to pick between Laura Wright and Maura West. Both were excellent here. I liked Maura’s just a little more, so I’m going with her.
I also want to make mention, Maurice Benard once again proves here as he did in Chad Duell’s reel that it’s a damn shame that he gets overlooked for award consideration every year. The same for Roger Howarth in Laura Wright’s reel. He was tremendous in that episode as well. Don’t remember seeing either guys name on the pre-nom list, so it’s possible neither chose to submit their name this year, but either way, both should be recognized for their excellent work.
Alison Sweeney got it right in her choice of what to submit. I hope she wins. She deserves it.
Alison and James Scott also both got it right in deciding to discontinue their roles…at least for now. The EJami story had run its course. This clip captures their relationship/story perfectly. There was no where else for the EJami story to go. This clip showed the best and worse of EJami.
Maura West all the way..she had the best reel wuth the biggest emotional punch. She deserves to win.
Maura West is the winner for me. Gina Tognoni is a close 2nd. I would almost give both of them the emmy but for me Maura’s had a subtleness about it that didn’t need to be yelling or hysterically crying to get the point across.
As for Alison I thought the reel was good but a little overacted for me (this is coming from a Susan Lucci fan) her reel didn’t move me the way Maura and Gina’s did.
What a sham.
I thought Peggy McCay was the best,with Laura in 2nd. Gina Tognoni is such a ham,overactor,scene scenery chewer,she is all over the place,hope she doesn’t win!
My prediction is Allison Sweeney her reel was the best
Peggy McCay’s speech at her grandson’s wedding was so touching, I had tears in my life.Peggy has surely earned a lifetime achievement award and she really deserves the daytime Emmy. What a wonderful gifted actress!
Days Of Our Lives
‘Brilliant Minds’ Officially Canceled After 2 Seasons at NBC; DAYS Alum Al Calderon, OLTL Alum Teddy Sears and Zachary Quinto Among the Cast
After languishing on the bubble for months, on Friday, NBC handed down the decision and canceled the medical drama Brilliant Minds after two seasons.
Brilliant Minds stars Zachary Quinto as neurology physician Oliver Wolf, who’s character and the series is inspired by the life and books of neurologist. Oliver Sacks. The series focuses on the medical mysteries of the mind, as Wolf a larger-than-life neurologist and his team of interns explore the last great frontier, the human mind, while grappling with their own relationships and mental health.
The final six episodes of what will now be the end of its second and final season were already set to air beginning on May 27, after being pulled off the network schedule in February as viewership saw a steep decline. Brilliant Minds second season became the lowest-rated drama on linear TV viewing, which didn’t bode well fo a network renewal, although it had its hard core fan base.
Photo: NBC
There are some exceptional notables in the cast along with the talented Quinto that includes Days of Our Lives alum, Al Calderon (ex-Javi Hernandez) who joined the series in its second season as Nurse Nico Silva, and One Life to Live alum, Teddy Sears (ex-Chad Bennett) who plays Wolf’s love interest and fellow physician, Dr. Josh Nichols.
The rest of the talented cast includes: Tamberla Perry, Ashleigh LaThrop, Alex MacNicoll, Aury Krebs, Spence Moore II, Donna Murphy, John Clarence Stewart, and Brian Altemus.
In an ironic twist of fate on Thursday, April 30, Days of Our Lives finally revealed the actor who was Al Calderon’s successor in the role of Javi, when they announced that actor Jacob Martinez had now stepped into the role. Since DAYS tapes ten months ahead of streaming new episode, Calderon left in the spring of 2025, but will be seen in the part for the final part this month, and then on June 20, Martinez debuts as Salem’s new Javi.
Taking to his Instagram with a sorrowful and heartfelt post on the Brilliant Minds cancellation was Teddy Sears who wrote, “Thank you, Brilliant Minds. I got the call today and I didn’t want to hear, but I knew that it would come, You have to be a particular vintage to quote Don Henley from memory, but that’s the line that came to mind earlier today after I got off the phone with our inimitable showrunner Michael Grassi who delivered the news that NBC has cancelled the series”.
Photo: NBC
Sears continued, “To say that I feel sad to be moving on from these stories, this character, and this cast and crew just doesn’t paint the entire picture. I’m sad, sure. But I’m also deeply grateful that I got hired to play this part, so proud of the stories we told, and the other actors I got to play alongside. I’m excited to see what comes next, what adventures await, and terrified to be without a professional home. A quick and heartfelt thank you to everyone, all over the globe, who found us and found themselves in us, in our characters and in our stories. We wouldn’t have been able to tell them without you. And we still have 6 fresh episodes yet to air, and I do hope you tune in enjoy the remainder of the series. They’re the best we’ve done.”
As he wrapped up his sentiments, Sears signed off with, “The more I know, the less I understand. All the things I figured out I have to learn again. I’ve been trying to get down to the heart of the matter. But everything changes…Thank you, Brilliant Minds.”
The medical drama was created and executive produced by Michael Grassi alongside Greg Berlanti, Sarah Schechter, Leigh London Redman, Lee Toland Krieger, DeMane Davis, Jasmine Russ, Henrik Bastin, Jonathan Cavendish, Andy Serkis and Shefali Malhoutra.
So, what do you think of NBC’s decision to cancel Brilliant Minds after two seasons? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.
Days Of Our Lives
DAYS OF OUR LIVES: Sophia Seemingly Plans to End Her Life, But Not Before Setting Fire to Johnny’s Apartment With Him Trapped Inside
The final few moments of the Thursday, April 30 episode of Days of our Lives, will pave the way, to what just may be the end of Sophia Choi’s (Rachel Boyd) life, but not as you may think!
After an unhinged Sophia paid a visit to Johnny DiMera (Carson Boatman), maced him in the eyes, knocked him out and then tied up to a chair, now conscious, she lets him know that she holds him responsible for all the trouble and trauma she has gone through from adopting her child, and her being sent to a mental institution.
So instead of the unregistered gun Kristen (Stacy Haiduk) gave her to finish off Johnny, Sophia sets up a plan to light candle, use nail polish remover and turn on the gas on the stove to ultimately create a mass explosion, which although Johnny pleaded to her not to that to all the innocent people inside his apartment building, she doesn’t seem to care.
Photo: JPI
FIERY FACE OFF
The plan was supposed to be, after she takes care of Johnny she will toss the gun in the Salem River, then focus on payback to Holly Jonas before leaving town to start a new life.
Now, Sophia makes her exit, leaving Johnny to be a few moments away from an explosion or gas inhalation, when Chanel (Raven Bowens) comes home after awaiting the results of her mammogram. She sees Johnny tied up, as he panics and tells her to put out the flame on the candle, things go awry, and a fire has begun and everything may go up in flames with Johnny and Chanel inside.
Photo: JPI
A BROKEN SOPHIA
Back in her room, Sophia breaks down after reading the social media comments about her, she planted, and then starts writing a suicide or farewell note which says. “I’m tired of begging for forgiveness for my mistakes. All I wanted was to move forward, to be loved and understood. But it’s clear that I was never going to get that. Holly Jonas said that I was dead to her. So, as her former BFF, I’m going to make her dream a reality.”
Photo: JPI
A DEADLY TRAP
Now, the fate of Johnny, Chanel and Sophia will be revealed on tomorrow’s May 1st cliffhanger, which may be the end of Sophia when she crosses paths with Kirsten at the bridge near the river. We do know Rachel Boyd is no longer appearing in the show credits section and is now off contract with the soap.
So, what did you think of the climatic final moments of DAYS? What did you think of the performance of Rachel Boyd as Sophia Choi? Let us know via the comment section.
Breaking News
Jacob Martinez is ‘Days of Our Lives’ New Javi Hernandez Replacing Al Calderon in the Role
Finally! The casting has been revealed as to just who would be Al Calderon’s successor in the role of Days of our Lives, Javi Hernandez. On Friday, April 30, the long-running soap opera revealed Jacob Martinez is taking on the part and he will first be seen this coming June 30th and then on all-new episodes streaming on Peacock.
As previously reported, the popular Calderon exited the soap opera last year to join the cast of the NBC primetime medical drama, Brilliant Minds as nurse Nico Silva, who in May will air the remainder of their second season. The series has been on the bubble for renewal by the network. His last episodes as Javi will also air this May on DAYS.
Since DAYS tapes ten months ahead of streaming, Martinez has been secretly ensconced in all the drama in Salem for quite some time. When viewers see the new Javi in story, we should learn what will happen in Javi’s relationship with Leo Stark played by Emmy winner, Greg Rikaart, plus his continued relationship with his relatives in the Hernandez clan. Currently, when Javi returned to Salem after taking care of his ailing father, and after the bust-up of his marriage to Leo thanks to Dimitri (Peter Porte), he claimed he had moved on with someone else while he was away from Salem.
Photo: JPI
Like Calderon before him, Martinez is a multi-talented actor and singer. Jacob’s resume is impressive having appeared in the musical In Pieces: The Musical at Joe’s Pub at The Public Theater and he was hand-picked by Joey Contreras to play the role of Grey. Other credits include: the short film, Memory Swim and the play Dog Sees God: Confessions of a Teenage.
Martinez hails from Norfolk, Nebraska and appeared when he was very young at the Johnny Carson Theatre, and as DAYS fans know, Jacob is now working at the Days of our Lives studios, right where the “Tonight Show” is filled. In addition, Jacob Martinez is a graduate of The American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA).
Taking to his Instagram on Thursday, April 30 once the news of his casting was revealed, Martinez, expressed, “Way too many people to thank in one post, so I’ll just say THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART to each and every person who continues to pour into me and encourage me to chase my dreams. I cannot even begin to express how grateful I am. I already feel beyond blessed, supported, and loved. See you all in Salem ⏳”
Jacob Martinez appeared on Friday on the Days of our Lives Instagram account announcing his casting. You can check it out below. Deadline was the first to report the casting switch.
So, excited to learn who is the new Javi Hernandez? Please welcome Jacob Martinez to the role and be on the lookout for his debut on June 30. Comment below.
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‘Brilliant Minds’ Officially Canceled After 2 Seasons at NBC; DAYS Alum Al Calderon, OLTL Alum Teddy Sears and Zachary Quinto Among the Cast
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