Lead Actress winner Eileen Davidson (Kristen)
Acceptance Speech
"I snagged it! First of all, I
have to thank Heather [Tom] for sharing this year. I have so much affection and
gratitude towards everybody at Days of Our Lives. Ken Corday and Greg, Lisa [de Cazotte] and Albert [Alarr], all
the directors and the writers, of course, Gary Tomlin, Chris Whitesell. Thank
you for letting me bring it, and then bring it again. To the crew, who has our
hearts. My cast, Dee [Hall] and Drake [Hogestyn], [Eric] Martsolf, you're so
much fun. I love you so much. For my sons, Duke, Vinny and Jesse, I adore you.
And my husband, Vincent Van Patten, thank you for supporting me my love, in
whatever I want to do and whatever I don't want to do and whatever I'm not sure
I'm going to do. And thank you for being my partner in creating a life I've
always dreamed about. Thank you."
Supporting Actor winner Eric Martsolf
(Brady)
Acceptance Speech
Younger Actor winner Chandler Massey (Will)
NBC RENEWS ACCLAIMED DAYTIME DRAMA "DAYS OF OUR LIVES" THROUGH
2015-16 SEASON
Days of our Lives Will Celebrate its 50th Anniversary in
November 2015
UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif. Jan. 22, 2014 NBC
has extended its long-running daytime drama "Days of our Lives" for an
additional two years, taking the show through September 2016. "Days" will
celebrate its 50th year on television in November 2015, continuing its tradition
of passion, intrigue and adventure and cementing its place in television
history. The extension was announced today by Jennifer Salke, President, NBC
Entertainment.
"Days of our Lives" continues to be a fan favorite for the
daytime audience and we are thrilled to keep it going through its 50th season",
said Salke. "Days" has shown year-to-year increases in key female demographics
and remains both relevant and fresh creatively due to the hard work of the
producers, writers, cast and crew who have worked tirelessly to make "Days"
the ratings success it is today.
"Having won the Emmy Award for
Outstanding Daytime Drama, "Days of our Lives" continues to deliver on its
legacy of quality storytelling," said Steve Kent, Senior EVP, Programming, Sony
Pictures Television. "We appreciate NBC's continued support and are excited to
celebrate the show's 50th anniversary with our generations of dedicated
fans."
"We are thrilled to continue being a part of the NBC family and to have the support of our incredible network and studio executives who work tirelessly to allow us to continue telling our stories and share the "Days" legacy with our devoted family of fans," said Ken Corday, executive producer "Days of our Lives."
"Days of our Lives" currently is delivering its best season in women 18-49 viewers in three years and biggest season in total viewers in four years. Executive producer Ken Corday follows in the tradition of his parents, Betty and Ted Corday, who co-created "Days of our Lives" and helmed the series for many years. "Days" (Monday-Friday, 1-2 p.m. ET) first premiered as a half-hour drama in 1965 and expanded to an hour 10 years later.
In its 48-plus years, "Days of our Lives" has garnered 232 Daytime Emmy nominations and 36 wins, including a recent Emmy win for Outstanding Daytime Drama. The show's success derives from its consistent commitment to excellence in writing and storytelling -- supported by a diverse ensemble of performers -- and an uncanny knack for anticipating viewer interests. "Days" is set in the fictitious Midwestern town of Salem. The core families are the Bradys, the Hortons and the DiMeras. The multi-layered storylines involve elements of romance, adventure, mystery, comedy and drama.
“Days of our Lives" is produced by Corday Productions Inc.
in association with Sony Pictures Television. Corday is executive producer
with co-executive producers Greg Meng and Lisa De Cazotte. Gary Tomlin and
Christopher Whitesell are the head writers.
ALISON SWEENEY
ANNOUNCES SHE IS LEAVING "DAYS" LATER THIS YEAR, FINISHING A 22-YEAR
RUN ON THE SHOW
UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif. – January 09,
2013 – On the heels of celebrating its 12,000th episode, NBC has extended its
long-running daytime drama "Days of our Lives" for an additional year, taking
the show through September 2014 and past its 48th year anniversary in November
2013. The extension was announced today by Jennifer Salke, President, NBC
Entertainment. The 12,000th episode will air this Friday, January 11.
Executive producer Ken Corday
follows in the tradition of his parents, Betty and Ted Corday, who co-created
"Days of our Lives" and helmed the series for many years. “After so many years in the homes and hearts of our loyal
fans, I’m both humbled and elated to say it’s 2013 and we’re still going
strong,†said Corday. “I am equally proud that the sense of family which my
mom and dad established in our show 48 years ago, is still what drives it today.
As we celebrate our 12,000th episode with an amazing cast and great support from
our network, we look forward to what’s yet to come!†In the 12,000th episode, Sami (played by Alison
Sweeney, who coincidentally celebrates her 20-year anniversary on “Daysâ€
this week) and Rafe (Galen Gering) start getting close again. Chloe (Nadia
Bjorlin) finds an ally in her quest to win Daniel (Shawn Christian) away from
Jennifer (Melissa Reeves). Meanwhile, Gabi (Camila Banus) prepares to marry Nick
(Blake Berris) while carrying the baby of Will (Daytime Emmy winner Chandler
Massey). All three continue to struggle with what role Will should play in the
baby’s life. Before the episode’s end, someone throws a huge wrench into the
wedding proceedings.
"Days of our Lives†(Monday-Friday, 1-2 p.m. ET)
first premiered as a half-hour drama in 1965 and expanded to an hour 10 years
later. In its 47-plus years,
“Days of our Lives†has garnered 215 Daytime Emmy nominations and 32 wins,
including a recent Emmy win for Outstanding Writing as well as a GLAAD Award win
for Outstanding Daily Drama. The show's success derives from its consistent
commitment to excellence in writing and storytelling -- supported by a diverse
ensemble of performers -- and an uncanny knack for anticipating viewer
interests. "Days†is set in the fictitious midwestern town of Salem. The core
families are the Bradys, the Hortons and the DiMeras. The multi-layered
storylines involve elements of romance, adventure, mystery, comedy and drama.
“Days of our Lives†is
produced by Corday Productions Inc. in association with Sony Pictures
Television. Ken Corday is executive producer with co-executive producers Greg
Meng and Lisa De Cazotte. Gary Tomlin and Christopher Whitesell are the head
writers.
FORMER WRITER BARBARA ESENSTEN
PASSES AWAY
TWO 1980's "DAYS" ACTRESSES HAVE PASSED
AWAY
Kathryn Virginia
Fuller of La Cañada Flintridge, actress and member of the Screen
Actors Guild (SAGAFTRA) - and Actors' Equity Association (AEA)-who was
affectionately known to her family as "America's Favorite Actress"-passed away
peacefully at home on May 24, 2012, due to natural causes. She was 89. Ms.
Fuller appeared on "Days of Our Lives" as Mabel Cummings, Lee Dumonde's
nurse/assistant, from 1980-1981, and again from 1985-1986 as a different Mabel,
Roman and Marlena's housekeeper.
Services and
interment were conducted May 31, 2012, at Mountain View Chapel in Altadena.
Kathryn was born on June 5, 1922, in Delaware, Ohio to Gilbert and Ruth Eagon.
She earned a degree in Theatre Arts from Ohio Wesleyan University. There, during
the Second World War, she met her future husband, Mark H. Fuller, who was then
enrolled in the U.S. Navy V-12 Unit at Ohio Wesleyan. They were married in July,
1945, at Christ Church in New York City. Following the War, Kathryn and Mark
resided in California; they lived in Altadena, Arcadia, South Pasadena, and then
for 52 years in La Cañada Flintridge.
Kathryn
began a professional acting career with performances at the Pasadena Playhouse,
Theatre Americana (Altadena), and Glendale Centre Theatre. Eventually she would
make many appearances on television, in films and on stage. She was a gifted
actress, director and writer-but Kathryn will also be remembered as a loving
wife and mother, with four sons and two daughters. She managed a busy household
that often included extended family members. For over 40 years, Kathryn and her
family were active members of Holliston United Methodist Church; she taught
pre-school at Holliston's Merryland Nursery School. She volunteered in her
community, reading books at local schools and directing theater for
non-profits-such as Foothill Service Club for The Blind, where she directed a
play cast entirely with blind actors.
In over 50
years of work, Kathryn influenced the careers of fellow actors and touched the
hearts of many. In 1962, she was a co-founder of Studio Theatre Playhouse in Los
Angeles, which today remains a venue for new theatrical talent. As a playwright,
she authored: "Lightning in the South" (from the life of Mary Todd Lincoln) and
co-authored "Lutie" (a comedic romp set in New Orleans). Both premiered at
Glendale Centre Theatre. Her many performances with The Colony at Studio Theatre
Playhouse included: Terrence Shank's adaptation of John Steinbeck's "The Grapes
of Wrath", Eugene O'Neill's "Long Day's Journey into Night," and the world stage
premier of Ray Bradbury's "The Martian Chronicles." When "The Grapes of Wrath"
was picked up by the Louisville Regional Equity Theatre, Kathryn was cast in the
featured role of "Mama" for an extended run.
On
television, Kathryn's recurring roles included Mabel Cummings in "Days of Our
Lives," Mrs. Shellenback on "Happy Days," and Mrs. McGregor on "Valerie's
Family." Numerous other appearances included "Laverne & Shirley," "Little
House on the Prairie," "Highway to Heaven," "Remington Steele," and "Newhart".
Her favorite motion picture role was that of Faye Kennedy in "Yes, Georgio"
co-starring with Luciano Pavarotti.
Kathryn is
preceded in death by her parents and her sister Sue Jacobs. She is survived by
her husband Mark; sister Meredith Rode and brother Richard Eagon; children, Mike
(Tina), Elin Alto (John), Scott (Susanne), Tim (Gail), Babette Coverdale (John)
and Matt (Shyrlee), eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. She is
loved and missed by all. (Obituary courtesy of Pasadena Star-News,
6/30/12).
Sandra Silvana
Gallardo, an actress, acting coach and writer whose face and
career were known throughout the world, died Monday, January 2, 2012 at
Jewish Hospital in Louisville, Missouri. Gallardo, a New York native who had
been living in Paris, Kentucky, was 64. In 1988, Ms. Gallardo appeared on "Days
of Our Lives" as Rosa Ramirez, the mother of April, Emilio and Julio and wife of
Monty Dolan. In the storyline, Rosa ended up comatose after being hit
by a car and Monty decided to pull her life support
plug.
She appeared on many television shows
including Babylon 5, Hill Street Blues, Falcon Crest, NYPD Blue, The Golden
Girls and Days of Our Lives . Her film credits include Calendar Girl Murders,
Silence of the Heart, Copacabana, The Windwalker, Death Wish II, Out of the Dark
and Solar Crisis. Ms. Gallardo taught and coached some of Hollywood's biggest
stars, including Angelina Jolie, Keanu Reeves, Billy Drago and Peta Wilson.
She moved to Paris, Kentucky after having directed Fading
to Zero, a feature docudrama based on the life and work of the late Brooklyn
poet laureate Ken Siegelman. Funeral services will be private. Lusk-McFarland
Funeral Home in Paris is handling arrangements. (Obituary courtesy of
Lexington-Herald Leader, 1/5/12).
"DAYS" STARS APPEAR ON "JEOPARDY!" ON FRIDAY, JUNE
29
On Friday, June 29, watch as some of your
favorite Salemites deliver clues in a special category on "Jeopardy!" Cast
members participating are Joe Mascolo (Stefano), Bryan Dattilo (Lucas), Galen
Gering (Rafe), Kristian Alfonso (Hope), James Scott (EJ), Chandler Massey
(Will), Christie Clark (Carrie) and James Reynolds (Abe). For more information
on the show and where to watch, please visit http://www.jeopardy.com/
DORIS SINGLETON PASSES AWAY
Actress and comedienne Doris Singleton
Isaacs, who recurred on "I Love Lucy" as Lucy's near-sighted neighbor and
sometimes nemesis Carolyn Appleby, died Tuesday, June 26, 2012. She was 92. In
1976, she appeared in 4 episodes of "Days of Our Lives" as Kay Stanhope, the
wife of James Stanhope and mother of Ginny Stanhope.
Singleton guested in a large number of both
comedies and dramas during her 30-plus career in television. After performing as
a featured dancer with the American Ballet Theater in her teens, the
Brooklyn-born Dorthea Singleton began in showbiz as a vocalist with Art
Jarrett's orchestra in the late 1930s. Her distinctive voice led to a career in
radio, where she was an actress on "The Whistler" and other shows during WWII,
performing at times with the likes of George Burns & Gracie Allens, Bob Hope
and Jack Benny. Singleton met Lucille Ball in the late 1940s during a
performance of the radio show "My Favorite Husband"; a few years later, Ball
invited Singleton to join the cast of TV's "I Love Lucy" as Carolyn Appleby.
Singleton appeared on 10 episodes of the show from 1953 to 1957. By the
mid-1950s the actress was busy with TV guest appearances on programs including
"Adventures of Superman," "The Loretta Young Show," "The Great Gildersleeve,"
"The Bob Hope Show" and "Alfred Hitchcock Presents." Singleton also appeared in
a few feature films during the 1950s: "Terror at Midnight," "Affair in Reno" and
"Voice in the Mirror."
She was a series regular on the
brief 1960 series "Angel," recurred on "My Three Sons" as Margaret Williams and
guested on "The Munsters," "The Dick Van Dyke Show" and "Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C."
during the decade; she also returned to work with Ball on episodes of "The Lucy
Show" and "Here's Lucy" as well as the 1980 telepic "Lucy Moves to NBC," and she
made appearances on dramas including "Gunsmoke," "Twilight Zone," "The Fugitive"
and "The F.B.I." Her credits during the 1970s included "All in the Family,"
"Marcus Welby, M.D.," "Phyllis" and the daytime soap "Days of Our Lives."
Singleton made one of her last appearances in a 1982 episode of "Dynasty."
Singleton also appeared as an interviewee in the "American Masters" documentary
"Finding Lucy" in 2000 and in an "E! True Hollywood Story" episode devoted to "I
Love Lucy" in 2005.
Singleton's husband Charles
Isaacs, a comedy writer, director and producer to whom she was married for 61
years, died in 2002.
(Obituary courtesy of
Variety.com)
Lisa Connor has joined the "Days" writing
staff, briefly, as a breakdown writer. Her exit has already been announced by
the new writing team, so look for her to be leaving sometime this summer. Connor
started her career as the Assistant Publicist for Universal Pictures from
1985-1986. She then began her daytime career as a Production Coordinator for
"Guiding Light" in 1987-1990. She then became one of GL's Associate Directors
from 1990-1994. GL then gave Connor her first shot at writing in 1994. From
there, she was a writer for "One Life to Live" (1995-1996) and "As the World
Turns" (1997-1999). From 1999-2002, she was a Supervising Producer for "All My
Children." In 2002, she returned to writing and did stints at "All My Children"
(2002-2005), "As The World Turns" (2005-2009), "The Young and the Restless"
(2009-2010), "All My Children" (2010-2011) and "General Hospital" (2011). Connor
has received 9 Daytime Emmy nominations, winning once in 1994 (as part of the
directing team for "Guiding Light" in 1994). Lisa Kim Connor, 48, was born
December 2, 1963. Tenure: May 22, 2012-Present.
GEORGE MURDOCK PASSES AWAY
Character actor George Murdock, best
known as Lt. Scanlon on "Barney Miller," Dr. Salik on "Battlestar Galactica" and
"God" in "Star Trek V: The Final Frontier," died April 30 in Los Angeles. He was
81. Murdock portrayed Judge Andrew Walker, who presided over John Black's trial
in Aremid, for 14 episodes on "Days of Our Lives" from January-February
1996.
Murdock racked up more than 200 credits in TV
and film over the course of a career that spanned more than five decades. In
another connection to "Star Trek," Murdock played Admiral J.P. Hanson in two
episodes of "The Next Generation."
The actor also
appeared onstage, originating the role of Judge Julius Hoffman in the Odyssey
Theater's 1979 production of "The Chicago Conspiracy Trial" (and reprising the
role 25 years later). As one of the original members of the Melrose Theater,
Murdock performed in many plays with the troupe, most notably, "Lester Sims
Retires Tomorrow," which later moved to Off Broadway.
The actor began a steady stream of smallscreen
roles in the early 1960s with credits in "Twilight Zone," "The Untouchables, "77
Sunset Strip." Later came roles in "Hawaii Five-O," "Mod Squad," "Ironside,"
"Gunsmoke," "McCloud," "Lou Grant" and "The Rockford Files." He played generals
in miniseries "The Winds of War" and "War and Remembrance," and he was a regular
on the brief Yakov Smirnoff vehicle "What a Country" in 1986. Later credits
included "L.A. Law," "ER," the "X Files" series and movie and
"CSI."
With his characteristic gravitas, Murdock was
a natural to play judges, and he did so repeatedly not only onstage but also on
television ("Law and Order," "Judging Amy") and in film ("Timescape," "Final
Analysis").
Born in Salina, Kans., Murdock is
survived by his wife, Cathy, and a stepdaughter. A remembrance of Murdock will
be held Sunday, May 20, at 2 p.m. at the Odyssey Theater, 2055 South Sepulveda
Blvd., L.A. (Obituary courtesy of Variety.com)
"DAYS"
SUNDAY EVENING MARATHONS RETURN TO SOAPNET
Beginning this week (Sunday, May 6),
"Days of Our Lives" will now air on Sunday evening marathons on SoapNet from
7PM-Midnight. "Days" continues to air each weeknight on SoapNet at 8PM and 11PM.
The Sunday evening marathon replaces the 7AM weekday airings. This is the first
time SoapNet has aired "Days" in a weekend marathon format since October 2008.
"DAYS" GETS NEW HEAD
WRITING TEAM
SoapOperaNetwork.com has announced that "Days of Our Lives" Head Writers Marlene McPherson and Darrell Ray Thomas Jr. have been relieved of their duties. Former Co-Executive Producer Gary Tomlin and former Co-Head Writer Christopher Whitesell have been named the new Head Writers, effective immediately. Look for their material to debut around July, 2012, just before "Days" goes on hiatus for two weeks of Summer Olympics preemptions.
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Gary Tomlin began his career as an actor on such shows as "Search For Tomorrow",
"The Waltons" and "Another World". He switched to writing and was a dialogue
writer at "Days" from February-October 1980. He was then the head writer (along
with Michelle Poteet Lisanti) at "Days" from October 20, 1980-October 20, 1981.
He later wrote for "Texas", "Search For Tomorrow", "Another World" and "Santa
Barbara" (where he won an Emmy in 1989). Tomlin switched to producing in 1995
and had stints at "All My Children", "Sunset Beach" and "One Life to Live"
(where he won an Emmy in 2002). From 2003-2008, Tomlin began the next phase of
his career, as a director on "Passions." From September 2008-September 2011,
Tomlin was the Co-Executive Producer of "Days." Gary D. Tomlin, 62, was born
March 6, 1950 in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Christopher Whitesell has a long history in daytime, beginning in 1984
with "Guiding Light." He was on the writing staffs of "Guiding Light", "As the
World Turns", "Another World" and "One Life to Live" before being named to his
first co-head writing position, on "General Hospital", in 1997. From 1998-1999,
he was the co-head writer on "Sunset Beach." Whitesell then was a breakdown and
dialogue writer at "Days" from March 2000-March 2001. He later was co-head
writer on "One Life to Live" from 2001-2003 and "As the World Turns" from
2003-2008. From October 2008-June 2011, Whitesell was the co-head writer at
"Days." He wrote for "The Young and the Restless" from 2011-2012. Whitesell has
been nominated for ten Daytime Emmy Awards, winning four times (in 1986 for
"Guiding Light"; 1994 for "One Life to Live"; and 2004 and 2005 for "As the
World Turns"). Christopher Joseph Whitesell, 55, was born on January 17, 1957 in
Iowa Falls, Iowa.
EPISODE # 12000 SET TO AIR IN JANUARY, 2013
Barring any unscheduled news
preemptions, "Days of Our Lives" is set to air its milestone 12,000th episode on
Friday, January 11, 2013.
ROBERT HEGYES PASSES AWAY
Robert Hegyes, who played Juan Epstein on the 1970's sitcom "Welcome Back, Kotter," died Thursday, January 26, 2012. Hegyes, who died of an apparent heart attack after suffering chest pains at his Metuchen, New Jersey home, was 60. Hegyes had not been in good health for the past two years, his brother Mark Hegyes said. The actor had suffered a previous heart attack in recent years. Police responded to an emergency call from Hegyes' home at approximately 9 a.m. He was transported to JFK Medical Center in Edison, New Jersey, but at that point he had gone into full cardiac arrest.On "Days of Our Lives", Hegyes appeared in four episodes in 1985 as Bernardo, a Viper gangmember and friend to Pete Jannings. In the storyline, Bernardo was originally hired to burn down the restaurant Shenanigans but later turned good. He ended up being killed trying to protect Pete.
Though Hegyes also starred on the detective series "Cagney & Lacey" (as Det. Manny Esposito) and, in later years, guest-starred on shows such as "NewsRadio" and "Diagnosis Murder," Hegyes was best-known for his role as Juan Epstein -- full name: Juan Luis Pedro Phillipo de Huevos Epstein -- on the 1970s sitcom "Welcome Back, Kotter" from 1975 to 1979. Perpetually scheming and always ready with a self-written note signed "Epstein's Mother" to explain his school absences, Epstein stood out among a group of characters that included the super-cocky womanizer Vinnie Barabarino (played by a young John Travolta) and hip but beleaguered high-school teacher Gabe Kotter (played by Gabe Kaplan).
Hegyes' last acting role was
in the film "Hip, Edgy, Sexy, Cool" in 2002. He also appeared with most of the
original "Kotter" cast members for a reunion at the TV Land Awards in 2011, as a
commemoration for the series' 35th anniversary. The actor, born in Perth Amboy,
New Jersey, leaves behind a two children, Cassie and Mack, and two
step-children, Sophia and Alex.
KAYE STEVENS, "DAYS" STAR OF 1970's, HAS PASSED AWAY
Singer and
actress Kaye Stevens, who appeared as Jeri Clayton on "Days of Our Lives" from
1974-1979, has died. She had been battling breast cancer and blood clots,
according to Gerry Schweitzer, a close friend. Ms. Stevens died on Wednesday,
December 28, 2011 at the Villages Hospital, north of Orlando, Florida. She was
79.
Stevens is credited with helping to put the town
of Margate, Florida on the map. The community's developer, Jack Marquesee, hired
her to do the first commercials for Margate in the mid-1950's. She went above
and beyond, often mentioning the town during her TV appearances. She once
quipped on "The Tonight Show" that the entrance and exit signs for Margate are
back to back. As a token of appreciation, the city named a park for her at the
corner of Copans Road and State Road 7. Stevens lived in the west Broward
community until 2004, when she moved to Summerfield, north of
Orlando.
Stevens was born Catherine Louise Stephens
in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on July 21, 1932. Her family eventually moved to
Cleveland, Ohio where a teenage Stevens got her start as a drummer and singer.
She later married bandleader/trumpet player Tommy Amato, and the couple
performed throughout the eastern United States (they would divorce after a
seven-year marriage). During a gig in New Jersey, Stevens was discovered by Ed
McMahon, Johnny Carson's longtime "Tonight Show" sidekick, which led to new
bookings. Her big break came when she was playing a lounge at The Riviera Hotel
in Las Vegas. Debbie Reynolds became ill and was unable to perform in the main
room. Stevens filled in and was an instant hit. Stevens would later perform with
Rat Pack members Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr. and Joey Bishop.
During the Vietnam War era, Stevens performed for American soldiers in the war
zone with Bob Hope's USO tour. She also sang solo at venues such as Caesar's
Palace in Las Vegas and the Plaza Hotel's Persian Room in New York
City.
She played Jeri Clayton on "Days" from
May 1974 to April 1975 and again from April 1976 to June 1979. In the storyline,
she was the mother of Trish Clayton and a singer at Doug's Place. Towards the
end of her "Days" run, Marlena Evans stopped Jeri from killing herself and, soon
after, Jeri left town. Stevens never signed a contract with "Days", preferring
to recur while she persued other opportunities. While appearing on "Days", she
was a TV game show staple, appearing on such shows as "The Match Game", "To Tell
the Truth", "Hollywood Squares" and "Password." She also acted on such shows as
"Chips" and "Police Woman" and appeared in six movies, earning a Golden Globe
nomination in 1964 for "The New Interns."
In
a 1976 article, Stevens stated that she decided to leave "Days" the first time
in 1975 because she was making $14,000 a year on the show, instead of the
$25,000 she would usually get for just one singing performance. But her love for
"Days" brought her back to the show a year later. Stevens felt she "had acquired
a family" when she was on "Days" and noted that "when I opened my act here
in Los Angeles earlier this year...co-stars Susan Seaforth Hayes and Wesley Eure
wept during my entire act. [Executive producer] Betty Corday even got out of a
sick bed to come see me sing and dance."
During the past two decades, Stevens left her acting career behind, started her
own ministry, and began performing Christian and patriotic music. She staged
benefits to help build St. Vincent Catholic Church in her longtime home of
Margate, Florida. She leaves no immediate survivors.
GRAHAM BROWN, FIRST
AFRICAN AMERICAN MALE IN MAJOR ROLE ON "DAYS", PASSES
AWAY
Born Robert E. Brown in New York City on October 24, 1924, he was a boxer before becoming an actor. Mr. Brown is survived by a daughter, a grandson and a sister. (Portions of the obituary are courtesy of Variety.com)
FOR THE RECORD..."DAYS" ONCE AIRED OUT OF ORDER
The first (and so
far, only) instance of a "Days" episode being aired out of order has been found!
Episode # 1797, which was set to air on Friday, December 22, 1972, had this
mandate listed on the script: If there is a preemption on December 19, this
episode will be held and aired on Tuesday, December 26. As it turns out, the
preemption did occur (it was the Apollo 17 Final Flight Splashdown space
coverage). "Days" didn't want to risk airing the Christmas episode (# 1798) set
for Christmas Day 1972 a day late, so instead, they held the December 22 episode
(# 1797) and aired it on December 26. So, in the official airdate order, the
record now shows that "Days" aired episodes 1798, 1797, 1799 and 1800 during
Christmas week of 1972.
Ten years ago, "Days" also
put this plan into action, in case there were any preemptions in the weeks
leading up to Christmas 2001 (episode # 9207, the special Christmas
retrospective in which the actors appeared as themselves). No preemptions ended
up happening that year, so # 9207 aired as planned on Christmas Day,
2001.
JAMES SCOTT SETS NEW "DAYS" RECORD IN
NOVEMBER 2011....QUICKEST TO APPEAR IN 1,000 EPISODES IN "DAYS"
HISTORY
On November 15,
2011, James Scott (EJ) appeared in his 1,000th "Days" episode. Only 1,392
episodes will have aired since Scott's debut. This is the quickest any actor has
ever appeared in 1,000 episodes, with Scott breaking the all-time record of
1,422 episodes set by Alison Sweeney (Sami) in 1998, and the all-time male
record of 1,433 episodes held by Macdonald Carey (Tom) since 1971. Scott becomes
just the 39th actor to reach the 1,000 episode mark in "Days" history. The
ranking below shows the 39 actors in order of how quickly after their debuts
they made it to 1,000 episodes.
Of the current cast, the next in line to
reach 1,000 episodes could be one of this trio: Molly Burnett (Melanie), Shawn
Christian (Daniel) or Galen Gering (Rafe). All three will be just above the
500-episode mark at the end of 2011. None of them will reach the 1,000-episode
mark until late 2014 at the earliest.
Quickest To Appear in 1,000
Episodes:
1. James Scott (E.J. DiMera)...1,392
episodes
Debut: 5/30/06 (# 10325)...1000th Episode: 11/15/11 (#
11716)
2. Alison Sweeney (Sami Brady)...1,422 episodes
Debut:
1/22/93 (# 6945)...1000th Episode: 8/26/98 (# 8366)
3.
Macdonald Carey (Tom Horton)....1,432 episodes
Debut:
11/8/65 (# 1)...1000th Episode: 7/7/71 (#
1432)
4. Jason Cook (Shawn-Douglas Brady)...1,467
episodes
Debut: 10/15/99 (# 8652)...1000th Episode: 8/9/05 (#
10118)
5. Drake Hogestyn (John Black)...1,647
episodes
Debut: 1/24/86 (# 5148)...1000th Episode: 6/18/92 (# 6794)
6.
Edward Mallory (Bill Horton)...1,777 episodes
Debut: 6/21/66
(# 158)...1000th Episode: 7/31/73 (# 1934)
7.
Charles Shaughnessy (Shane Donovan)...1,836 episodes
Debut:
7/31/84 (# 4765)...1000th Episode: 9/18/91 (# 6600)
8. Susan Flannery
(Laura Horton)...1,845 episodes
Debut: 11/22/66 (# 265)...1000th Episode:
4/12/74 (# 2109)
9. Deidre Hall (Marlena Evans)...1,870
episodes
Debut: 6/21/76 (# 2667)...1000th Episode: 9/12/83 (#
4536)
10. Susan Seaforth Hayes (Julie Williams)...1,881
episodes
Debut: 12/11/68 (# 780)...1000th Episode: 6/10/76 (#
2660)
11. John Aniston (Victor Kiriakis)...2,012
episodes
Debut: 7/19/85 (# 5015)...1000th Episode: 5/18/93 (#
7026)
12. Melissa Reeves (Jennifer Horton)...2,097
episodes
Debut: 10/9/85 (# 5073)...1000th Episode: 12/8/93 (#
7169)
13. Bill Hayes (Doug Williams)...2,116
episodes
Debut: 2/18/70 (# 1079)...1000th Episode: 7/4/78 (# 3194)
14.
John Clarke (Mickey Horton)...2,119 episodes
Debut: 11/8/65 (#
1)...1000th Episode: 4/26/74 (# 2119)
15.
Patsy Pease (Kimberly Brady)...2,160 episodes
Debut: 7/24/84
(# 4760)...1000th Episode: 12/15/92 (# 6919)
16.
Lauren Koslow (Kate Roberts)...2,194 episodes
Debut: 1/25/96
(# 7704)...1000th Episode: 9/27/04 (# 9897)
17.
Frances Reid (Alice Horton)...2,371 episodes
Debut:
11/8/65 (# 1)...1000th Episode: 4/25/75 (# 2371)
18.
Josh Taylor (Roman Brady)...2,389 episodes
Debut: 7/18/97 (#
8083)...1000th Episode: 12/27/06 (# 10471)
19.
Suzanne Rogers (Maggie Horton)...2,436 episodes
Debut: 8/20/73
(# 1946)...1000th Episode: 2/7/83 (# 4381)
20.
Josh Taylor (Chris Kositchek)...2,474 episodes
Debut: 8/5/77
(# 2958)...1000th Episode: 3/3/87 (# 5431)
21.
Joseph Gallison (Neil Curtis)...2,516 episodes
Debut: 2/13/74
(# 2068)...1000th Episode: 11/16/83 (# 4583)
22.
Bryan Dattilo (Lucas Horton)...2,608 episodes
Debut: 4/15/93
(# 7004)...1000th Episode: 7/31/03 (# 9611)
23.
Arianne Zucker (Nicole Walker)...2,668 episodes
Debut: 2/27/98
(# 8240)...1000th Episode: 9/9/08 (# 10907)
24.
Austin Peck (Austin Reed)...2,680 episodes
Debut: 4/13/95 (#
7507)...1000th Episode: 11/11/05 (# 10186)
25.
Jed Allan (Don Craig)...2,775 episodes
Debut: 6/21/71 (#
1420)...1000th Episode: 5/20/82 (# 4194)
26.
Nadia Bjorlin (Chloe Lane)...2,808 episodes
Debut: 11/24/99 (#
8680)......1000th Episode: 12/23/10 (# 11487)
27.
Renee Jones (Lexie Carver)...2,888 episodes
Debut: 2/2/93 (#
6952)...1000th Episode: 6/21/04 (# 9839)
28.
Christie Clark (Carrie Brady)...2,957 episodes
Debut: 4/14/86
(# 5203)...1000th Episode: 11/3/97 (# 8159)
29.
Peter Reckell (Bo Brady)...3,230 episodes
Debut: 5/3/83 (#
4442)...1000th Episode: 12/8/95 (# 7671)
30.
James Reynolds (Abe Carver)...3,290 episodes
Debut: 10/29/81
(# 4051)...1000th Episode: 8/11/94 (# 7340)
31. Kristian Alfonso
(Hope Brady)...3,318 episodes
Debut: 4/14/83 (# 4429)...1000th Episode:
3/25/96 (# 7746)
32.
Matthew Ashford (Jack Deveraux)...3,803 episodes
Debut:
10/30/87 (# 5603)...1000th Episode: 10/4/02 (# 9405)
33.
Don Frabotta (Dave)...4,077 episodes
Debut: 8/27/74 (#
2206)...1000th Episode: 6/19/90 (# 6282)
34.
Peggy McCay (Caroline Brady)...4,309 episodes
Debut: 2/7/83
(# 4381)...1000th Episode: 12/8/99 (# 8689)
35.
Joseph Mascolo (Stefano DiMera)...4,604 episodes
Debut:
1/18/82 (# 4106)...1000th Episode: 1/6/00 (# 8709)
36.
Louise Sorel (Vivian Alamain)...4,960 episodes
Debut: 3/2/92
(# 6716)...1000th Episode: 9/19/11 (# 11675)
37. Mary
Beth Evans (Kayla Johnson)...5,332 episodes
Debut: 5/23/86 (#
5232)...1000th Episode: 5/4/07 (# 10563)
38. Thaao Penghlis (Tony
DiMera/Andre DiMera)...5,676 episodes
Debut: 11/6/81 (# 4057)...1000th
Episode: 1/20/04 (# 9732)
39. Stephen Nichols (Steve
Johnson)...5,767 episodes
Debut: 6/13/85 (# 4989)...1000th Episode: 2/5/08 (#
10755)
RECKELL SETS ALL-TIME
MONTHLY EPISODE LEADER RECORD!
Congratulations
to Peter Reckell (Bo), who is now the all-time "Days
of Our Lives" leader in monthly episode appearances! Reckell's September 2011
lead marks the 45th time he has led the monthly rankings. He passes Macdonald
Carey (Tom Horton), who led the rankings for 44 months during his tenure with
the show from November 1965 to February 1994. It is the first time Reckell has
led the monthly rankings since August 2009.
Tying
Reckell for the lead in September 2011 is, fittingly, Kristian Alfonso (Hope).
This is Alfonso's 37th time to lead the monthly rankings. She last led the
rankings in April 2008.
This is the 16th time that
Alfonso and Reckell have led the monthly rankings together, and the first time
since June 2006. They have led the monthly rankings together in November 1984,
January 1986, May 1990, August 1995, September 1995, November 1996, October
1998, September 1999, April 2000, December 2001, April 2002, May 2002, April
2004, April 2006, June 2006 and September 2011.
Congratulations to Mary Garripoli (Mary, the DiMera maid) who has been named Teacher of the Year in her school district! When not in Salem, Mary is a special education teacher in Glendale, California.
CATCH THE "DAYS" MINI-PLOTS IN
AUGUST & SEPTEMBER
Co-Executive Greg Meng explained the "Days" mini-plots to Soap Opera Digest: "We are incorporating what we're calling 'mini-plots,' and the first one aired August 1. It is a little surprise element, and there is going to be one integrated into each show. There's more in store: The mini-plots will develop over time. You'll have to watch us now to see how they and we change leading up to September." The mini-plots (flashbacks of "Days" scenes) air at the half-way point of the show, and are replacing the "hourglass insert" for the next two months, so make sure not to fast-forward through that commercial break! The last mini-plot aired on Friday, September 23.
ALI DIRECTS
HORTON TOWN SQUARE
The "transition" episodes written by the new writing team of Marlene McPherson and Darrell Ray Thomas (episodes # 11679 and # 11680) were taped on Tuesday, July 12 and Wednesday, July 13 and will air on Friday, September 23 and Monday, September 26. Along with the returns of fan favorites Matthew Ashford (Jack), Christie Clark (Carrie), Deidre Hall (Marlena), Drake Hogestyn (John) and Patrick Muldoon (Austin), as well as appearances by Bill Hayes (Doug) and Susan Seaforth Hayes (Julie), these special episodes will also feature a brand new set: Horton Town Square. Reports from the set seem to indicate that the new set will be dedicated to the memory of Dr. Tom Horton and Alice Horton (original cast members Macdonald Carey and Frances Reid), and that there will be many mentions of Tom and Alice in the episodes. Also, for the first time since the new budget took effect at the beginning of 2009, the studio is taping past 6PM. Up until 2009, it was common for "Days" to tape well into the late night hours, but due to budget constraints, the show has not taped past 6PM in the past two-and-a-half years. More information will be posted as soon as it is available.
THE "NEW" DAYS IS SET FOR SEPTEMBER 26, 2011!
Executive
Producer Ken Corday is resetting "Days of our Lives" with the simple yet
successful formula of centering the show around romance and the characters fans
know and love. "It's time to make a more positive, romantic, and intriguing show
driven by the power of heroic love. I'm very excited about the new adventure we
are about to take which is based on the show that my parents created 45 years
ago."
"Days of our Lives" initiated a strong
direction of change by appointing a new head writing team consisting of Marlene
McPherson and Darrell Ray Thomas. The successful writing duo plan to change the
direction of the show as they tell contemporary stories based on the solid
foundation of the "Days" history of family, romance, and intrigue. McPherson and
Thomas commented, "New fans will find many reasons to stay, and longtime fans
will find many reasons to return." Launching with a grand event in the fall, big
surprises will be coming to Salem.
Co-Executive
Producer Noel Maxam, who has been a producer on the show for four years, and
Co-Executive Producer Greg Meng, who has been Executive in Charge of Production
for over ten years, will work together as a team. "The new writing team has
already generated much excitement with the compelling stories they have written,
and we plan to translate those stories to the screen with a refreshed look,"
commented Greg Meng.
Ken Corday commented, "I am
confident these changes will bring back excitement and anticipation to our
family of fans as they tune in each day to see what happens. You won't want to
miss a single episode of the new 'Days' ahead!"
BO ON TOP
On February 11,
2011, Bo Brady became the leader in "Days" episode appearances! Along with
Robert Kelker-Kelly's 595 episodes, Peter Reckell appeared in his 3,287th
episode on February 11. This was Bo's 3,882nd appearance on "Days", passing
Marlena Evans' former record of 3,881 episodes. No other character has yet to
appear in 3,400 episodes besides Bo or Marlena.
11111...
The 1/11/11 episode of "Days of Our Lives" is the fifth time in "Days" history when the date has been comprised of the same numbers. Here's a look back at each episode:
6/6/66: Episode # 148
Cast:
Tom, Marie, Craig, Julie, David.
7/7/77: Episode #
2937
Cast: Greg, Bob, Phyllis, Amanda, Neil, Robert, Rebecca,
Brooke, Trish, Mary, Dougie, Dave, Gus, Mrs. Hanover.
8/8/88: Episode #
5801
Cast: Kimberly, Shane, Caroline, Steve, Roman, Kayla, Frankie,
Diana, Eve, Calliope, Benjy, Street Vendor.
9/9/99: Episode #
8626
Cast: John, Hope/Gina, Bo, Kate, Billie, Stefano, Eric, Greta,
Nicholas, Kurt, Julie, Doug, Victor, Rolf, Young Greta, Paul (Physical
Therapist), French Waiter, Clerk # 1, Clerk # 2, Official, Gravedigger # 1,
Gravedigger # 2.
1/11/11: Episode #
11500
Cast: Caroline, Sami, EJ, Stephanie, Lexie, Chloe, Daniel,
Nicole, Melanie, Stefano, Rafe, Nathan, Chad, Carly, Kayla, Johnny, Parker,
Moving Man, Nurse.
"DAYS" RENEWED THROUGH SEPTEMBER 2013!
UNIVERSAL CITY,
Calif. November 8, 2010 NBC has picked up its daytime drama "Days of
our Lives" which is celebrating its 45th season today on NBC -- for two more
years through the 2012-13 season. The announcement was made today by Jeff
Gaspin, Chairman, NBC Universal Television Entertainment. "Days of our Lives"
remains vitally creative through the years as it continues to draw new
generations of viewers, especially among its loyal female audience" said Gaspin.
"NBC salutes the series on its 45th anniversary and we look forward with
great anticipation to working with the production team for the years to come.
This important and enduring series is an iconic part of NBC's history as well as
that of daytime drama, said Bruce Evans, Senior Vice President, Current
Programming, NBC Entertainment. "The creative team, cast and crew work hard each
day to ensure that "Days" continues to remain fresh and relevant to its legions
of devoted fans across the country.
"With
great joy, I am pleased to announce the best news any soap opera could receive.
"Days of our Lives" has been picked up through September of 2013, said Ken
Corday, executive producer of "Days." "We extend our greatest gratitude to NBC
for blessing us with the gift of such an amazing commitment. We continue to be
big believers in the serialized daytime drama and we're thrilled that our great
partners at NBC have renewed "Days of our Lives," said Steve Mosko, president,
Sony Pictures Television. An iconic global brand, "Days" entertains millions of
loyal, engaged viewers, on television and online, in the US and around the
world.
"Days of our Lives" (Monday-Friday, 1-2 p.m.
in most markets; check local listings) first premiered as a half-hour drama in
1965 and expanded to an hour 10 years later. Today, it remains a consistent
favorite among viewers of daytime television serials and is currently tied for
#4 for the season among all daytime dramas in women 18-49, tied for #2 in women
18-34 and tied for #1 among girls 12-17, according to Nielsen Media Research.
Through six weeks of the 2010-11 season, "Days" is averaging 2.6 million
viewers. In its 45 years, "Days of our Lives" has garnered numerous Emmy Awards
and nominations, as well as multiple Soap Opera Digest and People's Choice
Awards. "Days of our Lives" is set in the fictitious Midwestern town of Salem.
The core families are the Bradys, the Hortons and the DiMeras, and the
multi-layered storylines involve elements of romance, adventure, mystery, comedy
and drama.
"DAYS" IN HIGH DEFINITION
"Days of Our Lives" began broadcasting in High Definition on November 9, 2010, the day after the series' 45th anniversary.