Weekly Spoilers: December 26-30, 2022

 

The Young and the Restless

Looks like the year with a bang! Lily comes to a major turning point, Jack makes what could be a game-changing mistake, Sally tries to keep a bit of crucial intel under wraps, and Victor and Elena both attempt to do the impossible. Not the same impossible thing, mind you, different impossible things.

Friday, December 23:

Mariah and Tessa receive a Christmas miracle after a collective bad dream.

Mariah and Tessa spread some holiday cheer as they plan their future. As they head toward the new year, look back at the old one — and the ones preceding it — in a photo gallery of their love story.

Week of December 26:

Y&R Restless Rant! Hot topics: Will Sally’s bundle bring ‘Ally’ fans joy?!? Plus, how dumb is Jeremy Stark, Billy’s one-track mind, “Teriah’s” miracle and more.

Monday, December 26:

We’re amazed that there’s anything Tucker could do that would surprise Ashley at this point, and yet he manages to pull it off today. Perhaps it’s a brand-new empire all her own topped with an extra-large red bow!

Best of luck! Elena tries to repair Devon and Nate’s relationship, but has too much happened between the cousins for them to ever go back to being buds? Hey, if Neil and Malcolm could bury the hatchet, there’s gotta still be hope for this pair.

Ooo. Summer puts Diane on notice. We love to see the “Phyllis” come out in Red’s daughter.

Tuesday, December 27:

Unwilling to accept that his family might get along better if its black sheep didn’t work alongside them, Victor strategizes to bring Adam back into the fold at Newman. Do you want to tell the patriarch that that’s akin to throwing a match on gasoline, or shall we?

When Devon regrets a business decision, we have to wonder if he agreed to take Chancellor-Winters public against his better instincts. If so, what — or who — will make him wish he’d listened to his gut?

Phyllis and Daniel reminisce with Danny — but about what? The time she torpedoed the pop star’s marriage to Christine? Maybe when she passed off Daniel as Danny’s biological son? Or how about flashing back to the fateful day that the singer was awarded full custody of the boy?

Wednesday, December 28:

Well, this is a switch! Victor questions Nick and Victoria’s decision-making. Typically, the Black Knight co-signs his CEO daughter’s power moves no matter what she gets up to.

When Diane crosses enemy lines, will it do her any good… or make an already bad situation a thousand times worse?

Uh-oh. Since Chloe helps Sally keep a secret, we’re thinking that maybe the redhead’s goodbye tryst with Adam left her with more than steamy memories — as in, maybe a bun in the oven?

Thursday, December 29:

It’s going to seem like old times when Danny reunites with Traci and Lauren. Perhaps they’d enjoy peeking into a scrapbook that includes a look back at their days as singing partners… who occasionally hit a sour note.

We have a hunch it’s curtains for Billy and Lily’s relationship when she makes a painful decision. How long before he’s back in Chelsea’s arms, and Lily is reunited with Daniel?

Is there still mistletoe up at the Abbott mansion? Sure sounds like it since Jack lets his guard down with Diane.

Friday, December 30:

Due to CBS Sports coverage of the Sun Bowl, Young & Restless will air its Masquerade Ball episode from 1991. 

 

The Bold and the Beautiful

Sheila does everything in her power to try and convince her son and his wife that she’s changed. Meanwhile, Bill’s sons wonder what the heck is up with him, and Thomas may be made to pay for his recent sins!

Week of December 26:

Monday, December 26:

Thomas pleads his case to the Forrester Board of Directors.

Sheila makes a frightful decision while implementing her next move.

Tuesday, December 27:

Carter and Katie share a romantic date during a torrential storm.

Finn and Steffy jump into action when Sheila makes a surprise appearance.

Wednesday, December 28:

Steffy and Finn are stunned as Sheila asks for the chance to right her wrongs.

Taylor and Brooke embark on a new journey as friends.

Thursday, December 29:

Liam and Wyatt grow concerned over Bill’s state of mind.

Sheila uses another trick to get what she wants from Finn and Steffy.

Friday, December 30:

The soap will be airing a repeat of the episode which originally aired on August 1, 2022.

 

General Hospital

Esme cooks up a new plan after determining there might be a weak link in Nikolas’ armor. Meanwhile, Laura gets suspicious, Ava reveals what she really wants, and Britt’s first (and possibly last) party kicks into high gear!

Week of December 19:

Monday, December 19:

Drew confronts Denise and accuses her of lying to him, Michael and Willow learn the sex of their baby, and Joss lets her guard down around Dex.

You gotta have friends, as the song says, so Ava will probably be glad to have Nina and Sonny swing by to check on her.

Nikolas and Elizabeth definitely aren’t seeing things eye to eye.

When Josslyn needs comforting, mom Carly is there to provide it.

Brook Lynn is hurt by what Chase has to say.

Drew and Alexis take a meeting.

Tuesday December 20:

After learning Nikolas supposedly slept with Elizabeth, Spencer decides to cut ties with his father. And when Denise spins a new story about Harmony, Joan and Willow, it puts Drew back on the right track to learning the truth.

Talk about close calls! Carly manages to dodge a bullet. (Hopefully, not a literal one… although in this town, it could go either way!) Carly dodges a bullet.

Drew’s got a new theory, but can he find evidence to support it?

Things may have changed, but one thing remains constant: The friction that continues to exist between Nikolas and Spencer.

Sam can’t help but worry about Dante.

Phyllis lends Nina an ear during her time of need.

Wednesday, December 21:

Families in Port Charles gather for Christmas Eve, Chase receives a Christmas miracle, Trina gets a surprise visitor, and one person faces danger on the road as they drive home.

What do you get someone who has — or can buy — everything? Guess we’ll find out as the Quartermaines exchange presents!

Alexis offers some sound advice to nephew Spencer.

Maxie has never been one to mince words, as Austin will find out when she’s completely honest with him.

Why is Gregory getting up in Chase’s face?

Curtis is sure to be moved by the gift he receives from Marshall.

Thursday, December 22:

Trina and Spencer come up with a plan to trap Esme, who they believe is the hook. A major piece of evidence ties Ryan to the killings. And Chase agrees to work with Brook Lynn, with one major condition.

Dex and Josslyn will likely find themselves getting closer again when he rides to her rescue.

Trina and Spencer put their heads together. (Dare we hope that perhaps their lips will get close enough to smooch?) Meanwhile, Esme tries to push all of Nikolas’ buttons.

What’s in store next is anyone’s guess, as exiting star defends his character: “That has to count for something, Sprina fans.”

Carly and Ava have had to exist in one another’s orbits for years, but today they’ll carve out a little bit of common ground.

Chase puts all his cards on the table while talking to BLQ.

London calling: As her character plans a big birthday bash, Kelly Thiebaud sends fans a heartfelt message from Great Britt-ain.

Friday, December 23:

Britt helped deliver a baby on Christmas, and Maxie got her own miracle.

Port Charles wakes up ready to celebrate Christmas morning.

She’s back! General Hospital delivers a blast from the past right before the holidays…

Scott has an important reminder for former daughter-in-law Elizabeth.

Austin has a situation which definitely requires Britt’s expertise.

Sasha has something very important on her to-do list, and Sonny is there to help her get it done.

Nina and her aunt Liesl join forces to take on a mission. But can they pull it off and manage to stay out of trouble? Given their record, that’s a valid question!

Week of December 26:

Monday, December 26:

Terry shouldn’t be surprised by anything Britt does, and yet somehow, she is. (Could this have something to do with that killer party Britt’s planning to throw for herself?)

A little bit of information in the wrong hands can be a very dangerous thing. And in the hands of Heather Webber? Well, we can’t imagine what kind of chaos it will create!

Proving to be a friend indeed, Dante encourages Cody. But will his pal listen?

Trina and Spencer are of the same mind. But will their determination pay off?

Robert and Mac are ready to hit the negotiating table.

Tuesday December 27:

Remember when Brook Lynn and Maxie couldn’t stand one another? They’ve come a long way, thanks to having cooked up a few schemes together. So it’s no surprise that when Brook Lynn needs someone to talk to, Maxie is there.

Michael continues to be 100 percent supportive of Willow and her plans.

Sonny was wary when Valentin approached him with a deal being suggested by rivals. When Sonny brokers a deal, is it with regards to that shady offer?

Carly continues to run interference, completely ignoring us as we sit here with our warnings that she’s likely to regret her actions. (Why, oh why, do the TV people never listen?)

Chase and Sasha find time to catch one another up on recent events.

Wednesday, December 28:

We don’t necessarily think of Obrecht as the most honest of folks, but we suspect that the promise she makes today is one she intends to keep.

They’re clearly serving up ice cream in Hell, because Spencer does something we never thought we’d see: apologize to Ava. (Then again, we’ve been seeing sparks fly between the two for a long time, and even his portrayer suggested the pair might one day cross the line!)

They say that sometimes, help comes from the place you least expect it to… which will certainly prove to be the case when Cyrus offers a hand to Laura!

Anna and Valentin find themselves getting deeper into an unfolding mystery.

Victor, determined to make it clear who is the true head of the Cassadine family, gives Nikolas a warning.

Thursday, December 29:

Ever since Liz found out that Esme is being held hostage by Nikolas, the schemer has seen the nurse as a weak link. When Esme starts trying to play Elizabeth, will she find a way to unnerve her?

Michael isn’t one to give up easily!

When Ava at last reveals what she’s really, truly after, to whom will she spill the beans?

Laura isn’t about to sit on her ever-mounting suspicions.

Ready or not, the party of the year kicks off as Britt prepares to celebrate her birthday in high style!

Friday, December 30:

New Year’s Eve will definitely be rockin’ in Port Charles as Liz decides to share some information with Finn, Laura gives son Nikolas a nudge, Britt’s party is the scene of one surprise after another, and Esme decides the time is right to take a huge risk!

 

Days of Our Lives on Peacock

As we get closer and closer to New Year’s Eve, the big question is who’ll be kissing who when the ball drops! In other news, Kristen gets a shock, Gabi’s wedding doesn’t go quite as her groom had planned, and EJ decides he needs to confess!

Week of December 19:

Monday, December 19:

hen the smoke clears from the bomb, Tripp performs CPR on Ava, and Nicole is trapped under a beam — as the ceiling crumbles.

Eric will get a bit more insight into Brady when he shares why Kristen has such a hold on him. Meanwhile, John’s working hard to try and get a confession out of the vixen.

Xander learns yet again that he can run, but he can’t hide, especially where his past is concerned.

Tuesday, December 20:

Ava hallucinates Charlie, Xander owes Gwen, Sonny offers Leo a place to stay, and Bonnie breaks down.

While we’re not sure it’s the best move he could make, Xander reaches out to Gwen when he’s in need of an assist.

Wednesday, December 21:

Eric suggests a twisted plan to stop Kristen, Chanel and Paulina’s charges are dropped, and John refuses Marlena — for a very good reason.

All some kids want for Christmas is their two front teeth or maybe a new Red Ryder bb-gun. Unfortunately for Brady, what Rachel wants is to see her mommy and daddy get back together!

Having been through a whole lot recently, Marlena will probably appreciate being pampered by her beloved John.

Perhaps not surprisingly, things get tense between Nicole and Eric!

Thursday, December 22:

Brady agrees to kidnap his daughter, Johnny gives Wendy a Christmas present, and Li wins over an unimpressed Ari.

The holidays just got a little bit brighter for Kate. Why? Because Rex is swinging by for a visit!

Wendy is grilled by Stefan… at least until Johnny happens upon the scene.

Get the popcorn, because Chloe and Kristen are about to cross paths, and it ain’t gonna be pretty!

Friday, December 23:

The Hortons hang their ornaments, Abigail visits Chad, and Thomas spills Gwen’s secret.

Julie will have reason to celebrate when Eli and the twins come home for a Christmas visit.

Jennifer makes it back home to Salem as well, just in time to hang her ornament with the rest of the Horton family!

Week of December 26:

Monday, December 26:

Ever have a pal who offers to help, only to make things worse? That’s exactly what happens when Gwen lends Xander a hand, only to wind up pushing him further into a bad situation!

Will Alex and Stephanie wind up on Santa’s naughty or nice list after spending Christmas together?

It sounds as if Victor’s going to join us in protesting just how much time Sonny has been spending with Leo!

What does Bonnie do that suddenly has Sarah looking at her husband through newly-suspicious eyes?

Tuesday, December 27:

Hot on the heels of Victor making his stance on Leo perfectly clear, here comes Will to blast his hubby along the same lines.

Eli shows up exactly when Paulina needs a bit of a spirit-lifting boost.

Alex and Stephanie have special plans… which wind up being derailed thanks to Chad.

In the least shocking development ever, Gwen and Xander’s attempt to pull the wool over everyone’s eyes begins to unravel like a cheap sweater.

Wednesday, December 28:

Gabi is all set to walk down the aisle and marry Li. But Rafe can’t help suspecting her heart isn’t truly in it. Meanwhile, Wendy and Johnny find themselves having a tough time keeping their lips zipped, with both really wanting to fill the would-be bride on what they know!

Eric and Brady are ready to put their plan into motion. But can they pull it off?

Nancy wants an update on Chloe’s love life… which could be the kind of conversation that requires cocktails!

Thursday, December 29:

It looks as if Wendy’s getting ever closer to spilling the beans! Meanwhile, it’s time for Gabi to walk down the aisle and make an honest man out of Li. (Good luck with that one, girl!)

Is it getting hot in here, or are Chloe and Stefan steaming things up during their New Year’s Eve getaway to Miami?

Rafe and Jada cross paths with Nicole, and it’s safe to say that things get… let’s go with “tense.”

Friday, December 30:

When Li and Gabi’s wedding ceremony comes to a screeching halt, does that mean that someone has decided to speak now rather than forever hold their peace?

Kristen is in for a shock… which leaves us wondering: Given everything she’s done over the years, what does it take to truly catch the DiMera diva off guard?

EJ has something he needs to get off his chest. How will Nicole react?

They say that who you’re kissing at midnight on New Year’s Eve is the one you’ll be loving all year long. So who’ll be smooching with who as we say farewell to 2022?

https://anchor.fm/valerie-harvey/episodes/Weekly-Spoilers-December-26-30--2022-e1sn2pl

 

EJ DiMera (DOOL) Character Profile

 

EJ DiMera is a fictional character from Days of Our Lives, an American soap opera on the NBC network. Created by head writer James E. Reilly and introduced under executive producers, Ken Corday and Tom Langan, EJ is the son of crime boss Stefano DiMera (Joseph Mascolo) and the eccentric Susan Banks (Eileen Davidson). Originally portrayed by child actors: Avalon, Dillon and Vincent Ragone from February 1997 to April 1998, the character was rapidly aged in 2006 when James Scott was cast in the role; he departed the role in October 2014. In 2018, the role was briefly portrayed by Trey Baxter. In June 2021, Australian actor Dan Feuerriegel assumed the role.

Upon the character's 2006 re-introduction, EJ is immediately taken with Sami Brady (Alison Sweeney), with the pairing becoming one of the most popular and controversial couples in recent history, with the controversy stemming from EJ raping Sami in exchange for his help in saving the life of her longtime love, Lucas Horton. This rape also produces their son, Johnny. The couple's first marriage is for convenience allowing EJ to stay in the country when he begins having problems with immigration. EJ also has a chaotic relationship with Sami's nemesis, Nicole Walker. EJ and Sami's relationship is also rivaled by Sami's relationship with Rafe Hernandez. EJ reunites with Sami, but presumably dies after being shot by his disloyal bodyguard hired by rival Clyde Weston. However, Kristen reveals in 2017 that EJ is alive, and Susan and Sami are reunited with him the following year. EJ then returns to Salem in June 2021.

Scott's performance in the role garnered him two consecutive Daytime Emmy Award nominations for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series in 2010 and 2011.

Creation

Background

According to former Days writer, Kola Boof, she also helped to create the role of EJ Wells and was actually the person who decided to cast Scott in the role. Boof, titled her initial character bible for EJ Wells as "The Devil Finds Work." Boof revealed to Nelson Branco of TV Guide that EJ initially comes to town to avenge his mother, Susan (Eileen Davidson), who by that time had been in a mental institution. Eileen Davidson was set to reprise the role for a few episodes slated to air in the fall. However, the planned story was abandoned when Boof was fired from the writing team. The character was always meant to be a race car driver, but following Boof's firing, his career as a racer was also forgotten about, and he was instead written as a lawyer.

Majority of EJ's childhood is spent with a nanny whom he refers to as his governess, whom he compares to Mary Poppins. EJ begins attending boarding schools at a very young age. EJ is a fan of Jazz music. EJ attends Eton College along with Duke of Cambridge, Prince William (revising his birth year to 1982) and even serviced his car at one point. EJ later attends Oxford University. During this time, EJ is in a long term romance with another woman, and they graduate Oxford together. However, she wants to pursue a career while EJ is given the chance to compete in the European racing circuit. He asks her to come with him, but she refuses and they go their separate ways. EJ then dedicates himself to racing, and becomes known worldwide for his skill. After college, EJ works in Cairo doing import and export work and also lives in India for a while. EJ also has experience as a bartender. He spends a lot of time in Monte Carlo as a race car driver.

Casting

James Scott joined the cast as an aged EJ in 2006; he departed the role in 2014.

In May 2006, it was announced that Scott, previously known for his controversial role as Ethan Cambias on All My Children was slated to join the cast of Days in the role of E.J. The character's surname remained secret to keep his connections to other characters on canvas a secret. Scott filmed his first scenes on May 3, and made his debut on May 30, 2006. Kola Boof revealed that Justin Hartley, formerly of Passions was also considered for the role. After Scott's character was killed off of All My Children, Scott stayed in New York City until the end of pilot season when he was contacted by the casting department from Days. They told Scott that he would definitely fit in the role of EJ. However, at the time, Scott was still under contract with ABC. Scott asked to be released from his contract, and the network agreed. In February 2009, Scott revealed that he re-signed with the series for another two years. In December 2010, Scott revealed that he was considering branching out into other mediums and hinted at the possibility of retiring from acting. In late September 2011, Soap Opera Digest revealed that James would depart the series when his contract expired. However, negotiations continued shortly after the news broke about Scott's potential departure. James issued the following statement: "It has always been my wish to continue working with Days of our Lives, and in light of recent reassurances given, I am optimistic of my future here at Days." Deanna Barnert speculated that the recent reboot of the series, which included bring back several popular veteran characters was in preparation of Scott's potential departure. On October 5, it was confirmed that Scott had re-signed with the series for another year with his contract set to expire in April 2013. Scott later extended his stay for another year. On May 2, 2014, Soap Opera Digest confirmed that Scott had wrapped filming and would exit the series screen sometime in the fall. In a May 2020 interview with Soap Opera Digest, Paul Telfer revealed he had previously been hired as a one-week stand-by, due to an undisclosed health issue by James. Telfer later joined the cast as Xander Kiriakis in 2015.

On March 31, 2021, Daytime Confidential reported Australian actor Dan Feuerriegel had been cast in the role. Two months later, Deadline Hollywood announced Feuerriegel's casting; he made his first episodic appearance during the final moments of the June 9, 2021, episode.

Characterization

Prior to his debut, Scott revealed that there were some similarities between his new character, and his former alter ego Ethan Cambias. The only thing Scott was told about his character was that he was a race-car driver. Though it does not completely define the character, it does affect who EJ is. EJ is not easily affected by everyday life because he is used to operating in high pressure situations, like racing. Whenever his life is in danger and he is forced to make a decision, it puts EJ at "ease". Scott was allowed to use his natural British accent in his portrayal of EJ. In 2008, BuddyTV referred to the character as a "dashing" anti-hero, because he is a "good guy" and a "bad guy" all in one. EJ, like any other person, has a dark side to him. In 2011, Deanna Barnert described the character as "nefarious."

Storylines

1997–1998

Elvis Aaron Banks was born to Stefano DiMera and Susan Banks (Eileen Davidson) on February 21, 1997. At the time, Susan, a Kristen Blake (also Davdison) look alike, was paid to give birth to a baby that would then be adopted by Kristen, unbeknownst to John Black, Kristen's fiancée. Susan realizes that Kristen is deceptive and cruel, while John was loving and noble. As the real mother of the child that Kristen and John claimed as theirs, Susan planned to take Kristen's place at John's side and in his bed. Marlena Evans, however, managed to foil the plans of both Kristen and Susan; Marlena and John reunited, and Susan was content to then find love with Edmund Crumb. Salemites believed that EJ was then raised by Susan and Edmund, who move to the United Kingdom. Stefano, however, managed to snatch EJ from Susan, raising him at Maison Blanche in New Orleans and sending him to British boarding schools.

2006–2014

EJ Wells first appears as Sami Brady’s handsome new neighbor living across the hall. The growing chemistry between him and Samantha stopped abruptly as EJ was soon revealed to be the mysterious figure attacking Sami's family and his connection to Stefano was also discovered. In December 2006, EJ held Sami at gunpoint and forces her to help him through the police road blocks set up by Salem PD to keep him from leaving the country after he shot John Black. After Sami got him through the road blocks, EJ then told her to get out of the car. Sami refused and told him that since she helped him he must help her save Lucas Horton's life. EJ agreed to help her only if she has sex with him in exchange for saving Lucas; EJ then raped Sami. Afterward, he helped Sami get a beam off of, but then left them to die in the snow with no way out. EJ brainwashed Steve Johnson and forced him to kidnap a comatose John Black, and transplanted one of his kidneys into a dying Stefano. When Sami learned she was pregnant, Celeste Perrault revealed that EJ was the child's father but warned him that Stefano wouldn't approve. His brother, Tony DiMera convinced him to kidnap Sami and harvest the stem cells from the unborn child to save Stefano's life. EJ changed his mind and helped Sami escape at the last minute. Sami later learned she was carrying twins and Stefano ordered them to marry so they could end the feud between the Brady and DiMera families once and for all. Sami welcomed her twins in October 2007. It turned out that Lucas fathered the little girl, Allie and EJ fathered the little boy, Johnny. After John was killed in a hit and run accident, Sami married EJ in November 2007, blackmailed by Stefano and EJ and against her will, but he was shot at the altar by Lucas (it was later that we found that Will, Lucas' son was the one that actually shot EJ.) EJ promised to change and become good example for the twins while Lucas was arrested for EJ's shooting. Later, Sami's mother Marlena Evans gave him a chance to redeem himself by bringing down his father. EJ knew that a brainwashed John Black was in the basement of the DiMera mansion and decided to reunite him with his family in January 2008. To stay safe from Stefano, EJ and Sami moved into a safe house where they bonded over raising the twins. They planned to have the marriage annulled but the death of Sami's grandpa, Shawn forced them to put it off. When they finally got another chance, EJ put it off by pretending that his visa has expired, and Sami agreed to prolong the marriage until he can deal with immigration. EJ began representing Nicole Walker during her divorce from Victor Kiriakis. Meanwhile, EJ and Sami made love for the first time in May 2008 just in time for Lucas to be released from prison and catch them in bed. Sami discovered EJ's ploy to stay married to her by bribing the immigration agent, and their annulment was finalized soon after.

In July 2008, EJ and Nicole get trapped in an elevator together and ended up having sex. Nicole learned she was pregnant but hid it when she had a miscarriage. Nicole also learned that Sami was pregnant by EJ and planned to keep it from him. Nicole faked her pregnancy and took teenage Mia McCormick's child for her and EJ to raise. However, she later switched Mia's baby with Sami's baby. She and EJ name EJ's and Sami's daughter, Sydney Anne. When Sami returned home from the Witness Protection Program, she claimed to have adopted baby Grace. EJ and Nicole married in April 2009. Tony DIMera, EJ's brother, would die after getting into a fight with Philip Kiriakis. EJ blamed Philip for Tony's death and wanted revenge; this would lead to a war with Philip Kiriakis and his father Victor. A feud between DiMera and Kiriakis started, but in the end they called a truce.

EJ was devastated after Grace died in June 2009 and Sami told him that he was the child's father. EJ became furious with Sami for keeping EJ from his child. EJ felt hurt and betrayed by Sami for lying to him. EJ was heartbroken and grieved over the loss of his daughter. For months EJ would be angry with Sami while being in pain over losing Grace and never knowing his own daughter. Despite being angry, EJ was still in love with Sami and hurt over the fact that she lied and kept from his daughter and didn't trust him and try pass Rafe Hernandez off as the father. However EJ later would start suspect Nicole was keeping something from him. EJ sent someone to spy on Nicole to get information. EJ learned from that Nicole had a miscarriage and he kicked her and Sydney out of the mansion. But what EJ didn't know was that Sydney was his real daughter, not Grace. EJ personally would change over the year: he would grow more and more angry, more ruthless less, more aggressive, more colder and more calculating as time went by. EJ saved Rafe Hernandez's life after one of Stefano's men tried to kill Rafe, but EJ put a stop to it. Rafe later revealed that Nicole switched the babies and Sydney was actually EJ and Sami's child. EJ and Sami reunited with Sydney; EJ and Sami would call a truce. EJ later realized that Stefano assisted Nicole in her schemes. EJ took all his anger and rage out on Stefano by choking him; EJ severed ties with Stefano again.

In December 2009, Nicole attempted to kidnap Sydney and skip town. This brought EJ and Sami closer to together as the two share a moment with one another over Sydney. EJ, Sami and Rafe worked together to try and bring Sydney back, but Sydney was stolen from Nicole by someone else. EJ and Sami united to try and find Sydney but EJ overheard Sami saying that she wished EJ wasn't in the picture, that Rafe was Sydney's father and that she and Rafe could raise Sydney together. After hearing this EJ was furious at Sami.

It was revealed that EJ had kidnapped Sydney and later faked her death as revenge on Sami for keeping the child a secret and to break up her and Rafe. His sister-in-law, Anna DiMera was his accomplice. EJ was seen as the "hero" when he suddenly brought Sydney back home and he and Sami became close again. EJ realized later that he still in love with Sami and felt guilty over what he had done. EJ and Sami became closer and later ended up sharing a passionate kiss. EJ confessed his love for Sami and gave her a kiss. Later the two would go on a date and EJ asked Sami to marry him. At first Sami hesitated but later said yes.

In August 2010, as they prepared to marry, Rafe revealed EJ's schemes and Sami walked out on him. Sami shot a drunken EJ in the head and left him for dead. EJ woke up from a coma believing he and Sami got married but the truth is that she was now married to Rafe. Rafe's sister, Arianna found proof that Sami shot EJ but she was killed in an accident before she could get it to him. However EJ received Arianna's proof from Nicole.

EJ blackmailed Sami into giving him full custody of Johnny and Sydney. EJ asked Nicole to marry him, so he could get back at Sami by making Nicole the children's step-mother. Later when it was learned Johnny had eye cancer, EJ and Sami put their problems behind them. EJ made a deal with God to let Johnny keep his eyes and he would let Sami be part of Johnny's and Sydney's lives. Stefano also revealed to EJ and his sister, Lexie Carver that they have another brother, Chad Woods, the biological father of baby Grace.

EJ and Nicole marry in February 2011. While EJ made the deal with God to allow Sami be part of Johnny's and Sydney’s lives, he never said he would allow Rafe. EJ schemed to take Rafe out of the picture. Stefano came up with a plan to replace Rafe with someone else. Stefano hired convict Arnold Feniger and gave him plastic surgery to make him identical to Rafe. In the meantime, Nicole's sister, Taylor arrived in town and she and EJ were instantly attracted to each other. Shortly after the wedding, EJ and Taylor began having an affair. After Nicole and Taylor's mother, Fay had a heart attack, EJ comforted them and allowed Fay to stay at the mansion. Nicole soon learned about the affair and Nicole blackmailed EJ with what he and his father did to Rafe. Later EJ turned the tables on Nicole. EJ asked Taylor to marry him and she said yes. However the truth about the fake Rafe came out and Taylor dumps EJ because Arnold killed her mother by pushing her down the stairs when she confronted Arnold about the truth. Arnold decided to testify against EJ and Stefano but Arnold was killed by other inmates in prison and EJ and Stefano went free.

EJ decided to run for mayor, against his brother-in-law and Lexie's husband Abe Carver; feeling lonely he asked Nicole to serve as his campaign manager and he convinced her to hold off their divorce. EJ and Nicole became closer during the campaign and even ended up having sex. However Nicole decided to go through with the divorce, much to EJ's dismay. Later EJ revealed he framed John Black for corporate embezzlement and used this to his advantage during campaign season. When the Brady family gathered at the Pub before John's trial, Johnny went missing. EJ and Sami were devastated when a news report claimed that Johnny was dead and to cope with the pain, they ended up having sex. Later EJ and Sami found out that Johnny was not dead and was with Rafe. Nicole told EJ she wanted to give them another chance and EJ and Nicole reunited. EJ and Sami agreed to keep what happen between them a secret. Sami's son, Will discovered them and tried to blackmail EJ into helping him leave town. EJ turned the tables on Will and reveals that he knows it was Will, not Lucas, who shot him during his wedding to Sami in 2007. He then forced Will to work for him. However EJ gave Will a race car and agreed to pay Will to work for him. Will agreed and took enjoyment in his new job with EJ. Will stole Abe's campaign information and handed it over to EJ. EJ won the election. However, the evening was interrupted when Rafe revealed that he found out about Sami and EJ's one night stand. Nicole left EJ while Rafe broke up with Sami. EJ tried to win back Nicole, but Nicole wanted a reconciliation only if EJ left Salem with her and abandoned the children he has with Sami. EJ bought Sami an apartment while learning Nicole was pregnant but Rafe lied and said, he was the father of Nicole's baby. EJ didn't believe Rafe was the father, and wanted a DNA test to prove the father's identity. Daniel Jones switched the test results, however even after, EJ still didn't believe that Rafe was the father of his and Nicole's baby.

In early 2012, Nicole reveals to EJ that it was Stefano who attempted to cost him the election, EJ find out Stefano stole money that he stole from John. Later learns from Billie Reed that Stefano destroyed his case against John Black by help clear his name. Adding more, the family is devastated when Lexie reveals that she is dying from a brain tumor. It reveals that when Andre held Lexie in the tunnels was how she got the brain tumor. EJ blamed Stefano because Andre worked for him, however Stefano claims he had nothing to with it. But this only added to heat between EJ and Stefano. This all would lead to EJ holding Stefano up at gun point planning to kill him. However EJ couldn't do it, so he left however Stefano was shot in cold blood. EJ became the prime suspect in Stefano's murder and was frame by Ian McAllister. Meanwhile, Lexie die from the brain tumor, EJ is devastated and heart broken over half-sister's death. EJ and Sami grew closer and start reconnected, Sami helped EJ to prove his innocence. EJ and Sami had no choice but to go on the run to clear EJ's name however an explosion happened, Sami saved EJ from the Salem cops ready to shoot him, the a big explosion happened in Salem, Sami almost fell to her death but EJ is able to save her with some help from will. EJ and Sami go to a safe house that belong to Stefano, EJ and Sami get closer, they end up kissing, however EJ had to find Ian McAllister to confront him, but EJ walk right into a trap set. EJ was Held captive By Ian and Came face to face with Stefano. Ian reveal that Stefano and EJ are in fact, biological father and son.

Later EJ got free and took down Ian, afterward EJ told Stefano off and that he want nothing to do with him. EJ go back to the safe house only to find Sami with Rafe who arrested both EJ and Sami, however later EJ and Sami would get out of jail. In August 2012, EJ and Sami the two give in to their feelings by kissing, but EJ is discouraged when Sami reveals that she doesn't want to jump into things and want to focus on her work and kids. Sami decides to give EJ a chance, however Rafe came back into the picture and Sami's life as she begins interacting with him. Rafe tells Sami that EJ no good for her and kisses Sami what cause her to end things with EJ. EJ become angry and confront Rafe, EJ head butt Rafe and two ended up get into a fight, however John and Lucas break up it, EJ decide to get back at Rafe, not just to win Sami back but also to prove that EJ was the father of Nicole's baby. EJ find out from Chad, that Rafe's sister, Gabi was behind Melanie's kidnapping, EJ use this to blackmail Rafe an stay away from Sami, Rafe lets EJ be with Sami, but Sami learns the truth from Chad and get mad at EJ and reunites with Rafe. However EJ got proof, he was the father of Nicole's child but came to find out his son is dead. EJ is heart broken and grief over the death of his son. However EJ get Nicole to confession that Rafe wasn't the father and the baby was theirs child. EJ records Nicole's confessing and confront both Rafe and Sami, reveals to Sami that Rafe was lying about being the father of Nicole's baby by play records. Sami break up with Rafe. EJ decide not to go after Nicole, Daniel and Rafe, he is shocked by the return of his adopted step-sister, Kristen Blake DiMera. EJ wanted to win back Sami, Kristen reveals that she is working with Sami. Kristen quits her job and gives it to EJ so that he can work with Sami and be closer to her. Sami still loves Rafe but Sami still have feelings for EJ. EJ and Sami grow closer while work together, EJ become closer to Sami. EJ had a talk with Caroline Brady, Caroline tells EJ that Sami love both Rafe and EJ, say maybe EJ can change, after talking with Caroline, EJ decides to become a better man for Sami, EJ spending Christmas Day and New Year's Eve with her. EJ kisses Sami three time on New Year's Eve but Rafe kisses Sami. Kate tells EJ that he could lose, once more, to Rafe in the battle for Sami's heart. Sami was going tells EJ she was getting back together with Rafe, but EJ confession his love for Sami, by telling Sami, he love her and that EJ was in love with her, Sami was speechless but however she still was planning on telling EJ.

Sami plans the wedding of Gabi to Nick Fallon, which ends when Will reveals that he is the father of Gabi's unborn baby, not Nick. This cause a big fight between Rafe and Sami, this cause her to run into EJ's arms. EJ was there for Sami, during the whole time through Will custody battle with Nick and Gabi. However Rafe told EJ that Sami was going to choice Rafe over EJ, EJ was upset about this and went to Sami and confront her about this. Sami told EJ everything however Sami said she didn't want throw EJ away and she confessed her true love for him and admitted she wanted be with EJ. EJ took all it in at once and forgave her. EJ and Sami reunite and later Sami tells EJ she loves and trusts him. Nick blackmails Will into giving up the rights to his unborn daughter with the information that Will shot EJ in 2007.

Sami asks for EJ's help in getting rid of Nick. Desperate, the two of them turn to Stefano for help in getting rid of the evidence against Will. EJ proposes to Sami in April 2013, and she accepts. Meanwhile, it's revealed that EJ still holds a grudge against Stefano for disowning him as his son, and is seeking revenge by taking DiMera Enterprises from his father. To this end, he enlists the help of Justin Kiriakis to take Stefano down.

Rafe is viciously attacked, and the police and Sami suspect EJ. However, Sami later realizes EJ wasn't responsible. Will ends up saving Nick and Gabi when they are kidnapped by the real attacker, Jensen. Will is shot trying to save Nick, while Gabi gives birth to Arianna Grace. EJ comes to the hospital to support Sami while Will is in surgery and she meets her granddaughter. While there, she also visits Rafe. During a visit, Sami spots a man with a knife at Rafe's bedside and shoots him. EJ later finds out that the man was a corrupt police officer on Stefano's payroll. Though Sami insists the officer was holding a knife, and EJ believes her, the police are not able to find the weapon, and Sami is arrested for the murder of a police officer.

During the trial for officer Bernardi, to get Samantha out of jail, EJ has to beg his father and gravels to release Samantha. Stefano was actually the one who set up Sami with Bernardi's murder, the officer was killed by an ex-mistress, Stefano framed Sami to control EJ. Just like Stefano his plan was to make EJ give back the business Justin and him took from his father. Also he had to resign everything back to his father and promise not to leave the mansion ever even with Samantha and the children. EJ and Sami are happy living at the Dimera mansion but they have to put up with Stefano living under the same roof with them and their children. They get engaged, however during the engagement party Bernardi's widow try to take revenge on Sami and EJ by shooting EJ, Chad EJ's brother try to protect EJ and get the bullet at his place, he is injured and has to leave Salem with Stefano to get nursed.

EJ then is also caught in another cover up, the rape of Sami's twin brother Eric by his adopted sister Kristen. He discovers on Kristen's wedding day, that she drugged and raped Eric, at first he is horrified but then he let Kristen convince him to cover it, in the name of the Dimera family's loyalty. After Kristen is discovered at her wedding, she runs away. However thanks to a phone text from Kristen to EJ, Sami finds out EJ covered up for Kristen, EJ pretends to Samantha's face he knows nothing about the rape part, that Kristen said it was consensual, because he felt torn between his loyalty to his family and his love for Sami. He's getting tired of Sami's antics and the fact that she's doesn't appreciate him more by putting her family above him. He told her that he doesn't care about her brother but only her. During this time, Samantha's trust for EJ is shattered because of his behavior concerning his cover up for his half-sister Kristen's crimes, as a result she refuses to make any plans of marriage or for a future with EJ, despite stating her love for him. He is also banned from Samantha's bedroom. EJ become very frustrating when Sami want put their relationship on hold.

EJ help cover the murder that Gabi, Sami and Kate did to Nick. EJ hired a special team to clean the scene and is always in the corner of Samantha, the love of his life. However, there were still problems between EJ and Sami, that lead to fights between the two, what cause more problems and Sami continue to reject any physical intimacy from EJ. EJ go to Smith Island and stop Abigail Deveraux from talking to Hope about Nick after Gabi told him, Abby was going to talk with Hope. EJ speeds off on his private boat, Abby and EJ talk. EJ try get Abby not tells Hope about Nick. Abby believe EJ is having an affair with Gabi, EJ tell that not true, Abby go on and said any woman want sleep with him. EJ realize that Abby attraction to him. Knowing this, EJ use it to stop Abby, just when she about go to Hope by kissing her. EJ stop the kiss and try to leave smith Island. However Abby stop EJ from leaving, she kiss him and then they begin having sex. After that Abigail begin to chase EJ at every opportunity. EJ try several times to reject Abby but she uses what she thinks happened about Nick's disappearance to get close to EJ and to have a sexual relationship with him. Several times EJ confront Abby and try to get her not to tells anyone, however Abby try blackmail EJ by saying, She was going tells Hope everything, if EJ didn't give her what she wanted, EJ and Abby kiss and almost had sex at the hospital where Abby is working and EJ is at the board as one of the backer, but stop when someone almost came in. After that, Abigail chase EJ at his gym locker room of his Dimera company and they have sex in the shower until they heard Sami and EJ stops the act immediately. EJ and Sami began to slowly reconcile and once again EJ try to persuade Abigail to stop pursuing him and to move on, finally once and for all he reject her.

Sami and EJ would really reconcile on Valentine's Day, EJ and Sami kiss. Later The two would rekindle their love and passionately make love. EJ move forward with his wedding to Sami. However One day, a picture of them kissing at the Horton cabin arrives at the DiMera mansion. EJ hides it from Sami and immediately tries to locate the photographer. After a small investigation, EJ finds out that the photographer was Nick Fallon's assistant, Percy Ruggles. This cause EJ to go after Nick, first confronted Percy, threatens him into giving him the pictures to destroys and sends him back to England. EJ warn Nick if he try to ruin his family and tell Sami about the affair, Nick would be sorry. EJ hires a hit man to kill Nick, Sami agree to go along with EJ's plan. When Nick was shot, this put EJ and Sami on the list of suspects. It was later revealed that their hit man wasn't the one who killed him. Sami and EJ move forward with their wedding and Sami asks Abigail to be her Maid of honor. While planning her wedding, Sami comes across the photo of Abigail and EJ. She becomes furious but pushes forward with the wedding, after the ceremony, Rafe Hernandez shows up and arrests EJ for tax evasion. While in jail, EJ signs his proxies to Sami, so she can go to a board meeting in place of him. Sami attends the board meeting with Kate Roberts (who got Stefano to sign over his proxies to her) and are voted in as DiMera Enterprise's new Co-CEOs. Sami presents this information to a furious EJ and reveals to him that she was the one who gave the police the evidence for his tax evasion arrest. When EJ asked why she is doing this, she revealed that she knows about his hook up with Abigail and is going to make him pay. EJ try to get through to Sami and beg for her forgiveness, over and over again. However Sami refused to forgive EJ, but EJ wouldn't give up on Sami. To get back the money Sami and Kate stole from Stefano, EJ also negotiates with Victor and take his drug business but he is faced with a competitor in newly arrived Clyde Weston, who seems friendly and offers a partnership but really wants to takeover EJ's territory. Kristen return to Salem after kidnapped Daniel, Kristen was lock up and ask EJ for his help, however EJ turn down Kristen and refused to help her. Later the affair between EJ and Abby would become public by Will, this would bring EJ and Sami together. Sami would ask for EJ's help however EJ walk out on Sami, but later EJ would agree to help, if Sami would go out with him to lunch, Sami agreed. An effort to win Sami back, EJ would help Sami what saw two becoming closer again. However Stefano return to Salem shake things up for Sami and Kate.

However EJ gave Rafe documents on Stefano that hinder his return to Salem to protect Sami and also to win her back. EJ and Sami eventually reconcile, Sami forgives EJ and they reunite. EJ and Sami enjoy their happiness, however EJ's mother Susan Banks returns to Salem warn EJ his life was in danger. EJ's brother Chad to get revenge on Ej, informs Stefano that it was EJ who helped the Salem Police keep him out of Salem. Stefano angrily disowns EJ saying he's dead to him. A furious EJ confronts Chad for revealing to Stefano his betrayal warning Chad that he's unleashed a bitter and vindictive Stefano on EJ, Sami, and their children. Johnny tells EJ the kids at school are teasing him because he's a DiMera, EJ tells Johnny that as he gets older he'll hear many things about the DiMera family but its a name to be proud of. EJ has a confrontation with Clyde over Salem's drug territory and is betrayed, shot, and killed by his disloyal bodyguard, Miguel. Stefano has EJ's sister Kristen inject an unknown substance into EJ's body in the morgue for an unknown reason saying only that "time is of the essence".

EJ's death causes Sami and her kids to leave Salem and move to Los Angeles, California.

2015–2018

In 2015 there were signs that EJ is still alive; Sami got letter from EJ saying, that if he were dead then Stefano was the cause. The letter was over a year old and contained nothing about Clyde Weston. Sami states EJ wrote things only she and EJ knew, and the letter instructed Sami to get the codes which drained all of Stefano's money from his secret accounts.

When EJ's sister Kristen (Stacy Haiduk) returns to Salem in August 2018 for John and Marlena's wedding, she reveals that EJ is alive and offers to tell Sami where he is, provided she shoots John. In September 2018, Kristen reveals to Stefan DiMera (Tyler Christopher) details about EJ being alive. Sami agrees to transfer funds he needs to sustain losses suffered by DiMera Enterprises in return for the information about EJ's whereabouts. Stefan reveals to Sami that under Stefano's instructions, Kristen injected EJ with a drug that kept him alive, sneaking him out of the hospital and that Stefano had Sami believe EJ was dead, and that EJ's body was never cremated. While Sami grieved EJ's "death", Kristen delivered EJ to Stefano. Stefan tells Sami that EJ is recovering at a private facility. When Brady Black (Eric Martsolf) sneaks into the facility, he finds Xander Kiriakis working with Kristen on a secret project that is revealed to be EJ's recovery. There, it is revealed that EJ's recovery is not as easy as intended, with him losing his ability to speak.

Reception

Scott's performance earned him a Daytime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series in 2010 and 2011.

Brady Black (DOOL)

Brady Black is a fictional character from Days of Our Lives, an American soap opera on the NBC network. Formerly portrayed by Kyle Lowder, the role of Brady has been portrayed by Eric Martsolf since 2008. Martsolf won a Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series in 2014 for his role as Brady.

Brady is the son of John Black and Isabella Toscano, and the grandson of crime boss Victor Kiriakis.

Casting

Kyle Lowder was cast in 2000 when the role was rapidly aged; he exited in 2005.

The character was initially played by Alex, Max, and Dash Lucero from May 1992 to September 1994, and subsequently by Eric and Brandon Billings from October 1994 to July 1999. When news broke that the character of Eric Brady would be written out due to Jensen Ackles departing the series, Ken Corday and NBC made the decision to bring a SORAS'd Brady Black to help fill the void of the main focus and be a young hero. The character was then re-introduced as an adult with actor Kyle Lowder who debuted on August 21, 2000.

In September 2005, it was announced that NBC had passed on renewing Lowder's contract with Days of our Lives. He last aired September 15, 2005.

In August 2008, it was announced that Brady would return to the series. Former Passions actor Eric Martsolf was cast to bring the character back to Salem. He first aired in the role on November 13, 2008. In May 2020, Wes Ramsey revealed he previously auditioned for the role of Brady prior to Martsolf's casting.

Storylines

Backstory

Brady is born onscreen in 1992 to John Black and his wife, Isabella. Sadly, Isabella died soon after, leaving John to raise Brady on his own. John later marries Marlena Evans, and the two raise Brady and their daughter, Belle, together. Eventually, Brady is sent to a private school away from Salem.

2000–2005

Brady returns to Salem as a spoiled, disrespectful college student loner who lashes out at everyone, especially Marlena. As a result, he is distrusted by many, including his uncle, Philip Kiriakis, who considers him a freak. However, Chloe Lane, Philip's girlfriend, sees a glimmer of her once ostracized-self in Brady and develops a friendship with him, which eventually turns into something more. The couple marry in 2005, and move to Vienna. By then, Brady had long-since resolved his animosity towards Marlena, becoming a loving son and brother, as well as a responsible, promising executive in his father's fashion and publishing company, Basic Black.

After leaving Salem, Brady becomes addicted to drugs. Blaming Chloe for his addiction, Brady's grandfather Victor Kiriakis kidnaps him and places him in a drug rehabilitation clinic. Brady blames Chloe for his addiction and subsequently files for divorce.

2008–present

Brady returns to Salem in November 2008 after beating his addiction. Divorced from Chloe, he comes back to Salem to talk things out with her and reunite with his troubled family. Brady and Chloe eventually come to terms with the end of their marriage and decide to remain friends. Brady sensitively deals with a father who does not remember him. Supporting Marlena in her quest to help John regain his memory, Brady foils the plot for revenge leveled against his stepmother, and masterminded by none other than his father's therapist, Dr. Charlotte Taylor. Brady also makes peace with his old flame, Nicole Walker, who was pregnant at the time with EJ DiMera's child. As a peace offering, going through his own recovery, he offers to be her shoulder if she needs help with not drinking while carrying the child. When Nicole suffers a miscarriage, she confides in Brady about it, deeming she would continue to fake her pregnancy, something Brady was not taking kindly to. Brady soon enters into a relationship with Arianna Hernandez, the sister of Rafe Hernandez. After proposing to Arianna, she is framed by Nicole for the Salem muggings. Unable to convince Brady of her innocence, she breaks off the engagement. Determined to reconcile her relationship with Brady, Nicole begins to romance him and they rekindle their broken relationship. Brady soon begins drinking once again, providing worry for his close family and friends. Brady's life continues to spiral downward when Arianna is killed in a hit-and-run car accident. Nicole and Brady subsequently end their relationship once again when Nicole makes an arrangement with EJ, to get visitation with his daughter, Sydney. But when EJ cheats on Nicole with her sister Taylor, Nicole and Brady realize they both still love each other, and are reunited. However, the relationship ends when both of them feel like they have "fizzled out", and they decide to be good friends as Nicole vows to be independent. However, Nicole is eventually reunited with EJ.

In 2011, Titan acquires Mad World Cosmetics, and with it comes the feisty CEO of the company, Madison James. After fighting the sexual tension between them, Brady and Madison eventually sleep together and begin a relationship. Brady also reconciles with his father, John, who returns to town. In early 2012, Brady decides to leave Titan to go back into business with his father at Basic Black. After proposing and it being turned down, Madison's husband Ian McAllister arrives in town, causing a further rift between Madison and Brady. By August 2012, they reconcile and plan to marry. On the day of their wedding, Brady leaves to rescue his friend, Melanie Jonas, who is trapped in the tunnels beneath Salem. An explosion occurs, trapping them inside. They managed to escape, but Brady found out that Madison was killed in the explosion, and he was devastated. In 2013, he starts dating Kristen DiMera and becomes entangled in Kristen's twisted revenge plot against John and Marlena. Brady and Kristen are almost married when he finds out that his fiancée raped his step-brother Eric Brady; he breaks up with her and starts drinking again. Brady hates his step-brother for sleeping with Kristen.

A few months later in 2014, he meets Theresa Donovan, whom he doesn't like at first, but he eventually ends up sleeping and getting high with her, much to his loved ones' disapproval, thinking she's using him for money and is a bad influence on him. After months of dating, Brady and Theresa take a trip to Las Vegas, where he gets drunk and marries her. Once they get back to Salem, John confronts Theresa leading for her to hit him in the back of the head with a fire poker and sending him into a coma. Theresa blames Brady for the incident and due to his not being able to remember anything he believes the story but charges are not pressed against Brady. Brady gets sober and gets an annulment from Theresa; however, when Kristen comes back it sends him right back into the arms of Theresa. Kristen then begins suggesting that it was Theresa who hit John which Brady deems ridiculous and thinks Kristen is simply jealous of Theresa. Kristen then gets a drug which takes John out of his coma, where he backs up Theresa's story because he wants to keep Brady away from Kristen. Brady later finds out the truth after walking in on a conversation between John and Theresa and proceeds to dump Theresa. However just as he began to cut Theresa out of his life she announces to him that she is pregnant and he is the father. They go and get a pregnancy test done at the hospital where it is revealed that Theresa wasn't pregnant much to the shock of Theresa.

Soon after, Brady's old friend Melanie Jonas comes back and starts a rivalry with Theresa much to the disdain of Brady and Daniel. Brady then begins a relationship with Melanie in which she figures out that Theresa really was pregnant, and that Kristen had stolen the embryo before she left town and gave birth to the child, naming it Christopher. When Brady and Theresa are reunited with their baby, they change his name to Tate. After Brady allows Theresa and Tate to move into the Kiriakis Mansion, he begins to fall for Theresa, to the disappointment of Victor. Brady ends up leaving Titan and he, Theresa and Tate move into a townhouse, and he becomes engaged to Theresa. On New Year's Eve of 2015, Brady, his brother Eric, Jennifer Horton, and Daniel Jonas are involved in a tragic car accident due to Eric driving drunk. The accident leaves Daniel brain dead, and Brady in need of a heart transplant. With Maggie's permission, Daniel is taken off of life support and his heart is donated to Brady. Eric is later sent to prison for causing Daniel's death. In August 2016, Tate is kidnapped, but is later found and the kidnapper is revealed to be Kate Roberts, after Victor was accused of being the kidnapper.

Later, Theresa leaves Brady and Tate for Crime Lord El Fideo in order to protect them. After her return, Theresa got sole custody of Tate and then left Salem with Tate to go to California to take care of her mother Kimberly after her cancer return.

After learning that Kristen is alive and well, who returns to Salem donning a mask, disguising herself as Nicole Walker (Arianne Zucker). She is helped, once again, by Xander Kiriakis (Paul Telfer) in carrying out her plan, which involves trying to seduce Brady while also using Nicole's identity to manipulate Stefan into giving her a place in the family business. Kristen talks her brother Tony, who is alive and still in love with his former wife Anna (Leann Hunley), into marrying her as Nicole in a scheme to take back DiMera Enterprises from Stefan (Brandon Barash) and Gabi Hernandez (Camila Banus). Her scheme and true identity is exposed at John and Marlena's wedding anniversary celebration. While in custody, Kristen admits to Brady that Nicole and her daughter Holly are alive. After making a deal with the D.A., Kristen is set free. She once again sets her sights on getting back with Brady. Kristen discovers that Sarah Horton (Linsey Godfrey) is pregnant and has decided to have an abortion. With the assistance of Dr. Rolf and Xander, she decides to steal Sarah's embryo and implant it in herself, in an attempt to pass the baby off as her own with Brady. Rolf informs Kristen that she is already pregnant after sleeping with Brady while impersonating Nicole, thus making the procedure on Sarah both unnecessary and impossible. Months later, the newborn baby dies, unaware that his newborn daughter Rachel Isabella, who was named after both Kristen's mother Rachel Blake and his mother Isabella Toscano was switched at birth by his cousin Xander under orders from his grandfather Victor to spare the knowledge that his wife Maggie Horton is responsible for the deaths of Adrienne Johnson and her own granddaughter: the real Mackenzie, Rachel is currently being raised as Mackenzie Horton. A year later, Brady was fired from Titan after the death of his daughter Rachel and Kristen left Salem. Brady is currently working for Basic Black with Nicole. Brady is unaware that his baby is alive and has developed cancer and will need a bone marrow transplant from her parents. Mackenzie's life is saved when Gabi donates her bone marrow to escape a prison sentence, but Kristen does not learn the truth until Nicole conducts her own investigation; Nicole admits that as much as she hates Kristen, she also knows a mother's pain of being separated from her child. After finding out his daughter is alive, Brady realizes that his grandfather Victor and his cousin Xander were behind the baby switch that cause Sarah to kidnap Rachel and flee to her cousin Abigail and Chad's apartment in Paris. After learning that Kristen stabbed Victor, Brady took the blame in order to protect her and went to jail. Kristen later tells Lani the truth about Victor's stabbing. Later, Kristen receive a phone call from Rex Brady (Lowder) and with the help of her nephew and Lani's brother Theo Carver (Kyler Pettis), she learns that Rachel and Sarah are in Paris by tracking Rex's phone.

After getting Rachel back, he deals Kristen and her schemes. He breaks it off with her for good after she poses as Susan Banks in order escape her jail sentence. Around this time, he began rekindling his relationship with Chloe much to the chagrin of Philip. After Philip leaves Salem, Brady and Chloe cement their relationship.

Reception

Martsolf won the Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series accolade at the 2014 Daytime Emmy Awards for his portrayal of Brady.

 

Daniel Romalotti Character Profile (The Young and the Restless)

 

Daniel Romalotti is a fictional character on the CBS soap opera The Young and the Restless. The role had most notably been portrayed by Michael Graziadei from 2004 to 2013.

Daniel is the son of Phyllis Summers (Michelle Stafford, Gina Tognoni) and Danny Romalotti (Michael Damian), however a later storyline revealed that Daniel's biological father is a man named Brian Hamilton. Daniel's major storylines have included a love story and marriage with Lily Winters (Christel Khalil, Davetta Sherwood), of which their parents disapproved, as well as being married to Amber Moore (Adrienne Frantz). Most recently, Daniel fathered a child named Lucy after the mother, Daisy Carter (Yvonne Zima), raped Daniel. Other storylines include his strong friendship with Kevin Fisher (Greg Rikaart), the death of Cassie Newman (Camryn Grimes), and short-lived romances with Abby Newman (Marcy Rylan, Melissa Ordway) and Eden Baldwin (Jessica Heap).

Casting

Cam Gigandet's portrayal of Daniel was short-lived as he was let go shortly after his arrival.

The character was first portrayed by twins Desiree and Hannah Wheel from 1994 to 1996, after which Michael McElroy took over the recurring role from 1996 to 1997. Chase MacKenzie Bebak portrayed Daniel from 1997 to 1998, followed by Roland Gibbons, who had a brief stint until the character was written out.

Subsequently, the character was rapidly aged, with Cam Gigandet assuming the role on March 10, 2004. The actor was fired after only a few days, and he last aired as Daniel on May 6, 2004. The role was recast with Owen Beckman, but the actor was also fired soon after landing the role; as opposed to Gigandet, Beckman's scenes were deleted when Michael Graziadei was cast in the role, who debuted on May 10, 2004. In May 2009, Graziadei signed a new contract with the soap, but in 2012, he chose not to renew his contract. He made his last appearance on January 3, 2013. However, Graziadei later reprised the role for four episodes from July 30 to August 2, 2013, to help usher his onscreen mother, Michelle Stafford, out of the series.

In July 2016, Entertainment Weekly reported that Graziadei would briefly return on August 25, 2016, coinciding with The Young and the Restless's 11,000th episode.

In September 2022, it was announced Graziadei would return; he returned on November 21 of the same year.

Storylines

Daniel was born off-screen on August 17, 1993; his birth year has since been revised to 1987. Daniel first arrived in Genoa City in 2004 after returning from boarding school to live with his mother, Phyllis Summers. Because she did not raise him as a child, Daniel resented Phyllis as well as her boyfriend, chemist Damon Porter. Daniel then befriended Kevin Fisher, who was desperate to regain some respect after performing some not so nice deeds. Daniel agreed to help him out in exchange for hooking him up with Mackenzie Browning. The two had a lowlife named Alex come on to Lily Winters too strong, so that Kevin could rescue her and that she would like him. Alex went too far and slipped her a date rape drug and attempted to rape her. However, Kevin did arrive in time to "save" her. When Alex kept threatening Daniel and Kevin, Phyllis found out, and she and Damon scared Alex enough to get him out of town. Daniel then decided to give Phyllis a chance.

Daniel had a romance with Lily Winters in 2005, after he was involved in an accident with Cassie Newman, resulting in her death. Suffering memory loss from the accident, Daniel could not remember that fourteen-year-old Cassie was driving in an ill-fated attempt to drive a drunken Daniel home herself. Daniel and Lily then ran away to Los Angeles to escape vehicular homicide charges, and a Romeo and Juliet-style romance unfolded. The fugitives were caught, and Daniel was soon exonerated. Lily's furious parents, Neil and Dru Winters, soon sent her away to boarding school, leaving Daniel devastated. Lily returned in February 2006, and they reunited and eloped in Las Vegas. Later on, Alex returned to blackmail Daniel and Kevin. Daniel then decided to come clean to Lily, who then told her parents. However, she decided to forgive him as did her parents.

In early 2007, Daniel began a flirtation with the conniving Amber Forrester, of which Lily was unaware. He then began helping her in her mission to keep her new husband, Cane Ashby, so that she could get her hands on his newfound family's money. To say thank you, Amber gave Daniel a pass to watch a video of her on an adult website, which eventually led to Daniel becoming addicted to pornography. After Lily figured out that Amber was the person that had a picture of her naked breasts on Daniel's cellphone, she realized that she couldn't trust her husband any longer and subsequently kicked him out. When Neil found out about Daniel's recent behavior, he fired him from his job at Newman Enterprises. Daniel then moved in with Kevin and Amber.

Daniel, Amber, and Kevin found a princely sum of money ($700,000 to be precise) belonging to Plum, one of Amber's beaus from her Strangers By Night days. They found the money next to Plum's dead body and decided to keep it all a secret. They then received a visit from John Bonacheck who claimed to be looking for Plum and his money because Plum had stolen it from his war buddy, Carson McDonald. It turned out Bonacheck was a rogue member of the FBI who wanted the money for himself and even kidnapped Amber, Cane and Carson. Once they were rescued, Daniel, Kevin and Amber were arrested.

However, Kevin's brother and lawyer, Michael Baldwin, had the charges against them dropped. All of this commotion caused Daniel and Lily to end their marriage. Lily then began a relationship with Cane, while Daniel soon began a flirtation with A.D.A. Heather Stevens, after she began to show her more sensitive side, which was a big deal considering that she was attempting to prosecute him, Kevin and Amber. She also managed to send his mother to prison for extortion, although she was released after two months. After Daniel threw Heather a party to cheer her up in the midst of her court cases, and he and a drunken Amber had sex.

Since the encounter made their living together awkward, Amber moved out. However, the two were unable to stay away from each other, and they had sex again, which ended with Daniel discovering that Amber had kept some of the stolen money that they got from Plum. Although she tried to convince him and Kevin to keep it, they decided to burn it. Daniel then got Amber a job at his mom, Nicholas Newman, Jack Abbott, and Sharon Newman's new magazine Restless Style. While at the launch party for the magazine, Amber helped convince Daniel to mend the rift between him and his father, Danny Romalotti, who came to perform at the event. He and Amber then began an actual relationship. Daniel's father offered him a job on his tour as an assistant photographer, which Daniel accepted.

Daniel returned home on July 10, 2008, and he found out from his girlfriend, Amber, that his mother, Phyllis Summers Newman, had been trying to break them up by making Amber believe that Daniel had been cheating on her. Soon after, she informed him that she slept with Adrian Korbel out of inadequacy, whereupon he angrily and suddenly broke up with her and left her apartment, much to her devastation. He struggled to get over the break-up via rebound dates with Colleen Carlton. On October 15, 2008, Amber and Daniel got back together. In early 2009, Daniel started his painting and drawing with Amber at his side as a fashion designer. In mid 2009, Daniel was asked to make a fake copy of a 'Terroni,' and he would get paid a sum of money for it. Later, it is believed that he and Jana Hawkes, Kevin's wife, killed the man who asked him to do this in an alley. Daniel managed to stay out of jail long enough to meet Deacon Sharpe, Amber's ex-lover and father of Amber's adopted child, Eric Sharpe, when she was in Los Angeles. Then, Daniel was put in jail, leaving Amber to get him out of jail herself. While Daniel was in jail, he received a phone call from Deacon, claiming to be Michael, Daniel's lawyer. On the other end, he heard Amber and Deacon having sex. When Amber visited him later, he yelled at her, asking her why she did that and what was he supposed to do now that he was going to propose to her. Amber and Daniel consequently broke up. Daniel was soon released, due to the DVD that Deacon sent to the A.D.A, Heather Stevens.

On September 14, 2009, Daniel proposed to Amber, calling her his "soul mate". Two months later, he and Amber were finally married. The couple ignored the fact that the date was Friday the 13th, which was often associated with bad luck. Their marriage began to fall apart over Amber's obsession of her adoptive son, Eric Forrester Sharpe, and Daisy Callahan's personal obsession with Daniel. Daisy was the daughter of Sheila Carter and Tom Fisher, making her Kevin's half-sister. She drugged and had sex with a barely conscious Daniel, who thought he was having sex with his wife, Amber, while her aunt, Sarah Smythe, posing as Lauren Fenmore, attempted to kill Phyllis on another scheme with Patty Williams, who was posing as Dr. Emily Peterson. Amber then realized that Daniel didn't betray her. However, her fear over Eric's safety led to her abandoning him, and therefore ending their marriage. Amber left Genoa City with Eric in tow, and a heartbroken Daniel finally gave up on their marriage. Daniel decided not to give up on his friendship with Jana Hawkes just because she and Kevin were getting a divorce. Jana was touched by Daniel's kind words.

Soon after, Daniel began a flirtation with a now grown-up, Abby Newman. In October 2010, a powerful storm hit Genoa City, and Daniel decided to help a worried Abby look for her mother, Ashley Abbott. When the storm became too much, the two took shelter at Crimson Lights. Daisy then returned to town, pregnant with Daniel's daughter. Phyllis did not believe that the pregnancy was possible, and she ordered a paternity test. It was confirmed that Daniel was the father; however, he did not take the news well. He ultimately agreed to have Daisy stay with him until the baby was born, which caused friction between him and Kevin, who planned to become the baby's guardian once she was born, being that the baby would be his niece.

On New Year's Eve, Daniel searched for Daisy when she went into labor and escaped from Jana, who was supposed to be driving her to the hospital. He ultimately found her on the side of the road, stopped on her way to Canada and about to give birth. He helped her deliver their baby girl. As Daniel was holding his daughter, Daisy took a flashlight and hit Daniel over the head with it. He was later found and taken to the hospital for his injuries inflicted by Daisy. A few days later, Daniel was released and brought home.

Meanwhile, Abby was sent to rehab by her parents, Victor Newman and Ashley Abbott, in order for her to keep her mouth shut about the truth regarding Tucker McCall's accident. Upon returning to Genoa City from rehab, Abby tried to reconnect with Daniel, since they both got caught up in their own lives and grew apart. Diane Jenkins arranged for paparazzi to come to GloWorm, where Daniel and Abby were talking. Daniel thought that Abby set the entire thing up as a publicity stunt for her alter ego, the "Naked Heiress". He told her that what they had was over because he didn't want to deal with her constant need for attention. In February 2011, Daniel found out from a DNA test that Billy and Victoria Abbott's baby daughter, Lucy Abbott, was his biological child. Daisy left her baby in a safe house after she knocked Daniel out. The couple who found the baby gave it to Primrose DeVille in exchange for money. Primrose worked on the black market, selling abandoned children to couples who could afford to skip the adoption process. When Victoria found out that she could not have any more children, Billy decided to adopt a baby girl from Primrose for her, and he paid $2 million for their daughter, Lucy. Upon seeing Lucy, Daniel knew that she was his daughter, which was confirmed after the DNA test. Daniel wasn't sure whether he would let her be raised by Billy and Victoria or if he would file for custody of her. He decided in the end that it was better for Lucy to have Billy and Victoria as her parents because he saw how much that they love her. He did, however, confide in his friend and ex-wife, Lily Ashby, as they have both lost someone that they loved in a way. Being that Lily lost her husband, Cane Ashby, who faked his own death in order to protect Lily and their twins, and Daniel lost his daughter, although that choice was his own.

In May 2011, Lucy and Delia Abbott, Billy's daughter with his ex-wife Chloe Mitchell, were kidnapped by Lucy's nanny, Jana Hawkes. Daniel came clean to both Billy and Victoria about being Lucy's biological father. Daniel then signed away his parental rights, despite the objections of an angry and outraged Phyllis, who wanted custody of Lucy herself, now that she knew that Billy got the baby off the black market. Daniel tried to reason with his mother that he was doing the right thing and that Lucy was with parents that love her. Phyllis, however, refused to listen to Daniel, and she vowed to fight for custody of her granddaughter. On June 17, 2011, Daisy was awarded custody of Lucy with the judge overruling the Abbott's adoption. Daniel was livid at his mother for what she did, and he disowned her. On July 7, 2011, Daniel kissed Lily at Jimmy's Bar, not knowing that Cane was watching. On August 18, 2011, Lily helped Daniel celebrate his birthday with her brother, Devon Winters, Noah Newman and his friend Hunter, and Kevin and his "sister" (Michael Baldwin's half sister who Kevin treats as a sister), Eden Baldwin, at Jimmy's Bar. Lily then took Daniel back to the Athletic Club where she rented a room for the two of them, making it clear that she wanted to pursue a romantic relationship with him. While they were half-naked and making out on the bed, Lily began to flash back to her life with Cane, and she told Daniel that she couldn't have sex with him, and she walked out.

The next day, Lily went to Daniel's apartment to apologize for leading him to believe that she wanted something that she really wasn't sure that she wanted. During their heartfelt talk, the two got caught up in the moment and made love. Daniel told her that he wasn't expecting it, but it just felt right, and she agreed with him. However, Daniel hurt his budding relationship with Lily when he told her father, Neil, that Lily was allowing Cane to visit their children again. Neil then berated Lily for allowing Cane back into her life. Angered that Daniel would tattle on her to her father, she told him that she wanted him to stay away from her. Cane and Lily would later reunite, much to Daniel's dismay. On November 8, 2011 Daniel finds out from Daisy that Avery Bailey Clark is his aunt. Unhappy over Lily's decision to stay with Cane despite his warnings, Daniel turns to Eden Baldwin, who is unhappy over her former boyfriend Noah Newman not wanting to be with her anymore, as a shoulder to cry on. Both talk about their broken relationships, and their friendship becomes something more.

Daniel then finds himself being a source of comfort and support to Chloe Mitchell after Kevin is forced to leave her at the altar, no thanks to a mobster's daughter named Angelina, who has a major crush on Kevin. Daniel continues to be Chloe's shoulder to cry on when she finds out that Kevin is not only back in town but also married to Angelina. Chloe goes to the party being held in their honor at Gloworm and slaps Kevin in the face, leaving him devastated. She then leaves with Daniel. Daniel, with help from Angelina, get Kevin and Chloe back together and watches them marry on March 27, 2012.

Daniel then finds himself in a difficult position when he discovers that Daisy wants custody of Lucy. Phyllis evens goes as far as hiring Ricky Williams to get close to Daisy so that whatever information he gets from her can be used against her in the custody hearing. It proves, however, not to work as Daisy wins custody of Lucy, and Daniel is forced to wait six months before he can try again. Fearing for his daughter's safety, Daniel proposes to Daisy, who accepts, and the two elope. The marriage proves to be an unhappy one as Daisy is happy to finally have what she wants while Daniel is only married to her for Lucy's sake. Deeply hurt over her husband's unwillingness to love her and his mother's hatred of her, Daisy decides to team up with Ricky Williams to get him to help her and Lucy leave town. However, when Daisy turns up missing, Daniel is the prime suspect despite the fact that Ricky is the one setting him up.

Daniel, despite his ill-will towards Daisy, regrets that she has died for Lucy's sake. He is forced to come to terms with the fact that his mother attempted to kill Paul and Christine in 1994. And on top of all of this, he has begun to develop new feelings for Heather, although things get complicated as she is leading the case against Phyllis. Daniel and Heather ended up kissing several times, which angered Phyllis, calling Daniel a traitor to their family. To appease the public, Daniel and Heather agreed to start dating in private.

After a lengthy period of absence (which according to Christine, is because he went back to Chicago to search for Daisy, who had been residing at Fairview, very much alive, but was recently released), Daniel returned to Genoa City and announced that he and Heather would be moving with Lucy to Savannah, Georgia. Daniel made his last appearance on January 3, 2013. Daniel returned six months later, in July 2013, when Phyllis fell into a coma. He made known his intentions to take Phyllis to a facility outside of Savannah where she would be taken care of; despite resistance from Avery, Phyllis' loved ones eventually agree to let Daniel take his mother back with him to Georgia.

Since then, Daniel has been mentioned infrequently whenever characters go to visit Phyllis in Georgia. Most recently, after Phyllis awoke from her coma and escaped her treatment facility, Jack Abbott called Daniel to clue him in. In August 2016, Daniel briefly returned to Genoa City to attend the engagement party of his half-sister Summer Newman and her fiance Luca Santori, before their engagement was called off when it was revealed by Victoria's boyfriend Travis Crawford that Luca was responsible for the destruction of the oil rigs owned by Newman Enterprises, and Luca was arrested for that crime and sent to prison. He also met Cassie's long-lost twin sister Mariah Copeland, and he told her of how he was involved in Cassie's death. He later also visited his old friend Kevin before he left town again to go back to Savannah, GA, and gave him advice about his rekindled relationship with Chloe and also met her daughter Bella.