Paul Skipper/JPI Studios

If anyone knows what it’s like to play a quintessential soap opera character, it’s “Days of our Lives’” Eileen Davidson (Kristen Blake; ex-Ashley Abbott, “The Young and the Restless” and “The Bold and the Beautiful;” ex-Kelly Capwell, “Santa Barbara”). During her 1993 to 1998 stint in Salem, she played everything from helping save Marlena (Deidre Hall) from satanic possession, being presumed dead, buying a baby and even playing four other characters (Susan, Thomas, Sister Mary Moira and Penelope) in addition to her original role as Stefano’s adopted daughter. And the madness hasn’t slowed down since she’s returned to the show for a second run! “The storylines are always pretty nutty for Kristen,” the actress says with a laugh. “It doesn’t stop, that’s for sure.”

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Paul Skipper/JPI Studios

It is with great sadness to report that Paul Skipper, a long-time photographer at JPI Studios, died on Tuesday, June 4 (previously incorrectly reported by us as Monday, June 3). While it is unknown at this time what caused Skipper’s death, tweets have gone out from several past and present “Days of our Lives” cast/crew members, which is the show Skipper primarily shot for, including one from Eric Martsolf (Brady Black) that read: “Paul Skipper- RIP. No one shot more terrific pictures for our genre.” His tweet was responded to by Crystal Chappell (ex-Carly Manning), who said “so very true. Loved his dear heart.”

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NBC’s “Days of our Lives” is continuing its nationwide fan event tour this February when cast members of the series gather throughout Universal Orlando Restort in Florida, including a meet and greet with fans at the parks Universal CityWalk. Cast members scheduled to attend are John Aniston, Camila Banus, Shawn Christian, Casey Deidrick, Galen Gering, Kate Mansi, Eric Martsolf, Peggy McCay, James Scott and Arianne Zucker. The event will be held on Saturday, February 23.

Paul Drinkwater/NBC

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Joey Skibel

Unless you’ve been living under a rock lately, you’re likely already aware that Greg Vaughan (ex-Lucky Spencer, “General Hospital“) is joining “Days of our Lives” as a recast Eric Brady. What you didn’t know was his first airdate, or his characters new holy profession. Say what?

On Friday, August 10, via Entertainment Weekly, a representative of “DAYS” confirmed that Vaughan had been hired to portray the twin brother of Sami Brady (Alison Sweeney), who was last seen in Salem in July 2000 and was the first love interest of Nicole Walker (Arianne Zucker), which was the basis of Sami’s long standing feud with Nicole. The role was previously portrayed by “Supernatural” star Jensen Ackles.

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Photo Credit: Mitchell Haaseth/NBC

While Soap Opera Digest in its newest issue lists their last airdate being Wednesday, August 15, both Matthew Ashford (Jack Deveraux) and Sarah Brown (Madison James) will actually find their characters departing the world of the living much sooner.

On the Monday, August 13 episode, fans saw Madison speak for the last time as she called out for her fiancé, Brady Black (Eric Martsolf). On Tuesday, August 14, Jack departs Salem for the umpteenth time as the elevator cables snap while daughter Abigail (Kate Mansi) and the love of his life Jennifer (Melissa Reeves) look on in horror. Sadly, it looks like Jack is really dead this time! Also according to Digest, Caleb Hunt (Andrew) last airs on Friday, August 17 despite the character escaping unnoticed on the Monday, August 13 episode while Chad (Casey Deidrick) was tending to Gabi (Camila Bannus). Father Matt (Ralph Waite) is also back on the 17th as he shares words with Nicole (Arianne Zucker).

Soap Opera Network has learned Brendan Michael Coughlin will return on Monday, August 20, when his character Tad (aka: T) has a confrontation with Will (Chandler Massey) that eventually leads to a dangerous one with Sonny (Freddie Smith) later that week. On Tuesday, August 21, Brant Daughtery is back as Brian, and Will is none too pleased when he sees him getting intimate with Sonny.

Blake Berris returns as Melanie’s (Molly Burnett) stalker Nick Fallon, who is up for parole, on Monday, August 27. As previously reported, Nick’s mother Jessica Blake Fallon (Jean Bruce Scott) returns to Salem after a 30 year absence on Friday, August 31.

JPI

(SoapOperaNetwork.com) — As Soap Opera Network first reported earlier today, NBC.com has revealed some of the actors taking part in various aspects of communication with fans of “Days of our Lives” so as to tide them over while NBC airs its coverage of the Olympic Games. The interactions begins Monday, July 30 and last through Friday, August 10 at 2:00 PM ET/11:00 AM PT.

Monday, July 30 - Lisa Rinna gives you an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the making of a DAYSaster!

Tuesday, July 31- Arianne Zucker hints at the future of her character AND her baby on board!

Wednesday, August 1 - Shawn Christian shows up to the interview dirtied up in full disaster makeup!

Thursday, August 2 - Kate Mansi talks about the terrifying experience of being trapped in an elevator during the DAYSaster!

Friday, August 3 - Eric Martsolf talks about the shocking deaths that hit Salem!

“Days of our Lives” returns on Monday, August 13 at 1:00 PM ET when viewers find out who survived the DAYSaster that rocked Salem during today’s cliffhanger episode.

Keep checking Soap Opera Network to find out who else will be taking part.

All interactive content can be viewed on NBC.com’s “Days of our Lives” website beginning Monday.

Mitchell Haaseth/NBC

(SoapOperaNetwork.com) — Although Soap Opera Digest has since “confirmed” their story on the ouster of several “Days of our Lives” stars with a show representative, according to its website, one actress appears to not have been told as the magazine stated. In fact, it looks like if the firings do hold, actress Sarah Brown (Madison James) has not been told by her bossess of any change to her status with the NBC daytime soap.

“Don’t know if it’s true, but, who ever leaked that story should consider that no one wants to find out they have lost their job via Twitter,” said the actress in a Twitter posting of her own. She followed the tweet with the following, which puts some confusion and mystery to the story:

Ken Corday & Greg Meng are class, they would not do that to us. Wasn’t them who leaked it, & I didn’t hear it first on Twitter. Who leaked?

— Sarah Brown (@sarahjoybrown) April 10, 2012

A “Days of our Lives” representative has not responded to repeated requests for comment by Soap Opera Network.

Brown joined the cast in October 2011 in the contract role of Madison James, “ a powerful and seductive CEO who looks to take on, one way or another, Sami [Brady, Alison Sweeney], Kate [Roberts, Lauren Koslow], Brady [Black, Eric Martsolf], and Victor [Kiriakis, John Aniston].” Her character was paired with Martsolf’s Brady Black and the duo shared some steamy scenes over the time they were on screen together, and that didn’t necessarily include shedding any clothing.

myFOXla.com

(SoapOperaNetwork.com) — On Friday, July 29, talk show host Nate Berkus (“The Nate Berkus Show“) was captured by “Good Day LA” cameras and reporter Gina Silva while he was on the set of “Days of our Lives” filming scenes for an upcoming appearance on the NBC soap. While production was halted for the live interview, viewers got their first glimpse at Sarah Brown with newly cut hair before she even debuts as Madison James on Tuesday, October 4.

While character details for Berkus haven’t been revealed due to how far in advance the series films, Soap Opera Network can report that Berkus will first air in mid-October and his character plays a role in helping Brown’s character Madison with some styling matters shortly after her character hits Salem. Berkus and Brown also happen to be friends in real-life.

Also appearing in the “Good Day” clip with Berkus and Brown were Alison Sweeney (Sami Brady), Eric Martsolf (Brady Black) and Lauren Koslow (Kate Roberts). If you blink, you may miss Peggy McCay (Caroline Brady), who appears behind the Brady Pub bar talking with production staff.

Gilles Toucas

(SoapOperaNetwork.com) — Best known for her portrayal of Carly Corinthos and later Claudia Zacchara on ABC’s “General Hospital,” Sarah Brown is returning to daytime for another go after being dropped to recurring status earlier this year by CBS’ “The Bold and the Beautiful,” where she portrayed Agnes ‘Aggie’ Jones. The three-time Emmy Award winning actress has signed with NBC’s “Days of our Lives” to play the contract role of Madison James beginning Tuesday, October 4.

Brown’s new character is described as a “ a powerful and seductive CEO who looks to take on, one way or another, Sami [Brady, Alison Sweeney], Kate [Roberts, Lauren Koslow], Brady [Black, Eric Martsolf], and Victor [Kiriakis, John Aniston].” In a statement, Brown shared that she’s “excited to join such a talented cast as well as to play such a strong yet feminine character that will inspire our female viewer.”

For his part co-executive producer Greg Meng stated “”We are thrilled to have Sarah join our family at ‘Days.’  We needed a strong actress who can mold this character and go toe-to-toe with other strong actresses such as Alison Sweeney and Lauren Koslow. Madison defines a new femininity, displaying confidence, savvy, and elegance.”

via Press Release

THREE-TIME EMMY AWARD WINNING ACTRESS SARAH BROWN JOINS CAST MEMBERS ALISON SWEENEY & DEIDRE HALL ON ”DAYS OF OUR LIVES”

Actress Joins the Newly Revitalized Show in a Provocative & Powerful New Role

Sarah Brown, perhaps best known to fans for her creation of the iconic, tortured troublemaker Carly on “General Hospital,” has joined the cast of “Days of our Lives,” NBC’s longest-running scripted television series.  Brown is considered one of daytime television’s best working actresses, having won a jaw-dropping three Emmy Awards for ” General Hospital,” and delighting fans on “As the World Turns” and “The Bold & the Beautiful.”  She joins “Days of our Lives” as it begins revolutionary changes to focus on heroic love, intrigue, core family values, and the triumphant return of daytime royalty Deidre Hall and Drake Hogestyn as Marlena Evans and John Black.

Brown will play “Madison James,” a powerful and seductive CEO who looks to take on, in way or another, Sami, Kate, Brady, and Victor. “‘Days of our Lives’ is one of television’s historic gems,” Brown says.  ”I’m excited to join such a talented cast as well as to play such a strong yet feminine character that will inspire our female viewer.”  Brown joins former cast members Matthew Ashford, Christie Clark, and Patrick Muldoon, who are returning to the show, in celebrating its 46th season on the air.  Greg Meng,  Co-Executive Producer, commented, “We are thrilled to have Sarah join our family at ‘Days.’  We needed a strong actress who can mold this character and go toe-to-toe with other strong actresses such as Alison Sweeney and Lauren Koslow. Madison defines a new femininity, displaying confidence, savvy, and elegance.”