As previously reported, John Aniston’s final appearance as the iconic Victor Kiriakis on “Days of our Lives” aired Monday, December 26. In addition to marking an historic moment for fans of the daytime drama series, the episode also marked a new beginning for “Pride: The Series” creator Dorell Anthony who unknowingly wrote the late actor’s final words as the episode’s script writer, his first since joining the show’s writing team earlier this year.

“My very first episode with ‘Days of our Lives’ was also John Aniston’s final episode,” Anthony said in a recent interview with The Palestine Herald, a Texas based publication covering Palestine County and Herald County. “To write for such an iconic actor and character was such an honor, and it’s an experience no one can ever take away from me.” Aniston died November 11, 2022. The episode was taped in June.

“The show films six months in advance, so my episodes were shot in June, July and August, but won’t air until December, January and February,” Anthony noted of the show’s shooting schedule. “It’s a long wait, and I’m not allowed to say certain things, but it is so fun when it finally airs.”

Prior to writing for Peacock’s only scripted daily serial, Anthony, an East Texas native who has an associate’s degree in Theater from Tyler Junior College and graduated from Texas State University with a bachelor’s degree in Performance and Production, made a name for himself when he appeared in the online reboot of “All My Children.” Later, he created, starred in and executive produced the digital drama “Pride: The Series” which follows a group of friends who navigate life through personal complexities and endeavors as they discover who they are, what they want and what they are willing to do to get their heart’s desire. Throughout, viewers are provided with an up close and personal experience from the perspective of a diverse cast of characters led by Kai, Trina, Travis and Adam (Anthony, and actors Ashley Mitchell, Braden Bradley, and Adam Andrew Rios).

Beyond “Pride,” Anthony would go on to make appearances on CBS’ “Blue Bloods,” digital drama “Asunder: The Series,” audio drama “Forever and a Day” and “General Hospital,” which Anthony credits for much of his success.

“I owe much of it to [‘General Hospital’ executive producer] Frank Valentini,” Anthony shares. “He encouraged me to go to ‘DAYS’ and now I have several episodes that will air in the coming season.”

“Days of our Lives” releases all-new episodes weekdays at 6:00 a.m. ET, exclusively on Peacock. Fans can watch at their convenience via a premium or higher subscription. The show is executive produced by Ken Corday and co-executive produced by Albert Alarr. Ron Carlivati is the head writer. For more information on the show, visit PeacockTV.com.