When “Days of our Lives” resumed production earlier this month following its holiday hiatus, four contract cast members were informed that they were being let go, The Daily Mail reported on Tuesday. The impacted stars are Carson Boatman (Johnny DiMera), Raven Bowens (Chanel DiMera), Leo Howard (Tate Black) and Ashley Puzemis (Holly Jonas).
“‘DAYS’ decided they needed to switch things up. All four actors were let go last week, within a day of getting back from the show’s holiday hiatus,” a source told the outlet. “They were totally blindsided, especially Carson, who was in the middle of renegotiating a new contract.”
Of the four, Bowens and Boatman are the longest tenured, having joined the show’s cast in 2021. Bowens and Boatman played each other’s on-screen love interest. Meanwhile, Puzemis, who joined in 2023, and Howard, who made his debut in 2024, also played on-screen lovers.
In a statement released to Soap Opera Digest, a show spokesperson didn’t directly address the exits of the four actors, but did say, “While we don’t comment on individual contracts or casting decisions, we have tremendous respect and appreciation for the actors who bring these characters to life. What may seem sudden is part of long-range storytelling decisions. Our goal is to balance the show’s rich history with where we’re headed creatively. Due to our long tape-to-air gap, any changes won’t be on screen for some time.”
Last year, the show’s tape-to-air schedule was reported to be at least 10 months, meaning the cast exits will not be seen on screen until at least late 2026/early 2027, depending on when each star concludes or has concluded their time on the show.
Before joining the daytime soap opera, Howard starred in the Disney XD original series “Kickin’ It” and “Why Women Kill,” created by Marc Cherry (“Desperate Housewives”), among others. Puzemis appeared in the shows “BF for Hire,” “The Sex Lives of College Girls” and “Danger Force,” among others.
Boatman’s credits include the film “Runt” and the TV movie “Stalked by My Doctor,” among others, and he is a member of the Day Players Band, which also includes “Days of our Lives” cast members Eric Martsolf (Brady Black), Wally Kurth (Justin Kiriakis) and former cast member Brandon Barash (ex-Stefan O. DiMera).
Bowens appeared in such shows as “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,” “Insecure,” “All Rise,” “Henry Danger,” “Mr. Student Body President” and “Future Man,” among others, while also featured in such TV movies as “The New Edition Story” and “The Simone Biles Story: Courage to Soar.”
