List of Days of Our Lives characters (2020s)

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Days of Our Lives is an American television soap opera that was first broadcast on November 8, 1965. The following is a list of characters that first appear in the show during the 2020s, by order of first appearance. All characters were introduced by show's executive producer, Ken Corday and co-executive producer, Albert Alarr. Greg Meng was subsequently credited as co-executive producer from January to September 2020.

Amanda Raynor (Victoria Platt), an OB/GYN at Salem University hospital is introduced in January 2020[1] The next character to be introduced is mechanic Jake Lambert (Brandon Barash) in April 2020, when Ben Weston (Robert Scott Wilson) meets him for a job interview. The next character to be introduced is Gwen Rizczech (Emily O'Brien) a mental patient who befriends Claire Brady (Olivia Rose Keegan). In July 2020, Allie Horton (Lindsay Arnold) gives birth to her son Henry (Delaney and Parker Evans). Charlie Dale (Mike Manning) joined the soap in October 2020 as an executive intern to dueling CEOs Philip Kiriakis (Jay Kenneth Johnson) and Xander Kiriakis (Paul Telfer). On Christmas Eve 2020, fraternal twins Jules and Carver Grant were born to Eli Grant (Lamon Archey) and Lani Price (Sal Stowers).

In 2021, Jackée Harry joined the cast as Lani's aunt, Paulina Price. Paulina was soon followed by her daughter, Chanel Dupree. Chanel was briefly played by Precious Way before she was replaced by Raven Bowens. In the summer of 2021, it was announced that Marla Gibbs had been cast as Paulina's mother, Olivia.

Amanda Raynor[]

Amanda Raynor (commonly known as Doctor Raynor), played by Victoria Platt, is a doctor at Salem University Hospital. The character first appeared on January 23, 2020.[2] While she made her debut in soaps in 1996 on All My Children, Platt is best known to daytime viewers for her portrayal of Vicky Spaulding on Guiding Light. Platt revealed that she was familiar with Days of Our Lives growing up as it was her mom's favorite soap opera. "That was one of the joys being sick when I was a kid: staying home on the couch while my mother watched her stories." The actress was especially excited to work with John Aniston who played Victor Kiriakis. The fast paced production process was a bit daunting. "There were days that I was completely confused. […] It was all very quick, but everyone was very supportive." Coincidentally, Platt reported to set at the same time that her husband Terrell Tilford began filming the role of DA Giddens. Platt had no idea what the story was when she took gig. "When I auditioned for the role, it was only for one day." However, Platt was told about the possibility that her role could expand. "I was shocked" Platt said of the "terrible" twist as "Dr. Raynor seemed like a really descent woman." Despite the dark turn, Platt relished in playing the role. "I kind of got to have an emotional experience and really get to know other people in the storyline. That was wonderful."[3] Platt last appeared on April 3, 2020, when the character was written out.[4] The actress reprised the role from January 8 to February 3, 2021.[5][6]

In flashbacks, Raynor is revealed to be the doctor that delivers Kristen DiMera's (Stacy Haiduk) newborn daughter on Mother's Day 2020. As Kristen panics when she suddenly goes into labor, Raynor does her best to calm the expectant mother. Raynor plans a C-section and successfully delivers Kristen's baby girl. That same day, Raynor tells Xander Kiriakis (Paul Telfer) that his newborn daughter is experiencing complications as she was born shortly after her mother Sarah Horton (Linsey Godfrey) was involved in a car accident. After a thorough examination, Raynor tells Xander that Sarah's baby is dying and there is nothing anyone can do.[2] In March 2020, Raynor runs into Kristen and her boyfriend Brady Black (Eric Martsolf) and they thank her for the condolence card she sent them after their daughter's passing. While she assures them it was the least she could do, Raynor is riddled with guilt as she recalls that Xander offered her a bribe to tell Kristen her baby had died. Raynor then goes to the hospital where she oversees the bone marrow transplant as Gabi Hernandez (Camila Banus) has agreed to donate to help save Sarah's daughter, Mackenzie "Mickey" Horton. After the procedure, Xander orders Raynor to leave town but she refuses as she cares too much for her patients to abandon them. However, Raynor confides in Xander about the guilt she feels upon seeing Mackenzie's real parents – Kristen and Brady.[7] In March 2020, Raynor skips town to avoid questioning about the baby switch.[8] However, Nicole Walker (Arianne Zucker) tracks her down and forces Raynor to confess to confirm that Xander and Victor forced her to switch the babies.[4]

In 2021, Raynor is revealed to be behind the abduction of Eli (Lamon Archey) Lani Grant's (Sal Stowers) newborn twins, Jules and Carver. As she absconds with the babies, Raynor runs into Bonnie Lockhart (Judi Evans). Raynor begrudgingly hands the twins over to (Ivan G'Vera) as he threatened to turn her in for her involvement in the baby switch. Once he pays her for her services, Raynor warns Ivan that Jules and Carver's detective parents would be hot on their trail. She is later contacted by Xander who reveals that Bonnie identified her to the police who assumed he was involved due to their previous dealings. Xander offers to help Raynor disappear and she agrees to meet with him. However, Eli and Lani turn up to the meeting instead and demand answers. While she doesn't have details on Ivan's identity or location, she assures the worried parents their children are safe. As she fills them in on the details, Raynor takes Eli and Lani to the motel where she took the babies. The only thing Raynor can offer is that Ivan made a phone- call to someone called "Madame."[9]

Platt was nominated for a Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Performer in a Drama Series in 2021 but lost to fellow nominee, Cady McClain.[10]

Jake Lambert[]

Jake Lambert
Days of Our Lives character
Portrayed byBrandon Barash
Duration2020–present
First appearanceApril 23, 2020 (2020-04-23)
Created byRon Carlivati
Introduced byKen Corday, Albert Alarr and Greg Meng
ClassificationPresent; regular
Profile
Other names
  • Jacob Lambert
  • Jake DiMera
OccupationMechanic

Jake Lambert (also DiMera), played by Brandon Barash, is a mechanic who owns a local garage when Ben Weston (Robert Scott Wilson) is job hunting. He first appeared in the episode broadcast on April 23, 2020.

Jake meets with Ben and his girlfriend Ciara Brady (Victoria Konefal) to get Jake to fix Ciara's motorcycle. Ben is also interested in working at the mechanic shop. However, Ben and Ciara are taken aback by Jake's striking resemblance to the late Stefan DiMera (Barash). While the position has already been filled, Jake promises to speak to the owner as he needs more assistance due to a recent surge in business. In town, Jake runs into Stefan's widow, Gabi (Banus) and she faints at the sight of him. Ben inquires about the job again, and Jake agrees to hire Ben if he can take Ciara's bike apart and put it back together. Jake eventually confides in Ben about his ex-girlfriend who constantly caused trouble for him. Jake looks into Stefan and is disgusted to learn he raped Abigail DiMera (Marci Miller). Gabi later accuses him of being Stefan who has faked his death and Jake insist he is not Stefan. However, Gabi is convinced that he is just suffering from amnesia. Gabi later kisses him, but he rejects her.

Shortly after Barash left the series, after his character Stefan was killed off, the actor was spotted in a picture to Galen Gering's social media on November 6, 2019. While the post was quickly deleted, Soaps.com reported that Barash was set to return to the soap.[11] On April 16, 2020, Barash announced on the show's official app that he would return on April 23, 2020.[12]

Gwen Rizczech[]

Gwen Rizczech
Days of Our Lives character
Portrayed byEmily O'Brien (2020–present)
Linsey Godfrey (2022)
Duration2020–present
First appearanceJune 5, 2020 (2020-06-05)
Created byRon Carlivati
Introduced byKen Corday, Albert Alarr and Greg Meng
ClassificationPresent; regular
Profile
Other namesGwendolyn Rizczech
OccupationNanny

Gwen Rizczech, played by Emily O'Brien, made her first appearance on June 5, 2020. Gwen befriends Claire during their stay at Bayview Sanatarium and is also the ex-girlfriend of Jake Lambert (Barash).

Speculation about O'Brien's casting start in late 2019 when the actress, best known for her Daytime Emmy Award nominated portrayal of Jana Hawkes on The Young and the Restless, was photographed on set with fellow cast members.[13] The casting and character was officially announced on May 27, 2020.[14] O'Brien stated to Soap Opera Digest "It was for the best because this role feels good. It feels like a puzzle piece."[15] She later said "getting to play somebody" like Gwen "feels extremely comfortable for reasons that I don't know."[16] "When this opportunity came, it was serendipitous. I wasn't used to it. It's a great opportunity and a really wonderful role that I'm enjoying." O'Brien was flattered to learn from executive producer Albert Alarr that Days had been working to get her onto the show for quite some time. In 2018, O'Brien auditioned for the role of Sarah Horton on three separate occasions. She even screen-tested with Greg Vaughan, who would play Sarah's love interest, Eric Brady. However, Godfrey was ultimately cast as Sarah. A year later, the actress was invited to audition for another role. "I remember going in and it was very ominous in the room" she said. Alarr and casting director Marnie Saitta informed O'Brien that she would not be playing the role she just had auditioned for, "'but there's a new role we want to mold around you.' That's when the character of Gwen was born."[15]

Ron Carlivati described Gwen as "mischievous."[14] "Gwen is so colorful" O'Brien said of the role upon her casting. The actress further described Gwen as "wonderfully unpredictable and volatile and she's completely fearless. She lives on the edge and with complete passion."[15] Later that year, O'Brien referred to Gwen as "raw and scruffy." She continued, that Gwen is a "misanthrope who doesn't really fit in very well." Gwen is an "outcast." Gwen is "different" and "much more dangerous. [―] She doesn't look or behave, like most of the people in town."[16]

From January 19–24, 2022, Linsey Godfrey portrayed the role when Gwen masqueraded as Sarah Horton, who Godfrey portrays.

Henry Horton[]

Henry Horton, the son of Allie Horton (Lindsay Arnold), was introduced on July 31, 2020. The role was originated by Delaney and Parker Evans, and later played by Jayna and Kinsley Fox.

When Allie returns to Salem in 2020, she moves in with her uncle Eric Brady (Vaughn) and his wife Nicole (Zucker) and reveals she is secretly pregnant.[17] Allie plans to put her baby up for adoption and turns to her former stepfather Rafe Hernandez (Gering) to raise her baby.[18] However, Allie's mother Sami Brady (Alison Sweeney) soon arrives and tries to talk her daughter out giving away her baby. Allie goes into labor during an argument with Sami and gives birth to her son. Allie names her son Henry and gives him the middle name Lucas, after her father Lucas Horton (Bryan Dattilo).[19] However, not long after she gives birth, Allie skips town and leaves a note telling her family she wants Eric and Nicole to raise her baby which infuriates Sami. When Sami is set to leave town with Henry, Allie returns and Sami agrees to leave the baby with Allie, Eric and Nicole. Allie is horrified when runs into the man she believes is her baby's father, Tripp Dalton (Lucas Adams).[20] Allie accuses Tripp of rape, but Tripp vehemently denies it. It was later revealed in January 2021 that Henry's biological father was Charlie Dale, the maternal half-brother to Tripp Dalton (Lucas Adams), and the youngest child of Ava Vitali (Tamara Braun).[21]

Charlie Dale[]

Charlie Dale
Days of Our Lives character
Portrayed byMike Manning
Duration2020–2021
First appearanceOctober 6, 2020 (2020-10-06)
Last appearanceNovember 2, 2021 (2021-11-02)
Introduced byKen Corday and Albert Alarr
ClassificationFormer; regular
Profile
OccupationExecutive intern

Charlie Dale, played by Mike Manning, made his first appearance on October 6, 2020. Charlie is introduced as an intern at Titan Industries.

Charlie's shirt is ruined when juice spills on him after a confrontation between his bosses Xander and Philip Kiriakis. Xander gives Charlie money to replace his shirt and the drinks, but on his way back to the office, Charlie collides with Claire (Isabel Durant), spilling the drinks on his new shirt. Claire apologizes and Charlie ask her on a date. Claire warns him to be careful working at Titan. Charlie comforts Claire as she grieves the loss the death of her aunt Ciara (Konefal) and as she struggles with the news that her ex-boyfriend Tripp (Adams) has been accused of rape. However, Charlie is dejected when he spies Claire kissing another ex-boyfriend, Theo Carver (Cameron Johnson). After Claire's friend Jan Spears (Heather Lindell), makes him listen, Claire explains that it was a mistake and that Theo is in her past and Charlie agrees to accompany her to her parents' wedding. He is later recruited by both Philip and Xander to spy on the other, and when Xander learns that the truth, he promises Charlie a promotion if he continues working against Philip. After his second date with Claire, Charlie is summoned by his estranged mother – Ava Vitali (Tamara Braun). Ava informs Charlie that his brother Tripp was accused of raping Allie (Arnold) and despite multiple DNA tests, she knows he is innocent. Ava forces Charlie him to admit that he raped Allie and fathered her baby when Ava enlisted him to keep an eye on Tripp in London. Though the charges have been dropped, Ava wants Charlie to come forward to restore Tripp's reputation. A bitter Charlie knocks Ava out and takes her prisoner furious at her for her rejection while she loves Tripp unconditionally. Charlie leaves Ava tied up at his apartment as he accompanies Claire to her grandparents' house for Christmas. Charlie is stunned when Claire introduces him to her to Allie and makes a quick excuse to leave.

Manning announced his casting on social media on September 29, 2020.[22] Manning had auditioned for casting director Marnie Saitta multiple times dating all the way back to 2013. This time, "it was just a case of the right fit, the right role at the right time." Manning was familiar with a few of the cast members including Mary Beth Evans and Brandon Beemer as he worked opposite the actors on The Bay, and Adams who is a friend, all of whom warned Manning about the taping speed. "The role has become so much more complex than I originally realized in the audition process" Manning said to Soap Opera Digest. He continued, "The more I find out about Charlie, the more excited I am about him…"[23]

Jules and Carver Grant[]

Jules and Carver Grant
Days of Our Lives character
Portrayed by
  • Arya and Wynter Wells (2021–present)
  • Veda and Bali Singh (2021–present)
Duration2020–present
First appearanceDecember 24, 2020 (2020-12-24)
Created byRon Carlivati
Introduced byKen Corday and Albert Alarr
ClassificationPresent; recurring
Profile
Other names
  • Julia Harriet Grant
  • Stefania Alamain
  • Carver Malcolm Grant
  • Jacob Alamain

Jules Grant and Carver Grant are the fraternal twins of Eli (Archey) and Lani (Stowers).

On Christmas Eve, Lani goes into labor during the Horton Christmas party and she gives birth with Eli by her side. After careful deliberation, Eli and Lani name their babies – Julia Harriet and Carver Malcolm – after Eli's grandmother Julie Williams (Susan Seaforth Hayes) and Lani's father Abe Carver (James Reynolds). Just as the twins are discharged from the hospital, Eli and Lani discover the babies have been abducted from the nursery.[24] Their captor Amanda Raynor (Platt) runs into Bonnie Lockhart (Evans) and assumes the babies are her own. Bonnie helps comfort Carver when he cries before Raynor departs with the twins. Raynor then turns the twins over to Ivan Marais (G'Vera). Ivan delivers the twins to the presumed dead Vivian Alamain (Linda Dano). Ivan offers the twins to makeup for his role in depriving Vivian of her own twins, Stefan and Jake (Barash). Vivian even gives the twins new names, with Jules being called Stefania, and Carver being called Jacob, after her own sons. However, Eli and Lani track Vivian and Ivan down and rescue the twins just in time to celebrate their first Valentine's Day as a family.[25] In March 2021, the twins are christened with Abe and Eli's mother Valerie Grant (Vanessa A. Williams) as Carver's godparents, while Julie and Lani's brother Theo (Cameron Johnson) serve as Jules's godparents.

At the time of the births, like most of the world, the country is dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic, and babies were not allowed on set. Stowers praised the producers and said "They have actually done really well with getting custom babies. These babies look very real, from their eyelashes and noses down to their skin color." The show also had dolls to use as the twins got older that mimicked breathing.[26] According to Archey, their names are "special." He continued, "They have weight" to them. Archey described fatherhood as "uncharted territory" for Eli.[27] Carlivati said "the new year does not get off a good start for Eli and Lani when they realize their babies have been kidnapped." However, "this is not just two parents but two cops, and they're determined" to uncover the truth.[24] Eli and Lani "go into overdrive as they and solve the unfolding mystery." In addition, Jules and Carver's birth makes way for the introduction of a new character, Paulina (Jackée Harry).[28] Paulina is Lani's great aunt and has hopes of being the twins' godmother.[29] Johnson's return as Theo also ties into the twins' christening.[30]

Legacy names (2021)

The look of pride on Abe's face when they told him his grandson's name was Carver was perfect. And while I never pull punches when it comes to Julie, Susan Seaforth Hayes is a legend, and I love it when DAYS names kids after characters who've earned their legacy on the show.

Laurisa, Soapcentral.com[31]

The revelation that Lani and Eli were having twins was well received. TV Source Magazine's Jenna Kaylor was especially happy with the twist. "My babies are having twins!!! […] I was excited when I found out about the twins, is putting it mildly."[32] TV Fanatic's Christine Orlando said "I love this twist because it's a happy one, and these two deserve some more joy in their lives."[33] Laurisa from Soapcentral.com loved the humor in Eli's reaction to the news. The writer also said "I'm so glad the babies Elani are safe! Let's keep it that way!"[34] In December 2020, Janet Di Lauro ranked the story at number 7 on Soap Hub's list of the Top 10 Reasons to Watch.[35] While he felt it was "silly" the parents didn't already have names picked out, Jack Ori was more critical of the writing which likened the Christmas births two the birth of baby Jesus, in the Christian religion. "I'm not even Christian, but I found the idea that Lani's twins being born on Christmas and/or her feeling her late baby son's presence during the birth was analogous to the birth of Christ to be mildly offensive."[36] Soap Opera Digest praised the "sweet scenes" and appreciated the "nod to history" as it acknowledged Julie's given name.[37] Richard Simms said it "sweet" that the twins were named for Abe and Julie.[38] Ori said "Finally" when the characters were given names and said scenes provided the "warm family" moments the show had been lacking. Ori felt it was a "nice gesture" to use Abe's last name instead due to their oldest son being named after the character.[39] TV Fanatic's Round Table unanimously agreed that their names were good. Stephanie described naming the twins after family members as "predictable" but agreed it maintained the show's tradition of naming children. "It's also nice that each middle name is also the name of an influential black person like Malcolm X and Harriet Tubman." Ori observed that it was "the first time I can think of a soap with an African American couple ever referencing Black history and culture." Kathy appreciated the nickname for Jules, to differentiate from her great-grandmother. Orlando said the names "are the perfect mix of honoring their family and their culture. I think Days got this one right."[40] Though "annoyed" at how long it took for the babies to be named, Laurisa said "the names and scenes were worth the wait!"[31] Ori and Andy weren't fans of the kidnapping plot. Andy described it as "overdone" but appreciated that the "motives behind it makes sense, and it's given Lani and Eli some better material to work with."[41] Simms felt that other than causing drama, "the whole thing seemed to serve no overall purpose."[42] According to Ori, "this story built up to a fever pitch for absolutely nothing" as the "climax of this story happened off-screen! That's bad writing, not to mention that the entire thing felt pointless."[43]

Paulina Price[]

Paulina Price
Days of Our Lives character
Portrayed byJackée Harry
Duration2021–present
First appearanceMarch 1, 2021 (2021-03-01)
Created byRon Carlivati
Introduced byKen Corday and Albert Alarr
Spin-off
appearances
ClassificationPresent; regular
Profile
OccupationReal estate mogul
ResidenceSalem, Illinois

Paulina Price, played by Jackée Harry, is introduced as the aunt of Lani Price (Stowers) on March 1, 2021.[44]

Paulina arrives in Salem to visit her niece Lani who has recently welcomed newborn twins, Jules and Carver. Paulina is happy to meet Lani's husband Eli Grant (Archey) and her father Abe Carver (Reynolds). Paulina convinces Abe to introduce her to a local landlord who is looking to lease his storefront property in the town square which upsets Kate DiMera (Lauren Koslow). Paulina is determined to open the door for more minority owned businesses in town. As Paulina gets acquainted with Salem, she befriends Eli's mother Valerie Grant (Williams) while she clashes with Eli's grandmother Julie Olson Williams (Seaforth Hayes) when she appoints herself as Jules's godmother over Julie. Ultimately, Valerie must break it to Paulina that Julie is the godmother. Though disappointed, she understands but next Paulina must contend with her daughter Chanel's (Precious Way) sudden arrival as she causes trouble for Claire Brady (Durant) and Tripp Dalton (Adams). Paulina gives Chanel a reality check when she cuts her off and orders her to get a job. Meanwhile, Paulina gets close to Abe as she pitches a development project for the town square but needs Abe's help to move forward due to zoning laws. Paulina is irate to learn Chanel has married troubled Xander Kiriakis (Telfer) for his money. After Abe fills her in on Xander's extensive criminal history, she enlist Lani's help in convincing Chanel to divorce Xander. Paulina is speechless when Lani reveals that Xander will only divorce Chanel in exchange for $10 million. Paulina meets with Chanel and Xander, but instead of giving into his demands, she offers Xander $100,000 which upsets Chanel as she and Xander planned to split the millions. A furious Paulina destroys the check leaving Chanel to figure it out on her own. Paulina then says her goodbyes as she plans a brief return to Miami in order to make Salem her new home. Before she leaves, Paulina shares a secret with Jules and Carver.

It's soon revealed that her true project was to demolish the square and put up a superstore called "Pricetown." She is found out and Abe, who formed a relationship with her, is hurt and humiliated. Lani and Eli's family is angry as well. Guilt-ridden, she calls of her project and attempts to make amends with everyone, however, her mother Olivia Price (Marla Gibbs) arrives to ensure she stays away from Lani. It's revealed that Paulina is Lani's mother and her father was a man who abused Paulina. Olivia had Paulina give the baby to her sister, Tamera, to protect her and made Paulina promise to her sister that she'd maintain her distance from Lani.

In January 2020, on Twitter, Carlivati asked Harry when her iconic 227 character, Sandra Clark, would come to Salem? Harry admitted that she was interested.[45] While he saw it as playful banter, Carlivati was definitely interested. "I'm a huge fan of hers so I was like 'When are we bringing Jackée to the show?'" A year later, a storyline set to launch in early 2021 created the perfect opportunity for the writer so he presented the idea to executive producers Ken Corday and Albert Alarr. Carlivati told Soap Opera Digest, "I didn't know where it would go" or if Harry was truly interested, "but luckily for us, she starts taping very soon and we're very happy about that."[46] While Harry was initially worried that she had been "typecast again… As soon as they said she would have money, I said yes."[47] On December 8, 2020, during an appearance on NBC's Today, Harry announced that she would soon join the cast of Days of Our Lives.[48] Harry said "It’s a brand-new storyline with African Americans."[49] It was later reported that the character was called "Paulina" and Harry was slated to debut in March 2021.[50] Stephanie Chase reported that Harry was set to begin taping in December 2020.[51] After the serial was picked up for two more seasons in 2021, Harry was upped to regular status, according to Deadline Hollywood.[52]

Chanel Dupree[]

Chanel Dupree
Days of Our Lives character
Portrayed by
  • Precious Way (2021)
  • Raven Bowens (2021–present)
Duration2021–present
First appearanceMarch 25, 2021 (2021-03-25)
Created byRon Carlivati
Introduced byKen Corday and Albert Alarr
Spin-off
appearances		Days of Our Lives: A Very Salem Christmas (2021)
ClassificationPresent; regular
Profile
Other namesChanel Price
OccupationBaker

Chanel Dupree was introduced on March 25, 2021, as the daughter of Paulina Price (Harry). The role was originated by Way.[53] Four months after her debut, Way vacated the role on July 5, and was replaced by Raven Bowens on July 6.[54]

Chanel arrives in Salem and immediately befriends Claire Brady (Durant) and Tripp Dalton (Adams).[55] However, things turn sour when Chanel tries to stick them with her bill at the town square. Before she can escape, Chanel runs into Paulina and Lani, after she tries to run away from Lani's cop husband Eli Grant (Lamon Archey). Chanel confronts her mother about freezing her credit cards and Paulina informs Chanel that she has to get a job.[56] Chanel then runs into her ex-boyfriend Theo Carver (Cameron Johnson). Though she is happy to see him and wants to catch up, Theo rushes off. Theo ultimately rejects Chanel when he realizes that she's only interested in reuniting because her mom has cut her off. Chanel then bonds with Xander Kiriakis (Telfer) who is mourning his broken engagement. Assuming Xander is the CEO of Titan Industries, Chanel marries Xander assuming she has hit the jackpot. Chanel is horrified to discover Xander is actually broke and plans to end the marriage when Xander convinces her that he'll only agree to divorce if Paulina pays him off. Chanel only agrees when Xander suggest they split the payout evenly. Chanel informs Lani that Xander will only agree to divorce in exchange for $10 million.

The character was first announced in December 2020, when Harry announced her own casting.[48][49] On February 2, 2021, Blackfilm.com announced the Way was cast as Chanel.[57] Chanel marked Way's very first acting role.[58] The show's official Twitter account said "Get ready, Salem. A new family is arriving."[59] Way was slated to debut in late March 2021.[60] Chanel made her debut on March 25, 2021.[61] In an interview with Soap Opera Digest expressed her excitement during the audition process. "Everything's been so crazy with Covid, and I put up a self-tape audition and I had so much doing it because I really loved the scene and I felt very free." Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the audition was one of Way's first chances "to get dressed up, so I went all out for my tape! I put on sparkly dress, and it gave me an excuse to put on some makeup and feel cute." With a friend's help, Way recording her audition and sent it to the casting department. After a few more auditions, Way finally booked the role. Way also revealed that her late grandmother loved "her stories." While she was too young to remember which soap her grandmother watched, when she booked the role, Way said "This is a special thing from me to her." Before she told anyone about the casting, Way's sister told her that Days of Our Lives was their grandmother's favorite soap and then emotionally shared the news. "How does that even happen? How does it work out like that?" [62]

Olivia Price[]

Olivia Price
Days of Our Lives character
Portrayed byMarla Gibbs
Duration2021–present
First appearanceAugust 16, 2021 (2021-08-16)
Created byRon Carlivati
Introduced byKen Corday and Albert Alarr
ClassificationPresent; guest

Olivia Price, played by Gibbs, debuted on August 16, 2021.[63] Olivia is the mother of Pauline Price, played by Gibbs's 227 co-star Harry.[64]

Olivia comes to town, and orders Paulina out of Salem and away from Lani, on behalf of her daughter Tamara. Paulina wants to tell Lani that she is her real mother but Olivia convinces her to keep quiet. Meanwhile, Olivia makes her disapproval about Paulina's budding romance with Tamara's ex-boyfriend, Abe Carver (James Reynolds) known. After meeting Lani's husband Eli Grant (Lamon Archey) and their twins Jules and Carver, Olivia goes back to Miami.[65] In November 2021, Eli escorts Olivia to Paulina and Abe's wedding. Olivia is not a fan of Tamara's former roommate Marlena Evans (Deidre Hall) officiating the wedding. When Paulina's daughter Chanel Dupree (Raven Bowens) interrupts the wedding to reveal that Paulina is Lani's mother, Paulina accuses Chanel of lying forcing Olivia to intervene and confirm the story.[66] To make things more awkward, Lani invites Olivia to spend Thanksgiving with her but excludes Paulina.

Gibbs actually announced the casting herself during an interview with the New York Daily News as she was inducted into the Hollywood Walk of Fame on July 20, 2021.[67] Soap Opera Digest officially confirmed the casting and character on July 22.[64] "Get excited…," Carlivati said on social media.[68] Monsters and Critics's Rachelle Lewis revealed the role "will showcase her comedic talent."[69] Gibbs said of her casting to Page Six, "I was [Harry's] mother in ‘The First Family’ and now I’m her mother again in ‘Days of Our Lives.’ I mean, how great is that?"[70]

Daytime Confidential's Carly Silver said "Legends are reuniting on Days of Our Lives!"[71] Amy Mistretta said "Things in Salem are about to be 'movin’ on up!'"[72] "Classic television fans are going to go wild" Kambra Clifford said of the news.[73] Chris Eades of Soaps In Depth said "Another very familiar face is coming to Salem as Marla Gibbs has been cast on DAYS OF OUR LIVES as Olivia Price!"[74] TV Insider's Paige Strout said "viewers are in for a treat" and that Gibbs and Harry's onscreen "reunion will certainly be a must-watch event." Strout felt it would provide "an exciting new storyline" as viewers did not know much about Paulina's mother.[75] Lewis described Olivia as "a vital addition to several storylines" as the Price family's matriarch."[69] Jordan Simon and Jamila Lizete White agreed it would special for 227 fans.[76][77]

TR Coates[]

TR Coates
Days of Our Lives character
Portrayed byWilliam Christian
Duration2022
First appearanceJanuary 26, 2022 (2022-01-26)
Created byRon Carlivati
Introduced byAlbert Alarr and Ken Corday
ClassificationPresent; regular
Profile
Other namesTerrell Raymond Coates[78]
Ray Coates
OccupationFilm producer

TR Coates (also known as Ray), played by William Christian, is the biological father of Lani Price (Stowers) and ex-boyfriend of Paulina Price (Harry). Christian first appeared in the episode broadcast on January 26, 2022.[79]

TR arrives in Salem demanding that Johnny honor their contract and continue production on the movie about the demonic possession of his grandmother, Marlena Evans (Deidre Hall). However, Johnny reveals that he abandoned the project after Marlena's most recent possession. Excited by the possibility of a sequels, TR convinces Johnny to go against his family's wishes, move forward with the movie and blame everything on him. TR runs into his ex-girlfriend Paulina who wants nothing to do with him as he abused her in the past. However, TR apologizes, insisting he's a changed man, having made a career for himself in film making. Paulina does not approve of his dealings with Johnny, the man who just dumped her daughter. Paulina is cagey when TR ask about her daughter and even Lani – who Paulina claims is her niece – interrupts them.[78] Having looked her up online, TR's suspicions about Lani are confirmed by Paulina's other daughter, Chanel Dupree (Raven Bowens) who claims Lani as her sister. TR makes a beeline for Lani but she rejects him. However, he vows to be a part of Lani's life.[80]

The character was announced on January 18, 2022, by Soaps.com.[81] Soap Opera Digest later announced Christian's casting.[79] Christian, best known for his Daytime Emmy Award nominated role as Derek Frye on All My Children, had a four episode guest stint in 2018.[82] Christian was contacted by co-executive producer Albert Alarr, his friend of 30+ years, about the role. However, Christian was hesitant to take the role as he had recently relocated to Boston with his family. Ultimately, it was his family's encouragement that convinced Christian to take the gig. Commuting for work was something Christian became accustomed to during his tenure on All My Children as he resided in Los Angeles, and filmed in New York.[83]

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