In the world of soap operas, recasting characters is a common occurrence.Whether it’s due to actors pursuing other projects, personal reasons, or simply needing a fresh face for a familiar role, soap operas often face the challenge of finding the right actor to take over beloved characters.For a show like Days of Our Lives, which has been on the air for decades, recasting isn’t just a necessity—it’s a part of keeping the drama alive and the storylines fresh.While fans are often wary of seeing their favorite characters portrayed by new actors, some recasts have done more than just fill the shoes of their predecessors.In fact, a few have gone on to make the character their own, bringing new life to familiar faces.Here are the 5 best recastAdd the suggestions. Make the article as long as possible characters on Days of Our Lives who made their mark in Salem.
1. Jennifer Horton (Melissa Reeves to Cady McClain)
Jennifer Horton is one of the most iconic characters on Days of Our Lives.Played by Melissa Reeves for decades, Jennifer is best known for her long-standing romance with Jack Deveraux and her role as a caring mother and journalist.Melissa Reeves became synonymous with the role, making her departure from the show in 2020 all the more shocking for fans.Enter Cady McClain, an actress with a soap opera pedigree, having appeared on other shows like All My Children and As the World Turns.When McClain took over the role of Jennifer, she faced the difficult task of stepping into Reeves’ shoes. But she didn’t just fill the role—she made it her own.One of the most powerful storylines during McClain’s tenure was when Jennifer was grieving the death of her mother, Laura Horton.McClain brought a raw emotional depth to the character, showing Jennifer’s vulnerability in ways fans hadn’t seen before.In doing so, she won over viewers who had been skeptical of the recast.Fun Fact: Melissa Reeves has taken temporary leaves from the show before, but her 2020 break came during the pandemic, making it unclear when or if she’d return. Fans were initially hesitant about McClain, but her performance quickly turned things around.Why it Worked: McClain respected the history of Jennifer Horton but added her own emotional touch.Her portrayal of Jennifer’s grief over Laura’s death showcased her ability to dig deep into the character’s emotions, which helped fans accept her as a worthy recast.
2. Philip Kiriakis (Jay Kenneth Johnson to Kyle Brandt to John-Paul Lavoisier)
Philip Kiriakis, the son of Days villain Victor Kiriakis, has always been a central figure in the show’s younger generation.Jay Kenneth Johnson first brought the character to life, giving Philip a complicated mix of arrogance and vulnerability that made him both frustrating and lovable.After Johnson left the role, Philip was recast several times, with both Kyle Brandt and John-Paul Lavoisier taking on the character at different points.While each actor had their own interpretation of Philip, they managed to keep the character’s core qualities intact—particularly his love for Belle Black and his rivalry with Shawn Brady.Lavoisier’s portrayal added a new layer of charm and maturity to Philip, showing the character as a more seasoned businessman, while still keeping his impulsive nature in check.Fans who had grown up watching Philip’s love triangles and business escapades appreciated how each actor honored the character’s history while adding their own spin.Behind-the-Scenes Trivia: When Jay Kenneth Johnson left the role of Philip, he pursued other projects, leading to Kyle Brandt stepping in.After Brandt’s exit, Philip took a long break from Salem before John-Paul Lavoisier returned to shake things up.Why it Worked: Each actor brought something different to Philip’s personality.Jay Kenneth Johnson’s “classic” Philip was both vulnerable and arrogant, Kyle Brandt played him as a more rebellious, edgy type, while John-Paul Lavoisier brought a polished, corporate version of the character.All three added to Philip’s evolution in ways that kept fans invested.
3. Brady Black (Kyle Lowder to Eric Martsolf)
Brady Black has had one of the most dramatic journeys on Days of Our Lives.As the son of John Black and Isabella Toscano, Brady had a difficult childhood marked by loss and trauma.Kyle Lowder first portrayed the character as a troubled young man trying to find his place in the world, battling addictions and difficult relationships.When Eric Martsolf took over the role in 2008, fans weren’t sure how the transition would go.But Martsolf’s Brady quickly became a fan favorite, bringing a new level of complexity and emotional depth to the character.His portrayal of Brady’s struggles with addiction, heartbreak, and betrayal resonated with viewers, earning him critical acclaim and even a Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor.Martsolf’s version of Brady has continued to evolve, making him one of the most dynamic characters on the show.Whether he’s falling in love, seeking redemption, or fighting his demons, Martsolf’s Brady keeps fans glued to their screens.Actor Insight: In an interview, Eric Martsolf said, “It was intimidating stepping into a role that already had a legacy, but I wanted to honor the character’s complexity and build on that.Brady is a man constantly seeking redemption, and I think that’s something we can all relate to.”Why it Worked: Martsolf took Brady’s existing history and built on it, turning him into a more mature, nuanced character.His ability to portray Brady’s flaws and vulnerabilities while still making him lovable won fans over, and today, many viewers see Martsolf as the definitive Brady.
4. Belle Black (Kirsten Storms to Martha Madison)
Belle Black, the daughter of super couple John Black and Marlena Evans, has been an integral part of Days of Our Lives since her birth.Kirsten Storms originally played Belle, making her a fan favorite during the character’s teenage years, particularly through her romance with Shawn Brady and friendship with Chloe Lane.When Storms left the role, Martha Madison was cast as Belle, taking on the character during a pivotal time in her life.Madison’s portrayal of Belle as an adult brought a sense of maturity and strength to the character, especially as she juggled being a mother, lawyer, and wife.Madison’s chemistry with her on-screen family, especially Shawn and her parents, helped solidify her as a worthy successor to Storms.Fan Reactions: Initially, there was skepticism about whether anyone could replace Kirsten Storms, but Martha Madison soon won over fans with her portrayal.One fan wrote, “Martha Madison’s Belle feels like a natural evolution of the character. She brings such grace and strength to Belle’s adult storylines.”Why it Worked: Madison gave Belle a more grounded, mature presence, which aligned with the character’s growth.She also maintained the sweetness and determination that made Belle so beloved, which helped make the recast feel natural.
5. EJ DiMera (James Scott to Dan Feuerriegel)
EJ DiMera, the charming but dangerous son of Stefano DiMera, was originally portrayed by James Scott, who brought charisma and intensity to the role.EJ’s complicated relationship with Sami Brady made for some of the most memorable moments in Days of Our Lives history, and Scott’s departure from the show left a significant void.When Dan Feuerriegel was cast as the new EJ in 2021, fans weren’t sure if anyone could fill Scott’s shoes. However, Feuerriegel quickly impressed viewers by bringing his own version of EJ to life.While maintaining EJ’s ruthless, DiMera-like traits, Feuerriegel also added layers of vulnerability, particularly in EJ’s interactions with his family and romantic interests.Fan Response: Fans were initially skeptical about the recast, but many have since embraced Feuerriegel’s portrayal. One viewer commented, “Feuerriegel brings a fresh energy to EJ. He’s not trying to imitate James Scott,but he still has that DiMera edge.”Why it Worked: Feuerriegel found the right balance between respecting the character’s dark, manipulative history and bringing new energy to the role. His version of EJ is just as captivating as the original, making the recast a success.
Conclusion
Recasting is never easy, especially when it comes to beloved characters on long-running shows like Days of Our Lives.However, these five recast characters prove that with the right actor and thoughtful storytelling, even the most iconic roles can continue to thrive.Whether it’s through honoring the character’s past or bringing a fresh perspective, these recasts have made their mark on Salem, becoming fan favorites in their own right.So, which Days of Our Lives recast did you think was the best? Did any of these recasts surprise you? Let us know in the comments below!