‘Days of Our Lives’ Star Greg Vaughan Speaks Out After Shock Exit From Show
Days of Our Lives saw the exit of Nicole (Arianne Zucker) and Eric (Greg Vaughan) on Monday’s (July 29) episode, but it seems Vaughan wasn’t ready to say goodbye to Salem just yet.
After Monday’s episode, Vaughan took to social media, where he shared a series of Instagram Stories. In the final post (which has since expired), the actor wrote, “I didn’t leave by choice. I never had a choice,” followed by a broken heart emoji.
Fans had been anticipating Zucker’s departure since news of her contract not being renewed became public last year. In February, Zucker filed a lawsuit against the show and Corday Productions for “wrongful termination.” She alleges that former producer Albert Allar sexually harassed her and other female employees on the show, which led to her being dismissed from the soap.
However, Vaughan’s exit came as more of a surprise. The former General Hospital cast member had starred on the show since 2012 and was a popular character with viewers. But in recent episodes, Nicole reunited with Eric after finding out he was the biological father of baby Jude. On Monday’s episode, Nicole and Eric left to move to Paris together.
Despite this, various outlets have reported that Vaughan will be coming back to the show, though in what capacity isn’t yet known. Soap Opera Digest stated, “Although Eric moved to Paris with true love Nicole and their son, Vaughan’s absence from the canvas won’t be permanent.”
Vaughan’s Instagram post certainly suggests his character won’t be back in a permanent role. His return would also undercut the happily-ever-after ending for Nicole and Eric.
During Monday’s episode, Marlena Evans (Deidre Hall) told the departing couple, “On a personal note, I do hope that you get to come back sometime soon,” which leaves the door open for Vaughan’s Eric to return to the streets of Salem in the future.
In a since-deleted Instagram post, Hall wrote of Vaughan’s exit, “Sad day, saying goodbye to this kind, caring beautiful man. It was a delight to get to know him well in our time together. In addition to his many gifts, I found his profound commitment and devotion to his family the most endearing.”
Earlier this year, Vaughan was hospitalized with severe altitude sickness while on a skiing trip with his sons in Colorado. He revealed on Instagram that his blood oxygen level was at 54%, and he was diagnosed with high altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE).
Responding to fans’ well wishes, Vaughan wrote at the time, “I just felt such an appreciation and gratitude for everything. Your prayers have been felt. It’s been a struggle, but I’m over the top. And, taking this moment just to say, I didn’t realize the things that I was going through.”
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The new Gabby is less than satisfactory. She is not up to the task and watching her is painful.
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I agree
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I totally agree 👍
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I don't like the new Gabby at all. She doesn't fit the part at all 😪😪
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Bring back the old Gabi or replace the new one. She is so irritating.
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Get rid of new Gabby. She is painful to watch.
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I'm very disappointed with the exit of the Nicole Walker character.It would be a mistake to re cast this part.Those shoes are too talented to fill.Ive watched for 45 years.I was tying to count all of Nicole's husbands and I think I lost count...I count 5.Anybody have more?
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Ms Zucker...One of the best soap actresses of all time.Married to almost everyone in Salem the character of Nicole Walker evolved more than any other.Beautiful and talented,I can't see her not re appearing somewhere very soon.Ive watched for 45 years,she will be missed and SHOULD never ever be re cast!!!!!
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Nicole and Eric were the whole reason I watched the show! So disappointed with their departure.
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Absolutely why should Nicole and Eric leave the show they finally got what they wanted a baby 😊
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Eric and Nicole need to come back to the show. I love them both. There should of been some agreement settled that didn't resort to dismissal.She was in a toxic environment, and reported it. And both were punished for it.Bring them back!!
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Very sad to see Nichole and Erik this show is really messing up letting those two great actors leave can’t imagine what these writers are thinking but they aren’t thinking straight that’s for sure.
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They lost Banus and Zucker due to their toxic work environment and I suspect it was part of Miller's decision to not renew her contract full time. They had good momentum with the Jude storyline then it fizzled because they temporarily wrote Zucker off during the farce investigation into AA. Then they fizzled again with writting her off. How in this day and age do you suspend someone for reporting what she did and not expect to get sued??? Also, the storylinethey came up with was terrible. If suspendingZucker hadn't been retaliatory and she wanted time off they should have sent Nicole to a mental health facility because she had a full on breakdown losing her baby. An upscale one thàt isn't the Salem facility thanks EJs money and power. Instead terrible storyline and Alair received barely a slap on the wrist until Zucker started the petition and over 20 cast and crew signed, and the public finding out about it. The way they handled recasting Teresa was weird and super disrespectful to that actress. I really like O'Brian, she is a really talented actor but the way they more than bend over backwards to keep her makes me wonder if she has something on them I started watching on a lark a few but quickly found myself impressed with the cast and what they do despite what must be a super limited budget. The aged sets and bad wigs on the limited extras is laughable. The writing can be cringey but the cast...they either knock it out of the park or die trying. They deserve more.
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I like the new Gabby. She is more natural than Camilla; all she did was huff and puff all the time. It just got tiring. For all of you people who don’t like the new Gabby-Give her a chance!
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Was never fond of the Nicole character. She was too whinny. I for one was glad to see her finally gone. The new Gabby isn't cutting it.
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Guess get another person play Nicole
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Never ever do that!Too perfect of shoes to fill.
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