‘Days of Our Lives’ Star Brandon Barash Speaks Out After Shock Axing
Days of Our Lives is set for another casting shake-up as Brandon Barash has been written out of the long-running soap opera, with his final episode slated to stream on Peacock on Monday, October 28.
As first reported by Soaps.com, Barash, who has starred in the dual role of Stefan and Jake DiMera on Days since 2019, said that he received notice seven months ago that the writers were bringing his chapter on the show to a close.
Recalling his meeting with Days co-executive producer Janet Spellman-Drucker, Barash said, “I knew exactly what was happening as soon as I was called up to [the boss’] office. And she said, ‘Look, this is not my doing. I don’t like it. And this is no reflection on you or your abilities. You’re very talented. We know your work ethic is very high, but it’s just where we’re deciding to take the character.'”
Barash, who previously starred as Johnny Zacchara on General Hospital, said the news came as a “surprise” and a “gut punch” but that he is trying to see the positive side of the situation.
“Of course, the ego is like, ‘Oh, okay, that hurt,’” he shared. “But I walked out of the office equal parts shocked and excited about what was around the corner.”
Barash’s time with Days isn’t quite over yet. His final episode will air on Monday, and then he will be in attendance for the Day of Days event with The Day Players Band on Saturday, November 2, in Los Angeles, California. However, when it comes to a potential return to Days in the future, Barash said it would require a rebuilding of trust.
“I don’t know,” he said about possibly returning to the soap. “This is the second time this has happened to me on Days of Our Lives. And, you know, it would have to be very, very right. The terms would have to be right. The story would have to be right. The contract would have to be right. And I would have to be able to trust them. And I’ve lost that. I’ve lost that ability to trust that team, quite frankly.”
Barash joined Days in 2019, taking over from Tyler Christopher as Stefan DiMera. The character was killed off that same year, but Barash returned to the soap in 2020 as Stefan’s twin brother, Jake. While Jake stuck around for a couple of years, he was fatally shot in July 2022.
Of course, in the land of soaps, nobody is truly dead forever. It was later discovered that Stefan’s body had been preserved and could be revived with a heart transplant using Jake’s heart. This is what happened, and Barash has portrayed Stefan, new heart and all, ever since.
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R
After watching Days since its first airing, way back when. I am about ready to give up. I almost did when Nicole and Greg was let go and now Brandon. And why was the old Gabi let go?? The story lines are getting off course from what they once were. Ok, this is all make believe but it is getting to the point where the story lines are leaving me cold and shaking my head.
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R
The old Gabi quit. They didn't let her go.
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O
I'm pretty sure most of these actors/actresses are leaving due to horrible bosses. And the screen writing has really gone down hill.
10
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O
Curious as to how old you are to have seen the first airing?
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M
Great sounds like Days is going the route of GH getting rid of good actors for no apparent reason other than money probably time to give up on my American soaps
25
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B
I am.80 yo and watched this for the entire run but I am giving up. Once John is written out since he passed in real life (and he WAS wonderful and I am so sad for his family) and now that Brandon is out it won't be the same
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C
I quit watching Days several years ago. I started watching in the 80’s when they had super couples in love, no matter what. You grew in love with them at the same time. Love and Adventures. Going Woke has ruined them. Hope they improve. I’ll check back in to see. RIP John Black.
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P
This has nothing to do with "woke", whatever that means, and more to do with the obvious -- cutting corners, crappy writing. Everything doesn't come with a built-in political/social conspiracy. As mentioned, it's the same at GH, which I have stopped watching.
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O
This departure is LONG overdue - now if DOOL would only get rid of no lips Gabbi along with the incredibly boring johnny and shanell or however one would spell her name. Now writers get rid of the stupd slideline of body and soul the most stupid and ridiculous story line ever written - perhaps it is time for artificial intelligence to become the head writers.
23 4
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O
That's really lousy for Days to do this! I love Brandon as Stefan!!! Truly hope tptb will wake Up b4 totally trashing Days and bring Brandon back!!!
18
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O
I hate to see him go! I was pulling for him and Gabi to work it out! I don’t know how much longer I will watch! It is too woke and too goofy! I have watched for about 45 years and I just cannot stand so if the newer characters!
19 2
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O
Why bother to bring Gabi back with a recast and they break up anyway so should have just had them breakup, leave Gabi offscreen and keep Stefan. Surprisingly, there was chemistry with Melinda who also had chemistry with Li. Don't they listen to fans who were upset the first time this happened.
17 1
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O
I think this BS. We pay to watch the show and now they're taking all our favorites away Nicole Gabby that just lightened up everything and filled her spot so good Stefan and I hear Sarah and Xander are leaving yeah why should we pay to watch it when our faves aren't there
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P
That stinks. Stephan plays a great role. It keeps u wanting to see what’s next.
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C
Get rid of the stupid body and soul! A soap in a soap really stupid. Worse than the devil crap!! I've watched days for 49 years about done!!!
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P
This is stupid hate Day's getting rid Stefan and bringing back Philip. I would rather they get rid of Clyde, Fona, Kristian,Philip, and Melinda what is the matter with writers and producers. Please don't kill him off bring Stefan back soon.
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C
This is just crazy. Brandon is so good on Days, whether he was Stephan or Jake. The fans of the show needed to see him and Gabi find their ways back together. Now we're all cheated. Good luck to you Brandon in your future. I totally understand your mistrust of DOOL!!
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B
So, you fire a great asset to DOOL's and bring on another gay character???? Why????? DOOL's has lost their way.
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P
Ridiculous
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P
Ok, so now we know the real reason for the Gabi/Stefan breakup. I thought at the time, what a crack crazy reason to throw away a marriage without even trying.
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C
Brandon and the former Gabi had tremendous chemistry. I think he has appeal than any of the other men on the show. He would have chemistry with anyone. He’s got that special something. With Ava he is great. Sad news.
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R
As a devoted Days Of Our Lives fan, this is truly another shock and disappointment. Fan favorite characters are leaving, causing the dissolution of favorite couples. Right now, the only couple I still like is Chanel and Johnny; and I’m starting to question their stability as well. In all honesty, the current storylines aren’t holding my interest so I may stop watching the show——at least for a while.
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