Days Of Our Lives will return to production in September, without a lot of recognizable faces.
Kristian Alfonso has quit after portraying Hope Williams Brady and Princess Gina Von Amberg for 37 years.
Her decision came after she was informed that her character was about to be made scarce for a period of time – up to four or five months.
The actress, who had been vacillating back and forth about moving on the past few years, stated, “It was the perfect moment to make that decision.”
Alfonso further opened up that the recent global viral situation and lockdown played a role in her decision as well.
She said, “It really made me pause and think about life and to really appreciate our health every single day and never take it for granted.” The actress then elaborated, “I was actually able to exhale because I’ve been so busy with my life and really enjoyed just being home and really doing nothing.”
In addressing her plans moving forward, Alfonso was quick to point out, “I don’t plan on returning and popping in as others have done in the past.” She added, “I think that chapter has closed and a new one needs to be started.”
The star also clarified that her Days co-stars didn’t know about her exit and that although she had taped scenes set to air into October, and there were more scripts waiting to be filmed when production resumes, rewrites will have to be made to accommodate her leaving.
Greg Vaughn and Kristen Alfonso are both leaving DOOL.
Alfonso is not alone, with actor Greg Vaughan, who plays Eric Brady, confirming on the air yesterday that he is also leaving his role.
The actor said, “Nobody knows, but I’ve finished my reign at Days.”
He followed up the remark with a message to all his Days of our Lives fans and stated, “I love you all. It’s never over, so I’m not going to say it’s over, but I’m taking a break, if you will.”
Vaughan alluded to it being ‘time’ when the NBC soap opera went into contract renewal and there was a period of uncertainty.
Last November, Days released the cast from their contracts when the daytime drama went on an indefinite hiatus at the time.
Besides Alfonso and Vaughan, Freddie Smith (Sonny Kiriakis), Chandler Massey (Will Horton), and Galen Gering (Rafe Hernandez) are also off the soap.
With others rumored, but not yet confirmed, to be vacating their roles as well, including Victoria Konefal (Ciara Brady) and Camila Banus (Gabi Hernandez).
And wen the show goes back into production, it may be without one of its key creative auspices, co-executive producer Greg Meng.
Daytime Confidential is reporting that Meng has been let go after 30 years with Corday, most recently as SVP.
In January, NBC renewed Days Of Our Lives for a record 56th season.