Following behind-the-scenes changes in February with new head writers and the re-shuffling of producers in March, NBC’s “Days of our Lives” will soon gear up production for its 50th anniversary season without several of its leading younger talents. Molly Burnett (Melanie Jonas), Freddie Smith (Sonny Kiriakis) and Melissa Archer (Serena Mason) are all reportedly said to be departing the daytime drama series in the weeks and months ahead, at least onscreen.
First reported as a rumor by Daytime Confidential in March, the newest issue of Soap Opera Digest confirms that Archer has already wrapped filming and will last air sometime within the next five months – a result of the daytime drama’s current production model, which is in dire need of an overhaul. Archer first aired in December 2014 but began filming scenes at the soap in July.
Also leaving within the next five months is Freddie Smith, whose character is currently the centerpiece of the soap’s popular love triangle, which also includes Paul Narita (Christopher Sean) and Will Horton (Guy Wilson). Smith is reported to have wrapped filming over two weeks ago. He joined the soap in June 2011, just as reports of Will (then played by Chandler Massey) getting ready to come out began to surface.
In the case of Burnett, “DAYS” online encyclopedia and historian, Jason47.com is reporting that the actress has also already completed filming at the soap. It’s stated that Burnett completed her six-month run in December and will last air in May.
The show, nor representatives for the actors, has not confirmed any of the upcoming departures.
Editor’s Note: An earlier version of this article indicated that Smith joined the cast of “DAYS” in May 2011. He joined the onscreen cast in June 2011.