Why is There a New Eric on Days of Our Lives? Who is the New Eric on Days of Our Lives?
by Harini
Updated Aug 08, 2023
Why is There a New Eric on Days of Our Lives?
The popular soap opera Days of Our Lives is introducing a temporary change to one of its beloved characters, Eric Brady. Fans will notice a new actor, Jason Gerhardt, stepping into the role of Eric starting next week. This unexpected change has raised questions among viewers, prompting an explanation for the temporary recasting.
Greg Vaughan, who has portrayed Eric Brady for several years, took to social media to shed light on the situation. He revealed that his absence from the show was due to testing positive for COVID-19. As a precautionary measure, and to ensure the show's continuity, the producers made the decision to temporarily recast the role.
The process of recasting involved the show's casting director, Marnie Saitta, who swiftly arranged for Jason Gerhardt to step in as Eric for a handful of episodes. Gerhardt, known for his previous role on "General Hospital" as Cooper Barrett, was selected to fill in for Vaughan during the time he was unable to film due to his illness.
It's important to note that the scenes featuring the new Eric were actually filmed in February, well in advance of their airing date. Days of Our Lives follows a production schedule that allows for episodes to be filmed months ahead of their broadcast.
Greg Vaughan has a history with the character Eric Brady, having first taken on the role in 2012. He has had periods of being both on and off the show, returning to the soap opera after temporary departures. Vaughan's most recent return to Days of Our Lives began in April 2022.
Before his involvement with Days of Our Lives, Vaughan had notable roles in other soap operas, including "General Hospital" as Lucky Spencer and "The Young and the Restless" as Diego Guittierez. In recognition of his talent, Vaughan received an Outstanding Supporting Actor Daytime Emmy Award in 2018.
This temporary recasting serves as an example of how the entertainment industry has adapted to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The safety and well-being of the cast and crew remain a top priority, and temporary recasts have become a practical solution when unforeseen circumstances, like illness, impact an actor's availability for filming.
Fans of Days of Our Lives can rest assured that the new Eric is a temporary change, and Greg Vaughan will soon be back in the role to continue bringing the character's storyline to life. As the show's episodes unfold, viewers can anticipate the return of the familiar face and the continuation of Eric's journey within the series
Who is the New Eric on Days of Our Lives?
The iconic soap opera Days of Our Lives is introducing a temporary yet intriguing change to one of its central characters, Eric Brady. For a brief period, fans will witness a new face taking on the role of Eric, sparking curiosity and inquiries about this unexpected development.
Jason Gerhardt, a familiar name to soap opera enthusiasts, is the actor stepping into the shoes of Eric Brady. Gerhardt, notable for his previous portrayal of Cooper Barrett on "General Hospital," has been chosen to temporarily fill the role of Eric due to unique circumstances.
The reason behind this temporary recasting lies in the health situation of the original actor, Greg Vaughan, who has embodied Eric Brady's character for a considerable time. Vaughan disclosed that he tested positive for COVID-19, which prompted the show's producers to make a strategic decision to ensure the seamless progression of the storyline.
In this process, the show's casting director, Marnie Saitta, played a pivotal role. Saitta expediently facilitated the transition, enlisting Jason Gerhardt to step into the character of Eric for a handful of episodes. Gerhardt's familiarity with the soap opera world, coupled with his previous role on "General Hospital," makes him a fitting choice to temporarily assume the role.
It's worth noting that the scenes featuring the new Eric were recorded in advance, specifically in February. Days of Our Lives adheres to a production schedule that allows for episodes to be filmed well ahead of their scheduled airing date.
Greg Vaughan's association with the character Eric Brady has been a notable one, commencing in 2012. Vaughan's periodic appearances on and off the show have been a part of his journey, with his recent return to Days of Our Lives beginning in April 2022.
Before his tenure on Days of Our Lives, Vaughan made his mark on other prominent soap operas. His portrayal of Lucky Spencer on "General Hospital" and Diego Guittierez on "The Young and the Restless" showcased his versatility. Vaughan's exceptional talent earned him an Outstanding Supporting Actor Daytime Emmy Award in 2018.
This temporary recasting serves as a testament to the adaptability of the entertainment industry, particularly during the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The health and safety of the cast and crew remain paramount, and temporary recasts have become a strategic approach to maintain production continuity when unforeseen circumstances, such as illness, arise.
Fans of Days of Our Lives can anticipate the return of Greg Vaughan to the role of Eric in due course, continuing the captivating narrative of the character. As the show unfolds, the seamless transition from Gerhardt's portrayal to Vaughan's return will undoubtedly add an intriguing layer to Eric Brady's ongoing journey.
Days of Our Lives Eric Brady Recast
The popular soap opera Days of Our Lives is undergoing a temporary change in its cast lineup, specifically in the portrayal of the character Eric Brady. Greg Vaughan, the actor known for his role as Eric, faced unforeseen circumstances that led to his temporary absence from the show. To maintain the continuity of the storyline, the decision was made to temporarily recast the role with actor Jason Gerhardt.
The recasting of Eric Brady marks a significant development for the show's fans. Jason Gerhardt, an accomplished actor recognized for his previous roles on "General Hospital" as Cooper Barrett and Three, one of Jerry Jacks's henchmen, has been chosen to step into the shoes of Eric for a limited period. This decision was prompted by Vaughan's inability to report for work due to health concerns.
Greg Vaughan, who has been associated with the character of Eric Brady since 2012, took to social media to clarify the situation. He shared that he had tested positive for COVID-19, which required him to take time off from filming. In response to this unexpected setback, the show's producers and casting director Marnie Saitta swiftly orchestrated the temporary recasting, enlisting Gerhardt to portray Eric in a handful of episodes.
It's noteworthy that the scenes featuring the new portrayal of Eric were recorded in advance, specifically in February, adhering to the show's production schedule. This proactive approach ensures that viewers will experience a seamless transition despite the casting change.
For Jason Gerhardt, the role of Eric Brady on Days of Our Lives provides a platform to showcase his acting prowess and contribute to the ongoing narrative of the show. Gerhardt's familiarity with the soap opera genre, coupled with his past experience on "General Hospital," positions him well for this temporary recasting.
While this recast offers a unique glimpse into an alternate portrayal of Eric Brady, fans can rest assured that Greg Vaughan will eventually return to reprise his iconic role. As the storyline continues to unfold on Days of Our Lives, viewers can anticipate the reunion of Vaughan with his character, Eric, and the exciting developments that lie ahead.
Who is Playing Eric Brady on Days of Our Lives?
In an upcoming shift on Days of Our Lives, the character of Eric Brady will be portrayed by a new actor for a limited duration. Greg Vaughan, the original performer of the role, has provided insights into the reasons behind this temporary recasting.
Starting next week, fans of the show will notice a change in the depiction of Eric Brady. This alteration, however, is not a permanent one and is intended to be temporary in nature.
Jason Gerhardt, a familiar face from his role as Cooper Barrett on "General Hospital," will be stepping into the shoes of Eric Brady for a handful of episodes. This decision to have Gerhardt take on the role of Eric Brady for a limited period was prompted by unforeseen circumstances surrounding Greg Vaughan's availability.
Greg Vaughan took to social media to shed light on the situation, explaining that an illness had temporarily sidelined him, preventing him from participating in pivotal scenes involving the character Sloan/Eric. Vaughan revealed, "Unfortunately, I tested positive for Covid & TPTD and had to keep moving forward." He expressed his gratitude to casting director Marnie Saitta for her efforts in swiftly arranging for Jason Gerhardt to step in. Gerhardt, described as Vaughan's "old friend / Castmate," took on the role for four to five shows during the week in question.
It's noteworthy that the scenes featuring the new portrayal of Eric were filmed back in February, showcasing the show's advanced production planning.
Greg Vaughan's association with the character of Eric Brady is significant. He first assumed the role in 2012 and, after a temporary departure in 2015, returned to the show as the character's storyline evolved. Vaughan's unexpected decision to leave Days of Our Lives in 2020 surprised viewers, citing uncertainties about the show's future and a personal sense of closure. However, Vaughan returned in May 2021 and continued his involvement through the end of that year. His most recent return to the show commenced in April 2022.
The temporary recasting offers a unique perspective for fans, allowing them to experience a different portrayal of the character while anticipating Greg Vaughan's eventual return to the role of Eric Brady. The show's ability to seamlessly integrate the new actor while maintaining its narrative continuity underscores the adaptability and creativity within the entertainment industry.
Days of Our Lives
Days of Our Lives, often stylized as Days of Our Lives or simply referred to as "Days" or "DOOL," is a prominent American television soap opera that is available for streaming on the Peacock streaming service. This enduring soap opera holds a remarkable place in television history, having aired on the American television network NBC from 1965 to 2022.
Renowned for its longevity, Days of Our Lives is recognized as one of the world's longest-running scripted television programs, gracing the airwaves nearly every weekday since its debut on November 8, 1965. The show is a co-production of Corday Productions and Sony Pictures Television and was originally brought to life by the creative collaboration of Ted Corday and Betty Corday, a husband-and-wife team.
During its formative years, the influence of notable figures like Irna Phillips, the creator of "Another World" and writer for CBS's "As the World Turns" and "Guiding Light," was felt. Furthermore, many of the show's early storylines were crafted by William J. Bell, a prominent figure who would later dedicate his efforts to "The Young and the Restless" on CBS.
Serving as a pivotal and enduring piece of NBC's daytime programming, Days of Our Lives was the sole remaining soap opera on the network following the cancellation of "Passions" in 2007. However, on August 3, 2022, a significant shift was announced as NBCUniversal revealed its decision to exclusively move the series to the Peacock streaming service, marking the end of a 57-year run on the network and leaving NBC as the sole Big Three network without a daytime serial.
The heart of the show's narrative beats within the fictional city of Salem, located in Illinois. Here, the series primarily centers around the intertwined lives of two prominent families: the Bradys and the Hortons. The show's captivating storyline also encompasses the DiMera and Kiriakis families, ensuring a rich and diverse tapestry of characters and relationships.
Notable individuals have made indelible marks on the show's history. Actress Frances Reid, who portrayed the Horton family matriarch Alice Horton, remained a steadfast presence from the show's inception until her passing in 2010. Other cast members, such as Suzanne Rogers and Susan Seaforth Hayes, have achieved remarkable milestones within the program, embodying their characters for extensive periods of time.
In recognition of its popularity and success, the show expanded from 30-minute to 60-minute episodes on April 21, 1975. Days of Our Lives has garnered international acclaim, being syndicated in numerous countries since its debut. The series earned the distinction of being labeled the "most daring drama" in the 1970s due to its willingness to explore complex and daring storylines.
Under the guidance of executive producer Ken Corday and co-executive producer Albert Alarr, the show has continued to thrive. Its enduring legacy was further solidified through renewals, with the soap's run confirmed through September 2025 as of March 2023. A significant milestone was reached on December 17, 2020, as the show celebrated its 14,000th episode.
The impact of Days of Our Lives extends beyond the screen, as it has been parodied in popular comedy series like SCTV and referenced in beloved sitcoms like "Friends." The show's influence even reaches into celebrity circles, with notable fans such as actress Julia Roberts and Supreme Court justice Thurgood Marshall.
Days of Our Lives stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of daytime dramas, capturing the hearts and imaginations of viewers for generations and continuing to shape the landscape of television storytelling
Why is There a New Eric on Days of Our Lives - FAQ
Greg Vaughan, the original actor portraying Eric Brady on "Days of Our Lives," tested positive for COVID-19, prompting a temporary recasting. Jason Gerhardt, known for his role on "General Hospital," was chosen to step into the role for a handful of episodes while Vaughan was unable to film.
Actor Jason Gerhardt, recognized for his previous role on "General Hospital" as Cooper Barrett, is temporarily portraying Eric Brady on "Days of Our Lives" due to Greg Vaughan's absence caused by COVID-19.
"Days of Our Lives" is a long-running American television soap opera that primarily focuses on the intertwined lives of families in the fictional city of Salem, Illinois, including the Bradys, Hortons, DiMeras, and Kiriakises.
"Days of Our Lives" premiered on November 8, 1965, and has aired nearly every weekday since then, making it one of the longest-running scripted television programs in the world.
Temporary recasting, as seen with the portrayal of Eric Brady, allows the show to continue its storyline when an actor faces unforeseen circumstances like illness. In this case, scenes featuring the new actor were filmed in advance, providing a seamless transition while the original actor recovers.