The fan favorite actress is opening up about revisiting Stephanie’s complicated past.
Key Points
- Jeremy Horton returns to Days of Our Lives, sparking tension for Stephanie Johnson.
- Klein and director modified a reunion scene for realism, leaving the door open.
- Klein cautions fans, referencing Jeremy’s abusive past: “We might remind them.”
History has a way of repeating itself on a soap opera, and no one knows that better right now than Days of Our Lives’ Stephanie Johnson. The character’s ex-boyfriend Jeremy Horton (played by Michael Roark) has returned to Salem. Now her portrayer, Abigail Klein, is opening up about filming their tense reunion and teasing what’s next.
On the red carpet at the 52nd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards, Klein spoke with Soap Opera Network about her time on the beloved Peacock soap opera, and her reaction to Stephanie’s ex reappearing in her life.
During the conversation, Klein recalled filming her first scenes opposite with newcomer Roark. In the episode, Jeremy unexpectedly visits Stephanie’s new apartment she shares with Alex (Robert Scott Wilson). “It was interesting,” Klein said. “That first scene that we shot together, it was written that Stephanie lets him into their apartment and shuts the door.”
Fans may recall that Jeremy and Stephanie’s relationship took a dark turn, becoming emotionally and physically abusive. In one shocking scene, Jeremy gaslighted Stephanie and attempted to drown her in a hot tub before proclaiming “I love you.”
Reflecting on that history while filming the reintroduction scene Klein said, “But Janet [Drucker, former executive producer and director] was directing and she and I both were like if this were to happen to me in real life, I would not invite him in.”
Still, the script required Stephanie to let Jeremy inside. Klein explained how she and the director were able to adjust the moment to feel more authentic. “So, the fact that I have to invite him in, sure, but let’s leave the door open,” she said. “So that Jada across the hallway can hear if anything, you know, like let’s let her be keep her smart, keep her on edge too with this guy. So, we kept the door open for intentionally so that it would feel like she wasn’t just letting him back in her life.”
When asked about the fans that want to see Stephanie and Jeremy rekindle their romance, Klein said, “I think the fans that do want to see that maybe they don’t remember the history.” She then teased, “But we might remind them.”
Fans can continue watching Stephanie and Jeremy’s story unfold weekdays on Days of our Lives, streaming on Peacock.
