Thaao Penghlis (Tony, Days of Our Lives) sat down with the Christian Media Spotlight podcast to discuss faith, traveling, and his soap opera career. In Salem, rumors of Tony’s father Stefano’s (Joseph Mascolo) possible re-emergence have popped up in Salem. In the interview, Penghlis addressed whether the role of Stefano could ever be recast (as Mascolo died in 2016), DAYS’ shooting schedule, and DAYS veterans’ longevity.
First up: Could the man known as “The Phoenix” ever be portrayed by another actor? Penghlis didn’t think so. He explained:
No, never. I’ll tell you, I don’t think Tony DiMera or Stefano DiMera, I don’t think those two characters would be recast because in what we brought in and we were the beginners in that storyline… The reason why it survived was because of who we were and still are. No, I mean we have the portrait up of him; you couldn’t bring an actor in to play him and have his portrait up there in the living room.
Penghlis also discussed how far in advance of episode airdates DAYS films, stating:
Yeah, we do 11 shows a week now and we’re almost a year ahead.
He then lamented the recent passing of Tristan Rogers (ex-Robert, General Hospital), with whom he co-starred in the famous “Ice Princess” storyline. When the host wondered how much longer other DAYS vets like Susan Seaforth Hayes (Julie) and Deidre Hall (Marlena) might remain on the show, Penghlis replied:
I think it keeps them going.
