Days of Our Lives has reportedly let go of four key cast members, including Carson Boatman, Raven Bowens, Ashley Puzemis, and Leo Howard, according to a report from The Daily Mail. The soap opera's producers attributed the changes to long-range storytelling decisions, noting that any on-screen impacts will be delayed due to the show's production schedule. Carson Boatman shared a bittersweet reaction to his exit.
In a significant casting shake-up for the long-running Peacock soap opera Days of Our Lives, four actors portraying beloved characters in Salem are reportedly departing the show. The Daily Mail reported that Carson Boatman, who plays Johnny DiMera, Raven Bowens as Chanel Dupree-DiMera, Ashley Puzemis as Holly Jonas, and Leo Howard as Tate Donovan have all been dropped.
A representative for Days of Our Lives responded to the news without confirming individual contracts but emphasized the network's respect for the performers. "While we don't comment on individual contracts or casting decisions, we have tremendous respect and appreciation for the actors who bring these characters to life," the statement read. "What may seem sudden is part of long-range storytelling decisions. Our goal is to balance the show's rich history with where we're headed creatively. Due to our long tape-to-air gap, any changes won't be on screen for some time."
These characters hold deep ties to the show's lore: Johnny is a rare positive figure in the DiMera family, Chanel is the daughter of Mayor Paulina Price and Johnny's wife, Holly is the daughter of Nicole Walker and the late Daniel Jonas, and Tate is the son of Brady Black and Teresa Donovan. The exits will affect popular couples and storylines, though the exact method of writing out the characters remains unclear—potentially off-screen departures, deaths, or recasts, as is common in soaps.
Carson Boatman was the first to address his exit publicly, telling The Daily Mail: "I have nothing but love and respect for everyone over there from top to bottom. The closing of this chapter is bittersweet for me as I've cherished every moment spent walking those halls and on the sound stages. A lot of tears, and a lot of laughter have been spilled on all those sets by so many people, including myself. I am genuinely so excited to see what the future holds for me, as well as the show."
Given the show's advanced filming schedule, final episodes for these actors are not expected to air for at least nine months, leaving fans to speculate on the implications for Salem's ongoing dramas.
