Dan Feuerriegel (EJ DiMera, Days of our Lives…if you know soap, you know taking over the role of a popular character is never easy, as we soap fans are known for being opinionated, fractious, energetic, and hard to please in all the best of ways, of course.
When Feuerriegel assumed the role of the enigmatic, powerful, ruthless, and charismatic EJ DiMera, originated by and portrayed by fan favorite James Scott in 2021, it is more than fair to say an arduous task lay ahead. Absolutely, no worries. Four years later, it is our fervent opinion that Feuerriegel is by far one of the most successful recasts in recent soap history.
It is always interesting when we have an opportunity to interview actors from Days. The actors live in two different worlds if you will, well, maybe three: what is airing, what they are filming (several months ahead) and the scripts they are learning. It sounds like a precarious balancing act that they always handle in stride. Feuerriegel was no different as we talked The EJ whodunnit, ships, and more.
Whodunnit
Hi Dan, thank you so much for speaking to us. EJ being a DiMera is known for front burner storylines and you have had more than your share since joining the show. What did you think when you learned about this red-hot front burner storyline? Were you like, they are shooting EJ? I am not getting “killed off,” am I?
Dan: It’s always a bit of a jolt when you hear your character’s name in the same sentence as a whodunnit. But honestly, I was excited. It’s a testament to how central EJ is to the show—and thankfully, I didn’t get the other call lol.
Ha! We would have been ready to ‘ride at dawn!’ You made the transition from Scott to you appear seamless, which we know had to be anything but. You haven’t missed an “EJ beat” yet also made the character your own. When did you feel that you made EJ your own? Was it one day or was there one particular storyline that did it for you?
Dan: It was definitely a gradual process. The history of the character is so layered, and I really wanted to respect what had been built before while finding my own way in. Honestly, I think I truly felt I became EJ once I got used to the show’s format and rhythm—the pace, the tone, and even experiencing scenes that add to the character’s story. Once I was comfortable enough in the role, I explored and made EJ a little more me. That’s when something shifted.
Dan Feuerriegel on the Big Reveal
When the rape (between EJ and Sami) storyline initially aired, EJ was portrayed by Scott, although one couldn’t tell by your flawless performance in the intense confrontational scenes between EJ/Johnny and EJ/Kate. What were you channeling? And what was your reaction when you learned Days was revisiting the story and it was being roped in with the EJ whodunnit?
Dan: Those scenes were some of the most fun I’ve ever played. Acting, no matter what the subject matter, is fun. EJ’s dynamic with Johnny is especially raw—there’s pride, disappointment, fear, love, and a lot of unspoken emotion in their exchanges. And with Kate, it’s this fascinating mix of respect and mistrust. My reaction was “cool” we’re gonna get to do some deep stuff.
Dan Feurriegel on the Ships
The scenes were electrifying. Speaking of electrifying…EJ and Belle are back. How do you like working with Martha Madison again? Do you think EJ and Belle have long term potential this go round?
Dan: Working with Martha again has been a blast. She brings a grounded strength to Belle that complements EJ’s intensity. Plus, she happily deals with my immaturity on set lol. There’s definitely character chemistry there—there always has been. Whether or not it turns into something long-term, that’s up to the writers. But I think there’s real potential for these two to explore something more textured this time around.
“Textured.” Love that! What about Belle’s sis, Sami? Can you give Ejami’s any kind of hope, insight or nuggets about what they can expect this go round from their ship? And what was it like to have Alison Sweeney and “Hurricane Sami” back for this storyline?
Dan: It’s always a pleasure having Alison back on set. She brings such incredible energy, intensity, & professionalism to every scene— she also makes it look so easy. As for EJ and Sami, that connection is always there. The dynamic between them is iconic for a reason. There’s definitely room for more story to be told between them… but once again, that’s up to the writers. As for this time around, you just have to keep watching.
Will We See Sydney?
We will. With EJ being shot, Sami being around, and EJ and Johnny at odds, it would make sense for EJ’s other offspring to come home. Do you think we will see Sydney any time soon?
Dan: You know, it would make sense. With everything going on in EJ’s world, it feels like the perfect time for some of those loose ends to come back into play. I don’t know what the writers have planned for the future but I wouldn’t be surprised if we see a familiar face showing up just when things get even messier. Plus, EJ needs at least someone in Salem who doesn’t hate his guts, lol.
Ha! We love EJ and you, Dan! Thank you so much!
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Days spent months laying the foundation for the Who Shot EJ Whodunnit. An unknown assailant shot the DiMera prince, who is now (thankfully) awake and on the mend. According to EJ, being at death’s door (again) has been life altering and EJ is a changed man (again.) We think Johnny is a red herring; we will see. Questions, soap fam;
Who do you think shot EJ?
Who do you want to see EJ paired with?
How long do you think the “kinder, gentler” EJ will stick around?
Let us know! (Photo: JPI)
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