As Days of Our Lives moves through 2026, the show is dealing with a wave of cast changes. Four actors were let go shortly after the holiday hiatus, and several other beloved characters are either exiting or being recast. Soap Opera News has rounded up the cast members who are confirmed to be leaving the show so far.
Billy Flynn
After more than a decade playing Chad DiMera, Billy Flynn is officially exiting Days of Our Lives. The actor traded life in Salem for Genoa City, joining The Young and the Restless as Cane Ashby. Flynn made his Y&R debut in mid-2025.
That said, viewers will still see Chad on Days well into 2026, as Flynn’s final episodes are expected to air until around April.
In a bit of soap opera irony, Flynn was replaced by a Y&R alum. Connor Floyd, who previously played Chance Chancellor, has taken over the role and is set to make his onscreen debut as Chad in April.
Al Calderon
Al Calderon, who brought charm and vulnerability to Javi Hernandez, is also exiting Days. His departure comes as he moves on to a new role on NBC’s drama Brilliant Minds.
Fans won’t have to say goodbye just yet, though. Calderon will remain on screen through May 2026, after which the role of Javi will be recast with a new actor stepping in.
Marissa Reyes
Marissa Reyes is exiting her role as Arianna Horton, one of the newest members of the Horton family. Her departure has surprised many fans, especially since she has only been on the show for a few months.
According to reports, Ari will be recast, with a new actress expected to make her debut sometime in the spring.
Cary Christopher
Cary Christopher, who has played Thomas DiMera since childhood, confirmed that he exited the show in 2025 after nearly six years in Salem. His final appearances will air in 2026.
Christopher is reportedly moving on to a series regular role on an Amazon Prime project. The role of Thomas has also been recast, with the new actor expected to appear later in the spring.
Alice Halsey
Alice Halsey, who joined Days as Rachel Black, is also leaving the series as the role is once again recast. Halsey herself stepped into the role in 2025, taking over from Finley Rose Slater.
She recently landed a lead role in a Little House on the Prairie reboot, which played a part in her decision to step away from Days. A new actress will take over the Rachel storyline moving forward.
Even More Exits Ahead
In addition to these departures and recasts, Days of Our Lives kicked off 2026 with what many fans are calling a casting bloodbath. Several leading actors were let go after the holiday break, including:
Leo Howard (Tate Black)
Raven Bowens (Chanel Dupree)
Ashley Puzemis (Holly Jonas)
Carson Boatman (Johnny DiMera)
Because the show tapes several months in advance, these exits will not happen on screen until late 2026 or early 2027.
What Does This Mean for Days of Our Lives
While it is always tough to say goodbye to familiar faces, cast changes often open the door to new stories and unexpected twists. Fans will undoubtedly miss these actors, and many are already hoping to see them pop up in exciting new roles on other soaps or even return to Salem someday.
What do you think about all these exits and recasts? Let us know in the comments below.
Photo Credit: JPI Studios.
Key Takeaways
- Days of Our Lives is experiencing major cast changes in 2026, with several actors leaving the show.
- Al Calderon and Marissa Reyes are also exiting, with their roles to be recast soon.
- Cary Christopher and Alice Halsey’s exits are confirmed.
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