Jay Kenneth Johnson Isn’t Leaving Days of Our Lives! (Updated)
Updated: November 20!
In a shocking reversal, sources now claim that the news of Jay’s departure from the series was a ‘misunderstanding’. Publicists at the show contacted our sister site Soaps.com today to confirm that the actor is still with the show and will be staying. No further details on this, or why this confusion was released and allowed to simmer for the past week, are currently available. Whatever the details turn out to be, fans of Jay can rest a little more comfortably that he will continue to play a part in the series.
Soap Opera Fan Blog will keep you informed of more details as they become available.
Original Article: November 14
There’s some bad news today for fans of Days of Our Lives‘ Jay Kenneth Johnson.
The charismatic young actor will be leaving behind the role of Philip Kiriakis. It’s been reported that contract negotiations between Johnson and the show broke down and a deal could not be made. This follows on the news earlier this week that Days of Our Lives has been renewed for 18 months (read about it here), but at the cost of some substantial budget cuts. It’s already rumored that this loss is directly related.
Johnson first began playing the handsome and nonchalant heir to the Kiriakis empire in 1999. He left the series in 2002 to pursue other avenues but returned in 2007 and has been stirring things up in Salem ever since. Although he’s bedded half of the young women in Salem, none of the relationships have ever worked out for the dashing young mogul. He hasn’t faired much better in business either… but this may not be the end of the character. Currently, it’s expected that the role will be recast.
Soap Opera Fan says goodbye to Johnson. He’ll always be the Philip we remember best and we wish him the best of luck in anything he chooses to pursue!
Please leave your comments below and be sure to check out our Days of Our Lives daily summaries, news, actor Bios, appearances, video clips, polls, comings and goings!
Photo Credit: NBC
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Comment added November 14th, 2008 at 4:06 pm
Jay Kenneth Johnson is the best Philip there is. I have really enjoyed watching him this last year. I can’t belive they won’t try to keep him. How about not bringing on new characters that nobody’s attached to for awhile. That will save on the budget. This really sucks to lose him.
Comment added November 14th, 2008 at 4:47 pm
I really am sadden by this news. Jay is a very fine actor and deserves the money he makes he is one of the vets. I can say shame on Days for letting such a talented actor go. When they are hireing all these new ones who are not wanted. If they need budget cuts let them stop hiring all the new people and stick with the ones they have. GOOD LUCK JAY you will be missed by all of us.
Comment added November 14th, 2008 at 10:38 pm
Two of the worst things to come about:
1. Nick? A killer? Come on, writers. Bad move here.
2. Letting Jay Johnson go - Phillip is such a great character and Jay is a fantastic actor.
Comment added November 15th, 2008 at 2:14 am
Jay Johnson who plays philliph kiriakis is awesome and he is so incrediably hot and sexy.Give this hottie the money and whatever else he wants so he’ll stay.
Signed:A fan of Jay kenneth Johnson.
Comment added November 15th, 2008 at 12:36 pm
Im shocked that Jay Johnson will be leaving the show. He is a very handsome man and a terriffic actor. I look forward to seeing him every day as I watch the show. He will be missed more then the shows producers etc realize. There making a BIG mistake. Please keep him on the show.
Comment added November 15th, 2008 at 4:52 pm
JKK is a great actor and will be missed. It sounds like it is a horrible time behind the scenes at Days, with rumors of Drake Hogestyn, Blake Berris, and Bryan Datillo all being let go from the soap opera.
Comment added November 15th, 2008 at 6:24 pm
This makes me sooo sad. He is so sexy and I look forward to when he is on an episode. Hopefully something will be worked out and he will stay. If they get the last actor who played the part of Phillip I will quit watching all together…oh and I’m LOVING Rafe and NuBrady…loved them both on Passions…glad to see them back on tv, and on Days at that!
Comment added November 15th, 2008 at 8:07 pm
Jay is the most sexiest and best young actor they have on the show. Please, Please, Please Days don’t let him go. Stop bringing in all of these actors and keep the old. I agree they are making a Big Mistake if they let him go. This makes me sick. Who else are they going to let go? I might just have to stop watching Days if they are going to continue this.
Comment added November 16th, 2008 at 2:25 am
Days is making a mistake in letting Jay K. Johnson leave the show. If money is the issue, why is Days bringing in all the new characters? The actress who plays Melanie needs to go and let’s not forget the two ex-Passions actors.
Jay is perfect for the role of Philip and is the only person I will accept in that role.
Comment added November 16th, 2008 at 6:53 am
I never fast forward when Philip is on the screen. I love how he has matured since coming to the show. Please keep him!!!!!
Comment added November 16th, 2008 at 7:52 pm
I agree with all that has already been written about Jay/Philip, leaving the show. If the producers, etc., want good ratings, getting rid of Philip is not the answer! All the useless and boring characters should be gotten rid of and let us enjoy those that make Days worth watching. I have been a fan for 40 years and this is the worst “let go” I can recall in that time.
Comment added November 16th, 2008 at 9:12 pm
That is such a mistake. I was so glad to get the old Phillip back.(Not that he is old) Was will run the business now. Victor or Lucas??
Comment added November 16th, 2008 at 9:13 pm
Who will run the business?
Comment added November 17th, 2008 at 6:43 am
Jay Johnson is smoldering hot as Philip..I hate to see him go!! Another RUMORED departure is Drake. Rumor is that the John Black Character is to be written off. I so hope this is not true.
Comment added November 17th, 2008 at 8:20 am
Is there anyway for us to get him to stay? Like writing the show or anything like that?I would really hate to see him leave.
Comment added November 17th, 2008 at 10:59 am
I’ve been watching Days since l975 and although it’s been bad for the last several years - it is now the worst I’ve ever seen it. There are so many storlines it makes your head spin and none of them are going anywhere. The writers must have the mentalities of 12 year olds because they are absolutely moronic.
Comment added November 17th, 2008 at 12:25 pm
Jay, don’t go. You ARE Phillip!!!!!!The character is not Phillip without you!! A recast is not going to work for Phillip!!!! PLEASE,Jay RECONSIDER!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Comment added November 17th, 2008 at 3:05 pm
I am so upset to hear about John and Marlana leaving the show. The writers have carried this with John’s memory loss way too long. It is like they want the show to be canceled. I have watched days for over 20 years and have loved it and I am a loyal fan. At hearing this news and some of the new story lines that don’t go anywhere I will have to decide if it is worth my time to continue watching the show.
Comment added November 17th, 2008 at 4:28 pm
I so disagree with these cuts they can cut MELONIE to start and there are others that can go
I really think Jay Johnson is an asset to the show and they need to rethink there cut process getting rid of him Marlena and John are not the answers!!!!!!
Comment added November 17th, 2008 at 5:48 pm
I cannot believe this.I was so excited to see him when he came back and even though I didn’t like the Claire storyline Jay did a fine job taking over the Philip role again. He is a wonderful actor and has made the character his own. Days is making the hugest mistake ever letting him go. Jay is and always will be the only Philip Kiriakis.
Comment added November 17th, 2008 at 9:14 pm
I am very disappointed to hear Jay Kenneth Johnson (Philip) is leaving the show. He did a great job playing Philip. I don’t understand why Days are getting rid of good actors and actresses for ex. (Belle and Shawn). Many fans will be very upset. If Days keeps loosing more good character’s on this show I will long watch it, even though I have been watching it for a very long long time. All I can say is if you want great acting by a great actor then they desrve great pay! I will miss you Jay!
Comment added November 17th, 2008 at 9:48 pm
i’M GETTING LIKE EVERYONE ELSE DOOLS IS GETTING TO THE POINT THAT NO ONE WANTS TO WATCH ANYMORE.I GUESS THEY’RE GETTING WHAT THEY WANT.
Comment added November 17th, 2008 at 9:50 pm
I’M GETTING LIKE EVERYONE ELSE DOOLS IS GETTING TO THE POINT THAT NO ONE WANTS TO WATCH ANYMORE.I GUESS THEY’RE GETTING WHAT THEY WANT.DOESN’T ANYONE THERE WANT TO HAVE DECENT SOAP FOR US TO WATCH..DON’T THEY CARE ANYMONE???
Comment added November 18th, 2008 at 8:48 am
Philip gone, now I just read that John and Marlena will be gone after the 1st of the year. What a bummer.. Who will ne next?? I know ya’ll need to make cuts, but these guys, what a mistake!!!!
Comment added November 18th, 2008 at 1:47 pm
I love Jay Kenneth Johnson in his role as Phillip….NOBODY else can play him! We have seen that before! This is all crazy bringing in new people to play new characters and getting rid of our veteran actors and actresses! If this is the way it is with Days I am done with this show….
Comment added November 18th, 2008 at 2:01 pm
This is a really bad move of Day of Our Lives’ part. They have been really messing up alot lately. First they got rid of the character of Shawn and Belle which made absolutely no sense when they certaintly could’ve had plenty of angst between them and Philip and Choloe. All their super couples are scrambled like Lumi and Phloe and now Nick is a psycho killer. It’s just gotten to be ridiculous and the story lines have been lacking. And they’ve brought back Stefano and have done basically nothing him and on top of that, Nicole’s character has become so whiny and needy that it’s difficult to even recognize who she is anymore. They need to bring back whoever was was the head writer back during the Ford Decker s/l and the Ava stuff. It’s almost like they are trying to get cancelled now. Get a grip Days, I miss my show the way it used to be in t the 90’s and early 2000 and just when it’s making a comeback they start it sinking again.
Comment added November 18th, 2008 at 2:17 pm
well i have watch DAYS since it came on the air,i guess it is time to change the dial
Comment added November 18th, 2008 at 3:16 pm
As a loyal fan of Days for over 30 years I have seen many dumb moves on the part of letting people go. This latest one is right up there among your best. Why not just replace the entire cast with a bunch of new actors? If you think that watching Melanie make her mouth twist, or suffering through another endless talk between EJ and needy Nicole is entertaining, think again. These people were better as they used to be. And where is Stefano and his once good storyline? I used to really enjoy Days when all the vet actors were in it. Without any of them left what is there to watch? The storylines are terrible. Get rid of all these extras you seem to keep hiring and keep those that we will all miss. I must agree with all those that have written before me. Fix things, or this good old program will go down the tubes like everything else is these days.
Comment added November 18th, 2008 at 7:15 pm
Why do we lose the good vets - they all get picked up really fast from other networks that has higher ratings than days - one would think the writers would see this
Comment added November 18th, 2008 at 7:36 pm
Sad day for us Days fans, losing these actors and actress. Maybe the writers should of been changed instead.
Comment added November 19th, 2008 at 10:10 am
Please, Please let John, Marlena and Philip stay I love them sssoo much get rid of Stefanie and Melanie they are so boring. I miss the old John this one is a zombie. Let Sami and Lucas stay they are an amazing couple.
Comment added November 19th, 2008 at 3:53 pm
Jay Johnson can leave tomorrow and IT won’t bother me. I have never liked him on that show. he is anything but sexy and good looking. he’s just the opposite.
Lucas and Sami should have more time together. gid rid of Chloe, I cannot stand her and Kate, also.
Chelsea is just about as bad and kate can go, also.
Comment added November 19th, 2008 at 4:15 pm
I don’t get to watch that much of Days now that my grandchildren live with me, I’m only 45, but I can’t believe they are writing off Phillip. Since JKJ came back I have been waiting for them to give him a good story line. I may be 45 but this guy is the best looking one on the show and deserves a hot story line with someone he can get serious about. Enough of Sami and her many loves. Max stresses me out, he always angry. Chelsea and Daniel should have never happened, and I can’t believe John is leaving again. I guess the less I’m able to see this show the less there is to actually wanna see.
Days, you’re really messing up big this time.
Comment added November 19th, 2008 at 5:52 pm
I am so sad to hear that Jay is leaving. He is he best Phillip we had. He is a great actor and will really be missed.
Comment added November 20th, 2008 at 11:52 am
Does anyone know what they are talking about?
Comment added November 20th, 2008 at 1:49 pm
I am so happy that Jay Kenneth is staying, I love the character Phillip and I am enjoying the interaction between Phillip and Stephanie. I hope their storyline leads to them eventually get together romantically.
JKJ is SMOKIN HOT!!
Comment added November 20th, 2008 at 2:34 pm
If Jay makes everyone feel as they do, then he is playing his part extremely well. I am glad that he is staying. I am very sad that John and Marlena will be leaving. They really haven’t had any “happy” moments in a few years (she lost her memory, john dies, john comes back as a robot, etc). Let them have some happy times on DOL before they axe them. Then we will be left with a bitter-sweet feeling about them leaving, instead of anger.
Comment added November 20th, 2008 at 3:37 pm
So glad to hear about JKJ staying. He’s such a good actor and fun to look at, too!
Comment added November 20th, 2008 at 4:26 pm
I’m so happy he’s staying!
Comment added November 20th, 2008 at 4:27 pm
I’m so happy he’s staying
Comment added November 20th, 2008 at 5:55 pm
Glad to hear that this Philip is staying. I only wish that there comes another \misunderstanding\ and we would hear the news that Marlena and John are staying too! That would make for some great news.
Comment added November 20th, 2008 at 6:29 pm
UGH! I have never liked the role of Philip - regardless of who played him…so now they’re keeping him and letting two vets go?!? Crazy!!
Comment added November 21st, 2008 at 5:10 am
I am so glad to hear Jay is staying. He is such a great actor.
Comment added November 21st, 2008 at 8:26 am
I am very glad to hear Jay is staying. With Marlena and John’s roles being gone I was really getting bummed out.
Comment added November 21st, 2008 at 12:14 pm
Glad that Jay is staying. I recently saw him in an episode of Charmed, which was pre-Days. He’s such a great actor. A little confused as to what’s going on with Phillip as I’ve not been watching recently though, but here’s hoping that he’ll get more story lines going!
Comment added November 22nd, 2008 at 12:16 am
I am so glad that Jay will not be leaving. At least I hope that is true. I just wish he could get a good storyline again.
Comment added November 22nd, 2008 at 7:24 am
YAH! Jay is staying!!!!!!!!
Comment added November 23rd, 2008 at 7:29 am
I am a 63 year old woman who has watched Days from the beginning and I find it appauling that they would even consider letting Drake and Deidra go. There must be a more senseable way to cut corners.
You probably pay a number of new actors together what youn pay less veteran actors. Don’t do this your ratings will suffer more
Comment added November 23rd, 2008 at 8:53 am
Real glad to hear Jay isn’t leaving Days. Now they need Teresa and Ivy from Passions on Days . Will boost ratings.
Comment added November 23rd, 2008 at 1:09 pm
One more comment… Don’t be stupid.
Comment added November 23rd, 2008 at 9:38 pm
Good news!!! I could just look at Jay all day long. Now lets keep John. We need a good DiMera. EJ is going to turn bad.
Comment added November 24th, 2008 at 10:27 am
So glad to hear Phillip (JKJ) is staying! - please reconsider keeping John & Marlena! How about bringing back Jennifer & Jack? or Shawn & Belle? This soap is really starting to slide storyline-wise…EJ & Nicole are boring - he’s so much better with Sami!
Comment added November 24th, 2008 at 6:02 pm
Jay Kenneth Johnson is the sexiest man in the Universe!
Comment added December 7th, 2008 at 10:58 pm
I have always thought that Jay was the best Philip, and he definitely is a hot,sexy hunk. Please keep him on the show.
Comment added December 7th, 2008 at 11:02 pm
I have always thought that Jay was the best Philip, and he definitely is a hot, sexy hunk! Please keep him on the show.
Comment added December 7th, 2008 at 11:03 pm
I have always thought that Jay was the best Philip, and he definitely is a hot, sexy hunk!!! Please keep him on the show.
Comment added December 19th, 2008 at 12:54 pm
So glad that Philip is staying on Dool, now you guys should do the same with John and Marlena get rid of the other shrink. Love Sami and Rafe 2gether. Sizzling HOTTTTT.Get rid of Melanie and company. Dan and Chloe are smiking hot.
Comment added January 13th, 2009 at 11:16 am
I probably won’t watch Days after Marlana and John go.
Comment added January 27th, 2009 at 9:17 am
I have been a fan of Days since I was a teen, watched with my Mom. I agree with nearly everyone re John and Marlena: I hate the thought of them not being on, but what I hate most is Dr. Perv…..Daniel really makes me sick to look at him! This storyline with him has been, in my opinion, the most nauseous of any to date! Send him packing!!!!!
Comment added February 15th, 2009 at 7:30 am
SOME PEOPLE IN CHARGE ARE MAKING SOME VERY BAD DECSIONS , LETTING KEY PEOPLE GO, IN TRYING TOO SAVE MONEY, YOU WILL LOSE VIEWERS, I NO LONGER WATCH DAYS ,, WHAT IS THE USE ?? EVERYONE IS GOING OR HAS BEEN FIRED, I WILL MISS THEM , OTHER SHOWS WILL GRAB THEM. DAYS HAS GONE DOWN THE TUBE, IT IS A WAIST OF MY TIME. SOMEONE BETTER GET SMART !!!
Comment added February 15th, 2009 at 9:03 pm
hi i have watch this soap for a long time. please let nick go in sted of jay. he is hot!!!!!!!!!!!!! I well stop watching it and watch one live two live that has bell the best act who i wish was still on and the old shown. and the rest please dont jay you are the best i cant miss your show and if i do i dont know from there thanks
Comment added June 8th, 2009 at 4:47 pm
i love days of our lives but is the good to wase my time on no more to watch because they are leaving all the good people go that make the show and when we get excited to see if joan get better and how him and marlina get back together as the loving couple they was and losing bell and shawn was the worse thing they ever let go of them