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Star of the Week

DAYS OF OUR LIVES Interviews

Jay Kenneth Johnson's Five Greatest DAYS OF OUR LIVES Moments

— By Janet Di Lauro

It's hard to believe it's been a decade since Jay Kenneth Johnson took over the role of DAYS OF OUR LIVES's Philip Kiriakis. Philip started out as a spoiled, rich high school kid, but ultimately emerged into a smooth, suave ladies' man with a serious head for business. Johnson reflects on his fondest memories from his years in the Salem fold.

Joseph Mascolo
DAYS's Stefano (Joseph Mascolo)
— NBC

WHEN PHILIP MET STEFANO
"There were so many little things I remember about starting out on the show, like learning all the ins and outs of the business. But [this is] what stands out most about my first day on the show: I was walking down the hallway. I'd watched DAYS before. I remember Joe Mascolo (Stefano) was walking toward me. I was kind of frightened (laughs). He said, 'Hello. Hello, Jay. How are you doing?' I think I was actually hugging the wall, until he walked away. I thought he was going to hurt me."

Jay Kenneth Johnson
Philip (Jay Kenneth Johnson) at the first Last Blast Dance
JPI

THERE WILL BE BLOOD
"The first Last Blast Dance, when Philip had blood spilled all over him, definitely stands out. I was covered in corn syrup for about 12 hours that day. Pure sugar. So I was all sticky and uncomfortable. I probably wouldn't sit in corn syrup for 12 hours now, but at the time, I was so new on the show. I didn't say anything. I remember trying to take a nap. I put my hand under my head, and it just stuck there. It was pretty bad."

Nadia Bjorlin
Philip and Chloe (Nadia Bjorlin)
JPI

WET AND WILD
"We had a location shoot in Catalina one summer. I remember Jason Cook (ex-Shawn; now Matt, GENERAL HOSPITAL) was like a fish in the water. Everybody was diving in and going to the bottom of the ocean. But I was fighting it the whole time, and only getting about 3 feet underwater. I was like, 'What am I doing wrong?' The whole shoot was very bad for my self-esteem. [I then found] out everyone else had weights on them. I guess when you're diving, you have to have weights on your belt. But they had forgotten to give me any."

Jay Kenneth Johnson, Nadia Bjorlin and Kyle Lowder
Philip, Chloe and Brady (Kyle Lowder)

COVER BOY
"I remember when Days used to be on the cover of Soap Opera Weekly all the time. Maybe we can revisit that or something (laughs)? It was just fun. It was obviously a special time. Something was working and people were really responding to the show. They were divided over Broe (Brady and Chloe) and Phloe (Philip and Chloe). I have great memories of all that."

Jay Kenneth Johnson
Philip Kiriakis
— NBC

DÉJÀ VU
"Coming back to Days as Philip (in 2006) was another day I'll never forget. I was driving back onto the lot and taking it all in. There was that memory of, 'I used to do this every day.' It brought back memories of so many things — all the people I'd worked with at Days, all the girls Philip has slept with over the years...."

RELATED RESOURCES

Reader Comments 
Posted Sat Dec27, 2008, 4:14 PM — By Elisa

I love JKJ! he's so awesome!! and LOL @ meeting "stephno"

Posted Sat Dec27, 2008, 9:51 PM — By susan

I love Jay! He's from my hometown of Springfield Mo plus he is on a soap I've watched since I was 4 years old with my mom, baby sitters and while growing up. I'm 32 now and it's hard to believe that I've been wathing the show for almost 28 years. Such a trip to think about. anyway back to Jay, because he is from Springfield and on my all time favorite show, he will always be a favorite of mine. Thanks for all the great moments Jay, I remember them all.

Posted Sat Dec27, 2008, 9:54 PM — By susan

I love Jay! He's from my hometown of Springfield Mo plus he is on a soap I've watched since I was 4 years old with my mom, baby sitters and while growing up. I'm 32 now and it's hard to believe that I've been wathing the show for almost 28 years. Such a trip to think about. anyway back to Jay, because he is from Springfield and on my all time favorite show, he will always be a favorite of mine. Thanks for all the great moments Jay, I remember them all.

Posted Wed Dec31, 2008, 9:10 PM — By kmc

He's just plain HOT!!! I love Phillip with Stephanie!

Posted Sat Jan17, 2009, 9:09 PM — By Jessica M.

I absolutely LOVE Jay!! He's my favorite hunk on Days Of Our Lives! I also happen to think he's the best actor to ever play Philip. I'm sad that his character, Philip, and Nadia Bjorlin who plays Chloe, aren't a couple anymore. I REALLY loved their sexual chemistry and thought they made a hot couple! They seemed so natural together, so I don't get why the writers don't still have them together. I'm bummed seeing Philip with Stephanie, when I thought she was so great with Max. I honestly don't get where the writers are coming from. If it were up to me, Philip would be with Chloe, & Max would get back with Stephanie. That would make my Days moments!!

Posted Wed Feb11, 2009, 5:19 PM — By _ma_

I love Jay!!! Love Love Love him! He was the reason why I got back to watching Days. And now with his love story with Stephanie - makes it more addicting! I love them together.. Kind of like my "Twilight" craze.

Posted Wed Apr22, 2009, 1:09 AM — By Sarah

OMG i love Philip{jay} sooo much! he is amazing on days and i love the show! He makes the show more sexy! I never want him to die on the show! I love him to death <3


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