When Casey Moss joined DAYS as JJ Deveraux in 2013, he was 19 years old, playing a rebellious teen who was angry at the world. “I’ll be 24 this year,” says the actor. “From 19 to 23, that’s quite a big leap. You grow a lot in those years; everything that goes along with becoming a more mature adult. I feel like I find myself taking my work more seriously. I put a lot more time in wanting to grow, and really striving to grow.”
Moss says he is bringing that new perspective to his alter ego. “It kind of went hand-in-hand,” he shares. “When I started to grow up in real life, it went into my work. I think it happened naturally. It’s pretty parallel. We’re right on track with each other.”
Off camera, Moss’s personal life with his former DAYS co-star True O’Brien (ex-Paige) is also on track. “We’re doing great,” he smiles. “She’s going to be in my life for a long time.” Recalling the blossoming feelings he first experienced for O’Brien, Moss says, “It was amazing falling in love. I never expected it. I knew that I wanted her. I wasn’t sure where it was going to go, but I knew where I wanted it to go.”
The two chose to keep their romance low-profile at work, and set personal boundaries for themselves. “When we’d walk off the set, it was like, ‘We’re the same people, [except] now we’re with each other,’ ” he explains. “We did a really nice job of keeping it separate. I made a point of connecting with True outside of work, rather than just it being Paige and JJ.”
In 2015, Paige became the unfortunate second victim of psychotic Ben Weston. It was a twist Moss wasn’t expecting. “I was sad and shocked,” he admits. “I had no idea it was coming. We live together. I felt it was important keeping that separate, especially with the storyline that we were doing.” So, Moss was understandably thrilled for O’Brien when she then took home the Daytime Emmy For Outstanding Younger Actress in 2016. “I remember every detail about that night,” he smiles. “I remember them calling True’s name and her looking at me in complete shock. She grabbed my hand to walk up with her. It was really special. I was so happy and proud for her.”
Moss is achieving his own professional success, as well. In addition to tackling more demanding work in Salem, in January, the actor shot his first movie, The Last Champion, on location in Iowa and Washington State. “High school wrestling is incorporated into the film,” Moss details. “I’m the head wrestler, and a mean guy. Cole Hauser [whose dad, Wings, played Y&R’s Greg Foster] is the lead. We filmed in 17 below zero weather.”
Though the actor has branched out into film work, he has no plans to give up his DAYS gig. “What the show means to me is the opportunity to be able to do what I love to do, and to be able to do that every day is an absolute gift,” Moss sums up. “DAYS really means something to a lot of people, the fan base, everyone who watches it, the cast and crew. I love who I work with. It’s really as simple as that. I like where I’m at. It’s a nice place to work.”
Just The Facts:
Birthday: November 16
Hails From: Hanford, CA
Taken: Moss’s real-life girlfriend is True O’Brien (ex-Paige, DAYS).
Puppy Ciao: O’Brien and Moss have a new puppy named Jackson. “I watched [“Dog Whisperer”] Cesar Millan videos to prepare for it. We aren’t going anywhere this summer. We’ll be busy with the puppy.”
Mom’s The Word: “Missy [Reeves, Jennifer] is like a mom to me. That’s never changed. She’s been there for me in times when I’ve needed her. We’ve always had a very healthy relationship, on-and-off work.”
Set Pal: Moss hangs out with Christopher Sean (Paul) off set. “I like how he thinks and who he is as a person.”
Quiet Time: “I just like to chill and relax when I’m away from work. I like to relax with True. I try to keep a level head.”
Music Man: “[My music] is going well, but at the moment, it’s more of a hobby. I’m sentimental about my guitars. There is one in particular that I’ve had since I was 12.”
Must-See TV: “One of my favorite comedies right now is GRACE AND FRANKIE. It’s just really funny.”
