YOUR FAVORITE LOGO TV SHOWS ARE ON PARAMOUNT+

The Top Moments From Chandler Massey's AfterBuzz Interview

He can't answer THAT question, though

It's been almost two years since Chandler Massey left the role that brought him three consecutive Daytime Emmy Awards, and he stopped by AfterBuzz yesterday to talk about his experience on Days Of Our Lives, what the role of gay teenager Will Horton meant to him, and his decision to leave. Here are some highlights:

* His on-screen father Bryan Datillo was the practical joker on the set, and told him (phony) horror stories about how Dool icon Diedre Hall would chew up new actors and spit them out if they flubbed lines.

* On learning Will was going to come out of the closet: "I got called up to the principal's office. They just sat me down and told me 'we have this great story for Will. He's going to be coming out, and we want to let you know that's the direction we're going in." I was like, yes, sweet! At that time I had struggled at first because I was so excited to be on the show, but I was working like one or two days a week. I didn't really have a storyline for myself, I was just Sami's son. I also saw dollar signs, because you get paid by the episode! Screen time! Money! But I was also hungry for some meat, some kind of substance. In my opinion that was the most real and maybe the most significant story they've told in a long time. Well, since Stefano was fistfighting the devil."

* His favorite non-coming out storylines? Gabi's kidnapping (because he got to have a fight scene, and was crushed when it was pre-empted), and the Daysaster.

* He claims that has no idea that the show is hooking up Will's father and Sonny's mother, and that this is Freddie Smith's final week. Hmmm ...

* He finally discusses that horrific moment at the Emmy Awards when he won for the final time, and had to go on stage to accept after the wrong reel was played.

* What did he learn about himself playing a gay character? "I learned that a man's lips are not really that different than a woman's lips! I grew to care about marriage-equality. Before I was largely ignorant. I didn't know so I didn't care. But then I got to learn so much playing this character that I realized there were so much going on that needs to be addressed. It made me a better person."

He also takes online questions and viewer calls, but sadly, my questions "Why does Salem only have one shower?" and "Would you ever follow WilSon interloper Brant Daugherty on to Dancing With The Stars?" were not taken.

Of course, they could not address the elephant in the room, the rumor that he is back on set, but I suppose we'll find out in due time.

Check out the entire rollicking and funny interview below, with Chandler bringing that humility and charm that is so missed.

Latest News