Review: An afternoon with Greg Vaughan and Dan Feuerriegel of ‘Days of Our Lives’

Dan Feuerriegel and Greg Vaughan at Governor’s Comedy Club. Photo Credit: Markos Papadatos

Actors Greg Vaughan and Dan Feuerriegel of “Days of Our Lives” participated in an intimate fan event at Governor’s Comedy Club on Long Island.

Feuerriegel plays EJ DiMera on “Days of Our Lives,” while Vaughan portrays Eric Brady. Peacock is the streaming service home of the series.

Vaughan made the opening remarks and welcomed everybody to their show as Shania Twain’s “Man! I Feel Like A Woman!” played in the background.

This event was hosted by Coastal Entertainment, and Vaughan thanked Governor’s and “everybody for being here.” “How are y’all feeling this morning?” Vaughan asked, prior to noting that he flew in from Texas, where he lives with his “tribe,” thus referring to his three boys.

Dan Feuerriegel celebrates birthday

Feuerriegel celebrated his birthday at today’s event, where he turned 42 years old. “I’m doing very well,” Feuerriegel told his fans. “I took a quick trip to New Jersey and New York. My time here has been fantastic, and I am grateful for that.”

He is nominated for a 2023 Daytime Emmy Award for “Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series” for his work as EJ DiMera.

Current storyline on the show

The actors were able to tell some behind-the-scenes stories while eating food that they ordered from Uber Eats. They also reflected on their current storyline on the show, which they described as “Babygate,’ which also involves Arianne Zucker (who plays Nicole Walker) and Jessica Serfaty, who plays Sloan.

Without giving any spoilers whatsoever, they foreshadowed that “there will be a lot of drama,” and noted that they scenes that are coming up next will be “awesome.”

The best advice they ever given in the industry

On the best advice they were ever given in the entertainment business, Feuerriegel said, “If you quit, you are never going to make it… but if you stay in it, you might have a chance. That’s how I see everything. You fail when you stop and give up. The best advice that has been instilled in me is to keep going.”

“The most important thing is to be kind to yourself and to your fellow performers,” Vaughan underscored. “You are your toughest critic, and you are hired for a reason. Somebody saw something in you, and that’s why you are there.”

“Be kind to yourself, remember that it’s a playground, and have fun,” he exclaimed.

Typical day on a daytime drama

Both actors described what their typical day is like on the Peacock daytime drama, and they concurred that it involves rehearsals, blocking, hair and makeup, as well as running lines with other actors.

Feuerriegel dubbed it as a well-oiled machine that is both “fast and furious.”

They also acknowledged that their “muscle memory” is “incredible” as a result of being on the show.

Feuerriegel compares his work on ‘Spartacus’ vs. daytime

Feuerriegel noted that doing the TV series “Spartacus” was more physically demanding, while “Days of Our Lives” is more mentally demanding being a soap opera. “I love them both for different reasons,” he admitted.

Feuerriegel described “Spartacus” as more “cinematic” and “Days of Our Lives” as a legacy show.

Vaughan reflects on his time on ‘General Hospital’

Vaughan also recalled his time on “General Hospital” where he played Lucky Spencer, the son of Luke Spencer (Anthony Geary) and Laura (Genie Francis). “Genie and Anthony were both great,” he exclaimed about his then on-screen parents.

Actors they would love to do more scenes with on the show

When asked which actors on the show they would like to do more scenes with (that they haven’t had a chance to work with as much before), Vaughan responded “Dick Van Dyke.” “Even though I’ve worked with everybody, Dick Van Dyke would be amazing. Dick is a living legend,” Vaughan exclaimed.

Feuerriegel noted that he would love to work with Abigail Klein, who portrays Stephanie Johnson, and that he would love to do a “proper scene” with Robert Scott Wilson (who plays Alex Kiriakis). “I would love to work with Dick Van Dyke as well,” Feuerriegel added.

Remembering John Aniston

Vaughan and Feuerriegel paid a moving homage to the late John Aniston, who portrayed Victor Kiriakis on “Days of Our Lives.” “John loved coming to work; everybody wanted to be like him,” Vaughan said. “We miss him dearly, John was a legend.”

Actors thank the ‘Days of Our Lives’ fans

The actors reiterated their appreciation for their fans coming out and seeing them today, despite the rainy weather. It was evident that their Long Island audience loved them in return.

Fan and attendee Heather Ligerman remarked, “It was a great experience getting up close and personal with Greg and Dan at Governor’s as they answered my many fan questions.”

“It was fun to speak with Greg and Dan at Governor’s,” said Melanie Ligerman, fan and attendee. “The intimate setting made it feel like they were talking right to me!”