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Paul Telfer plays the role of Xander Kiriakis on Days of Our Lives. The actor was born on October 30, 1979, making him 45 this year and reflecting almost 10 years of notable performances on the NBC soap opera. Throughout the years, his portrayal of Xander has made him a beloved figure among fans, earning praise and a Daytime Emmy nomination in 2020 for Outstanding Supporting Actor.
Telfer's acting career includes roles in various genres, demonstrating his versatility. He played Hercules in the 2005 TV miniseries and appeared in Hotel Babylon, NCIS, and The Vampire Diaries.
However, his role as Xander has been a major highlight of his career, as he adds depth, charm, and toughness to the character, making Xander a key figure in Salem.
In Days of Our Lives, Xander Kiriakis has evolved over time. He started as a cold-hearted hitman to a man seeking redemption. His journey includes memorable events like rescuing Maggie Horton, taking control of Titan Industries in a dramatic way, and falling in love with Sarah Horton.
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Days of Our Lives: 5 memorable storylines of Xander Kiriakis
1) Xander saves Maggie from suicide
One of Xander Kiriakis' most memorable moments on Days of Our Lives occurred when he rescued Maggie Horton from attempting suicide. Feeling extremely guilty, Maggie wrote a heartbreaking letter to her family, thinking she couldn't handle the pain she had caused. When Victor found her letter, he quickly called Xander for help.
Xander hurried to the prison and found Maggie unconscious after her attempt. He managed to untie her and bring her back to consciousness.
This shows Xander's emotional development, highlighting his loyalty and affection for Maggie, whom he sees as a mother figure.
2) Xander's redemption arc
Xander Kiriakis’ journey toward redemption took a critical turn during 2019-2020 when he sacrificed himself to protect Sarah Horton and her baby, Mickey. After tragedy struck with the loss of Sarah's newborn, Xander, following Victor Kiriakis’s orders, orchestrated a baby swap to spare Sarah from more pain.
While his actions were morally ambiguous, they illustrated Xander's willingness to bear the burden of guilt to ensure Sarah's happiness. When the truth finally came out, it led to heartbreak and conflict, yet this storyline showcased Xander's capacity for love and sacrifice, inching him closer to becoming a better man.
3) Xander and Sarah's love story
Xander Kiriakis and Sarah Horton have one of the most interesting love stories on Days of Our Lives, defined by passion and redemption. Their relationship started unexpectedly, with Xander being attracted to Sarah's strong personality.
As he supported her during her pregnancy, they grew closer, showing Xander's softer side.
His extreme actions, like the baby switch, caused problems in their relationship but also showed how much he cared. Despite heartbreak and secrets, their relationship stayed strong, proving how love can change and heal.
Xander's time with Sarah shows his path to redemption and personal growth.
4) Xander’s escape from the island
Xander Kiriakis' escape from the island in early 2020 was a key moment in his journey on Days of Our Lives. After being left alone on the island, he had to deal with not just physical difficulties but also tough moral choices that helped him move toward becoming a better person.
Trapped in a tough place, Xander used his cleverness to stay alive and thought about his past errors, especially those involving Sarah Horton.
He carefully planned his escape and built a simple boat from leftover materials. By making it through dangerous waters, Xander showed his strength and a wish to make things right with Sarah, making his escape a big step in his effort to redeem himself.
5) Xander's takeover of Titan Industries
Xander Kiriakis' takeover of Titan Industries on Days of Our Lives, which unfolded in late 2019 and early 2020, marked a crucial turning point for his character. He came back to Salem in January 2019 and gave Victor Kiriakis a plan to make Titan stronger by using important information against DiMera Enterprises.
But his plans faced challenges, especially from Brady Black, causing tension within the Kiriakis family.
By November 2019, Xander took control by staging a corporate takeover, becoming the CEO during an intense board meeting. This takeover showed his cleverness and marked a significant shift in the Kiriakis family dynamics, setting the stage for future conflicts.
Fans of Days of Our Lives can watch the new episodes of the show on Peacock.
