When did Jensen Ackles star in Days of Our Lives? Actor’s timeline explored

Actor Jensen Ackles portrayed the teenage Eric Brady on Days of Our Lives from 1997 and 2000. While this was not Ackles' first television show, his portrayal was well-received and earned him many awards. During his time on the show, he debuted Eric's famous pairing with Nicole, which became a fan-favorite relationship on the soap. Ackles left the show in 2000 to pursue other projects.

Days of Our Lives is one of the longest-running American soap operas on NBC, which now continues to air on the Peacock streaming platform. The soap premiered in 1965 and featured interactive dynamics between resident families of the fictional Salem City.

As a long-running show, many characters have been seen growing up from birth to adulthood and beyond. One such character is Eric Brady, currently portrayed by Greg Vaughan, after Ackles left the show.

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What was Jensen Ackles' Eric like on Days of Our Lives?

On July 28, 1997, Jensen Ackles stepped into the role of Eric Brady, the teenage son of Roman and Marlena Brady, along with his twin sister Sami Brady. The behavioral difference between the twins was heightened during this period in the storyline. While Sami was shown as a troublemaker, Ackles' Eric had stricter ethical standards.

Teenager Eric did not approve of his mother's affair with John Black but tried to take it in his stride. On the contrary, he chastised his sister for all her wrong actions. He was framed for date r*pe by a former schoolmate, Jed Fox, under the threat of targeting Sami. However, Eric talked the culprit into confession while undoing his sister's crimes.

Professionally, Eric took up the role of a photographer for Countess Wilhelmina Cosmetics. He got his company to hire Nicole Walker, a waitress he liked, as a model. While this allowed him to meet Nicole often, Nicole got involved with Lucas Horton when Eric was busy saving Sami Brady from her murder trial.

As a result, Nicole neglected Eric's affections and presented a nasty disposition. Soon, Nicole married Lucas, pushing Eric to try and date Greta Von Amberg. However, Nicole created problems in Eric and Greta's relationship, and it fizzled out.

After being dumped by Greta, who gauged Eric's genuine love for Nicole, Eric left Salem City. Ackles left Days of Our Lives on August 23, 2000. After 12 years, Eric returned to Salem, but this time portrayed by Greg Vaughan.

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A brief look at Days of Our Lives fame Jensen Ackles

While Jensen Ackles was part of DOOL for three years, his portrayal brought him fame. In 1998, Ackles won the Soap Opera Digest Award for Best Newcomer. He also received Daytime Emmy nominations for Outstanding Younger Actor three times, in 1998, 1999, and 2000.

After leaving Days of Our Lives, Ackles moved on to star in the miniseries on Marilyn Monroe, Blonde, and then played a serial killer in Fox's Dark Angel. Before joining DOOL, he was part of another series, Mr. Rhodes. Some of the other popular titles that Ackles has been involved in include Dawson's Creek, Smallville, Supernatural, Big Sky, The Boys, The Winchesters, and Tracker.

In addition to acting, Ackles directed one episode of Walker and six episodes of Supernatural, and he served as the executive producer for The Winchesters. He will soon be seen in Vought Rising and Countdown. Ackles has been part of eleven movies, including cameos and voice roles.

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While Jensen Ackles will not return to Days of Our Lives, Eric Brady continues to be part of the soap's storyline played by Vaughan. Stay tuned to Peacock every weekday to catch the latest happenings on the soap.