DAYS Stars Reveal the Most ‘Dad’ Things Their Characters Have Ever Done
Salem Celebrates Father’s Day With A Twist Only “Days of Our Lives” Could Deliver
Father’s Day in Salem isn’t exactly a quiet affair—and in the world of Days of Our Lives (Days of Our Lives), it rarely resembles the traditional celebrations seen elsewhere.
Instead, Salem fathers spend their time installing fortress-level security systems, intervening in emotional crises, navigating complicated family loyalties, and, more often than not, making morally questionable decisions in the name of protecting their children.
To mark the occasion, the show invited several of its leading men to reflect on the most “dad-like” moments their characters have ever had—and the results were equal parts heartfelt, chaotic, and unmistakably Salem.
A Father’s Day Tribute, Salem Style
The official Days of Our Lives Instagram account kicked off the celebration with a playful prompt:
“In honor of Father’s Day, we’re looking back at the most ‘dad’ things these Salem dads have done. What’s the most classic dad move in your family? Tell us below.”
The cast responded with a mix of humor, sincerity, and signature Salem exaggeration—offering fans a glimpse into just how uniquely chaotic fatherhood is in their fictional world.
Steve Johnson: The Deadbolt Dad Of Salem
Stephen Nichols (Steve Johnson) set the tone immediately with an answer that could only belong in Salem.
His most “dad” moment?
Installing not one, not two—but three separate deadbolts after his daughter Stephanie was being stalked.
Steve didn’t stop there. According to Nichols, the protective father insisted she lock every bolt every time she entered or left her home.
Abigail Klein, who plays Stephanie, fully endorsed the sentiment, responding enthusiastically online:
“BEST PAPA SWEETNESS IN THE WORLD @stephen_e_nichols!!”
For fans, it was a reminder that in Salem, overprotective parenting isn’t just common—it’s practically a survival skill.
EJ DiMera: Protection At Any Cost
Dan Feuerriegel (EJ DiMera) delivered a characteristically intense response, summing up his fatherhood philosophy in one sweeping statement:
“EJ has done everything and anything to protect his family. That’s what he’s done.”
True to the legacy of EJ DiMera, the answer reflects a long history of morally grey decisions, strategic manipulation, and ruthless loyalty when it comes to family.
In Salem terms, “protection” often comes with consequences—but for EJ, that line has never been a deterrent.
Brady Black: Chaos, Commitment, And Institutions
Eric Martsolf (Brady Black) took a more self-aware approach, joking about his character’s complicated parenting history.
“Pretty much everything Brady does is a dad thing, but I would say he put his kid in a mental institution.”
It’s a darkly comedic nod to Brady Black, a man whose journey through fatherhood has been marked by addiction struggles, emotional turmoil, and deeply controversial decisions made under pressure.
Even in Salem, that kind of honesty got a reaction from fans.
Abe Carver: A Father’s Quiet Devotion
James Reynolds (Abe Carver) took a more grounded and emotional approach, focusing on his character’s relationship with Theo.
He highlighted Abe’s deep affection for his son and his consistent desire to be a steady, moral presence in a town where stability is often in short supply.
As portrayed by Abe Carver, Abe represents a rare form of fatherhood in Salem: patient, steady, and emotionally present—even when chaos surrounds him.
Roman Brady: Always Breaking Up Sami’s Drama
Josh Taylor (Roman Brady) leaned into nostalgia, recalling his character’s long-standing role as Salem’s unofficial referee.
“Always breaking up fights for Sami.”
It’s a classic reference to Roman Brady, whose fatherhood has often involved stepping in during some of Salem’s most explosive family confrontations.
For longtime viewers, it was a reminder that raising children in Salem often feels like managing a never-ending crisis.
Xander Cook: Honest, Chaotic, And Surprisingly Self-Aware
Paul Telfer (Xander Cook) delivered one of the most candid—and darkly funny—responses of the bunch.
He referenced using Victoria as a way to manipulate Sarah and get back into her good graces.
While not exactly a parenting manual highlight, it perfectly reflects the unpredictable moral compass of Xander Cook.
Fans were quick to react, with many praising the honesty and chaotic charm of the answer.
Chad DiMera Wins The Internet With Three Words
Robert Scott Wilson (Chad DiMera) may have delivered the simplest answer—but arguably the most relatable.
“Tuck my shirt in.”
That’s it. No chaos. No manipulation. No criminal undertones.
Just pure, traditional dad energy from Chad DiMera—a reminder that even in Salem, sometimes fatherhood is just about showing up and trying to look put together.
Alex Kiriakis: Accidental Fatherhood Energy
Robert Scott Wilson also added a second response through Alex Kiriakis, joking:
“Become a dad by no inclination whatsoever.”
It’s a fitting description for Alex Kiriakis, whose unexpected path into fatherhood reflects the soap’s long tradition of surprise family revelations and complicated legacies.
Fans Celebrate Salem’s Complicated Fathers
Viewer reactions were swift and affectionate.
Many fans praised Steve Johnson’s “three deadbolts” as peak protective dad behavior, while others highlighted Xander’s chaotic honesty as perfectly on-brand.
Across social media, one sentiment stood out: Salem fathers may be flawed, dramatic, and occasionally morally questionable—but their devotion to their children is never in doubt.
One fan summed it up best:
“Some great TV dads in Salem, even EJ, who may not always do the right thing, but he does love his children ❤️”
Salem Fatherhood: Love, Chaos, And Everything In Between
What makes Father’s Day in Salem so entertaining is its contrast.
In most worlds, fatherhood is defined by guidance, protection, and stability. In Salem, it also includes:
Installing extreme security systems
Covering up crimes for family protection
Navigating kidnappings, betrayals, and identity shocks
And occasionally breaking the law “for love”
Yet beneath all the chaos, one truth remains consistent: Salem’s fathers love fiercely, even when their methods are questionable.
And in a town like Salem, that might be the most dangerous—and most defining—trait of all.