Days of our Lives star Eric Martsolf, who portrays Brady Black, attended the 33rd Annual Broadcasting+Cable Hall of Fame Gala in New York City on September 30, 2025, where the iconic soap was honored with the Iconic Show Award. The actor, who has played Brady for 18 years, spoke with Soap Hub‘s Alina Adams about the show’s milestone, the late Drake Hogestyn’s impact, and why the role has become like family to him.
Key Takeaways
- Eric Martsolf reflected on nearly two decades playing Brady Black.
- He shared heartfelt memories of his late TV father, Drake Hogestyn.
- Martsolf described DAYS as a “second family” and a rare career blessing.
- He explained why messy drama is what keeps soap operas compelling.
- The actor expressed gratitude to fans for supporting the show’s 60-year run.
A Show Like No Other
Martsolf began his soap career on Passions before joining DAYS, and he admitted he didn’t know if the soap opera path would open up again. “Passions ended, much to my sadness, and I said to my wife, I don’t know if this soap opera life is ever going to happen again,” he shared. But six months later, DAYS called, and Brady returned to Salem with Martsolf in the role.
Eighteen years later, the Emmy-winning actor calls it nothing short of a blessing. “Actors don’t get that kind of an opportunity. To have that kind of a stretch. I have a second family at this point,” he said.
Carrying Drake’s Torch
Martsolf grew emotional reflecting on the passing of his on-screen father, Drake Hogestyn (John Black). “Brady is very gradually taking his father’s, not his place, but stepping in his footsteps. It’s the circle of life. I hope Drake is on a cloud somewhere, laughing, saying, ‘Good luck, kid,’” he told Soap Hub.
The actor noted that working alongside DAYS legends like Stephen Nichols (Steve) and Deidre Hall (Marlena, who spoke with Alina Adams) deepens that sense of continuity. “When Deidre hugs me in a scene, it’s not just about the scene. We’re sharing something real.”
The Messier, The Better
For Martsolf, what keeps soaps compelling is the drama. “You can’t just sit in a bathtub eating chocolate-covered strawberries saying, ‘I love you.’ You’ve got to have a daughter that shot someone in the head, and you deal with the consequences,” he joked.
