On the February 17 episode of Days of our Lives, Billy Flynn said goodbye to his character Chad. He officially made the switch from Salem to Genoa City. In a new interview, Flynn explained what led to his decision to join the cast of The Young and the Restless.
Key Takeaways
- Billy Flynn concluded his 12-year run as Chad DiMera on Days of our Lives on Tuesday, February 17.
- In the episode, Chad left Salem with his kids, Thomas and Charlotte.
- Flynn revealed the moment that led him to make the switch from DAYS to Y&R.
- He also felt that the lessons he learned allowed for a successful crossover.
Making the Switch From DAYS to Y&R
In an interview with TV Insider, Flynn expressed his gratitude to the Peacock soap. When he was cast as Chad, he became close with Josh Griffith, who was the former head writer. Now, Griffith serves as the head writer and executive producer of The Young and the Restless.
In his interview, Flynn noted their relationship is “why I wanted to come to Young and Restless and work with him again.” Flynn looked back at some of his iconic storylines. His favorite was the “Necktie Killer” storyline in 2015. At the time, Ben (Robert Scott Wilson) was exposed as the killer, ruining his good guy image.
“Everybody was connected, everything moved forward, there was a love story in the middle of it, and I just thought it was really well done,” Flynn said. “So it took off, and then Chad and Abigail took off, and I just remember being like, ‘Wow.'”
Bringing Lessons From Salem to Genoa City
Some of the lessons that Flynn learned on DAYS followed him on Y&R. He credits his soap opera experience. Flynn also reminded him not to compare Chad DiMera to Cane Ashby, who are two completely different characters.
“Chad led with his heart, and Cane doesn’t. Cane protects it,” Flynn explained. Even though he was nervous about joining the CBS soap, he didn’t want it to affect his acting ability. Flynn admitted he would question himself on DAYS, but refused to do so on Y&R.
“I’m not so stressed about forcing something to work. I think it will find its way,” Flynn noted. He’s giving Y&R fans a new version of Cane, which received mixed reactions. But fans have warmed up to him. (Here’s why Flynn questions if Cane can ever truly defeat Phyllis (Michelle Stafford) if he wins the battle).
What did you think of Flynn’s final episode on DAYS? Have you enjoyed his portrayal of Cane on Y&R? Sound off below in the comments section.
