EJ crawled out of the DiMera crypt bruised, breathing, and still very much himself, which felt about right for how Days of our Lives closed the year — survival with scars included. As Salem breathed a sigh of relief, Dan Feuerriegel did too, using the turn of the calendar to step out of the story and speak plainly about what the past year took out of him and what it quietly gave back. He didn’t dress it up or soften it; he just told the truth.
Key Takeaways
- EJ DiMera’s escape from the crypt mirrored a larger theme of survival with scars intact.
- Dan Feuerriegel used the new year to speak openly about a challenging but formative 2025.
- His Instagram post balanced gratitude with honesty about health, growth, and resilience.
- Castmates showed support, reinforcing the sense of community behind the scenes.
- Fans responded to the vulnerability, praising both the message and his portrayal of EJ.
A Difficult Year
On Instagram, Feuerriegel marked the final hours of 2025 with, “Final hours of 2025. Not an easy year, but an important one. I learned more about my health, my strength, my weakness, and myself than I ever expected.” Using colorful metaphors, he explained that his past year was both good and bad, adding, “but I wouldn’t trade the lessons or the people who showed up for me for anything. Grateful doesn’t even cover it ❤️.”
Then he finished his sentiment by writing, “Here’s to more healing, more growth, and a more beautiful 2026 ahead. Still climbing that never-ending mountain 😘Much love, always.” The photo that accompanied the post showed him in a white tuxedo jacket with a black bow tie and vest, standing in warm window light, composed and reflective, equal parts elegance and endurance.
Castmate Thaao Penghlis (Tony) encouraged him with, “You’re doing great, Dan. Magic year ahead,” to which Feuerriegel replied, “Thanks, mate. Love ya.” Carson Boatman (Johnny) chimed in with affection and anticipation: “Love you, dude. Can’t wait to see what 2026 has for father and son!” The actor responded lovingly: “@carsonboatman love ya young man!!” And Martha Madison (Belle) chimed in, keeping it simple and direct: “Love you. Mean it!”
What Fans Saw in It
Fans met that honesty with their own, as one follower wrote, “Gorgeous shot and lighting 👏👏👏,” while a different viewer cut right to it with, “Not an easy year at all. Here’s to 2026!” There were cheers, hearts, jokes, and prayers, all mixed perfectly.
Some comments lingered on the image itself. “Dapper… Bring on 2026❤️🔥👏🎉,” one viewer wrote. Another added, “You are [a] sharp-looking dude! 😍.” Others focused on what Feuerriegel brings to EJ, calling the character funny, vulnerable, dangerous, and unexpectedly lovable.
What tied it all together was recognition. Not of survival as spectacle, but of effort. Of someone still climbing, still showing up, still willing to say the year was hard and meant something anyway. For DAYS fans, that honesty mattered just as much as any DiMera escape.
