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.
Those messy storylines, he added, are what allow audiences to escape their own lives. “For one hour out of the day, they get to vacate it all, and they look at Brady Black’s life and realize, ‘My life ain’t so bad.’”
Looking Ahead
With Days of our Lives celebrating 60 years, Martsolf is proud to continue carrying Brady’s story forward. “I’ll never be Drake, but I’ll carry his torch through these stories and do the best I can. At the end of the day, we’re storytellers,” he said.
For Martsolf, being part of DAYS is more than a job — it’s a lifelong gift. And as the show’s legacy grows, so does his gratitude to the fans who tune in for the ride. Check out the entire interview below.
Daytime Emmy 2025 Lead Actor Nominee Spotlight: Eric Martsolf as Brady Black on DAYS
Eric Martsolf is nominated for a Daytime Emmy in the Lead Actor category for his portrayal of Brady Black on Days of Our Lives.
Eric Martsolf and Martha Madison Co-Chair Fundraiser for Days of Our Lives’ Drake Hogestyn
Eric Martsolf shared a social media post detailing the new fundraiser for pancreatic cancer in honor of his fallen TV dad.
Eric Martsolf And Christopher Sean Recall Emotional Moments From Drake Hogestyn’s Final Scenes On Days Of Our Lives
Eric Martsolf and Christopher Sean shared their experiences of filming Drake Hogestyn’s final scenes as John Black on Days of our Lives, describing the honor of working with the iconic actor and his dedication to the show despite his battle with pancreatic cancer.
Days of our Lives Star Eric Martsolf Celebrates His Birthday
On Days of our Lives, Brady Black is dealing with the chaos of Kristen getting her way and having joint custody of their daughter. So…
