Exclusive Interview: Eric Martsolf on Raising Tate, Day Players, & Brady’s True Love

Eric Martsolf has found that art is imitating life now that Brady Black’s teenage son, Tate, has come home to Salem on Days of our Lives. How so? In real life, the actor is father to twin boys, Chase and Mason, who are 17. The actor sat down with Soap Hub at the recent Day of DAYS fan event for a catch-up interview.

Eric Martsolf: Raising Tate

“Gosh, I don’t know what you mean,” Martsolf wryly responds to Soap Hub when we asked him if he has any real-life experience to draw upon as Brady’s keeping an eye on Tate (Jamie Martin Mann), who, despite being born a mere eight years ago, is now a rebellious teen. “Through the miracle of a soap opera time machine, my story is ridiculously similar to what my house is in real life,” quips Martsolf. “Tate is back, and he’s made trouble at school.”

Martsolf jokes that the biggest difference he’s noticed these days is that Brady is keeping his shirt on more than he used to. “It’s easier to parent children with your shirts on,” quips Brandon Barash (Stefan), who is both Martsolf’s fellow DAYS cast member and also a member of The Day Players, a band comprised of Martsolf, Barash, Wally Kurth (Justin), and Carson Boatman (Johnny).

Making Beautiful Music

The group has been together for over a year, and Martsolf says the quartet gets along swimmingly. “Bands have notorious breakups, but all we want is more snacks,” he quips. Adds Barash: “There are few things we don’t rarely agree on. It’s never one person getting out of shape and walking out of the room. “We really respect each other and love each other,” says Kurth.

Eric Martsolf: Brady’s True Love

Martsolf saves all the heavy drama for Brady’s relationships. He’s had quite a few love interests on the show over the years. Is there one that he feels is Brady’s OTP (One True Pairing)? “My answer is interesting,” the actor says. “It’s not because of the happiness they share — it’s Brady and Kristen [Stacy Haiduk]. When I first started playing the storyline when Eileen [Davidson was in the role], people thought this was going to be a giant dumpster fire. ‘The son and the dad’s former girlfriend?’ But that pairing has persevered. Stacy’s done a wonderful job.”