Author, pocaster, and traveler Thaao Penghlis has a lot going on. After several decades in the soap opera world, particularly on Days of Our Lives, the actor said goodbye to sudsers and is embracing new changes in his world.
Penghlis Enjoys Complex Characters
Beloved actor Thaao Penghlis has entertained soap opera fans for a long time. Playing Victor Cassadine in 1981, he was part of his family’s diabolical plan to control the world until Luke Spencer (Anthony Geary) tossed Vic’s brother Mikkos (John Colicos) into his own cryogenic chamber on General Hospital. Victor returned for a short time in 2014 to plague Port Charles once again. But DAYS fans know him well as Count Tony DiMera and his evil twin Andre, also starting in 1981, with several storylines over the years that have fully illustrated Penghlis’ acting chops.
In an interview posted on May 8, the world traveler spoke with Soap Opera News about his various books, his podcast, and his soap opera characters. With regard to nefarious characters like Andre or Victor, Penhglis shared, “I never think I’m just a villain. I think I’m being diabolical. I don’t think Trump sees himself as a villain today. It’s all open to interpretation.”
He explained that searching for humor in the character, as well as allowing the viewers a peek into his mind, was key, but it takes more than a one-dimensional approach. “I can’t just play the villain. Like one woman said to me, ‘I love hating you.’ So I thought, well, I’m doing my job because it’s affecting them,” he said, further noting that having many layers to a character is how they can stay on a show for long stretches.
However, Penghlis had some unnerving news for fans. “This time around, I’m meant to do other things now. You know, I’m moving on. Sometimes, you have to be pushed out of the door in order to refresh yourself. Out create them.” He then elaborated on that statement, remarking, “I’m leaving the soap world. There are changes happening that I can’t discuss right now. It feels like it’s coming from somewhere else, maybe with a different writer. When people start taking you for granted, you change.”
Looking Forward to the Road Ahead
He’s currently enjoying his life and likened this change to an “awakening.” He felt that as a creator, he needed to explore this new path in his life, even though it would disappoint his fans. “I’ve had a fulfilling journey, and I’m excited to see what’s next. After over 40 years, I’ve realized that some friendships in this industry are quite shallow. It’s rare to find meaningful connections. I treasure the few relationships that resonate with me.” He felt that despite him supporting others, there hasn’t been a lot of support reciprocated from the soap opera industry for him. “It’s a self-serving environment, and I’ve come to accept this truth. While I cherish my time on the show, my life has taken a different path now.”
Sadly, there won’t be a send-off for the character, and when we last saw Tony and his wife Anna (Leann Hunley) in 2023, that’s the last we’ll ever see of him. He ended with parting words for his fans: “The fans who have been there throughout the years mean a lot to me. I’m really thankful.”
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