DAYS: Behind the Scenes, Articles/Photos

[JAS0N47]

Just googled Wayne's PC debut date...June 1, 1997. So, he signed with PC in May 1997, a month or so before Days decided to bring back Roman, who started taping sometime in June 1997. Josh's first airdate was 7/18/97.

[Franko]

Thank you! I wasn't sure what came first.

[carolineg]

Like Jason said, it was nearly the same time.  I think it was pretty clear JER didn't value the Roman character the way he did John, so I don't believe he cared who played Roman.  So Ken just gave his buddy a job.  And Taylor was riding kind of high at the time after his Y&R stint and his gig as Dylan's dad on 90210.

Wayne himself has stated he was fired in 1994 and there was no story for the character left and may be brought back later.  There was literally so much story left for Roman/John/Marlena, but it didn't fit into JER's vision which was full speed with Jarlena as a main lovestory.

Edited October 2, 2024 by carolineg

[Paul Raven]

I don't think Marlena needs a partner at this point. She can be the town shrink, mother/grandmother and friend.

The days of romance for Maggie, Julie and Marlena are behind them.

Just like Alice before them.

[Paul Raven]

MacDonald Carey was the guest star (as policeman George McFadden) on the Ben Casey episode that aired Monday Nov 15 1965, a few weeks after Days premiere.

I guess this would have been his last job before signing on to DOOL.

[DRW50]

Another Mary Frann ad. I know she had brown hair earlier in her career but I do wonder if this is a wig.

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[asafi]

They’ve had such significant journeys, and now it feels like they can offer wisdom and support rather than getting wrapped up in romantic plots. It could open up more opportunities for exploring their friendships and family ties.

[AMCOLTLLover]

Wow I didn’t knew Wayne was fired. That makes me even more upset about Roman becoming a secondary c-character.

i loved Wayne as Roman during the Salem slasher storyline between 83-84.. 

[carolineg]

Wayne's mostly been very gracious about speaking about the firing, but if you look up articles he totally was.  JER's vision was John/Marlena and he actually got push back on that because they wanted Drake with someone younger.  Roman seemed like such a critical character at the time he was fired, but it is what it is.  I have no actual proof, but I always felt like they recast Roman with JT once Wayne was suddenly unavailable. 

[Jdee43]

That would be amazing to see them finally bring back Wayne as Roman and have him and Marlena respectfully reconnect. He and his character got such a raw deal back in 1994.

[Liberty City]

The potential this had. And the HD production model was rich!

[asafi]

Josh Taylor played roman since 1997.. more then 25 years.. the recast totally destroyed roman and Marlena's legacy, as their chemistry not equal to wayne and Deidra's magical super coupling.. but honestly, should Marlena really reunite with roman after all those years, just because John died? no, i think it's too late.. and I don't think the show would survive much longer. 

[carolineg]

I don't think it's a bad idea if the show got Wayne back.  A Josh Taylor Roman pairing would be useless.  Yes, it's been years, but circumstances change.  I don't exactly mind the idea of Marlena being single for the rest of her time on the show, but it's also a bit ridiculous to put Julie, Maggie, and Marlena out to pasture to be single forever because their on screen partner passed away.  Marlena is the only one of the 3 that has another true love still living so she would be the one I focused on.  I highly doubt that Wayne would ever get re-hired so it's all moot.  It just what I would do if I ran the show.

[Khan]

I agree.  Even if Roman and Marlena never reunited, it just makes sense at this point to rehire Wayne as Roman, simply because I can't see Josh Taylor in a central, patriarch role as I could Drake or Bill Hayes.

[carolineg]

You are correct.  Wayne would bring a gravitas that Josh Taylor can't.  It would be a smart move for the show but I don't have much hope it will happen.