ARTICLE: Zach Tinker on Contract as Sonny Kiriakis on ‘Days of our Lives’

[Errol]

Looks like we’ll be seeing plenty of Zach Tinker as Sonny Kirakis on “Days of our Lives” now that it appears that the actor is on contract with the daytime drama series, according to the latest show credits.

First appearing as Sonny in the Peacock limited series “Days of our Lives: Beyond Salem,” Tinker reprised the role in December in the show’s first-ever original movie, “Days of our Lives: A Very Salem Christmas,” which was also released on the streamer. Despite previously portraying the role on the two “DAYS” projects, Tinker didn’t appear on the mothership series until the Thursday, March 10 episode alongside on-screen love interest Chander Massey (Will Horton) who sadly only appears in a recurring capacity due to other obligations. The role of Sonny Kiriakis was previously portrayed by Freddie Smith.

In an interview featured in the latest issue of Soap Opera Digest, on newsstands now, Massey told the publication of his full-time job as a data visualization specialist at a health care analytics company based in Atlanta which makes things less practical in terms of scheduling appearances on the soap.

“I pop in and out of DAYS, so I build up enough PTO at my real job,” Massey shares. “When ‘DAYS’ asks if I want to come out for a week, sometimes I do double duty. That means cutting it a little close in terms of meetings and things like that when I’m in Los Angeles. It’s just earlier days. My company is on East Coast time. So if I’m jumping into meetings at 8 a.m., it means 5 a.m. on the West Coast.”

Courtesy of Peacock

“Sometimes I can take the time off,” Massey continued. “I’ve done it several times, and it seems to be something that I’ve shown my company I can manage, that my productivity won’t fall off. I’ve been able to make it work so far, luckily.” He added, “Of course, there’s the reality that when you’re on contract, they have more invested in you. They can spend more time making a story for your character. When you just come in every now and then, obviously, for logistical reasons, you can’t really be the center or integral part of a big storyline. I don’t get the meaty stuff that I used to get, but it’s still fun to see everybody and pop in.”

The news of Tinker being placed on contract was first reported by Jason47, the ultimate “Days of our Lives” historian, per the official show credits displayed on the Tuesday, March 15 episode. Soap Opera Network has since independently confirmed Tinker’s being placed on contract.

Note: The post Zach Tinker on Contract as Sonny Kiriakis on ‘Days of our Lives’ appeared first on the Soap Opera Network website.

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[Khan]

Look, I'm glad that DAYS has signed ZT to a contract, but unless they do the same for CM, then I hope the writers are at work figuring out a way to break up Sonny and Will that will make sense to their fans.  Because tying ZT and Sonny to a character and actor who isn't on contract as well is like nailing his feet to the floor.  It limits what can you do with Sonny, and on a show that thrives on couples-based drama, that's death.

[John]

 @Khan I see your point but the way Day shoots , They are six months ahead. So lets say Chandler can film one week a month, he could film all his scenes that week and the way they edit, we may never know he is not in Salem

 

Also Beware of what being on contract means. I seem to remember Days being like we signed Greg Rikaart to a contract when he returned in NOV 2018 but he gone by March 2019. So it could be a short contract

 

Given that Chandler was on the cast list shown at Christmas time and there was talk he was still filming before they took the 3 week break in mid February, he could be on thru August

 

Filming just resumed On March 14 after the break

 

I am Glad Zach is on contract & was kinda shocked he wanted a contract

Edited March 16, 2022 by John

[BetterForgotten]

Is it all that surprising he wanted a contract though? Look at it objectively, it’s not like his acting career is in high demand in film or primetime. He’s also pushing 30, not old by any means and not as detrimental as it is for actresses, but definitely an awkward age for most actors who are not yet established.

[John]

I agree just stuff he has said before, he seemed to like visiting but wanted to do other stuff. 

[gingered121970]

NOT HAPPY. Disappointed.  It’s not the same with just sonny. So Chandler doesn’t want to quit his Georgia Job and relocate back to LA.  

[wingwalker]

Zach is a talented, good looking guy with a famous last name in the industry. I am surprised he hasn't made it bigger yet, but this is a funny business that's hard to predict. I am thrilled to have him at DAYS under contract. Hopefully he stays a very long time. 

I interpreted Zach's previous interviews vastly different. All his interviews promoting Beyond Salem it seemed super obvious he wanted to be on the main show full time. Chandler was the one that seem to hedge in his answers every time he was asked about it. Which I don't blame Chandler for doing. DAYS already let him go twice, I wouldn't give up a great paying job in Atlanta for DAYS either. 

It's great that Chandler is willing to fly back and forth, but I don't see how that's going to be viable in the long term. Chandler has already said that Will isn't going to get the meaty stuff he used too. Eventually Sonny is going to need a full time love interest, not a part time one. 

 

[Bright Eyes]

Maybe with 

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and Will out of town occasionally, both feeling lonely, they'll have Sonny and Chad embark on an affair. 

[John]

Lets Chandler can at least film a week a month they could film all his scenes that week and edit them into episodes so depending on shooting & editing it Will may never go out of town. Time will tell. 

[Taoboi]

God is good.