Brandon Barash Will Play Stefan on 'Days of our Lives' While Tyler Christopher Takes Leave of Absence

Tyler Christopher is taking a leave of absence from NBC soap opera Days of our Lives. While the Emmy-winning actor is out, his former General Hospital co-star Brandon Barash will fill in as Stefan DiMera, according to Daytime Confidential.

There is no word on how long Christopher will be gone from the set.

In the meantime, Barash — who played Johnny Zacharra on the ABC daytime dramafrom 2007 to 2016, overlapping with Christopher's 1996-2016 tenure on the show — temporarily will take the role of Days' Stefan.
Christopher debuted as Stefan O. DiMera, the previously unknown son of the show's longtime villain Stefano DiMera and Vivian Alamain, in late 2017. He won an Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series Daytime Emmy in 2016 for his work on GH.

Since leaving General Hospital, Barash's TV credits have included Major Crimes, Timeless, Scorpion, Lucifer and The Last Ship.

'General Hospital' Stars Kirsten Storms & Brandon Barash Getting a Divorce

Kirsten Storms and Brandon Barash

Two General Hospital actors who were married in real life are calling it quits. Kirsten Storms and Brandon Barash have decided to divorce, Soap Opera Digest reports.

Storms and Barash, who play Maxie and Johnny on the show, respectively, have been married since 2013 and have a 2-year-old daughter, Harper.

"We are splitting due to the cliché irreconcilable differences, but we’re splitting amicably,” Barash told the publication. "We have every intention of remaining a family through this and successfully co-parenting our kid and retaining a friendship in the efforts of raising her in a healthy environment."

The cast of the long-running ABC show has, of course, dealt with divorce before. Last month, Kristina Wagner opened up on Oprah: Where Are They Now? about how her own decision to get divorced affected her life.

"The divorce was the best thing that could have happened to me, and for my children as well," she explained at the time. "I don't think I was being a very good mother at the time, either. I wasn't making good choices."

RELATED:
- 'General Hospital' Star Laura Wright Ending 20-Year Marriage

Brandon Barash Returning to 'General Hospital' as Johnny Zacchara in December

Brandon Barash

Brandon Barash will be returning to ABC soap opera General Hospital as Johnny Zacchara in early December. The announcement was made by GH executive producer, Frank Valentini.

“Hold on tight GH fans because things are going to get absolutely crazy good in Port Charles in the coming months,” said Valentini in a statement. “We are so happy to have Brandon back and with Johnny Z’s unexpected arrival in Port Charles that can only spell one thing: t-r-o-u-b-l-e.”

Johnny was last seen on GH in February 2015.

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- 'General Hospital' Casting African-American Female; Rachel Ames Set to Visit

'The Unauthorized Melrose Place Story' Premieres on Saturday, October 10

(L to R)  Brandon Barash (Thomas Calabro/Michael Mancini) and
Chelsea Hobbs (Laura Leighton/Sydney Andrews) star in the all-new
Lifetime movie, The Unauthorized Melrose Place Story.
Photo by Sergei Bachlakov Copyright 2015

Lifetime movie The Unauthorized Melrose Place Story premieres on Saturday, October 10 at 8 p.m. ET/PT. The film stars Dan Castellaneta as Aaron Spelling and Adam Korson as Darren Star (reprising their roles from The Unauthorized Beverly Hills, 90210 Story), along with Ciara Hanna as Amanda Woodward/Heather Locklear, Rebecca Dalton as Allison Parker/CourtneyThorne-Smith, Frank Bailey as Billy Campbell/Andrew Shue, Ryan Bruce as Jake Hanson/Grant Show, Chloe McClay as Jane Mancini/Josie Bissett, Ali Cobrin as Jo Reynolds/Daphne Zuniga, Teagan Vincze as Kimberly Shaw/Marcia Cross, Joseph Coleman as Matt Fielding/Doug Savant, Brandon Barash (General Hospital) as Michael Mancini/Thomas Calabro, Karissa Tynes as Rhonda Blair/Vanessa A. Williams, and Chelsea Hobbs as Sydney Andrews/Laura Leighton.

Launched in 1992 as a companion for Beverly Hills, 90210, Melrose Place quickly became a giant television hit in its own right. Originally designed to be an authentic, grounded look at 20-something life in Los Angeles. The Unauthorized Melrose Place Story highlights the remarkable behind-the-scenes moments that shaped the series including cast drama, Heather Locklear arriving to "save" the show, and the actors begging their writers for even wilder storylines to make them fan favorites.

Watch a sneak peek of the movie below:

'General Hospital' Alum Brandon Barash to Play Michael Mancini/Thomas Calabro in 'Unauthorized Melrose Place Story'

The cast of The Unauthorized Beverly Hills, 90210 Story. Photo: Lifetime

Lifetime movie The Unauthorized Beverly Hills, 90210 Story premieres Saturday, October 3, with The Unauthorized Melrose Place Story airing the following week on October 10.

The first photos from the films are out, revealing cast members such as General Hospital alum Brandon Barash (Johnny Zacchara) as "Michael Mancini/Thomas Calabro" and Simpsons" star Dan Castellaneta as "Aaron Spelling."

Main cast of The Unauthorized Beverly Hills, 90210 Story:
* Brandon Walsh/Jason Priestley: Max Lloyd Jones
* Brenda Walsh/Shannen Doherty: Samantha Munro
* Kelly Taylor/Jennie Garth: Abbie Cobb
* Dylan McKay/Luke Perry: Jesy McKinney
* Donna Martin/Tori Spelling: Abby Ross
* Steve Sanders/Ian Ziering: David Lennon
* David Silver/Brian Austin Green: Ross Linton
* Andrea Zuckerman/Gabrielle Carteris: Michele Goyns
* Valerie Malone/Tiffani Thiessen: Alyssa Lynch (who played Thiessen in The Unauthorized Saved by the Bell Story)

New 'General Hospital' Promo: "We Can Only Keep A Secret For So Long"

"We can only keep a secret for so long," says the announcer in the latest General Hospital promo, followed by, "Time's up." Which secrets will be revealed? Who is going to blow up? Check it out below and let us know what you think is about to happen.

'Major Crimes' Preview: Brandon Barash from 'General Hospital' Guest Stars

General Hospital's Brandon Barash (Johnny) guest stars on tonight's new episode of Major Crimes on TNT, airing at 9 p.m. ET/PT. He first played Detective Robby Oderno in the August summer finale.

In "Leap of Faith," tensions are high when Flynn has to talk down a man precariously holding on to the ledge of a bridge, only to find out that the jumper is a sex offender with a dead body in his car. Old wounds are opened as Rusty prepares an Impact Statement to hopefully end his involvement with the Stroh case.

Kathe Mazur, Ransford Doherty, Chad Lindberg, Paula Marshall, Erik Jensen, Sarah Lafleur, Bill Brochtrup also guest star.

'General Hospital' Promo: Johnny Returns, Fluke's Mask Taken Off by Anna

Brandon Barash returns as Johnny Zacchara this week on General Hospital.

The new General Hospital promo promises it's going to be "one mind-blowing week." Johnny is back, Nikolas wants to know what Britt is hiding, Sam asks Patrick if Jason is alive, and Anna takes a mask off "Fluke" revealing his true identity. Watch the new GH promo below:

Brandon Barash on His Way Back to 'General Hospital'

Brandon Barash is returning to General Hospital for a visit as Johnny Zacchara.

Barash left the soap in early 2013 when it was revealed Johnny was responsible for the death of Anthony Zacchara, as well as Cole and Hope Thornhart. The character was sent to Pentonville, but first gave Starr Manning his half of the Haunted Star. A few months into his prison sentence, Johnny made contact with Connie Falconeri and informed her that Carly and Sonny's son Morgan was in danger. He explained that Morgan had fallen prey to an online gambling scheme and owed thousands of dollars. Johnny swore he cared about Carly too much to make a false claim about her children.

Today in Soap Opera History (October 5)

1964: ABC daytime soap The Young Marrieds premiered.
1979: Mary Crosby took over the role of Kristin on DALLAS.
1984: CBN aired the final episode of ANOTHER LIFE.
2009: An angry EJ confronted Nicole about Sydney on DAYS.

"History cannot give us a program for the future, but it can give us a fuller understanding of ourselves, and of our common humanity, so that we can better face the future."
― Robert Penn Warren

"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.

On this date in...

1964: The Young Marrieds premiered on ABC. The daytime soap opera was created by James Elward and written by Elward with Frances Rickett. Among its cast were future Days of our Lives actors Peggy McCay, Brenda Benet and Susan Seaforth Hayes. The show ran until March 25, 1966.

GENERAL HOSPITAL's Kirsten Storms and Brandon Barash Welcome Baby Girl

Kirsten Storms & Brandon Barash are now proud parents.

Kirsten Storms has given birth to her first child, a baby girl. Her husband, and former GENERAL HOSPITAL co-star, Brandon Barash tweeted the news.

"Our passenger has touched down and arrived. Welcome to our world," Barash wrote. "There has not been a more fulfilling day. @teenystweeting #babygirlbarash"

Back in August, Storms and Barash announced they had married in June and that she was pregnant.

Her GH character, Maxie Jones, recently left Port Charles to find herself.

UPDATE:

Harper Rose Bararsh

Brandon Barash and Kirsten Storms have named their daughter Harper Rose Barash, Brandon revealed on Twitter. Kirsten shared the first pic of the newborn on Instagram with the caption, "Daddy's lil Princess."

Congratulations to the Barash family on the new addition.

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NEWS: Lea Michele, Brandon Barash & Kirsten Storms, Derek Martin, Kerry Washington, Bobbie Eakes

GLEE's Lea Michele: Kate Hudson Helped Me Get Through Losing Cory Monteith
"I called her and said, I don't know where I'm going to go because my house is swarmed [with reporters]," Michele tells Elle in a new interview. "She was like, 'Oh, you're going to stay at my house.' Like it was nothing."

Brandon Barash and Kirsten Storms take in a World Series game
Since Brandon Barash just finished shooting an indie film, he decided to spend some down time at Busch Stadium watching his childhood team, the St. Louis Cardinals, in the World Series.

"I was born and raised in Creve Coeur," said Barash, who played Johnny Zacchara on GENERAL HOSPITAL from 2007 until this past season. "But my family moved, so I didn't do the St. Louis high-school thing."

Former EASTENDERS actor Derek Martin will reprise his role as cab driver Charlie Slater for Christmas
Details of the upcoming return are being kept closely under wraps, but the character's reasons for returning are expected to involve his daughter Kat Slater, played by Jessie Wallace. Martin has already completed filming his scenes for the one episode return.

Today in Soap Opera History (October 5)

1964: ABC daytime soap THE YOUNG MARRIEDS premiered.
1979: Mary Crosby took over the role of Kristin on DALLAS.
1984: CBN aired the final episode of ANOTHER LIFE.
2009: An angry EJ confronted Nicole about Sydney on DAYS.

"We should always be aware that what now lies in the past once lay in the future."
― F.W. Maitland

"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.

On this date in...

1964: THE YOUNG MARRIEDS premiered on ABC. The show was created by James Elward and written by Elward with Frances Rickett. Among its cast were future DAYS OF OUR LIVES actors Peggy McCay, Brenda Benet and Susan Seaforth Hayes. The series finale aired on March 25, 1966.

GENERAL HOSPITAL's Kirsten Storms & Brandon Barash Are Married, And Expecting A Baby!

Kirsten Storms & Brandon Barash are married, and expecting a daughter.

Maxie Jones is in labor this week on GENERAL HOSPITAL, but it was baby news from the actress who plays her, Kirsten Storms, that made bigger headlines on Tuesday. People revealed that Storms secretly married former GH co-star Brandon Barash in June.

Storms has played Maxie since 2005, with a one year leave of absence staring in September 2011 as she battled endometriosis.  She headlined our Most Fascinating People of 2011 list and returned to GH in 2012.  Barash joined the cast of GH as Johnny Zacchara in 2007 and played the role until earlier this year.

Brandon Barash Leaving GENERAL HOSPITAL

Brandon Barash is leaving GENERAL HOSPITAL and the role of Johnny Zacchara.

Barash made the announcement on Twitter, along with a professional basketball joke: "With a bittersweet, heavy heart I announce my time at GH has come to an end, as I have chosen to move on&pursue my NBA career. I love u all."

My 76ers could probably use him.

Barash joined GH in September 2007.

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Today in Soap Opera History (October 5)

Paul Picerni and Peggy McCay of THE YOUNG MARRIEDS

On this date in...

1958: GENERAL HOSPITAL's Shell Kepler, who played Amy Vining, was born. She died in 2008 at age 49.

1964: THE YOUNG MARRIEDS premiered on ABC. The show was created by James Elward and written by Elward with Frances Rickett.  Among its cast were future DAYS OF OUR LIVES actors Peggy McCay, Brenda Benet and Susan Seaforth Hayes. The series finale aired on March 25, 1966. Watch an episode from 1965 below.

NEWS ROUNDUP: Brandon Barash Film; Plus, Susan Lucci, RUNAWAYS, Steve Ford, Patrick Muldoon

Writer/co-star Shevaun Kastl on the casting of Brandon Barash in The Mourning Hour film
"I had met Brandon a few times through a mutual friend and knew, without a doubt, that he was perfect to play Carl Bakely. We were looking for someone that was, obviously, a great actor, but also someone who could pull off the nuance of the character. Carl is a flawed man. He is arrogant, charming, loving, unfaithful and idealistic. We needed an actor that could give a period appropriate performance, show the arc of a man who loves his wife and had the best of intentions for their marriage but who succumbed to the pressure of the times and lost his way. In fact, watching Brandon on GENERAL HOSPITAL is a huge part of what sold me on him. Johnny can be arrogant but also self-deprecating. He is extremely charismatic, but there is a vulnerability to him that makes your heart bleed. Johnny Zacchara is a modern day Carl, again, minus the mob affiliation!"

Watch a video interview with Barash about the film below:

Port Chuck Spring Tour Dates

Port Chuck is hitting the road on the East Coast in late April/early May. Fans can check out the band which is made up of GENERAL HOSPITAL stars Steve Burton, Scott Reeves, Brandon Barash and Bradford Anderson.

GENERAL HOSPITAL has been on the upswing and this is a chance to support four of its stars.

Anderson is also a nominee in the 3rd Annual Indie Soap Awards. You can watch the telecast of the ISAs on The SFN on Sunday, March 18 at 9 p.m.

RELATED:
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- INTERVIEW: The Further Adventures Of Bradford Anderson Part Two - Nielsens, Mad Men, and Maxies

Today in Soap Opera History (October 5)

On this date in...

1950: Jeff Conaway was on our birthday list last year, but passed away earlier this year on May 27. He had roles on THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL and BERRENGER'S.

1958: GENERAL HOSPITAL's Shell Kepler, who played Amy Vining, was born. She died in 2008 at age 49.

1964: THE YOUNG MARRIEDS premiered on ABC. Among its cast were future DAYS OF OUR LIVES actors Peggy McCay, Brenda Benet and Susan Seaforth Hayes. It aired its final episode on March 25, 1966. Watch an episode from 1965 below.

Brandon Barash & Jason Thompson Talk Stagecoach

Hold on to your cowboy hats! For the second year in a row, ABC Daytime and SOAPnet have signed on as the presenting sponsor of the 2010 Stagecoach Country Music Festival powered by Toyota. The event, to be held at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California on April 24th and 25th, is a part of ABC Daytime and SOAPnet's Soap Nation Tour, an ongoing initiative to bring the stars to more fans in more cities more often. 

GENERAL HOSPITAL actors Brandon Barash (Johnny Zacchara) and Jason Thompson (Patrick Drake) are only two of the nearly two dozen ABC stars that are participating in the event. Barash and Thompson spoke with We Love Soaps about the Stagecoach Festival earlier today.

We Love Soaps: What are you most looking forward about the Stagecoach event?
Jason Thompson: It’s a combination of going out there, being available to our fans, meeting and greeting, and then obviously to enjoy the music.  We were both there last year, and I’ve looking forward to it ever since.  I’m glad it's only a couple weeks away.
Brandon Barash: For me, I’m looking forward to enjoying great music. It's a good time to celebrate great music, great weather, and meet the people who keep us on the air.  It’s always nice to put faces with that ambigous fan name.