Fans of Days of our Lives were taken on an emotional journey this week when Sonny Kiriakis said goodbye to his life in Salem and headed out to start a new job and a new life in Europe. The move not only took away Will's (Guy Wilson) husband, it also took away Sonny's portrayer, Freddie Smith, who opted not to renew his contract with the NBC soap.


In tandem with his last airdate this week, Smith took to Facebook to share his parting thoughts with fans. "This is CRAZY!" he enthused, adding that June 2011 was the month when his alter ego became the first openly gay character on the show. "I remember people being unsure how the audience would accept the character. With amazing writing and an incredible vision, Days of Our Lives and the creative team told a raw, uncut, passionate love story between two men who fell in love.

"Will and Sonny became the POWER COUPLE known as WILSON! We were treated like every other couple on the show and the audience accepted us with open arms. I feel so blessed to have been a part of the equal rights movement over the past 4 years. I will never forget the journey I had as Jackson 'Sonny' Kiriakis."

The actor then followed up with a tease that though he's leaving now, it doesn't mean he won't be back in the future. "Thank you to all my friends, family, and fans for your support and love," he wrote. "I know Sonny will be missed, but I hear Salem always has their door open!"

As Soap Central previously reported, Smith won the 2015 Outstanding Younger Actor Daytime Emmy Award for his portrayal of Sonny -- a win that gave him mixed feelings about having already decided to walk away from the soap. "It's a great reminder of what a great family I had and what I learned, but it's also pushing me into the future, letting me spread my wings and go on and just see what else is out [there] for me," he said upon winning the award. "So it represents a lot of things -- the future and the past, if you will."

In other news, there's a rumor going around that Sonny's on-screen husband, Will, will soon be leaving the canvas as well. However, Wilson put the rumors to rest when he told Twitter followers not to worry, as he isn't going anywhere.


What did you think about Sonny's departure from Salem? Would you like to see him return in the future? What would you like to see for Will now that he's flying solo in Salem? Share your thoughts in the Comments section below, on our message boards, or by submitting Feedback.

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