Days of our Lives' Lani Price (Sal Stowers) has experienced quite a few curveballs during her time in Salem, the most recent of which had her shocked to learn that rather than kind and gentle Abe (James Reynolds) being her father, her real dad is the abusive T.R. Coates (William Christian).
In a new interview with Soap Opera Digest, Stowers reveals that she was initially resistant to playing this unexpected paternity change.
"Because of my connection with James Reynolds, Sal as the artist was like, 'Abe is Lani's father.' I was fighting against the material," she shares. "Once I was finally like, 'Okay, let me really dissect this story and understand what the writers have given me,' it made me open up. I [was ready to] tell this story with my full heart and passion, and really experience what Lani is going through."
The actress enthuses that her change in attitude can also be attributed to William Christian, who she describes as a wonderful actor.
"He is such a light, so kind and sweet," she says. "He really stepped into this role. He was so courageous and brave. He's had a lot of work, a lot to do. We move really fast, and he just jumped in. He's been giving it his all and is great to play alongside. We both challenge each other. Lani is strong and powerful -- she's not going to back down -- and he goes right back at me. In the beginning I was pushing the limits, and he let me. He took it. I loved that. It showed a father and daughter trying to find their way to each other."
But delivering all of that emotional work takes a toll on the actress, who admits that she doesn't always enjoy the heavy material that she's often given.
"No one likes crying all the time. It's draining," she reveals. "There were times where I would cry literally every day on set. I'd come home and my head was pounding and my eyes hurt. I'm an artist who gives everything. If I'm going to cry, I'm going to cry. I'm going to do the ugly cry. It's not going to be pretty. I'm a very vulnerable person. Every actor has something about them. This is my thing, my little treasure piece. I know I can shine in the stories that have more depth to them."
But it's not just Stowers who's has to deal with heavy material since T.R.'s arrival. The storyline has also created a lot of emotional moments for Paulina (Jackée Harry), who is equally taken aback by her ex's reappearance in her life. For a sneak peek at the action headed viewers' way and to get your first glimpse of another character about to be dropped into the explosive story, check out a fun DAYS promo teaser narrated by Harry here.
How do you feel about the trouble T.R. Coates is causing in Salem? How would you like to see his storylines with Lani and Paulina play out? We want to hear from you -- so drop your comments in the Comments section below, tweet about it on Twitter, share it on Facebook, or chat about it on our Message Boards.
