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When John Oliver, the Emmy-winning host of HBO's "Last Week Tonight," publicly declared his desire to star in a soap opera, the producers of "Days of Our Lives" wasted no time in making it happen. In a rare departure from his usual brand of satire, Oliver donned a wig, makeup, and a serious acting persona to play the role of Devlin St. John, a "nerdy" chief water inspector in the long-running NBC soap.
Background & Context
As a fan of soap operas, Oliver's fascination with the genre is not surprising. With its over-the-top storylines, memorable characters, and dramatic plot twists, soap operas have a way of captivating audiences and providing endless entertainment. For Oliver, the opportunity to star in a soap opera was a chance to tap into his creative side and bring a unique perspective to the role.
For Ken Corday, the executive producer of "Days of Our Lives," Oliver's involvement was a dream come true. "We've had our fair share of guest stars over the years, but to have someone of John Oliver's caliber come on board was a real coup," Corday said in an interview. With his experience in producing high-quality content, Corday knew that he had to create a storyline that would not only showcase Oliver's comedic talents but also propel the show forward.
Key Details
Oliver's three-episode arc as Devlin St. John was a masterclass in comedic timing and acting. The character was tailor-made to bring out Oliver's signature wit and charm, while also allowing him to showcase his dramatic range. As Devlin, Oliver got to poke his nose into all the wrong places, which ultimately led to his comeuppance. The late-night host shared scenes with some of the show's most beloved stars, including Susan Seaforth Hayes, Daniel Feuerriegel, and Maggie Carney, and even butted heads with mayor Paulina Price, played by the incomparable Jackée Harry.
"He is not the John Oliver you see on his talk show," Corday observed. "He's in makeup, hair, wig – very much a different look and certainly a different persona than you see on his TV show, which was fun. It was fun for him. It was fun for us." Despite his reputation as a comedic genius, Oliver arrived on set as a "serious actor" and seamlessly matched the rapid cadence of the show, which films roughly nine episodes a week at "lightning speed."
As Devlin, Oliver's character delved into serious territories, which he came ready to tackle. "He's just a consummate professional," Corday praised. "He was wonderful. He had a lot of dialogue over the course of a few shows and knew everything cold. He's just a great actor. He was able to handle his character deftly."
What Experts Say
Oliver's performance as Devlin St. John was a testament to his versatility as an actor. By taking on a role that was so far removed from his usual typecast, Oliver proved that he was more than just a comedian. He was a talented actor who could bring depth and nuance to any character, no matter how quirky or dramatic.
"Soap operas have a way of bringing out the best in people," Corday observed. "They're a true test of an actor's mettle, and John Oliver passed with flying colors. He was a joy to work with, and we're so grateful to have had the opportunity to work with him."
Key Takeaways
- John Oliver's three-episode arc as Devlin St. John was a masterclass in comedic timing and acting.
- Oliver's performance was a testament to his versatility as an actor, showcasing his ability to take on a wide range of roles.
- Ken Corday, the executive producer of "Days of Our Lives," praised Oliver's professionalism and dedication to the role.
- The success of Oliver's stint on the show has opened the door for future guest stars, including the possibility of working with A-list celebrities like Julia Roberts, Brad Pitt, and Ryan Gosling.
What This Means For You
For fans of soap operas, John Oliver's appearance on "Days of Our Lives" was a welcome surprise. It's a reminder that even the most unlikely of stars can bring a unique perspective and energy to the genre. For Oliver, it was a chance to tap into his creative side and try something new. And for the producers of "Days of Our Lives," it was a chance to showcase their show's ability to adapt and innovate.
As Corday so aptly put it, "You never know what's going to happen when you wake up and come to the Disneyland of daytime every day." With its rich history, memorable characters, and dramatic plot twists, soap operas will continue to captivate audiences for years to come. And with the likes of John Oliver on board, who knows what the future holds for the genre?
One thing is for sure – with John Oliver's soap opera debut, the stakes have been raised, and the possibilities are endless. Will we see more of Oliver's comedic genius on the small screen? Only time will tell. But for now, we can bask in the glory of his unforgettable performance as Devlin St. John, the "nerdy" chief water inspector with a penchant for getting into trouble.
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