This 'Days of Our Lives' Star Reveals the Legendary Actor He Studied to Prepare for His Salem Debut
Days of Our Lives has introduced a new Chad DiMera, with actor Conner Floyd stepping into the role following Billy Flynn's exit. Floyd is now sharing how he prepared to take on the legacy character.
In a recent interview with Soaps.com reporter Curtis Harding, Floyd discussed his transition from The Young and the Restless to Days of Our Lives and teased what viewers can expect from his version of Chad.
During the interview, Floyd said he revisited classic episodes to prepare for the role, explaining, "I went back and I watched a lot of Stefano," referencing the late Joseph Mascolo, who originated the iconic DiMera patriarch back in 1981.
Floyd also studied the work of his predecessor, Billy Flynn, who previously portrayed Chad DiMera.
However, the actor emphasized that Mascolo's performance were especially influential, adding, "I went back to the roots. I really wanted to watch Joe and see what he was doing because Stefano was brought up in just about every script that I read."
He added that revisiting those scenes helped him better understand the DiMera legacy, noting "He's had such an impact on everyone in Salem."
Floyd debuted as Chad on April 21, 2026, following Flynn's departure in February.
On-Screen, Chad recently returned to Salem ahead of the reading of Stefano's will, arriving with his children, Thomas and Charlotte. He quickly crossed paths with Cat Greene (AnnaLynne McCord), as well as his brother E.J. DiMera (Dan Feuerriegel) and Gwen Rizchech (Emily O'Brien).
In a previous interview, Floyd said he envisions his version of Chad as the anti-Stefano, aiming to be a more grounded and positive role model for his children.
Prior to joining Days of Our Lives, Floyd appeared on The Young and the Restless in the role of Chance Chancelor, but has a larger body of work with credits including Theirbnb, Unsubscribe, Nowher Alaska, Malicious Motives, and Stolen in Her Sleep, to name a few.
Days of Our Lives streams weekdays exclusively on Peacock.
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This story was originally published April 24, 2026 at 11:47 AM.