Sonny Kiriakis
Days of Our Lives character
Portrayed by
Duration2011–present
First appearanceJune 23, 2011 (2011-06-23)
ClassificationFormer; regular (returning)
Created byDena Higley[a]
Introduced by
Spin-off
appearances
In-universe information
Other namesJackson Steven Kiriakis
Occupation
FatherJustin Kiriakis
MotherAdrienne Johnson Kiriakis
StepmotherBonnie Lockhart (2021–present)
Brothers
Half-brothersAlexander Kiriakis II
Husband
StepdaughtersArianna Horton
Grandparents
  • Alexander Kiriakis
  • Christina Kiriakis
  • Duke Johnson
  • Jo Johnson
Uncles
First cousins
Other relatives

Sonny Kiriakis is a fictional character the NBC daytime soap opera, Days of Our Lives. The role was originated by Freddie Smith from 2011 to 2015, and again from 2016 to 2020. In 2021, Zach Tinker was cast as Sonny in the Peacock miniseries, Days of Our Lives: Beyond Salem. Tinker also appeared as Sonny in the Holiday themed movie, Days of Our Lives: A Very Salem Christmas. In 2022, Tinker began appearing as Sonny on the original series.

Sonny is the only biological child of Supercouple Justin Kiriakis (Wally Kurth) and Adrienne Johnson (Judi Evans) and grand nephew to the villainous Victor Kiriakis (John Aniston). Introduced as an adult in 2011, the character's birth was announced onscreen in 1991.

Storylines

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2011–2015

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2016–2020

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2022–present

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Development

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Creation and casting

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On March 22, 2011, Lynette Rice of Entertainment Weekly announced that the "traditionally conservative" soap opera was developing a "gay storyline." At the time, the show refused to comment on the report.[1] Later in May 2011, reports of Smith's casting surfaced in the press.[2] Both the network and Smith's representatives refused to confirm the reports.[3] On June 17, 2011, Rice announced Smith's casting as Sonny. "I'm very excited to portray him" Smith said of his casting.[4]

[5]

[6]

[7]

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Characterization

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Personality

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In 2011, Smith described Sonny as a "center of attention kind of guy but in a good way." In addition to being well traveled, Sonny is "very confident and mature, […] and is very open-minded."[4]

Rice described the character as "a good-natured young man."[4]

Lineage and backstory

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Introduction (2011)

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Gay bashing (2012)

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Departure (2015)

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Reintroduction (2016)

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Departure (2020)

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Reintroduction (2022)

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Relationships

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[1]

[4]

Will Horton

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Chad DiMera

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Paul Narita

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Leo Stark

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Reception

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Notes

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  1. ^ a b The announcement of Justin and Adrienne's child was shown in 1991, under executive producers Ken Corday and Al Rabin and head writer Gene Palumbo. The character was later developed and introduced under executive producers, Ken Corday and Gary Tomlin and head writers, Dena Higley and Christopher Whitesell.

References

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  1. ^ a b Rice, Lynette (March 22, 2011). "'Days of Our Lives': Gay story line coming to Salem? -- EXCLUSIVE". Entertainment Weekly. Time Inc. Retrieved May 22, 2013.
  2. ^ "Is 90210's Freddy Smith heading to DAYS to play love-interest in gay storyline?". Michael Fairman TV. The Michael Fairman Company. May 13, 2011. Retrieved May 22, 2013.
  3. ^ Lewis, Errol (May 13, 2011). "Freddie Smith Joins 'DAYS' As Rumored Gay Love Interest Of Will Horton". Soap Opera Network. Retrieved February 11, 2022.
  4. ^ a b c d Rice, Lynette (June 17, 2011). "Official: 'Days of Our Lives' begins gay storyline -- EXCLUSIVE". Entertainment Weekly. Time Inc. Retrieved May 22, 2013.
  5. ^ Hagey-MacKay, Aaron (August 27, 2012). "Freddie Smith Makes Days History". Global Television Network (Shaw Media). Archived from the original on September 19, 2012. Retrieved May 22, 2013.
  6. ^ Waldron, Robert (August 30, 2011). "Sonny Days". Soap Opera Digest. Vol. 36, no. 35. United States: American Media, Inc. pp. 44–46.
  7. ^ Nahmod, David-Elijah (August 15, 2012). "Soap opera debuts gay bullying story". Windy City Times. Retrieved May 22, 2013.
  8. ^ Fairman, Michael (September 17, 2012). "Ready, Freddie?". Frontiers. Frontiers Media. Archived from the original on August 4, 2016. Retrieved May 16, 2016.
  9. ^ Fairman, Michael (August 22, 2011). "Days Add a Dash of Gay as AMC Gals Bid Adieu". Frontiers. Frontiers Media. Archived from the original on August 4, 2016. Retrieved May 16, 2016.
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