Days of Our Lives scored big when Conner Floyd assumed the role of Chad DiMera on the Peacock soap. Personally, I love Billy Flynn to the moon and back, so I was heartbroken when he announced his departure from DOOL.
Replacing Billy Flynn Was No Easy Feat
We can also imagine that replacing Flynn was no easy feat for the DOOL casting department. Billy Flynn was not only easy on the eyes but also played Chad with compassion, heart, and an innate goodness that made him a longtime fan favorite.
However, Floyd has truly made the role his own in just a couple of weeks. Clearly, the actor has a grip on how to be the “good” DiMera, which is basically Chad 101. But it”s his approach that impresses me about Floyd the most.
Admittedly, Conner’s version of Chad is a little more assertive, especially with his brother, and Stefano DiMera’s (Joe Mascolo) heir apparent, EJ DiMera (Dan Feuerriegel).
Chad also seems a bit more confident and self-assured with Floyd in the role. He had instant chemistry with his co-stars, namely AnnaLynn McCord, who plays Cat Greene.
It was clear from the moment that McCord and Floyd exchanged their first on-screen glance at one another that the longing and forbidden feelings were still there.
Plus, Floyd had a natural ease about him, which made this difficult, high-stakes recast feel organic and even familiar in the part.
The new Chad also has palpable chemistry with his on-screen brother, EJ. The two of them have been somewhat at odds since Chad’s return.
Yet, you can also feel Chad’s genuine disappointment when EJ does something insensitive or something that he knows will hurt others.
You also get the sense that when EJ makes some sordid moves, as he often does, much like Flynn’s Chad, Floyd’s Chad also feels that it’s beneath EJ to act wrecklessly.
Conner Floyd Stepped into the Role of Chad DiMera Seamlessly
So, there are some similarities between the two Chads that go beyond the simple fact that they look similar in appearance.
Even diehard Billy Flynn supporters (and I am one of them) have to admit that Conner Floyd has stepped into the role of Chad seamlessly.
Plus, Floyd seems to have a knack for balancing Chad’s two sides in equal measure, as he’s just as comfortable with his DiMera edge as he is with his Horton moral sensibility.
In the May 11th episode of DOOL, Chad stood up for his friend and employee, Leo Stark (Greg Rikaart), to EJ, who clearly wanted to wipe Leo off the map for trespassing in the DiMera tunnels.
Leo may have been foolish for admitting to EJ that he was the intruder, but it was Chad who stoically took up for his friend.
Why We Look Forward to More of Conner Floyd’s Chad
We have a feeling that Conner Floyd’s scenes with the hilarious Greg Rikaart will be just as refreshing as the ones between Billy Floyd and Rikaart.
Yes, Floyd’s Chad is more commanding and combative, but he has still managed to portray Chad’s signature charm and characteristic altruism.
We can’t wait to see Floyd interact more with Julie Williams (Susan Seaforth Hayes), Jack Devereux (Matthew Ashford), and Jennifer Horton Deveraux (Melissa Reeves), and other Salem folks.
So far, Floyd’s no-nonsense approach to Chad is really working for him. Let’s face it: recasts are tough for actors to master. Sometimes, it takes a long time for the new actor to acclimate to the soap canvas and eventually win over fans.
And some recasts never gain favor with the audience. Daytime viewers are the most loyal in the world, but they can also be very unforgiving.
However, Conner Floyd has come onto the show and blown us all away with his gifted, flawless performance as Chad DiMera. He seems to fit the role perfectly. Kudos!
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