Australian actor Dan Feuerrigel chatted with Digital Journal’s Markos Papadatos. He opened up about taking on the role of EJ DiMera on “Days of Our Lives” on NBC, and about a few upcoming fan events.
He is drawn to EJ DiMera for many reasons. “I love how he’s the antagonist, for the most part, and I love playing that kind of a role. EJ gets under people’s skin and he knows what he wants and goes after it. Also, in some scenes, with certain characters, his vulnerability comes through, and it shows a completely different side to him,” he explained.
“I made sure not to look too deep into it since I wanted to make the role my own,” he said. “After doing it for a while and seeing the reactions from the fans, it’s a fun project to be a part of. I am very grateful for it and I am looking forward to where I can take the character from here.”
Feuerrigel complimented actress Alison Sweeney, who plays Sami Brady, his wife on the show. “Alison is fantastic and an absolute pro,” he said. “She has been on the show for such a long time, she knows exactly what to do and she takes control and command of the set. She is a great person to be acting opposite against for my first day. She made me feel comfortable. She is such a lovely human being.”
He had great words about working with Thaao Penghlis and Billy Flynn, who play his on-screen brothers. “It is awesome to work with them. Thaao is amazing and we’ve had some fun scenes. It is good to watch people that have been on the show for a while, that helps me learn more,” he said.
“Billy Flynn is awesome too. He is a really good human being and we get along well,” he added.
Most recently, he was a part of a Star Image Entertainment Zoom event, where the proceeds benefit the Canadian charity Cedars CanSupport. “That was really good and really nice,” he admitted. “It was fantastic to meet some of the fans. Everybody was very complimentary and it was like a little family. I was more than happy to answer their questions. I really enjoyed it.”
On January 15 and 16, 2022, he is looking forward to being a part of the Star Struck fan event in Jekyll Island, which is hosted by Paul and Keith. For more information on this in-person fan event, click here. “I am excited about that since I haven’t done a convention event in quite a while,” he said. “I am looking over to popping over there, meeting people, and feeling the vibe.”
Next year, on May 14 and 15, 2022, he will also be a part of the “Samantha’s Friends” benefit fundraiser, which will have a “Casino Royale” theme to it, and it aids the Southeastern Guide Dogs. “I am looking forward to that as well, and it’s for a good cause,” he said.
For young and aspiring actors, he said, “You have to love the craft because it’s a long-term thing. It’s not a spring, it’s a marathon. Sometimes, marathons can get pretty exhausting and very hard. You have to love acting because if you don’t love it, you are not going to put the effort in that you need to do in order to get where you want to be.”
“Also, keep going,” he underscored. “You need to keep going and then eventually, you will get enough experience and people will see you and something will fall your way. So, keep going and love what you do.”
On the title of the current chapter of his life, he revealed, “New Beginnings.” “My life has literally changed dramatically since I have been on this show,” he said. “It’s a whole new ballgame.”
When asked what track and field event he would do, if he were given the chance, he responded, “When I was younger, I did the hurdles, the high jump, and the sprints.”
Feuerrigel defined the word success as “being happy with where you are at.” “Being grateful and content with where you are at,” he said.
For his fans and supporters, he said, “Thank you so much. I really appreciate that you have opened your arms for me and are willing to give somebody a new chance to show you what they’ve got in regard to this very beloved character. I am very grateful for all of your support and I will not let you down.”
To learn more about Australian actor Dan Feuerriegel, follow him on Instagram.
