File this under: Kid, You’ll Never Work in this Town, Again. From October 2015 to September 2016, Jonathon McClendon briefly played a SORAS-ed version of Chase Jennings on Days of Our Lives. Hyrum Hansen and Connor Kalopsis previously filled the role. Despite his short time on the NBC soap opera, this fledgling actor is speaking up about his former employer. McClendon says NBC should cancel Days of Our Lives, noting, “52 years is too long,” and “I’m watching General Hospital from now on.” The irony of those sentiments is, of course, April 1st will mark GH‘s 54th anniversary on ABC.
In his time at Days of Our Lives, McClendon’s character raped Ciara Alice Brady (Vivian Jovanni). Ciara was not only Chase’s potential love-interest and temporary step-sister (yes, yuck), she is also the daughter of DOOL super couple Bo and Hope (Peter Reckell and Kristian Alfonso) as well as the great-granddaughter of Alice and Tom Horton (Frances Reid and Macdonald Carey), on the NBC daytime drama. In addition, Chase also had the misfortune to be the son of Aiden Jennings (Daniel Cosgrove), who tried to kill Hope, just moments after consummating their marriage. Oh, and we forgot to mention, Chase raped Ciara on the late Alice Horton’s couch, which is a touchstone for Days fans, to say the least.
RELATED: NBC’s Day of Our Lives Hires New Head Writer and Creative Consultant
Jonathon McClendon Lashes Out About Days of Our Lives on Twitter
Last week, the young and woefully ill-advised McClendon went on a foul-mouthed Twitter rant — encouraging NBC to cancel Days of Our Lives. Check it out. (His language is NSFW.)
https://twitter.com/JonathonMcClen/status/821529157481807872
https://twitter.com/JonathonMcClen/status/821529953359437824
https://twitter.com/JonathonMcClen/status/821531900535652353
https://twitter.com/JonathonMcClen/status/821533523991330816
I didn't want to be chase the rapist.
— Jonathon McClendon (@JonathonMcClen) January 18, 2017
Because sometimes social media posts disappear, here are McClendon’s words (with expletives modified):
I love how @nbcdays finally used one of @BradEYoung’s photos, but decided it was ok to cut his logo. #plagiarism #classy #noshame #pathetic
It’s time for the fans to know the @nbcdays is f*cking everyone over. The fans, loyal people like @BradEYoung, and the actors.
52 years is too long #downWithDays
I’m watching @GeneralHospital from now on.They also let one of my friends go without even telling her. There was just a different actress name next to her character.#classy @nbcdays
I didn’t want to be chase the rapist.
McClendon Says, “Cancel Days of Our Lives,” | Who’s Watching this Young Actor?
Now honestly, we don’t know what McClendon is referring to, regarding Brad Everett Young‘s photos. To be clear, Young and I follow one another on Twitter. I have examined his Twitter feed. He has continued to post photographs of Days of Our Lives cast members, and hasn’t raised an issue about uncredited pictures.
We also don’t know which McClendon friend was fired without prior notice. It could be Jovanni, although as she tells it, her exit was a mutual parting of the ways. He could also be referring to Paige Searcy. According to the soap press, Searcy recently opted to depart Salem. The soap has since recast Gabrielle Haugh in the role of Jade Michaels, Joey Johnson’s (James Lastovic) girlfriend, so we can’t be sure.
Should NBC Cancel or Renew Days of Our Lives?
Regardless, McClendon’s agent, or parents, or friends need to remind him Twitter is forever. Honestly, while I hated the SORAS-ed Chase Jennings, McClendon showed some talent and acquitted himself of the (admittedly despicable) role quite well. Still, venting about backstage drama on social media does not seem like a career-building move.
Finally, it’s unseemly to see any actor (or crew member) root for a show’s cancellation. While it’s sad (for him) that McClendon was let go, has he no empathy for his fellow cast and crew members? When a network cancels a TV series, that cancellation means a whole lot of people are out of work.
RELATED: NBC Hopes to Renew Days of Our Lives for One (Final?) Season
What do you think? Do you agree with McClendon, or should he be more mindful of his words? Should NBC cancel or renew the Days of Our Lives TV show for another season? Sound off in the comments.
We all know that Days is playing out this Marlena being possessed stunt for Halloween. And right before Halloween they will say “surprise, Happy Halloween”. In any case. We’re sick of it. And Doug not allowed to see anyone and no one catches on and so many other stupid stories. I think the time has come to say bye bye or get writers with a brain.
It may have been my “final straw” bringing back devil possessions, it was stupid and boring then and is still. Why can’t writers ever come up with new story Lines, You do the same stuff over and over. And always so predictable.
Please do not cancel. I love the background or sound track .(if you will). From the sound effects to the music they’ve chose at times. Days has its own uniqueness as a daytime show, and although storylines can be mundane at times, such as life can be, when it’s good it’s really good! The people do an outstanding job with this soap. Imo.
I have been watching this show since it started I guess about 52 years Some episodes have been so stupid with ridiculous story lines but I still enjoyed most of it. I taped it so I never missed a show. The actress that is cast in place of Jennifer Horton doesnt look like the correct person to replace her She looks older than Jack and she is not pretty enough I would like you to keep the show but only if you stop with cloning Stefano and have a more intelligent program It has really gotten stupid . Eric gets… Read more »
What is wrong with those at DOOL? 3 main male characters are being let go, then Kristian Alfonso is leaving on her own accord, and lastly, firing Victoria Konefal? What godly reason for that stupid decision?
I’ve been watching DOOL since it began, but I’m truly disappointed with the changes, but Victoria, she was better than the last Ciara and watching her with Ben is wonderful .
I wish that Victoria’s exit is reconsidered or you may Los another fan.
No-do not cancel it. People my age and even older, many younger (I am 62) have watched since the 60’s. I have few friends. I realize that DAYS are not real, but every day at 1, where I live, I feel a part of something and watch people interact in family issues. I live away from my family and do not have that. I love Days and the characters.
I was worried about losing days of our lives, I have watched it for 50 years, loved it! Since Halloween and them jumping ahead a year, I am done, not only am I lost, I have lost interest, and now Patch is Stepheno ! Seriously, I have stopped recording and am finished, they just dug their own grave I’m sure. Try as I can I cannot get caught back up.
I would be lost with out Days. I look forward to watching everyday. Regardless of the plot. I hope it stays on forever!