Days of Our Lives fans can expect a heartfelt homecoming as Greg Vaughan reprises his beloved role as Eric Brady on May 30th—but the return comes with a bittersweet twist. In a recent interview with TV Insider, Vaughan opened up about stepping back into Eric’s shoes to take part in the deeply emotional “Goodbye John Black” storyline, a tribute to the late Drake Hogestyn.
Greg Vaughan's On Drake Hogestyn And New Romance
“It was a very hard day for everybody, obviously,” Vaughan reflected. “Bringing Eric back was very sweet, but I wish it was under better circumstances.” The storyline, which was already in motion before Hogestyn passed from pancreatic cancer on September 28, 2024, was carried out with the blessing of Hogestyn’s family. “Drake’s family, his wife, approved of this story, so I thought that was really just a wonderful gesture,” Vaughan noted. “And the way they wrote it was a nice touch.”
Vaughan acknowledged the emotional difficulty of filming such a personal farewell. “I just carried a lot of the memories we created together and the conversations we shared,” he said. “We all had a lot of laughs in the way he would want it to be. So, we kind of reflected a lot on that as the day and the week went forward, with the unfortunate prognosis of Drake’s situation.”
As Days pays tribute to a legendary character and actor, Vaughan’s brief return is expected to resonate deeply with fans of both Eric Brady and John Black.
A Quiet Romance Becomes Public
Outside of Salem, Vaughan has also been making headlines for confirming his relationship with model and actress Shanna Moakler, on March 28, 2025. They have a connection that dates back to 1993 when Moakler was just 18.
“It was under wraps for a long time, which was good, and the way I like it,” Vaughan told TV Insider. “When you’ve been under the microscope and you’ve been in that world of being online visible, it becomes a little bit disruptive. But she and I have a lot of warmth, love, and appreciation, and that has developed over the last year.”
Vaughan had nothing but admiration for Moakler, calling her “an incredible mom” and “a delightful, intelligent woman.” He praised her many talents—not just as an actress and producer, but as an author of six books. “We are both in each other’s corners,” he added. “I admire her in so many ways. I lift her up as she does to me, which has been a missing piece of my life. She’s been an angel and a complement to me in so many ways. She’s just a beautiful person with a heart of gold.”
A Short But Meaningful Return
Though Vaughan’s return to Days of Our Lives is brief, the emotional impact of his scenes and the tribute to Hogestyn ensures that fans will treasure every moment. As the show honors a legend and brings Eric Brady home, even for a little while, viewers are reminded of the legacy and deep relationships that make Salem a place worth coming back to.
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