Chandler Massey Explains Controversial Exit from 'Days of Our Lives' [VIDEO]
Chandler Massey has revealed that Days of Our Lives did fire him from his Emmy award winning role as Will Horton.
Massey gave an interview to TV Guide that was published Wednesday. He explained that he finished taping on Aug. 23. However, at the time, he did not know he was leaving. In May, he had announced his decision to leave the show and the soap opera would spend the next few months looking for a replacement. Instead, the soap opera quickly recast the gay character and Massey was shown the door. He will not be paid for the remaining time on his contract which was set to expire in December.
A source close to the actor said he left the studio in tears. His last episode is expected to air Dec. 31 or sometime around then. Massey was diplomatic about his sudden exit from the show.
I'm actually glad things went down the way they did," Massey said. "I appreciate the producers for letting me out of my deal early because I can now pursue other opportunities I couldn't under contract. And, really, I want what's best for the show and the character. I'm honored to have played Will's coming-out story, and really proud of the Will and Sonny romance. It's important that they pass the torch to another actor and continue the story."
Massey said that he while he did not need a parry, he would miss his co-workers. Jeff Ballard, his publicist, addressed Charlie Sheen's Twitter defense of Massey. The Anger Management star blasted Days for firing the young star. The tweet has since been deleted.
"Charlie was just defending a friend. He got a little carried away, but it was out of his concern and admiration for Chandler," Ballard said.
Watch Massey on Days below.