John Oliver Beat Ryan Gosling to Salem as Days of Our Lives Announces His Guest Role

Ryan Gosling may be one of Days of Our Lives’ biggest celebrity fans, but John Oliver just beat him to Salem.

During Sunday’s episode of Last Week Tonight, Oliver announced that his months-long campaign to land a daytime soap role ended even better than he imagined. Not only will he appear on General Hospital this week, but he has already filmed a week of episodes for Days of Our Lives.

Those episodes will air August 11, 12 and 14.

From Soap Fan to Soap Star

Comedian John Oliver first launched his tongue-in-cheek campaign in March after learning that Stephen A. Smith has quietly spent the past decade playing Brick on General Hospital.

Oliver publicly offered his services to any soap willing to cast him, with just a few conditions. He wanted a ridiculous character name, a juicy storyline involving something like murder or slapping, and at least one classic soap opera close-up.

It turns out Salem was listening. During Sunday’s show, Oliver proudly announced that he’d already completed filming for Days of Our Lives, calling it “clearly a huge honor.”

He even rattled off some of the show’s legendary history, mentioning everything from Marlena’s infamous devil possession to Sami Brady disguising herself as a soldier to rescue Philip Kiriakis and the unforgettable “Swamp Girl” storyline before praising longtime stars Deidre Hall, Susan Seaforth Hayes, and the late John Aniston.

Did John Oliver Just Beat Ryan Gosling?

The timing makes Oliver’s casting especially funny. Earlier this year, Ryan Gosling revealed that watching Deidre Hall’s Marlena was one of his earliest acting inspirations. Hall quickly invited the Oscar nominee to visit the Days of Our Lives set, and Gosling enthusiastically accepted.

But despite saying “yes,” Gosling still hasn’t made it to Salem. Just last week, Hall joked, “That stinker has not been here yet,” explaining that the actor has been tied up promoting his latest film. Oliver, meanwhile, has already filmed his scenes and has air dates on the calendar.

The First Look Is Pure John Oliver

Oliver also shared a first-look photo from his time on Days of Our Lives, immediately roasting himself in classic fashion. “I look like Elvis reincarnated into his accountant,” he joked. “I look like Rachel Maddow after witnessing a murder.”

He saved perhaps his best line for last, saying that even though only the back of his scene partner’s neck was visible, “His back is an LA 10 and my front is a Middle Earth 3.” His scene partner was the equally funny Dan Feuerriegel, who plays EJ DiMera.

Whether Oliver’s Salem character ends up solving murders, causing chaos, or simply delivering one spectacular dramatic close-up, one thing is certain: John Oliver officially made good on his soap opera dream.

And, at least for now, he can say something Ryan Gosling can’t: He’s already been to Salem.

Stay Tuned to The Soap Scene

Before heading to Salem, Oliver will make his General Hospital debut this week — here’s everything we know about his Port Charles appearance. Watch for more information on John Oliver’s surprising roles on both shows at The Soap Scene — and be sure to get the up-to-the-minute news, spoilers, and more on our social accounts on Instagram, Facebook, X/Twitter, and BlueSky.