You know how some actors just feel like they belong in your living room? That’s Chandler Massey. Most people immediately think of Salem when they hear his name, and for good reason. But honestly, if you only know him as Will Horton, you're missing out on a surprisingly varied career that spans everything from teen comedies to time-traveling Christmas romances.
He isn't just "the guy from the soap." He's a three-time Emmy winner who has quietly become a staple of the Hallmark universe while still keeping one foot in the door of daytime drama.
The Will Horton Legacy and the Big Return
Let's get the obvious one out of the way. Days of Our Lives is where Chandler Massey became a household name. He took over the role of Will Horton in 2010 and did something pretty historic. He was the first actor to win a Daytime Emmy for playing a gay character, and then he went ahead and won it three years in a row. That’s not just luck; that’s talent.
What's really interesting is how he keeps coming back. He left, the character was "killed off" (classic soap move), and then he was resurrected in 2017.
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Right now, in 2026, the buzz is all about his most recent stints. He appeared in the 60th-anniversary celebrations of the show, proving that no matter how many movies he films, Salem is home. Fans still lose their minds every time he shares a scene with Deidre Hall or Martha Madison. It’s that nostalgia factor, you know?
Chandler Massey Movies: The Hallmark Era and Beyond
If you've turned on the Hallmark Channel during the holidays lately, you’ve definitely seen him. He’s transitioned into that "reliable leading man" role perfectly.
- Next Stop, Christmas (2021): This one is a fan favorite because it features Christopher Lloyd and Lyndsy Fonseca. It involves a magical train and time travel. It sounds cheesy, and it is, but Massey plays the "boy next door" Ben Lee with so much sincerity that it actually works.
- A ‘90s Christmas (2024): This was a huge hit for anyone who grew up in the era of baggy jeans and dial-up internet. Massey plays Matt, and the chemistry with Eva Bourne was actually pretty solid.
- The Professional Bridesmaid (2023): He played Henry Whittington here. It's one of those "fake dating" or "secret identity" tropes that Hallmark loves, and Massey handles the lighthearted comedy better than most.
But it hasn't all been Christmas lights and snow. Earlier in his career, he did the indie film thing. Remember 16-Love? It was a 2012 tennis rom-com where he played Farrell Gambles. It was his feature film debut and showed he could carry a movie as the lead. He also popped up in Angels in Stardust (2014) and the thriller Hide in the Light (2018), which was a bit of a departure from his usual nice-guy image.
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Those "Wait, Was That Him?" TV Appearances
Before he was winning Emmys, Massey was doing the rounds on popular TV series. It’s fun to look back at his early credits because he shows up in the most random places.
He had a spot on One Tree Hill and Army Wives. He even appeared in Eastbound & Down as Pliny Caldwell. If you’re a Disney Channel fan, you might remember him in Bunk’d where he played a lumberjack named Noah. He even had a tiny role in Hannah Montana years ago. It’s the classic trajectory of a working actor—taking those guest spots and building a resume until the big break hits.
A Quick Look at the Highlights
- Days of Our Lives: The career-defining role as Will Horton.
- Heart of the Matter (2022): A more serious Hallmark movie where he played Henry Lowery.
- Mystic Christmas (2023): Playing Sawyer Adams in a coastal holiday flick.
- Aquarians (2017): A gritty indie drama where he played Danny, showing a much darker side of his acting range.
What Most People Get Wrong About His Career
There’s this misconception that soap actors "can’t act" in other genres. Massey disproves that. He has this very naturalistic, understated style. He doesn't overact, which is why he’s been so successful in the Hallmark world—he makes the dialogue feel like something a real person would actually say.
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Also, he’s not just an actor. He’s a singer too. While he hasn't released a massive pop album, his musical background often helps him in those "small town festival" scenes in movies where his character has to be charmingly talented.
Why He Still Matters in 2026
Chandler Massey has managed to stay relevant because he respects his roots. He doesn't look down on daytime TV. He embraces the fans who have followed him for over a decade. Whether he’s appearing in a streaming spinoff like Beyond Salem or leading a new romantic comedy, he brings a level of professionalism that's hard to find.
If you’re looking to catch up on his work, start with the 2025-2026 return episodes of Days. The writing for the 60th anniversary has been some of the best in years. After that, go find Next Stop, Christmas for a cozy night in.
Actionable Insights for Fans:
- Check Peacock for the latest Days of Our Lives episodes featuring his 2025/2026 return.
- Follow his social media for updates on new Hallmark projects, as he often does live Q&As during premieres.
- If you want to see his range, seek out the film Aquarians—it’s a totally different vibe from his soap work.