Let’s be real. When you talk about Elvis DiMera on Days of Our Lives, you aren’t just talking about a character. You’re talking about a legacy that basically keeps the lights on in Salem. Most fans call him EJ, but that name carries the weight of decades of backstabbing, high-stakes romance, and enough "back from the dead" moments to make a ghost jealous. If you’ve been watching for a while, you know he isn't just another suit-and-tie villain; he’s the complicated, often misunderstood heart of the DiMera empire.
He’s a bit of a mess. Honestly.
EJ first hit our screens as the product of Stefano DiMera and Susan Banks. That pairing alone is wild. Think about it: the most dangerous man in the world and a woman who thinks Elvis Presley is her soulmate. That bizarre DNA is exactly why EJ is so fascinating. He’s got Stefano’s ruthless, calculating mind, but there’s this undercurrent of desperation for love that feels very much like Susan.
Why the Name Change Matters
Most people forget he was born Elvis Jerome Banks. It’s a weird detail, right? Stefano eventually got his hands on the boy, and the transition from "Elvis" to "EJ" marked his transformation from a vulnerable kid into a weapon for the DiMera family. James Scott, the actor who really defined the role for a generation, brought this sleek, British sophistication to the part that made you forget he was technically part-redneck from the Banks side of the family.
When Dan Feuerriegel took over the role later, the vibe shifted. It had to. Scott’s EJ was a specific kind of "dark prince," while Feuerriegel brings a slightly more grounded, though equally fierce, energy to the character. It’s still the same Elvis DiMera on Days of Our Lives, just with different shades of grey.
The Sami Brady Factor
You can’t talk about EJ without Sami. You just can’t. Their relationship is the definition of "toxic but we can’t stop watching." It started in the worst way possible—blackmail, lies, and a total lack of consent—which is a part of the show's history that hasn't aged particularly well. But somehow, the writers pivoted. They turned "Ejami" into a powerhouse couple that rivaled Bo and Hope or John and Marlena.
It was messy. It was passionate.
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One day they’re trying to ruin each other’s lives, and the next they’re the only two people on earth who understand one another. That’s the magic of the writing for EJ. He’s a guy who wants to be good for the woman he loves but can’t stop his DiMera instincts from kicking in. He’ll burn the city down to protect Sami, even if she’s the one he’s currently fighting with.
That "Death" and the Long Road Back
Remember 2014? It felt like the end of an era. EJ was shot and "killed" in the park. We saw the body. We saw the grief. But this is Salem. Stefano’s reach extends beyond the grave, and we eventually learned about the "DiMera serum." It’s basically a plot device that lets characters cheat death, but for EJ, the recovery was long. He was off-screen for years, recovering from severe burns and memory loss in Italy.
This gap in his history is actually a great tool for the show. It gave the character a "reset" button. When he finally returned to Salem in 2021, he wasn't exactly the same man who left. He was harder. A bit more cynical.
The Legal Mind and the Power Struggles
He isn't just a thug. EJ is a lawyer. That’s a detail people often overlook when they see him getting into fistfights or plotting kidnappings. His legal background makes him one of the most dangerous people in the boardroom. He knows how to manipulate the law just as well as he manipulates people.
His ongoing rivalry with Stefan DiMera—his brother—is some of the best drama we’ve seen recently. It’s a classic "who is the rightful heir" story. Neither one of them is purely good. Neither is purely evil. They’re just two guys trying to live up to the impossible shadow of their father.
- He’s been the District Attorney (talk about a conflict of interest).
- He’s been a race car driver (very early on, a weird plot point).
- He’s been a father to Johnny and Sydney, though his parenting skills are... questionable at best.
The Misconception About His Evil Streak
A lot of casual viewers think EJ is just a villain. That’s too simple. If he were just a bad guy, we’d get bored. The reason people stay invested in Elvis DiMera on Days of Our Lives is because he’s a romantic at heart. He loves deeply, even if that love is often suffocating or manipulative. He’s a man who never felt like he truly belonged anywhere—too sophisticated for the Banks family and too "soft" (in Stefano’s eyes) for the DiMeras.
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He’s constantly seeking validation. Whether it’s from Sami, Nicole Walker, or his deceased father, EJ’s actions are almost always driven by a need to prove he’s worthy of the DiMera name.
Where EJ Stands Right Now
Currently, EJ is navigating the shark-infested waters of DiMera Enterprises while trying to keep his personal life from imploding. His marriage to Nicole was a rollercoaster of secrets, especially concerning the paternity of baby Jude. Watching EJ deal with the fallout of his own schemes is a staple of the show. He often wins the battle but loses the war, ending up alone in that massive mansion with nothing but a glass of Scotch and a portrait of Stefano staring him down.
The complexity of his character today lies in his vulnerability. He’s older now. He has children who are grown up and making their own mistakes. He’s seeing the cycle repeat itself.
Actionable Insights for Fans and New Viewers
If you’re trying to keep up with the whirlwind that is EJ DiMera, you need a strategy. The show moves fast, and the history is deep.
Watch the 2006-2014 archives. This is the "Golden Age" of the character. You’ll see the foundation of his relationship with Sami and his rivalry with Lucas Horton. It’s essential viewing to understand why he is the way he is today.
Pay attention to the background portraits. In the DiMera mansion, the portraits aren't just props. When EJ is talking to a painting of Stefano, the writers are usually dropping hints about his internal monologue. It’s a classic soap opera trope that actually works here.
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Follow the legal loopholes. Since EJ is a lawyer, his "wins" often come from fine print. If a contract is signed in a scene, read the screen if you can. The showrunners love to hide plot twists in legal jargon.
Don't trust a "death" unless there's an autopsy on screen. And even then, be skeptical. With Dr. Rolf around, the DiMeras are effectively immortal.
The story of Elvis DiMera is far from over. As long as there is a DiMera throne to sit on, EJ will be there, fighting for his place at the head of the table. He remains the bridge between the show’s legendary past and its unpredictable future. Whether you love him or hate him, you can't look away. That’s the mark of a truly great soap opera character. He’s flawed, he’s arrogant, and he’s absolutely essential to the fabric of Salem.
To truly understand the current landscape of the show, track the shifting alliances between EJ and the rest of the DiMera clan. The power dynamics change weekly, and usually, EJ is the one holding the deck of cards, even if he's about to drop them all. Keep an eye on his interactions with Chad; that brotherly bond—or lack thereof—is often where the real emotional stakes live.
Next Steps for Enthusiasts:
Start by revisiting the 2021 return episodes to see how the character was re-introduced for the modern era. Then, look for the "DiMera Family Tree" specials often featured on streaming platforms to map out exactly how he relates to the newer faces in town. Finally, monitor the official social media channels for casting news, as EJ’s storyline often hinges on the return of past flames or rivals.