If you’ve spent any time in Salem, you know the name Elvis John DiMera carries a certain weight. It’s a name that implies power, a bit of a mean streak, and a whole lot of daddy issues. But if you’re trying to pin down exactly who played EJ on Days of Our Lives, the answer depends entirely on when you started watching. Soap operas are famous for the "revolving door" casting, but EJ’s history is particularly interesting because he went from a literal infant to a full-grown man in record time, thanks to the magic of Soap Opera Rapid Aging Syndrome (SORAS).
He isn't just any character. He is the son of the legendary villain Stefano DiMera and Susan Banks. That pedigree alone requires an actor who can pull off "suave international businessman" while simultaneously looking like they might have a breakdown if their father doesn’t hug them. It's a tough gig.
The Early Years and the SORAS Jump
Back in 1997, we first met EJ as a baby. At the time, he was played by several sets of twins, including Thomas and Garrett Barbis. This was the era of the infamous "baby switching" plotlines involving Kristen DiMera. Most fans don't really count these as "performances" in the traditional sense, because, well, they were toddlers.
Then came 2006.
The writers decided they needed a new foil for the veterans. They didn't just age him a few years; they aged him into his late twenties. This is where the character truly began to take shape as the powerhouse we know today. When people ask who played EJ on Days of Our Lives, they are almost always thinking of the two men who defined the adult version of the character.
The James Scott Era: Defining the DiMera Legacy
In 2006, James Scott walked onto the screen and basically changed the DNA of the show. Before joining Days, Scott had a stint on All My Children as Ethan Cambias, but EJ DiMera was the role he was born to play. He brought a specific kind of British charm that felt both dangerous and incredibly lonely.
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He stayed for eight years. Eight years of "EJami"—the massive, chaotic, and deeply toxic love story between EJ and Sami Brady (played by Alison Sweeney).
Scott’s portrayal was nuanced. He wasn't just a villain. He was a guy who desperately wanted to be loved but had no idea how to be a "good" person because he was raised by Stefano. He had this specific way of delivering lines—whispering them, almost—that made you lean in. When he left in 2014, many fans thought the character was dead for good. He was "killed" by one of Clyde Weston’s thugs, but in soap land, a body is just a suggestion.
His departure left a massive hole. For years, the show teased his return. We saw a bandaged man in a warehouse. We heard rumors. But for a long time, James Scott made it clear he wasn't coming back to the grind of daytime TV.
The Dan Feuerriegel Era: A New Direction
Fast forward to 2021. After years of the character being "off-screen" recovering from horrific burns (the classic soap excuse for plastic surgery), Dan Feuerriegel took over the role.
Feuerriegel, an Australian actor best known for his work in Spartacus: Blood and Sand, had big shoes to fill. Recasting a fan favorite like James Scott is usually a suicide mission for an actor. Fans are protective. They don't like change. But Dan did something smart: he didn't try to impersonate Scott.
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He brought a different energy.
This EJ is a bit more aggressive, maybe a bit more physically imposing, but he still carries that DiMera arrogance. He’s had to navigate some heavy storylines, including the death of his mother Susan and the constant power struggles at DiMera Enterprises. Honestly, he’s won over the majority of the "EJami" stans, which is no small feat. He’s made the role his own while respecting the history that came before him.
Wait, Was There Someone Else?
There’s a bit of a "blink and you’ll miss it" moment in the history of who played EJ on Days of Our Lives. In 2011, during a brief period where James Scott was reportedly in contract negotiations or taking a short break, Trey Baxter appeared as a "younger" version of EJ in some flashback/dream sequences.
It wasn't a permanent recast, but for the completionists out there, he counts.
Why the Recast Actually Worked
Usually, when a major soap lead leaves, the character dies or fades away. The fact that EJ survived a seven-year absence and a recast speaks to how essential the character is to the canvas. You need a DiMera in the mansion. Without EJ, the house feels empty.
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Dan Feuerriegel’s arrival coincided with the show’s move to Peacock. This transition allowed for a slightly grittier tone, and Dan’s version of EJ fits that perfectly. He’s a bit more "action hero" than James Scott’s "brooding intellectual." Both versions work, just in different ways.
The Significance of the "EJami" Connection
You can't talk about who played EJ without talking about Alison Sweeney. Both Scott and Feuerriegel had to establish chemistry with her. Sami Brady is the hurricane of Salem, and EJ is the only person who can really stand in the center of that storm.
Scott’s chemistry with her was electric and often dark.
Feuerriegel’s chemistry feels a bit more like two seasoned warriors who finally respect each other.
Whether you prefer the British lilt of the 2000s or the modern, sharper-edged version, EJ DiMera remains the gold standard for a soap opera anti-hero. He’s the man you love to hate, then hate that you love, and then eventually just root for because everyone else in Salem is just as messy as he is.
Finding Your Way Through the DiMera Family Tree
If you are looking to catch up on the various eras of EJ DiMera, the best way is to utilize the Peacock archives. Specifically, look for the 2006 "Vendetta" storyline to see James Scott's debut, and June 2021 for Dan Feuerriegel's first appearance.
- Watch the transition: Check out the "Beyond Salem" limited series for more EJ-centric plots that don't always make the main broadcast.
- Track the history: Follow the official Days of Our Lives social media accounts, as they frequently post "legacy" clips comparing the different eras of the character.
- Deep dive into the lore: If you're a new fan, research the "Susan Banks" storylines from the late 90s to understand why EJ’s relationship with his mother is so pivotal to his character's motivation today.