Daytime Emmy WINNER! Outstanding Lead Actor — Days of our Lives' Paul Telfer

This year's nominees for the Daytime Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actor

Peter Bergman as Jack Abbott

The Young and the Restless (CBS)

Eric Martsolf as Brady Black

Days of Our Lives (Peacock)

Greg Rikaart as Leo Stark

Days of Our Lives (Peacock)

Paul Telfer as Xander Kiriakis

Days of Our Lives (Peacock)

Dominic Zamprogna as Dante Falconeri

General Hospital (ABC)

And the winner is Days of our Lives' Paul Telfer

Paul Telfer had a memorable year as Xander Cook, who later became Xander Kiriakis. After becoming a father to a little girl named Victoria in 2023, Xander reunited with his estranged mother, Fiona Cook (Serena Scott Thomas) in 2024, while learning that Victor Kiriakis (the late John Aniston) was not his uncle, but instead Victor was his father. Xander inherited the Kiriakis mansion and fortune, and also married Dr. Sarah Horton (Linsey Godfrey) for the second time. Sadly, Xander's mother nearly killed Sarah and tried to cover up her drunk driving, hurting her son once again. Fiona eventually left town to avoid being prosecuted for her crime.

In 2025, Xander practically ruined his life and marriage when he beat up his brother Philip (John-Paul Lavoisier), and is currently keeping that fact from Sarah, with whom he recently reconciled. When the truth comes out, Telfer might have more Emmy-worthy material for next year's Emmys.

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In her acceptance speech, Telfer thanked his wife, Carmen, who was in New York starring in Bull Durham on stage. He also paid tribute to his father, who became a soap opera fan when he landed the role of Xander. Telfer told the audience that his late mother was always a soap fan and loved villains, and now he ended up playing one on an American soap opera.

Catch all-new episodes of Days of our Lives weekdays on Peacock.

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