Days of Our Lives already has one of its most complex plotlines centered around Tate and Sophia, so it was a big change for Leo Howard when Rachel Boyd stepped into the role, replacing Madelyn Kientz. The actor discussed adapting to this change and the positive takeaways that came with it in a recent interview with Soap Opera Digest.
Leo Howard says Rachel Boyd’s Sophia has a ‘different vibe’ in Days of Our Lives
When Rachel Boyd stepped in to play the role of Sophia, there was a major change in the character. Leo Howard had to adapt his portrayal to match this new Sophia, who was different in many ways. However, with Boyd’s talent, it was quite an easy transition for Howard.
Speaking to Soap Opera Digest, Howard elaborated, “Anytime there’s any change [it’s going to be different],…I mean, I walked in and took Jamie Martin Mann’s place [as Tate], and he did a great job. No matter who it is, there’s always a different take, and there’s no better or worse. It’s just a different take, because we’re all unique people. It was an amazing experience working with [Kientz]. She’s a really great actress. But [Boyd] has brought a lot to [the role].”
Expanding on the change Boyd brought in, he added, “Rachel has brought a different type of vulnerability that works really well in the storyline. So it was a very easy adjustment for me. We miss [Madelyn’s] Sophia, but we are so grateful to have Rachel. She is crushing it. She’s a joy to work with, and she brings an immense amount of depth and uniqueness to Sophia.”
He further added that the new Sophia had “a totally different vibe between the two versions” and that “the new writers have changed the way we view her.”
He praised Rachel, adding, “Rachel really plays into the fear, vulnerability and just terror of what it would be like to be that age and pregnant and not knowing what’s going to happen with the rest of your life. Working with her evokes a certain amount of empathy as an actor. It changes the way I work.”
So, all in all, it seems that Rachel taking on this role at this crucial juncture was a great thing. Now, Days of Our Lives may take their stories to more complex territories in the coming episodes.
