Who's New?

Jay Kenneth Johnson

Days' Philip Kiriakis, Kate and Victor's spoiled and cocky son

Birthday: Feb. 24

Birthplace: Springfield, Mo.

Marital Status: Single

Other Daytime Roles: "I landed a bit part on The Young and the Restless just before I got Days. I played Billy and Raul's friend Brendan."

Were you familiar with Days before joining the cast?

"I've actually been watching the show on and off for about 15 years, since I was in kindergaren or first grade. I started watching it with my grandparents. I would go spend two ro three weeks with them in the summer and they would always watch Days. When I'd go back home, I'd keep watching to know what was going on. That's why it was such a thrill when I got this job. I've watched Bo and Hope. I remember Victor being a really evil guy. I remember Patch and Kayla, Shawn and Kimberly..."

Your first day on the set must have been pretty exciting.

"It was kind of funny walking down the hall. There was Joe Mascolo (Stefano). It was like, 'Oh, my gosh. This is so wild.' He was the first person I saw. I remember hearing his voice; he has such a distinct voice."

Who was nicest to you your first day on the set?

"My first couple of scenes were with Lauren Koslow and John Aniston (Kate and Victor). They were both really welcoming and nice. They told me that I was doing a good job for it being my first day and all."

How did you find out you got the job?

"I was at another casting call for a film when I got a call from my agent. She said, 'Well, are you sitting down? They want you. You're got the job. You don't even have to screen test.' I was really axcited. I went into that casting call and was supposed to play a sad character, but I was smiling through the whole audition. I didn't get that job."

Who was the first person you shared the news with?

"My mom. She was very excited."

Has she been out to visit you since you started Days?

"My mom's coming out, and she's going to help me fix up my dressing room. Everybody who walks into it goes, 'What happened in here?' I'm in Austin Peck's (Austin) old room. I guess he's an artist or something, because he drew all over the walls. It's graffiti and everything. It looks like the 'hood. I want to paint it a solid color and hung up some pictures."

Now that you're gainfully employed, is there one big purchase you're planning?

"Well, I've got a lot of expenses, but I do plan on getting a car. Right now I drive a 1990 Honda Civic. I want to [upgrade], maybe not with a brand-new car, but a nicer one. I'd like to get a four-wheel drive."

Did you have any unusual jobs before breaking into acting?

"I've been serving food since I turned 16. My last job was at the Daily Grill in Universal City. Before that, I worked for a candy distributor. I did inventory. I would get up at 6 a.m., and count boxes of candy -- orange slices, Gummi Worms. It was a very tedious job, but I got paid 10 bucks an hour. The worst part was we couldn't eat any of the candy. But I'm sure I nabbed a couple of Gummi Worms here and there."