Days of Our Lives Snags Another Y&R Star! Michael Roark Joins the Salem Roster This Fall
Salem is rolling out the red carpet once again—this time for another Young and the Restless heartthrob who’s ready to shake things up on Days of Our Lives. The soap world just got a major casting jolt, and if you’re a longtime fan of both daytime dramas, you’re going to recognize the new face arriving in Salem this October.
Welcome back to Trend Street, where we bring you the hottest daytime buzz. And today’s headline? Days of Our Lives just scored a major win by casting former Y&R star Michael Roark—and fans are already buzzing about what his arrival could mean for the future of Salem.
🧨 A New Salem Heartthrob Enters the Scene
After recently recruiting Y&R’s Connor Floyd—formerly Chance Chancellor—to take over the role of Chad DiMera, Days of Our Lives is doubling down on its Young and the Restless talent pool. This time, it’s Michael Roark, who played the ruggedly charming Travis Crawford on Y&R in 2016, who’s joining the ever-dramatic canvas of Salem.
Although Travis’s run on Y&R lasted less than a year, fans haven’t forgotten the lasting impression he made. With his devilish good looks, layered personality, and chemistry with leading ladies, Roark’s Travis was the textbook definition of a classic soap heartthrob. Now he’s back—and Salem better brace itself.
❤️ From Genoa City to Salem: The Travis Crawford Legacy
For those who need a refresher, Roark’s character Travis Crawford first appeared in Y&R in April 2016. He quickly won the attention—and heart—of Victoria Newman, one of the show’s most prominent and beloved characters. Their whirlwind romance had it all: mystery, passion, and secrets.
At the time, Victoria was operating under a fake identity, calling herself Tori. Even when the truth about her Newman lineage came out, it didn’t put a damper on the spark between them. The chemistry was real, and the romance got serious—serious enough for an engagement.
But, as soap fans know too well, bliss never lasts long. Just as Travis seemed to have a future with Victoria, his past came crashing into the present. When Billy Abbott uncovered a one-night stand Travis had with an ex, everything fell apart. The engagement was called off, and just like that, Travis’s time in Genoa City ended in heartbreak and controversy.
🎬 Michael Roark’s Career Since Y&R
Though his soap run was short-lived, Michael Roark hasn’t slowed down one bit since leaving Y&R. The actor has built an impressive résumé in both television and film.
Roark’s credits include memorable roles in:
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Drop Dead Diva
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The Glades
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The Vampire Diaries
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Banshee
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Grey’s Anatomy
He’s also landed roles in feature films, most notably as Butch in Black Dagger Brotherhood, and he will be appearing in the upcoming 2025 film Catalyst, portraying the character Alec.
With this versatile acting background, Roark brings depth, intensity, and charm to every role—and Salem is the perfect new playground for his talent.
🤐 Who Will He Play on Days of Our Lives?
Now the million-dollar question: Who will Michael Roark be playing in Salem?
So far, the Days team is staying tight-lipped about his role. We don’t yet know whether he’s stepping into an established character’s shoes—perhaps a recast of someone beloved or controversial—or whether Salem is about to meet someone entirely new.
But one thing’s for certain: Michael Roark’s arrival is going to make waves.
Will he be a new DiMera heir? A secret Kiriakis? A mysterious doctor, lawyer, or ex-lover returning from the dead (this is Salem, after all)? The speculation is already buzzing through fan forums and social media.
📺 When Can We Expect His Debut?
The great news? Roark is already filming, and viewers can expect to see his Days of Our Lives debut starting the first week of October.
That means fans won’t have to wait long to see how he fits into Salem’s ever-expanding drama landscape. With the show’s current storylines heating up—including family feuds, love triangles, and murder mysteries—Roark’s arrival will no doubt feed directly into the fire.
👥 Fans React: Salem’s Casting Streak Continues
The move is part of Days of Our Lives’ recent strategy of refreshing its cast by drawing from the deep bench of talent across the daytime universe—particularly The Young and the Restless. With Connor Floyd already winning over fans as Chad DiMera, the addition of Roark marks another savvy casting decision.
Fans online are already celebrating:
“I LOVED him as Travis! Y&R dropped the ball letting him go,”
“So excited to see what trouble he’ll bring to Salem,”
“Please let him be a DiMera… we need some fresh blood.”
As we’ve seen before, soap crossovers can be either a smooth transition or a bumpy ride, but Roark’s charisma and experience promise a smooth—and dramatic—landing.
📝 Final Thoughts: What’s Next for Salem?
With Salem already spinning from recent shakeups, romances, and betrayals, Michael Roark’s addition only adds to the excitement.
His character—whatever role he steps into—will almost certainly stir the pot. Whether he arrives as a love interest, a long-lost family member, a villain in disguise, or a hero with a secret past, one thing is clear: Salem is about to get even steamier.
💬 Join the Conversation
What do YOU think, Days fans?
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Who do you think Michael Roark will play?
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Are you excited to see a Y&R alum shake up the Salem scene?
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Should Days continue to recruit talent from other soaps?
Drop your thoughts and theories in the comments below!
