Billy Flynn Departs 'Days of Our Lives' After 12 Years as Chad DiMera

The actor reflects on his memorable run and looks ahead to joining 'The Young and the Restless' full-time.

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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After 12 years playing the role of Chad DiMera on the soap opera "Days of Our Lives," actor Billy Flynn is departing the show. Flynn opened up about his final scenes, the relationships he's built with his co-stars, and his excitement to take on the role of Cane Ashby full-time on "The Young and the Restless."

Why it matters

Flynn's departure from "Days of Our Lives" marks the end of an era for the long-running soap opera. As one of the show's central characters, Chad DiMera has been a key part of many major storylines over the past 12 years. Flynn's transition to "The Young and the Restless" also represents an important move for the actor as he takes on a new role and continues his career in daytime television.

The details

Flynn's final episodes as Chad DiMera will air on February 17, 2026, though the actor has been preparing for his departure for some time. He announced his exit from "Days of Our Lives" in March 2025 and began filming for "The Young and the Restless" that June. Flynn reflected on the surreal experience of having to say goodbye to the character he's played for over a decade, noting that it's "tough to start a new chapter when you're still in the other one." The actor shared that his final scenes with co-stars like Dan Feuerriegel, Susan Seaforth Hayes, Missy Reeves, and Matt Ashford were particularly meaningful, as they allowed him to have genuine goodbyes with the people he's worked with for years.

  • Flynn announced his departure from 'Days of Our Lives' in March 2025.
  • Flynn began filming for 'The Young and the Restless' in June 2025.
  • Flynn's final episodes as Chad DiMera will air on February 17, 2026.

The players

Billy Flynn

The actor who has portrayed the role of Chad DiMera on 'Days of Our Lives' for the past 12 years.

Chad DiMera

A central character on 'Days of Our Lives' who Flynn has played since 2014.

Josh Griffith

The head writer of 'Days of Our Lives' during Flynn's early years on the show, and now the head writer and executive producer of 'The Young and the Restless.'

Ken Corday

The executive producer of 'Days of Our Lives' who gave Flynn the nickname 'Game Ball' in recognition of his contributions to the show.

Conner Floyd

The actor who will be taking over the role of Chad DiMera on 'Days of Our Lives' starting in April.

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What they’re saying

“I'm just ready for that chapter to be closed. It feels like I'm lingering too long, and it's tough to start a new chapter when you're still in the other one. It's just an odd feeling; that's the only way I can express it. It's too much of me. Nobody needs that much of me.”

— Billy Flynn, Actor (tvinsider.com)

“I remember in the audition process, Marnie [Saitta, casting director] said they saw, like, over 1,000 people for the job. I don't know whether that's an exaggeration, but I remember thinking, 'Man, this is really big.' I was in the last wave of people that they saw.”

— Billy Flynn, Actor (tvinsider.com)

“I think it's the best storyline that the show has told in the 12 years that I was there. Everybody was connected, everything moved forward, there was a big love story in the middle of it, and I just thought it was really well done.”

— Billy Flynn, Actor (tvinsider.com)

“To be a part of a huge couple with two actresses was amazing. It's chemistry, and it's a hard thing to do, but I also think the people you bring on makes a big difference.”

— Billy Flynn, Actor (tvinsider.com)

“I'm really excited to see what he does with it. He's handsome, and such a sweet guy, and I think that he was the perfect choice to take over that part. I'm looking forward to April, when he can actually start. I think it'll be good for everybody and let the character move on.”

— Billy Flynn, Actor (tvinsider.com)

What’s next

Conner Floyd will take over the role of Chad DiMera on 'Days of Our Lives' starting in April 2026.

The takeaway

Billy Flynn's departure from 'Days of Our Lives' after 12 years as Chad DiMera marks the end of an era for the long-running soap opera. However, his transition to 'The Young and the Restless' represents an exciting new chapter in his career, and fans are eager to see what he brings to the role of Cane Ashby.