In one of the most jaw-dropping behind-the-scenes betrayals in Days of Our Lives history, Emmy-winning actor Greg Vaughan has made a move that’s sent shockwaves through the soap world. The man who brought to life the beloved Eric Brady for over a decade has reportedly walked away from NBC’s legendary drama, choosing instead to join CBS’s ambitious new daytime juggernaut, Beyond the Gates. But this bold leap into new territory comes with devastating consequences — as furious Days producers allegedly plan to punish the actor in the most brutal way possible: by killing off his iconic character for good.

A Stunning Defection That Rocked Salem

For years, Greg Vaughan has been one of the heart and soul performers of Days of Our Lives. His portrayal of Eric Brady — son of Salem supercouple Roman Brady and Marlena Evans — earned him both critical acclaim and a devoted fan following. His journey from conflicted priest to passionate father and husband made him one of the most complex and relatable figures in daytime TV.

But all that loyalty and history now appears meaningless. According to industry insiders, Vaughan shocked Days executives by secretly signing on to CBS’s breakout hit Beyond the Gates — a move being called “a betrayal of the DOOL family.” The actor reportedly gave no warning about his departure, leaving castmates and producers blindsided.

The result? Absolute fury behind the scenes. NBC insiders claim showrunner Ken Corday and the creative team are preparing the ultimate revenge plot — one that would forever remove Eric Brady from the Salem canvas in an unforgettable death storyline.

CBS’s New Rival: Beyond the Gates

To understand why Vaughan’s defection hit so hard, one has to look at what Beyond the Gates represents. Created by Bold and the Beautiful’s former head writer Michelle Val Jean, the CBS drama has become a daytime disruptor since its February 2025 premiere. It’s the first major network soap opera in over 25 years and the first predominantly Black daytime drama since Generations in 1991.

Set in an affluent gated community outside Washington, D.C., the series follows the powerful Dupri family — a dynasty of Black excellence, love, and secrets. Critics have hailed it as a fresh, groundbreaking take on classic soap storytelling, while CBS executives are celebrating record-breaking viewership. The network’s data shows Beyond the Gates boosted ratings in its time slot by 48%, even outperforming General Hospital among women 25-54 — the key daytime demographic.

With that kind of success, Beyond the Gates isn’t just another soap — it’s a threat. And when one of Days of Our Lives’ biggest stars jumps ship to the very show that’s stealing their viewers, you can imagine how NBC executives reacted.

Producers’ Revenge: The Death of Eric Brady

According to multiple insider reports, Days of Our Lives is planning to permanently kill off Eric Brady. This isn’t a temporary exit or a “maybe he’ll come back someday” storyline — this is reportedly the end. Sources close to the production reveal that Corday and the writing team want Eric’s death to be so final and emotionally devastating that fans — and Greg Vaughan himself — will know there’s no coming back.

Writers are allegedly crafting a multi-episode arc set to air later this year. It’s expected to feature Eric’s emotional return to Salem, tearful goodbyes with Marlena, Roman, and his siblings Sami and Brady, and one last heartbreaking encounter with estranged wife Nicole Walker. Whether Eric dies a hero, falls victim to tragedy, or is murdered remains under wraps — but producers are said to be aiming for a “show-stopping” sequence that will leave viewers shattered.