Soap operas have been around for decades, and they'll likely be around for many more. In February 2025, Beyond the Gates, a groundbreaking daytime drama that follows the lives, loves, and secrets of a wealthy Black family in the fictional Maryland suburb of Fairmont Crest, premiered on CBS. It quickly became a hit, which is why it was a no-brainer for the network to renew the popular soap opera for a second season just a few months later.
With every new episode, Beyond the Gates has only gotten better and better. Remember that whole kidnapping and hostage situation involving Chelsea and Allison that happened in recent episodes? That was a tense, edge-of-your-seat storyline that left viewers shocked and eager to see how the Dupree family would recover.
The show is still airing new episodes, and we've just learned of some great news that will surely excite fans. There's been a new addition to the Beyond the Gates cast! If you're a person who enjoys a good soap opera and has faithfully watched Days of Our Lives, then you’ll be thrilled to hear that a familiar face from the daytime drama world will be making their way to Fairmont Crest soon.
DOOL fans know him from playing the beloved character, Eric Brady. It's none other than Greg Vaughan. Vaughan took over the Eric role in Days of Our Lives from Supernatural's Jensen Ackles. He portrayed the character from 2012 to 2024 and returned for a few episodes in 2025 to honor fellow Days of Our Lives actor Drake Hogestyn. But he's no longer a series regular. That's okay, though!
Soap fans will soon be able to see Vaughan again on their TV screens in Beyond the Gates. According to Deadline, the role Vaughan will be playing is currently unknown. However, the news outlet also reports that his character will appear later in the season. In addition, character details are expected to be revealed later as well.
Anyone keeping up with Beyond the Gates news likely saw Vaughan’s casting coming. Back in July 2025, series creator Michele Val Jean teased to Deadline that a "hot male" would be appearing in the show. Speculation among fans had been running wild ever since.
Then, on Oct. 4, Beyond the Gates star Trisha Mann Grant posted a video on Instagram celebrating her co-star Clifton Davis’ birthday. The video showed her and more of the show's cast and crew on set. You could see Vaughan in the background. At that point, we just needed the official confirmation, and now we have it. It'll be interesting to see what Vaughan's character will bring to the soap opera. Will he stir up some drama? Could he be a new love interest for any of the characters? We can't wait to find out!