If you’ve spent any time in Salem over the last decade and a half, you know Brady Black. He’s the guy who somehow manages to be both the most eligible bachelor in town and a total magnet for disaster. But when fans ask who plays Brady Black on Days of our Lives, the answer is actually a bit of a "then and now" situation that still trips people up.
Right now—and for the last 17 years—Eric Martsolf is the face of Brady Black.
He didn't just take over the role; he basically redefined it. Before he stepped into those expensive Kiriakis-sized shoes in 2008, the character had a very different vibe. Honestly, if you grew up watching the show in the early 2000s, you probably remember a blond-haired, blue-eyed version of the character. That was Kyle Lowder.
It’s rare for a soap recast to stick this well, but Martsolf managed to make the role his own so thoroughly that most newer viewers can’t even imagine anyone else playing the part.
The Eric Martsolf Era: From Passions to Powerhouse
Eric Martsolf joined the cast of Days of our Lives on November 13, 2008. Before that, he was already a soap legend in the making. He spent years playing Ethan Winthrop on the supernatural-leaning soap Passions. When that show went off the air, Days producers were smart enough to snatch him up immediately.
Martsolf’s version of Brady is... complicated. He brought a certain "darker" edge to the character that wasn't really there before. Under his watch, Brady has battled addiction, fallen in love with women who are objectively terrible for him (looking at you, Kristen DiMera), and survived more heart transplants than any human should reasonably endure.
What makes Martsolf special in this role?
It’s the Emmy.
In 2014, he won the Daytime Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series. He was actually the first actor from Days of our Lives to ever win in that specific category. That’s a huge deal for a show that’s been on the air since 1965.
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Fast Facts About Eric Martsolf
- Born: July 27, 1971, in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.
- Education: He actually has a degree in Political Science from Dickinson College. He almost became a lawyer. Can you imagine Brady Black in a real courtroom instead of a Salem one?
- Musical Talent: The guy can seriously sing. He’s performed at Dollywood and even did a stint in Mamma Mia! on stage.
- Family Life: He’s been married to his wife, Lisa Kouchak, since 2003, and they have twin sons, Mason and Chase.
The Kyle Lowder Years: The Original "Adult" Brady
Before Martsolf, there was Kyle Lowder. He played the role from 2000 to 2005. This was the era where Brady was the "young hero" archetype. He was the guy who fell for the "ugly duckling" Chloe Lane, creating the iconic "Ghoul Girl" and "Prince Charming" storyline that fans still talk about today.
Lowder was incredibly popular, but when he left the show, the character was sent off-canvas for a while. Funnily enough, Lowder eventually came back to Days, but not as Brady. Because Eric Martsolf was so established in the role, the writers brought Lowder back as Rex Brady.
It’s one of those weird soap opera things where you just have to accept that two guys who look nothing alike are technically the same person, or in this case, the old guy is now a different guy entirely. Soap logic is a trip.
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Why the Character of Brady Black Still Matters
Brady isn't just a random guy in Salem. He’s a legacy character. Being the son of John Black and Isabella Toscano puts him right at the center of the show's mythology.
Lately, in 2025 and heading into 2026, Brady’s life has been a whirlwind. After the tragic real-life passing of Drake Hogestyn (who played his father, John Black), the character of Brady has had to step up as the patriarch-in-training for the Black family. It’s been an emotional transition for the viewers and the actors alike.
We’ve also seen him tangled up with Sarah Horton recently. Their chemistry is... interesting. Some fans love it; some miss the chaos of Brady and Theresa or the toxicity of Brady and Kristen. But that’s the beauty of who plays Brady Black on Days of our Lives—Eric Martsolf has the range to play the romantic lead, the grieving son, or the guy who’s about to make a massive mistake.
The Actors Who Played Brady (A Timeline)
- The "Kid" Years: Various child actors like the Lucero twins (1992–1994) and the Billings twins (1994–1999).
- The "Teen/Young Adult" Hero: Kyle Lowder (2000–2005).
- The "Modern" Brady: Eric Martsolf (2008–Present).
What to Watch for Next
If you’re keeping up with the Peacock episodes, you’ve noticed that the show is leaning heavily into the Kiriakis/Black family dynamics. With Victor Kiriakis gone and John Black’s legacy being honored, Brady is in a position where he has to choose between his business instincts and his personal morals.
Basically, expect more drama.
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If you want to dive deeper into the current storylines, your best bet is to check out the daily recaps on sites like Soap Opera Digest or Soap Central. They track every single move Brady makes, which, let’s be honest, is usually a move toward a new romance that will inevitably blow up in his face.
For those of you looking to catch up on his best moments, look for the episodes circa 2014—that's when Martsolf was doing his best work during the Kristen DiMera "Secret Room" saga. It’s peak soap opera.
Next Steps for Fans:
- Check out Eric Martsolf's social media; he’s surprisingly active and often posts behind-the-scenes clips from the set.
- If you're a nostalgia buff, go back and watch the early 2000s "Chloe and Brady" clips on YouTube to see how much the character has changed.
- Keep an eye on the 2026 casting news—soaps love a surprise return, and with the 60th anniversary of the show happening, anything is possible.