Theo Carver

Theo Carver

Kyler Pettis as Theo Carver
Days of Our Lives character
Portrayed by
Duration
  • 2003–04
  • 2006–
First appearance May 29, 2003 (2003-05-29)
Created by Dena Higley
Introduced by Ken Corday and Stephen Wyman
Classification Present; regular
Profile
Other names Theodore Brandon Carver
Occupation Student
Residence Salem, Illinois


Terrell Ransom, Jr. as Theo Carver

Theo Carver is a fictional character from Days of Our Lives, an American soap opera on the NBC network. Introduced in 2003, Theo was created by then head writer Dena Higley as the son of former Police commissioner and mayor Salem Abe Carver (James Reynolds) and his wife Lexie Carver (Renée Jones). The role was most notably portrayed by Terrell Ransom, Jr. from 2008 until 2015. Ransom's biggest story would come in the form of Theo being diagnosed with Autism and its affect on his parents' marriage. In 2015, Kyler Pettis joined the cast as a rapidly aged Theo. As a teenager, Theo develops romantic feelings for the troubled Ciara (Vivian Jovanni) which puts him at odds with Abe. Theo struggles to deal with his autism as a young adult and also becomes involved in a love triangle with Ciara and Claire Brady (Olivia Rose Keegan).

Storylines

In the summer of 2002, Abe Carver (Reynolds) announces his plans to divorce his wife Lexie (Jones) for her attempt at kidnapping a child and trying to pass it off as their own. On the rebound, Lexie sleeps with Brandon Walker (Matt Cedeño). Lexie later reveals she is pregnant and a paternity test proves Abe is the baby's father.[1] Abe and Lexie reunite and as she gives birth to her baby on May 29, 2003, Brandon is revealed to be Abe's long lost son. Brandon's new wife and Lexie's rival Sami Brady (Alison Sweeney) later reveals that she tampered with the baby's original paternity test to make sure Abe believes he is the child's father. Fortunately, a paternity test confirms Abe as the boy's father. On June 2, Lexie and Abe officially name their son Theodore Brandon, after Brandon and Abe's late brother Theo (Rusty Cundieff).[2] In September 2003, Abe is presumed dead when he is shot on the day of Theo's christening.[3] Fortunately, Abe is revealed to be alive in 2004 and the family is reunited. After Lexie's latest affair, in 2006, Abe wants to divorce her and sue for custody of Theo.[4] However, Lexie is presumed dead in January 2007 before the divorce is final leaving Abe to raise Theo on his own. Fortunately, Lexie is revealed to be alive several months later.[5] In early 2008, Lexie is appointed to the chief of staff position at the hospital. In June 2008, a 3 year old Theo (Ransom) is diagnosed with autism which puts a strain on the Carvers' marriage. Lexie later walks away from her position at the hospital to spend more time with Theo. In the fall of 2008, Abe decides to run for mayor and the parents struggle with the idea of forcing Theo to live a life in the public eye. In December 2008, Theo runs away from Lexie and gets lost. Fortunately Abe and Lexie's friend Bo Brady (Peter Reckell) tracks the boy down and brings him home.[6] In 2009, Theo starts making progress with his condition when he acknowledges Abe and Lexie as his parents for the first time.[7] Over the years, Theo forms bonds with his grandfather Stefano DiMera (Joseph Mascolo) and his uncles EJ (James Scott), Chad DiMera (Casey Deidrick) and Cameron Davis (Nathan Owens) as well as his cousins. He is also very close friends with Bo and Hope Brady (Kristian Alfonso)'s mischievous daughter Ciara Brady (Lauren Boles). In 2012, Lexie passes away leaving Abe to raise their son alone. Theo later reveals that he has been communicating with his late mother.

In November 2015, a 16-year old Theo (Pettis) attends Hope's wedding with his father and spends most of his time with Ciara (Vivian Jovanni). During the reception, Theo is with Joey Johnson (James Lastovic) when Joey passes out. Theo initially panics, but eventually calls Lani Price (Sal Stowers) for help, and Joey is rushed to the hospital. Later, during the fireworks for the Salem bicentennial, Ciara kisses Theo. Theo bonds with Lani over baseball and is quite shocked when Abe reveals that Lani is his half-sister. He confides in Joey because he doesn't know how to react and Ciara assures him that having a sister can be a good thing and Joey later accuses Theo of having a crush on Ciara. Theo comforts Ciara when her father Bo passes away from a brain tumor. Theo later starts receiving insulting text messages from an anonymous bully and he tries to hide it from Ciara. Lani later finds out and he swears her to secrecy. Theo then confides in Abe and Lani about his crush on Ciara. When the bullying continues, Lani lets it slip to Abe and demands answers from Theo. Theo pleads with Abe to leave it alone but questions why people are so cruel. Theo is shocked when Ciara reveals that her stepbrother Chase Jennings (Jonathon McClendon) is the one bullying him and he furiously confronts him. Ciara comforts him and encourages him to forgive Chase.[8] In March 2016, Theo is shocked when Ciara confesses that Chase raped her and she swears him to secrecy. Theo, Joey and Claire Brady (Keegan) later abduct Chase and force him to confess so he can be arrested. Ciara and Theo later attend his Uncle Chad's (Billy Flynn) wedding to her cousin Abigail Deveraux (Kate Mansi) where Theo serves as best man.[9] A drunken Ciara later kisses Theo after her 18th birthday party. Meanwhile, Abe is uneasy about Theo and Ciara's growing intimacy fearing he will get hurt. While they are preparing for prom, Mark McNair (Connor Weil) forcibly kisses Ciara which leads to Theo attacking him. During the prom, Mark puts on a slide show to humiliate Theo and Ciara. Theo later defends Ciara and his friends after they spray paint Mark's car for revenge and get arrested. A furious Theo refuses to stop seeing Ciara despite Abe's pleas with him. Theo is devastated when Ciara agrees with Abe and breaks it off with him.

In the summer of 2016, Theo serves as a listening ear for Claire and also rekindles his friendship with Ciara. When Abby is killed in a plane crash, Theo and Claire find comfort with one another and they kiss. Claire admits that she has feelings for him and encourages him to move on from Ciara with her. Ciara quite surprised when she finds them together. Theo temporarily moves into the DiMera mansion when a prison break puts the lives of several Salem citizens in danger and comforts Claire when her grandfather John Black (Drake Hogestyn) is shot. Theo and Ciara console one another when Claire and Joey are kidnapped by the escaped prisoners and she inquires about his feelings for Claire. Theo is distraught when Abe is shot during a press conference at the town square and Ciara stays by his side. Theo later pulls a gun on Abe's shooter Clyde Weston (James Read) which leads to Clyde avoiding police capture.

Development

Casting and portrayal

The role was originated by two unaccredited child actors. Chase and Tyler Johnson appeared in the role from September 2003 to November 2004. Kavi Faquir portrayed the role from April 2006 to June 2007. Amyrh Harris had a one-episode guest stint in the role in December 2007.

In 2008, Terrell Ransom, Jr. relocated to Los Angeles with his family so he could pursue his entertainment career. The family hadn't been living in California long when he signed with an agent and landed the role of Theo only a couple of months later. Ransom made his debut on May 20, 2008. While Ransom did not have a personal acting coach on set, his mother Katrina assisted him with reviewing his scripts. "His mannerisms that you see on-screen just comes naturally." Ransom also picked up alot from his castmates.[10] After seven years with the series, Ransom made his final appearance in the role of Theo July 9, 2015.[11]

In March 2015, it was reported that Days of Our Lives had released a casting call for the role of Elijah, a "sweet" 16 year old.[12] The full casting notice described the actor as a "gorgeous, African American male" and described "Elijah" as a high-functioning autistic which hinted that the casting was actually for Theo.[13] Jamey Giddens of Daytime Confidential reported that Dena Higley who had just been rehired to write the show's 50th anniversary wanted to continue telling Theo's story.[14] On August 12, 2015, it was reported that actor and model Kyler Pettis had joined the cast of Days of Our Lives as a recast of Theo Carver. Pettis had recently made a guest appearance on Showtime's Ray Donovan and also appeared in the web series, Old Dogs & New Tricks.[15][16] Pettis made his debut on November 3, 2015.[17] Pettis, who had previously auditioned for The Young and the Restless, auditioned for the role of Theo opposite his on-screen dad, James Reynolds. He got a little bit of information about the character, specifically Theo's autism to prepare for the screen test. Pettis revealed that he was a bit nervous when he first booked the role but has since settled into his job. "It's awesome to be one of the new youngsters on the show" Pettis remarked to Soap Opera Digest.[18]

Kyler Pettis revealed that while Theo's autism was definitely on his mind, it helped him more to view "Theo as a person first" instead of some "autistic kid." The method allowed Pettis to "approach the role with more humanity." Pettis also did his own original research -- "I talked to people who interacted with autistic people. I also spoke with our co-head writer, Dena Higley, who has an autistic son." He continued, "It was challenging to step into, but it's something I look forward to as an actor and it's fun."[19] Pettis later said Theo has "relatable likeness to him" that would make viewers want to know him.[20] Though Theo definitely has a mind of his own, "I don't think Theo is much of a manipulator" Pettis said of the character. "Theo's moral compass is pretty high" the actor stated.[19]

Autism diagnosis (2008)

Dena Higley on the story's purpose

"I would love to raise up a generation of people who embrace the differentness of these kids... These kids don't sit still in class the same way, but you know what? These kids are being mainstreamed. And if you don't have a kid who has autism, you will have a kid who has an autistic kid in his classroom. I just want the sense of 'we can't pretend they're not out there anymore... Embrace the autistic kids that you're going to find in your lives now because it's a growing population and we isolate them or we love them. It's a choice, and Days of Our Lives is choosing love."

Elizabeth Lee, SoapCentral[21]

In June 2008, it was announced that NBC and Days of Our Lives had partnered with the organization Autism Speaks for a storyline in which the 3 year Theo is diagnosed with Autism.[21] Ransom's mother Katrina revealed that she wasn't aware that Ransom would be playing an autistic character until after he was cast.[10] The plot was written by head writer Dena Higley who was inspired by her own 20-year-old son Connor, who was diagnosed at the same age as Theo. However, it was actually the network's idea. Executives were pitching story ideas and when the subject of autism came up, Higley discussed her own experiences with her bosses and they immediately green lit the story. Higley admitted, "I never would have pushed the story uninvited" because she knew how painful it would be for her family to talk about.[21] Higley said "We're telling the profound and life-altering story of a child with autism from his parents' point of view." The story focuses on Abe and Lexie's struggle to accept Theo's diagnoses "and ultimately, their ability to find life-affirming hope in the midst of learning how to live day to day with this disability."[22] NBC's Senior Vice President Bruce Evans praised the plot decision and said "We are hopeful that this storyline will serve as a resource for our viewers." Alison Singer, Executive Vice President of Communications and Awareness for Autism Speaks said the story "realistically portrays the emotional trauma every family faces when a child is diagnosed with autism." Singer also praised the show for its commitment to raising awareness about the "autism crisis."[22] In a television interview on NBC's Today, Higley revealed that she used dialogue from her real conversations with her husband Mark about their son.[23] Renée Jones, who played Lexie, admitted she didn't know much about the condition or "the emotional toll that it takes on a family." James Reynolds, who plays Abe, welcomed the story seeing it as chance to "showcase" what so many families go through. Jones said it also gives those viewers who have personal experience with autism the chance "to have what they're going through validated in some way."[23]

Days would become only the second soap to address the issue of autism after ABC Daytime's All My Children which introduced the character of Lily Montgomery (Leven Rambin) in 1993. However, it was the first time a soap had featured a diagnosis and the effects of said diagnosis.[21] Higley said the storyline would play out long term. To help with the story, the producers brought in a researcher from UCLA to help out on set.[24] The very outgoing Ransom loved to smile and interact with his cast mates, something that the character would have to keep to a minimum. However, the young actor was able to take direction very well.[24] The series wanted to tell the story from the diagnosis, to the reaction, and how Theo could eventually live a normal life.[25] In story, Abe and Lexie notice the young Theo is lacking in verbal communication and he didn't say many words. Reynolds later explained, "Theo had 30 or 40 words in his vocabulary, where a child at that age should have 500 words or so." The parents also notice Theo doesn't make eye contact with them and doesn't interact with other children.[26]

Relationship with Abe

After Lexie's death, Theo's relationship with Abe becomes the most important connection in his life. According to Pettis, "Theo has gotten comfortable with that he and his dad are buddies, and it's just the two of them." Of his co-star James Reynolds, Pettis said "He has the qualities that remind me of my own dad. So, it's easy to sink into that father/son relationship."[19] When Abe is shot in the fall of 2016, Theo feels a responsibility to take care of Abe on his own. Theo is thinking to himself, "What am I going to do if the doctor asks me a question." According to Pettis, it's a "scary" situation for Theo, especially without any real support. Theo even goes so far as to threaten Abe's shooter, Clyde Weston (James Read) with gun. Despite ample time to pull the trigger, "this is Theo Carver we are talking about here" Pettis declared as if such a thing couldn't be in Theo's nature. "I think the idea was stronger than the action in his mind."[19]

Romances

Outside of his family, Theo's (Ransom) relationship with Ciara Brady (Lauren Boles) is his most significant. The two have grown up together and are best friends. In addition, their parents have always been very close. In November 2015 the teen aged Ciara (Vivian Jovanni) seems to take a romantic interest Theo (Pettis).[27] The two attend prom together and Theo even professes his love for her.[28] But when Ciara tells Theo she wants nothing more than friendship, he finds comfort with Ciara's niece, Claire Brady (Keegan). Ciara soon pursues Theo again and a triangle develops. Kyler Pettis described Ciara as "Theo's one true love." And though he still loves her, at the moment, "it's more as a friend" and a romance isn't imminent. At his age, Theo would welcome that sort of attention from girls and "That's when Claire comes into the picture." According to Pettis, Theo is "intimidated by Claire." Things move a bit faster for the two of them but it's "what [Theo] has been looking for" at the time. However, Pettis suspected that Theo and Ciara would eventually end up together.[19]

Reception

Michael Fairman on Pettis's Theo

"Playing a young man living with autism, and who is growing up through teen angst and beyond right before the audiences’ eyes, has made Kyler Pettis’ Theo a character to root for on the NBC daytime drama series."

Michael Fairman, On-Air On-Soaps[19]

Terrell Ransom, Jr. became quite popular in the role of Theo. Lori Wilson of Soaps.com said the young actor "wasted no time capturing the hearts of Days of Our Lives viewers." Wilson herself said Ransom a "major reason" the autism story was so "compelling."[10] In 2009, Ransom was nominated for the Young Artist Award for "Best Performance in a TV series - Recurring Young Actor."[29] In 2015, Ransom was pre-nominated for the Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Younger Actor in a Drama Series.[30] Omar White-Nobles of TVSource Magazine praised the decision to age Theo into his teen years just in time for the show's 50th anniversary. "I may be 29, but I'm a fan of the multi-generational aspect of the continuing narrative."[31]

However, the initial announcement led to some viewers being worried that Theo's autism would be cut out with the casting of "pretty boy" actor most were relieved when the writers decided to continue Theo's autism storyline. Kyler Pettis made quite the impression during his debut and Coryon Gray praised the actor for his "spot on" and "believable" portrayal of the autistic teenager. Gray also hailed Pettis as one of the strongest new actors in the teen scene.[32] Michael Goldberg of Serial Scoop praised Pettis for his portrayal as Theo confronts a bully and declared that Pettis "transcends his role." Goldberg said that Pettis portrayed Theo's autism with "ease."[8] Cindy McLennan from SoapShows described Pettis as a "godsend." McLennan gave Pettis a grade of "A+" for his portrayal and said the actor "managed to make our sweet Theo both relatable and unique." While Pettis definitely looked the part, McLennan said "Pettis has delivered with aplomb." She continued that the actor had "deftly played a character who is not neurotypical without making his character a parady."[33] In March 2016, Kyler Pettis debuted on TVSource Magazine's fan poll at #7 on the top actors list.[34] "Props have to be given when they're deserved and I believe Kyler Pettis deserved them" Gray said of Pettis' portrayal of Theo when the character gets stranded during a blackout. "All of Theo's little ticks were brought to life after only ever being talked about on screen, never really shown."[35]

References

  1. ↑ "Yearly Summaries". Days of Our Lives. Sony Pictures Television. 2002. Archived from the original on November 11, 2011. Retrieved November 6, 2015.
  2. ↑ Dena Higley (Head writer); Ken Corday and Stephen Wyman (Executive producers) (June 2, 2003). Days of Our Lives. Season 37. Days Transcript Monday 6/2/03. NBC.
  3. ↑ "Yearly Summaries". Days of Our Lives. Sony Pictures Television. 2003. Archived from the original on November 11, 2011. Retrieved November 6, 2015.
  4. ↑ "Yearly Summaries". Days of Our Lives. Sony Pictures Television. 2006. Archived from the original on June 30, 2011. Retrieved November 6, 2015.
  5. ↑ "Yearly Summaries". Days of Our Lives. Sony Pictures Television. 2007. Archived from the original on October 12, 2010. Retrieved November 6, 2015.
  6. ↑ "Yearly Summaries". Days of Our Lives. Sony Pictures Television. 2008. Archived from the original on March 18, 2011. Retrieved November 6, 2015.
  7. ↑ "Yearly Summaries". Days of Our Lives. Sony Pictures Television. 2009. Archived from the original on September 16, 2011. Retrieved November 6, 2015.
  8. 1 2 Goldberg, Michael (February 4, 2016). "Shining Star: Kyler Pettis Shines as Theo Carver on 'Days of our Lives'". Serial Scoop. Retrieved February 4, 2016.
  9. ↑ Fairman, Michael (March 12, 2016). "DAYS OF OUR LIVES: Eduardo Down, John Meets His Father, Abigail Freaks At Her Wedding!". On-Air On-Soaps. Retrieved October 1, 2016.
  10. 1 2 3 Wilson, Lori (November 10, 2008). "Soaps.com Talks to Terrell Ransom Jr. and His Mom!". Soaps.com. SheKnows Media. Retrieved November 6, 2015.
  11. ↑ "Terrell Ransom Jr. (Theo Carver)". Comings and Goings. Soap Opera Digest. American Media, Inc. 40 (26): 11. June 29, 2015.
  12. ↑ "TEEN CASTING AT DAYS". Soap Opera Digest. American Media, Inc. March 4, 2015. Retrieved November 6, 2015.
  13. ↑ Clifford, Kambra (March 5, 2015). "DAYS may be SORASing Theo and/or Patch and Kayla's son, Joey". Soap Central. Retrieved November 6, 2015.
  14. ↑ Giddens, Jamey (March 4, 2015). "Is Days of Our Lives SORASing Theo and Joey?". Daytime Confidential. Confidential Media, Inc. Retrieved November 6, 2015.
  15. ↑ Fairman, Michael (August 12, 2015). "Meet The SORAS'd Theo Carver! DAYS Adds Kyler Pettis To The Cast!". On-Air On-Soaps. Retrieved November 6, 2015.
  16. ↑ Giddens, Jamey (August 12, 2015). "REPORT: Kyler Pettis Cast as SORASed Theo on Days of Our Lives". Daytime Confidential. Confidential Media, Inc. (SAY Media). Retrieved August 12, 2015.
  17. ↑ Logan, Michael (August 17, 2015). "First Look: Days of Our Lives Grows a New Teen Set Practically Overnight". TV Insider. TVGM Holdings, LLC (CBS Interactive). Archived from the original on August 17, 2015. Retrieved August 17, 2015.
  18. ↑ "Generation Next". Features. Soap Opera Digest. American Media, Inc. 40 (46): 54–57. November 16, 2015.
  19. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Fairman, Michael (October 9, 2016). "DAYS Kyler Pettis Chats On: Theo Living With Autism, Avenging Abe's Shooting & His On-Screen Love Life!". On-Air On-Soaps. Retrieved October 10, 2016.
  20. ↑ Finnie, Shawn (November 17, 2015). "DAYS OF OUR LIVES TURNS 50". Press Pass LA. Retrieved December 8, 2015.
  21. 1 2 3 4 Lee, Elizabeth (June 23, 2008). "Days of our Lives to address autism". Soap Central. Retrieved November 6, 2015.
  22. 1 2 "NBC's "Days of Our Lives" Addresses Growing Autism Crisis as Head Writer Dena Higley and Autism Speaks Collaborate to Tell Profound Story of Couple Who Discover Their Son Has the Disorder". Autism Speaks. June 10, 2008. Retrieved November 6, 2015.
  23. 1 2 "'Days of Our Lives' tackles a real-life drama: autism". Today. NBC News. June 24, 2008. Retrieved November 6, 2015.
  24. 1 2 Mahon, Trish (September 4, 2008). "Dena Higley Talks 'DAYS' Storyline". TVSource Magazine. SoSource Media, LLC. Retrieved November 6, 2015.
  25. ↑ West, Abby (September 3, 2008). "Soap Watch: 'Days' writer talks autism story". Entertainment Weekly. Time Inc. Retrieved November 6, 2015.
  26. ↑ Fairman, Michael (September 19, 2008). "THE JAMES REYNOLDS INTERVIEW – DAYS OF OUR LIVES". On-Air On-Soaps. Retrieved November 6, 2015.
  27. ↑ "Days Spoilers : Is Ciara Brady Falling For Theo Carver?". Ruby's Hub. November 7, 2015. Retrieved October 10, 2016.
  28. ↑ Ori, Jack (April 29, 2016). "Days of Our Lives Recap: Theo Loves Ciara". TV Fanatic. Retrieved October 10, 2016.
  29. ↑ Mark (February 25, 2009). "2009 Young Artist Awards Nominations". Daytime Confidential. Confidential Media, Inc. Retrieved November 6, 2015.
  30. ↑ Fairman, Michael (February 24, 2015). "42nd Annual Daytime Emmy Drama Performer Pre-Nominations Announced!". On-Air On-Soaps. Retrieved November 6, 2015.
  31. ↑ Nobles, Omar (September 14, 2015). "'Days of our Lives' Creative Course Correction is off to a Great Start". TVSource Magazine. SoSource Media, LLC. Retrieved November 6, 2015.
  32. ↑ Gray, Coryon (November 8, 2015). "'Days of our Lives' Week In Review: Celebrations, Returns and Introductions". TVSource Magazine. SoSource Media, LLC. p. 2. Retrieved January 16, 2016.
  33. ↑ McLennan, Cindy (February 12, 2016). "Days of Our Lives: Teen Scene Report Card Part II". SoapShows. p. 4. Retrieved February 16, 2016.
  34. ↑ "Soap Opera Pulse Poll Results: March 14-18, 2016 Edition". TVSource Magazine. SoSource Media LLC. March 23, 2016. Retrieved March 25, 2016.
  35. ↑ Gray, Coryon (September 26, 2016). "'Days of Our Lives' Week In Review: A Town Called Panic". TVSource Magazine. SoSource Media, LLC. Retrieved September 30, 2016.
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