Jack "J.J." Deveraux Jr. is a fictional character from the original

NBC The National Broadcasting Company (NBC) is an Television in the United States, American English-language Commercial broadcasting, commercial television network, broadcast television and radio network. The flagship property of the NBC Enterta ...

soap opera A soap opera, or ''soap'' for short, is a typically long-running radio or television serial, frequently characterized by melodrama, ensemble casts, and sentimentality. The term "soap opera" originated from radio dramas originally being sponsored ...

, ''

Days of Our Lives ''Days of Our Lives'' (also stylized as ''Days of our Lives''; simply referred to as ''Days'' or ''DOOL'') is an American television soap opera that streams on the streaming service Peacock. The soap, which aired on the American television net ...

''. Born onscreen in 2004, the character was portrayed by several child actors between 2004 and 2006. In 2013,

Casey Moss Casey Allen Moss (born November 16, 1993) is an American actor and singer. He is known for playing the role of JJ Deveraux on the NBC soap opera ''Days of Our Lives''. His portrayal of JJ Deveraux earned him a nomination for the Daytime Emmy Awar ...

joined the cast as a rapidly aged JJ. JJ is the son of

supercouple A supercouple or super couple (also known as a power couple) is a popular and/or wealthy pairing that intrigues and fascinates the public in an intense or obsessive fashion. The term originated in the United States, and it was coined in the earl ...

Jack Deveraux and Jennifer Horton Jack Harcourt Deveraux and Jennifer Rose Horton are fictional characters and a supercouple from the NBC daytime drama ''Days of Our Lives'', whose history spans from 1989 until 2012. The two have been portrayed by more than one actor/actress since ...

and younger brother of

Abigail Deveraux Abigail Deveraux is a fictional character from ''Days of Our Lives'', an American soap opera on the NBC network. Abigail was created by scriptwriter Sheri Anderson and executive producer Ken Corday. Abigail's storylines often focus on young love ...

. The character is a member of the original core family, the Horton family as well as the Johnson family. JJ shares a connection to several of the show's most popular characters and is considered to be a legacy character. JJ's first significant storyline launched in 2013 focused on his rebellion following his father's death and his feud with his mother's new boyfriend, Dr. Daniel Jonas. In 2014, JJ's storyline shifts to him meeting

Paige Larson A list of notable characters from the NBC soap opera '' Days of Our Lives'' that significantly impacted storylines and debuted between January 1, 2010, to December 31, 2019. Madeline Peterson Woods Madeline Peterson Woods, portrayed by Jessi ...

(

True O'Brien True Laurita O'Brien (born February 28, 1994) is an American model and actress. She is best known for her Daytime Emmy Award winning portrayal of Paige Larson on NBC's soap opera '' Days of Our Lives''. Career O'Brien is signed with Ford Mod ...

), JJ cheating on Paige with her mother, Eve Donovan, and Paige discovering their affair on her birthday in 2015. Further relationships have included

Gabi Hernandez Gabi Hernandez is a fictional character from the American soap opera ''Days of Our Lives'' on the NBC network. The role was first introduced in 2009, and played by actress Camila Banus since 2010. The role was created by Dena Higley and Christ ...

(

Camila Banus Camila Banus (born July 22, 1990) is an American actress. She is best known for her role as Gabi Hernandez on the soap opera ''Days of Our Lives'' from October 4, 2010, to June 12, 2014; Banus returned for brief appearances on December 22 and 29, ...

) and

Lani Price Lani Price is a fictional character on the NBC soap opera ''Days of Our Lives'', played by Sal Stowers. On September 25, 2015, Lani was introduced by co-head writers Josh Griffith and Dena Higley as a rookie police officer, who is revealed to be th ...

(

Sal Stowers Saleisha Lashawn Stowers (born January 20, 1986) is an American actress and model. She was cycle 9’s winner ''America's Next Top Model''. She portrayed the role of Lani Price on NBC's soap opera ''Days of Our Lives''. Early life Stowers was ...

). In 2019, he began experiencing a romantic connection with Haley Chen (

Thia Megia Thialorei Lising Megia (born January 30, 1995) is a Filipino-American singer and television actress. She is known for being a contestant on the tenth season of ''American Idol'' and for starring as Haley Chen on '' Days of Our Lives''. Early ...

). Moss' performance has been met with critical acclaim, having garnered him a

Daytime Emmy Award The Daytime Emmy Awards, or Daytime Emmys, are part of the extensive range of Emmy Awards for artistic and technical merit for the American television industry. Bestowed by the New York–based National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences ...

nomination for Outstanding Younger Actor in a Drama Series in 2018.

Casting

Though he is born on September 3, 2004, the role was originated by Tyler Lake on November 12, 2004. Lake last appeared on December 20, 2004. Siblings Jake and Nick Ravo debuted on April 25, 2005 and last appeared in October of that year. Jacob and Micah Reeves stepped into the role in December 2005 and last appeared on September 21, 2006. Casey Moss first auditioned for the role in October 2012, and screen tested with

Melissa Reeves Melissa Reeves (née Brennan; born March 14, 1967) is an American actress, best known for playing Jennifer Horton on the NBC series '' Days of Our Lives'' on-and-off for a total of 26 years (1985–1995, 2000–2006, 2010–2020). Personal li ...

, who plays

Jennifer Horton Jennifer Horton is a fictional character from ''Days of Our Lives'', an American soap opera on the NBC network, currently played by actress Cady McClain. Jennifer was created by scriptwriter Pat Falken Smith, and executive producer Betty Corday. ...

, in November. Moss began taping in January 2013. In March 2013, Moss was spotted in a cast photo published by ''

The News Tribune ''The News Tribune'' is an American daily newspaper based in Tacoma, Washington. It is the second-largest daily newspaper in the state of Washington with a weekday circulation of 30,945 in 2020. With origins dating back to 1883, the newspaper w ...

'' next to Reeves. Immediately fans began speculating who he could be with some assuming Moss was the new JJ. Fan speculation went into overdrive when another new cast member, Jen Lilley tweeted about Moss joining the cast and told fans to follow the actor on

Twitter Twitter is an online social media and social networking service owned and operated by American company Twitter, Inc., on which users post and interact with 280-character-long messages known as "tweets". Registered users can post, like, and ...

. NBC eventually confirmed that Moss had been cast as JJ. Moss first appeared on May 7, 2013. In January 2020, it was announced that Moss would exit the role, with his last appearance being on February 18. In August of the same year, it was announced he would reprise the role; he returned on November 5, and departed on November 27.

Development

Upon Moss's debut, the character's age is revised to 17 placing his birth in 1995. Moss's JJ was described as Jack and Jennifer's "troubled teenage son," who returns from boarding school in

London London is the capital and largest city of England and the United Kingdom, with a population of just under 9 million. It stands on the River Thames in south-east England at the head of a estuary down to the North Sea, and has been a majo ...

with a chip on his shoulder. ''CBS Soaps In Depth'' hinted that JJ would be in very heavy story. According to Moss, JJ is acting out because he is "in a state of confusion." Moss also explained that JJ's actions are because he is "still troubled by his father's death." Moss described the character as "very loving" and also "heartbroken." Upon his re-introduction, JJ is "all over the place and doesn't really know who he is yet." Moss revealed to ''Soap Opera Digest'' that JJ is going through the process of "becoming a man." In the midst of JJ's scheming, the series introduced Kevin Riggin as JJ's partner in crime Rory. The two begin selling drugs to make quick cash. JJ falls in with the wrong crowd because he longs to feel a connection. However, JJ does not have to worry about forming a "real bond", Moss told ''Soap Opera Digest''. Abigail is immediately concerned but JJ resents his sister and mother as "he doesn't feel they grieved his father's death." JJ's anger reaches a climax when he gets into an altercation with Daniel but according to Moss, JJ had been looking for a fight. ''Soaps In Depth'' referred to Moss's character as "Hurricane JJ!" His return home isn't what he expected and he is uncomfortable that his mother has moved on. JJ feels that his family has "forgotten" about Jack. Though Jack wasn't always physically present, JJ felt a "sense of security" knowing his father was at least out there somewhere. When he finally does come, JJ does not feel that anymore. JJ definitely wants his mother to find happiness again but he feels it is too soon. Of the circumstances surrounding JJ's return, Moss hinted that there is more to JJ's story. According to Moss, JJ is at a point in his life where he is still a good kid, who is making bad choices.

Storylines

Jack Patrick "JJ" Deveraux is born as the son to Jennifer (

) and Jack (

Matthew Ashford Matthew Nile Ashford (born January 29, 1960) is an American actor. He is best known for his roles on the soap operas ''Days of Our Lives'' and '' The Bay'', for the former of which he received a nomination for the Daytime Emmy Award for Outstand ...

). JJ is named after his father and

Patrick Lockhart Patrick Lockhart is a fictional character from the television drama ''Days of Our Lives'', portrayed by Brody Hutzler from 2004 to 2007. Storylines Patrick Lockhart grew up with his mother Bonnie, sister Mimi, and brother Connor on the streets ( ...

(

Brody Hutzler Ian Brody Hutzler (born April 20, 1971) is an American actor. He is best known for portraying Patrick Lockhart on '' Days of Our Lives''. Hutzler has also appeared in '' 7th Heaven'', ''She Spies'', ''Birds Of Prey'', '' Charmed'', ''Las Vegas'', ...

). JJ is born on the island of Melaswen after Jennifer goes in search of his father Jack who is believed to have been killed by the Salem Stalker long before JJ's birth. Jack and Jennifer are reunited on the island and JJ meets his father. After several near death experiences, the family makes it back to Salem. Upon their reunion, the family relocates to

where Jack and Jennifer get jobs as reporters. JJ reappears in Salem in May 2013 after getting kicked out of boarding school. JJ's lies quickly catch up to him when his school reveals that he was expelled due to him knowing about his roommate selling drugs on campus. Jennifer enrolls JJ in summer school, while JJ immediately dislikes Jennifer's new boyfriend, Dr. Daniel Jonas (

Shawn Christian Shawn Patrick Christian (born December 18, 1965) is an American television and film actor. Life and career After graduating from Ferris State University in Big Rapids, Michigan in 1989 with a degree in marketing, he moved to Chicago to purs ...

). Abigail (

Kate Mansi Kate Mansi is an American actress. She is best known for playing the role of Abigail Deveraux on the NBC serial ''Days of Our Lives'' from 2011 to 2016,Cameron Davis (

Nathan Owens Nathan John Owens (born March 9, 1984) is an American actor, model, and producer. Owens portrayed Cameron Davis (Days of Our Lives), Cameron Davis on ''Days of Our Lives'' and was a regular as Jesse Morgan on the Lifetime (TV network), Lifetime co ...

) and steals medication from the hospital. After learning about what his father did to

Kayla Brady Kayla Brady Johnson is a fictional character from '' Days of Our Lives'', a soap opera on the NBC network. She made her first appearance in 1982. Kayla was created by Pat Falken Smith as one of the original members of the Brady family. She is kn ...

(

Mary Beth Evans Mary Beth Evans (born March 7, 1961) is an American television actress, known for her role as Kayla Brady on the NBC daytime soap ''Days of Our Lives'', and her role as Sierra Estaban on the CBS daytime soap ''As the World Turns''. Career Evans ...

), JJ vandalized the town square, until Daniel came and was able to subdue JJ. At his hearing, JJ is given one final chance. Later that night, JJ is with

Theresa Donovan Jeannie Theresa Donovan is a fictional character from ''Days of Our Lives'', an American soap opera on the NBC network. Introduced in September 1990, she was portrayed by several child actors until the character left the series in 1992, with furt ...

( Jen Lilley) when she overdoses. Scared, JJ calls Daniel for help. After realizing that Daniel was a good person and how close he came to being sent to jail, JJ begins to turn his life around. In March 2014, he meets Paige Larson (

), who he is immediately attracted to. JJ and Paige begin dating, but Paige's mother Eve Donovan (

Kassie DePaiva Katherine Virginia "Kassie" DePaiva (née Wesley; born March 21, 1961) is an American actress and singer. She is best known for her role as Bobby Joe in the horror film '' Evil Dead II'' (1987) and her work in American daytime soap operas. She ...

) plots to break them up. In November 2014, JJ begins to have an on and off affair with Eve. In May 2015, on Paige's birthday, she learns of their affair and isolates herself from them and begins to plot revenge. JJ starts working for the

DEA The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA; ) is a United States federal law enforcement agency under the U.S. Department of Justice tasked with combating drug trafficking and distribution within the U.S. It is the lead agency for domestic en ...

in July 2015 and finds out that Kyle Southern, who is dating Paige, is a dealer and is instructed to find out who his boss is. JJ starts posing as a drug dealer and "working" with Kyle in order to find out who his boss is. Paige starts to suspect that JJ is dealing and even confronts his mom, who denies it, as she is aware he is working for the DEA. JJ sneaks into Kyle's apartment, determined to find something that could help him in the investigation. While he's there Kyle and Paige return. Paige helps JJ hide and makes out with Kyle in order to distract him as JJ leaves. Paige finds out that JJ is working for the DEA and agrees to help him. Eve, who also finds out, tells Kyle of JJ's true motives and tips off the police. Kyle confronts JJ who denies his involvement with the cops. It is revealed that

Clyde Weston A list of notable characters from the NBC soap opera ''Days of Our Lives'' that significantly impacted storylines and debuted between January 1, 2010, to December 31, 2019. Madeline Peterson Woods Madeline Peterson Woods, portrayed by Jessic ...

is Kyle's boss and due to his dissatisfaction, kills Kyle and JJ manages to convince him that he is not working for the DEA. Clyde tells him that if he tells anyone, he will go after Abigail, Paige and Jennifer. Paige and JJ reconnect and JJ tells her to stay safe and that he loves her. She kisses him and later, she calls him and tells him that she has something important to tell him, and asks him to meet her at her dorm. JJ arrives at Paige's dorm and finds the door unlocked and her dead, strangled in the shower. He and Eve are both heartbroken. JJ believes that Clyde killed Paige and tells Jennifer who persuades him to go to the cops. However, when he does, Clyde shows up and JJ pretends he was there to check on Paige's murder investigation. Clyde then gives Roman false information that he saw Chad outside Paige's dorm building around the time she was killed. JJ later puts Clyde in jail and wants to become a cop but Jennifer and Abigail are against his decision because they both think that he is making too quick of a decision and his mother Jennifer wants him to finish college before he thinks about putting his life in danger. He also begins to pursue a relationship with

. After their break-up, he starts seeing

(

). Things take a worse turn when he shoots his girlfriend's brother

Theo Carver Theo Carver is a fictional character from ''Days of Our Lives'', an American soap opera on the NBC network. Created under head writer Dena Higley, Theo was born onscreen in 2003. The character was portrayed by two sets of twins and three child ac ...

and gets suspended and charged. Unable to deal with the guilt of shooting Theo who sadly slipped into coma, he breaks up with Lani. The charges then get dropped, but on

Christmas Eve Christmas Eve is the evening or entire day before Christmas Day, the festival commemorating the birth of Jesus. Christmas Day is observed around the world, and Christmas Eve is widely observed as a full or partial holiday in anticipation ...

knowing he was responsible for Theo's shooting, he attempts suicide, but is stopped by

when she shows up on time to stop him, she spends the night with him just to keep him safe. The next day, JJ gets back together with his ex girlfriend, Lani. He then learns that she is pregnant, but wrongly believes the baby is his, when in fact it is Eli's after their one night stand on the Christmas Eve. He decides not to go back to being a detective Instead, he becomes interested in a new career as an

emergency medical technician An emergency medical technician (EMT), also known as an ambulance technician, is a health professional that provides emergency medical services. EMTs are most commonly found working in ambulances. In English-speaking countries, paramedics are ...

. He breaks up with Lani after learning that she had cheated on him and is expecting someone else's baby. They decide they are better off as friends. In December 2018, JJ comes to the aid of Haley Chen, a nurse at University Hospital, who attempted suicide. He befriends her and invites her to Doug's place for the New Year's Eve party. As their connection builds, she confides in him about being an illegal immigrant, and they grow closer and even share a few kisses. After JJ confides in a recently-returned Jack about Haley's immigration status and he reveals it during a televised debate for Mayor, his relationship with Haley begins to deteriorate. When she is eventually arrested, JJ pleads for Haley's forgiveness and in an effort to make up for the mistake, JJ offers to marry Haley in order to help her avoid deportation; she declines the proposal and marries Tripp Dalton instead in order to get a green card. Just a few days after the wedding, she confesses the truth about the fake marriage and gets arrested. As she is about to deported, JJ saves her in the last minute and they become fugitives. JJ turns himself in after learning of his mother's arrest.

Reception

Michael Fairman described the character's return as "long-awaited" and said Moss would "add to the young hunk quotient in Salem!" Jillian Bowe immediately hoped that Moss's JJ would cause trouble for Jennifer and Daniel. Moss was voted as the #1 soap newcomer in the June 10, 2013 issue of ''Soap Opera Digest'' with 34% of votes. Jamey Giddens praised Moss and claimed him as a "breakout, young adult star." According to Giddens, JJ becomes a voice for the fans of Jack and Jennifer who were upset about the Daniel/Jennifer (Dannifer) pairing. "I absolutely love it when he gives Jennifer and Abigail grief for being able to so readily replace Jack with Daniel," remarked Giddens. Giddens hoped JJ would cause even more trouble by "hooking up" with Jennifer's rival, and Daniel's ex-wife,

Chloe Lane Chloe Lane is a fictional character from the American NBC soap opera '' Days of Our Lives'', portrayed by actress and singer Nadia Bjorlin. She was first introduced in November 1999, created by then-head writer Tom Langan. Bjorlin played Chloe ...

(

Nadia Bjorlin Nadia Alexandra Bjorlin (born August 2, 1980) is an American actress, singer, and model. Early life Bjorlin was born on August 2, 1980 in Newport, Rhode Island. She is the second eldest child of Swedish people, Swedish composer and conductor Ulf ...

). Laurisa Mahlin of ''Soap Central'' praised the dynamic in contrast to the usual romantic triangle for Dannifer. Mahlin explained that even though JJ is acting horribly, it was enough for most fans that he caused trouble for the hated pairing. Jamey Giddens later said that Moss's JJ was the "best foil ever" for the couple and that JJ gave the pairing a rooting factor.

References

External links

* * {{DEFAULTSORT:Deveraux, JJ Days of Our Lives characters Fictional criminals in soap operas Fictional drug dealers Television characters introduced in 2004 Fictional attempted suicides Male characters in television