the marriage is later annulled. In June 2019, Sonny and Will remarry for the second time. Development Casting and creation In May 2011 rumors circulated that Freddie Smith—known for his recent portrayal of Marco Salazar, a gay character from The CW's Teen drama 90210—was slated to join the cast of Days of Our Lives in a new gay role. On June 17, 2011, Entertainment Weekly confirmed exclusively that Smith had been cast in the role of Sonny, an openly gay character—connected to a previously established family. Sonny was reported at the time to be Days first openly gay character, but in fact Sonny is the second, following Ryan Scott's openly gay Harold Wentworth who featured in the show from 2001 to 2003. Smith talked about his new role, saying: "I'm very excited to portray him"; and "I love that I can do a role like this, stand up and speak out on what I believe in. I want to show that it's okay". Smith relished in playing a role "that makes a difference" and said it "makes my job that much better – and to be a part of history; I'll go down in the history books, I mean it's great!" Smith originally auditioned with Days in March 2011 for a different character—a high school quarterback. After several meetings with the director of casting, Marnie Saitta, Smith learned that he would instead be playing a gay character. Thanks to his experience on 90210, Smith had very little reservations about playing the role of Sonny. Smith screen-tested opposite Judi Evans who would play his mother, Adrienne. "I had an inkling I would get [the role] because Judi and I clicked so well" Smith said of his audition. Smith believed he got the role of Sonny because he can relate to him so easily. Despite being straight in real life, Smith said "When I read the scripts, I just get it instantly." He revealed that the casting department was quite impressed by his audition. In his portrayal, Smith said "I do as much work on the character as I can to make it as real as possible and to tell a good story." To prepare for the role, Smith did a lot of research and also went to his own gay friends for advice. "I started reading through people's personal stories and these feelings, and it brings me that much closer to