Some newer fans might be forgiven for thinking that Joy Wesley is a new character on Days of Our Lives, but she was actually born on-screen back in 2003. Child actress Aisling Acuna played the baby until 2005 and when Joy returned as a young woman in October 2024, she was played by AlexAnn Hopkins who continues to appear to this day. Here’s what you need to know about her!
Nancy Wesley and Craig Wesley decided to have another baby when their first daughter, Chloe Lane, was diagnosed with leukemia. They hoped that a blood sibling could be a match and donate life-saving bone marrow. After Joy’s birth, she did prove a match to her sister and Chloe recovered. Joy even served as the flower girl when her big sis married Brady Black. When Nancy and Craig left Salem in 2005, they naturally took young Joy with them.
Joy resurfaced in Salem in October 2024, running into Johnny DiMera at a bar where he was drowning his sorrows. After snapping at her, Johnny apologized and they introduced themselves. He explained he was upset because his wife was cheating on him and she offered her sympathies as sparks flew between them.
The next morning, Joy returned to her room at the Salem Inn where Nancy demanded to know where her daughter had been all night. Joy explained she’d met a guy but didn’t go into detail. When Nancy revealed she’d gotten her an audition at Body and Soul, Joy quickly changed and rushed over. She met producer Abe Carver and auditioned for the role of Regan opposite Chanel Dupree as Faith. When Joy got back to her room, Nancy showed her the wedding ring the cleaning people had found and Joy explained the guy’s wife had cheated on him without actually admitting if they’d slept together or not.
Joy got the job on the soap and confessed to co-star Alex Kiriakis that she had slept with Johnny. E.J. DiMera offered Joy money to leave town and Johnny was upset when he learned about his father’s bribe. Kate talked Joy out of quitting the show and when Chanel caught Alex and Johnny arguing about Joy, Johnny lied that Alex and Joy had slept together! Seeing how upset Joy was, Chanel tried to get her new co-star and friend to open up but she stayed tightlipped about what was bothering her.
As everyone rang in 2025, Chanel caught Johnny and Joy arguing and the truth was finally out, though Johnny insisted that he and Joy had not actually gone any further than making out. Joy left the New Year’s party with Alex and they spent the night together. The next day, Chanel had some choice words for the homewrecker, and Joy worried how they’d continue to work together.
Stay tuned to DAYS to see what kind of drama Joy stirs up in Salem!
