Paul Telfer, known for his dynamic portrayal of Xander Kiriakis on Days of Our Lives, recently shared how playing the villainous character is ‘incredibly cathartic’ for him, a self-proclaimed ‘goody two shoes’ in real life. The actor, who also celebrated his first Daytime Emmy win, discussed Xander’s complex evolution from a dark figure to an ‘anti-hero’ and how his wife, Carmen Cusack, reacts to his ‘soap hunk’ persona.
For nearly a decade, Paul Telfer has captivated audiences as Alexandros “Xander” Kiriakis on the beloved soap opera Days of Our Lives. While Xander’s actions often veer into villainous territory, Telfer, 44, finds profound personal enjoyment and release in embodying such a complex character. The actor, who describes himself as a “goody two shoes” in his personal life, views his on-screen wickedness as “incredibly cathartic.”
“Just out of a sense of sheer fun, it is tremendously enjoyable to play a straight-up villain, and especially if you’re not particularly villainous in your real life,” Telfer explained to People. He relishes the opportunity “to let rip and be horrible in the safe confines of a fictional story.” This candid confession highlights the unique appeal of playing a morally ambiguous character for an actor who strives for good behavior off-screen.
The Evolution of Xander Kiriakis: From Villain to Anti-Hero
Since his debut in 2015, Xander Kiriakis has undergone a significant transformation, a journey that Paul Telfer has embraced wholeheartedly. Initially introduced as a charming yet troubled newcomer with a checkered past, Xander’s character arc has defied typical soap opera tropes.
“He was never an anti-hero,” Telfer clarified, reflecting on Xander’s early years. “He was always just a horrible person that was allowed to show a little bit of a vulnerability and a little bit of insecurity that I think made him a slightly more endearing than the typical outright villain.” Over time, the character evolved into an “anti-villain,” a complex figure who would attempt to do good things for bad reasons and bad things for good reasons.
This nuanced portrayal has paved the way for Xander to finally become a “true anti-hero,” a development Telfer has “always hoped” for. The actor expressed his satisfaction with the longevity of his role and the constantly shifting narrative canvas that allows characters to grow and change, mirroring real life. He finds it “fantastic” that the audience has not only “notice[d]” but also “accept[ed]” Xander’s dynamic changes.
A Daytime Emmy Win and Deepening Connections in Salem
The latest testament to Telfer’s impactful performance came with his first Daytime Emmy Award for playing Xander Kiriakis. This win, celebrated recently, marks a significant milestone in his nearly decade-long tenure on the Peacock soap. Winning the award validated Telfer’s dedication to exploring Xander’s multifaceted personality.
Beyond the critical acclaim, Telfer cherishes Xander’s increasing integration into the fabric of Salem. Historically, Xander was often relegated to the sidelines, viewed as the “black sheep” of the Kiriakis family. However, recent storylines have seen him develop deeper connections, including:
- Discovering he is Victor’s son.
- Forming a family with a wife and daughter.
- Navigating complex relationships with other family members, including his brother.
“To have him slowly but surely work his way inside the center of the show… It’s the last thing I expect to happen in my career. So… I don’t hate it!” Telfer shared with Parade, expressing his delight at Xander’s expanded role.
The ‘Soap Hunk’ Persona and a Strong Marriage
Being a prominent figure on Days of Our Lives has also earned Paul Telfer the moniker of a “soap hunk,” a role that comes with its share of shirtless scenes and viral magazine covers, such as his appearance in Playgirl’s April digital issue alongside his costars. While fans often swoon over this image, Telfer’s wife of nearly 12 years, Carmen Cusack, takes it all in stride.
“She’s going to roll her eyes a little bit, because she knows who I really am and how I really behave in my life and what a kind of goofy slob I am,” Telfer quipped about Cusack’s reaction to his public persona. He noted that while it’s “not the worst thing in the world to have a officially hunky husband,” Cusack remains grounded, reminding him to “make sure the check cashes.”
Their long-standing relationship, according to Telfer, thrives on mutual understanding of the entertainment industry’s demands and a strong commitment to open communication. The couple prioritizes putting “each other’s feelings first,” taking care of each other’s emotions, and proactively addressing “established trigger points.” This emotional support has only strengthened their bond over the years.
Working with Salem’s Leading Ladies
Telfer’s tenure as Xander has also provided him with the opportunity to work alongside some of Days of Our Lives’ most talented actresses. He particularly appreciates the dynamic relationships Xander has fostered, especially in his eventful love life.
His notable romantic storylines have involved a roster of leading ladies, including:
- Linsey Godfrey (Sarah Horton), with whom he formed the popular “Xarah” pairing.
- Emily O’Brien (Gwen Rizczech), who played a significant role during one of Xander and Sarah’s breaks.
- Nadia Bjorlin (Chloe Lane), who was in Xander’s orbit at one point.
- Stacy Haiduk (Kristen DiMera), with whom he shared some playful scenes.
“Obviously, I’m spoiled because they bounced me between Linsey Godfrey, Emily O’Brien, Nadia Bjorlin, and even Stacy Haiduk,” Telfer admitted. He also praised soap icon Suzanne Rogers (Maggie Kiriakis), calling her “an incredible scene partner,” despite their relationship not being romantic. Telfer considers himself blessed to have collaborated with such a talented cast, making his decade on the show a truly rewarding experience as Xander’s journey continues to unfold.
