Newcomer Jay Kenneth Johnson portrays spoiled rich-kid Philip Kiriakis on Days of our Lives.
Jay was born in Springfield, Missouri the eldest of three children. Jay's father, Kenneth, is a mortgage broker; his mother, Janice, works for Southwestern Bell Yellow Pages. While growing up, Jay knew he wanted to be either an actor or a professional athlete. He had the best of both worlds during high school when Jay juggled sports and theatre with academics. After high school, Jay knew that acting was his first love. Jay attended college at Southwest Missouri State and majored in business and theatre. While considering a move out West, it was an unlikely television show that gave the young actor the inspiration and shove he needed. "I was watching the program 'VH1: Before They Were Stars' and I realized that I wanted to do this, take a risk and give it a shot. My parents at first didn't really approve, but they came to respect my decision."
Prior to relocating to Los Angeles, Jay modeled and appeared in a few commercials. Jay appeared as Brendan on The Young and the Restless before landing the role of Philip Kiriakis.
Jay keeps in close touch with his younger brother Jeff and his younger sister Jenna. Jay loves music and would someday like to start his own band. In his spare time, Jay enjoys reading, roller-blading, going to the beach and playing sports.
Jay celebrates his birthday on February 24.
Nadia Bjorlin | Jason Cook | Farah Fath | Jay Kenneth Johnson | Kyle Lowder | Kirsten Storms | Aaron van Wagner
