Darrell was the only actor to play
Benjy. Darrell is deaf and did all his lines in sign language. After
leaving DAYS, he guest starred on Baywatch and Beverly Hills
90210. You can find his full list of credits since leaving Days
at Beth's Where
are they Now? Page.
Darrell's
Gallery
Benjy Hawk
DiMera
Before beginning in the role
of Benjy, Darrell appeared on the March 11, 1988 episode of
Family Ties as Andy's {Brian Bonsall} new classmate
at school, Josh. Andy was assigned to be Josh's "buddy for
the day" and helped him get used to his new
classroom.
Andy {Brian} asked Josh
{Darrell} if he was sad that he couldn't hear. Josh
answered, "NO." Andy decided that he shouldn't be sad
either.
With the help of his teacher,
Josh taught the class some sign language. Andy stopped
talking to his family and friends, empathizing with Josh and
his deafness.
Josh {Darrell} later told Andy
{Brian} he wanted him to talk. Andy told Josh he was his
best friend and they hugged.
Josh {Darrell} and Andy's
{Brian} last scene together. Too bad we never saw Andy's
"best friend" again.
Patch {Stephen} and Kayla
{Mary Beth} found Benjy on their honeymoon. They wanted to
adopt him, but they found his grandfather Orion, who wanted
Benjy. Orion took Benjy to live with him in Europe.
Darrell had a great time with
Mary Beth and Stephen. Darrell loved working with Stephen
Nichols. At this PA, he even dressed like Stephen's
character, Patch.
Darrell shows off his two
costars in their wedding picture.
{Photo courtesy
Liz}
Darrell and Stephen horsing
around. Stephen learned sign language in the storyline where
Kayla was deaf, so he was also able to communicate with
Darrell.
These photos were in a series
of shots taken for a Soap Opera Digest feature article on
Days' hearing impaired storyline. Pictured are Stephen,
Darrell and Peggie Renya, who worked behind the scenes with
the actors and appeared onscreen as well.
Stephen and Darrell are doing
the "Benjy Monkey" sign. Stephen always calls Darrell "Benjy
Monkey" when they are on the set, as Steve and
Benjy.
Both Peggie and Darrell's mom
help him learn his lines. Darrell comes from a non-hearing
family, but he has learned to speak.
Peggie said that Darrell took
direction very well and had no problem expressing a wide
range of emotions. "He's brilliant," said Peggie.
Darrell and Peggie were able
to teach all of the actors on the show a great deal about
sign language. It was an incredible experience for all of
them.
Darrell and Lisa Howard, who
played April Ramirez.
Another photo of Stephen and
Darrell.
Darrell and Stephen. You can
just see the love in their eyes.
A couple more pics from the
same appearance as above. Darrell seemed to enjoy this time
with his co-star Stephen.
Darrell's parents support him
in everything he does. He's pictured here with his mother
and father. They were all at the annual DAYS softball
game.
Darrell also became friends
with Richard Biggs, who played Marcus Hunter. Here are the
guys on the set.
