Stepping onto a set can be like entering a whole new world, filled with creative energy, intense collaboration, and yes, sometimes, unexpected sparks flying between cast members. It’s a common trope in Hollywood, but what happens when those feelings are kept under wraps during filming, only to be revealed years or even decades later? It gives fans a fascinating peek behind the curtain, showing that the connections forged on screen can sometimes mirror or complicate the relationships happening when the cameras stop rolling.
These aren’t always grand, sweeping romances, but sometimes just quiet, perhaps unrequited, feelings or brief moments of connection that stick with the actors long after the final scene is shot. It’s a relatable experience, after all – who hasn’t had a workplace crush at some point? But for those whose workplace is beamed into millions of homes, these hidden affections carry a unique kind of intrigue.
We’re diving into some surprising admissions from actors who have shared stories about developing crushes on their costars. From early encounters that set the stage to the playful (or sometimes poignant) ways those feelings were acknowledged much later, get ready to uncover some fun, lighthearted, and occasionally wistful tales from the world of television and film.
1. **Before the Crush: An Early Meeting on Separate Sets**
You never know when or where you might meet someone who catches your eye, and for actors, the workplace is often right there on set! Sometimes, these connections spark unexpectedly, even years before they might seem ‘right’ or line up with the script. That was apparently the case for actress Carla Gallo, who shared a fascinating tidbit about meeting a future costar long before they’d ever play love interests on a hit show.
Carla Gallo revealed that she first crossed paths with John Francis Daley way back when he was starring in the beloved series *Freaks and Geeks*. At the time, she was working on the show *Undeclared*. It was a different era, and the age difference was quite notable – she mentioned he might have been around 17 years old, while she herself was 26. This initial encounter was purely professional, two young actors working in the same industry, their paths briefly intersecting.
Yet, even during this early meeting, a moment stood out to Gallo. She recalled him being “a little flirty” even back then! Her reaction at the time was one of amused surprise, seeing him as a “cute” kid but still a child, and she wondered why he was trying to flirt with her, given the age gap. It’s funny how paths cross and first impressions are formed, sometimes setting the stage for unexpected connections down the line, which is exactly what happened for them years later in a completely different context.
2. **Developing Feelings While Working Together on *Bones***
Fast forward several years from their initial, slightly awkward meeting on different sets. Carla Gallo and John Francis Daley found themselves cast together on the popular procedural dramedy *Bones*. This time, things were different. Not only were they working closely on the same show, but Daley had also grown up.
Gallo described this reunion as a “real reversal” from their first meeting. She joined the cast in Season 4, and by this point, the actor she had previously seen as a “child” was now a “full-fledged man.” This shift in dynamic, combined with working together regularly, led to a change in her perception and feelings towards him.
She admitted that upon reconnecting and working alongside the adult John Francis Daley, she developed “a little crush on him.” She found him to be “the sweetest person,” appreciating the kind of person he had become. It’s interesting how time and circumstances can completely change the way you see someone you’ve previously met, turning a past acquaintance into a potential object of affection.
3. **The Playful Rejection: Missing the Window**
While Carla Gallo developed a crush on John Francis Daley during their time working together on *Bones*, it seems the timing wasn’t quite right, or perhaps the moment had passed. Gallo herself acknowledged this, stating that she felt she had “missed the window” for anything romantic to happen between them.
Daley, for his part, seems to have responded to this idea with a touch of humor. According to Gallo, he playfully told her, ‘Listen, old lady, you’re in your 30s now, you passed the prime. You missed the opportunity.’ While this was clearly a joke between friends and colleagues, it highlights the candid and casual nature of their relationship off-screen, despite the crush she had experienced.
This lighthearted exchange shows that even when feelings might develop, actors often navigate them with professionalism and a sense of humor, maintaining positive working relationships. The fact that Daley could make such a joke, and Gallo could share it, suggests a comfortable and friendly dynamic existed between them, even if the crush didn’t lead to romance.
4. **Their On-Screen Romance as Lance and Daisy**
Adding another layer of complexity to their working relationship, Carla Gallo and John Francis Daley portrayed characters on *Bones* who were romantically involved. Their characters, Lance Sweets and Daisy Wick, had a significant on-again, off-again relationship throughout several seasons of the show.
The dynamic between Lance and Daisy was a notable subplot, showcasing their development as a couple within the series’ overarching narrative. They navigated the ups and downs of dating, even becoming engaged at one point. This on-screen romance must have created an interesting dynamic for Gallo, knowing she had a real-life crush on the actor playing her love interest.
Their characters’ story took a dramatic turn when Lance Sweets was tragically killed off in Season 10. In a poignant development, it was revealed that Daisy was pregnant with his child at the time of his death, cementing their bond in the show’s history. This fictional relationship played out over the years, providing a professional context for Gallo and Daley to work closely together, perhaps blurring the lines just a little between their on-screen roles and their off-screen dynamic.
5. **Keeping It Professional: No Real-Life Relationship**
Despite the real-life crush and the extensive on-screen romance, Carla Gallo was clear about the actual status of her relationship with John Francis Daley off-set. She directly addressed whether their characters’ relationship ever mirrored anything in their personal lives.
Gallo confirmed that she and John Francis Daley “never had a romantic relationship in real life.” This is a common outcome in Hollywood, where on-screen chemistry and professional respect don’t necessarily translate into off-screen romance. Actors are skilled professionals, capable of portraying deep connections without necessarily feeling them personally, or at least, not acting on them.
Her confirmation underlines the boundary they maintained between their professional lives as costars portraying a couple and their personal lives. While the crush was real for her at one point, it remained a private feeling that didn’t alter their working relationship or lead to dating outside of the show. It’s a testament to their professionalism that they could maintain a strong working dynamic and portray a convincing couple while keeping their personal lives separate.
6. **A Brat Pack Crush on the Set of *St. Elmo’s Fire***
The 1980s were a defining era for a group of young Hollywood actors dubbed the “Brat Pack,” who frequently starred together in coming-of-age films. One such iconic movie was *St. Elmo’s Fire*, featuring a cast of emerging stars. As often happens when young, attractive people spend intense periods working together, feelings can develop.
Rob Lowe, a prominent member of the Brat Pack and star of *St. Elmo’s Fire*, recently shared a revelation about his time filming the movie. Speaking years later, he looked back on the experience with the perspective that comes with time. He admitted that while working on the film, he found himself drawn to one of his costars.
Lowe revealed that during the production of *St. Elmo’s Fire*, he “had a crush on a co-star.” This kind of admission, decades after the fact, adds a layer of real-life intrigue to the film’s production history and the relationships among its famous young cast. It shows that even for stars, the classic workplace crush is a real phenomenon.
7. **It Turned Into a Short Fling**
Rob Lowe didn’t just stop at admitting a crush; he also shared that the situation on the set of *St. Elmo’s Fire* went a step further than just unexpressed feelings. His initial crush on his costar evolved into a brief romantic connection.
He specified that the costar he initially had a crush on was Demi Moore. The chemistry wasn’t just in his head, as he admitted that his crush on Moore “turned into a short fling.” This adds a specific detail to the lore of the film’s production, confirming that the on-set dynamics included some real-life romance between cast members.
This brief relationship occurred before Moore became involved with other notable figures in her life. Lowe mentioned that their fling took place “before she went on to date and become engaged to Emilio Estevez.” Estevez was also a prominent member of the Brat Pack, highlighting how interconnected this group of actors was both professionally and personally during that time. It’s a reminder that while they were making movie history, they were also navigating their own young adult lives and relationships.
Stepping onto a set can be a transformative experience, especially when you’re young and suddenly working alongside the very people you used to watch on screen. This was certainly the case for Alison Sweeney, who landed a role on the iconic soap opera, *Days of Our Lives*, while still in her teenage years. Joining a long-running show like this meant stepping into a world with established relationships and dynamics, and for a fan, it must have felt incredibly surreal to suddenly be a part of it all.
Alison Sweeney wasn’t just another young actor getting a gig; she was stepping into the world of *Days* as a fan herself. Imagine watching a show religiously, following the dramatic storylines and favorite characters, and then suddenly, you’re on the set, walking the familiar halls of Salem. It’s a dream scenario for many, but also a high-pressure environment where you need to quickly find your footing among seasoned veterans.
She joined the cast in 1993 as Sami Brady, a character who would become central to countless storylines over the next few decades. At that point, the show had already been on the air for almost three decades, meaning she was entering a set filled with actors who had been playing these characters for years, if not decades. This foundation made the experience even more impactful, placing her right in the middle of a long-standing television legacy.
9. **Meeting a Screen Idol and Developing a Crush**
Among the established stars on the *Days* set was Drake Hogestyn, who played the popular character John Black. For Alison Sweeney, meeting him wasn’t just meeting a costar; it was meeting someone she had admired from afar. She specifically recalled the moment she met him on her very first day on set, a meeting that clearly left a lasting impression.
It didn’t take long for professional admiration to mingle with something a little more personal. Sweeney admitted that upon meeting Drake Hogestyn and starting to work with him, she developed a significant crush on him. It’s one thing to admire someone’s work from home, but quite another when you’re interacting with them daily, seeing the person behind the character.
She even recalled watching his character, John Black, during a specific storyline where he was involved with Izzy, played by Staci Greason. This detail highlights how deeply she followed the show and its characters before joining, making the experience of having a crush on Drake Hogestyn even more tied into her personal history with the series. It was a classic case of a fan meeting their idol, with the added twist of developing romantic feelings.
10. **Keeping the Crush Under Wraps for Years**
While the crush on Drake Hogestyn was real for Alison Sweeney, it wasn’t something she immediately confessed. In fact, she kept her feelings to herself for a considerable amount of time. Admitting a workplace crush is often tricky, and doing so when your workplace is a nationally broadcast television show with intricate professional relationships adds layers of complexity.
Sweeney revealed that she didn’t actually tell Drake Hogestyn about her crush for years after it initially developed. This indicates a level of privacy and professionalism she maintained while working alongside him, choosing not to disclose her personal feelings right away, even as they shared scenes and built a working relationship.
The set of a soap opera is often described as a close-knit environment, almost like a second family, given the long hours and continuous production. Navigating personal feelings within this professional family requires careful consideration, and for years, Sweeney chose to keep this particular feeling private, perhaps unsure how it would be received or impact their dynamic.
11. **The Moment of Truth: A Gentlemanly Response**
Eventually, the time came when Alison Sweeney decided to share her long-held secret with Drake Hogestyn. Opening up about feelings from years past can be nerve-wracking, even if the circumstances have changed. However, when she did finally tell him about the crush she had on him back then, his reaction was everything you could hope for.
According to Sweeney, Drake Hogestyn handled her confession with grace and kindness. She described his reaction as “very gentlemanly about it.” This speaks volumes about his character and the respect he had for his costar, ensuring the revelation was met with understanding rather than awkwardness or dismissal.
This positive response likely solidified their bond and allowed them to reminisce about their time working together with even greater openness. It’s a testament to the strong foundation of respect and friendship they built on set that such a personal revelation, shared years after the fact, could be met with such a considerate and gentlemanly reaction.
12. **A Masterclass in Professionalism**
Working on a fast-paced show like a daily soap opera requires immense discipline and skill. For young actors like Alison Sweeney joining the cast, having experienced professionals to learn from is invaluable. Drake Hogestyn wasn’t just a costar; he became a mentor figure on set, leading by example in many ways.
Sweeney highlighted several aspects of his professionalism that made a significant impact on her early career. She mentioned that he was “always on time to set,” a seemingly simple trait but crucial in maintaining a smooth production schedule. His “work ethic was second to none,” demonstrating a deep commitment to his craft and the show.
Beyond simply doing his job well, Drake Hogestyn actively sought to share his knowledge. Sweeney noted that he was “very generous” and wasn’t “looking out for himself.” Instead, he was “always trying to share his wisdom with the younger actors, trying to help them learn and understand daytime drama, help them succeed.” This mentorship created a supportive environment, allowing newer cast members to thrive under the guidance of veterans like him.
13. **Ensuring Comfort in Challenging Scenes**
Acting often involves physically demanding or potentially uncomfortable scenes, such as stunts. On a long-running show with diverse storylines, actors frequently find themselves in situations that require careful choreography and trust among cast members. Drake Hogestyn went out of his way to ensure his costars, particularly Alison Sweeney, felt safe and comfortable during these moments.
Sweeney recalled that Drake was “always really good about knowing how to do that stuff” when it came to stunt scenes. More importantly, he was proactive in helping her navigate them. He would “help me figure out something I would feel comfortable doing,” ensuring her well-being was a priority.
She shared a specific memory of a scene where her character, Sami, and Lucas (played by Bryan R. Dattilo) were in trouble, and John Black saved them from Tony (Thaao Penghlis, playing Andre at the time), requiring them to escape from a club. Drake was incredibly considerate, practicing the staging with her “again anytime” and showing her “little tricks” to make the movements look better and feel more natural on camera. This attention to detail and care for his scene partners underscores the kind of supportive presence he was on set.
14. **Relishing Their Characters’ On-Screen Conflict**
While Alison Sweeney may have had a crush on Drake Hogestyn in real life, their characters Sami Brady and John Black had a far more complicated dynamic on *Days of Our Lives*. Their relationship was often fraught with tension and conflict, serving as a key part of Sami’s often rebellious storylines.
Despite the on-screen friction, both actors found enjoyment in portraying this complex relationship. Sweeney noted, “Drake and I had fun playing out the complicated dynamic between Sami and John.” It allowed them to explore different facets of their characters and delve into dramatic confrontations that were central to the show’s narrative.
Drake Hogestyn particularly appreciated Sami’s challenging nature towards his character. Sweeney shared that he “loved the way Sami pushed back against him and never made it easy between them.” While Sweeney admitted it was “hard for me to be the one bringing tension in as Sami” because she loved working with Drake, they cherished the occasional moments when their characters connected, like when John would heroically save Sami, and she would begrudgingly show gratitude. They would also often reminisce about defining scenes from their shared history, like the famous moment Sami walked in on John and Marlena on the conference room table in 1993 with the purple dress – a scene that forever cemented their characters’ intertwined, albeit turbulent, history.
15. **A Legacy of Joy and Connection**
Even after Alison Sweeney’s departures from *Days of Our Lives*, the connection with Drake Hogestyn remained. Their bond extended beyond the set, reflecting the genuine friendship that had developed over their many years working together. This continued relationship highlights the lasting impact costars can have on each other’s lives.
Sweeney shared a heartwarming detail about how Drake kept up with her career after she left the soap. He would tell her that he and his wife Victoria “love my Hallmark movies.” He watched them regularly and would share which ones were their favorites when she would visit. This shows the supportive and caring relationship they maintained long after their daily scenes together ended.
Beyond their personal connection, Drake Hogestyn left an indelible mark on the *Days* set and its vast audience. Sweeney eloquently summarized his enduring legacy: “Drake always brought a genuine, positive joy to every scene.” He was deeply dedicated, always striving to deliver his best work for the fans, and his connection with them was legendary – she recalled stories of women screaming his name at fan events, even once tearing his jersey off! His dedication, professionalism, and positive spirit will be deeply missed by those who worked with him and the millions who watched him.
It’s fascinating how these behind-the-scenes moments – the quiet crushes, the professional respect, the shared history – add richness to the stories we see on screen. They remind us that the people who bring our favorite characters to life are navigating their own human experiences, forming connections that sometimes mirror, and sometimes diverge from, the fictional worlds they inhabit. These revealed crushes, years later, simply pull back the curtain a little further, giving us a fun glimpse into the real dynamics that unfold when the cameras aren’t rolling.
