From Salem To Sales: Where Is Erik Von Detten, Days Of Our Lives’ Nicholas Alamain, And His Shocking 2024 Return?

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For millions of millennial fans, Erik von Detten is the quintessential '90s heartthrob—the voice of Sid in *Toy Story*, the villainous Josh Bryant in *The Princess Diaries*, and the titular star of the Disney Channel Original Movie *Brink!* Yet, before he was a Disney icon, von Detten made his professional acting debut on one of the most enduring daytime soap operas in television history: *Days of Our Lives*. As of December 22, 2025, the latest information confirms that after a long hiatus from the screen, the former child star has made a surprising return to acting, reigniting interest in his entire career, especially his forgotten stint in Salem. This article dives deep into Erik von Detten's pivotal, yet often overlooked, role on *Days of Our Lives* and tracks his journey from the turbulent world of daytime drama to a quiet life in sales, culminating in his unexpected 2024 comeback.

Erik von Detten: Biography and Career Highlights

Erik Thomas von Detten was born on October 3, 1982, in San Diego, California. His career, which began in the early 1990s, quickly established him as one of the most recognizable faces of the Disney Channel era.
Full Name Erik Thomas von Detten
Date of Birth October 3, 1982
Birthplace San Diego, California, U.S.
Spouse Angela von Detten (m. 2018)
Children 3 (as of 2024)
Active Years 1991–2010, 2024–present
Notable Roles Nicholas Alamain (*Days of Our Lives*), Sid Phillips (*Toy Story*), Andy Brinker (*Brink!*), Josh Bryant (*The Princess Diaries*), Clu Bell (*So Weird*)
Von Detten’s career is a fascinating mix of voice work, teen movies, and television series. He is most famously known for voicing the destructive neighbor kid, Sid Phillips, in the 1995 animated classic *Toy Story*. He cemented his status as a teen idol as Andy "Brink" Brinker in the 1998 Disney Channel Original Movie, *Brink!* Later, he played the charming but shallow antagonist Josh Bryant in *The Princess Diaries* (2001), the boy who breaks Mia Thermopolis’s heart. After a successful run that included the Fox sitcom *Meego* and the Disney Channel series *So Weird* (as Clu Bell), von Detten largely stepped away from the spotlight around 2010 to pursue a career outside of Hollywood.

The Forgotten Soap Opera Debut: Nicholas Alamain on Days of Our Lives

Before the skateboarding rivalries of *Brink!* or the royal drama of Genovia, a nine-year-old Erik von Detten took on his very first professional acting role in the fictional, dramatic town of Salem, Illinois. He was cast as Nicholas Alamain on *Days of Our Lives* in 1992, a role he played until 1993, appearing in approximately 55 episodes. This initial run was a significant commitment for a novice child actor and provided him with a masterclass in dramatic performance.

The Tumultuous Alamain Family Storyline

The character of Nicholas Alamain was integral to a major storyline involving one of *Days of Our Lives*' most memorable and eccentric villains, Vivian Alamain. * The Character's Background: Nicholas was the son of Carly Manning (played by Crystal Chappell) and Lawrence Alamain. * The Adoption Twist: He arrived in Salem being raised by his aunt, Vivian Alamain, who he believed was his mother, and his cousin, Lawrence. * The Vivian Alamain Scandal: The most dramatic element of the storyline was the villainous Vivian Alamain's plot to bury Carly Manning alive in a coffin. This shocking soap opera trope was a centerpiece of the show's drama in the early '90s, with young Nicholas caught in the middle of the family's dark secrets and feuds. Von Detten’s portrayal of Nicholas Alamain was a precursor to his later work, showcasing a natural talent for drama that would serve him well in his subsequent career as a child star.

The Legacy of Nicholas Alamain

The character of Nicholas Alamain has been a recurring figure on *Days of Our Lives* over the decades, played by several other actors after von Detten's departure. This is common in the world of daytime drama and soap opera recasts. Notably, the character was later played by Victor Webster and, tragically, by Cody Longo, who passed away in 2023. Von Detten’s time as Nicholas, however, remains a unique footnote: the very first time the world saw the future teen idol act on screen.

The 2024 Comeback: From Sales Rep to Screen Star Again

After his successful run as a '90s heartthrob and Disney Channel staple, Erik von Detten chose a path of relative anonymity. He married his wife, Angela von Detten, in 2018, and the couple now has three children. He transitioned into the corporate world, taking on a responsible job in sales, a significant departure from the glamour of Hollywood. However, the "acting bug" never truly left him.

The Surprise Return in My Acting Coach Nightmare

In a development that thrilled his longtime fans, Erik von Detten made his first major on-screen acting appearance in over a decade in 2024. The project was the TV movie *My Acting Coach Nightmare*, a thriller that marked his official return to the industry. This comeback confirms the recent updates to his biography, which list his active years as "2024–present," signaling a potential new chapter in his career. While the role was a far cry from the Nicholas Alamain storyline or the high-budget productions of Disney, it proved that the former child star still possesses the talent and desire to perform. This return, particularly in a year like 2024, has drawn fresh attention to his entire filmography, from his voice work as Sid Phillips to his youthful turn in the dramatic world of the Alamain family in Salem.

What’s Next for the Former Teen Idol?

Von Detten’s return in *My Acting Coach Nightmare* suggests that he may be open to taking on more roles, balancing his family life and his career in sales with occasional acting projects. Fans are now eagerly speculating about whether this return could lead to a cameo or a full-blown recast of Nicholas Alamain on *Days of Our Lives*. A return to Salem 30 years after his debut would be a massive, nostalgic moment for the show and a perfect full-circle moment for the actor who started his career in the thick of a dramatic soap opera plot involving his on-screen mother, Carly Manning, and the unforgettable villainy of Vivian Alamain. For now, the '90s icon is back on the screen, reminding a new generation of his enduring charm and the surprising beginning of his career on a daytime soap.
erik von detten days of our lives
erik von detten days of our lives

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