Quick Facts
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Chandler Abit Massey |
| Date of Birth | September 10, 1990 |
| Age | 35 (as of 2026) |
| Birthplace | Atlanta, Georgia, United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Actor |
| Famous For | Playing Will Horton on Days of Our Lives |
| Education | University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) |
| Father | Lewis A. Massey (Former Georgia Secretary of State) |
| Mother | Amy Reichard Massey |
| Siblings | Cameryn Massey and Christian Massey |
| Relationship Status | Engaged |
| Fiancée | Stephanie Bennett |
| Years Active | 2010–present |
| Notable TV Shows | Days of Our Lives, EastSiders, The Standoff |
| Awards | Three Daytime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Younger Actor in a Drama Series (2012, 2013, 2014) |
Chandler Massey is an American actor best known for his Emmy Award-winning portrayal of Will Horton on the long-running NBC daytime drama Days of Our Lives. Born on September 10, 1990, in Atlanta, Georgia, Massey rose to prominence after joining the soap opera in 2010, quickly becoming one of daytime television’s most recognizable young stars. His nuanced performance in Will Horton’s groundbreaking coming-out storyline earned widespread critical acclaim and made him the first actor to win the Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Younger Actor in a Drama Series three consecutive times. Beyond his work in Salem, Massey has expanded his acting career with television movies, independent films, and streaming projects, demonstrating versatility across multiple genres.
Interest in Chandler Massey extends well beyond his acting credits. Fans frequently search for details about his early life, family, education, relationships, awards, and current projects. He is the son of Lewis A. Massey, the former Secretary of State of Georgia, and Amy Reichard Massey, and grew up alongside his younger siblings, Cameryn Massey and Christian Massey, the latter of whom portrayed a young Will Horton in a flashback scene on Days of Our Lives. After attending Norcross High School in Georgia, Massey moved to California to study at UCLA, where he balanced college with auditions before landing the role that changed his career.
Since then, he has returned to Days of Our Lives multiple times, appeared in television films, and continued to build a loyal fan following. His engagement to actress Stephanie Bennett, combined with his ongoing acting work, has kept him a familiar and admired figure in the entertainment industry. This article explores Chandler Massey’s life, career, achievements, personal relationships, and the journey that made him one of daytime television’s most respected performers.
Early Life and Education
Childhood and Family
Chandler Abit Massey was born on September 10, 1990, in Atlanta, Georgia, where he spent his childhood in a family that valued education, public service, and creativity. His father, Lewis A. Massey, served as the Secretary of State of Georgia from 1996 to 1998 before continuing his career in business and higher education. His mother, Amy Reichard Massey, played an important role in creating a supportive home environment that encouraged curiosity, hard work, and personal growth.
Chandler is the oldest of three children. He grew up with his younger sister, Cameryn Massey, and younger brother, Christian Massey. Acting eventually became a shared family interest, with Christian later portraying a young version of Will Horton in a flashback episode of Days of Our Lives. While the siblings pursued different paths, they remained close, and Chandler has occasionally spoken about the importance of family support throughout his career.
Although his father held a prominent public office, Chandler’s upbringing was largely private and grounded. Rather than being immersed in Hollywood from an early age, he enjoyed a relatively typical childhood filled with school activities, friendships, and family life in suburban Georgia.
School and College Years
Massey attended Norcross High School in Norcross, Georgia, where he balanced academics with extracurricular interests. While he had an appreciation for film and television, acting was not initially viewed as a guaranteed career path. Instead, he focused on his education while gradually developing confidence in performing.
After graduating from high school, Chandler moved across the country to attend the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). Relocating to Los Angeles placed him at the center of the entertainment industry while allowing him to pursue higher education at one of the nation’s leading public universities.
At UCLA, he balanced coursework with auditions, often managing the demands of college life alongside the uncertainty of beginning an acting career. The experience taught him discipline and perseverance—qualities that would later prove essential in the competitive world of television.
Discovering a Passion for Acting
Unlike many actors who begin working as children, Chandler Massey discovered his passion for acting during his late teenage years. Living in Los Angeles while attending UCLA gave him access to auditions, acting workshops, and industry professionals, allowing him to explore the craft in a practical setting.
Rather than expecting overnight success, he approached acting as a skill to be developed. He spent time learning from auditions, studying performances, and gaining experience wherever possible. Each opportunity helped strengthen his confidence and prepare him for larger roles.
His persistence paid off in 2010 when he landed the role of Will Horton on Days of Our Lives. The casting decision marked a turning point in his life, transforming him from a university student pursuing auditions into one of daytime television’s brightest emerging talents.
Building an Acting Career
First Steps in Hollywood
After moving to Los Angeles for college, Chandler Massey began pursuing acting while continuing his studies at UCLA. Like many aspiring performers, his early career involved auditions, callbacks, and learning how the television industry worked. Rather than landing a major role immediately, he spent time developing his skills, building confidence in front of the camera, and gaining practical experience.
Although the beginning of his career was modest, Massey’s commitment to improving his craft helped him stand out to casting directors. His natural screen presence, emotional range, and ability to portray sincere, relatable characters quickly became defining strengths.
Breakthrough on Days of Our Lives
In 2010, Massey’s career changed when he was cast as Will Horton on the long-running NBC soap opera Days of Our Lives. Taking over a legacy character on an established series is never easy, but he quickly made the role his own through nuanced and emotionally honest performances.
Will Horton evolved from a supporting character into one of the show’s central figures, particularly during storylines exploring identity, family relationships, first love, and personal growth. His portrayal of Will’s coming-out journey was widely praised for its sensitivity and authenticity, earning recognition from viewers, critics, and LGBTQ+ advocacy groups. At a time when meaningful LGBTQ+ representation was still relatively uncommon in daytime television, the storyline became one of the most talked-about narratives on the series.
Massey’s chemistry with his fellow cast members, particularly in Will’s relationships with his family and romantic partners, helped make those storylines resonate with audiences. His ability to balance emotional vulnerability with quiet confidence transformed Will Horton into one of the show’s defining characters of the 2010s.
Critical Acclaim and Industry Recognition
As Will Horton’s popularity grew, so did recognition for Massey’s performances. Critics consistently praised his ability to handle emotionally demanding scenes while bringing maturity and realism to a complex role.
His work culminated in an extraordinary achievement at the Daytime Emmy Awards. Massey won the Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Younger Actor in a Drama Series three consecutive years—2012, 2013, and 2014—making him the first actor to accomplish that feat in the category. The unprecedented run established him as one of the most respected young performers in daytime television.
These awards were more than personal milestones. They reflected the impact of his performances and confirmed that he had become one of the standout actors of his generation within the soap opera industry.
Leaving and Returning to Salem
After several successful years on the show, Massey completed filming his original run on Days of Our Lives in August 2013. Because the series films months ahead of broadcast, his final episodes aired in 2014, sometimes leading to confusion about the timing of his departure.
His exit disappointed many longtime viewers, but it did not mark the end of his association with the series. In the years that followed, Massey returned for guest appearances before eventually reprising the role on a more regular basis.
Each return was warmly welcomed by fans, many of whom continued to associate Will Horton most closely with Massey’s portrayal. His willingness to revisit the character demonstrated both his appreciation for the show’s audience and the lasting connection he shares with one of daytime television’s most beloved roles.
By returning to Days of Our Lives while also exploring opportunities in television movies and independent productions, Massey showed that he was committed to expanding his career without leaving behind the role that launched him into the spotlight.
Biggest Career Highlights
Making Daytime Emmy History
Few actors achieve the level of recognition Chandler Massey received so early in their careers. His portrayal of Will Horton earned widespread critical acclaim and culminated in one of the most impressive award runs in daytime television history.
Massey won the Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Younger Actor in a Drama Series three years in a row—2012, 2013, and 2014. At the time, he became the first performer to win the category in three consecutive years, a milestone that underscored both the consistency of his performances and the impact of his work on Days of Our Lives.
The recognition extended beyond industry awards. Fans praised his ability to portray deeply emotional storylines with honesty and compassion, while critics highlighted his maturity and natural screen presence despite his young age.
Defining the Role of Will Horton
Although Chandler Massey has worked on a variety of projects, Will Horton remains the role most closely associated with his career.
During his time on Days of Our Lives, the character evolved from a teenager navigating family relationships into one of the show’s emotional anchors. Storylines involving Will’s coming out, his romance with Sonny Kiriakis, marriage, fatherhood, and personal struggles became some of the most memorable moments in the series’ modern history.
Massey’s performances helped make Will and Sonny—affectionately known by fans as “WilSon”—one of daytime television’s most beloved couples. Their relationship was praised for portraying a same-sex romance with depth, sincerity, and long-term storytelling, helping broaden LGBTQ+ representation on network television.
Because of this lasting connection, many viewers continue to identify Chandler Massey with one of the most important characters in the show’s history.
Expanding Beyond Daytime Television
Rather than limiting himself to soap operas, Massey gradually broadened his acting portfolio by accepting roles in television films, streaming productions, and independent movies.
These projects allowed him to explore different genres while demonstrating his versatility as an actor. Whether appearing in romantic comedies, dramas, or mystery films, he continued to build experience beyond the daytime television audience that first embraced his work.
His performances showed that he could comfortably transition between emotionally driven dramatic roles and lighter, family-oriented productions.
Hallmark and Television Movies
In recent years, Chandler Massey has become increasingly familiar to audiences through television movies, including family-friendly romantic films.
These productions introduced him to viewers who may not have followed Days of Our Lives, helping him expand his fan base beyond soap opera audiences.
His approachable screen presence, natural chemistry with co-stars, and ability to portray relatable characters have made him a strong fit for television movies centered on romance, holidays, and heartfelt storytelling.
By balancing these projects with his continuing work on Days of Our Lives, Massey has demonstrated an ability to maintain a diverse acting career while remaining connected to the role that established his reputation.
Building a Lasting Television Career
More than a decade after making his daytime television debut, Chandler Massey remains one of the most recognizable actors to emerge from Days of Our Lives.
His combination of award-winning performances, memorable storylines, and continued professional growth has allowed him to build a career based on longevity rather than short-term success.
Instead of relying solely on past achievements, Massey has continued to seek new opportunities while remaining grateful for the role that introduced him to millions of viewers.
That balance between honoring his roots and embracing new creative challenges has helped establish him as one of the most respected performers of his generation in daytime television.
Relationships, Family, and Personal Life
Relationship With Stephanie Bennett
Although Chandler Massey has generally kept his personal life out of the public eye, he has shared one significant milestone with his fans. In March 2023, he announced his engagement to Canadian actress Stephanie Bennett, best known for her work in television movies and series, including several Hallmark productions.
The couple have largely chosen to keep their relationship private, occasionally sharing glimpses of their lives together while avoiding excessive public attention. Their engagement was warmly received by fans, many of whom had followed Massey’s career for years and were happy to celebrate the news alongside him.
Despite working in the entertainment industry, both actors have maintained a balanced approach to public life, preferring to let their professional work speak louder than their personal lives.
Family Life
Family has remained a constant source of support throughout Massey’s career. He has often spoken positively about the encouragement he received while pursuing acting, particularly during the uncertain years of auditions and early television work.
His father, Lewis A. Massey, served as Georgia’s Secretary of State before continuing a distinguished career in business and higher education, while his mother, Amy Reichard Massey, helped create a stable and supportive home environment.
Chandler also shares a close relationship with his younger siblings, Cameryn Massey and Christian Massey. Fans of Days of Our Lives may recognize Christian for portraying a young Will Horton in a flashback scene—an appearance that created a memorable real-life connection between the brothers on screen.
Although Massey’s professional commitments often keep him busy, he continues to value time with family and has largely avoided turning his personal relationships into public entertainment.
Life Outside Acting
Away from television sets and film productions, Chandler Massey enjoys a relatively low-key lifestyle.
He has expressed an appreciation for travel, spending time outdoors, watching films, and supporting creative projects. Friends and colleagues frequently describe him as approachable, thoughtful, and easy to work with—qualities that have earned him respect throughout the industry.
Unlike many actors who maintain highly active public profiles, Massey has chosen a more measured approach to social media. He occasionally connects with fans online but generally focuses on sharing career updates rather than every aspect of his private life.
This balance has allowed him to maintain a genuine relationship with his audience while protecting the privacy that has remained important throughout his career.
Current Work and Future Plans
More than a decade after first appearing on Days of Our Lives, Chandler Massey continues to enjoy a successful acting career.
His ongoing appearances as Will Horton have kept him closely connected to one of daytime television’s most loyal fan communities, while his work in television films and independent productions has introduced him to new audiences.
Looking ahead, Massey appears well positioned to continue expanding his career across multiple genres. His proven ability to move between drama, romance, and family-oriented productions gives him flexibility that many actors spend years trying to achieve.
As streaming platforms continue creating new opportunities for actors, fans remain eager to see him explore additional television series, feature films, and original productions.
Legacy and Influence
Chandler Massey’s impact on daytime television extends well beyond awards and ratings.
His portrayal of Will Horton helped redefine LGBTQ+ representation in daytime drama by presenting a character whose stories centered on love, family, identity, and personal growth rather than stereotypes. The success of those storylines demonstrated that inclusive storytelling could resonate with audiences across generations.
His three consecutive Daytime Emmy Awards remain one of the most remarkable achievements by a young actor in the genre’s history, reflecting both his talent and the respect he earned from industry professionals.
For many viewers, Massey’s performances provided meaningful representation during an important period in television history. For aspiring actors, his journey illustrates how dedication, patience, and consistent improvement can lead to long-term success.
Conclusion
Chandler Massey’s journey from Atlanta, Georgia, to becoming one of daytime television’s most celebrated actors is a story of talent, perseverance, and steady professional growth. After balancing college life at UCLA with the challenges of beginning an acting career, he found the role that would define his professional life when he joined Days of Our Lives as Will Horton.
Over the years, his award-winning performances, emotional storytelling, and ability to connect with audiences earned him widespread recognition, including three consecutive Daytime Emmy Awards. At the same time, he successfully expanded his career through television movies and independent productions while remaining closely connected to the character that introduced him to millions of viewers.
Away from the spotlight, Massey has built a life centered on family, meaningful relationships, and personal privacy. His engagement to actress Stephanie Bennett marks another important chapter in his journey, while his continued work in television demonstrates his commitment to growing as both an actor and storyteller.
As Chandler Massey continues exploring new opportunities, his legacy is already firmly established. Whether audiences know him as Will Horton, an Emmy-winning performer, or a versatile television actor, he remains one of the most respected and admired figures to emerge from modern daytime television.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Chandler Massey?
Chandler Massey is an American actor best known for portraying Will Horton on Days of Our Lives.
How old is Chandler Massey?
He was born on September 10, 1990.
Where is Chandler Massey from?
He is from Atlanta, Georgia, United States.
Who are Chandler Massey’s parents?
His parents are Lewis A. Massey, former Secretary of State of Georgia, and Amy Reichard Massey.
Does Chandler Massey have siblings?
Yes. He has a younger sister, Cameryn Massey, and a younger brother, Christian Massey.
Is Chandler Massey married?
No. Chandler Massey is engaged to actress Stephanie Bennett.
What is Chandler Massey famous for?
He is best known for playing Will Horton on Days of Our Lives.
How many Daytime Emmy Awards has Chandler Massey won?
He won the Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Younger Actor in a Drama Series three consecutive times—in 2012, 2013, and 2014.
What movies and TV shows has Chandler Massey appeared in?
In addition to Days of Our Lives, he has appeared in television movies, independent films, and several family-friendly romantic productions.
What is Chandler Massey doing now?
He continues acting, including appearances on Days of Our Lives, while pursuing new television and film opportunities.
Last Updated: Julyy 2026
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