Austin Peck (Austin Reed). WHEN AUSTIN Reed came back to Salem last fall, he immediately became embroiled in the love quadrangle that was one of the reasons he left Salem a few years earlier. He saved Sami Brady from a life in prison and caused her heart to pitter-patter for her hero all over again.
But, like before, Austin has eyes only for Carrie Brady. When Christie Clark (Carrie) returned to Days of Our Lives a few months later, the tug of war within Austin's heart was back on. "Austin is constantly tortured about doing the right thing. He's deeply in love with a woman who has chosen to be with another man. He loves Sami, but his deep-set passion is with Carrie."
While viewers are treated to a second chance with Austin Peck (Austin), Peck himself is treated to reconnecting with his 'second family'. According to Peck, "Days is one of the most positive shows you can work on. It's a great, family-type environment. I really enjoy it. Especially playing Austin's struggles and trials."
Like his character, Peck loves to box and is a family man. "My life's not too exciting or glamorous. In my free time, I like to box, spend time with my family and go to church. That's really about it."
And lucky for Peck, his life isn't in as much turmoil as his alter ego's. "It's very frustrating for Austin that Carrie has chosen to be with his brother. But Austin has always been the kind of guy to take the upper road. He respects what Carrie wants."
LYING AND INTERFERING
But that doesn't mean he has to like it. Since Carrie made her decision to choose Lucas (based on Sami's lying and interfering), she and Austin have shared some torturous moments as well as some steamy kisses. While the passion and the love are still and have always been there, Carrie seems determined to stay with Lucas.
Down the line, Peck would like to see his character "lose more control. I try to incorporate letting Austin be more pro-active, and not as much of a victim of Sami."
Austin has learned from his previous dealing with the devious Brady sister. "He doesn't buy into her being innocent anymore. He lets Sami get away with what he wants her to get away with. Although he can never know all that Sami is up to, what he does know, he keeps in check."
Fans of Days can only sit and watch as Sami's devious plans keep Austin and Carrie apart, but Peck hopes that soon Austin will be happy and with the woman he loves. Hopefully, the upper road will lead Austin and Carrie to happiness.
