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TR Coates (also known as Ray) is a fictional character on the NBC soap opera, Days of Our Lives, played by William Christian. Film executive, TR Coates was introduced on January 26, 2022 as he sets out to convince Johnny DiMera's (Carson Boatman) to restart production his movie. He is later revealed to be the biological father of established character Lani Price Grant (Sal Stowers) and the abusive ex-boyfriend Paulina Price (Jackée Harry).

Storylines
TR arrives in Salem demanding that Johnny honor their contract and continue production on the movie about the demonic possession of his grandmother, Marlena Evans (Deidre Hall). However, Johnny reveals that he abandoned the project after Marlena's most recent possession. Excited by the possibility of a sequels, TR convinces Johnny to go against his family's wishes, move forward with the movie and blame everything on him. TR runs into his ex-girlfriend Paulina who wants nothing to do with him as he abused her in the past. However, TR apologizes, insisting he's a changed man, having made a career for himself in film making. Paulina does not approve of his dealings with Johnny, the man who just dumped her daughter. Paulina is cagey when TR ask about her daughter and even Lani – who Paulina claims is her niece – interrupts them. Having looked her up online, TR's suspicions about Lani are confirmed by Paulina's other daughter, Chanel Dupree (Raven Bowens) who claims Lani as her sister. TR makes a beeline for Lani but she rejects him. However, he vows to be a part of Lani's life.

Creation and casting
The character of TR Coates was announced by Soaps.com on January 18, 2022. Later, Soap Opera Digest announced that Christian had been cast in the role and was set to debut on January 26, 2022. Christian, best known for his Daytime Emmy Award nominated role as Derek Frye on All My Children, had a four episode guest stint in 2018. Christian was contacted by co-executive producer Albert Alarr, his friend of 30+ years, about the role. However, Christian was hesitant to take the role as he had recently relocated to Boston with his family. Ultimately, it was his family's encouragement that convinced Christian to take the gig. Commuting for work was something Christian became accustomed to during his tenure on All My Children as he resided in Los Angeles, and filmed in New York.

Introduction
The character is introduced as the producer of Johnny's producer.

He is later revealed to be Paulina's abusive ex and Lani's biological father.

Reception
Lori Wilson categorized Ray's introduction as "the next logical step" after Lani's true lineage was exposed. Wilson also suggested several actors that couple fill the role, including another All My Children alumni, Stowers' former co-star Darnell Williams. While Christian was not initially on their radar, "we're just as intrigued" Soaps.com said of the casting news. Kambra Clifford said of Christian's casting, "Here comes trouble!"