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Paulina Price is a fictional character on the American soap opera, Days of Our Lives, on the NBC network. Portrayed by Emmy winning actress Jackée Harry, Paulina was created by head writer Ron Carlivati and introduced by executive producers Ken Corday and Albert Alarr as the aunt of established character Lani Price Grant (Sal Stowers). Harry made her debut on March 1, 2021.

Storylines
Paulina arrives in Salem to visit her niece Lani who has recently welcomed newborn twins, Jules and Carver. Paulina is happy to meet Lani's husband Eli Grant (Lamon Archey) and her father Abe Carver (James Reynolds). Paulina convinces Abe to introduce her to a local landlord who is looking to lease his storefront property in the town square which upsets Kate Roberts (Lauren Koslow). Paulina is determined to open the door for more minority owned businesses in town. As Paulina gets acquainted with Salem, she befriends Eli's mother Valerie Grant (Vanessa Estelle Williams) while she clashes with Eli's grandmother Julie Olson Williams (Susan Seaforth Hayes) when she appoints herself as Jules's godmother over Julie. Ultimately, Valerie must break it to Paulina that Julie is the godmother. Though disappointed, she understands but next Paulina must contend with her daughter Chanel's (Precious Way) sudden arrival as she causes trouble for Claire Brady (Isabel Durant) and Tripp Dalton (Lucas Adams). Paulina gives Chanel a reality check when she cuts her off and orders her to get a job. Meanwhile, Paulina gets close to Abe as she pitches a development project for the town square but needs Abe's help to move forward due to zoning laws. Paulina is irate to learn Chanel has married troubled Xander Kiriakis (Paul Telfer) for his money. After Abe fills her in on Xander's extensive criminal history, she enlist Lani's help in convincing Chanel to divorce Xander. Paulina is speechless when Lani reveals that Xander will only divorce Chanel in exchange for $10 million. Paulina meets with Chanel and Xander, but instead of giving into his demands, she offers Xander $100,000 which upsets Chanel as she and Xander planned to split the millions. A furious Paulina destroys the check leaving Chanel to figure it out on her own. Paulina then says her goodbyes as she plans a brief return to Miami in order to make Salem her new home. Before she leaves, Paulina shares a secret with Jules and Carver.

Upon her return, Paulina reconnects with Tamara's college roommate Marlena Evans (Deidre Hall).

Creation and casting
On December 8, 2020, during an appearance on NBC's Today, Harry announced that she would soon join the cast of Days of Our Lives. Harry said "It’s a brand-new storyline with African Americans." "Look out, Salem … Here I come" Harry said of the news on Twitter. It was later reported that the character was called "Paulina" and Harry was slated to debut in March 2021. Stephanie Chase reported that Harry was set to begin taping in December 2020. On February 16, 2021, Carlivati announced that Harry would debut on March 1, 2021.

In January 2020, on Twitter, Carlivati asked Harry when her iconic 227 character, Sandra Clark, would come to Salem? Harry admitted that she was interested. While he saw it as playful banter, Carlivati was definitely interested. "I'm a huge fan of hers so I was like 'When are we bringing Jackée to the show?'" A year later, a storyline set to launch in early 2021 created the perfect opportunity for the writer so he presented the idea to executive producers Ken Corday and Albert Alarr. Carlivati told Soap Opera Digest, "I didn't know where it would go" or if Harry was truly interested, "but luckily for us, she starts taping very soon and we're very happy about that." While Harry was initially worried that she had been "typecast again… As soon as they said she would have money, I said yes."

Personality
Harry herself called the character "fabulous." Paulina was described in a press release as "successful and outspoken." Carlivati described Paulina as a "very independent, self-made woman." In an exclusive interview with Entertainment Weekly, Harry described the character as "wealthy" and "opinionated." Paulina is "scandalous." The actress further described Paulina as "fierce" and "sexy." Paulina is "classy, which I like. But when push comes to shove, don't mess with her cubs." In an interview with Soap Opera Digest, Harry further described the "fun and full of life" Paulina as "a strong, determined woman of power."

According to Daytime Confidential's Jillian Bowe, Paulina "doesn't hold her tongue." In 2021, Bowe further described Paulina as a "diva down to her socks."

Backstory and lineage
Paulina often comes and goes as she pleases. But she never missed an opportunity to spoil Lani, much to Tamara's chagrin including buying her a pony. Paulina had a difficult life before she married her husband George Dupree, who later fathered her daughter Chanel. George was a stay-at-home dad, while Paulina made a fortune in real-estate.

As a teenager, Paulina had a retainer and wore her hair in pigtails. She would often visit Tamara and Marlena at college.

Introduction (2021)
As the Carver family is in crisis due to the abduction of Eli and Lani's newborn twins, "Paulina comes to town in connection to what happens to those babies." On February 2, 2021, it was announced that Precious Way had been cast in the role Paulina's daughter, Chanel and the characters would be introduced together. On February 22, 2021, Days of Our Lives released a promo featuring Jackée.

After Days was picked up for two more seasons in 2021, Harry was placed on contract with the series, according to Deadline Hollywood.

Secret daughter
Before her debut, Harry warned Paulina had "plenty" of secrets, "that'll be exposed later."

Reception
Soap Central's Kambra Clifford noted that while Harry and Carlivati's January 2020 social media exchange was "all in jest, many fans have already jumped on board in support of the possibility of the actress coming to the NBC drama series." Bowe said "Paging DAYS executive producers Ken Corday, Albert Alarr, and Greg Meng . . . make this happen!"

The casting news was very well received. Rosy Cordero from Entertainment Weekly said Harry "has a lot to celebrate in 2020!" "Now, her dreams are coming true" Carly Silver said of Harry's casting news. Diane Brounstein from Soap Hub said of Carlivati, "It looks like he got his wish." "It looks like someone new is moving into 227 Salem Place" Dan Kroll said of the announcement, referencing Harry's iconic sitcom role. OK! magazine's Jaclyn Roth called the announcement "A big surprise!" Monsters and Critics's Rachelle Lewis referred to Harry's casting as "exciting news." Soap Opera News said "We cannot wait to see what drama Jackée brings to Salem!" The Root's Shanelle Genai said she "can't wait to see what kind of funny flare she's gonna bring" to the canvas.

"The streets are buzzing" Bowe said of Harry's casting.

"May the sands and the hourglass be damned" Cordero said of Harry's "shocking debut." Bowe said "Sounds like she'll be a great fit in Salem."


 * Best New Character