Decades of demonic possessions, returning from the dead, and murderous love triangles
can really change you, as these Days of Our Lives actors show.
Played by actress Diedre Hall, Dr. Marlena Evans is one of the most well-known and loved
characters on "Days of Our Lives".
Hall made her debut in 1976 as the psychiatrist in the show's town of Salem, and over the
past 55 years, she's gone through plenty of trials and tribulations — including being
possessed by a demon on multiple occasions.
Since then, she's become a serious fan favorite.
Over the course of her career, Hall made appearances in various television shows, including "Woman
on the Ledge," "Our House" and "Electra Woman and Dyna Girl."
She's even taken home many prestigious awards; Hall was named Best Television Role Model,
won the American Women in Radio and Television Award in 1994, and was nominated to receive
a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2016.
In addition to her impressive acting resume, the actress has published two books, "Deidre
Hall's 'How Does She Do It?'
A Beauty Book" and "Deidre Hall's Kitchen Closeup."
Hall is also the mother to two babies via surrogate.
Susan Seaforth Hayes is another long-term "Days of Our Lives" actress who made her debut
in 1968 as Julie Olson, a character she played on and off for over 50 years.
Hayes has been nominated for five Daytime Emmy Awards and even received the Lifetime
Achievement Award in 2018 for the iconic role.
Before the show, she appeared in several TV series, including "Death Valley Days," "My
Three Sons," "Matlock," and "Perry Mason".
Undoubtedly, Hayes' time on "Days" gave her an extraordinary, lifelong career, but it's
also where she met her true love with Bill Hayes, who also played her on-screen character's
love interest, Doug Williams.
The couple has been together since 1974, and in 2005, authored the book, "Like Sands Through
The Hourglass" about their love story and lives together working in the entertainment industry.
Longtime "Days of Our Lives" fans are likely equal fans of Bill Hayes' character Doug Williams.
Hayes debuted on the NBC soap opera in 1970, and is one of the few original actors left
to be featured on the show.
His character owns a restaurant called Doug's Place and loves to entertain people with his singing.
The actor has also worked on a number of other projects and television movies, including
"Frasier," "Cop Rock," "Hooperman," and "The Interns."
Along with a very successful career, Hayes found real-life love on the "Days" set with
co-star Susan Seaforth Hayes after divorcing his first wife, Mary Hobbs.
In an interview with Soap Opera Digest, Hayes and Susan spoke about their relationship,
giving thanks to the show for bringing them together not only professionally, but also
in their love lives, saying,
"Boy, we have been blessed!
We have had health, we've had good times together, we've worked together, we get along.
How many couples do not?"
If you're a longtime fan of "Days of Our Lives," you're likely familiar with Maggie Horton,
the character played by the one and only Suzanne Rogers.
In 1973, the actress joined the show, and became the subject of several bittersweet
storylines, including the romance with her husband, Mickey Horton. Rogers was later awarded
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Daytime Drama Series in 1979, and Best Supporting
Actress for a Daytime Drama Series in 2003 for the role.
Although she played a beloved character in Salem for decades, Rogers faced several challenges
in her personal life while filming and was ultimately forced to take time off from the
show to recover from a medical crisis.
In a 2021 interview with Soaps, the actress revealed that she'd choked on a large pill
while putting curlers in her hair, then waking up in the hospital two weeks later.
Rogers said she had damaged her hair, and an ongoing autoimmune disease had returned
under the stress, so was sent to a rehabilitation center to focus on her recovery.
She eventually recovered and is back performing on the show alongside her co-stars.
One of the most iconic and well-known storylines on "Days of Our Lives" is between Kristian
Alfonso's character, Hope Williams Brady, and her TV husband Bo Brady, played by Peter Reckell.
Alfonso debuted on the soap opera in 1983, and later took home a Daytime Emmy award in
2002 for America's Favorite Couple as a result of fans' obsession with the on-screen relationship.
While she's been on and off the series over several years, Alfonso officially took her
role back in the spinoff, "Days of Our Lives: Beyond Salem."
Although she told People that there are a lot of expectations to live up to, and that
she's nervous to play Hope again, she's most excited about working with her partner in
crime again, revealing.
"I think, probably just the lead-up of it all, I want it to be great.
I put the pressure on myself.
I am definitely looking forward to working with Petey."
Drake Hogestyn, best known for his role as Roman Brady, or John Black depending on when
you're watching, has become a staple cast member on the series.
After joining the show in 1986, his character quickly became an icon for his part in one
of the biggest television love stories, alongside Deidre Hall's Marlena Evans.
However, due to budget cuts in 2008, the series was ultimately forced to lay off the favorite
Salem resident.
NBC eventually brought Hogestyn back after fans' outpouring of support and love for his
original character.
Hogestyn's personal life was filled with just as much love.
He married his childhood girlfriend, Victoria, and started a family in California.
The couple share four children: Ben, Whitney, Alexandra, and Rachael.
Alison Sweeney's Samantha "Sami" Brady has given fans plenty of drama-filled storylines,
starting with her debut in 1993.
While on the show, she won five Soap Opera Digest awards, as well as a Daytime Emmy for
the role.
Sweeney has also starred in several television series and Hallmark films, including "Days
of Our Lives: A Very Salem Christmas," "Hannah Swensen Mysteries," and "The Wedding Veil Unveiled".
As much as we loved watching her shine as Sami on the soap opera, in a 2014 interview
on "The Ellen DeGeneres Show," the actress announced her departure from the series for
good, saying,
"I'm celebrating my 21st year, and I decided it's going to be my last year on the show."
In an exclusive interview with People, Sweeney spoke on how she loves having the opportunity
to create movies for other platforms, saying,
"I love playing Sami but no, full-time is not the plan for me.
[...] I produce and develop content for Hallmark, and for other streaming services.
I love getting to do my own projects."
Although he's stepped into various TV roles, including "Knots Landing" and "Baywatch",
Peter Reckell is most recognized for his iconic portrayal as Bo Brady in "Days of Our Lives."
The actor made a highly anticipated return to Salem in the soap opera's miniseries spinoff,
"Days of Our Lives: Beyond Salem".
Although Reckell has been a part of the series since 1983, the actor admitted that he felt
nervous about making another appearance.
In March 2022, he tweeted,
"I'm as nervous as anyone.
It's been a long time coming!"
In the comments, fans welcomed him back with open arms and excitement.
Soap opera legend John Aniston is one of the most popular actors in the entertainment industry.
Not only is he the father to "Friends" alumna Jennifer Aniston, but he's also made a huge
impact on "Days of Our Lives."
Aniston joined the series as Victor Kiriakis in 1985, and fans have fallen in love with
watching his character be a total ladies man, causing plenty of chaos amongst other Salem residents.
The seasoned actor received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 49th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards
for his iconic role.
Beyond "Days," Aniston has appeared in other television shows and movies, including "Gilmore
Girls," "Star Trek: Voyager," "Journeyman," and "Mission: Impossible."
Bryan Dattilo made his debut on "Days of Our Lives" in 1993 as Lucas Roberts.
The character is known for his close relationship with Allison Sweeney's Sami Brady, as the
two went through many challenges together.
During the past few decades while on the show, Dattilo explored other television show opportunities,
including roles in "CSI: NY," "California Dreams," and "In the Heat of the Night."
The actor launched a podcast in February 2022 centered on paranormal activities, with a
focus on aliens, abductions, and other space-related topics.
After splitting from his first wife in 2001, with whom he shares a son, Dattilo later married
Elizabeth Cameron in July 2011.
James Reynolds is one of the longest-running actors on "Days of Our Lives."
He made his show debut in 1981 as Abraham Carver, quickly growing as a fan favorite
over the following decades.
Due to his long-term dedication to the series, Reynolds has been nominated for three Daytime
Emmys and took home the Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series award in 2018 for all of
his "Days" achievements.
To celebrate his 40-year run on the show, Reynolds was granted a special anniversary
episode dedicated entirely to his character.
However, outside of his "Days" career, Reynolds is married to his wife, actress Lissa Layng,
and together they work as artistic directors at the Fremont Centre Theater in South Pasadena.
Stephen Nichols debuted on the NBC soap opera in 1985.
His character, Steve Johnson, is known as Patch because of an eye patch he began to
wear after losing his eye in a fight with Peter Reckell's Bo Brady.
If you're a fan of the show, you know Nichols' character becomes incredibly close with Kayla
Brady, played by Mary Beth Evans, and the two fall in love, becoming another one of
the series' most iconic couples.
Since his debut nearly 40 years ago, Nichols has won three Soap Opera Digest awards.
Great acting skills aside, the 71-year-old is also a great dad.
He and his wife, Lisa, share three now-adult children, whom Nichols never fails to share
photos of on social media.
Mary Beth Evans took on the character of Kayla Brady on "Days of Our Lives" in 1986 after
Catherine Mary Stuart left the role.
Since her debut, we've watched her character take over Salem and fall in love with Steve
Johnson.
As much as we've admired their on-screen romance, the co-stars' friendship in real life is even sweeter.
For his birthday, Evans posted a tribute to Nichols on Instagram, sending all her love
and best wishes, writing,
"You are one of the true loves of my life.
35 years of friendship...
how lucky are we!
Have a great day and remember the best is yet to come,"
In addition to being an incredible soap actress, Evans appeared in plenty of other television
shows and movies, including "The Rookie," "The Bay," "This Just In," and "Criminal Minds."
Not to mention, she has taken home an Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress on a Drama Series
for her "Days" role.