Inside Deidre Hall’s 50-year run on ‘Days of Our Lives’ and what’s next
A Legacy of Drama and Resilience
Inside Deidre Hall s 50 year – Over the past five decades, Dr. Marlena Evans has remained a defining presence on the NBC soap opera Days of Our Lives. Portrayed by the legendary Deidre Hall, the character has weathered a series of extraordinary challenges, from supernatural encounters to life-threatening events. Hall, now 78, has been instrumental in bringing Marlena to life, navigating a career that has spanned nearly half a century and left an indelible mark on the show’s history.
Marlena’s journey has been as unpredictable as it has been gripping. The character has faced possession by the devil, an event that occurred twice over the years. She has also endured a dramatic fall from a height of 30 feet, survived a coma following a surrogate role for alien twins, and battled threats from multiple serial killers. Even her own psyche was once manipulated, as she was made to believe she was a killer herself. These plotlines have tested both the character and the actor who embodies her, creating moments that have captivated fans worldwide.
Marlena and the Actress: A Shared Journey
While Deidre Hall admits to often dismissing direct comparisons between her personal life and Marlena’s, she acknowledges their shared essence as survivors. The character’s resilience has become a mirror for Hall’s own enduring commitment to the role. However, she emphasizes that the connection between Marlena and the audience transcends mere coincidence.
“This is not about my own personal family; this is about fans,” Hall explains, reflecting on the unique bond she’s formed with the show’s loyal viewers. “They trust me with their hopes and heartbreaks, and I get to carry those stories forward.”
Hall’s perspective on the role is shaped by her deep immersion in the series since 1976. One of the most impactful storylines she recalls involves Marlena’s grandson, Will Horton, coming out as gay. This moment, she says, resonated strongly with fans, particularly younger men who found solace in seeing their struggles reflected on screen.
“We had a lot of mail from young men expressing their wish for their mothers to accept their sexuality or for their grandmothers to be there to support them,” Hall shares. “It was heartening to see how the show could serve as a platform for understanding and empathy.” She praises the writers for handling the storyline with nuance, allowing the audience to witness different approaches to love and identity.
The Devil’s Possession: A Signature Moment
Among the most memorable episodes of Marlena’s arc, the 1994 storyline where the devil takes control of her remains a standout. This event unfolded as Stefano DiMera, played by Joseph Mascolo, sought to brainwash Marlena into loving him. Instead, her soul became a vessel for darker forces, leading to a haunting transformation that captivated viewers.
Hall recalls the challenges of bringing this scene to life. She describes using contact lenses to change her eye color to yellow, a process she found tedious. The physical effects were equally demanding, as she had to simulate levitation during the possession sequence. To achieve this, the show’s producers enlisted a specialized team separate from the special effects crew, ensuring the supernatural element felt authentic and immersive.
One of Hall’s cherished mementos from that period is a crucifix gifted to her by showrunner Ken Corday. The item, blessed by a priest during his travels in Italy, was used as a prop throughout the episode. “We were all a little excited and had our own belief systems about the devil,” Hall says, laughing. “That crucifix became a symbol of our shared commitment to the story, and we never filmed a scene without it.”
Streaming and the Evolution of the Show
As Days of Our Lives transitioned to streaming on Peacock, the production style shifted, offering new creative freedoms. Hall notes that this change has allowed for more relaxed filming, enabling the cast to embrace bold choices that might have been riskier on traditional broadcast television.
“The shift to streaming was a revelation,” Hall says. “I remember doing a scene where Christie Clark, who plays my daughter Carrie, wore a revealing top. I jokingly told her to button it up, and she replied, ‘No, it’s OK. We’re streaming now.’ That was when I realized how different the medium had become.”
With the show’s 62nd and 63rd seasons recently renewed, Hall remains optimistic about her future on the series. She jokes that her departure will be signaled by the moment her key card no longer opens the studio gate. “It’s an easy life for me,” she says. “I don’t work every day, and I memorize lines with ease, which is a gift at this stage of my career.”
Despite the long hours and dramatic roles, Hall cherishes the camaraderie she’s built with fellow cast members. She highlights the joy of working with creative collaborators, including the makeup artists who have become close friends. “I get to sit in the makeup chair and ask my artist how her son’s college exams went,” she laughs. “It’s a unique way to connect with people I’ve known for years, and I adore those moments.”
A Special Anniversary and Looking Ahead
To commemorate 50 years of Marlena’s presence on the show, Days of Our Lives is airing a special retrospective episode on June 22, 2026, exclusively on Peacock. This celebration will allow fans to revisit the character’s most iconic moments, from her early days as a devoted mother to her later transformations into a supernatural force.
While the anniversary episode marks a milestone, Hall’s dedication to the role shows no signs of waning. She reflects on the evolution of the character and the show itself, noting how Marlena has grown alongside the series. “The storylines have changed, but the core of Marlena—the strength and complexity—has remained constant,” she says.
As the series continues to evolve, Hall remains committed to her craft. She credits the show’s writers for keeping the narrative fresh and relevant, while also honoring the legacy of past storylines. For fans who have followed Marlena’s journey, the retrospective will serve as a nostalgic trip down memory lane, offering a glimpse into the decades of drama that have defined the character’s life on screen.
Ultimately, Hall sees her role as more than just a job—it’s a partnership with the audience. “Marlena has taught me so much,” she says. “And in turn, she’s given me the opportunity to share her story with people who have come to trust and admire her. That’s the beauty of this medium, and I’ll be there for as long as it feels right.”
