Days Of Our Lives
DAYS 50: Villains! Who is The Most Treacherous Of All-Time … Stefano, Ernesto, Kristen, Vivian?

Courtesy/NBC
For 50 years, Days of our Lives has delighted viewers with their devilish portrayals of villains. And in Salem, they come in all shapes, ages, and genders!
NBC.com continues its weekly installment of what has made DAYS unique soap opera viewing as the show heads towards its golden anniversary in November. In the latest video, the network takes a look back at some of the moments of the villains, who have changed the course of events for many beloved super couples and good citizens of the town.
From the “Phoenix” Stefano DiMera (Joseph Mascolo), to the vengeful Ernesto Toscano (Charles Cioffi), to Chinese herb-induced villainy from Vivian Alamain (Louise Sorel), to gun moll Ava Vitali (Tamara Braun), to the duplicitous Kristen DiMera (Eileen Davidson), thesse characters have all commitment heinous acts and crimes.

Courtesy/NBC
In the latest video, watch: the classic Carly (Crystal Chappell) gets buried alive, Hope (Kristian Alfonso) over a vat of acid in her emotional “death” scene, EJ (James Scott) firing gunshots at his father Stefano, Roman (Wayne Northrup) confronting Stefano on the cliff shortly before his “death”, Ava drugging Steve (Stephen Nichols) into her bed, and a black-wigged Kristen setting up Father Eric (Greg Vaughan) for one of the more controversial acts of all-time in order to payback Marlena (Deidre Hall) for ruining her romance with Brady (Eric Martsolf)!
Watch the evil in action after the jump! Then let us know, who is the all-time most treacherous villain of DAYS?
Days Of Our Lives
DAYS OF OUR LIVES Preview: Lexie Emerges and Shocks Abe as the DiMera Family Gathers for The Reading of Stefano’s Will
Next week on all-new episodes of Days of Our Lives, finally it looks like Lexie Carver is fully resurrected when the character now played by Nikki Crawford stumbles into a DiMera family gathering, which is supposed to be for the reading of Stefano DiMera’s will.
In the Peacock video teaser, as EJ (Dan Feuerriegel) and company toast the Phoenix, the secret tunnel door swings open, and out stumbles out Lexie! Meanwhile, Dr, Rolf (Richard Wharton) realizes Lexie is gone and no longer in her bed. When Abe (James Reynolds) sees his beloved Lexie, he is absolutely stunned. But the question is, when Lexie speaks, is she the Lexie of old, or will her memory and brain be all scrambled eggs?
As longtime DAYS viewers know, the part of Lexie was portrayed for years by Renee Jones, who retired from acting after her run which lasted from 1993-2012. At the time of her departure, Lexie was killed-off with an inoperable brain tumor.

Courtesy/Peacock
Elsewhere, Kristen (Stacy Haiduk) is up to no good and now makes a play for Xander (Paul Telfer). but then tells him, “What I want now, is for you to kill him!” Who does she want killed? EJ? Johnny (Carson Boatman)? Or someone else?
Take a look at the official Days of Our Lives spoilers for the week of May 11-15 below.
Monday, May 11
Lexie crashes the reading of Stefano’s will.
Tony makes Gabi an unexpected offer.
Kristen sees Sophia.
EJ questions Cat.
Chad defends Leo.
Tuesday, May 12
Belle asks Marlena for advice.
Holly lashes out at Tate.
Brady and Sarah comfort each other.
Philip comes through for Gabi.
Ari opens up to Liam.
Wednesday, May 13
Steve pays Alex a visit.
EJ pulls a fast one on Gwen.
Marlena offers Paulina support.
Thursday, May 14
Johnny and Chanel lean on each other.
Jada moves Shawn into her place and opens the door for renewed romance.
Gabi presses Ari about her relationship with Liam.
Amy confronts Holly.
Friday, May 15
EJ wants to explore his past with Cat.
Kristen and Chad discuss life and death.
Javi opens up to Rafe.
Gwen plays hardball with Xander.
Check out the latest DAYS promo entitled, “Heartbreak Hotel” below.
Then, let us know, does this Lexie come back from the dead intrigue you, even though Nikki Crawford is taking on the role and not Renee Jones? Do you think she will be anywhere near the same personality she had before she “died’? Who does Kristen want killed now? Weigh-in via the comment section.
Breaking News
DAYS Lauren Koslow Temporarily Fills-In for Jess Walton as ‘The Young and the Restless’ Jill Abbott
In a ironic twist, Lauren Koslow, who currently plays Kate Roberts on Days of Our Lives is returning to The Young and the Restless to play Jill Abbott while temporarily filling in for Jess Walton. Koslow will appear for five episodes beginning on Thursday, June 25.
Koslow first appeared on The Young and the Restless back in 1984 in what was her first soap opera role when she was cast as Lindsey Wells. Now, she returns decades later subbing for Walton, who due to a scheduling conflict, was was unable to travel to Los Angeles when the storyline called for Jill. The Emmy-winning Walton has played the Jill since 1987 and went on recurring status with the show in 2012. Jess also left Los Angeles to reside in Oregon in 2011.
Making this all the richer was the original Jill played by Brenda Dickson, often shared scenes with Koslow’s Y&R character. Lauren played Lindsey Wells until 1986, before moving over to The Bold and the Beautiful as Margo Lynley. Koslow was B&B’s Margo from 1987–1992, and again in 2002. Then, in 1996, she was cast on Days of Our Lives as Kate Roberts, replacing Deborah Adair, and she has been in Salem ever since. But there’s still another another twist to this casting history. Y&R viewers recall Deborah Adair also played Jill, after Brenda Dickson left in 1980, and following a brief stint by Bond Gideon, before heading to DAYS to originate the role of Kate.

Photo: CBS
THE DAYS AND Y&R CONNECTION
As soap fans know, Days of Our Lives and The Young and the Restless are both part of Sony. Y&R is produced by Bell Dramatic Serial Company in association with Sony Pictures Television, while DAYS is owned by Corday Productions and distributed by Sony.
So, having Koslow visit The Young and the Restless to fill in for Jess Walton has nothing to do with her continued role of Kate on DAYS. In fact, a rep for the show shared that her upcoming appearance on Y&R, “does not affect her status with the show in any way.” Recently, Stacy Haiduk reprised her role of Patty Williams on Y&R, even though she is still being seen as Kristen DiMera on DAYS.
In a joint statement offered up to TV Insider, executive producer, Sally McDonald and head writer, Josh Griffith expressed, “We’re extremely grateful to Lauren Koslow for returning to her Y&R roots and temporarily stepping into the role of Jill. We want to extend our sincere thanks to Ken Corday (executive producer) and Noel Maxam (co-executive producer) at Days of Our Lives and Peacock. Their support embodies the collaborative spirit of the daytime television community.”
McDonald and Griffith clarified that Jess Walton is forever their Jill and shared, “Jess Walton is an enduring cornerstone of Y&R. We look forward to welcoming her back to Genoa City as her schedule permits and celebrating her extraordinary 40th anniversary as the iconic Jill Abbott.”
So, what do you think of Days of Our Lives Lauren Koslow stepping in for Jess Walton as Jill Abbott? Excited to see what she does in the role while filling in for the Jess? Weigh-in via the comment section below.
Days Of Our Lives
‘Days of Our Lives’ Alum Al Calderon Shares Parting Thoughts on ‘Brilliant Minds’ Following its Cancellation
Last week, NBC pulled the plug on the medical drama, Brilliant Minds, as the last 6 episodes of its second and final season will begin to air later this month. The series which saw its ratings plummet was taken off the schedule in February, with reports of it being on the bubble until finally the decision was handed down.
Al Calderon, who departed Days of our Lives in the role of Javi Hernandez in 2025 to join the primetime series as Nurse Nico Silva, was a part of the stellar cast that also featured One Life to Live alum, Teddy Sears (ex-Chad Bennett) and series star, Zachary Quinto.
On Brilliant Minds, Quinto plays neurology physician Oliver Wolf, who’s character and the series is inspired by the life and books of neurologist. Oliver Sacks. The series focuses on the medical mysteries of the mind, as Wolf a larger-than-life neurologist and his team of interns explore the last great frontier, the human mind, while grappling with their own relationships and mental health.

Photo: NBC
In a real-life twist, Days of our Lives announced Calderon’s successor, Jacob Martinez as the new Javi debuting this June on April 30. Come May 1, NBC canceled Brilliant Minds. Now, on Wednesday, May 6, Al Calderon took a moment to reflect on his experience at Bronx General Hospital, the backdrop of Brilliant Minds, via a post on his Instagram.
“Thank you Brilliant Minds” Calderon began. “What a life changing experience. Met forever friends. Learned from the absolute best. Was reminded that my voice mattered. Learned that it’s okay to believe in yourself. Felt like I was part of something. While our beautiful show has gone onto glory we’ve got 6 more incredible episodes to share with you starting May 27th.”
Al also added, “NBC and Warner Brothers TV, thank you for allowing me to be silly and quippy, Demane Davis, Michael Grassi, David Rapaport, Zachary Quinto, thank you for all of your encouragement and support.”
As his heartfelt post came to a close, Calderon explained why the experience on Brilliant Minds was life-changing: “I’ve been at this a long time and this show gave me hope for the future of my career. I owe it to these incredible individuals. Our crew. Our writers. Our editors. The whole shebang. I love you all endlessly.”
Taking to the comment threads were several of Al’s Brilliant Minds and DAYS former co-stars, and even his successor, Jacob Martinez jumped in and shared, “YOU are brilliant 💕”
What did you think of Al’s heartfelt message about his time on Brilliant Minds? Will you miss seeing him on DAYS and on the primetime series? Looking forward to seeing what he will do next? Share your thoughts in the comment section.
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Vivian!!!!
That story was so morbid. It kept me riveted. And, methinks, contributed to the development of my claustrophobia. 😉
Vivian Alamain was a delicious lunatic. I miss Louise Sorel’s presence on the show.
I agree, Louise Sorel was the best. Vivian and her side kick Ivan are definitely missed on the show. Maybe they can come back when some of these returning vets leave.
That would be brilliant. But, last I heard, Louise Sorel wasn’t pleased with her character’s turn during her last venture into Salem. She started out well, with the renewed conflict with Carly, then lost all her fire. She wasn’t thrilled with that. They may have a hard time ever getting her back. But if they did, I’d certainly bounce like Tigger and be right there, enjoying every moment. 🙂
Well SixBells just recently Louise friended me on Facebook after a looooooong time after I sent her a friend request (I’m thinking years!) so I wondered if that meant she was about to come back or wants to. Wishful thinking but who knows.
I enjoyed your writing, SixBalls. I have only been watching for seven years, so I cannot give this question Justice. But, I must say, that the little I have seen of Vivian left an impression on me….an authentically superb and genuine thespian.
However, I must praise your phraseology and grammar. I derive so much pleasure from a perfectly written sentence.Call me crazy, but I do thank you for the “methinks”. Most people will separate the word, ergo me thinks. Later
😉 You make me smile.
I highly recommend looking up Vivian’s glory days on YouTube, since you weren’t there for her first go-round. It is definitely worth it. Louise is amazing, and her stories were quite a trip, particularly those involving Lawrence and Carly. Sick little vixen, that Vivian. 🙂
@SixBells.
I make you smile? Boy, I made myself ROAR with laughter. I just realized I wrote SixBalls. I must be going blind! Gee, I hope you’re not a man….what a moniker, can you imagine? I can’t stop laughing. LOL. And, what a faux pas on my part.
Nonetheless, I shall check Vivian, her story and her misdeeds posthaste. Good night, SixBells…LOL.
CeeCee you are exactly right when you say Louise (Vivian) is a genuine thespian. It hit me when I watched this video when Vivian is rolling in the dirt lavishing thinking that she got rid of Carly. It reminded me of the good ol’ days of daytime when we had phenomenal actors like the ones who played Carl and Victoria on Another World. Also Alexandra, Roger, Ed, Maureen and Holly on Guiding Light.
Why call it 50 years but only show the last 30…villians like Linda Andesrson and Kitty Horton not shown…couples like Doug and Julie,Days 1st supercouple and daytime royality, shown very little…Greg and Susan…David and Trish or with Valerie, Don And Marlena, families like the Peters, Andersons, and Grants should have been included in these clips plus many more…its like going to a party and half the guest dont show up-which is something i dont mind when its my real-life family…lol
I 2nd Linda Anderson!
Hi, Ces.
Should we add Ben to the list? Or, does he fall short of the rest? I suppose his diabolical self and tenure will be too short-lived? But, these killings seem somewhat different, albeit I know next yo nothing about the many faces of evil which walked the grounds of Salem. It seems that Ben gets some sort of gratification when he kills….sexual or otherwise. Then, I believe he regrets it. He cannot fight it. This is not turning out to be something on which to blame Chad. It may have started out that way. But, this is a physicaL need of Ben’s. Compounding this with his mental unbalance is what makes him so dangerous. I still think he killed his own mother and who knows how many more victims he has had. Poor Will. I am so upset, right now….later.
Hey CeeCee – I’ve been out of the loop on Days for a few years so I’m not sure of Ben’s past or Clyde’s. Not sure what his motive is other than needing to kill those that get in his way for jealousy? not sure. Haven’t watched today’s show but he definitely got in the way finding Ben’s tie!
I’m not a fan of this Will at all but the character shouldn’t have been killed off — worse, I’ll have to endure Alison Sweeney’s bad crying upon her return to his funeral. Oy!! Haven’t missed Sami on this show.
Probably Stefano.
hands down ….Stefano
I would say Stefano as the most treacherous villian with his daughter Kristen right behind him.
Third would be the woman who put Marlena down in the well. I almost forgot about that story but it popped in my head when I saw this. DIdn’t she throw down a turkey for Marlena on Thanksgiving? Lmao!
Actually second should be Vivian and third Kristen, then the lady who put Marlena down the well as fourth.
You’re right, blake. Elaine Bromka was the mother in “Uncle Buck.”
Thank you 4ever Days, I can see her face looking down the well lol.
Stella Lombard pushed Marlena down into the pit and she did indeed throw a turkey to her, blake!
Thanks for confirming it. I can still see her face. If I’m not mistaken she was played by the same actress that played the mom in the “Uncle Buck” movie.
Stella! Oh, I’d forgotten all about Stella and the turkey. She was a nutball, but the turkey thing was hilarious. :p
Obviously, the most heinous “Days” villain of all time is Satan — he possessed Marlena. Who’s a worse villain than the anti-Christ himself?
Touché! You win the Internet. *hats off* 😀
Aw thanks. I think that was the only storyline on a daytime soap that actually shocked me. I just couldn’t believe they were doing it!
I love your name sonniorsolita! Just like the wink Michelle gave the audience to question who she really was.
Thanks, Blake! I like your name, too, because it reminds me of two of my favorite soaps – GL, obviously, and Dynasty. Michelle was brilliant throughout that whole story line and if you ever read the backstory about how a writer’s strike meant there were times even she didn’t know who she was playing… the fact she held it together so well and made it riveting is a testament to her acting ability.
Kristen! People know I love me some Kristen DiMera! She is definetely the best villain!
I forgot about her shooting Eric in the neck and wearing that her looking sexy in that black wig and tight dress that is featured in this video. Hopefully one day she will come back to Days.
In honor of the time I started watching DAYS, Larry Welch and Megan Hathaway were a great pair of hellraisers!! Also…EMMA DONOVAN…She just begged to be murdered. LOL!
Stefano back in his heyday; he got to be a bit of a joke the last few years.
Also loved Orpheus 🙂
Linda Anderson – evil mommy from hell 🙂
Big fan of Andre always!!
Stefano is Days greatest villain. But I do miss the great Louise Sorel as Vivian.
There is only one a Stefano Dimera. Enough said.
Stefano Dimera definitely has the most staying power of all these villians!
Let’s not forget Andre and his less than intelligent henchman Bart.
Why would you even have to ask? Of course it is Stefano!
HEROS AND VILLAINS… NOT PART OF THE DICTIONARY WHERE I EXIST. MY NAME IS KRISTEN VIVIAN and I’M AT THE TIME OF WRITING THIS IM ALIVE AND IM A LEGEND