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?
Breaking News
53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards Presenters Announced

The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) revealed on Thursday, the lineup of presenters for 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards taking place on Friday, October 30, 2026, at the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles, California.
The ceremony will stream live on the NATAS YouTube channel at YouTube.com/@theemmys and watch.TheEmmys.tv.
Scheduled to present from the current soaps are: Katelyn MacMullen (Willow, General Hospital), Delon de Metz (Zende, The Bold and the Beautiful), James Preston (Nick, The Bay), Paul Telfer (Xander, Days of our Lives), Tamara Tunie (Anita, Beyond the Gates) and Susan Walters (Diane, The Young and the Restless).

Photo: NATAS
In addition soap alums, Crystal Chappell, Lesli Kay, Joe Lando, Eva LaRue, who is also a nominee this year, A Martinez, Juliet Mills, and Alicia Leigh Willis, will also be on hand to present.
The ceremony which celebrates nominated lifestyle programs and dramas will also include presenters: Eva zu Beck (Superskilled with Eva zu Beck), Danielle Chang (Lucky Chow), Sunny Hostin (The View), Derek Hough (Extra), Pati Jinich (Pati’s Mexican Table), Star Jones (Divorce Court), Michael Jr. (Stand Up and Do Something), Judge Greg Mathis (Mathis Court with Judge Mathis), Keke Palmer (Glam Through the Ages), Nischelle Turner (Entertainment Tonight), and Andrew Zimmern (Andrew Zimmern’s Wild Game Kitchen).
The 2026 Daytime Emmy Awards will bring together an exciting mix of presenters representing the full spectrum of daytime television,” said Adam Sharp, President & CEO of NATAS. “From familiar faces in daytime drama to the personalities and creative voices behind talk shows and lifestyle programming, this year’s lineup reflects the breadth of talent that makes daytime so special. We look forward to celebrating the people who continue to shape the genre.”
Matthew Hoffman (Love Island USA, Cheap A$$ Beach Houses) will serve as the ceremony’s Voice of God, bringing his signature comedic narration to the evening’s celebrations. As previously announced, Lifetime Achievement honoree Genie Francis (Laura, General Hospital) will be presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award by her husband, Jonathan Frakes.
So, what do you think about the list of presenters for the 2026 Daytime Emmy Awards? Let us know who you are looking forward to seeing via the comment section below.
Days Of Our Lives
‘Days of our Lives’ Reveals Kyle Pryor Cast as Dominic Marino

For months now, Days of our Lives has teased the character of Dominic Marino. In recent weeks, viewers learned that Marino is on the down low working with Sami Brady’s (Alison Sweeney) apparent fiancé ‘Dante Vitali (Franco LoPresti), and that he is the never-before-heard-of child of Stefano DiMera (the late Joseph Mascolo) and Marlena Evans (Deidre Hall)!
Up until now, the Peacock streaming soap opera has never revealed his face, but that all seemed to change on the Tuesday, October 2o episode of DAYS. In story, Dante met Sami’s parents for the first time, Roman (Josh Taylor) and Marlena.
He shows them a photo of Dominic, which he happened to have on his own phone and even commented he kind of looked like he could be Marlena’s son. The photo, which has quickly made it around Soap Twitter/X, revealed that British-born actor Kyle Pryor is the man in the photo and eagle-eyed viewers actually located said photo on Pryor’s Instagram.

Photo: Peacock
Deadline revealed Pryor started taping at the end of 2025 and will first be seen in the role, on air Monday, November 2. In addition, Days will celebrate its 61st Anniversary with two special episodes featuring Dominic’s arrival, as well the returns of Tony and Anna DiMera, played respectively by Thaao Penghlis and Leann Hunley, on Friday, November 6 and Monday, November 9.
Those in the know, are are that Pryor previously held series regular roles on Australia’s Home and Away, and the UK’s Hollyoaks and guest starred on Emmerdale. In an ironic twist, Pryor appeared in the series Spartacus: Blood and Sand which is the same action series his apparent TV brother, Dan Feuerriegel (EJ DiMera), once appeared in before coming to DAYS.
So excited to see Kyle Pryor take on the role of Dominic Marino as Days of our Lives sets its anniversary story to kick-off with is arrival in Salem? Share your thoughts in the comment section. And in case you missed our latest conversation with Conner Floyd (Chad DiMera) he weighs-in on how Dominic’s appearance will shake things up in Salem. You can check that out below.
Days Of Our Lives
Days of our Lives’ Conner Floyd Talks Dominic Marino Mystery, Chad and Belle, and Susan Seaforth Hayes (Exclusive)

Fasten your seat belts Days of our Lives fans, as the mystery of Dominic Marino continues to unravel on all-new episodes of the Peacock streaming soap opera. Last week, Chad DiMera (Conner Floyd) learned that he may have a half-brother, who may be the biological child of his father, the late Stefano DiMera (the late Joseph Mascolo) and Dr. Marlena Evans (Deidre Hall), giving him great pause, because he knows Stefano had kidnapped Marlena for four years back in the late 80s and early 90s.
Chad has already been hunting down clues with his current girlfriend Belle Black (Martha Madison) in Italy and Salem, which revealed a photo of a young boy with Stefano with the date 1992 on the back of it, hidden inside Stefano’s chess set. So, what’s next?
Conner Floyd chatted on the Michael Fairman Channel in a new virtual interview released on Sunday, October 18, where he spoke on what the new addition to the DiMera family could do to the already dangerous sibling rivalries, the state of Chad’s relationship with Belle and much more.

Photo: JPI
DIMERA RIVALRY
After finding out from EJ (Dan Feuerriegel) that Dominic Marino could be the never-before-heard-of child of Stefano and Marlena, Conner Floyd explained, “I think it blows Chad’s mind a little bit. I think there’s a lot of things working there with old Chad. Obviously, bringing in another DiMera could cause some noise and the whole situation with Marlena’s a little awkward as well because he’s dating Belle, so this could cause a little tiff there. I think his head’s spinning and he does not know what to expect, but I also think he kind of expects that from Stefano, for sure.”
As to how this will change and color Chad’s relationship with EJ, Floyd responded, “Chad knows EJ’s not happy about it and I think he’s going to be real upset if this gets in his way of doing what he wants to do with the DiMera legacy and all that. However, for Chad, I think he’s just going to keep a sharp eye, see what this guy’s about, see if he’s here to cause some trouble or here to be a friend and kinda play it by ear.”

Photo: JPI
BELLE OF MY HEART
With Chad and Belle already being sleuths, Floyd says, you can look for the duo to continue getting to the truth. “I think Chad and Belle are committed to this. They’re going full National Treasure, Nicolas Cage,” says Conner. “They’re going to follow the clues. They’re going to get some answers.”
Since beginning in the role of Chad in June of 2025 and debuting on-screen back in April of 2026, the former Y&R star (where he played Chance Chancellor), says it was Madison who helped him get comfortable in his new surroundings.
“Martha is phenomenal. I couldn’t have asked for a better person to get tagged up with when I started here, just because she knows everybody,” shares Floyd. “She knows where to go, who to talk to. She’ll get the tea if you want, and so it was kind of cool. Martha took me under her wing, showed me the ropes. She’s a sweetheart. I love working with her too. She’s a great actress.”
But, is Chad in love with Belle after such a tortured past with his beloved Abigail Deveraux DiMera? Floyd thinks so! “I think he’s into it. They’re such good friends and they have such a rich history. I think he’s in for the ride. You know, it’s one of those things you probably overlook at first and then they reconnected, and it feels easy and they’re going on these fun adventures.”
MAKING CHAD HIS OWN
Conner had the arduous task of being the successor to Billy Flynn in the role of Chad.. Flynn had played the part for 12 years before deciding to exit and head to Y&R. So, how did Conner approach learning the ins and out of Chad? Floyd shared, “I really dove into Chad when I first got this job. I liked that he kind of walks this tightrope of DiMera and not DiMera, you know. He want to so honor his family roots and really do something for the DiMera family, but he doesn’t want to fall into that trap that all the other DiMera have found themselves in. Chad is a DiMera at heart. He’s got those demons, but he’s just trying to keep them contained.”

Photo: JPI
ICONIC
When Floyd got to DAYS, it was none other than Susan Seaforth Hayes (Julie Williams) who most surprised him in the most delightful way, given that he knew Hayes was a Daytime Emmy Lifetime Achievement Award winner and the current longest-running cast member on the canvas.
“I love working with Susan Hayes! I love her. She’s a sweetheart. Susan is one of the nicest people there. I just thought she was cool and it’s Susan Hayes, you know? We’ve had a lot of scenes together, which is nice,” explained Conner.
“We’ll go to her dressing room, we’ll run our scenes, and then we’ll spend about an hour just talking about life and she’ll tell me about a book she’s reading. She’s such a history buff, which blows my mind. She’ll start dropping all these historical facts on me. I learn something new by the time I walk out of her dressing room every time!”
Now below, check out the full conversation with Conner Floyd via the Michael Fairman Channel.
Weigh-in: Do you like Chad and Belle as couple? Do you think Chad will get to the bottom of the Dominic Marino mystery? If so, do you think Dominic is truly Stefano and Marlena’s son … and what about Rita (Maggie Carney) in all this? Let us know your theories 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