News
Jill Farren Phelps Chats On Who's Returning For Katherine's Memorial On Y&R And More!
Photo Credit: Kathy Hutchins
As the death of Katherine Chancellor will begin to resonate with the citizens of Genoa City this week on The Young and the Restless, her memorial service will be two-day event airing on September 3rd and 4th when everyone gathers at the new Chancellor Park, which is a beautiful new set built to honor the character and the memory of series star, Jeanne Cooper (Katherine).
So, just who will be returning to pay their respect to Mrs. C? Well, according to Michael Logan of TV Guide Magazine, the stars returning include: Lauralee Bell (Christine), Tricia Cast (Nina), Patty Weaver ( Gina), Adrienne Frantz (Amber), Beau Kazer (Brock) and Michael Damien (Danny) who will perform. In addition, Father Todd Williams will be back played by Jeanne Cooper’s real-life son, Corbin Bernsen. Y&R’s executive producer Jill Farren Phelps also revealed to TVG plans for the storyline that comes to light following Katherine’s death relating: “Katherine being Katherine, she will continue to orchestrate things from on high — just as she always did on earth.”
In addition, Phelps explained that after several key characters receive letters from Katherine including: Nikki (Melody Thomas Scott), Victor (Eric Braeden), Jill (Jess Walton) and Christine, it will: “Shake up the show in dramatic, drastic ways that will change it forever. There’s no greater tribute we can pay to Katherine, or to Jeanne, than to make sure their presence on Y&R will always be felt.”
So what do you think of who is returning for the memorial? Who do you think is missing and should be there? What do you think will happen when Nikki, Victor, Jill and Christine receive letters from Katherine? Weigh-in!
So Far So Good……………
obviously, u didn’t watch today’s episode. ABSOLUTELY TERRIBLE.
No I haven’t seen it yet and don’t spoil it!
Friday was pretty good so I really can’t wait to see the episode when I get home. You may not like it but I’m liking it!
I am tired of people bashing this episode! The storyline is just unfolding for Gods Sake! The wide range of emotions represented by those gathered in the Chancellor living room was superb!
WOW – evidently i must have seen a different episode because from what i saw today each initial reaction was spot on as to what they were being told………….
this is just the beginning – we haven’t even gotten to the memorial service yet plus folks from out of town haven’t even arrived………….
I just saw today’s episode. WHAT THE HELL was so terrible about it? I thought it was a beautiful but sad episode minus Nick/Avery/Sharon episode. I almost got emotional!!!
What about Mac and JT? I think they are important parts of Katherine’s life. There at least should be a reason why they didn’t come up for the memorial.
I loved Monday’s episode. It was really touching and accurately portrayed (at least in my imagination) how Katherine would have wanted to go. Jill’s reaction was a little unbelievable, but I guess in character. I think Jess Walton had a hard time separating her own grief from Jill’s grief.
Jeanne Cooper was one of the bravest women I had ever met. She always new what was important and I always witnessed her treating everyone with equal respect. Jeanne Cooper will always be the best of the best.
NPurdee
What about Phillip III, Chance, and Mac? I think Katherine’s fake funerals were better attended.
Is all the effort of the Katherine’s funeral story really going center around Dylan being Nikki’s son through Kay’s letter? From spoilers it sounds like Steve Burton is the major story coming out of the funeral. JFP should have named Steve Burton’s character Jesus, instead of Dylan, since he’s obviously her chosen one.
What’s coming up with the family Kay spent decades with in story? Jill, the Chancellor heirs & namesakes Philip 3 & 4? Nina? Brock? Is anything major happening in Kay’s actual core family? Nikki was a great friend but she spent most of her screen time in story with Victor and others.
Do not know why they did not contact Thom B/Phillip the actor who played Chance is in the service for real and if you were going to get Mac I would have wanted the original Ashley B/she is now a plasctic surgeon I think. A little tough to round up these actors when they have went their own ways. I was feeling Jess Walton/Jill the rest not so much. I think for these episodes it would have been nice to have someone on the sidelines who truly knew the history but like I said before this is not the same show time to move on and you either go with it or turn it off. Nick Dylan Chelsea & Avery our JFP’s pets on Y&R.
Missing from the Memorial episodes:
Phillip Chancellor III
Phillip Chancellor IV
JT
Mac
The two from the diner where Katherine and Murphy met and got married.
Raul
Anyone else?!
Her son, Tucker.
According to Nelson Branco, Stephen Nichols was asked to return and he refused, (unless given a full-time contract and a raise), so SN not being there is all his fault, not Y&R’s.
However I do think Y&R should have re-cast Phillip III, Chance, Tucker and Mac with day-players if it was necessary to be at the service. They don’t have to be in the story, just present. Unless they are dead or gravely ill they should be present.
Does anyone know why Thom Bierdz wasn’t asked? I heard he was willing.
Forget Tucker! I don’t want that character back at all!
Having been a Stephen Nichols fan for years I totally do NOT believe that story, Nelson Branco or NO Nelson Branco!
Eliza Thom Bierdz did a video after JC passed away in May I know he was very close to her off screen but the video was really off the wall if they saw it the Powers that Be might have went oh no. I figure they will probably say he saw them on this trip as for Tucker/SN he knows how JFP feels about him and I am just glad her true son Brock is going to be there. I never really cared for the long lost son just like poor Jill why could she have not been just a Foster.
Ummm … Tucker?
I love the idea of a park; something that will be a lasting part of the show and keep the Chancellor name and spirit alive. Excited to see it all unfold; tissue box at my side!
What about Brock? Lorie Brooks? Leanna Love?
Beau Kayser (Brock) will be at the funeral!
Brock is coming back. He’s played by Beau Kaizer.
Kaizer and Jeanne remained friends – I’m not surprised at his return.
I love the plan here and look forward to viewing.
My true prayer is that the joy and truth and integrity of Y&R will be restored from the intervention of Bill Bell and Jeanne Copper, now working from the other side. I recently read each individual’s memoir and while each had interesting lives, the careers they forged with Y&R are notable and important and to be honored. What achievements in a world always wanting to change. There has been a blinding flurry of upset and anger and disappointment and probably some Newman Enterprises-styke corporate gaming going on behind the scenes at Y&R of late. I see it on the message boards here and elsewhere. Maybe the recent passing of this wonderful woman who believed so in her work and the work ethic and results of which that were Mr. Bell’s will be reminders to all involved — from production boss to fan — that this very special show and its place as legacy entertainment in our culture be continued with efforts that are genuine and graceful.
Thank you for all you gave us, Ms. Cooper and Mr. Bell. And thank you to their friends and fellow Y&R family members for working to celebrate what they shared.
Todays show was really good ,I like the way they treated the tragic death of Katherine. I really think they did a fantastic job even though it was very sad. I think Jeanne (angel up in heaven would certainly approve.
No Mac, Phillip (Tom Bierdz), and son Tucker? Guess they can’t afford them since Steve Burton gets diva treatment with JFP. She should just admit she has the hots for him, the way she did for Justin Deas on Guiding Light. Only Deas has the talent and Six Emmys to back him up.
JFP has never been quite normal. I loved Justin Deas myself, but her idea of these characters often ruined the charecterizations – and blew the history of the characters and the shows all to h$ll.
I am waiting for the real explanations as to why Philip, Chance, and Mac won’t be at Kay’s funeral. Yes, it’s possible the actor who plays Chance is busy, but I’m pretty certain based on a recent interview that Thom Beirdz was available and given his close relationship with Jeanne Cooper in real life, would not have missed it for the world. And with 3 different Macs to choose from, they couldn’t get ONE to film for those days at the price they were willing to pay? I find that really, really doubtful. Yes, I’ve heard the rumors about Stephen Nichols wanting a) a contract and b) more money than offered, but I really doubt that was that simple as that, as he is rumored to be quite a gracious person and very appreciative of the fans. It WAS probably true when they were openly seeking to bring the character back for a long-term story (remember they announced they would be recasting for a new arc starting with Katherine’s funeral?), but when they dropped it to a day or two’s worth of work, I’m sure they could have made it work.
Don’t get me wrong, it will be nice to see Danny and Gina, but the absence of Katherine’s actual FAMILY MEMBERS (aside from Brock) makes no sense at all! Crossing my fingers and hoping for a few surprise, or at least press coverage that tells us the very, very good reasons these actors couldn’t have been there. If they exist, and I’m open to hearing from the actors themselves that they said “no,” then I’ll feel much better about this whole thing. I just worry that it was either “they aren’t that important to the story I want to tell” (fans be damned) or that old industry trick: invite them back at scale (a pittance) and then when they ask for more you can always leak that “they asked for more money” and end up looking like a saint.
I’d just really like to reserve judgement until I hear the official reasons, but it’s hard for me to do so. Especially considering, as I mentioned, there were three talented Macs (especially the first and last one) to choose from and their list pretty much means that Katherine’s actual family members will be absent (save Brock). DAYS gets this right every time, with Tom, Mickey, and Alice’s funerals–actors come out of retirement to reprise their parts for those funerals so the whole family can be there, and in one case where the actor had died but the character was alive, the part was strategically recast and it WORKED. With all the time they had to prepare, I expected more…maybe we’ll be surprised?
Ugh. Just read that Thom Bierdz contacted the show to tell them he’d be available if they wanted him and they, apparently, did not. He says he said he would pay THEM to participate. Why would JFP turn down the chance to have an actual Chancellor family member there? Why bring back Amber and several non-relations without bringing back Katherine’s beloved family members, too?
I too am waiting for how the writers explain on screen the absence of some obvious relatives that should be there and aren’t. Chance last we saw him was heading off to work undercover in the Middle East– so it would be easy to explain him not being there. Tucker was with her when she died– so they will say he already said good bye to her and has no desire to do so again. Last we heard from JT and Mac was they wanted Vicky to take Reed for a while– some crisis, which they never explained — maybe they will say something happened to Mac or her child that we never got to see. As for Philip I am sure they will make some reference to him and his reason for not being there.
I know most fans would love to see every character Katherine ever knew to come back, but I think realistically that isn’t possible to do over two days and give all those characters some air time. A lot funerals and memorials in real life are restricted to just close family and friends– so as long as they at least mention who should be and are not– I have no problem with them keeping the list down.
Also Jeanne nor her character Katherine wanted to be fuss over– so to me a simple service with the characters they have and the ones they are bringing back sounds about right. But in the end I will have a more informed opinion once I see the episodes.
I hear you, but not every returning mourner needs to have a storyline. And when Thom Bierdz says he would make himself available and do it for scale if they needed so they could afford to pull it off, then there is no reason why Katherine’s beloved Phillip wouldn’t be there. DAYS does this very well. Characters’ children (often played by actors who have retired from the business altogether) return and don’t do much beyond thank other characters for coming for their parents funerals and mourning soulfully while the bigger current characters give big speeches. It feels real and doesn’t feel hollow because they are the character’s child (or grandchild) and it makes sense they would be there and is noticeable when they are not. I understand when actors aren’t available or they are asking for unreasonable money (though what is unreasonable is up for debate, of course) but when an actor who is largely retired and completely available, like Thom Bierdz, offers to come back, to be as flexible as the show needs in terms of schedule and salary, and the show doesn’t ever pick up the phone to call, then I question the show’s management and their understanding of the characters and the history of the show.
I think Mack, Tucker, Chance and Phillip should definitely attend Katherine’s funeral. Tucker is her son and Mack is her grand daughter. Phillip and Chance are also part of her family.
I’m sure it will be a nice funeral, but these characters should be there considering they are family.
I think Liz Foster , her former housekeeper should be there. Earlier cast members from when Y&R premiered. Thanks Grace Kuhn
The character Liz Foster died in 2010– not sure about the actress who played her– I guess if she was still around they could do a ghost cameo but I think that would be stretching things a bit.
The actress who played Liz Foster also has passed on.
Which Jeanne Cooper was furious about the killing of Liz Foster off they were friends off camera as well. The actress is still with us. Mary please google the character of Tricia Dennison she was on Y&R 1997-? and tell me this is not the road they are taking the character of Sharon down. Her name was dropped a few weeks ago by Adam talking to Victor I had forgotten all of her story just please google and see if you do not see where they are going with SC story. If I am right it is bye-bye Sharon.
Yes, there are a lot of similarities between the two characters. They do seem to be changing Sharon from the heroine to the villain. In soaps the heroine has bad things done to her, while the villain is the one doing the bad things. The heroines usually stick around while the villain eventually gets her just rewards- jail, death, or the asylum. It is a shame they changed her from a heroine to the villain — bi polar or not– it is hard to go back to heroine status once they take a character to the dark side.
Good call on the missing attendees (especially Phillip III and Mac).
Also:
Mitchell Sherman, Kay’s long-time attorney
Dina Abbott Mergeron, Kay’s high school classmate and friend for decades
I’m already getting the feeling that Cane figures prominently in things with Kay’s passing. Why have the last 3 regimes tried so hard to make this guy a main character on the show? He is not interesting and the efforts to tie him to Jill and Kay to give him a reason to be on the show seem artificial and forced.
I’m pretty sure we’ll see LOTS of scenes with Cane comforting Jill about the loss of Kay. Meanwhile, we won’t get two minutes of dialogue with Jill talking to Billy, her ACTUAL son, about it.
My only criticism is that I think Murphy would’ve been more upset!
Well you have to realize that Murphy and Katherine knew back in April when she had the tumor removed that she did not have long to live so he had time prepare more so than he rest of the family. Of course he probably was torn about this when he found out and when she passed but Mrs C. most like had him to come to terms with her impending death. So that is why they left on a vacation for her to spend her days with Murphy and to travel to the places she has always wanted to go.
Where is Philip? Chance? Brock’s daughter, the only granddaughter of Katherine (name escapes me)? Where are all her friends from the 1970s? EVERYONE should be there. this is Katherine Chancellor, legacy character. Sigh.
I watched Y&R and I think the writers did an excellent job with her passing. I figured previously that is how she would be wrote out. I wish people would get over themselves and stop bashing the episode of the announcement of her passing.
Bingo!
this is complete and utter bullshit..sorry for the language..but ive ben a viewer since day one..but admit to not watching since they fired genie francis,,,but i have tuned in for catherines death and funeral,,,in 2 episodes i remembered why i stopped watching…who the hell knows there dyeing but sends post cards from around the world leaving lil hints, are you kidding me ,,would catherine chancellor treat her loved ones like that,its just rude how they showed lil respect for the hystory of jill and kay..those 1rst few scenes should have ben with murphy and jill alone..no one else there…now the announcement of these characters for the funeral,,,cricket seriously the girlfriend of the boy she so wannted to adopt as her own philip,,,but philip wont be there,,,,fake son caine will be there,,,and im sure jill will tell him you know how much catherine loved you,,,but philip wont be there,,,leanna love,,wtf…but philip wont be there..sorry folks ive seen enough..i wont be tuneing in to this mess…
Am so upset that Thom Bierdz, the actor that plays Philip was not asked to return for the funeral/memorial. It is also a shame that Stephen Nichols (Tucker) and Eileen Davidson (Ashley) will be absent. However, so far the scenes and acting have been magnificent during the deliverance of Murphy’s news. Tissues are ready
It’s hard to believe, with a snails pace, the service only lasts two days.
I’ve seen dinner conversations last eight episodes on YawneR. TPTB
really do not show the respect the characer/actress and fans deserve!
There’s going to be more to it…………
I agree with all the comments..Thom Beirdz should be there, how can you not have him when he even called to say he was available! One of the biggest story lines was Nina , Philip and Cricket. The rightful heir due to his father being her ex husband. That in itself could of gave him a chance at a huge story. Even though Catherine thought of her friends as family, I know she would of left the company to Philip, Chance, Devon and Mac. I know it’s not Brock’s cup of tea. She couldn’t trust Tucker, Jill or even Cain to own the company. It would be so funny if she left it to Ester and she ended up being Jill’s boss. I sure hope she doesn’t leave it to Victor. If she left it to Nikki…oh what a fight that would be too. I think it’s going to get really good here soon, can’t wait to see what happens. Miss you dearly, Jeanne Cooper…never forgotten
I liked Monday’s episode!!! I think it shows that they are going to do this right! The fact that some people may or may nt be there is unfortunate… however… how they handle her death and the celebration of her life… is what is truly important!!!
shame on your self absorbed spoiled brats..
This not a story to bring everybody back who was involved with Jeanne Cooper/Kathryn.. It is not a parade of actors to prance through..
It is solely about the passing of Jeanne Cooper and paying respect and for the fans to say good bye..
It is not a circus of past actors/characters, that is not what this is about.
it is totally about Jeanne Cooper and nobody should take away a moment from her forever exit..
The stage is Jeanne Cooper’s, she is the all that matters..
To have a bunch of vets return and take the spotlight off of Jeanne Cooper would be terrible.
This is Jeanne Cooper’s last story, just for her, her very close friends family in the present and the fans to say god bye, not a sideshow of old timers returning.. ..
Jeanne Cooper’s family and friends buried her back in May and Y&R had a memorial episode to honor her. The upcoming funeral on Y&R is for her CHARACTER Katherine Chancellor. And just like in real life, those who go to a loved ones funeral are going to pay their respects.
The characters that loved Katherine Chancellor should be going to her funeral unless it’s really not possible. It doesn’t matter if they saw her last week. I flew across the country a week after seeing my grandmother for her funeral to pay my respects and grieve with other members of the family. Tucker isn’t really close to anyone in GC so maybe I can see him not coming, but Mac, Phillip III, and Chance loved and grew up with Kay and would know THEIR parents Brock, Jill, & Nina would need them at a time like this.
Tell me they are not really going to turn this into a Dylan moment. More and more Burtons initial statement regarding his exit from GH and signing with YR sounds like bullshit.
My only question is if Lauralee Bell is coming back, when did she leave? Isn’t Christine supposed to be GC’s DA. Someone needs to tell Paul whoever he is living with isn’t Christine. LOL
Mary too funny that is what I was talking about how she is talked about but never seen. LB is really a nice gal I know people said she got the job because of Daddy but everybody I know who knows her really well said she never did really throw her weight around that was Daddy’s little girl so I understood it. I know Terry Lester/the original Jack quit because he thought she was hogging air time but he did apologize later to her that was her Dad he did put her in a rough spot JC talks about it in her book.
Julianna McCarthy, who portrayed Liz Foster, is not dead.
Does anyone know the name of the song played on 8/19/13 as they learned of Katherine’s Chancellor’s death.
News
Christel Khalil Reveals She Almost Quit Acting After ‘That’s So Raven’ Audition, But Then Came ‘The Young and the Restless’
The Young and the Restless fan favorite, Christel Khalil (Lily Winters) is the special guest on this week’s edition of Soapy Hosted by Rebecca Budig and Greg Rikaart which dropped today on Tuesday, June 23rd.
During the interview with Rebecca and Greg, Khalil who had played Lily Winters on-screen since August of 2002, nearly 24 years with the CBS soap, shared how early on her teenage acting career, she was ready to call it quits in show business, after a heartbreaking audition for the lead of a new Disney Channel sitcom, which later turned out to be the hit seres, That’s So Raven, starring Raven-Symoné which ran for four seasons from 2003-2007.
Christel recalled what happened. “I was 14 and I had always auditioned for all these Disney projects. So I auditioned for That’s So Raven, it was between me and Raven-Symoné and it was called at the time Absolutely Psychic,” explained Khalil. “The character was this girl who had psychic ability, but then when Raven got the role, they named the title of the show after her.”
Photo: CBS
HOW A BROTHERLY TALK CHANGED THE COURSE OF CHRISTEL’S CAREER
Reliving the disappointment to Greg and Rebecca, Christel explained, “I lost that part and I was just so devastated, because for the network call there were 20 people in the room watching me, and I just have always had such performance anxiety. I just completely bombed the audition and it was terrible. So, I was just devastated. I was actually going to quit acting and then I got the final call for The Young and The Restless and I wasn’t going to go.”
It was Khalil’s brother, who actually got her to reconsider, and if he hadn’t, we would not have our Lily Winters in Genoa City! Christel recounted, “I was like, ‘You know what? I’m done. I don’t want to do this anymore. I’m just going to hang out with my friends.’ I was just devastated. My brother, who is seven years older than me, and he had quit acting at the same age that I was at that time. He said to me, ‘I promise you, I actually really regret quitting. Just go on this audition and if you don’t get it, you can quit.'”
Christel’s screen-test for the role of Lily was actually with the late, great, Kristoff St. John who would play her father Neil (Later it was revealed to Lily, that Neil’s brother, Malcolm Winters was her bio-dad).
Photo: CBS
ACTING WAS EASY WITH THE LATE KRISTOFF ST. JOHN
“So, I went (to test for Lily) and I remember the screen-test was with Kristoff St. John. It was just so easy to act with him because he’s just so there. I remember just being on set, and that was my first time there for a screen-test where you were actually on set. I had never experienced that before. It was my first time being with an actor and having makeup done, which just helps you really be able to do your best work.”
Recalling the screen-test with the St. John, Khalil, “It was where I had to be emotional ( in the scene) and I always had issues being emotional at auditions. But I was there with him, it just came, and it happened. It was natural and I felt so good and it was amazing. It stands out in my mind a lot.”
You can check out the full Soapy conversation with Christel Khalil where she also discusses juggling motherhood, marital life, and the demands of soap operas.
Fan can listen to weekly episodes of Soapy on Audacy or wherever podcasts are available, and can watch full video episodes weekly on the CBS =Brand YouTube Channel. Whether a lifelong fan or discovering the genre for the first time, SOAPY offers a fresh, fun behind-the-scenes look at the stories – and storytellers – that define daytime drama.
Now let us know, over the years what had been your favorite Lily Winters story on Y&R as played by Christel Khalil? What did you think of of Christell’s recollection where she was up for the lead of “That’s So Raven” as a teenager, before it was even titled that? Let us know via the comment section.
This summer beginning on July 21, Netflix streams the return of WWE: Unreal for its third season. The behind the scenes docudrama series gives fans a glimpse of life in WWE and inside the writers room, as injuries, last-minute pivots, and career-defining decisions reshape WWE’s biggest event of the year, WrestleMania 42.
WWE Unreal is taking fans deeper than ever inside World Wrestling Entertainment’s creative process, The hit docuseries will once again pull back the curtain on some of the biggest moments, boldest decisions, and unforgettable storytelling with some of the WWE’s greatest legends who’ve shaped the industry and new stars who are emerging as prominent parts of the future.
In the new season of ‘Unreal’ which consists of 5 episodes at 50 minutes each: John Cena says goodbye, a fan favorite returns, and the next generation of Superstars rise to the occasion.
Photo: WWE
The cast and WWE superstars featured include: the aforementioned Cena, plus Cody Rhodes, Liv Morgan, CM Punk, AJ Lee, Trick Williams, Lash Legend, Stephanie Vaquer, Oba Femi, Bron Breakker, Chelsea Green, Matt Cardona, Seth Rollins and Becky Lynch.
As previously reported AJ Lee revealed on General Hospital star Maurice Benard’s (Sonny Corinthos) mental health series, State of Mind, that she was part of the cast of WWE: Unreal.
WWE: Unreal production credits include: Directors/Showrunners: Chris Weaver and Erik Powers Executive Producers: Peyton Manning, Jamie Horowitz, Ross Ketover, Keith Cossrow, Ken Rodgers, Jessica Boddy, Lee Fitting, Ben Houser, Marc Pomarico Sr. Producers: Harley Glantz, Brian Decker, Michael Flynn Producers: John Galiani, Dan Gati, Jeremy Lundblad Production Companies: Omaha Productions, NFL Films, Skydance Sports, WWE.
So, what do you think of the loglines for the new season of WWE: Unreal? Who are you most excited to see featured in the behind the scenes drama from the list of WWE superstars and the twists and turns leading into this past April’s WrestleMania 42? Let us know via the comment section below.
If you have ever tuned-in to the soap opera genre over the last 50 years, and witnessed some of the greatest romances, drama, classic and outlandish storylines of all-time, you would have seen Deidre Hall smack dab in the middle of it as longtime Salem heroine, Dr. Marlena Evans.
It was 50 years on this date, June 21, 1976 that Hall first appeared on DAYS on NBC which was its home for 57 years before it moved to its current streaming platform on Peacock in September of 2022.
In Hall’s first episode she was introduced as a psychiatrist treating Mickey Horton (John Clarke) at Bayview Sanitarium after he suffered a complete mental breakdown. Mickey learned that his brother Bill Horton (Edward Mallory) was the biological son of Mike Horton (Wesley Eure) with his wife Laura (Susan Flannery) and that he had been lied to for years and years. From that moment on, the rest is television and soap opera history. Days of Our Lives put Hall front and center.
Photo: NBC
There were so many heartbreaking and shocking story twists involving the beloved Marlena. One of the first was the historic crib death of baby DJ (Don Jr.) in 1980, Marlena’s infant son with Don Craig (Jed Allan). The story had never been told on daytime television and Hall’s performances received accolades from TV critics to fans when Deidre received thousands of letters from grieving mothers who had gone through the same thing in their own lives.
DAYS also brought Deidre’s twin sister, Andrea Hall Lovell to the show as her on-screen sister Samantha, who had a grudge and even locked Marlena up in a sanitarium and took her place! Fast-forward and in 1982, DAYS launched the Salem Strangler story where everyone believed Marlena was his next victim, only it turned out to be Samatha. Jake Kositchek (played by Jack Coleman) was revealed to be the actual serial killer.
Later, Deidre would assume the role of Marlena’s look-alike, Hattie Adams in 2004, once played by her sister, Andrea. Over the years, Hattie has come back to Salem and caused trouble giving Hall a chance to play a different type of character, then the always upstanding Marlena.
Photo: JPI
THE LOVES OF MARLENA
Deidre Hall struck gold with all her leading men: from the late Jed Allan, to Wayne Northrop as Roman Brady, and of course, her enduring love story with the late John Black played by the iconic Drake Hogestyn. In fact, Marlena’s 1986 wedding to John (who was believed to be Roman at the time) remains a favorite of fans to this day.
TOP MARLENA STORYLINES OF ALL-TIME
While the list is long, here are several that were some of the memorable during Deidre’s five decades in Salem!
The Possession (1994- 1995)
Considered one of the most ambiguous, outlandish and unforgettable story arcs in soap opera history, then Days of Our Lives head writer, James Reilly went there! Marlena was possessed by the devil! That included; the demonic eyes, hissing at father John (Black) the priest, morphing into creatures, and the classic levitating in her bed! It became a cultural phenomenon and cemented Deidre Hall’s status as a daytime television legend. Just ask Ryan Gosling!
Photo:JPI
The Affair with John Black (1993)
John and Marlena’s forbidden love could not be denied and they had passionate affair, while she was still married to the real Roman. Problem was her daughter, Sami (Alison Sweeney) caught her mother having sex with John on a desk that changed Sami forever.
The Salem Stalker Mystery (2003-2004)
In a shocker, Marlena was revealed to be a serial killer who bumped off several Salem favorites residents who were all alive on the island of Melaswen (spelled “New Salem” backward). Turns out, she was manipulated and gaslighted by Andre DiMera (Thaao Penghlis) to do the “killings” and had no memory of her actions.
The Pier Scene (1991)
This remains Michael Fairman TV’s all-time favorite Deidre Hall moment, which featured some of the best acting in the storied careers of both Hall and Drake Hogestyn.
In the story, a presumed-dead Marlena returns after four years. One foggy night on the pier, John is alone, and Marlena steps out of the fog to reveal herself, and is reunited with the love of her life. You can watch it any year, any decade, and in any moment, and it will have you reaching for the hankies again and again. (best music score fo a soap scene of all-time too!)
Photo: NBC
Kristen’s Secret Room Reveal (1997)
Marlena was caught in Kristen Blake’s (Eileen Davidson) elaborate web of lies, when she was held hostage in a secret wine cellar/room until John managed to track her down, leading to an iconic on-screen reunion. The classic catfight between Hall and Eileen Davidson was one for the ages.
It should be noted that Maison Blanche, Queen of the Night, Possession, Aremid and Lady in a Cage were all a part of classic DAYS storyline and all featured Hall at the epicenter of it from 1993-1996.
THE RECENT YEARS OF MARLENA
In recent years, DAYS brought back the possession 2.0 storyline under then head writer Ron Carlivati in 2021 where the devil leapt back in Marlena after taking advantage of a frail Doug Williams (the late Bill Hayes)
In 2025, viewers watched the end of the love story of John and Marlena, as John succumbed to injuries sustained in an explosion saving a vial of medication needed to bring Bo (Peter Reckell) back to life. Marlena has been a widow on-screen since June of 2025 as Hall as portrayed the good doctor struggling with her grief and to move on with her life since his death.
Photo: JPI
One story that never goes away is Stefano DiMera’s (the late Joe Mascolo) obsession with Marlena, his “Queen of the Night.” Even in death, Stefano is toying with her from the great beyond with the mysterious chess set and the missing “pawn,” that he had gifted John and Marlena in his will. The mystery is currently unfolding on all-new episodes of Days of Our Lives.
Tune-in to Days of our Lives on the Monday, June 22 episode as Marlena looks back at her 50 years in Salem.
Share your congratulations to Deidre Hall for this incredible 50-year milestone as Dr. Marlena Evans on Days of Our Lives in the comment section. Then let us know, what is your all-time favorite storyline or moment in the life of Marlena over the past 5 decades? And, just for kicks, and to celebrate this amazing milestone, here is Marlena levitating below circa Christmas Eve 1994.
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