Days Of Our Lives
OLTL's Bree Williamson & DAYS Peter Reckell named "Power Performances of the Week"!
Photo Credit: JPI Studios
Picking up where we left off from last week’s choice for The Power Performance of the Week, (those honors were given to OLTL’s Melissa Archer and Michael Easton), we were on “Bree Williamson Watch” to check out this past Monday’s episode when Jessica, who is already rocked to the core upon her wedding ceremony being busted up, and then finding out her sister Natalie slept with her fiancée, Brody, would finally learn the rest of the secret Natalie has been hiding.
When Jessica learns that Natalie had Brody’s baby, not John’s, that would be the final straw that would break the camels back, sort of speak. In an amazing tour de force performance by one of daytime’s most celebrated young actress, Bree Williamson played the betrayal, frustration, shock and disbelief, and horror that her sister ruined what Jess had finally hoped would be a picture perfect life. After all, poor Jess has suffered through several bouts of DID, losing her last husband, Nash, and a baby. So now Jess, who has already found out that her night with Robert Ford (when she was out of her mind as a teenager thanks to her creepy dad, Mitch Laurence) produced her little bundle of joy, she then learns that her sister had the current love of her life, Brody’s baby! What ensued was a fantastic performance by Williamson, in particular in the showdown scenes with Archer. Who did not love it when she called her sister “a whore” or when she yanked the necklace from around Natalie’s neck and said, “You’re not my sister!” Then watching her become unhinged from there! And of course, we all knew who was about to pop out…Tess! As broken-hearted Jessica breaks into Foxy Roxy’s, who should be looking at her in the mirror but her psycho-alter. It was riveting drama. The drama also picked right back up on Tuesday’s episode when Jess and Tess had a confrontation of who will take over Jessica’s mind and deal with the miserable situation the girl finds herself in. For these reasons and more we happily name One Life to Live’s Bree Williamson one of this week’s choices for the Power Performance of the Week.
Photo Credit: JPI Studios
Over in Salem, in a much more subtle and beautiful played performance, Days of our Lives, Peter Reckell showed viewers why he is one of the greatest all-time leading men of soap opera. In just a small amount of scenes, Reckell as Bo Brady showed the pain, heartache, grief, and deep love of a man who realizes how much he has missed his “Fancy Face”, Hope, played by Kristian Alfonso. Now, whether you are a Bope fan or a Carbo fan we are sure you can appreciate the sensitive portrayal of a couple trying to get past what drove them apart in the first place; the death of their young son, Zack. Reckell delivered without so much as uttering many words or long speeches! I dare you to not need to reach for the hankies as Hope talks about Zack and the dissolution of their marriage as a grief-stricken Bo listens on. Yes, the moments were fleeting, but hey, Oscars have been won for a performance of 8 minutes or less! For these reasons we are also happy to name Days of our Lives, Peter Reckell as our other choice for this week’s Power Performance of the Week. Watch the video clips of Bree Williamson’s Power Performance below and then check out Reckell’s!
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.
Days Of Our Lives
Al Calderon Reflects on ‘Major Chapters’ Coming to an End on ‘Days of Our Lives’ and ‘Brilliant Minds’
It’s been a bittersweet time for Al Calderon. The talented actor/singer/songwriter has watched from his vantage point to roles he loved so much come to their conclusion for different reasons.
In a heartfelt message posted to his Instagram story on Saturday, Calderon took a moment to share how grateful he was for the opportunity to play Javi Hernandez on Days of Our Lives, and nurse Nico Silva this year on NBC’s second season of Brilliant Minds. Currently, Brilliant Minds has two more episodes that will air on June 24 and the series finale on July 1.
Calderon expressed, “As I sit here reflecting on this lovely Saturday afternoon over the last two years of my life, I have two major chapters closing that have been part of my life every day for the last two years. We have Brilliant Minds. Our last episodes are wrapping up, and then my last scenes aired yesterday as me as Javi on Days of Our Lives.
Photo: JPI
“I’m just unbelievably grateful for the chance and the opportunity to be a part of something so much larger than me,” continued Al. “I (will) love Days of Our Lives forever, my family. Thank you for supporting me and supporting my decision to take the leap of faith and believe in myself and, and tell other stories. You know, it’s never goodbye. It’s always ‘see you later’ to me and just leaving with love and leading with love.”
Al concluded with a special mention to some very important people, the fans: “Thank you to the fans and the support from everyone, the lovely messages. So this next chapter, hopefully it’s not a dragon, hopefully it’s a gold coin.”
Photo: NBC
Calderon’s journey on-screen on Days of Our Lives began in October of 2024 and concluded this month. In one of his last appearances Javi was asking a favor from Gabi (Cherie Jimenez) before bumping into his ex, Leo (Greg Rikaart). In story, Javi has a new romance with Gus (Michael Ocampo), while fighting his feelings for Leo. The role of Javi will be played starting on June 30 by Jacob Martinez who takes over the role.
NBC decided to cancel the Brilliant Minds, after it split up the airing of its second season which began in the fall of September of 2025 and the back-half started airing after a long break this past May. Calderon joined the medical drama staring Zachary Quinto for the new season, which sadly was its last.
So, will you miss Al on Days of Our Lives and Brilliant Minds as his time on-screen has come to an end? Share your thoughts via the comment section below.
Next week, Days of Our Lives welcomes back fan favorites Colton Little (Andrew Donovan) and Christopher Sean (Paul Narita) when they reprise their roles for an upcoming special episode which contains Deidre Hall’s 50th anniversary as Marlena Evans.
Circle Monday, June 22 when the married couple comes back to Salem. Paul is the son of Marlena’s beloved and late husband, John Black (Drake Hogestyn). Andrew is the son of iconic couple Shane Donovan (Charles Shaughnessy) and Kimberly Brady (Patsy Pease).
According to the official Days of Our Lives spoilers for the week of June 22-26, Andrew scolds Cat (AnnaLynne McCord). Let’s remember Andrew is ISA. Meanwhile while Marlena thinks back on her fifty years in Salem, Paul arrives back in town.
Photo: JPI
ANDREW AND PAUL
Christopher Sean began playing Paul Narita back in 2014. He has come and gone from the show over the last decade. He was last on-screen back in November of 2025, when Paul arrived back in Salem for the dedication of the Tom Horton Free Clinic as part of the Days of Our Lives 60th anniversary celebration.
Colton Little, first began playing the all grown-up Andrew Donovan in 2022 on the Peacock limited series, Beyond Salem: Chapter 2. Little eventually moved to the mothership and Days of Our Lives in 2023. He was last seen on the soap opera back in March of this year in scenes with Peter Porte (Dimitri Von Leuschner) and Greg Rikaart (Leo Stark).
In story, Andrew and Paul tied the knot in front of family and friends on June 24, 2025, which followed the heartbreaking funeral of Paul’s father, John Black, who had passed away several weeks earlier from injuries sustained in an explosion.
Photo: JAnchondoIG
Michael Fairman TV also confirmed the romance exclusively of Colton Little with former General Hospital actor, Adrian Anchondo (ex-Marco Rios) at the end of December of 2025.
Anchondo shared at that time, “I reached out to him (Colton) when I got the job on GH. We knew of each other through mutual friends; so I knew of him for a long time. I started asking Colton about what his experience was like on soaps and asked about SAG health insurance, etc. We met up one night and were hooked from then on.”
So, are you excited to see Andrew and Paul back on your screens? Share your thoughts and if you would like to see them stay longer in Salem in the future, with a story all of their own via the comment section. But first, check out the just released promo for the action on Days of Our Lives entitled “Conspiracy” below featuring Christopher and Colton.
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Deidre Hall Marks 50 Years as ‘Days of Our Lives’ Dr. Marlena Evans
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Al Calderon Reflects on ‘Major Chapters’ Coming to an End on ‘Days of Our Lives’ and ‘Brilliant Minds’
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‘Days of Our Lives’ Eric Martsolf Recalls Moment He Learned He Was Cast as Brady Black, and Last Scenes with Drake Hogestyn (SOAPY Exclusive Preview)
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Peter is the BEST!!!
I think Peter deserved power performance of the week for the Bo & Carly break up scenes. Bo crying over losing one woman he loves to be with another woman he loves…powerful. JMO
I totally agree with you. Peter thoroughly deserved Power Performance of the Week for Monday’s scenes. He was truly phenomenal. The emotion was so raw, so real and so natural. I teared up every time I watched them. So beautiful. So touching. Peter always gives 110% to his scenes but rarely gets the accolades he deserves.
I agree with your choice of Brees’ performance as the power one. She is an outstanding actress and these scenes quantified that. Wow!! That says it all..WOW!!..
I’m so glad to see Peter get the recognition he deserves. He has been giving us some very emotional scenes these last couple of weeks. Peter is awesome!
I agree, Peter is amazing, always is and imo never gets the true recognition he deserves for HIS work alone as an actor. Very emotional powerful performances from him the past few weeks. Peter takes you on a journey with Bo, and when Bo cries I cry.. and its heartfelt from him. Truly a remarkable actor!!!
Yes, thank you for recognizing Peter Reckells performance this week. When Hope brought up their dead son Zack, you could see the flood of emotion come over him. He struggled to keep it together. You could tell he felt that heartache, and he made me feel that heartache too! Made me tear up, and I don’t do that often.
That’s what it’s all about, making us feel something. Phenomenal job Peter!
I was wowed by Peter Reckell’s performance. Glad you were too. Little dialogue, lots of feeling. Another great performance from him. So nice to see him getting the appreciation he deserves.
It has been interesting to follow Peter Reckell’s promotion of this most recent storyline for Bope insofar as he repeatedly indicated that it was a Hope SL in which he was supporting. Interesting because as usual, this IMO undervalued actor stole the show. Not going to lie, this Carbo fan was blown away by the combined delivery of Crystal Chappell and Peter in both (err Wha?) Carbo ‘breakup’ moments but Peter’s emotional connection to the loss of Zack was something to behold. Not only one of Salem’s best but certainly arguably their most consistent. It is the main reason why this fan will continue to advocate for the show to invest in a Bo, Carly and Hope triangle. Peter Reckell. This show has written Bope into a box for years. There is much opportunity available to them with CC/Crystal back in the mix. Most particularly for Mr Reckell. This fan believes he absolutely deserves it.
Peter has had some wonderful performances of late (and is so often overlooked). The break up scenes with Crystal Chappell were really great, Peter was so wonderfully emotional and vulnerable. And then the scenes with Kristian Alfonso, as soon as Hope brought up Zach you could see the change in Peter. He really went to that place…it was heartbreaking. This man deserves so much more recognition, he is a fantastic actor.
Peter has and always brings his A+ game as Bo Brady. He has this wonderful energy that glows in every scene he is in…he has the power to elevate not only himself as an actor but those that are lucky to share scenes with him. This scene along with the Carly breaking up with him ones are very raw powerful emotions… as a viewer you cant help but be moved and fall in love with this bad boy with a heart of gold.
Peter Reckell’s performance was phenomenal – rarely do I get choked up (in a good way)watching Days anymore but this one got me big time! So glad I was not alone in appreciating Peter’s work.
Great choice going with Peter’s performance! He needs the material to showcase his talent because it is always there waiting to be utilized and he never disappoints. Glad to see they wrote him this opportunity and that you recognized his skill.
Thank you, Michael, for recognizing Peter for his performance for the week of February 19. Peter is, by far, one of the most under-appreciated actors on daytime television. His performances are raw and subtle … his talent endless.
Peter has always been great, has always been sexy and handsome but with age he gets better and better. I have always been frustrated about how underrated Peter’s talent has been by the mssm (mainstream soap press). Thank you for acknowledging the talent of the best leading man ever on daytime. Sure wish tptb at DAYS would acknowledge the talent and popularity of Peter and write a story centered on Bo.
The Peter Reckell and Kristian Alfonso scenes was great! They brought a few tears.
Peter always manages to deliver when given good material.
I have not watched very much Bree, but I’ll admit that these were likely among her better performances.
My question is, in ‘power performances,’ does ‘big, dramatic’ or ‘over the top’ trump ‘subtle yet powerful? Subtle, in my opinion, is better than big 99% of the time, because most actors tend to take it too far.
For example, before Florencia Lozano even says a word to Ted King at her door, her face and eyes already tell the story. Have you seen it? Her face is hurt little girl, the damaged woman she is, compassion, and anger with herself. These few seconds, in my opinion, are far better than most actors’ body of best work. Also, in going for ‘big,’ Téa’s ashes scene last year, in the hands of a less skilled actor, pretty much anyone, would have been over the top, but Florencia struck just the right chord.
I am not trying to take away from what was a strong performance by Bree Williamson, in the least, and I haven’t watched Days since it was revealed that Roman was John Black, so I really cannot speak to Peter Reckell’s performance at all.
I agree. Bree gets a nomination for the Emmy every year. She is very good at what she does, but is far from the OLTL A-list. Erika Slezak, Robin Strasser, Hillary B Smith, Susan Haskell, Kim Zimmer, and the often overlooked FLorencia Lozano. This was her year. I expected an Emmy. I am floored that she didn’t get a prenomination. What is going on over there?
It’s so great to see Peter Reckell is recognized for his amazing work. He deserves that so much as he’s so talented.
He’s the best and I agree with a statement above – when Peter cries, I cry. he always delivers. His performance is always true and believable and he can do both comedy and drama effortlessly.