Deidre Hall slaps Craig Melvin live on ‘Today
Deirdre Hall, the longtime star of “Days of Our Lives,” performed a playful faux slap on “Today” host Craig Melvin during a Friday broadcast. Hall, who has played Dr. Marlena Evans for five decades, demonstrated the soap opera technique after Melvin praised her “ability to slap” during an interview marking her 50-year milestone.
The interaction began when Melvin told Hall he’s always admired her “ability to slap” throughout her various storylines. Melvin described the opportunity to be slapped by the actress as “one of the greatest professional honors of my life,” according to the broadcast.
Hall, 78, agreed to the request, telling Melvin she’d be “privileged” to do it. She instructed the host to “snap” his head when he felt her hand come close to his face, as crew members laughed in the background.
After the faux strike, Melvin recoiled and whimpered, “Oh my God!” while covering his left eye. Hall laughed and told Melvin she “meant to miss.”
How did Deirdre Hall’s “Today” appearance celebrate her career?
The appearance focused on Hall’s 50-year history with the NBC mainstay, a role she began in 1976. According to the broadcast, Hall has spent five decades portraying the psychiatrist Dr. Marlena Evans in the fictional town of Salem, Illinois.
Her tenure on the series has earned her three Daytime Emmy nominations. Fans on YouTube praised the milestone, with one viewer noting they’ve watched her since 1965.
Did You Know? Deirdre Hall first appeared on “Days of Our Lives” in 1976 and has since earned three Daytime Emmy nominations for her role as Dr. Marlena Evans.
What is the significance of Hall’s onscreen partnership with Drake Hogestyn?
For decades, Hall played opposite Drake Hogestyn, who portrayed her character’s love interest, John Black. This partnership remained a central element of the show’s narrative until Hogestyn’s death on Sept. 28, 2024, following a battle with pancreatic cancer.
In a statement to Access Hollywood, Hall described Hogestyn as “dearly loved by everyone who ever knew him” and stated he “will be missed beyond measure.”
Expert Insight: Samantha Carter notes that Hall’s 50-year presence provides a rare continuity in daytime television. Maintaining a primary role across five decades suggests a character’s enduring necessity to the show’s structural narrative, especially following the loss of a key counterpart like Hogestyn.
What happens next for “Days of Our Lives”?
While Hogestyn’s character has been written off the show, Hall continues to portray Dr. Evans. The series has been streaming on Peacock since 2022.
Future storylines may continue to leverage Hall’s long-term history in Salem. The production could potentially explore new narrative arcs for Dr. Evans as the show evolves on its streaming platform.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long has Deirdre Hall played Dr. Marlena Evans?
Hall has been with the show for 50 years, beginning her appearances in 1976.
Where is the fictional setting of “Days of Our Lives”?
The show is set in the fictional town of Salem, Illinois.
When did “Days of Our Lives” move to Peacock?
The series has been streaming on Peacock since 2022.
Do you think long-running soap opera characters are more impactful because of their decades-long history?