List of Days of Our Lives cast members

The list of Days of Our Lives cast members is a comprehensive compilation of the actors and actresses who have portrayed characters in the American daytime soap opera Days of Our Lives, which premiered on NBC on November 8, 1965, and has since become one of the longest-running scripted series in television history with over 15,000 episodes.^[1][2] Created by Ted and Betty Corday, the show initially focused on the everyday dramas of the Horton family in the fictional Midwestern town of Salem, evolving to include sprawling interconnected storylines involving romance, family secrets, and supernatural twists across multiple generations.^[3][4] The ensemble cast of Days of Our Lives is notable for its remarkable longevity, with many performers holding roles for decades amid the soap's tradition of character resurrections, recasts, and returns.^[5] Suzanne Rogers stands out as the longest-serving actor, having portrayed Maggie Horton Kiriakis continuously since August 20, 1973, while others like Deidre Hall (Dr. Marlena Evans, since 1976) and Drake Hogestyn (John Black, 1986–2024, with interruptions) have each appeared in more than 3,600 episodes.^[6][5] This list typically organizes cast members by the primary characters they have played, encompassing both current regulars—such as Eric Martsolf as Brady Black and Mary Beth Evans as Kayla Brady Johnson—and former stars who helped define iconic supercouples and rivalries.^[7][8] Over its six decades, Days of Our Lives has transitioned from NBC broadcasts to streaming on Peacock since 2022, with renewal through 2028 to maintain a core group of veteran actors while introducing new talent to sustain its narrative momentum.^[2] The cast's diversity and endurance reflect the show's cultural impact, earning multiple Daytime Emmy Awards and fostering a dedicated fanbase through its blend of heartfelt family dynamics and high-stakes drama, culminating in 60th anniversary celebrations in 2025.^[5][9][10]

Current Cast

Contract and Regular Cast

The contract and regular cast of Days of Our Lives as of November 2025 forms the backbone of the series' ongoing storylines, featuring actors under full-time contracts or regular status with NBCUniversal and Peacock. These performers portray central characters in Salem, contributing to the soap's signature blend of family drama, romance, and intrigue. Many have been with the show for years or decades, providing continuity amid frequent plot developments. The following alphabetical listing (by actor's last name) highlights key members, their primary roles, current stint durations, and brief notes on character significance and contract details, based on verified casting information. This ensemble reflects recent 2025 shakeups, including additions like Theo Carver and Jeremy Horton to bolster family lines, and the May 2025 cast changes with returns and new faces. Contract statuses ensure these actors' consistent presence, with some, like Deidre Hall and Suzanne Rogers, representing the show's multi-generational appeal.

Recurring and Guest Cast

The recurring and guest cast of Days of Our Lives features actors portraying supporting characters who appear intermittently to advance key plots, typically on a monthly or quarterly basis, rather than as daily fixtures. These roles provide narrative flexibility, allowing for surprise twists and family dynamics without committing to full-time presence. As of November 2025, this group includes veterans and recent additions who enhance ongoing storylines in Salem. Key 2025 developments include returns like Leann Hunley as Anna DiMera. The May 2025 cast shakeup introduced short-term guest returns, such as Melissa Reeves briefly reprising Jennifer Horton to tie into family revelations, underscoring how these appearances bolster central arcs like the Horton legacy without extending to regular status.^[19][20] The following table lists select current recurring actors alphabetically, with their roles and run details, noting appearance frequency where applicable: These actors' sporadic scheduling allows them to contribute to major events, such as weddings or crises, while maintaining the show's focus on core families; for instance, Leo Stark's monthly antics often intersect with Brady Black's redemption arcs without overshadowing them. Guest spots, like those from the May shakeup, similarly emphasize brevity, with returns limited to 4–6 episodes to resolve specific conflicts. Some of these roles have evolved from initial guest stints into recurring commitments, as detailed in the Cast Transitions section.

Former Cast

Long-Term Cast Members

Frances Reid portrayed Alice Horton, the matriarch of the show's foundational Horton family, from the series' premiere in 1965 until 2007, accumulating 42 years of tenure. Her performance earned her nominations for the Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in 1979 and Outstanding Lead Actress in 1987, as well as the Daytime Emmy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2004, solidifying her as an iconic figure in daytime television. Reid's departure in 2007 was marked by emotional on-screen tributes, and following her death on February 3, 2010, at age 95, the show dedicated episodes to her legacy, including a 2010 memorial scene where characters gathered at the Horton house. John Clarke originated the role of Mickey Horton, Alice's son and a central lawyer character, appearing from 1965 to 1999 with a brief return in 2007, totaling over 35 years on the series.^[24] Clarke's portrayal spanned key eras, including the show's early family-focused storylines and later dramatic arcs involving corporate intrigue. He was honored with a Daytime Emmy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2005 for his contributions to soap operas. Clarke passed away on October 16, 2019, at age 88 from complications of pneumonia, prompting tributes from co-stars and fans highlighting his role in establishing the Horton dynasty's enduring appeal. Bill Hayes played Doug Williams, a charismatic singer and patriarch, in multiple stints from 1970 to 1984, 1986 to 2006, and 2008 to 2024, exceeding 50 years of total involvement and making him one of the longest-tenured performers overall.^[25] His character evolved from a shady figure to a beloved family anchor, often central to musical and romantic plots. Hayes received Daytime Emmy nominations for Outstanding Lead Actor in 1975 and 1976. Following his death on January 12, 2024, at age 98, Days of Our Lives aired his final pre-recorded episode in July 2024, featuring a heartfelt family scene that served as a post-departure tribute to his character's optimistic spirit.^[26] Macdonald Carey embodied Dr. Tom Horton, the family patriarch and Alice's husband, from 1965 until 1994, logging 29 years and voicing the show's signature opening narration, "Like sands through the hourglass, so are the days of our lives," until his final days.^[27] Carey's tenure defined the series' early medical and familial themes, earning him Daytime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series in 1974 and 1975, with a nomination in 1976. He died on March 21, 1994, at age 81 from lung cancer, after which the show incorporated on-air memorials, and his narration legacy continued to be referenced in episodes honoring the Hortons.^[28] These actors represent the core of Days of Our Lives' longest-running characters, with their multi-decade arcs providing foundational continuity amid the soap's evolving narratives; their departures often triggered storyline shifts, such as the Horton family's reduced prominence post-2000s.^[29]

Short-Term and Special Guest Cast

The short-term and special guest cast of Days of Our Lives encompasses actors who appeared in brief capacities, typically for one episode, a handful of episodes, or short arcs lasting less than a season, often to support specific plot points, flashbacks, or promotional events before 2020. These appearances frequently featured emerging or established celebrities testing daytime television or participating in event-driven narratives, such as contests or holiday-themed segments, without transitioning to recurring status. Such roles were limited due to the actors' commitments to other projects, early career stages, or the episodic nature of guest spots designed for narrative filler rather than long-term integration. Notable examples from the 1970s and 1980s include child actress Christina Applegate, who portrayed infant Burt Grizell for three months in 1972, marking an early uncredited role constrained by her age.^[30] Kathie Lee Gifford appeared as Nurse Callihan in a single 1976 episode, a minor "six-liner" part before her rise as a talk show host.^[31] In 1983, game show host Pat Sajak guest-starred as Kevin Hathaway in a recurring but limited capacity, limited by his primary career in broadcasting.^[30] A special promotional event in 1988 featured Betty White in a brief non-speaking cameo alongside characters Shane Donovan and Frankie Brady as part of an NBC Daytime contest, highlighting cross-network ties without narrative depth.^[32] Vivica A. Fox played Carmen Silva starting in 1988 for a short recurring stint, an early role before her film breakthrough that ended after a few months.^[30] The 1990s saw a surge in celebrity cameos, often in flashback or minor character roles. Pamela Anderson appeared as Cindy in a two-episode arc in 1992, a bikini-clad extra in a beach storyline, constrained by her modeling schedule.^[32] Mila Kunis made her TV debut as young Hope Williams in a single 1994 flashback episode, limited to one appearance due to her youth and subsequent primetime opportunities.^[30] Tara Reid portrayed Ashley for five episodes in 1995, a short-lived friend of the core teens, ending quickly as her career shifted to films.^[30] Country singer LeAnn Rimes guest-starred as Madison in one 1995 episode, a one-off musical or socialite role tied to her rising fame.^[30] Into the 2000s, brief guests continued to add star power to transitional plots. Jamie Chung played Cordy Han in 2007 for a limited arc involving youth storylines, restricted by her commitments to series like The Real World.^[30] Ross Mathews appeared as gym customer Chris from 2008 to 2011 in sporadic episodes, a comedic recurring bit limited to health club scenes amid his entertainment reporting career.^[32] These appearances underscored the soap's tradition of leveraging guest talent for buzz without foundational commitments, often evolving into longer roles for others in similar positions.

Cast Transitions

Recent Debuts and Additions

In the period from 2020 to 2025, Days of Our Lives introduced several new actors to its ensemble, often to expand family dynamics, introduce fresh conflicts, or recast legacy roles amid storyline evolutions. These additions reflected the show's strategy to blend veteran characters with emerging talent, particularly during production shifts and narrative reboots following the COVID-19 hiatus. Key debuts included Emily O'Brien as the scheming Gwen Rizczech in 2020, whose portrayal of a British interloper disrupting the DiMera and Horton families quickly established her as a recurring antagonist in Salem's power struggles. Similarly, Raven Bowens debuted as Chanel Dupree in 2021, bringing a modern, entrepreneurial edge to the canvas as a bakery owner entangled in romantic triangles involving the Johnson and Grant clans. The momentum continued into 2022 with Colton Little joining as Andrew Donovan in March, portraying the grown son of Shane and Kimberly Donovan in storylines centered on ISA espionage and personal redemption arcs, including his evolving relationship with Paul Narita.^[33] By 2023, Ashley Puzemis arrived as the teenage Holly Jonas, daughter of Nicole Walker, whose arcs explored addiction and family secrets, adding youthful drama to the Kiriakis and DiMera households.^[8] In 2024, Al Calderon debuted as Javi Hernandez, a tech-savvy ally to the Hernandez siblings, introduced amid corporate intrigue at Titan Industries.^[34] The year 2025 marked a surge in additions, highlighted by the May shakeup that aimed to refresh the teen demographic and legacy ties through new faces and expansions. Marissa Reyes debuted as the SORASed (soap opera rapid aging syndrome) Arianna Horton on May 20, playing the now-teenage daughter of Gabi Hernandez and Will Horton; her arrival sparked immediate family tensions, including clashes with her mother over independence and budding romances in Salem's younger set, positioning her as a regular contract player.^[35] Derek Yates joined early in the year as Kerry Youmans, a quirky fan of Leo Stark's gossip column, whose obsessive antics threatened Leo's personal life and injected comedic relief into ongoing DiMera scandals.^[36] Rachel Boyd appeared as Sophia Choi, Tate Black's romantic interest, navigating teen pregnancy challenges that underscored themes of support within the Black family.^[36] Later in 2025, Michael Roark recast the role of Jeremy Horton, debuting on October 3 as Stephanie Johnson's reformed yet volatile ex-husband, whose return unearthed past abuse allegations and tested her current relationships, generating fan buzz for his intense chemistry with co-stars.^[37] Hank Northrop, son of late alum Wayne Northrop, debuted as Liam Selejko on October 29, portraying Abe Carver's literacy program mentee—a fresh character designed to highlight community outreach themes and mentor-protégé bonds in Salem.^[38] These newcomers contributed to heightened viewership during fall arcs, with Roark's performance earning early praise for revitalizing a dormant legacy role, though no major awards nominations had surfaced by November.^[39]

Notable Departures and Exits

From 2020 to November 2025, Days of Our Lives experienced several high-profile cast departures, often tied to actors' personal decisions, health issues, contract negotiations, and production changes, which reshaped key storylines in Salem. These exits included the passing of longtime stars, abrupt firings, and voluntary departures amid backstage tensions, prompting widespread fan mourning and criticism of the show's handling of veteran characters.^[40][41] Notable exits during this period include:

• Chandler Massey as Will Horton (2020): Massey departed in July 2020 after his contract was not renewed, shocking the actor who learned of the decision via email; his character exited Salem to reunite with husband Sonny in New Zealand. Fans expressed devastation over the sudden loss of a central LGBTQ+ figure, with many petitioning for his return.^[42]
• Victoria Konefal as Ciara Brady (2020): Konefal announced her exit in early 2020 to pursue other projects, though the COVID-19 pandemic delayed her plans and led to a brief return; Ciara was written out via a motorcycle accident survival but ultimately left town with Ben. Viewers lamented the disruption to the popular "Cin" supercouple storyline.^[40]
• Greg Vaughan as Eric Brady (2020): Vaughan left in summer 2020 due to frustration with limited screen time and underdeveloped plots, with Eric exiting after recommitting to priesthood; the move fueled fan backlash against perceived neglect of core characters. He briefly returned in 2021 before another departure.^[40]
• Marci Miller as Abigail DiMera (2022): Miller exited in June 2022 after seven years, with Abigail stabbed to death by serial killer Clyde Weston in a dramatic resolution to the show's mystery arc; the permanent character death drew intense fan grief and online campaigns urging a recast or resurrection.^[43]
• Camila Banus as Gabi Hernandez (2023): Banus wrapped filming in April 2023, with her final episode airing November 2023, citing a desire for new opportunities, family time, and dissatisfaction with production issues including harassment allegations against executive producer Albert Alarr; Gabi was imprisoned after a frame-up, allowing for potential future returns. Fans rallied in support, highlighting her portrayal's impact on diverse representation.^[40]
• Nadia Bjorlin as Chloe Lane (2023): Bjorlin departed in October 2023 after 24 years on contract and recurring, choosing to leave with Philip Kiriakis for a new life abroad amid sparse storylines; the off-screen exit disappointed long-term viewers who valued her chemistry with multiple leads.^[44]
• John Aniston as Victor Kiriakis (2023): Following Aniston's death on November 11, 2022, at age 89, Victor's final episodes aired in July 2023, where he perished in a private plane crash; the storyline honored the character's villainous legacy, evoking widespread tributes from fans and co-stars for Aniston's 37-year tenure.^[45]
• Bill Hayes as Doug Williams (2024): Hayes passed away on January 12, 2024, at 98, with his final appearance airing July 11, 2024, in a tender scene with wife Julie; Doug's storyline concluded with his death from a heart attack in December 2024, marking an emotional farewell that unified the Horton family and prompted tearful fan responses celebrating the couple's real-life 50-year marriage.^[46][47]
• Drake Hogestyn as John Black (2024): Hogestyn died on September 28, 2024, at 72 from pancreatic cancer, with his last episode airing September 9, 2024; John's heroic death in a storyline sacrifice deeply affected audiences, who praised Hogestyn's 38-year run and shared condolences amid the show's ongoing narrative shifts.^[40]
• Arianne Zucker as Nicole Walker (2024): Zucker exited in February 2024 following a wrongful termination lawsuit filed in October 2023 alleging sexual harassment and a hostile work environment under Alarr, leading to a constructive firing; Nicole left Salem with Eric and their son, resolving her redemption arc but sparking fan outrage and support for workplace reforms. A settlement was reached in October 2025.^[48][49]
• Brandon Barash as Stefan DiMera (2024): Barash was fired mid-contract in October 2024—the second time for the role—due to unclear storyline direction; Stefan was written out via an off-screen disappearance, frustrating fans who viewed it as mishandling of a key DiMera family member.^[40]
• Thaao Penghlis as Tony DiMera (2024): Penghlis announced his retirement from soaps in May 2024 after 43 years, with Tony exiting in December 2024 alongside Anna; the amicable departure reflected his desire to step away, met with appreciative fan farewells for his enduring presence.^[50]
• Billy Flynn as Chad DiMera (2025): Flynn left after 11 years in early 2025, moving to The Young and the Restless; Chad's exit involved leaving Salem for personal reasons, shocking fans who shared emotional reactions to the loss of a DiMera staple and his pairings.^[41][51]
• Tamara Braun as Ava Vitali (2025): Braun departed in April 2025 after her character's arrest in a hostage plot, with her final episode airing on April 3; Ava was sent to prison, concluding her mobster arc and drawing mixed fan responses over the abrupt end to her dynamic with Harris.^[52][53]
• Al Calderon as Javi Hernandez (2025): Calderon exited in August 2025 after one year to join Brilliant Minds, with Javi written out via an undercover mission; fans expressed regret over the short tenure but excitement for his new role. His final scenes were taped earlier but aired into 2026 due to production schedule.^[54]
• Kim Coles as Whitley King (2025): Coles left on February 5, 2025, after confessing to poisoning and an elevator sabotage; Whitley returned to Bayview psychiatric ward, wrapping her villainous run and eliciting relief from viewers tired of the plot.^[55]

These departures frequently resolved through dramatic deaths (e.g., Abigail's stabbing, Victor's crash, Doug and John's passings mirroring real-life losses) or relocations (e.g., Nicole's family escape, Chloe's move abroad), allowing the show to pivot to younger ensembles while honoring legacies. Contract disputes, such as Zucker's lawsuit and Barash's firings, highlighted tensions over creative control and workplace safety, contributing to a 2024-2025 turnover amid no major budget cuts but ongoing production scrutiny. Retirements like Penghlis's underscored the physical toll on veterans. Fan reactions ranged from heartfelt tributes—especially for Hayes and Hogestyn, with social media floods of memories—to protests against perceived mishandling, including petitions for recasts and calls for accountability in Alarr-related cases, ultimately boosting viewership through emotional engagement up to November 2025.^[40][41]

Returns and Recasts

The period from 2020 to November 2025 saw several notable returns and recasts on Days of Our Lives, often driven by storyline needs to reunite families, resolve lingering arcs, and celebrate the show's 60th anniversary in November 2025. These changes emphasized continuity for legacy characters amid cast shakeups, with producers leveraging fan demand to bring back popular figures for emotional reunions and legal or dramatic plot advancements. Recasts were typically handled smoothly to maintain character integrity, while returns frequently sparked positive fan reactions on social platforms and in industry coverage, highlighting the soap's enduring appeal. In September 2020, Tina Huang was recast as district attorney Melinda Trask, taking over from Laura Kai Chen, who had last appeared in 2019, resulting in a roughly one-year gap for the role.^[56] Huang's portrayal integrated into ongoing courtroom and political intrigue storylines, and she made multiple recurring returns through 2025, including a key appearance in October 2025 tied to a custody battle involving Sophia Choi. Fans appreciated the seamless transition, noting Huang's commanding presence that elevated Trask's villainous edge.^[57] Zach Tinker assumed the role of Sonny Kiriakis in a recast for the Days of Our Lives: Beyond Salem miniseries in September 2021, marking a shift from previous portrayer Freddie Smith and initiating Tinker's multi-return pattern. He debuted as a series regular on March 10, 2022, after a brief gap, but exited as a regular on December 27, 2022. Tinker returned briefly in August 2023 for family drama involving Will Horton, then again in July 2024 for a short arc exploring Sonny's relationship strains. These returns, motivated by Sonny's ties to the Kiriakis and Horton clans, were well-received by fans for Tinker's chemistry with co-stars, though some lamented the character's intermittent status. By November 2025, no further returns had been announced, underscoring a pattern of guest spots to sustain the role without full-time commitment.^[58] Victoria Konefal reprised Ciara Brady Weston in May 2025, following a gap since her last appearance in early 2024 for grandfather Doug Williams' memorial; her prior full arc had ended in July 2022. The return, airing starting May 23, centered on Ciara's emotional reunion with parents Bo (Peter Reckell) and Hope (Kristian Alfonso) after Bo's coma recovery, fulfilling long-teased family healing narratives. Konefal described the scenes as "incredible" and "legendary," reflecting the storyline's high stakes. Fans expressed overwhelming excitement, with social buzz crediting the comeback to anniversary hype and calls for Ciara's centrality in Brady legacy plots.^[59] Several 2025 returns aligned with the show's milestone celebrations. Thaao Penghlis and Leann Hunley reprised Tony and Anna DiMera in June 2025, following a roughly six-month gap after their December 2024 exit, motivated by DiMera mansion threats and Tony's presumed death storyline reversal—fans hailed it as a "huge relief" amid fears of permanent exits. Emily O'Brien returned as Gwen Rizczech in July 2025, after departing in 2024, for revenge arcs intersecting with the Hortons, with her performance noted for adding layers to the character's redemption. These moves, part of a broader eight-character anniversary push including Will Horton (Chandler Massey), Shane Donovan (Charles Shaughnessy), and others, boosted viewership and underscored producer Ken Corday's focus on heritage to engage longtime audiences.^[60][61] Recasts in 2025 included Tyler Joseph Andrews as Theo Carver, debuting September 9 after a multi-year absence for the character since 2022 (previously played by Cameron Johnson), to explore Abe Carver's family bonds amid grief; the newcomer received positive early feedback for fitting the role's intellectual vibe. Rachel Boyd took over as Sophia Choi on February 12, 2025, from Madelyn Keys, continuing legal entanglements with Melinda Trask—fans were surprised but adapted quickly due to the minor character's youth. Alice Halsey was recast as Rachel Black on April 24, 2025, portraying Brady and Kristen's daughter in custody drama, with the change attributed to the child's aging and storyline expansion. These adjustments, often unannounced until taping, aimed to refresh dynamics without disrupting core narratives, though some viewers noted brief adjustment periods in online discussions. By November 2025, such efforts had stabilized the ensemble, blending nostalgia with innovation.^[62][63][64]