The Ultimate Guide To The Days Of Our Lives Cast: 7 Shocking Returns, New Stars, And 2025 Storyline Spoilers

Welcome to Salem in late 2025! The world of Days of Our Lives (DOOL) is currently experiencing one of its most dramatic casting shakeups in years, promising explosive new storylines and the thrilling return of fan-favorite characters. As the long-running soap opera continues its run on the Peacock streaming service, the cast roster is constantly evolving, bringing fresh faces and nostalgic comebacks to the forefront of the action. The current atmosphere in Salem is electric, driven by a new writing team and significant personnel changes that are setting the stage for 2026. From the long-awaited return of iconic supercouples to the arrival of new actors stepping into legendary roles, this deep dive provides the most current, up-to-date look at the powerhouse ensemble that defines this daytime drama.

Iconic Pillars: A Deep Dive into the Longest-Serving Days of Our Lives Cast Members

The foundation of Days of Our Lives rests on the shoulders of its veteran performers, whose commitment to their roles has spanned decades. These actors not only anchor the show but also provide the crucial historical context for every new storyline. Here is a look at two of the show's most enduring stars, complete with their essential biographical profiles.

Deidre Hall (Dr. Marlena Evans)

• Full Name: Deidre Ann Hall
• Role: Dr. Marlena Evans
• Date of Birth: October 31, 1947
• Birth Place: Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States
• Career Highlights: Hall is synonymous with the role of Marlena Evans, a psychiatrist with one of the most tumultuous lives in soap history, including the infamous "Marlena Possession" storyline. She began playing the role in 1976 and is one of the show's most celebrated figures. She also played her twin sister, Samantha Evans, in the 1970s.

Susan Seaforth Hayes (Julie Olson Williams)

• Full Name: Susan Seabold
• Role: Julie Olson Williams
• Date of Birth: July 11, 1943
• Birth Place: Oakland, California, United States
• Career Highlights: As the second-longest tenured actress on the show, Susan Seaforth Hayes has portrayed the beloved Julie Olson Williams since 1968. Her on-screen romance and marriage to Doug Williams (played by her real-life husband, Bill Hayes, until his passing) made them the first supercouple in American daytime television. Her character is a key member of the founding Horton family.

Major Cast Shakeups: Who’s Returning, Who’s Leaving, and New Faces in 2025

The beginning of 2025 and the preceding months have brought a whirlwind of casting news. Fans are bracing for emotional goodbyes and ecstatic welcomes as several major characters return to Salem.

Thrilling Character Returns and Comebacks

The biggest news dominating the soap opera world is the confirmed return of several legendary characters, setting the stage for massive storylines in late 2025 and 2026.

• Alison Sweeney (Sami Brady): The ultimate fan-favorite schemer and daughter of Marlena Evans is set for a dramatic return. Sami Brady's presence always guarantees chaos, especially for the DiMera family and her ex-husband EJ DiMera (Daniel Feuerriegel).
• Peter Reckell & Kristian Alfonso (Bo Brady & Hope Williams Brady): The return of supercouple Bo and Hope is highly anticipated. Their love story is central to the show's history, and their comeback will have a profound effect on the Brady family and the entire town.
• Kim Coles (Nurse Whitley King): The return of Nurse Whitley King is confirmed, a character who played a significant role in a major storyline involving Abe Carver (James Reynolds).

New and Recast Actors for Key Roles

To keep the drama fresh, Days of Our Lives is introducing new talent and recasting familiar roles.

• Tyler Joseph Andrews (Theo Carver): The role of Theo Carver, Abe Carver's son, has been recast with Tyler Joseph Andrews. This change, effective in late 2025, is a significant casting update for one of Salem's core families.
• Hank Northrop (Liam): The son of late DOOL legend Wayne Northrop, Hank Northrop, is joining the cast as the character Liam in late October 2025. His character is rumored to bring serious trouble to Salem.
• Michael Roark: The actor made his debut in October 2025.

Notable Departures

The revolving door of Salem also means saying goodbye to some characters. Madelyn Kientz, who played Sophia Choi, had her last airdate in early 2025, following a controversial teenage pregnancy storyline.

The Current Main Cast of Days of Our Lives (2025)

The day-to-day drama on Peacock is driven by a strong ensemble cast, representing the major families—the Bradys, the DiMeras, the Hortons, and the Kiriakises. Here is a snapshot of the current main players in the town of Salem:

• Billy Flynn: Chad DiMera
• Daniel Feuerriegel: EJ DiMera
• Greg Rikaart: Leo Stark
• Galen Gering: Rafe Hernandez
• Linsey Godfrey: Dr. Sarah Horton Kiriakis
• James Reynolds: Abe Carver
• Marissa Reyes: Arianna Horton (a new addition in 2025)
• Brandon Barash: Stefan DiMera
• Eric Martsolf: Brady Black
• Mary Beth Evans: Kayla Brady Johnson
• Stephen Nichols: Steve "Patch" Johnson
• Martha Madison: Belle Black
• Paul Telfer: Xander Cook
• Stacy Haiduk: Kristen DiMera

Storyline Preview: What to Expect from the Days of Our Lives Cast in 2025 and Beyond

The flurry of casting changes is directly tied to a new wave of explosive storylines designed to captivate the audience. The show is moving away from some of the more controversial 2024 storylines, such as the character Connie, and focusing on high-stakes drama involving the core families.

The DiMera Family in Peril

The DiMera family, always central to the show's conflict, is rumored to face significant danger. With EJ DiMera and Stefan DiMera constantly battling for control, the return of Sami Brady will undoubtedly complicate the power struggle. The family's criminal enterprise and long-standing feuds are expected to escalate dramatically.

Health Crises and Emotional Turmoil

Dr. Marlena Evans is reportedly facing a major health crisis in the fall of 2025, which will send shockwaves through the Horton and Brady families. This emotional storyline will likely involve her husband, John Black, and her children, providing a powerful platform for veteran actors like Deidre Hall.

The Impact of Supercouple Returns

The returns of Bo Brady, Hope Williams Brady, and Sami Brady are not mere cameos; they are set to redefine the show's landscape. Their presence means old secrets will be unearthed, past relationships will be tested, and new love triangles are likely to emerge, especially with the current cast members like Chad DiMera and Eric Brady. The classic romance and adventure elements that fans crave are making a strong comeback. The cast of Days of Our Lives continues to be a dynamic mix of legendary performers and exciting new talent. With the focus on bringing back fan-favorite characters and delivering high-stakes storylines, the move to Peacock is proving to be a successful new chapter for the residents of Salem. The sheer number of returns and recasts confirms that the show is committed to honoring its rich history while forging a bold, dramatic path forward into 2026.