15 Must-Know Days Of Our Lives Actors: Shocking Deaths, Major Returns, And The Current Cast Of 2025

The landscape of Salem, Oregon, is constantly shifting, and as of December 2025, fans of Days of Our Lives (DOOL) are navigating a period of profound change, mourning the loss of a legend while eagerly anticipating the return of several iconic faces. The long-running soap opera, which now streams exclusively on Peacock, continues to deliver the dramatic twists and turns it's famous for, driven by a mix of veteran performers and fresh talent.

This article provides an in-depth look at the most significant actors from the current cast, highlights the devastating recent departures that have shaken the community, and reveals the major fan-favorite returns scheduled for the upcoming year, ensuring you are up-to-date on all the latest happenings in the world of Days.

In Memoriam and The Pillars of Salem: Key Actor Biographies

The heart of Days of Our Lives lies in its phenomenal cast, a group that includes some of the longest-running actors in American daytime television history. This section pays tribute to a recently departed legend and details the careers of the most influential current stars.

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Drake Hogestyn (John Black)

• Role on DOOL: John Black
• Years on DOOL: 1986–2009, 2011–2024
• Date of Birth: September 29, 1953
• Date of Death: September 28, 2024
• Key Career Notes: Drake Hogestyn became synonymous with the character of John Black, known for his mysterious past (the 'Pawn' storyline) and his supercouple romance with Marlena Evans (Deidre Hall). Prior to his soap career, he was a professional baseball player for the New York Yankees organization. Hogestyn passed away in September 2024 after a battle with pancreatic cancer, a devastating loss that led to the show revealing his character's cause of death eight months later in a highly emotional storyline.

James Reynolds (Abe Carver)

• Role on DOOL: Abe Carver
• Years on DOOL: 1981–1990, 1991–Present
• Key Career Notes: James Reynolds holds the distinction of being one of the longest-serving actors on the show, portraying the stalwart police captain and former Mayor of Salem, Abe Carver, since 1981. His character is one of the most prominent African-American figures in daytime history. Reynolds also had a brief stint on the soap Generations in the early 1990s before returning to Days. His work has earned him a Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series.

Mary Beth Evans (Kayla Brady Johnson)

• Role on DOOL: Kayla Brady Johnson
• Years on DOOL: 1986–1992, 2006–Present (with various returns)
• Key Career Notes: Mary Beth Evans is beloved as Kayla Brady, half of the iconic "Patch and Kayla" supercouple. She first took on the role in 1986. Beyond Salem, Evans has also starred on other major soaps, including General Hospital as Katherine Bell and As the World Turns as Sierra Montgomery. Her frequent returns and continuous presence cement her status as a cornerstone of the current cast.

Greg Rikaart (Leo Stark)

• Role on DOOL: Leo Stark
• Years on DOOL: 2018–2020, 2022–Present
• Key Career Notes: Greg Rikaart is celebrated for his portrayal of the mischievous and dramatic Leo Stark, a character who became a full-time cast member in 2022. Rikaart is a Daytime Emmy winner and is equally famous for his long-running role as Kevin Fisher on The Young and the Restless, a character he continues to play alongside his work on Days. His ability to switch between comedy and high drama makes Leo a secret weapon for the show's current storylines.

The Current Roster: Actors Defining Days of Our Lives in 2025

The current cast features a blend of decades-long veterans and fresh faces who are driving the key romantic, criminal, and political storylines in Salem. As of late 2025, these actors are at the forefront of the show’s move to the Peacock streaming service.

Long-Running Legends and Their Enduring Roles

The stability of Days of Our Lives rests on the shoulders of actors who have dedicated decades to their characters, creating a sense of history and family for the audience. Suzanne Rogers, who plays Maggie Horton Kiriakis, is the longest-serving member of the current cast and the longest-serving current cast member of any ongoing American soap opera, having started in 1973. Other core veterans include:

• Deidre Hall (Marlena Evans): The beloved 'Doc,' whose presence is now central to the emotional fallout following John Black’s death.
• Josh Taylor (Roman Brady): A long-time figure in Salem, who has played two different major characters (Chris Kositchek and Roman Brady) over his career.
• Matthew Ashford (Jack Deveraux): Who continues his on-again, off-again romance and political intrigue storylines.
• Stephen Nichols (Steve "Patch" Johnson): The other half of the iconic "Patch and Kayla" duo, a fan favorite since the 1980s.

Newcomers and Recent Additions

To keep the drama fresh, the show regularly introduces new actors and recasts classic roles. The 2025 roster includes:

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• Marissa Reyes (Arianna Horton): A newer addition to the cast, playing the daughter of Sami Brady and Rafe Hernandez.
• Cary Christopher (Thomas DiMera): Portraying the son of Chad DiMera and Abigail Deveraux.
• Raven Bowens (Chanel Dupree-DiMera): Driving a major storyline involving a scary secret in late 2025.
• Paul Telfer (Xander Cook): Known for his charismatic portrayal of the reformed bad boy.

Major Cast Returns and Shocking Departures for 2025

The biggest news in the world of Days of Our Lives for 2025 revolves around a series of highly anticipated returns and a few heartbreaking goodbyes, proving that no one is ever truly gone from Salem.

The Triumphant Returns of Fan Favorites

The show's move to Peacock has facilitated a number of short-term and long-term returns from actors who have been away for years. These comebacks are crucial for boosting viewership and reconnecting with the show's classic roots.

• Alison Sweeney (Sami Brady): One of the most popular characters in the show's history, the return of the schemer Sami Brady is always a major event, promising chaos for the DiMera and Brady families.
• Peter Reckell (Bo Brady) and Kristian Alfonso (Hope Williams Brady): The ultimate supercouple, 'Bope,' is expected to make a significant comeback, a development fans have been waiting for since their last appearances.
• Kim Coles (Nurse Whitley King): The actress returned for a brief but memorable appearance as Abe Carver's soap-loving kidnapper, a storyline that captivated audiences.
• Brandon Beemer (Shawn Douglas Brady): The actor is back on a recurring basis, reprising his role as the son of Bo and Hope.

Recent Departures and Tragic Losses

Beyond the devastating loss of Drake Hogestyn, the cast has seen other notable actors depart, either through the death of their character or the end of their contract:

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• Francisco San Martin (Dario Hernandez): The actor, who played Dario Hernandez, tragically passed away at the age of 39, marking another painful loss for the Days family.
• Roslyn Gentle (Rachel Blake): The character, known as the 'woman in white,' is reportedly set for an upcoming exit after helping EJ and Kristen DiMera.
• Abigail Klein (Stephanie Johnson): Her character's past is set to haunt her in late 2025, suggesting a major storyline twist or a potential departure for the actress.

The Legacy of Days: Celebrities Who Started in Salem

Days of Our Lives has served as a launching pad for numerous actors who went on to achieve major stardom in prime-time television and film. This history contributes significantly to the show's topical authority and cultural relevance.

Many stars landed their first major television roles in Salem, a tradition that continues to this day. Noteworthy alumni include:

• Jensen Ackles: Known for his roles in Supernatural and The Boys.
• Mila Kunis: The star of That '70s Show and numerous blockbuster films.
• Lisa Rinna: Who achieved even greater fame on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills after her time as Billie Reed.
• Ashley Benson: Best known for her role in Pretty Little Liars.
• Vivica A. Fox: A major film star who appeared on the show early in her career.

This revolving door of talent—from the longest-running veterans like Suzanne Rogers and James Reynolds to the major returns of Bo and Hope, and the tragic passing of beloved actors like Drake Hogestyn—ensures that Days of Our Lives remains one of the most dynamic and must-watch shows in daytime television, continuing its legacy of drama and compelling storytelling on Peacock.