The Ultimate Guide To The Days Of Our Lives Cast: Who’s In, Who’s Out, And The Shocking 2025 Returns

The cast of Days of Our Lives (DOOL) remains one of the most dynamic and enduring ensembles in television history, constantly shifting to fuel the dramatic, often supernatural, storylines that keep Salem, U.S.A., on the map. As of December 10, 2025, the Peacock streaming soap opera is experiencing a major shake-up, featuring the departure of several fan-favorite characters and the highly anticipated return of legendary supercouples and villains. This guide breaks down the actors currently anchoring the show and the monumental comings and goings that will define the next chapter of the show's run on Peacock.

The transition from NBC to Peacock has only intensified the drama, giving the writers and actors more freedom to explore bolder, more complex narratives. From the long-running sagas of the Brady and Horton families to the current reign of the DiMera empire, the cast continues to deliver the compelling performances that have earned the show its status as a daytime television institution.

Iconic Veteran Actors and Their Complete Biographies

The foundation of Days of Our Lives rests on the shoulders of its veteran actors, many of whom have portrayed their characters for decades. Their biographies are a testament to the show's longevity and cultural impact. A prime example is the beloved Deidre Hall, who embodies the heart and soul of Salem.

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Deidre Hall (Dr. Marlena Evans)

• Full Name: Deidre Ann Hall
• Born: October 31, 1947
• Birthplace: Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S.A.
• Spouse(s): William Hudson (m. 1966; div. 1970), Keith Barbour (m. 1972; div. 1977), Michael Dubelko (m. 1987; div. 1989), Steve Sohmer (m. 1991; div. 2006)
• Children: Two sons (David Atticus Sohmer and Tully Chapman Sohmer), born via surrogate.
• Career Highlights: Hall began her career in front of an audience after being crowned the Junior Orange Bowl Queen at age 13. She was one of the first young women to host her own radio show. Her role as Dr. Marlena Evans on Days of Our Lives began in 1976, making her one of the longest-serving actors on the show. She famously took a hiatus, returning in August 1991, much to the delight of her fans. She also starred in the 1970s series Electra Woman and Dyna Girl and the drama Our House.
• Key DOOL Entity: Dr. Marlena Evans is best known for her supercouple status with John Black (Drake Hogestyn), her possession storyline in the 1990s, and her career as a psychiatrist helping the residents of Salem.

Other Long-Running Contract Cast Members

• Suzanne Rogers (Maggie Kiriakis): A veteran since 1973, Rogers is one of the longest-running soap opera actors in history, portraying the kind-hearted Maggie Horton Kiriakis.
• James Reynolds (Abe Carver): Joining in 1981, Reynolds is a staple of the show, recently having a major storyline involving his character's kidnapping by Nurse Whitley King (Kim Coles is set to return in 2025 as the kidnapper).
• Josh Taylor (Roman Brady): Taylor has played the role of Roman Brady since 1997, a key member of the iconic Brady family.
• Eric Martsolf (Brady Black): A fan favorite who has played the role for over 17 years, Martsolf continues to be central to major plot lines, often finding himself in crisis. Outside of Salem, Martsolf is also part of the "Day Players Band" along with co-stars Brandon Barash, Carson Boatman, and Wally Kurth, and has lent his voice to the hybrid audio/video drama podcast RIDE SHARE.

The Shocking Comings and Goings Defining 2025

The most compelling news for Days of Our Lives fans revolves around the major cast shifts planned for late 2024 and throughout 2025. These movements promise explosive storylines that will revisit some of the show's most cherished histories, particularly involving the Brady, Horton, and DiMera clans.

Legendary Returns: Bo, Hope, and Sami Brady

The biggest headlines of the year focus on the return of three of the show's most iconic characters. The return of these actors is set to dramatically reshape the entire Salem canvas and boost the show's viewership on Peacock.

• Peter Reckell (Bo Brady) and Kristian Alfonso (Hope Williams Brady): The ultimate supercouple, Bo and Hope, are slated for a monumental comeback. Their dynamic is considered the gold standard for soap opera romance, and their return will undoubtedly be central to the 2025 storylines, likely involving the rest of the Brady family.
• Alison Sweeney (Sami Brady): Sweeney, who has a prolific career as an actress and executive producer for the Hallmark Channel (including the Chronicle Mysteries series and a new duet of movies), continues her recurring role as the volatile Sami Brady. Her character’s presence always guarantees chaos, especially for her twin Eric Brady (Greg Vaughan) and her long-standing rival Nicole Walker (Arianne Zucker).
• Other Notable Returns: Fans can also anticipate the return of Tina Huang as Melinda Trask and Colton Little as Andrew Donovan in March 2025, characters whose past ties to Salem's legal and security worlds will surely bring new intrigue. Even Kim Coles is expected to return as the villainous Nurse Whitley King, continuing the Abe Carver saga.

Key Exits and Character Departures

While some fan favorites are returning, others are saying goodbye, marking the end of significant storylines and opening up new opportunities for the remaining cast members.

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• Ashley Puzemis (Holly Jonas): Puzemis's time in Salem as the daughter of Nicole Walker came to an end in 2024.
• Al Calderon (Javi Hernandez): Calderon, who played Javi Hernandez, confirmed his exit from the Peacock soap opera in 2024 after about a year on the show.
• Madelyn Kientz (Sophia Choi): Kientz's final airdate as Sophia Choi is scheduled for early 2025, signaling the conclusion of her character's current arc.
• Other Recent Departures (2023/2024): The past year also saw the exits of characters like Chloe Lane (Nadia Bjorlin), Philip Kiriakis (John-Paul Lavoisier), Belle Black (Martha Madison), and Shawn-Douglas Brady (Brandon Beemer).

The Current Landscape: Actors Driving Major Storylines

The daily drama in Salem is currently driven by a core group of actors tackling high-stakes storylines, including romance, mystery, and corporate espionage. The shift to streaming has allowed these stories to unfold with a slightly darker, more serialized edge.

The DiMera and Horton Dynasties

The classic rivalry between the DiMera and Horton families remains the bedrock of the show, with key actors at the center of the conflict.

• Dan Feuerriegel (EJ DiMera): Feuerriegel, who took over the role in 2021, is currently involved in a complex love story. His character, EJ DiMera, is navigating a relationship with Abigail Deveraux (played by Abigail Klein), a member of the rival Horton family. This relationship is a critical focal point, blending corporate power struggles with personal drama.
• Abigail Klein (Stephanie Johnson): As Stephanie Johnson, Klein represents the next generation of the Horton and Johnson families, often caught between family loyalty and personal ambition.
• Greg Vaughan (Eric Brady) and Arianne Zucker (Nicole Walker): The tumultuous relationship between Eric and Nicole is a constant source of drama, keeping both actors central to the show's emotional core. Their on-again, off-again romance is a classic soap opera trope that continues to captivate viewers.

The current cast of Days of Our Lives is a perfect blend of enduring legacy and fresh talent. With the guaranteed return of super-veterans like Bo and Hope, and the continued stellar performances from actors like Deidre Hall, James Reynolds, and Eric Martsolf, the soap opera is poised for a dramatic, entity-rich 2025. The shift to the Peacock streaming platform has only strengthened the show's ability to deliver the unexpected, ensuring that Salem remains the most fascinating town in daytime television.

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