The Ultimate Guide To The Days Of Our Lives Cast: 15+ Stars, Latest 2025 Shakeups, And Who’s Staying In Salem

The iconic cast of Days of Our Lives (DOOL) continues to evolve in late 2025, bringing a fresh wave of drama, romance, and shocking twists to Salem. As the beloved soap opera thrives on the Peacock streaming platform, fans are constantly on the edge of their seats wondering which beloved characters are returning, which actors are departing, and who is taking center stage in the latest gripping storylines. This comprehensive guide provides the most up-to-date look at the current contract cast, the newest faces, and the legendary veterans holding the show together.

The transition to Peacock has invigorated the series, allowing for faster-paced storytelling and bold new directions for the Horton, Brady, and DiMera families. As of December 2025, the cast is a dynamic mix of soap opera legends and exciting newcomers, ensuring the show remains a cornerstone of daytime television for years to come.

The Pillars of Salem: Days of Our Lives Contract Cast (December 2025)

The backbone of any soap opera is its core contract cast, the actors and characters who drive the main storylines and anchor the show's history. These performers are the heart of Salem, and their tenure ranges from decades of service to just a few months, reflecting the constant, dramatic churn of the show.

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• Suzanne Rogers (Maggie Horton Kiriakis): The longest-serving cast member, Rogers has portrayed Maggie since 1973, making her one of the longest-tenured actors in American soap opera history.
• Deidre Hall (Dr. Marlena Evans Black/Hattie Adams): A true icon of the genre, Hall continues to anchor major storylines, often pulling double duty as both the beloved Marlena and her look-alike Hattie Adams.
• James Reynolds (Abe Carver): Portraying the esteemed former mayor since 1981, Reynolds is a cornerstone of the show and a vital part of the Black community's representation in Salem.
• Dan Feuerriegel (EJ DiMera): As the current incarnation of the powerful EJ DiMera, Feuerriegel has become a central figure in the DiMera family drama and a key player in romantic triangles.
• Carson Boatman (Johnny DiMera): Boatman is a prominent young star, carrying the torch for the next generation of the DiMera dynasty.
• Cherie Jimenez (Gabi Hernandez): Jimenez took over the role of the fiery Gabi Hernandez, quickly becoming a fan favorite and a central figure in the show's most passionate relationships.
• Brandon Barash (Stefan DiMera): Barash's return as Stefan DiMera reignited the passionate rivalry with EJ and the dramatic love story with Gabi.
• Greg Rikaart (Leo Stark): The mischievous and often hilarious Leo Stark, played by Rikaart, remains a key source of comic relief and dramatic chaos in Salem.

The Latest Cast Shakeups and Exciting Returns for 2025

The end of 2025 has brought a flurry of "comings and goings," proving that the only constant in Salem is change. These recent updates are essential viewing for any devoted fan, as they signal major shifts in the show's direction and character dynamics.

Major Recasts and New Arrivals

The show's producers have made several bold casting decisions to refresh key roles and introduce new dramatic arcs:

• Michael Roark as Jeremy Horton (Recast): The character of Jeremy Horton returned to Salem, now played by Michael Roark. This recast immediately injected new energy into the Horton family's legacy.
• Marissa Reyes as Arianna Horton: Reyes joined the cast in 2025 as Arianna Horton, representing the newest generation of the iconic Horton family tree.
• Rachel Boyd: Boyd was added to the contract cast in March 2025, following the removal of Madelyn Kientz, suggesting a possible recast or a new, significant character introduction.
• Dan Gauthier: The *One Life to Live* alum Dan Gauthier joined the cast, a common and exciting practice in the soap opera world that often brings veteran talent to Salem.
• Tina Huang (Melinda Trask): Huang's presence as Melinda Trask, the formidable District Attorney, ensures that legal drama remains a central theme in Salem's courtrooms.
• Colton Little (Andrew Donovan): Little continues his run as Andrew Donovan, an essential figure in the show's ongoing espionage and police storylines.
• Hank Northrop (Liam): Northrop's debut as Liam signals a potential new storyline or romantic interest for one of Salem's main characters.

Fan-Favorite Returns

No soap opera is complete without the dramatic return of beloved characters, and 2025 has delivered some highly anticipated comebacks:

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• Matthew Ashford and Melissa Reeves (Jack and Jennifer Horton Deveraux): The fan-favorite supercouple made a welcome return, bringing their enduring love story and family drama back to the forefront.
• "Long Missing Actors": In November 2025, there was news of "a pair of long missing actors" returning, creating significant buzz among the fanbase about which classic characters might be making a dramatic comeback.

Noteworthy Exits and Departures

The drama of Salem often comes with a price, and not all characters stay. The end of 2025 saw a few significant departures that will undoubtedly shake up the storylines:

• Tyler Joseph Andrews (Theo Carver): Andrews was part of an October 2025 cast shakeup, with reports indicating a star was leaving after several years. This exit will impact the Carver family's dynamic.
• Madelyn Kientz: Kientz was removed from the contract list in March 2025, signaling the end of her run on the show, though the door is always open for a future recast in the world of DOOL.

The Enduring Legacy: Why Days of Our Lives Remains Essential Viewing

The constant evolution of the cast is precisely what keeps Days of Our Lives fresh and engaging, even after decades on the air. The show's ability to seamlessly blend veteran stars with young talent ensures that both long-time fans and new viewers find something to love.

The show's move to Peacock has allowed it to explore more mature and complex themes without the constraints of traditional network television. This creative freedom has been a boon for the actors, giving them richer material to work with and allowing their characters to grow in unexpected ways.

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Topical Authority: The DiMera and Horton Dynasties

The ongoing feud between the DiMera and Horton families remains the central conflict of the series. With actors like Dan Feuerriegel (EJ DiMera) and Carson Boatman (Johnny DiMera) driving the modern DiMera empire, and the return of Matthew Ashford and Melissa Reeves strengthening the Horton legacy, the battle for Salem's soul is as intense as ever. The show expertly uses these long-standing family feuds to introduce new characters and provide high-stakes drama.

The Role of Fan Engagement and Social Media

The cast of Days of Our Lives is incredibly active on social media, using platforms like Instagram and X (formerly Twitter) to connect directly with their dedicated fanbase. This interaction creates a deep sense of community, allowing fans to feel closer to actors like Deidre Hall and Greg Rikaart, and keeps the show perpetually in the public conversation. The buzz generated by "comings and goings" announcements often goes viral, driving curiosity and viewership to the Peacock streaming platform.

In conclusion, the Days of Our Lives cast in late 2025 is a testament to the show’s enduring power. From the unwavering presence of Suzanne Rogers to the exciting debuts of new actors and the dramatic returns of beloved veterans, the fictional town of Salem is more vibrant and unpredictable than ever before. To keep up with the latest twists and turns, fans should tune in daily to Peacock to witness the next chapter of this iconic soap opera.