Deidre Hall celebrates 50 years as Marlena Evans on Days of our Lives on Monday, June 22, and I had the pleasure of speaking with her last week for upcoming pieces on tvinsider.com and swooon.com. It’s a remarkable run — and one that feels uniquely possible on daytime.

To mark the occasion, the show aired a flashback-filled episode featuring Deidre’s first scene with John Clarke’s Mickey Horton, as well as moments from the storyline that paired her with her real-life twin sister, Andrea Hall, who played Samantha. It was a wonderful trip down memory lane, both on screen and in conversation, and a reminder of how meaningful it is when a show takes the time to celebrate milestones like these. It’s a gift not only to the actors, but also to the generations of viewers who have shared their journeys.

So, congratulations to the fabulous Deidre Hall on an extraordinary 50 years — and here’s to many more!

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The casting news at General Hospital continues, as the show welcomes back three familiar faces this summer.

First up is Finola Hughes, who returns as superspy Anna Devane on Wednesday, June 24. Anna was last seen in February after being drugged by Cullum and sent to a psychiatric facility in France for treatment.

Also set to come back are Jequan Jackson as Quinn, Kai’s PCU teammate, who was last seen in February 2025, and Robert Gossett as Marshall Ashford, Curtis’s father. Robert, who has earned two Daytime Emmys for the role, was last seen in Port Charles in December 2025.

For more GH scoop, check out this summer preview!

Congratulations to Brandon Barash (ex-Stefan, Days et al), who welcomed his second son on June 5. Brandon and wife, Isabella, announced the birth of Sebastian Antonio Barash, who joins siblings Joaquin, 2, and Harper, 12, Brandon’s daughter with Kirsten Storms (Maxie, GH). “These babies teach us a clinic on love… all we need to do is saddle up, be still, and take em in,” he posted.

Christopher Sean returns as Paul on Days of our Lives on Monday, June 22.

Colton Little is back as Days’s Andrew on Monday, June 22.

Doug Tompos appears on Y&R as Dr. Nowling, who has a health update for Nikki on Monday, June 22.

Jennifer Gareis returns as B&B’s Donna on Monday, June 22 and Friday, June 26.

Delon de Metz appears as B&B’s Zende on Tuesday, June 23, Wednesday, June 24 and Friday, June 26.

Denise Richards is back as B&B’s Shauna on Tuesday, June 23, Thursday, June 25 and Friday, June 26.

Morgan Fairchild appears again as B&B’s Dottie on Tuesday, June 23 and Friday, June 26.

Jim J. Bullock returns as Joseph on B&B on Tuesday, June 23 and Friday, June 26.

Theodora Greece is back as Alison on B&B Tuesday, June 23 and Friday, June 26.

Hank Northrop appears as Days’s Liam on Wednesday, June 24.

Sissy Sheridan plays B&B’s Jessica on Friday, June 26.

Verina Banks returns as B&B’s Miranda on Friday, June 26.

Jesyka Harris plays an influencer on B&B on Friday, June 26.

Sofia Gordon plays a photographer on B&B on Friday, June 26.

Megan Udero, Marketa Lim, Kassandra Gibbs, Elena Moseikina, Zuza, Mia Hannah, Bella Drew and Lex Savides appear as Logan models on B&B on Friday, June 26.

Access Hollywood correspondent Lauren Herbert plays Linda on B&B on Friday, June 26.

Newsletter-exclusive highlights from my recent interviews

Deidre Hall marks 50 years since making her Days of our Lives debut as Marlena Evans on Monday, June 22, a milestone she says is difficult to comprehend. “Being cast on Days changed my life,” she told me. “I was doing episodic television, which was fine and I enjoyed it, but it was a very unpredictable future.”

Deidre’s perspective on her career shifted after she was cast as nurse Barbara Anderson on The Young and the Restless, where she appeared from its first episode on March 26, 1973 until 1975.  “I went over and did Young and Restless for a few years off and on — more off than on — and called my agent and I said, ‘I want to do a soap,’” she recalled to me. “I liked it. People had the same dressing room, and they were friends for years and they vacationed together and they did things together, and he was gobstruck. But then he called and he said, ‘There’s a part on Days of our Lives.’ And that, as they say, was that. I was thrilled and knew I would be thrilled. I’d found a place that was always going to feel like home. It’s been 50 years, and it's new every day, and I couldn't be happier.”

Still, reaching the half-century mark in Salem is something Deidre never expected. “Well, we know there are no guarantees,” she pointed out. “You start with a 13-week contract. But those were the days when magazines had popularity polls and I thought, ‘You like me? You really like me? Oh, wow, that’s nice. I like that.’ So, I think it brands us with a bit of confidence that we get to carry when we know our audience is pulling for us and wants to see us on camera. Then we feel free to try new things — to try being possessed, to try being evil, to try being a different character, whatever it is — and know that you have an audience that will stay with you.”

Colby Nixon, who had an explosive series of episodes last week, couldn’t be more thrilled to be playing Beyond the Gates’s Kat.  

“I just have to say, I love my girl Kat,” she told me when I visited the set earlier this year. “I just think there's a lot of things about Kat that I want to take into my own life. I think that she is so strong, so powerful. She speaks her mind and she doesn't care what anybody thinks of her or her opinion. And I think for women, particularly young women, to see a woman like that on camera Monday through Friday at 2 p.m. is really powerful because it encourages people to speak their mind and not give a hoot about what anybody thinks.”

That’s not to say she’s blind to her character’s flaws. “She has her messiness and her mean streaks,” Colby allowed. “So, I’m really excited for fans to continue seeing her evolution, to continue to see her vulnerability, her caretaking, her just becoming a better person, and I hope that we can all learn something from that kind of evolution.”

Colby is also well aware that viewers have strong feelings about Kat’s romance with Tomas (Alex Alegria). “Kat and Tomas are definitely a controversial couple,” she observed. “I think they have gotten to a point where they understand each other. I know all of us have been in relationships where in the beginning, it’s been very rocky because we're trying to change each other or seeing things that maybe you don’t understand, and I think now, Tomas listens to Kat. I feel like one of the hugest issues Kat has is that she feels unheard by the people around her and she doesn’t feel understood and he’s gotten to that point with her, and we'll see how long it lasts.”

One relationship Colby particularly enjoys exploring is Kat’s dynamic with Eva, played by Ambyr Michelle. “We have so much fun,” she enthused. “We really play off of each other, and at the end of each scene, we literally start laughing because we're like, ‘Dang, there’s so much vitriol in this conversation and we’re not like that in real life at all.’ I think me as Colby, I’m looking forward to the day that Kat and Eva can be friends. Who knows when that day will be, but I’m looking forward to it.”

Beyond the Gates: Bravo to Colby Nixon, who delivered outstanding work portraying Kat’s post-tornado trauma and her inner conflict over whether to be a liver donor match for Eva. The surrounding scenes were equally strong, from Leslie’s emotional anguish as her daughter’s life hung in the balance, Shanice offering Leslie clothes to make her more comfortable, Kat talking things out with Anita and Izaiah passionately advocating for Eva. And the hug Izaiah shared with Elon was a long time coming…. Dani and Bill’s conversation after their elevator tryst was compelling and added another intriguing wrinkle to the narrative…. Hayley looking up Kyle Abbott and his family online felt very realistic…. However, Leslie calling Tomas “Mojito” struck me as insensitive.

The Bold and the Beautiful: Steffy “welcoming” Hope back to Forrester Creations was a-w-k-w-a-r-d…. Logan’s design room is a fantastic new set…. The conflict with Zende and R.J. is believable. R.J. comes across so smug for someone who has very little experience in his field. I hope this pushes Zende to Logan…. We are months into this story and I will never understand the “blame Katie” take that Eric, Ridge and Brooke have. What did she do that was so wrong? Forrester forced Eric into retirement, Katie gave him new life. As I see it, she did him a favor and showed him how much value he still had a designer.… How is Daphne and Carter’s baby journey going? … And welcome back, Kimberlin Brown (Sheila)! You were missed.

Days of our Lives: What beautiful scenes between Julie and Marlena as they discussed the difficulties of navigating widowhood. Susan Seaforth Hayes and Deidre Hall brought warmth and authenticity to every moment…. I liked the idea of Holly, Tate, Ari and Aaron going to the Horton cabin, but Holly and Tate’s excessive PDA came across as weird and off-putting. What was the point of it? ... Kristen called Sydney — the second recent reference to EJ and Sami’s daughter — making it seem like it’s only a matter of time before Sydney turns up in Salem…. It was a nice callback when Eli reminded Lexie that she was once a cop…. I’m glad the show returned to the Kristen/Johnny story, and I especially enjoyed seeing EJ connect the dots and realize that his own sister tried to have his son killed.

General Hospital: I thought the scenes with Willow and Felicia overlooking the hospital floor from above were visually stunning. It was a perspective I honestly can’t remember ever seeing on daytime before, and it gave those moments a fresh feel…. I am absolutely on board for a Ric and Alexis reunion. Rick Hearst and Nancy Lee Grahn have always had fantastic chemistry, and their scenes still crackle with energy…. It’s becoming increasingly clear that Justine is the smartest person in the PCPD building, while Tracy holds that distinction at the Quartermaine mansion. Nothing gets past either woman and I am here for every minute of it…. Sure seems possible that Britt may not have Huntington’s Disease after all.… I loved the reminder that Dante is a Yankees fan!

Young and Restless: Jere Burns hit the ground running as Dr. Laurence Markham. His scenes with Susan Walters (Diane) feel effortless — they worked together on the NBC sitcom Dear John — and their chemistry made the dynamic between the characters immediately believable…. I really appreciated the spicy drama in the scenes between Nikki and Lily, as well as Devon and Cane, as both pairs discussed the future of Chancellor. The exchanges were layered with tension, history and competing agendas, making for some well-acted moments…. It feels like a bit of a stretch that Cane wouldn’t know the history surrounding Matt Clark. Given Cane’s ties to Genoa City, you’d think he would be familiar with at least some of that lore…. Victoria’s stress over Nikki’s health felt incredibly authentic. Her worry and helplessness all rang true, and her scenes with Claire were emotionally effective.

MONDAY, JUNE 22

Beyond the Gates: While Kat and Eva fight through surgery, the entire family waits in agony; Martin finds out whether he won the primary election; and Anita extends and olive branch to Leslie.

The Bold and the Beautiful: Donna finds herself in a difficult position, and Bill puts pressure on Wyatt.

Days of our Lives: Chad and Belle find a clue in the chessboard; Marlena thinks back on her 50 years in Salem; Andrew scolds Cat; and EJ confronts Kristen.

General Hospital: Willow gets an unwelcome surprise; Trina sticks to her guns; Ethan advises Ava; “Nathan" wants reassurance; and Brook Lynn receives an update.

The Young and the Restless: Victor tests Claire’s loyalty; Patty threatens Jack; and Nikki receives devastating news about her health.

TUESDAY, JUNE 23

Beyond the Gates: Nicole and Ted sit vigil over their daughter; Tomas leans on the Duprees; Martin and Eva are both feeling guilt-ridden; and Kat has a surreal experience.

The Bold and the Beautiful: Dottie and Joseph are given an exclusive preview at Forrester, and the date of Logan’s fashion show shocks the Forresters.

Days of our Lives: Brady officially joins Black Patch; Sarah asks Xander for a favor; Stephanie opens up to Kayla; and Joy sends Alex into a panic.

General Hospital: Dante cautions Liz; Laura learns a secret; Brook Lynn confides in Michael; Sonny challenges Ava; and Chase makes a decision.

The Young and the Restless: Nikki hides the truth from Victor; Kyle chases a lead to find Diane; and Nate is asked to keep a secret.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24

Beyond the Gates: Andre questions Dani’s experience during the tornado; Naomi confronts Bill; Tomas stuns Chelsea; and Vernon disagrees with Anita.

The Bold and the Beautiful: Bill and Katie use Forrester to their advantage, and the Forresters find themselves suddenly on the defense.

Days of our Lives: Sarah and Brady dig deeper into the recent Coriseal deaths; Holly collapses; Liam gives Ari a proper goodbye; and Gabi surprises Theo.

General Hospital: Anna meets with her doctor; Carly makes a stunning confession; Britt extracts a promise; Cullum pulls a fast one; and Gio and Emma hit the pool.

The Young and the Restless: Victoria urges Nikki to come clean with Victor; Nick fights temptation; and Noah provokes Matt Clark.

THURSDAY, JUNE 25

Beyond the Gates: Hayley walks in on Dani and Bill having a heated exchange; Ted receives a surprise request; Anita meets with Dr. Bauer for a major update; and Ashley gives Grayson some hope for the future.

The Bold and the Beautiful: Will is sworn to secrecy, and things get awkward for Hope and Liam.

Days of our Lives: Kristen asks Xander for protection; Ari demands the truth from Gabi; Holly shares a theory with Tate; and Sarah confides in Brady.

General Hospital: Josslyn clashes with Cassius; Lulu and Dante make a discovery; Chase receives a warning; Jordan seeks help; and Alexis is summoned to the PCPD.

The Young and the Restless: Victor goes to great lengths to help Nikki as her condition worsens, and Jack weighs his options to help Diane.

FRIDAY, JUNE 26

Beyond the Gates: Leslie’s announcement induces panic; Joey has a proposition for Vanessa; Deanna seeks some much-needed advice; and one family celebrates their shared wins.

The Bold and the Beautiful: The House of Logan hits the runway.

Days of our Lives: Belle and Chad continue unraveling the mystery of Stefano’s chess set; EJ puts Xander on the spot in front of Sarah; and Brady and Kristen give Rachel troubling news.

General Hospital: Anna takes a huge risk; Britt is in grave danger; Willow is in disbelief; Danny must act fast; and Curtis jumps to the wrong conclusion.

The Young and the Restless: Victor makes a surprising discovery about Nikki’s diagnosis; Jack and Kyle take a big risk with Patty; and Stephanie recruits Nate for a special project.

Check out these recent articles I’ve written for tvinsider.com.