Full Breakdown
Deidre Hall Marks 50 Years on *Days of Our Lives* with a Playful Slap on NBC’s *Today*
6/20/2026, 2:15:50 AM
A Milestone Celebration and a Playful Slap
On June 19 2026, Deidre Hall appeared on the *Today* show to commemorate 50 years portraying Dr. Marlena Evans. Host Craig Melvin highlighted Hall’s “ability to slap” and invited her to demonstrate the technique. Hall responded that she would be “privileged” to slap him, explained the stunt, and then swung her hand toward him. The crew laughed as Melvin jerked his head back, exclaimed “Oh my God!” and pretended to be hurt.
Background & Context
Hall joined *Days of Our Lives* in 1976, becoming one of daytime television’s longest-running characters. Her portrayal of the psychiatrist has earned three Daytime Emmy nominations. Hall credits executive producer Ken Corday and the writing team for keeping the series compelling, noting that they “have cracked the code” for sustaining audience interest. The soap remains one of only four daytime dramas still on air and streams weekday mornings on Peacock.
Timeline of Key Moments
- 1976: Hall cast as Marlena Evans.
- 2024: Co-star Drake Hogestyn (John Black) died.
- June 19 2026: *Today* interview and staged slap.
- November 2026: Hall scheduled for a Los Angeles appearance.
- Ongoing: Hall stays on the show “as long as my key card opens the gate.”
Data & Statistics
- 50 years on *Days of Our Lives* (1976-2026).
- Three Daytime Emmy nominations.
- Four remaining daytime dramas on broadcast television.
- The series streams on Peacock and continues to air on NBC.
- Hall’s on-screen slaps are a signature move; the exact total is undocumented.
Official Statements & Responses
Melvin praised Hall’s “ability to slap,” calling her “a great slapper.” Hall replied that she would be “privileged” to slap him and described drawing her hand back to “come very close to your face” so he could “snap your head.” She later affirmed she will remain on the series “as long as my key card opens the gate,” describing the set as her family. Hall also thanked actor Ryan Gosling for naming her his “original acting inspiration,” calling his comment “lovely” and “beyond flattered.”
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources do not provide an exact count of Hall’s on-screen slaps; Hall herself said she “couldn’t begin to imagine” the total. All accounts agree the *Today* slap was staged and comedic.
Verbatim Quotes
- “You're a great slapper.” — Craig Melvin, *Today* host
- “It would be one of the greatest professional honors of my life if you could slap me.” — Craig Melvin
- “I would be privileged to slap you!” — Deidre Hall
- “And I’m going to come very close to your face. And when you feel that happening, you’re going to snap your head,” — Deidre Hall
- “As long as my key card opens the gate, I’m there.” — Deidre Hall
- “It's my family. I love that place. I couldn't resist.” — Deidre Hall
What’s Next
Hall indicated she will stay on *Days of Our Lives* while the show continues to air on NBC and stream on Peacock. She has a Los Angeles appearance slated for November 2026 and has invited Ryan Gosling to visit the set, signaling ongoing fan engagement and no retirement plans.
