Deidre Hall, one of America's most endeared actresses, has played the role of Dr. Marlena Evans, on NBC's Daytime soap Days of our Lives, for the past twenty years. She has created a character whose popularity far outshines any on daytime television. Marlena Evans is the epitome of the 90's careerwise, fashion conscious, strong willed woman. Her courage and strength is an inspiration to many.
Despite all her repeated kidnappings by Stefano Dimera, being locked in the dungeon by Kristen, and being possessed by the devil, Marlena manages to juggle a professional career, and still find time for her family. Although she does seem to leave little Belle at the Brady Pub a lot. Despite her adulterous affair, with John Black (when Belle was conceived), Marlena is a very dedicated woman. She was still married to Roman at the time of the affair, but she really still loved John. She stands by her man, her one true love John Black. They have overcome many obstacles, and the bond they share, including Belle, has made them inseparable. Despite all of Kristen's schemes, they always managed to end up together. When John was going to be executed for a murder he didn't commit, Marlena was the one who stood by him the whole time, trying desperately to prove his innocence. She even tried to seduce Stefano to help John. When Roman came back into the picture, things got a little tense between Marlena and John. She was torn between her love for John and her loyalty to a sick Roman. It finally took an honorable gesture from Roman to step down and finally give his blessing to the loving couple. The wedding has been in the works for almost a year now and we are still waiting for the union of John and Marlena. Rumors are that it will happen in May 99, but we can only wait and see. I think it is time for Marlena to have some happiness in her, she deserves it. Always trying to put other people's problems before her own, Marlena has become one of the most loved characters on Daytime TV.
Deidre's versatility as an actress has certainly been showcased in her many tv roles and movies. She had a stint on the tv series Wiseguy as the evil, alcoholic wife of a billionaire. She has done many movies for television, her most recent being the miniseries Tom Clancy's Op-Center, which was written and executive produced by her husband Steve Sohmer.
Her most recent and dramatic role was playing herself in the movie "Never say Never - The Deidre Hall Story".
Because of her own struggles to have children, Deidre has become a spokesperson for Childrens rights and issues. Each year she produces a Days of our Lives calendar with all proceeds benefitting the Bien Venidos Childrens Center. They provide care for children who have been removed from their homes, usually from neglect or abuse.
In 1986, while still working on Days, Deidre was also cast as Jesse Witherspoon in NBC's Our House, where she portrayed a single, widowed mother, left with nothing, struggling to raise her kids. It was a "feel good" show, with Deidre being the outstanding cast member. She worked with the tubby, redneck, grandfatherly figure Wilford Brimley. Despite the fact that she was working with such a limited actor, or maybe because of it, she was nominated for two People's Choice Awards as best actress by Viewers for Quality Television. She was so convincing in her role that the show itself was awarded the Viewers for Quality Television " Seal of Approval". In 1987, Deidre quit working on Days, to concentrate on Our House. The show only lasted two years, so Deidre was able to explore doing more dramatic work in numerous TV movies, and in 1991 going back to Days. Wilford Brimly went on to "Quaker instant oatmeal" commercials (stick with what you know, Wilford).
Deidre also had a short stint on stage doing two seperate runs of A.R. Gurney's Love Letters. The second time, it was brought back due to popular demand. She managed to fill the house almost every riveting performance.
Throughout the years, Deidre has gone from "Superwoman" to "Covergirl". Her beautiful ensembles have caught the eyes of many. TV guide, for one, have twice named her the "Best Dressed Woman", and also claimed she was one of America's ten most beautiful people. Over the years, her hair style has changed to reflect the times. Her most recent look, pictured here, I think is her best. She does look beautiful with long hair, but her new shorter hair is really stunning. It gives her a bolder, daring look that the 90's career woman strives for. It also works better with her character on Days. Poor Marlena is always in peril, being held captive or falling into some dark pit. With shorter hair she still manages to look good even when she's in mortal danger.
I remember growing up in the seventies watching Deidre in action on Krofft Superstar's Elektra Woman and Dyna-Girl When I would play with my friends, I always wanted to be Elektra Woman. Even though it always showed the same scene of them running down that hall, I still thought it was a cool show (Boy, Deidre, you've come a long way). My favorite Days of our Lives story line, like most people, was when Marlena was possessed by the devil. The writers broke new gound for daytime television standards with that controversial storyline. I thought it was the most entertaining thing they've ever done. I along with many of my co-workers were riveted with what she would do next. Deidre's acting abilities were broadened with that storyline. And I'm sure she had fun doing it, although I bet putting in those contacts evey day was rather unpleasant.
Deidre Hall has brought daytime television acting to new standards. Her sometimes over the top performances have been an inspiration to many of her viewers. I look forward to many more episodes of Dr. Marlena Evans!!! Deidre Hall is the coolest woman on television.
