‘Days of Our Lives’ star slaps ‘Today’ show co-anchor on air
She later joked that she “meant to miss” but hit him instead.
Mason Reed 
Soap opera royalty Deidre Hall brought a touch of drama to the Today show this Friday. Celebrating her incredible 50-year milestone on Days of Our Lives, the 78-year-old star took a moment to teach co-anchor Craig Melvin the secrets behind her iconic onscreen slap.
A Lesson in Daytime Drama
After Melvin requested a demonstration, the veteran actress—who has played Dr. Marlena Evans since 1976—walked him through the stunt. Hall instructed Melvin to snap his head back as her hand moved toward his face, a move that drew cheers from the studio audience. While the stunt was a success, Hall later joked that she actually intended to miss, but ended up making contact with the co-anchor instead.
From Near-Rejection to Stardom
During the segment, Hall revealed that her legendary career nearly never happened. She initially turned down the role of Marlena Evans, assuming she wasn't the top choice. “I had read the script, and I wanted it so much,” she recalled. “When he called, I thought, ‘Oh, everybody else must have turned it down.’ Because I’m no dummy, I turned it down too because I thought there must be something wrong with the part!” It wasn't until her agent confirmed she was the production's first choice that she ultimately signed on.
Legacy and Looking Ahead
Hall praised executive producer Ken Corday and the show’s writing staff for their ability to keep Days of Our Lives thriving as one of the last four remaining daytime dramas. She also shared her reaction to recent praise from Ryan Gosling, who cited her as his original acting inspiration. Hall admitted she was “stunned” and “beyond flattered” by his support.
For fans worried about her future, rest assured: Hall has no plans to step away from the soap world anytime soon. “As long as my key card opens the gate, I’m there,” she said. “It’s my family. I love that place.”
