Stephen Nichols is celebrating four decades of playing Steve “Patch” Johnson on Days of Our Lives. The Peacock soap honored the actor and character with an episode filled with memories and flashbacks. Speaking with Soap Opera Digest, Nichols opened up about his run as a character who started as a sketchy villain with a vengeance against Bo (Peter Reckell). Forty years later, so much has happened with Steve, but one thing has stayed consistent. His patch.
“I was always against losing the patch. It is his signature, both physically and psychologically. Wearing the patch is one of the reasons I was excited about taking the job, because I knew what an indelible signature it would be for the character,” he shared with SOD. The patch makes the character of Steve and Nichols knows the power it has had in developing the character.
“The patch has always been central to the psychology of the character. From the early days of hatred towards Bo for doing this to him [Steve lost his eye in a bar fight with his future brother-in-law], and resentment toward the world, believing that he is a freak and could never have a normal, happy life. Then later Kayla shows him in the moment she removes the patch to clean his wounds that he is not a freak and, as Patch says, gazing into the mirror when she is gone, ‘She didn’t even flinch.’ It was the beginning of Kayla teaching Steve to start believing in himself,” Nichols expressed.
That moment Nichols referenced created the super couple known as Stayla. Mary Beth Evans (Kayla) and Nichols have been fan favorites from the jump. Nichols fully believes that Steve would not have stuck around Salem for so long if not for Kayla and his killer chemistry with Evans.
“Now you’re talking ‘magic.’ There’s no way the same thing could have been created with another actress. Mary Beth is unique, and our chemistry is a once in a lifetime thing and unique to us, which hopefully invokes a little bit of ‘magic’ every time we are on screen together,” the actor stated.nThe feeling is mutual, too. As Parade reported, Evans shared an emotional message to Nichols on his milestone anniversary, celebrating “the ride” they have been on all these years. They are sadly one of the last super couples still on Days of Our Lives, and are still together.
Congrats to Nichols on 40 years!
Days of Our Lives airs weekdays on Peacock. ‘Days of Our Lives’ Icon, 74, Makes Bold Confession About Character first appeared on Parade on Jun 17, 2025
Soap opera fans, grab your coffee and settle in—because this latest revelation from a ‘Days of Our Lives’ legend is the drama you didn’t know you needed. After decades of gracing our screens, this 74-year-old icon has finally spilled a truth bomb about their beloved character, and fans everywhere are losing it. What did they say? Why now? And what does this mean for Salem’s future?
Let’s dive right into the juicy details.
Who is This ‘Days of Our Lives’ Legend?
For anyone living under a rock (or just new to soap operas), we’re talking about none other than Deidre Hall, the beloved actress who has played Dr. Marlena Evans since 1976. Yes, that’s nearly five decades of soap opera royalty. She’s practically daytime TV’s version of the Queen of England.
What Exactly Did Deidre Hall Confess?
In a recent candid interview, Deidre Hall admitted something that left longtime fans gasping:
She never fully connected with Marlena Evans in the way viewers assumed.
Surprised? You’re not alone.
Why is This Confession So Surprising?
Because for years, fans thought Hall and Marlena were one and the same. The elegance, the grace, the endless near-death experiences—surely Deidre lived that character, right? Turns out, even legends sometimes feel disconnected from their on-screen alter egos.
Marlena Evans: The Character Fans Worship
Let’s take a second to appreciate why this is shocking. Marlena isn’t just any soap character. She’s survived possession by the Devil (yes, literally), kidnappings, wild love triangles, comas—you name it. Marlena is the heart of Salem.
A Star’s Inner Struggle: Playing a Role That Never Felt Quite Right
Deidre confessed that some of Marlena’s over-the-top storylines—like that famous demonic possession arc—pushed her so far from reality that she struggled to ground the character emotionally.
Imagine being asked to act possessed by Satan and make it believable. Yeah… no pressure.
Why Fans Are Shocked But Also Sympathetic
Let’s be real: playing the same person (even if that “person” is kidnapped every other season) for nearly 50 years must be exhausting. Hall’s honesty made many fans appreciate the craft behind the drama even more.
Is This the Beginning of the End for Marlena?
Cue dramatic organ music.
With this bold confession, whispers have begun: is Deidre hinting at retiring Marlena for good? Or is she simply sharing her truth without plans to exit? The jury’s still out.
How Did Social Media React?
Like any soap-worthy twist, Twitter exploded. Some fans praised her vulnerability, calling her “brave” for speaking out. Others worried this means the end of the iconic doctor.
“Say it ain’t so, Deidre! Salem isn’t Salem without you!” — one fan tweeted.
Industry Insiders Weigh In: What Happens Next?
Soap insiders suggest this confession might open the door for new storylines—maybe even a graceful exit for Marlena. But knowing how soaps roll, expect more mystery and cliffhangers before anything concrete happens.
The Legacy of Deidre Hall and Marlena Evans
You can’t talk about daytime TV without mentioning this duo. Their influence stretches far beyond soap fans—to pop culture, parodies, and late-night jokes. Hall’s performance shaped how millions view soap heroines.
Why This Moment Matters in Soap History
This isn’t just tea for ‘Days’ fans—it’s a moment that speaks to the pressures of long-term acting in any role. When an actor finally reveals the personal toll or disconnect from a character, it humanizes them in a way that scriptwriters never could.
Fans Share Their Favorite Marlena Moments
From steamy romances with John Black to wrestling with demonic forces, Marlena has lived a life that rivals Greek myths. Fans flooded forums with their top moments:
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Marlena vs. Satan (obviously)
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Her dreamy weddings
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Every time she woke from a coma with perfect hair (how?!)
Could This Inspire Other Soap Stars to Speak Out?
Maybe Deidre’s confession will pave the way for more soap legends to open up. Imagine the backstage secrets lurking in the minds of other Salem veterans. The drama behind the drama? Yes, please.
What Does This Mean for ‘Days of Our Lives’ Spin-offs?
With ‘Beyond Salem’ and other spin-offs in the works, some speculate this might shift focus to new characters—or even set the stage for a Marlena-centered farewell special.
What Keeps Deidre Hall Coming Back?
Despite her personal struggle with the role, Hall says the fans’ love and loyalty keep her going. It’s rare for an actor to stay so connected to a role for this long—soap history in the making.
Conclusion: A Brave Confession That Only Deepened Fan Love
In the end, Deidre Hall’s honest confession did the opposite of what some feared: it made fans love her even more. Her transparency, after decades of mystery, showed us the human behind Marlena—the real star of Salem.
Whatever happens next, one thing’s clear: the legend of Dr. Marlena Evans will live forever in soap opera history.
