Christie Clark is back as Carrie Brady on Days of our Lives. The actress stepped back into the role on the Peacock daytime soap on Wednesday (May 28) as part of the show’s goodbye to John Black (Drake Hogestyn) storyline. The two began working together all the way back in 1986.
“I knew what was happening with Drake, and I knew he wasn’t well enough to come and work, so that was sad,” she
“I knew I had to come back, because it was for him, because he was my mentor, and really was the main principal actor I worked with and grew up with, and gave me everything. And, my God, he was just a man of unbelievable beauty inside and out. So, I was just gutted that it was happening to him — the most fit, loving, gorgeous man who appreciated life. It was just heartbreaking.”
Drake passed away on September 28, 2024 amid a battle with cancer.
“I don’t know many more beautiful souls that I’ve had the pleasure of meeting,” she reminisced.
“He just was so kind to everyone on the set, cast, and crew. He just made everyone feel good, and he made you proud to be a human. He taught me some good lessons on how to be a good person, and I think for me, that is the ultimate goal.
“He showed me how to be kind to cast and crew,” she continued. “But we really had that connection. He was my second dad, and we played a lot of practical jokes on each other constantly. That went on for many, many, many years. It was an absolutely stunning, beautiful experience to be with him.”
Christie said she wishes she could have visited him when she was in Los Angeles filming these episodes last year.
“I was hoping to see him, but he was so ill that it wasn’t going to happen,” she remarked.
”He sadly died, like, five days after we filmed everything. Nobody knew that it was that serious, but everybody knew that it was going to happen because it was terminal cancer, so nobody was acting. It is just raw emotion for someone that we all loved.”
Christie also addressed returning after years.
“Every time I go back to the show, it’s family. You just drop right back in and get on the bike and go for the ride. It was lovely to see [Deidre Hall, Marlena Evans]. I’ve grown up with her, too, and she loves Drake, same as all of us. Martha [Madison, Belle Black] is also lovely to see; she’s my little sister [on the show].”
Christie has played the role of Carrie on and off for nearly 40 years, and now lives in England with her husband and their three daughters.
When it comes to soap opera royalty, Christie Clark’s Carrie Brady is as iconic as it gets. And now, after a four-year absence, she’s coming back to Days of Our Lives—but this time, it’s not for a wedding, a scandal, or a Salem twist. She’s returning for a gut-wrenching goodbye that’s guaranteed to leave fans reaching for tissues.
In this emotional deep dive, we’ll unpack why this return matters, what to expect from Carrie’s heartbreaking storyline, and how Christie Clark’s comeback could change everything for longtime fans.
Where Has Carrie Brady Been All This Time?
If you’ve been wondering what happened to Carrie Brady, you’re not alone. It’s been four long years since she last appeared on Days. Off-screen, Christie Clark took time away to focus on her family and personal projects—but Carrie’s absence has been deeply felt in the Days universe.
Carrie, the intelligent and empathetic daughter of Roman Brady and Anna DiMera, left Salem to focus on her law career and her life in Europe. But Salem always has a way of pulling its favorites back in.
Why Christie Clark’s Return Feels So Monumental
Let’s be honest: nostalgia is powerful, especially in soaps. Carrie Brady has been a part of Days of Our Lives since the late 1980s. She’s been through courtroom battles, forbidden love, betrayals, and heartbreaks—and her return signals a full-circle moment for fans who grew up watching her.
And this time, the stakes are even higher. It’s not just a cameo—it’s a goodbye.
What We Know About the Heartbreaking Goodbye
Who Is Dying in Days of Our Lives?
According to inside reports, Carrie is returning to mourn the loss of someone close—a beloved character whose death shakes Salem to its core. While the show is keeping details under wraps, many speculate it could be a Brady family member or someone tied closely to Carrie’s emotional journey.
The Emotional Impact of Carrie’s Farewell
Carrie’s return isn’t just a plot twist—it’s a moment of emotional closure. Fans can expect tearful reunions, flashbacks, and final conversations that wrap up decades of relationships and story arcs.
This isn’t just a goodbye to a character. It’s a goodbye to an era.
The Psychological Power of Soap Opera Nostalgia
You might wonder, why does this hit us so hard? Soap operas are unlike any other genre. They run for decades, meaning the characters become part of our daily lives. Watching Carrie Brady return is like seeing an old friend walk through the door—familiar, comforting, and heartbreaking all at once.
It’s not just fiction. It’s emotional investment, and that’s something soaps do best.
Carrie Brady’s Storyline Timeline: A Quick Recap
Let’s walk down memory lane for a second:
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1986: Christie Clark debuts as Carrie Brady.
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1990s: Love triangle with Austin and Sami becomes iconic.
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2000s: Legal drama and shifting alliances define Carrie’s arc.
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2010s: Carrie steps away from Salem for a quieter life abroad.
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2021: Last seen briefly in Days of Our Lives: Beyond Salem.
And now, in 2025, she returns for a final chapter.
Christie Clark: The Woman Behind Carrie Brady
Clark has always brought a sense of strength and vulnerability to Carrie. Over the years, her authentic performance helped build a loyal fan base. Off-screen, Christie is a devoted mom, an entrepreneur, and someone who’s never forgotten her soap roots.
Her return to Days shows that even after years away, some roles are just too meaningful to leave behind.
Behind the Scenes: How the Cast Reacted to Her Return
Sources say the cast welcomed Clark with open arms. Many of the longtime actors have known her for decades, and her comeback brought tears on and off the screen.
One insider shared:
“It felt like a family reunion—emotional, overwhelming, and beautiful.”
The Writers’ Intent: A Goodbye with Purpose
Unlike many rushed or filler soap returns, the Days writing team worked hard to craft a meaningful farewell. Carrie’s return isn’t just fan service—it’s part of a larger arc that explores loss, legacy, and healing.
And that’s why it resonates so deeply.
The Global Impact: Why Carrie’s Return Matters Beyond Salem
Days of Our Lives is an international phenomenon, airing in dozens of countries. Carrie Brady’s return has sparked conversations not just in the U.S., but globally.
Fans from Canada, the UK, and even Australia are expressing gratitude that the show is honoring its history with care and love.
How This Ties Into Future Storylines
Carrie’s farewell may also set the stage for new drama. Rumors swirl about unresolved legal issues, family secrets, and possibly a Brady family feud reignited by the emotional fallout.
In other words—this goodbye may be the beginning of a whole new chapter.
Fan Reactions: The Internet Is Buzzing
Social media has lit up with reactions like:
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“I’m not ready for this goodbye 😭”
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“Carrie Brady was my childhood hero. Thank you, Christie Clark!”
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“Just when I thought soaps couldn’t make me cry anymore…”
This isn’t just trending—it’s reverberating across generations of fans.
What Scenes to Look Forward To
Expect to see:
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A powerful funeral scene featuring many returning faces.
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One-on-one moments between Carrie and core characters like Marlena, Roman, and John.
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Emotional goodbyes that might include surprise flashbacks and voiceovers.
Get your tissues ready.
Will Christie Clark Ever Return Again?
Never say never.
Although this return is framed as a farewell, soaps rarely deal in absolutes. If the stars align (and fans shout loud enough), we could see Carrie Brady again—maybe in another Beyond Salem series or a special event episode.
But for now, we’ll treat this as the goodbye it deserves.
Final Thoughts: Why This Goodbye Matters So Much
In a genre built on drama, Carrie Brady’s return reminds us of the heart behind Days of Our Lives. Christie Clark’s performance is more than just a role—it’s a legacy. And her return, though short, delivers the kind of emotional punch that only a show like Days can deliver.
It’s about family, memory, and saying goodbye—not just to a character, but to a piece of our own history as viewers.
