Deidre Hall, James Reynolds, and Eric Martsolf teased plenty of nostalgia and fun as Salem celebrates its diamond anniversary.
It’s been a wild ride on Days of our Lives lately as a blackout has caused some characters to hook up or reunite, and others to deal with danger. If the storylines, which include Marlena’s strange dreams and the possible return of Stefano, seem like they’re building toward something big, that’s because they are. The show’s 60th anniversary is on the horizon, and everyone’s ready to celebrate. As part of this milestone, Deidre Hall, James Reynolds, and Eric Martsolf teased fans with a taste of the fun to come.
A Gala Full of History
The actors appeared on Today to discuss what’s coming up. The centerpiece of the anniversary will be a University Hospital gala as EJ (Dan Feuerriegel) unveils the hospital’s new free clinic in honor of Dr. Tom Horton. Reynolds (Abe) explained that it’s going to be unforgettable. “Everybody is going to see all their favorites. People are coming back. It is going to be fantastic,” he stated, adding that long-time viewers will feel rewarded, while new fans will get a crash course in Salem’s rich history.
Among the returning faces are Lamon Archey (Eli), Sal Stowers (Lani), Alison Sweeney (Sami), and Bryan Dattilo (Lucas). Hall (Marlena) chimed in with her perspective on what’s kept the soap grounded for six decades. “What stayed the same is we stay true to what’s current and we stay true to family,” she said. At the same time, she acknowledged that DOOL has always evolved with the times, making sure Salem’s dramas reflect the world outside the screen.
Honored and Humbled
As if celebrating 60 years on the air wasn’t enough, the show also had the good fortune to be inducted into the Broadcasting + Cable Hall of Fame. Martsolf (Brady) described it as a career-defining moment, as he marveled, “It’s nothing short of an honor. It’s crazy. I would’ve never imagined that I would be a part of a program that has been on the air for 60 years.” He credited the show’s sense of family, both on and off screen, for its enduring popularity.
And while the cast laughed their way through some playful DOOL trivia on Today — from Marlena’s iconic possessions to Abe’s island exile — the segment made one thing clear: this anniversary isn’t just about looking back, it’s about embracing the legacy while still moving the story forward.
