Forty years ago, Stephen Nichols made his debut on Days of Our Lives as the Steve ‘Patch’ Johnson. Now, the actor is reflecting upon his four-decade journey, sharing thoughts on his devoted fans, his iconic wedding, and whether he ever imagined he’d still be part of the soap all these years later. Nichols spoke with Soap Opera Digest about his career. The actor when discussing his fans, reflecting on their unwavering support, the actor shared, “Fans of Days of Our Lives, I carry your support with me every day I go to work. Many of you are like family members I have never met, and I know you’re out there and I appreciate you. Others who I have met, I want you to know that the things you say, your take on story, the compliments you pay our show and me and others, I take all of it to heart. It means more to me than you know. I appreciate you. And those fans who have become friends, are true friends of mine and even like family in some cases. All of you sustain me, my work, and my livelihood. I am eternally grateful to you. Thank you for 40 years! Let’s keep those sands flowing”
One of the most iconic moments in Days of Our Lives history was the historic 1988 wedding between Nichols character and his supercouple love interest Kayla Brady (Mary Beth Evans). Looking back on the filming of this event Nichols shared, “So many memories… starting with watching Mary Beth as we were filming, taking her in moment to moment, from the beginning of the ceremony to the moment when she whispered “Steve,” speaking for the first time in months. I was overwhelmed as Steve and personally by her performance. There was joy in the air. It was one of those big events where filming becomes a celebration. Everyone was invested and happy to be there. A memorable, beautiful day.”
Looking back, forty years ago, the actor never thought that this was a role that would he’d still be portraying. “I could never have conceived of it, though if I had, I probably would have been so very grateful that I had a guarantee of supporting my family for the next 40 years. This is where my heart has always been in relation to my work.”
Fans took to social media to share their appreciation, one fan shared on X (Formerly Twitter), “As a fan, I was eager to watch, from the very beginning, the goings on and the love life of the iconic duo, Steve and Kayla. The Patch character was so unique in itself. Kudos Steve Nichols. 🥰❤️🇺🇸” with a second adding, “It’s been a privilege to watch Stephen Nichols all these years, not only as “Patch” but all the characters he has given us🥰 Wonderful to hear how grateful he is for the show, his fellow actors & his fans❤️”
In addition to Days of Our Lives, Nichols Daytime credits include General Hospital, it’s spinoff Port Charles and The Young and the Restless.
It’s rare to find an actor who’s graced daytime television screens for four straight decades. But Stephen Nichols—better known to soap fans as the unforgettable “Patch” Johnson from Days of Our Lives—is that rare gem. At 74, Nichols is looking back on his 40-year career, sharing stories fans have been dying to hear: behind-the-scenes drama, secrets from the set, and the truth about that unforgettable wedding that made TV history.
In this article, we dive into Nichols’ reflections, the moments that shaped his journey, and why this legendary soap character still holds a special place in the hearts of millions worldwide.
The Early Days: A New Face in Salem
Humble Beginnings in Daytime Drama
Back in 1985, when Stephen Nichols first stepped onto the set of Days of Our Lives, he wasn’t yet the soap icon we know today. With a leather patch over one eye and a rebellious charm, “Patch” Johnson instantly shook up the sleepy town of Salem.
Creating the Iconic “Patch” Look
Nichols shared that the eyepatch wasn’t even part of the original plan—it was an afterthought that became his trademark. “It changed everything,” he laughed in a recent interview. “Without it, Patch wouldn’t have been Patch.”
The Unexpected Chemistry with Mary Beth Evans
When Steve Met Kayla: A Soap Opera Love Story
One of the most magical surprises in Nichols’ career? His undeniable chemistry with co-star Mary Beth Evans, who played Kayla Brady. Viewers fell in love with their slow-burn romance—and so did the writers.
Turning Co-Stars into Lifelong Friends
Off-screen, Nichols and Evans built a friendship that spanned decades. “We’re like an old married couple ourselves,” he joked. “We bicker, we laugh, but it’s always real.”
The Wedding That Made TV History
The 1988 “Patch and Kayla” Wedding Episode
Ask any soap fan to name the most memorable wedding in daytime television, and odds are they’ll mention Patch and Kayla’s 1988 wedding. Over 20 million people tuned in, breaking records.
Why That Wedding Still Matters
Nichols reflects: “That wedding was bigger than just a storyline. It gave people hope. Two broken souls found love. It meant something back then—and still does today.”
Staying Relevant in an Ever-Changing Soap World
Soap Operas in the Modern Era
When asked how Days of Our Lives has survived while other soaps faded, Nichols said: “It’s the human connection. People care about these characters. It’s not about flashy plots—it’s about heart.”
Adjusting to New Writers and Storylines
With dozens of head writers and producers over the years, Nichols adapted to every twist—sometimes literally—his character faced. “I’ve been presumed dead more times than I can count,” he joked.
Behind-the-Scenes Secrets Fans Never Knew
The Eyepatch Problem
Turns out, that iconic eyepatch wasn’t always fun. “That thing gave me headaches,” Nichols admitted. “I couldn’t see a thing on my right side for years.”
Real-Life Injuries on Set
During intense fight scenes, Nichols once accidentally broke a set piece—and nearly his hand. “Soap sets are tougher than they look,” he laughed.
The Challenges of Playing a Long-Running Character
Keeping “Patch” Fresh After 40 Years
How do you keep a character interesting after four decades? Nichols credits the writers—and the fans. “Their letters, their love—it pushes you to make Patch matter.”
Balancing Daytime Fame with Personal Life
“Soap fame is weird,” Nichols mused. “People feel like they know you. They’ve seen you cry, fall in love, die… and come back to life.”
Fan Love: The Secret Fuel Behind Stephen Nichols’ Longevity
Why Fans Still Love Patch and Kayla
Nichols thinks the “Patch and Kayla” story resonates because it’s real. “They’re imperfect. They struggle. Like all of us.”
Meeting Fans Across the Globe
From soap conventions in Vegas to fan events in Germany, Nichols has met diehard admirers everywhere. “They call me ‘Patch’ like they saw me yesterday,” he smiles.
Reflecting on 40 Years: Highs and Lows
Best Moment on ‘Days of Our Lives’
“The wedding, of course. Nothing ever topped that feeling—the whole world was watching.”
Toughest Storyline to Film
Nichols recalls the “death” of Patch—before his miraculous return. “They killed me off, and I thought it was the end. But soaps? There’s always a way back.”
Stephen Nichols at 74: What’s Next?
Still Going Strong
At 74, Nichols isn’t slowing down. He hints there’s more to come for Patch. “As long as they want me, I’ll keep the patch on.”
Dream Roles Outside of Soap Operas
“I’d love to do theater again,” he confessed. “Maybe Shakespeare—with an eyepatch, who knows?”
The Legacy of ‘Patch’ Johnson
A Role That Defined a Genre
Few characters shaped daytime TV like Patch Johnson. Nichols knows it. “It’s rare to be remembered for something this long. I’m grateful every day.”
What Stephen Nichols Hopes Fans Remember
“I hope they remember the heart. The love. And that crazy eyepatch.”
Why the 1988 Wedding Episode Still Shines
A Cultural Phenomenon
The Patch and Kayla wedding became part of pop culture. Decades later, fans still post about it on social media, and new viewers stream it online.
Nichols’ Favorite Wedding Scene Moment
“The vows,” he whispered. “That moment… pure magic.”
Conclusion: A Legacy Still Unfolding
Stephen Nichols’ journey on Days of Our Lives isn’t just a career—it’s a lifetime woven into the fabric of American pop culture. From the unforgettable wedding to countless shocking twists, Nichols’ portrayal of Patch Johnson remains a testament to what makes daytime TV so beloved: heart, humanity, and a little bit of drama.
At 74, he’s not done yet. And neither, it seems, is Patch Johnson.
