The reality is that several Days of our Lives cast members will look back at the episodes that streamed this week on Peacock when they are choosing reels for next year’s Daytime Emmy awards. Among them will be Martha Madison, who shined as her character, Belle Black, eulogized her late father, John (played by the late, great Drake Hogestyn). Belle is the living embodiment of one of DAYS‘s greatest love stories – the one between Dr. Marlena Evans (Deidre Hall) and John Black. Before Belle even stepped up to the lectern, she had us teary-eyed as she grasped her mother’s hand for one last supportive boost. John Black was a larger-than-life character. To many in Salem, he was a secret agent extraordinaire, a problem solver, and a romantic legend. Madison, as Belle, reminded everyone he was also the best dad in the world.
“There’s been a lot of talk about my dad being a hero and he was,” Belle began her eulogy. “To me, he was a super-hero. When I was a kid, I always knew that my dad could keep me and my family safe from anything.” “I’m sure that every little girl feels that way,” Belle continued. “But I never outgrew it even as an adult. I always knew that I was the safest when I was with my dad.” The DAYS writing team armed Madison’s Belle (and all the characters mourning John) with touching and heartfelt dialogue for these emotional scenes. It wasn’t just the characters saying farewell to John – we also saw Madison and all the actors bidding adieu to Hogestyn. John wore many hats and had many titles through his nearly 40-year run in Salem. He was “The Pawn,” Roman Brady, Forrest Alamain, Ryan Brady, a priest, a hero, a spy, the owner of Basic Black, a husband, a friend, and a father.
Madison’s Belle brought it all down to earth and painted the picture of John being her dad. She recalled one time when he headed off to Europe to help keep his son Brady (Eric Martsolf) from Stefano DiMera (Joe Mascolo). (Huge kudos are due to Martsolf, who, as Eric, made John’s mourners laugh through their tears by imitating John’s voice and his trademark eyebrow look.) “My dad said, ‘I can’t sit around here and do nothing, right?’” Belle recalled her dad saying as she embraced joy and heartache simultaneously. Madison convincingly played a memory that Belle experienced before she took on her part. “Yeah, come on, Mom!” Belle recalled saying. “Daddy’s the man! He’ll come through.” “And he did. He always came through,” Belle added.
Anyone fortunate enough to have met and known Hogestyn in real-life would likely agree that some of Belle’s sentiments also applied to John’s portrayer. So, we weren’t just watching talented actors playing how their characters felt about John. We were witnessing how the actors felt about Hogestyn. “He wanted to raise everybody’s spirts and make them smile,” shared Belle in a sentiment that could be applied to both the character and the actor. “In his honor, I am going to try not to cry all day. I think that’s how he would have wanted it. For the record, Daddy, you are still the man.”
When you think of the most unforgettable daytime moments, what comes to mind? Romance? Betrayal? Shocking comebacks? Last week on Days of Our Lives (DAYS), it was none of these. Instead, it was quiet grief—brought to life by Martha Madison as Belle said goodbye to her father, the legendary John Black. And wow, did she deliver.
So powerful was her eulogy that fans, critics, and even casual viewers couldn’t stop buzzing. Social media lit up. Soap blogs exploded. And just like that, Madison earned the title of Daytime Performer of the Week.
Let’s dive into why this scene—and her performance—left such a lasting impact.
The Legacy of John Black: A ‘DAYS’ Icon Bids Farewell
Who Was John Black To Salem?
John Black wasn’t just another Salem resident. He was a pillar. A legend. His tangled past—full of memory loss, secret missions, and countless romances—made him one of DAYS’ most beloved characters.
Why His Death Hit Fans So Hard
Even in a soap world where no one truly stays gone, John’s death felt different. Maybe it was because the character had been on our screens for decades. Maybe it was the vulnerability in Belle’s goodbye. Or maybe it was because this felt final.
Martha Madison’s Belle: The Grieving Daughter Who Stole the Show
Why Madison Was the Perfect Choice for This Scene
Martha Madison has played Belle Black with grace and fire for years. But this? This was next level. Her raw, trembling delivery of Belle’s eulogy pulled viewers right into her heartbreak.
A Eulogy That Felt Real—Not Soap-ish
Let’s be honest: daytime TV can sometimes drift into the overly dramatic. But Madison kept Belle’s eulogy grounded. Honest. Like something you’d hear at a real funeral. No eye-roll moments here.
The Writing Behind The Scene: A Perfect Storm
Emotional Script, Perfect Timing
Soap scripts can be hit or miss. But this one was gold. Every line Madison spoke felt natural—like Belle wrote it from the heart the night before.
The Power of Silence
Notice the pauses? The moments where Belle fought back tears? That wasn’t filler. It was brilliant acting, giving the weight of grief time to settle.
The Fans React: Social Media Erupts
Twitter Goes Wild
#BelleBlack trended within minutes. Fans posted clips. GIFs. Quotes. And tons of messages like “Best scene in years!” and “Give her an Emmy already!”
Soap Blogs and YouTubers Weigh In
Major soap YouTubers broke down the scene frame by frame. Bloggers called it “a masterclass in subtle grief.” One even claimed it was the best DAYS moment of the decade.
Why This Scene Was So Unique in Daytime TV
It Wasn’t About Shocking Twists
No secret twins. No evil doppelgängers. Just a woman losing her father.
The Universal Feel of Loss
Even if you don’t watch soaps, you’ve said goodbye to someone. Madison tapped into that universal ache. And that’s why it hit so hard.
Comparing Belle’s Eulogy to Other Iconic Soap Funerals
How Did It Stack Up Against Other Daytime Farewells?
Remember Luke Spencer’s funeral on General Hospital? Or Cassie’s on The Young and the Restless? This one stands right beside them—maybe even a notch higher.
Why Belle’s Eulogy Felt So Personal
Because of Madison’s delivery, this scene wasn’t just for John. It was for anyone who’s lost a parent. And that made it timeless.
Behind the Scenes: What We Know About Filming This Emotional Moment
Was Martha Madison Nervous?
Sources say Madison knew this was a career-defining moment. But she trusted the script—and the character she’s lived in for years.
Cast and Crew Reaction
Co-stars reportedly teared up off-camera. Crew members gave her a standing ovation. When your coworkers cry, you know you nailed it.
What This Performance Means For Martha Madison’s Future
An Emmy On the Horizon?
Fans and critics alike are calling for Daytime Emmy recognition. And honestly? It’d be well deserved.
Bigger Roles Beyond Salem?
Madison has proven she’s more than just Belle. With this performance, prime-time and film offers could easily follow.
A New Chapter for ‘DAYS’?
How Will John Black’s Absence Change the Show?
Losing a character like John reshapes everything. Expect big changes in Salem’s power dynamics—and in Belle’s story.
Will Belle Take Center Stage?
With Madison’s spotlight performance, Belle may finally step into the lead role fans have long wanted for her.
Fans Want More: What’s Next For Belle?
A Storyline of Healing—or Revenge?
Viewers are begging for Belle to take action—maybe investigating John’s mysterious death—or just rebuilding her life.
Potential New Love Interests?
Some fans already ship Belle with another Salem bachelor. Will grief open the door to new romance?
The Soap World Takes Notice
Other Shows Raise the Bar
After this performance, writers and actors across daytime TV will have to step up. Madison just raised the emotional bar sky-high.
New Viewers Tuning In
Casual viewers who saw clips online are now tuning in live. That’s the true power of a viral soap moment.
Why This Scene Matters Beyond ‘DAYS’
The Power of Grief on Screen
This wasn’t just a soap moment. It was a reminder that grief—raw and human—connects us all, no matter the show or genre.
A Tribute To Fans Old and New
Longtime DAYS viewers felt the weight of decades in that church. New viewers felt the universal ache of loss. Everyone, for a moment, was united.
Conclusion: A Performance That Will Be Remembered For Years
Martha Madison didn’t just play Belle. She became every daughter who’s lost a father. With simple words, tearful pauses, and unspoken pain, she gave us the most powerful moment daytime TV has seen in ages. This performance will be remembered—not just in Salem, but by soap fans everywhere. And if Emmy gold follows? No one will be surprised.
