Deidre Hall marks 50 years on Days of Our Lives

Deidre Hall has celebrated 50 years since making her debut on Days of Our Lives, calling the long-running soap opera “the best job.”

Hall, 78, first joined the NBC series in 1976 on a 13-week contract but went on to become one of daytime television’s most recognisable stars as psychiatrist Marlena Evans. She marked the milestone on 21 June.

Over the years, Hall has been part of some of the show's most memorable storylines, including Marlena’s demonic possession and a landmark 2014 episode in which her character officiated the first gay male wedding on daytime television.

Hall said she values the show's connection with generations of viewers, noting that many families have watched it together over the decades. She also said fan responses to Marlena’s support of her grandson during his coming-out storyline showed how important acceptance and compassion are.

Despite taking occasional breaks, Hall said Days of Our Lives has remained her professional home. She raised her two sons while working on the show, and her identical twin, Andrea, also appeared in several storylines.

Now filming about two days a week, Hall said she has no plans to retire. “I’ll keep coming back as long as my key card still opens the gate,” she said, adding that winning an Emmy remains one of her goals.