Summary (tl;dr)

Actress Deidre Hall, celebrating her 50th anniversary as Dr. Marlena Evans on "Days of Our Lives," created a trending moment by playfully demonstrating her character's famous "staged slap" on "Today" show co-host Craig Melvin during a live interview.

Essential Background

Deidre Hall is an iconic figure in daytime television, widely recognized for her enduring portrayal of Dr. Marlena Evans on the soap opera "Days of Our Lives." She has played this role for an impressive 50 years, during which her character became well-known for delivering dramatic on-screen slaps.

The Full Story

On June 19, 2026, Deidre Hall appeared on NBC's "Today" show to commemorate her five-decade tenure as Marlena Evans. During her interview, co-host Craig Melvin lauded her exceptional "ability to slap" and jokingly asked if she would demonstrate the technique on him, calling it "one of the greatest professional honors" of his life. Hall readily agreed, first explaining the mechanics of a theatrical slap, which involves moving her hand close to the face while the other person snaps their head back to create the illusion. She then executed the staged slap, with Melvin reacting dramatically to the applause and laughter of the studio audience, complete with a sound effect.

Why It Matters

This humorous and lighthearted segment has captured public attention and gone viral as it provides a memorable celebration of Deidre Hall's remarkable 50-year career on "Days of Our Lives." The moment not only showcased her enduring talent and the theatricality of soap opera performances but also resonated with fans who have followed her career for decades. It's a testament to her iconic status and the lasting appeal of her character's signature move.

Geographic Location

• 30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York City, New York, United States (Today show broadcast of staged slap)