In a stunning revelation, veteran soap opera star Deidre Hall, famously known for her portrayal of Marlena Evans on “Days of Our Lives” (DOOL) for over 45 years, dropped a bombshell during her recent appearance on the YouTube show “The Locker Room.” Hall, at 76 years young, not only reminisced about her illustrious career but also tantalized fans with news of a beloved cast member’s return to the iconic daytime drama.
During her interview with host Alan Locker on April 5th, Hall delved into her journey in the entertainment industry, reflecting on mentors who shaped her career and graciously fielding questions from devoted fans. As the conversation unfolded, Hall hinted at a wave of returning cast members, teasing, “We’re having a number of people coming back to the show in the next few weeks for episodes that we’re doing,” before dropping the bombshell announcement: “Gloria Loring is going to be coming back.”
The revelation sent shockwaves through the soap opera community, with Locker visibly stunned and fans erupting in excitement on social media platforms. Loring, now 77, left an indelible mark on “Days of Our Lives” during her tenure as Liz Chandler from 1980 to 1986. Her return, shrouded in mystery as details remain undisclosed, has sparked speculation among fans.
Many speculate that Loring’s comeback may be tied to a special tribute episode honoring the late Bill Hayes, who portrayed Doug Williams on DOOL from 1986 to 2004. Hayes, a beloved figure in the soap opera realm, passed away at the remarkable age of 98 on January 12, 2024. Loring’s character, Liz Chandler, was an integral part of the DOOL fabric, known for her captivating performances and enchanting presence.
Liz Chandler, the daughter of Kellum Chandler, captivated audiences as a singer and headlining cabaret act at Salem’s nightclub. Loring’s portrayal of Liz resonated deeply with viewers, earning her a special place in the hearts of DOOL enthusiasts worldwide. Off-screen, Loring’s personal life intertwined with her on-screen legacy, as she is the wife of the late Allan Thicke and mother to Robin and Brennan.
The news of Loring’s return ignited a frenzy on social media, with fans expressing jubilation and anticipation for her reprisal of the iconic character. Twitter erupted with messages of excitement, with one user exclaiming, “So happy to hear the news that Gloria Loring will be returning to #Days! Let’s keep our fingers crossed that other beloved characters will be returning as well.”
Another fan chimed in, reminiscing about Loring’s mesmerizing voice and iconic portrayal of Liz Chandler: “I always loved Gloria Loring and her beautiful voice. I am glad Gloria Loring is returning to Days. I always loved her iconic character Liz Chandler.”
The anticipation surrounding Loring’s return is further heightened by the revelation that she isn’t the only veteran making a comeback to DOOL. Just last week, Stephen Schnetzer, known for his portrayal of Steven Olson, announced his return to the show after a decades-long absence. Schnetzer left the soap opera in 1980 to star in the Broadway play “Fumina.”
During his appearance on “The Locker Room,” Schnetzer inadvertently added to the excitement by prematurely revealing his return: “I have an announcement to make… as far as I know, next week I’m flying out to LA… They’ve asked Steve Olson to come back for a couple of episodes.” His excitement was palpable, yet he momentarily forgot the live nature of the broadcast, asking, “Are we streaming? We’re live, aren’t we?”
With both Loring and Schnetzer poised to grace the screens of “Days of Our Lives” once again, fans are eagerly counting down the days until their beloved characters make their triumphant returns. As the soap opera landscape continues to evolve, these nostalgic reunions serve as a testament to the enduring legacy of DOOL and the unwavering devotion of its dedicated fan base.
