It’s hard to picture Days of Our Lives without Deidre Hall as Marlena Evans. But shockingly, Hall almost rejected the role that made her a soap legend. A recent podcast appearance revealed how close fans came to never seeing her iconic portrayal.

A Soap Star Almost Missed Her Shot

Before joining Days of Our Lives, Deidre Hall dipped her toes into the soap world in 1973. She played Barbara Anderson on The Young and the Restless. Though brief, that appearance sparked her interest in ensemble storytelling. She soon told her agent to find her another soap role.

When Marlena came along in 1976, Hall got a screen test. But she wasn’t confident. Seeing recognizable faces in the waiting room made her doubt her chances. She figured others were stronger contenders. Even after she got the call that she’d landed the role, she didn’t rejoice. Instead, she panicked.

Rather than jumping at the opportunity, Hall questioned the casting. In her words, if she got picked, others must’ve turned it down. That logic led her to reject the offer, fearing something was wrong with the part. Her agent was shocked, especially since she’d insisted on wanting a soap job.

Three weeks later, he challenged her hesitation. “You said you wanted a soap. You were their first choice!” That moment changed everything. Hall finally realized the role was meant for her. She accepted—and the soap world would never be the same again.

Days of Our Lives: From Doubts to Daytime Icon

Once Hall embraced the role, her bond with Marlena grew fast. Today, the name Marlena Evans is inseparable from Days of Our Lives. Hall’s decades-long run has included every wild twist imaginable. From brainwashing to demonic possession, Marlena has lived through it all—and Hall sold every scene.

The Emmy-nominated actress recalled that she doesn’t even remember the women she feared in the audition room. Whoever they were, they didn’t stop her from becoming one of the most beloved stars in soap opera history. And thankfully, fans didn’t miss out on the Marlena they adore.

Fifty Years of Soap Royalty

In 2026, Deidre Hall will celebrate 50 years as Marlena on Days of Our Lives. That’s half a century of love stories, tragedies, family drama, and unforgettable plots. Despite the genre evolving, Hall’s Marlena remains a steady, powerful presence in Salem.

Looking back, it’s chilling to think one doubtful decision could’ve changed TV history. But Hall overcame her fears, believed in her worth, and made daytime magic. Her journey proves that even legends almost walk away sometimes—but fate has other plans.

Deidre Hall almost missed the role of a lifetime on Days of Our Lives—but thankfully, she didn’t. Her Marlena Evans remains a cornerstone of the soap world. For more exclusive stories like this, stay with Soap Opera Daily. See you next time!