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Days of Our Lives is a long-running American daytime soap opera that premiered on November 8, 1965. It is created by Ted and Betty Corday and is one of the most popular soap operas.
The soap is set in Salem and revolves around the lives of Horton, Brady, DiMera, and other interlinked families. Day of Our Lives has won numerous Daytime Emmy Awards and nominations.
Over the years, there have been many character exits and returns. The soap is also no stranger to the introduction of new characters. In 2024, John Black and Doug Williams, two legacy characters exited the soap which saddened the fans.
The soap also saw an introduction of a few new characters and a return of old ones. Here's a list of characters who left and returned on Days of Our Lives.
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Days of Our Lives: All major exits and returns in 2024
Returns/Newbies
1) Alison Sweeney as Sami Brady
Sami Brady, the daughter of Roman Brady, was introduced in 1993 on Days of Our Lives. Her obsession with Austin Reed and rivalry with her sister Carrie Brady formed most of her plotlines early on.
Sami became involved with Lucas Horton and EJ DiMera. Her relationship with EJ was surrounded by constant drama. Sami welcomed four children with Lucas and EJ.
In December 2022, Sami left Salem after ending her marriage with EJ. She moved abroad to focus on herself and her children. However, Sami returned in August 2024 to support her family during the crisis. During her visit, she resolved her differences with EJ and clashed with Nicole Walker.
2) Chandler Massey as Will Horton
Will Horton, the son of Sami Brady and Lucas Horton, was introduced in 1995. Will's childhood was chaotic due to the dysfunctional relationship of his parents. As Will grew up, his storylines focused on his identity.
Will struggled with his sexuality as he feared rejection from his family. However, when he came out, his family accepted him. Will developed a bond with Sonny Kiriakis and married him.
In February 2023, Will left Salem with Sonny to pursue a writing career in Los Angeles. Will briefly returned to Salem in 2024 to attend Doug William's memorial and support his father with his addiction.
3) Al Calderon as Javi Hernandez
In May 2024, Javi Hernandez debuted on Days of Our Lives as the cousin of Rafe Hernandez and Gabi Hernandez. Javi left Mexico due to his troubled past and came to Salem in hopes of building a new life. Javi helped Gabi with her business deal with DiMera Enterprises.
In terms of his current plotline, he is loved by many of the town residents, while others are suspicious of his motivations. Javi often clashes with Rafe due to their difference in opinions.
4) Peyton Meyer as Doug Williams III
Doug Williams III was introduced in March 2024 on Days of Our Lives, as the long-lost grandson of Doug Willimas. Doug grew up unaware of his familial roots. He came to Salem hoping to connect with his family upon learning the truth about his family.
Doug bonded with Julie Williams and Hope Williams, since his arrival in Salem. So far, it has been hinted that he is hiding some secrets from his past which are yet to be revealed.
Exits
1) Bradon Barash as Stefan DiMera
Stefan DiMera was introduced in December 2017 as the son of Stefano DiMera and Vivian Alamain on Days of Our Lives. Stefan was portrayed by actor Tyler Christopher until 2019. Then, Bradon Barash took over the role of Stefan in March 2019.
Stefan tried to claim his position in the DiMera Enterprise, which led to conflicts between him and his half-brother, Chad DiMera. He developed a romantic relationship with Gabi Hernandez.
On October 28, 2024, Stefan left Salem due to conflicts with Vivian and Gabi. In an interview with soaps.com, released on October 25, 2024, actor Barash claimed that he was unaware of "the writers' decision" and his exit came as a "surpise" since he was "in the middle of a contract."
2) Drake Hogestyn as John Black
Drake Hogestyn played John Black for four decades and had become synonymous with the role. John was introduced in 1986 as a mysterious man with amnesia. Over the years, John became a part of Salem's community.
Initially, Stefano manipulated John to further his plots. However, he stopped being his pawn and started fighting against Stefano. Moreover, John got married to Marlena Evans.
John's last appearance was on September 9, 2024. He left to embark on a mission in secret ISA mission. The writers chose to write John off due to actor Hogestyn's health conditions. Hogestyn passed away on September 28, 2024, due to pancreatic cancer.
3) Bill Hayes as Doug Williams
Doug Williams was introduced as a con artist and ex-convict on Day of Our Lives in 1970. He targeted the Horton family with his schemes. However, over time, Doug grew into a beloved member of Salem's community.
Doug was coupled with Julie Olsen Williams, portrayed by Susan Seaforth Hayes. However, their relationship was turbulent for many years but eventually, they reunited. Doug owned. "Doug's Place", a popular nightclub in Salem.
Doug passed away in his sleep on July 11, 2024. The episode aired 6 months after actor Bill Hayes's death. The show honored Hayes's legacy in its 15,000th episode, which aired on December 2, 2024.
Fans can watch Days of Our Lives on NBC and stream episodes on Peacock.
