Days of Our Lives has been airing since November 8, 1965, making it one of the longest-running television shows in history. Originally airing daily on NBC for decades before transitioning to Peacock, the soap has produced thousands of episodes and built generations of loyal viewers with its intricate family sagas, romances, betrayals, and scandals.
Among the many characters to leave a lasting impression was Trish Clayton, portrayed by Patty Weaver. Weaver joined the show in 1974 and continued until 1982, appearing in more than 300 episodes during her tenure.
Patty Weaver’s portrayal of Trish Clayton quickly became a vital aspect of Days of Our Lives due to the complexity and chaos of Trish’s life. The character stood out for her blend of ambition, emotional vulnerability, and survival instincts.
Trish was driven by a profound need for love and stability after enduring years of abuse. Her journey through trauma, including her split into multiple personalities after killing her abusive stepfather, provided Days with one of its rawest psychological storylines in the 1970s.
Viewers resonated with Trish because she wasn’t perfect; she made mistakes, fell into crime, fought for her son, and persevered in rebuilding her life despite the obstacles she faced.
Everything you need to know about Patty Weaver's Trish Clayton from Days of Our Lives

Trish Clayton first arrived in Salem with her mother, Jeri, and stepfather, Jack Clayton. Early on, she gained recognition as part of a singing act at Doug’s Place, where she showcased her musical talents alongside her mother. Trish’s story quickly shifted from light-hearted to dark when she moved in with Mike Horton and began facing personal challenges.
A major turning point occurred when Trish discovered that Jack was not her biological father and learned of her mother’s past involvement in prostitution. Her real father, Jim Stanhope, rejected her when she tried to form a relationship with him.
In a darker twist, Jack’s growing obsession with Trish ended violently when he attacked her, leading to his death after she struck him during their struggle. Following the incident, Trish’s mental health deteriorated, resulting in the development of alternate personalities named Cynthia and Lisa. Through therapy, it was revealed that Trish killed Jack after enduring years of abuse, which ultimately cleared her of murder charges.
Trish’s personal life remained complicated. She had a child with David Banning, married him, and gave birth to their son, Scotty. Their marriage didn’t last, and Trish eventually became involved in criminal activities, including a stolen diamond operation.
After a series of failures and betrayals, Trish took a job managing the Twilight Bar under Tony DiMera’s ownership. Her final major storyline featured a romance with singer Woody King. Trish ultimately decided to leave Salem to pursue a music career elsewhere, closing her time on the show without a formal farewell scene.
Trish Clayton’s arc portrayed a woman constantly torn between dreams and trauma, making choices that often caused her more harm than good. Patty Weaver’s commitment to depicting every aspect of Trish—the good, the bad, and the broken—helped create a character who stood out even amid the chaos of Days of Our Lives.
Here's everything to know about Patty Weaver

Patty Weaver was born in Clarksburg, West Virginia, and she grew up in Dayton, Ohio. She initially pursued a music career before acting by forming a rock band called The Loved Ones. She performed in nightclubs and recorded several albums before landing her first television role.
Weaver’s early television career began with guest appearances on shows like Maude and All in the Family, where she gained valuable experience performing in front of live audiences. Her significant soap opera breakthrough came in 1974 when she was cast as Trish Clayton on Days of Our Lives.
After leaving Days in 1982, she quickly joined another soap, The Young and the Restless, where she portrayed Gina Roma, who owned a restaurant and also sang. Weaver remained on Y&R for over twenty years before eventually transitioning to a recurring role and making her final appearance in 2023.
In addition to her soap opera work, she kept her music career alive by touring nightclubs and releasing albums. She opened for performers such as Bob Newhart, Don Rickles, Jerry Lewis, and George Burns during shows in Las Vegas and Atlantic City. In her personal life, Weaver married twice and later became a widow when her second husband, Jerry Birn, passed away in 2009.
Watch Days of Our Lives on NBC.