Who was Shelley Hennig on Days of Our Lives? Everything you need to know

Days of Our Lives is a long-standing American daytime soap opera that debuted on November 8, 1965. Created by Ted and Betty Corday, it has become one of its genre's most beloved and iconic shows.

Set in the fictional town of Salem, the series focuses on the interconnected lives of the Horton, Brady, DiMera, and other prominent families. Over the years, the soap has earned numerous Daytime Emmy Awards and nominations, cementing its legacy in television history.

Shelley Hennig is an American actress who played the role of Stephanie Johnson on Days of Our Lives. Hennig joined the cast on April 20, 2007.

Hennig continued to play the role until 2011 and made a guest appearance on the soap in 2017. In 2010, Henning received two nominations for the Daytime Emmy Award in the Outstanding Younger Actress in a Drama Series category.

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Shelley Hening played Stephanie Johnson on Days of Our Lives

Shelley Henning played Stephanie Johnson on Days of Our Lives (Image via Getty)

In 2007, Shelley Hening took over the role of Stephanie Johnson, previously portrayed by various child actresses. Stephanie was introduced in 1990 as the daughter of Steve Johnson and Kayla Brady.

Stephanie spent most of her childhood traveling with her parents. After the presumed death of her father, she and her mother moved to Los Angeles. Stephanie returned to Salem in 2007 as a young adult.

During her time in Salem, Stephanie developed a romantic relationship with Max Brady, a race car driver. Their shared passion for racing enhanced their bond. Her relationship with Max ended when Max decided to leave Salem to pursue better career opportunities.

Later, Stephanie got involved with Philip Kiriakis. Their relationship became turbulent due to Philip's manipulative tendencies and romantic involvement with Melanie Layton. They broke up soon after.

Stephanie got caught in the DiMera and Kiriakis feud, and E.J DiMera ordered Owen Kent to kidnap Stephanie. She was held hostage in a morgue drawer. Philip and Melanie rescued Stephanie.

Stephanie developed feelings for Nathan Horton but was devasted when she learned Nathan still had feelings for Melanie. She tried her best to keep Nathan away from Melanie.

Nathan moved in with Stephanie when Melanie and Philip got married. But when Philip cheated on Melanie with Chloe Lane, Stephanie was scared that Melanie would leave Philip and Nathan would get back with Melanie.

With Ian Ward's help, Stephanie hacked into the hospital's database to change the paternity results for Chloe's child. When Nathan discovered Stephanie's scheme, he broke up with her.

In 2011, Stephanie left Salem to start a new chapter in her life. She returned to Salem in 2017 to attend her parents' wedding. In 2022, Stephanie was recast on Days of Our Lives by Abigail Klein, who has continued to play the role since.

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More About Shelly Hennig, the actress who played Stephanie Johnson on Days of Our Lives

Shelley Henning played Stephanie Johnson on Days of Our Lives (Image via Getty)

Shelley Hennig was born on January 2, 1987, in Metairie, Louisiana. She first gained national attention in 2004 when she was crowned Miss Teen USA. This achievement opened doors for her in the entertainment industry.

Apart from Days of Our Lives, Hennig has starred in various other shows. She landed a recurring role on MTV’s Teen Wolf, playing Malia Tate, a were-coyote with a complicated past.

Hennig has also appeared in various film projects, including the horror-comedy Unfriended and the romantic comedy When We First Met.

Beyond her acting career, Hennig is known for her advocacy work for various causes. She is vocal about the dangers of drunk driving, as she lost her brother in a tragic accident caused by a drunk driver.

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Fans can watch Days of Our Lives on Peacock.