Days of Our Lives: Why Did Deidre Hall’s Marlena Evans Leave the Show Briefly?

Deidre Hall’s Dr. Marlena Evans continues to be one of the most beloved characters on the long-running soap opera, Days of Our Lives. But there was a time in the past when she had to leave the show. Her brief absence left many wondering, “Why did Deidre Hall’s Dr. Marlena Evans leave Days of Our Lives?”.

Here’s everything to know about Deidre Hall’s exit and return to the show.

Why did Deidre Hall’s Dr. Marlena Evans leave Days of Our Lives in 2009?

Deidre Hall’s departure as Dr. Marlena Evans from Days of Our Lives happened due to budget cuts.

In 2009, NBC and the producers of Days of Our Lives faced tough decisions to cut production costs. This led to the departure of several veteran actors, including Deidre Hall. As per TV Source Magazine, the show’s budget was significantly reduced. As a result, high-paid actors like Deidre Hall and Drake Hogestyn, who played John Black, were removed as part of cost-saving measures.

At the time, there were no major plot-driven reasons for Dr. Marlena’s exit from Days of Our Lives. Instead, her and John Black’s characters were written out in a straightforward manner. The couple left town to seek treatment for John’s injuries. Although disappointing for fans, it was part of the show’s financial restructuring. This shift affected the soap opera landscape during that period.

Despite her departure in 2009, Deidre Hall eventually returned as Dr. Marlena Evans to Days of Our Lives in 2011, much to the delight of fans. Her comeback was widely celebrated, and she continues to play Dr. Marlena Evans on the show to date. Given Hall’s strong ties to the show and the character’s popularity, it’s likely that her character will remain a core figure in Days of Our Lives for years to come.