Ryan Gosling's Surprising Soap Opera Obsession

Actor Ryan Gosling has expressed admiration for the demanding craft of daytime soap opera performers, highlighting a personal appreciation for shows like Days of Our Lives. In a recent podcast interview, Gosling specifically commended Deidre Hall for her acting prowess during Marlena Evans' iconic 1994 possession storyline, where her character was influenced by the devil.

Gosling noted that Hall's ability to portray such a supernatural transformation was a testament to her skill, comparing it to an "incredible acting class." He extended his praise to soap opera actors broadly, emphasizing their talent in memorizing pages of dialogue and executing scenes in a single take, a feat he believes is often underestimated by audiences.

The 1994 possession storyline, which saw Marlena Evans possessed by Satan, became a significant cultural moment in the mid-1990s. This memorable plotline contributed to Days of Our Lives achieving mainstream recognition. The show later revisited this popular storyline in 2021.

Deidre Hall, who has portrayed Marlena Evans since 1976, has spoken about the unique experience of filming the possession scenes. She has noted that the production team even provided symbolic props like a crucifix and holy water for the cast and crew during filming. Her enduring performance has solidified her legacy in the genre, earning her multiple awards and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.