Deidre Hall delivered her trademark Days of Our Lives slap to NBC’s Today co-anchor Craig Melvin on Friday, capping off an interview celebrating her 50th anniversary playing Dr. Marlena Evans on the Peacock soap opera.
How did the slap come about?
The stunt was Melvin’s idea. According to Today.com, Melvin told Hall, “Of all of the storylines that you’ve been a part of over the years, what I’ve always enjoyed is your ability to slap. You are a great slapper.” He then asked her directly, “It would be one of the greatest professional honors of my life if you would slap me.”
Hall walked Melvin through the choreography before the swing, telling him, “I’m going to draw my hand back, and I’m going to come very close to your face. And when you feel that happening, you’re going to snap your head,” per Today. Melvin jerked his head back on cue and pretended to be in pain as the slap sound effect played, joking, “Oh my God, my God, my God,” while Hall added, “I’m sorry. I meant to miss.”
What else did Deidre Hall say about her future on the show?
During the same appearance, Hall also addressed retirement rumors, telling OK! Magazine (via AOL), “As long as my key card opens the gate, I’m there. It’s my family. I love that place. I couldn’t resist.” Hall also discussed Ryan Gosling previously crediting her work on the soap as one of his original acting inspirations.
Hall has played Marlena Evans on Days of Our Lives since 1976.
Featured image photo credit: Photo by: Todd Williamson/NBCUniversal
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