39 Years Ago The Dramatic Plane Crash That Changed 'Days of Our Lives' Forever
On this day in 1987, Days of Our Lives aired the presumed ‘end' of one of its most iconic characters, Dr. Marlena Evans Brady, played by Deidre Hall, as she exited the series for the first time.
Prior to this exit, in 1986, Hall took on double duty at NBC, balancing her full-time role on Days of Our Lives with a starring role on the primetime series Our House. She played Jessica Witherspoon on the family drama, which followed three generations living under one roof. The series also starred Wilford Brimley as the family patriarch and a young Shannen Doherty.
While Hall was away from the soap, several storylines were used to explain her character's absence, including Marlena falling into a coma after a fall, being kidnapped and even being presumed dead in a house explosion.
Following the later, it was revealed that Marlena was, in fact, alive and being held captive on an island by the villain Orpheus (George DelHoyo), who sought revenge against her husband Roman (Drake Hogeystyn).
Roman had been involved in the death of Orpheus's wife, fueling the villain's vendetta.
After Our House was renewed for a second season, balancing both roles became too demanding. Hall ultimately left Days of Our Lives, and writers chose to give Marlena a more definitive exit.
On April 23, 1987, Roman confronted Orpheus on the island. After a struggle, Roman shot him, seemingly killing him. However, Marlena had already been placed on a departing plane. Roman rushed to the airport, only to witness the aircraft malfunction midair and crash, sealing Marlena's presumed death.
Hall made one final appearance the following day, as Roman imagined saying goodbye to his wife, ending an 11 year run.
She returned to the series in 1991, when it was revealed that Marlena had survived the crash and was being held captive by Stefano DiMera (Joseph Mascolo).
Orpheus was later revealed to have survived as well, returning in 2016. Under the alias Milo Harp, he had continued a life of crime before escaping prison with Clyde Weston (James Reed) to once again terrorize the citizens of Salem.
Hall remains a central figure on Days of Our Lives and is set to celebrate her 50th anniversary with the series on June 21, 2026.
Days of Our Lives airs weekdays on Peacock.
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This story was originally published April 23, 2026 at 11:30 AM.