Deidre Hall Playfully Slaps Craig Melvin on ‘Today’

Days of Our Lives icon Deidre Hall surprised Craig Melvin during a live appearance on the Today show, delivering one of her signature soap-opera slaps at the anchor’s own request.

Deidre Hall Celebrates 50 Years as Marlena Evans

June 19, 2026: Deidre Hall gave Today viewers an unforgettable moment when she playfully slapped Craig Melvin during a live interview.

The longtime Days of Our Lives star appeared on NBC’s Today on June 19 to celebrate an incredible milestone — 50 years portraying Dr. Marlena Evans. But the conversation took a humorous turn when Melvin praised Hall’s famous on-screen slap scenes and jokingly asked if she would demonstrate her technique on him. Hall enthusiastically accepted the challenge, creating one of the morning show’s most memorable moments.

Fortunately, the slap was all in good fun.

The audience erupted in applause as Melvin dramatically reacted to the stunt, pretending to cry out in pain while Hall laughed alongside him.

Image Credit: NBC

Craig Melvin Requested the Famous Soap-Opera Slap

During the interview, Melvin admitted that one of his favorite things about Hall’s decades-long career was her ability to deliver dramatic slaps.

Calling her “a great slapper,” the NBC anchor asked whether she had ever counted how many times she had slapped co-stars throughout her soap opera career. Hall confessed she had no idea, joking that the number would be impossible to calculate.

Melvin then surprised the actress with an unusual request.

“It would be one of the greatest professional honors of my life if you could slap me,” he said. Hall immediately responded that she would be “privileged” to do so.

Deidre Hall Explained Her Signature Technique

Before delivering the slap, Hall shared some insight into how the illusion works.

She explained that she would swing her hand very close to Melvin’s face and that he needed to snap his head backward to create the effect. After making sure he was ready, Hall performed the move while Melvin dramatically sold the moment for the audience.

Following the playful exchange, Hall jokingly apologized, teasing that she “meant to miss.”

Both stars burst into laughter, with Melvin telling the actress, “You’re the best.”

A Remarkable Milestone for the Soap Opera Legend

The humorous moment came during a larger conversation celebrating Hall’s extraordinary 50-year run on Days of Our Lives.

Hall joined the daytime drama in 1976 and has become one of the most recognizable figures in soap opera history. Her character, Dr. Marlena Evans, has been involved in countless iconic storylines over the decades.

Looking back, Hall revealed that she nearly rejected the role because she mistakenly believed she was not the producers’ first choice.

When she initially received the offer, she assumed other actresses had turned down the part and decided to pass on it herself. Weeks later, her agent informed her that she had actually been the show’s preferred choice all along. Hall quickly changed her mind and accepted the role.

Image Credit: NBC

Why Deidre Hall Stayed With ‘Days of Our Lives’

Half a century later, Hall says she still loves being part of the series.

The actress credited executive producer Ken Corday and the writing team for keeping the soap compelling and continually finding ways to engage audiences through romance, suspense, and memorable characters.

Hall explained that she feels incredibly fortunate to have remained with the show for so many years.

According to the actress, Days of Our Lives feels like family, and she has no plans to retire anytime soon. As she humorously put it, “As long as my key card opens the gate, I’m there.”

Ryan Gosling Recently Named Hall His First Acting Inspiration

Another emotional moment during the interview involved actor Ryan Gosling.

Earlier this year, Gosling revealed that Hall was his original acting inspiration and praised soap opera performers for the tremendous amount of work they do. He later accepted Hall’s invitation to visit the Days of Our Lives set in person.

Hall admitted she was stunned by Gosling’s comments and deeply touched by his praise.

She described his words as a lovely gesture and said she was honored by the recognition.

Fans Loved the Lighthearted Exchange

Viewers quickly reacted to the clip online, sharing videos and praising the chemistry between Hall and Melvin.

Many longtime soap opera fans appreciated seeing Hall showcase one of the dramatic moves that helped make Marlena Evans an iconic character. Others applauded Melvin for embracing the joke and turning the interview into a fun celebration.

The clip quickly spread across social media, with fans calling it one of the funniest moments on morning television this week.

Why the Moment Resonated With Viewers

The playful exchange highlighted why Hall remains such a beloved figure after five decades in daytime television.

Rather than focusing solely on her accomplishments, the actress embraced the humor and nostalgia that have become associated with her legendary career.

For fans of Days of Our Lives, it was another reminder that Hall continues to bring warmth, charisma, and a sense of fun to everything she does.

Final Thoughts

Deidre Hall’s playful slap of Craig Melvin became one of the most memorable moments on Today this week.

While the stunt was entirely lighthearted, it also served as a fitting celebration of Hall’s remarkable 50 years as Dr. Marlena Evans.

With no plans to retire and a devoted fanbase behind her, the soap opera icon continues to prove why she remains one of daytime television’s most enduring stars.

FAQs

Why is Deidre Hall trending?

Deidre Hall is trending after playfully slapping Craig Melvin during a live appearance on the Today show. The moment occurred while celebrating her 50th anniversary on Days of Our Lives.

Did Deidre Hall really slap Craig Melvin?

Yes, but it was done jokingly and at Melvin’s request. The playful moment was part of a lighthearted conversation about Hall’s famous soap-opera slap scenes.

Why was Deidre Hall on the Today show?

Hall appeared on the program to celebrate 50 years playing Dr. Marlena Evans on Days of Our Lives.

How long has Deidre Hall been on Days of Our Lives?

Hall first joined the soap in 1976 and has portrayed Marlena Evans for five decades.

Did Deidre Hall almost turn down Days of Our Lives?

Yes. She revealed that she initially rejected the role because she mistakenly believed she was not the producers’ first choice.

Has Deidre Hall announced plans to retire?

No. Hall said she intends to remain with the series for as long as she is able and described the cast and crew as her family.

What did Ryan Gosling say about Deidre Hall?

Ryan Gosling recently described Hall as his first acting inspiration and praised soap opera performers for their demanding work.