Deidre Hall, a veteran actress from the popular soap opera Days of Our Lives, gave a staged slap to Today show host Craig Melvin during a live interview on June 19. The moment was prearranged at Melvin's suggestion, who expressed that it would be an honor to be slapped by Hall. The slap is a hallmark action within Days of Our Lives, and Hall has perfected the technique over her five-decade career.
Hall has portrayed psychiatrist Marlena Evans on Days of Our Lives since 1976, making her one of the longest-serving actors in soap opera history. The show has been renewed on Peacock until at least 2027, and Hall has not suggested any plans to depart from her role.
The segment from the Today show has been extensively circulated since its airing, with viewers describing it as a suitable homage to a character who has played a pivotal role in some of the most intense narratives in daytime television.
