In the world of soap operas, nothing is as it seems, and Days of Our Lives is no exception. Fans of the show have come to expect shocking plot twists, heart-wrenching losses, and the ultimate soap opera trope—fake deaths.
It seems like no character in Salem stays dead for long, as many of them have staged their own demise for various reasons.
Whether to escape an enemy, protect a loved one, or come back stronger than ever, fake deaths always add extra drama to the lives of our favorite characters.
Faking deaths has been a recurring theme in soap operas for decades, with Days of Our Lives perfecting the art of keeping viewers guessing.
This beloved daytime drama has brought us numerous emotional funerals, tearful goodbyes, and shocking resurrections.
In fact, the soap’s writers have used the fake death storyline so often that it has become a hallmark of the show.
But why do characters keep faking their deaths? And why do we as viewers keep coming back for more?
In this article, we’ll dive into eight of the most unforgettable times when Days of Our Lives characters faked their deaths.
Along the way, we’ll explore the reasons behind these false demises, how they impacted other characters, and how fans reacted to these jaw-dropping twists.
1. Hope Brady
Hope Brady, one of Salem’s most beloved heroines, has faced countless threats throughout her time on the show.
But one of her most shocking moments was when she faked her death after being accused of Stefano DiMera’s murder.
Facing imprisonment and betrayal, Hope made the daring decision to let everyone think she had died in a fiery warehouse explosion.
This dramatic fake death allowed Hope to go underground, working behind the scenes to clear her name.
Her absence left Salem in mourning, particularly her loved ones like Bo and her son Shawn. When Hope returned, it was a huge relief, but she had to deal with the fallout of letting everyone believe she was dead.
The emotional weight of her return and the damage done to her relationships added depth to her character’s journey.
Fan Reaction: Fans were heartbroken when Hope “died” but many speculated that she wasn’t really gone.
Her return brought a mix of joy and relief, confirming what many had hoped—Hope Brady wasn’t going to stay dead.
2. Steve “Patch” Johnson
Steve Johnson’s “death” was one of the most heartbreaking moments for fans of the show. After being poisoned by the notorious Stefano DiMera, Steve was presumed dead for years.
His death devastated his loved ones, especially his wife Kayla. But as soap fans know, when it comes to Salem, nothing is ever certain.
Years later, the truth came out: Steve had been alive the whole time, held captive and tortured. His eventual return to Salem was not just an emotional reunion for the characters but also a triumphant moment for the audience who had missed him.
His return added even more complexity to his storyline, as Steve struggled to reintegrate into his old life after such a long absence.
Fan Reaction: Fans were shocked and delighted when Steve returned from the dead. His reunion with Kayla was one of the most memorable moments on the show, reminding viewers why they had rooted for this couple for so long.
3. Tony DiMera
Tony DiMera is a prime example of Days of Our Lives’s tendency to use fake deaths to heighten the drama.
After supposedly dying in a tragic accident, Tony shocked viewers by returning to Salem alive and well.
It turned out that the man who had died was not Tony at all, but his evil look-alike, Andre DiMera, who had taken his place.
This revelation not only shocked the characters in the show but also threw the entire DiMera family dynamic into chaos.
Tony’s return was a mix of joy and confusion for his loved ones, especially since they had grieved his loss for so long.
His resurrection came with a price, though, as Tony had to face the emotional fallout of everyone believing he had been dead for so many years.
Fan Reaction: Fans of Tony DiMera were thrilled to see him return, but many expressed frustration with the constant use of “look-alike” plot twists in the DiMera family. Nevertheless, his comeback added more fuel to the never-ending drama surrounding the DiMeras.
4. Marlena Evans
Perhaps one of the most iconic fake deaths in Days of Our Lives history is that of Marlena Evans. Marlena has been through it all—being possessed by the devil, accused of murder, and yes, faking her death.
After a series of mysterious killings, Marlena was believed to be the culprit. To avoid capture and buy time to clear her name, Marlena faked her death in one of the show’s most shocking twists.
Her fake death led to a dramatic funeral, where all of Salem’s most beloved characters gathered to say goodbye.
However, little did they know, Marlena was working with the police to catch the real killer, which allowed her to stage an epic return that left everyone stunned.
Fan Reaction: Marlena’s death was met with disbelief by fans. Many viewers suspected that something was off, and their suspicions were confirmed when Marlena made her triumphant return. Her resurrection is still talked about as one of the most unforgettable moments in soap opera history.
5. Bo Brady
Bo Brady is no stranger to life-threatening situations, but one of his most dramatic moments was when he faked his death to protect his loved ones from a powerful crime syndicate.
After being captured and tortured, Bo decided that allowing everyone to believe he was dead was the only way to keep them safe from further harm.
His absence left a gaping hole in the hearts of his family, especially his wife Hope. His return to Salem was one of the most emotional moments in the show, as he reunited with Hope in a tearful and heartwarming scene.
However, the toll of letting everyone believe he had died weighed heavily on Bo, adding more complexity to his character.
Fan Reaction: Fans were devastated when Bo disappeared, and many speculated that he wasn’t really dead. When he finally returned, viewers were overjoyed, but Bo’s struggles in dealing with his fake death added a new layer to his character’s arc.
6. E.J. DiMera
E.J. DiMera’s fake death was one of the more recent twists in the show’s long history of resurrection plots. After being shot and appearing to die in the arms of his wife Sami, E.J. left fans mourning his loss.
However, it was later revealed that E.J. had survived, with the help of his family, who staged his death so he could recover in secret.
This twist not only shocked viewers but also set the stage for even more drama within the DiMera family.
E.J.’s return to Salem was not without complications, as he had to rebuild his life and relationships after being presumed dead for so long.
Fan Reaction: Many fans were heartbroken when E.J. “died,” but there were plenty of theories floating around about his potential return.
When he did come back, it reignited interest in the DiMera family drama and added yet another layer of complexity to his character.
7. John Black
John Black has had many lives in Salem, and one of his most dramatic storylines involved faking his own death.
After being targeted by dangerous enemies, John decided that the only way to protect his family was to stage his own death and disappear.
His absence left a lasting impact on his loved ones, especially Marlena, who was devastated by his “death.”
When John finally returned to Salem, it was an emotional moment for everyone, including viewers who had missed his presence on the show.
His fake death not only protected his family but also gave him the opportunity to deal with his enemies without putting his loved ones in danger.
Fan Reaction: John’s fake death storyline was met with mixed reactions from fans. While some appreciated the high-stakes drama, others felt it was a bit of a stretch. However, his return was a relief to many, as John and Marlena are one of the most beloved couples on the show.
8. Vivian Alamain
Vivian Alamain is one of Salem’s most cunning and manipulative villains, and she’s not afraid to use every trick in the book—including faking her own death.
After being buried alive by Carly Manning, Vivian managed to escape her grave and later staged her death as part of a larger plot for revenge.
Her fake death was as dramatic as her life, leaving everyone in Salem shocked.
When she eventually returned, it was with the goal of causing even more chaos, proving that Vivian will always find a way to come back and stir up trouble in Salem.
Fan Reaction: Vivian’s return was met with a mix of excitement and dread. Fans knew that her resurrection would bring more trouble to Salem, and they weren’t wrong. Vivian’s fake death added another layer of drama to her long history of scheming.
Why Do Fake Deaths Happen in Days of Our Lives?
Fake deaths are a staple in Days of Our Lives because they keep the drama high and the storylines unpredictable.
Whether it’s to escape an enemy, protect loved ones, or get revenge, faking death is often a character’s last resort when they find themselves in impossible situations.
The emotional impact of these fake deaths on other characters—and on viewers—creates lasting consequences, adding more depth to the stories.
In many cases, fake deaths allow for beloved characters to make a dramatic comeback, reigniting fan interest and creating new possibilities for storytelling.
They are a way to reset a character’s journey, bring fresh tension into long-standing relationships, or introduce new conflicts.
Ultimately, fake deaths keep the show’s tradition of surprises alive, ensuring that no one in Salem is ever truly gone for good.
Conclusion
Days of Our Lives has mastered the art of fake deaths, using them to shock and surprise viewers time and time again.
Whether it’s a beloved character escaping a deadly situation or a villain plotting their next move, these storylines always bring intense drama to the screen.
While fans may sometimes groan when yet another character is presumed dead, there’s no denying that the inevitable resurrection keeps us coming back for more.
As long as Salem exists, we can count on more twists, turns, and “back-from-the-dead” moments. And for loyal fans, that’s all part of the fun!