Soap operas have long been known for their outrageous twists, but few shows can compete with Days of Our Lives when it comes to faked deaths.
For decades, Salem has been a town where characters rise from the dead almost as often as they fall in love, keeping fans on the edge of their seats.
Just when it seems like a beloved (or hated) character is gone for good, they make a shocking return, usually with more drama in tow.
Here’s a look at eight unforgettable moments when Days of Our Lives characters faked their own deaths, making sure they were never really gone.
Why Do Days of Our Lives Characters Fake Their Deaths?
Before we dive into the list, it’s worth asking: why do characters on Days of Our Lives fake their deaths so often? In the world of soap operas, faking death has become a classic trope.
Sometimes characters do it to escape their enemies or protect their families, while other times it’s part of a larger scheme or a villain’s elaborate plan.
Faked deaths create suspense, drive storylines, and give characters the chance to make dramatic re-entrances that keep fans talking.
Plus, no matter how many times a character “dies,” in Salem, nothing is ever set in stone!
1. Stefano DiMera: The Master of Faking Death
No discussion of faked deaths on Days of Our Lives would be complete without mentioning Stefano DiMera, the ultimate villain and master of deception.
Known as “The Phoenix,” Stefano faked his death countless times over the years. His knack for returning from the dead became his signature move, with each death more elaborate than the last.
From plane crashes to being presumed dead in mysterious explosions, Stefano always found a way to rise again and wreak havoc on Salem.
Every time the characters thought they had finally gotten rid of him, Stefano would make a surprise return, often with an evil scheme or new threat up his sleeve.
His faked deaths became a running joke among fans, cementing his legacy as one of soap opera’s greatest villains.
Fan Reactions
Stefano’s many “deaths” and subsequent returns often left fans both shocked and excited. The unpredictability of his character kept viewers glued to the screen, knowing that the story was far from over whenever Stefano was involved.
His faked deaths were always a major event, with fans taking to social media to speculate how he would come back next.
2. Marlena Evans: The Queen of Comebacks
Marlena Evans, one of the most beloved characters in Days of Our Lives history, has also had her fair share of brushes with death.
One of the most shocking moments came when Marlena was shot and believed to have died. Her apparent death devastated her family and the fans who adored her.
However, in classic soap opera fashion, it turned out that Marlena wasn’t dead at all. She returned to Salem, healthy and very much alive, reuniting with her true love, John Black.
Marlena’s faked death was one of the most emotional moments in the show’s history, and her return was greeted with joy by both characters and fans alike.
Memorable Moments
Marlena’s return scenes were filled with drama and passion, as she reunited with John and their family.
Fans were overjoyed to see their favorite couple back together, proving once again that in Salem, no one stays dead for long.
3. Hope Brady: Disguises and Deception
Hope Brady, one of Salem’s heroines, shocked everyone when she faked her death after a dangerous confrontation with Stefano DiMera.
At the time, everyone believed Hope had met her tragic end, but in reality, she was alive and working undercover.
Hope’s faked death allowed her to gather crucial information that ultimately helped her bring down Stefano and protect her loved ones.
When she finally revealed that she was alive, her return was both thrilling and heartwarming.
Why It Happened
For Hope, faking her death wasn’t just about survival—it was part of a larger plan to take down one of Salem’s greatest threats.
Her disappearance and eventual return highlighted her bravery and determination to protect those she loved, even at great personal cost.
4. Jack Deveraux: The Man Who Couldn’t Stay Gone
Jack Deveraux has “died” more than once over the years, but the most memorable instance was when he was presumed dead after falling off a cliff. His family and friends mourned his loss, believing he was gone forever.
However, Jack was very much alive, being held captive and unable to return to his loved ones.
When Jack eventually made his way back to Salem, his reappearance shocked everyone, especially his wife, Jennifer, who had begun to move on.
Jack’s return was a bittersweet moment, as it brought him back to his family but also introduced new complications to their lives.
Fan Reactions
Jack’s many faked deaths and surprising returns have made him a fan favorite.
Viewers love the emotional rollercoaster his character provides, and his ability to come back from the dead keeps fans hopeful that no character is ever truly gone.
5. Tony DiMera: A DiMera Twist
Tony DiMera, like many members of his family, has a knack for escaping death. His most shocking “death” came when he was involved in a fatal accident.
For years, everyone believed Tony was truly gone. But in a twist that only Days of Our Lives could pull off, it was revealed that Tony had faked his death.
His return to Salem was full of drama, as he sought to reclaim his place in the DiMera family and settle old scores.
Tony’s fake death was just another example of the never-ending surprises that the DiMeras bring to the show.
Why It Worked
Tony’s faked death added another layer of intrigue to the ever-complicated DiMera family dynamics.
His return also set the stage for new rivalries and alliances, keeping viewers on their toes.
6. EJ DiMera: Like Father, Like Son
EJ DiMera, following in his father Stefano’s footsteps, also pulled off a shocking faked death. After being shot, EJ was pronounced dead, leaving his wife, Sami Brady, devastated.
However, it was later revealed that EJ’s death had been faked, part of a larger scheme that involved some of the most powerful players in Salem.
His eventual return left Sami and the rest of the town stunned, as EJ reclaimed his place in the DiMera family and picked up right where he left off.
Fan Reactions
EJ’s return sparked excitement and confusion among fans. His dramatic reappearance, especially after such a heartbreaking “death,” created buzz across social media, with fans debating whether his comeback was justified or simply a soap opera stunt.
7. Kristen DiMera: Drama’s Favorite Villain
Kristen DiMera, another member of the ever-scheming DiMera clan, has never shied away from stirring up trouble.
One of her most jaw-dropping moments came when she faked her death in a fiery car crash. Everyone thought Kristen was gone for good, but of course, she wasn’t.
Kristen returned to Salem, as unpredictable and manipulative as ever, leaving a trail of chaos in her wake.
Her return shocked everyone, and she wasted no time in resuming her old schemes.
Why It Happened
Kristen’s faked death allowed her to escape justice temporarily and plot her next move.
When she returned, it was clear that she hadn’t changed a bit, and fans knew they were in for more of her signature drama.
8. Bo Brady: An Emotional Comeback
Bo Brady’s faked death was one of the most emotional storylines in Days of Our Lives history.
After being presumed dead for years, Bo shocked everyone when he returned to Salem to reunite with his true love, Hope Brady.
His return was bittersweet, as it was revealed that Bo had been held captive and was gravely ill. Fans were overjoyed to see Bo back, but his illness added a layer of tragedy to his reunion with Hope.
His return was a reminder of the deep love between Bo and Hope, and his storyline left a lasting impact on viewers.
Memorable Moments
Bo’s final scenes with Hope were filled with emotion, as fans watched the beloved couple share a tearful goodbye. Even though Bo’s return was brief, it was one of the most powerful moments in the show’s
Conclusion: In Salem, Death Is Only Temporary
If there’s one thing Days of Our Lives has taught its viewers, it’s that in Salem, death is rarely permanent.
These faked deaths have become a hallmark of the show, creating endless drama and keeping fans hooked.
Whether it’s for love, revenge, or survival, these characters always find a way to come back, ensuring that the stories never truly end.
So, the next time a character is presumed dead, don’t be too quick to mourn—there’s a good chance they’ll be back, ready to stir up even more trouble.