When it comes to drama, Days of Our Lives never disappoints. Over the years, some of the most unforgettable moments on the show have come from shocking and emotional character exits. Whether it’s a tragic death, a surprising disappearance, or an unexpected twist, these goodbyes have left lasting impacts on both the characters in Salem and the fans watching at home.
Today, we’re diving into the Top 10 Most Dramatic Character Exits in Salem—the moments that had fans glued to their screens, tissues in hand, and sometimes left wondering, “Is this really goodbye?”
1. Bo Brady’s Heartbreaking Death
For decades, Bo Brady was the ultimate hero of Days of Our Lives. His love story with Hope captured the hearts of fans around the world, and when Bo returned to Salem after a long absence, viewers were ready for a happy reunion. But instead, what we got was one of the most devastating exits in the show’s history. Shortly after his return, Bo was diagnosed with a terminal illness, and his final moments came as he died in Hope’s arms, just after they shared a long-awaited reunion.
Character Impact
Bo’s death didn’t just devastate fans—it left Hope heartbroken and struggling to move on without the love of her life. This tragic turn of events was a major turning point in Hope’s storyline, forcing her to rebuild her life and find her strength again after such a profound loss.
Why It Stands Out
The emotional weight of Bo’s death, especially coming right after a brief moment of happiness, made this exit one of the most gut-wrenching in Days history.
Fan Reactions
“I was not ready to say goodbye to Bo Brady. I cried for days after that episode aired. #DaysOfOurLives,” one fan shared on Twitter, capturing the heartbreak that many viewers felt.
Did You Know?
Bo’s actor, Peter Reckell, had been planning his exit for years. He worked closely with the writers to ensure Bo’s final moments were meaningful and emotional for fans who had followed the character for decades.
2. Jack Deveraux’s (Multiple) “Deaths”
Jack Deveraux has earned a reputation for making dramatic exits—mainly because he’s “died” multiple times, only to return each time with an even bigger twist. Whether he’s falling off a cliff or being presumed dead in an explosion, Jack’s many departures have kept fans guessing. One of his most emotional exits came when he sacrificed himself to save his daughter, Abigail, during a deadly elevator collapse. While fans were heartbroken, many couldn’t help but wonder, “Is this really the end?”
Character Impact
Each of Jack’s exits had a profound effect on his family, especially Jennifer and Abigail. His frequent “deaths” forced his loved ones to cope with grief, uncertainty, and the complicated emotions of his eventual returns.
Why It Stands Out
Jack’s constant resurrections are part of his character’s charm, but his exits are always deeply emotional, leaving viewers wondering if this time, it’s truly the end.
Fan Reactions
“Is Jack ever really dead? I’ve stopped believing it at this point, but every ‘death’ still gets me. #DaysOfOurLives,” a fan tweeted after Jack’s latest return.
Trivia
Jack’s many deaths became a running joke among fans and even among the show’s writers. But each time Jack “died,” it gave the writers an opportunity to explore new angles of his relationships with his family.
3. Marlena Evans’ Fake Death
Marlena Evans is one of Salem’s most beloved characters, so when she “died” in the early 2000s, fans were in shock. Salem mourned her loss, and viewers were devastated. However, in classic soap opera fashion, it was later revealed that her death had been faked by none other than Stefano DiMera, who had been holding Marlena captive. When Marlena returned to Salem alive, it was a moment of pure joy for fans who had been mourning her loss.
Character Impact
Marlena’s fake death and eventual return not only shocked fans but also brought new layers to her character’s relationship with John Black and Stefano, as she dealt with the trauma of being held captive.
Why It Stands Out
Marlena’s “death” took fans on an emotional rollercoaster, from grief to disbelief and finally, relief when she was revealed to be alive. It’s a storyline that kept viewers hooked.
Fan Reactions
“I really thought Marlena was gone for good. That was one of the best twists Days has ever done! #DaysOfOurLives,” one fan commented on Facebook.
Did You Know?
The decision to fake Marlena’s death was inspired by the writers wanting to give the audience one of the most shocking twists in the show’s history. Deidre Hall, who plays Marlena, has said that even she was shocked by how the storyline unfolded.
4. Hope Brady’s Mysterious Disappearance
Hope Brady has been a pillar of Salem for decades, so when she disappeared without explanation, it left fans with more questions than answers. After years of being a central character, Hope quietly exited the show, leaving behind an air of mystery. Her disappearance left Salem wondering where she went—and fans hopeful for her eventual return.
Character Impact
Hope’s disappearance was more than just a character leaving the show. It left a void in the lives of those closest to her, including her family and friends, who were left to carry on without knowing if she’d ever return.
Why It Stands Out
Hope’s exit was not the dramatic death or emotional farewell fans might have expected. Instead, her disappearance added a layer of mystery and left the door open for a possible return.
Fan Reactions
“I’m still waiting for Hope to come back. Her exit didn’t feel final at all. #BringHopeBack,” a fan shared on Twitter, reflecting the longing many feel for her return.
Trivia
Hope’s actress, Kristian Alfonso, decided to leave the show in 2020 after playing Hope for nearly four decades. She left the door open for a return, but it remains to be seen whether Hope will come back to Salem.
5. EJ DiMera’s Shocking “Death”
When EJ DiMera was shot in 2014, it marked one of the most shocking deaths in Days of Our Lives history. After a tense confrontation with one of his enemies, EJ died in Sami Brady’s arms. The emotional farewell between EJ and Sami was gut-wrenching, and fans were left mourning the loss of one of Salem’s most powerful characters. Of course, this being Days, EJ’s death wasn’t the end—he later returned, much to the relief of fans.
Character Impact
EJ’s death had a profound effect on Sami, as she was left to pick up the pieces of their chaotic life together. His return added another twist, but the impact of his original exit still lingers.
Why It Stands Out
EJ’s death wasn’t just about losing a major character—it was about watching Sami’s world fall apart as she said goodbye to the man she loved.
Fan Reactions
“EJ’s death hit me hard. Sami’s reaction made me cry like a baby. #DaysOfOurLives,” a fan tweeted, summing up the emotional intensity of his exit.
Did You Know?
James Scott, who played EJ, chose to leave the show in 2014, but his departure was always intended to be open-ended, allowing for his return. EJ’s resurrection was one of the show’s most anticipated events.
6. Will Horton’s Emotional “Death”
Will Horton’s death in 2015 was one of the most heartbreaking moments in recent Days history. After being murdered by the Necktie Killer, Will’s death sent shockwaves through Salem. His family, including Sami, Lucas, and Sonny, were devastated, and the scenes of them mourning his loss were gut-wrenching. However, in true soap opera fashion, Will was later revealed to be alive, much to the relief and joy of fans.
Character Impact
Will’s death left his family shattered, especially Sami and Sonny, who struggled to move on. His eventual return brought healing, but his death left lasting scars.
Why It Stands Out
Will’s death was not only shocking but also devastating for fans who had followed his journey, making his eventual return one of the happiest moments in the show’s history.
Fan Reactions
“Will’s death absolutely destroyed me. I’m so glad they brought him back because Salem wasn’t the same without him. #WillLives,” a fan posted on social media after his return.
Did You Know?
Chandler Massey, who plays Will, left the show in 2014 but was brought back due to popular demand. Fans launched campaigns and petitions to bring the character back, and their efforts paid off when Will was revived in 2017.
7. Adrienne Kiriakis’ Sudden Death
Adrienne Kiriakis’ death in 2019 came as a shock to many Days fans. After being involved in a tragic car accident, Adrienne died suddenly, leaving her family heartbroken and viewers in disbelief.
Conclusion: Salem’s Most Memorable Goodbyes
Whether it’s a tragic death or a mysterious disappearance, Days of Our Lives knows how to deliver a dramatic exit. These ten character departures left fans with lasting memories, proving that even when a character leaves Salem, their impact remains.