Days of Our Lives has been a staple of television for 60 years, offering an expansive saga set in the fictional town of Salem, Illinois. Throughout its long run, the soap opera has featured countless dramatic storylines and cultivated the early careers of multiple actors, including the notable Mila Kunis Days of Lives appearance that marked her acting debut.
Sixty Years of Drama Unfolding in Salem
Since its debut, Days of Our Lives has amassed more than 15,000 episodes, chronicling intricate tales of romance, betrayal, and suspense. The show’s enduring popularity is reflected in its move to Peacock in 2022, which has introduced new audiences to the intense lives of Salem’s residents. Central to the story remains Deidre Hall’s character, Dr. Marlena Evans, whose nearly five decades on the show highlight its lasting allure.
Mila Kunis’s Early Role as Young Hope Williams Brady
Among the many actors who began their careers on Days of Our Lives is Mila Kunis, who made her acting debut at age 11 with a brief but memorable role. She portrayed a young version of the well-known character Hope Williams Brady in a flashback episode aired in June 1994. This early experience laid a foundation for Kunis’s subsequent success in Hollywood.
Christina Applegate’s Unusual Debut
Another striking early appearance is that of Christina Applegate, who unexpectedly made her television debut on the show when she was just three months old. Applegate played baby Burt Grizzell in a 1972 episode alongside her mother, Nancy Priddy, who portrayed Burt’s mother in the storyline. This role, albeit brief and unconventional, was described as “a breakout role” by Applegate herself during the 2024 Emmys.
“It was really a breakout role,”
Christina Applegate, Actress
Her mother later reflected on Applegate’s natural charm, saying,
“It was like she had this light around her, and things would just happen.”
Nancy Priddy, Actress and Mother
Jensen Ackles and His Time as Eric Brady
Before gaining fame on shows like Supernatural, Jensen Ackles spent several years on Days of Our Lives playing Eric Brady, the earnest son of Roman Brady and Marlena Evans, from 1997 to 2000. His portrayal received critical recognition, including three Daytime Emmy nominations. After Ackles’s departure, the character was retired until 2012 when Greg Vaughan took on the role of a priest with the same name, having checked with Ackles first out of respect.
Ackles shared his supportive stance on this transition, recalling,
Greg, knock it out, bro.
Jensen Ackles, Actor
Other Notable Stars Who Began with Days of Our Lives
Andrea Barber: Known later for her role in Full House, Andrea Barber debuted as 6-year-old Carrie Brady in 1982, introducing viewers to Roman Brady’s previously unknown daughter.
Pamela Anderson: Before Baywatch catapulted her to fame, Pamela Anderson had a brief role in 1992 as Cindy, appearing in two episodes opposite Jack and Jennifer Devereaux.
Ashley Benson: Appearing from 2004 to 2007, Benson was one of six actresses who portrayed Abigail Devereaux, a character with dissociative identity disorder who was killed in 2022 by Clyde Weston.
Ross Mathews: Known primarily as a talk show personality, Mathews took on the role of Chris, a gym patron and friend to Sami Brady, from 2008 to 2011.
Pat Sajak: The Wheel of Fortune host appeared as Kevin Hathaway in 1983, a minor role but notable enough to pave the way for his daughter Maggie Sajak’s 2025 cameo at Brady’s Pub during a Salem Sweepstakes event celebrating the show’s 60th anniversary.
Kathie Lee Gifford: Before joining Regis Philbin for a major daytime talk show, Gifford appeared as Nurse Callihan in a 1975 episode under her maiden name Kathie Lee Epstein.
Betty White: The celebrated Golden Girls star broadened her soap opera résumé with a nurse role on Days in 1988, adding to her appearances on other NBC soaps such as Another World and Santa Barbara.
Vivica A. Fox: Fox’s acting career began with a brief stint as Carmen Silva in 1988, marking her first credited television role.
Jamie Chung: Originating the role of Cordy Han, a sorority sister and victim of a campus serial rapist, Chung appeared in 11 episodes in 2007 before the role was continued by Christina Stacey.
Tara Reid: The actress played Ashley in 13 episodes during 1995, four years prior to her breakout film role in American Pie.
LeAnn Rimes: The singer had a fleeting role in 1995 as Madison, appearing for just one day on the show.
Kyle Richards: Recognized now from Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, Richards revisited acting with a short run as Casey McGraw in 2013.
Lisa Rinna’s Long-Standing Connection with Salem
Lisa Rinna first portrayed Billie Reed, a complex character entangled in many dramatic twists, including troubled family ties and a career in cosmetics, from 1992 to 1995. Her relationship with fellow cast member Patrick Muldoon, who played her brother Austin Reed, was notable off-screen. Rinna’s role as Billie continued intermittently through various actresses, but she has portrayed the role multiple times across the years.
“Listen, I never say no, really, to anything. I’m always open to revisiting these characters that I love.”
Lisa Rinna, Actress
Adding on with characteristic candor, she said,
You know I love drama, so if it were right, if it felt right, if it made sense. I think I’m always open to it.
Legacy and Ongoing Episodes on Peacock
Days of Our Lives remains a powerful presence for its loyal fanbase by continuing new episodes every weekday morning on Peacock. This seamless transition from traditional television to streaming reflects the show’s ability to evolve with the times while preserving the intense emotional storytelling that has defined it for six decades.
The program not only showcases the rich tapestry of life in fictional Salem but also serves as a platform that has launched the careers of numerous actors who have since achieved wider fame. As the show advances well beyond its 60th anniversary, the cycle of fresh drama and emerging talent promises to keep Days of Our Lives a dynamic force in daytime television.
