Ryan Gosling Reveals Unexpected Soap Opera Fandom
In a surprising revelation that may astonish his many admirers, acclaimed actor Ryan Gosling has expressed profound admiration for daytime television, specifically praising the legendary soap opera Days of Our Lives and its star Deidre Hall.
Gosling's Praise for Deidre Hall's 'Incredible Acting'
During a recent appearance on Josh Horowitz's Happy Sad Confused podcast, Gosling singled out Hall's performance during the show's infamous 1994 possession storyline, where her character Marlena Evans was taken over by Satan. 'This was right around when X-Files was a big deal, right? Suddenly everything got supernatural,' Gosling explained, contextualizing the era's television trends.
He elaborated on Hall's acting prowess, stating: 'She was possessed by the Devil. So Deidre Hall has to suddenly, after playing just a normal person, then she's gotta ... It was an incredible acting class.' Gosling recalled thinking at the time, 'God, Deidre Hall is a great actress because she's having to act possessed right now. That just seems like a lot to ask of her.'
Soap Opera Actors Deserve More Recognition
Beyond his specific admiration for Hall, Gosling extended his praise to soap opera performers in general, highlighting their exceptional skills. 'Just soap opera actors in general, they they they do not get the love they deserve,' he asserted, noting their remarkable ability to memorize extensive dialogue and film scenes frequently in single takes.
The Cultural Phenomenon of Marlena's Possession
The possession storyline that captivated Gosling has become one of the most iconic narratives in soap opera history. Originally airing in 1994-1995, it transformed into a cultural phenomenon that brought Days of Our Lives to mainstream audiences during the mid-1990s. The plot was so enduringly popular that writers revived it briefly in 2021.
Hall herself has reflected on the extraordinary production circumstances. During a 2020 interview on The Kelly Clarkson Show, she revealed: 'When we embarked on the storyline, our executive producer and showrunner, Ken Corday, actually sent over holy water and a crucifix.' She added that before filming possessed scenes, she would offer holy water to the entire cast and crew, with everyone accepting the protective gesture.
Details of the Iconic Storyline
The demonic possession narrative began when villain Stefano DiMera, portrayed by Joseph Mascolo, hypnotized Marlena in an attempt to make her fall in love with him. Instead, she became vulnerable to dark forces, leading to one of daytime television's most memorable supernatural twists.
The possession was marked by unforgettable visual moments:
- Marlena levitating off her bed
- Her eyes glowing with a sinister yellow hue
- Chaos unleashed across the fictional town of Salem
- Victims bound to altars
- Weddings dramatically disrupted
The storyline extended into summer 1995, culminating in an emergency exorcism performed by John Black, Marlena's husband who was then believed to be a priest.
Hall's Enduring Legacy and Gosling's Current Project
Deidre Hall, now 78, has been a central figure on Days of Our Lives since 1976, with occasional breaks but always returning to the role that cemented her soap opera legacy. Her career achievements include multiple Soap Opera Digest Awards and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2016.
Meanwhile, Ryan Gosling is currently promoting his latest film, Project Hail Mary, a science fiction adventure that has already garnered critical acclaim. The film opened with an impressive $80 million at the box office, demonstrating Gosling's continued box office appeal alongside his unexpected appreciation for daytime television drama.
