17 Celebrities You Totally Forgot Appeared on “Days of Our Lives”

*Days of Our Lives* has undoubtedly played a significant role in shaping the careers of many well-known actors since it first graced television screens on 8 November 1965. The soap opera, which narrates the intertwined lives of the Brady and Horton families in the fictitious town of Salem, Illinois, has launched numerous stars into the limelight, serving as a launching pad for both budding talents and established names alike.

Among the many figures who enjoyed a career boost thanks to the show is Mila Kunis. The actress made her on-screen debut with a memorable appearance in a 1994 episode when she was just 11 years old. This early experience paved the way for her breakout role in *That ’70s Show* four years later, marking the beginning of her rise to prominence in Hollywood.

Another notable star, Christina Applegate, entered the world of acting even earlier. She was only three months old when she portrayed Burt Grizzell on the series in 1972. During a recent appearance at the 75th Emmy Awards, Applegate reflected on her time on the soap, joking that it was her “biggest breakout role” while also reminiscing about her mother, Nancy Priddy, who played her character’s on-screen mother.

Lisa Rinna, known for her dynamic presence on *The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills*, also carved out some of her early career on *Days of Our Lives*. She was cast as Billie Reed from 1992 to 1995, a role she has reprised several times over the years. Intriguingly, Rinna shared her “surreal” experiences on the show during an interview, recalling a brief romantic involvement with her co-star Patrick Muldoon, whose passing in 2026 prompted heartfelt tributes from fellow cast members.

Jensen Ackles is another success story originating from *Days of Our Lives*. Before cementing his status as a household name through the series *Supernatural*, he portrayed Eric Brady from 1997 to 2000. This role contributed significantly to his development as an actor and laid the groundwork for his future successes.

Pamela Anderson’s experience on the show is somewhat amusing. Despite being cast as Cindy in two episodes in 1992, she admitted during a SiriusXM interview that she has no recollection of her time on *Days of Our Lives*. This confusion underscores the often transient nature of guest roles in soap operas, even for notable figures.

Interestingly, Pat Sajak, best known for hosting *Wheel of Fortune*, made an appearance as a character named Kevin Hathaway in 1983. Additionally, Kathie Lee Gifford, who gained fame from her tenure on *Live! With Regis and Kathie Lee*, played a nurse on the soap in 1975, illustrating how many prominent figures have explored various aspects of television over the years.

Vivica A. Fox made her soap debut as Nurse April Sutton in 1988, sharing her experiences on a recent episode of *Live with Kelly & Mark*. Reflecting on her role, Fox noted the steep learning curve she faced as a young actor attempting to master the dynamics of daytime television, showing admiration for the skill required in soap acting.

The series also welcomed Jamie Chung, who played Cordy Han in 2007, before she gained fame on reality television and later as a star of *Dexter*. Tara Reid, known for her iconic role in *American Pie*, had a recurring part as Ashley on the soap in 1995, illustrating the show’s ability to showcase emerging talent.

LeAnn Rimes showcased her acting skills while already a successful country music artist. She portrayed a teenage runaway named Madison in 1998, candidly admitting that she was just focused on not messing up her lines during her few episodes on the show.

Another *Real Housewives* star, Kyle Richards, found her way to *Days of Our Lives* in 2013, taking on the role of Casey McGraw. Reflecting on this experience, she mentioned how she still actively works in television, claiming that it was an exciting opportunity that came up when her manager submitted her for the part.

Ashley Benson, recognised for her lead role in *Pretty Little Liars*, honed her craft on *Days of Our Lives* from 2004 to 2007 as Abby Deveraux. She recalled the fast-paced nature of soap operas, needing to memorise lines quickly and adapting to the demands of acting in a rigorous setting.

The list of notable guest appearances on *Days of Our Lives* extends to Andrea Barber, who played Carrie Brady from 1982 to 1986, and Dick Van Dyke, who at the age of 98 made history in 2024 as the oldest actor to win a Daytime Emmy for his role on the show. Additionally, Betty White had cameo appearances in 1988, contributing to the show’s legacy through the “Where’s Betty” contest, which engaged viewers in a unique way.

Lastly, Ross Mathews transitioned from his time as ‘Ross the Intern’ to a featured character as Chris on *Days of Our Lives* from 2008 to 2011, showcasing how the soap has hosted a variety of talents from different realms of entertainment.

As *Days of Our Lives* continues to evolve and entertain, its impact on the television landscape remains undeniable, with its rich history of fostering emerging talent and bringing delight to audiences around the world.