11 Now-Famous Stars Who Got Their Start on “Days of Our Lives”

**Days of Our Lives: Launchpad for Future Stars**

Since its debut in 1965, the soap opera “Days of Our Lives” has become a significant stepping stone for numerous celebrities, fostering their rise to fame. Transitioning to Peacock in 2022 after a nearly six-decade run on NBC, the series has not only captivated audiences with its engaging storylines but has also played an essential role in the early careers of many actors.

Among the show’s alumni is Lisa Rinna, who described landing her role as Billie Reed in 1992 as akin to “winning the lottery.” Rinna candidly shared with The Standard in May 2023 that, despite the acting community’s occasional derision towards soap operas, she felt proud to be a part of such a storied programme. For many aspiring actors, “Days of Our Lives” has served as the perfect platform to showcase their talent and gain invaluable experience.

The show provided a launchpad for stars such as Jensen Ackles and Mila Kunis, who eventually became household names in the entertainment industry. Before gaining recognition for his iconic role in “Supernatural,” Ackles portrayed Eric Brady on the soap from 1997 to 2000. He frequently reflects on his time there, noting it was a “heavy crash course” in acting, and he was awarded the Soap Opera Digest Award for Outstanding Newcomer in 1998.

Similarly, Mila Kunis made a brief appearance on the show in 1994 as a young Hope Williams before ascending to fame as Jackie Burkhart on “That ‘70s Show.” With such connections, it is evident that the show has acted as a breeding ground for talent that later dominated television and film.

Reality television personality and actress Lisa Rinna is not the only star who transitioned into different entertainment genres. Her fellow soap alum, Vivica A. Fox, played Nurse April Sutton in 1988. That small role eventually led to prominent roles in dramas like “Generations” and “The Young and the Restless.” Reflecting on her early days, Fox expressed that her experiences on the soap helped her gain appreciation for the craft of soap acting during a recent Guest appearance.

In a lighter vein, former “Wheel of Fortune” host Pat Sajak’s brief stint on the show in 1983 involved a fleeting role as Kevin Hathaway. Sajak has since made jokes about this cameo, claiming it was so memorable that he felt he “retired undefeated” shortly afterward.

Other notable names from the soap’s extensive history include Kathie Lee Gifford, who portrayed Nurse Callihan in a single episode in 1975. Gifford amusingly described her performance as “the worst acting” she has ever witnessed, reminiscing during a recent clip aired on daytime television.

Further illustrating the diversity of career paths stemming from “Days of Our Lives,” Tara Reid secured a recurring role as Ashley in 1995. Just a few years later, she experienced a meteoric rise in her career, starring in the hugely successful “American Pie” films.

Meanwhile, Ashley Benson, who played Abby Deveraux from 2004 to 2007, reflected on the unique challenges of growing up in the limelight of the soap opera world. Benson later found success as a lead in “Pretty Little Liars,” indicating that her time on the show equipped her with skills essential for her later performances.

The soap has also made way for memorable guest characters, such as Ross Mathews, who, starting as a background actor, transitioned to a recurring role from 2008 until 2011. His character, Chris, became well-loved as he provided comic relief alongside the show’s main narratives.

Lastly, Christina Applegate, perhaps the youngest star to have graced the soap, appeared as a baby named Burt Grizzell in 1972. With her real-life mother playing her on-screen mum, Applegate fondly remembered this early role, joking that it was a “breakout performance” at the recent Emmy Awards.

As “Days of Our Lives” continues to engage viewers on its new platform, the wealth of talent that has emerged from its ranks remains a testament to its influence on the entertainment landscape. Whether they transitioned into reality TV, films, or other television series, the legacy of this beloved soap opera is firmly cemented in the annals of television history.