Days of our Lives has built some lasting friendships over the past six decades. While there are plenty of those to talk about, we are going to focus on the ride-or-die friendships in Salem today.
Key Takeaways
- Several friendships are decades old.
- One unlikely friendship deserves mad props and more screen time.
- Another friendship is riddled with history.
Maggie and Julie
The Horton family bond is strong, and the lasting friendship of Julie (Susan Seaforth Hayes) and Maggie (Suzanne Rogerts) proves that. Maggie and Julie have been through it, including when Maggie opted to marry the villainous Victor Kiriakis (John Aniston) following Mickey’s (John Clarke) death.
Ever since Julie lost her beloved Doug (Bill Hayes), she’s been leaning on Maggie, who has been widowed twice. They are constantly there for each other, regardless of the situation, but that doesn’t mean they always agree.
Maggie and Julie can argue and still maintain their friendship. It’s a nice representation of friendships that have lasted for years and are ever-changing, with the one constant being that they are ride-or-die.
Kayla and Marlena
Former sisters-in-laws Marlena (Deidre Hall) and Kalya (Mary Beth Evans) are no longer related, but their friendship is still one for the books. Although they had a tough time when Marlena cheated on Roman (then Wayne Northrop) with John (Drake Hogestyn), Kayla found a way to forgive her.
Since then, Kayla and Marlena have continued to prove there’s nothing they wouldn’t do for each other. In fact, they even “died” together, with Kate (Lauren Koslow) a couple of years ago, which only strengthened their bond.
As Marlena navigates her grief over John’s death, Kayla has been there subtly when Marlena needs her, unlike Julie, who keeps pressuring Marlena to attend a grief group. DAYS fans don’t get enough of Kayla and Marlena together, but we always know that it’s a friendship we can count on.
Steve, Roman, and Abe
One can’t talk about Salem ride-or-die friendships without mentioning Roman (now Josh Taylor), Abe (James Reynolds), and Steve (Stephen Nichols). These friendships go back to the 80s and should include John and Bo (Peter Reckell), but since they are not around, the other three are the focus.
DAYS fans were reminded of the tight-knit bond that Abe, Steve, and Roman share when Theo (Tyler Joseph Andrews) was kidnapped and missing with the other DiMeras. Abe leaned on Roman, while Steve was in the thick of it, trying to find Theo.
These three men have been through more than we can recount. Much like with Kayla and Marlena, we don’t see enough of them together, but when it happens, it’s clear this brotherly bond is still front and center.
Leo and Chad
Never in a million years did we think that Chad (Billy Flynn) and Leo (Greg Rikaart) would not only be friends but also ride-or-die pals. When Leo first came to town, he was a con artist causing a slew of trouble for the DiMera heir, Will (Chandler Massey), and Sonny (then Freddie Smith).
However, over the years, the unthinkable happened. Chad forgave Leo and helped him rebuild his life, including giving him a job at The Spectator, where Leo has made his mark.
Leo has shown unwavering loyalty to his Chadwick, and Chad has reciprocated that loyalty on more than one occasion. Chad went from Leo’s biggest critic to his defender, giving DAYS fans one of the best friendships in Salem. When Chad leaves Salem soon, even briefly, it will be a gut punch to Leo for sure.
Stephanie and Jada
Jada (Elia Cantu) and Stephanie (Abigail Klein) have had a friendship their whole lives, even though it’s just recently been highlighted on-screen. Their friendship is courtesy of their fathers, Steve and the late Marcus Hunter (Richard Biggs).
Stephanie and Jada have addressed their bond and family history on multiple occasions. These two ladies are all about the female bond. They are constantly there for each other with no questions asked.
When Jada’s relationship with Rafe (Galen Gering) ended, Stephanie was her shoulder to lean on, including giving her a place to stay. Now Jada’s been right there to protect Stephanie and Alex (Robert Scott Wilson) from a crazed stalker and was the only person at their wedding.
Xander and Leo
No one in Salem has a friendship quite like Leo and Xander (Paul Telfer). These two bad-boy outsiders share a bond that others in town can’t relate to. This friendship is a newer one, and one that DAYS fans don’t get to see much of at all.
However, whenever Xander and Leo are together, their bond is crystal clear, and fans are left wanting more. One example of that is Xander and Leo giving some not-so-sage drunk advice over their love life problems.
It showed their bond and that they have each other’s backs, even if not in the best way. What makes us love their friendship more is that they are both seeing Marlena, and when she couldn’t be there for them, they were there for each other.
Honorable Mentions
Speaking of Marlena, her friendship with Leo is worth an honorable mention. Marlena is his therapist, but they also share a deep friendship. Another honorable mention also includes Marlena and her growing bond with Julie and Maggie following John’s death.
Who do you think has a ride-or-die friendship in Salem? Let us know in the comments section below.
