Rating the Replacement: Abigail Klein as Days of our Lives’ Stephanie

As if stepping into the role of Steve Johnson and Kayla Brady Johnson’s only daughter, Stephanie Johnson, wasn’t a big enough challenge, Abigail Klein faced another hurdle: replacing fan favorite Shelley Hennig. Yet, since being introduced on the second installment of Days of our Lives: Beyond Salem and then surfacing on the main NBC soap, Days of our Lives, Klein has easily fit in as the spirited businesswoman; a perfect blend of mama Kayla’s sweetness and smarts and papa Steve’s edgy toughness.

Abigail Klein Making An Entrance

Introducing Klein in the Peacock special was a perfect way to get viewers accustomed to the actress. Her part was small, yet meaningful, as the whole Johnson clan got to bond as a family. By the time Klein brought Stephanie to Salem, not only was she comfortable in her shoes, but fans felt connected to her.

She’s Got the Stephanie Look

Klein looks the part. She has the same slender build, delicate features, and dark hair as Hennig, which has helped a lot with the transition. And while Hennig’s eyes were brown, Klein’s big baby blues totally serve the character. After all, they’re exactly like her TV mother, Kayla (Mary Beth Evans).

Abigail Klein Independence Day

Klein has excelled at portraying Stephanie’s strong, independent side. She’s a young woman in charge of her life — a successful entrepreneur with determination and drive. She comes across as fierce and forceful in business scenes, and she has adeptly stood up to her overprotective dad. That’s no small feat, considering she’s acting opposite powerful veteran Stephen Nichols.

Chemistry Tests

So far, the DAYS writers have put Klein in two leading men’s orbits: Billy Flynn (Chad DiMera) and Robert Scott Wilson (Alex Kiriakis). Stephanie shared breakfast with Chad, consoling him over the passing of his wife, Abigail Deveraux DiMera (Marci Miller), and their connection was sweet and natural. Then she crashed into Alex in the square. While Stephanie was totally turned off by the brash playboy, he was instantly smitten with her. And there were definite sparks between them. There’s clearly potential for both couplings, or, better yet, a new triangle.

The Verdict On Abigail Klein

Klein hasn’t wasted a second grasping the essence of Stephanie. She’s fierce and fiery, loving and loyal. And fans who saw her Beyond Salem debut know she has a fun side, too. So far, she fits in perfectly as Steve and Kayla’s daughter and merits an”A” for a job very well done.

Days of our Lives (DOOL) airs weekdays on NBC. Check your local listings for airtimes. For more about what’s coming up in Salem, check out all the latest that’s been posted on DAYS spoilers, and for an in-depth look at the show’s history, click here.

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