It was back on June 13, 1985, when a dubious-looking man with an eyepatch made his first appearance in Salem, setting hearts ablaze among the Days of our Lives faithful.
Congratulations, Stephen Nichols
On that day, Stephen Nichols was introduced as Steve “Patch” Johnson, a thug employed by Victor Kiriakis, who had a history with Bo Brady from their days in the Merchant Marines. It wouldn’t take long for Patch’s backstory to come to light, and he’s become one of the most important Salemites in DAYS history.
Patch’s bad-boy ways would eventually be tamed by the love of his life, Kayla, and Nichols and Mary Beth Evans would go on to become one of the show’s top supercouples of all time.
In honor of the anniversary of his first appearance, Evans posted a tribute to her longtime on-screen partner.
The actress shared two photos—a young Nichols during his early days with the show, and a recent image, and the actor looks as dashing today as he did 35 years ago.
“Then and now. You, my friend … my partner, have made this work so fun and meaningful,” she wrote. “You’ve given your all to Steve, Patch & Kayla, Salem and especially me! I love you with all my heart and we’re all so lucky to have you in our lives. Happy anniversary”
Evans and Nichols have always enjoyed an amazing chemistry on-screen together — something that carried over when they were a couple on General Hospital (as Katherine and Stefan, respectively) as well — and the two actors have long been great friends.
Steve and Kayla have had their share of adventures on the show and their love has survived every obstacle thrown their way. Currently, the couple is apart as Steve’s recent brainwashing to believe he was Stefano made him do things that he is ashamed of, and he wants his “Sweetness” to be happy, so he allowed her to continue on with Justin (Wally Kurth).
But with the history they share, and the love we all know they have for one another, don’t be surprised if a reunion happens sometime soon. Days of our Lives (DOOL) airs weekdays on NBC. Check your local listings for airtimes.
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