Martha Madison On Why Marlena’s Story Hits So Close To Home

Martha Madison is back with a vengeance as Belle on Days of Our Lives and doing some of the best work of her career. Find out her thoughts on this meaty story that leaves Marlena hanging between life and death — and her daughter only wanting to follow her wishes.

The actress recently spoke with TV Insider about what this return has meant to her and her thoughts this incredibly crafted story.

“Albert Alaar [co-executive producer/director] pulled me aside and said, ‘You have this great story coming up.’ He told me it would be about Marlena having a DNR. I got really excited about it. It’s such an important story.”

It certainly is and it’s what soaps used to be all about — topical issues that affect viewers and their families. And in this case — one of the actors involved — Madison herself.

“My mom [in real life] has been very sick for a long time. My sisters and I haven’t always agreed upon a course of action. I can definitely understand the fundamental conversations that are happening. That was help to me as an actor in this story.”

And just part of the reason the actress has been so incredible in this story. The confrontations with her father, who can’t wrap his head around this being what Marlena (Deidre Hall) wanted, have been riveting. The actress is quick to compliment her onscreen dad, Drake Hogestyn.

“He was so powerful in these scenes. You really have to allow yourself to be vulnerable in stories like this and he just gave and gave and gave. He’s so good. Maybe next year he’ll get his name on the Emmy ballot? I think he could bring it home.”

He might not be the only one. Madison has been doing her best work to date with this story and Soap Hub expects to see her on the ballot as well.

Days of our Lives (DOOL) airs weekdays on NBC. Check your local listings for airtimes.