On the September 3 episode of Days of our Lives, the sight of a tartan knot reminded Marlena about the time she learned Stefano DiMera’s father, Santo, was once in love with Shawn Brady’s sister, Colleen. And they were presumed to be John’s parents. If that storyline has something to do with whatever it is that Belle and Chad are looking for in Italy, we’re here to give viewers a refresher course in Brady/DiMera history.
Key Takeaways
- Santo DiMera’s forbidden romance with Colleen Brady helped launch the generations-long DiMera-Brady feud.
- DAYS once revealed John was Santo and Colleen’s son, but that origin story was eventually revised.
- Marlena’s sudden reminder about Colleen and Santo could signal that their complicated history matters again.
The Love Affair That Started the DiMera-Brady Feud
Once upon a time, Stefano’s (the late Joseph Mascolo) father, Santo (played in flashbacks by James Scott), cheated on his wife with a novice nun named Colleen Brady (played in flashbacks by Alison Sweeney).
Her family was against it. (They didn’t think it was a wise idea for their sweet, innocent daughter to throw her life away on a married man? So unreasonable of them!)
Colleen faked her death and ran off to a convent to become a nun. Santo blamed the Brady family for his beloved’s death and swore revenge through the generations. His son, little Stefano, then took up his father’s cause.
That’s the reason given for his lifelong obsession with the Brady family. Because what son wouldn’t want to avenge his father’s loss of a sidepiece? This makes all the sense.
John Black’s DiMera Origin Story Didn’t Exactly Stick
In 2008, Colleen, now played by Mrs. Partridge herself, Shirley Jones, turned up alive. She shared her story. And she confessed that she and Santo had a son, Ryan, whom she gave up for adoption. That son was John (Drake Hogestyn).
Colleen promptly died. And it ultimately turned out John wasn’t a Brady or a DiMera, after all. He’s not the son of Shirley Partridge. He’s the son of Rob Petrie (Dick Van Dyke). Sitcom close enough!
Why Are Colleen and Santo Coming Up Now?
With Marlena (Deidre Hall) telling Belle (Martha Madison) about Colleen and Santo right before John’s daughter’s trip to Italy with Stefano’s son — well, with two of Stefano’s sons — we have to wonder if that story is about to be revisited. At least you’ll know as much as Marlena and Belle do.
MORE: Here’s what’s next on DAYS.
