A fun and unexpected crossover between Hollywood and daytime TV has fans buzzing, as Ryan Gosling and Deidre Hall recently sparked a nostalgic conversation about Days of Our Lives—specifically Marlena’s iconic possession storyline. Now, longtime Salem star Stephen Nichols is weighing in, and his reaction adds even more excitement to the viral moment. Soap Hub spoke with the DAYS icon ahead of the PanCAN PurpleStride Walk, an event that helps the fight against Pancreatic Cancer. Nichols is the chair of Team Hogey’s Home Runners.
Key Takeaways
- Nichols praises Ryan Gosling as “down to earth” and genuinely kind.
- Gosling says he plans to visit the Days of Our Lives set in a recent Instagram video.
- Nichols calls Gosling’s Project Hail Mary performance “captivating.”
Soaps Are Having a Moment
The buzz began when Gosling revealed he used to watch the soap opera during the height of Marlena Evans’ possession arc, one of the most talked-about storylines in daytime history. Hall, who has played Marlena for decades, responded warmly, clearly amused and touched that a future Oscar-nominated actor had once been glued to Salem drama. The exchange quickly caught fire online, bridging generations of TV fans.
Praise Party
When asked about the viral moment, Nichols—best known to fans as Steve “Patch” Johnson—didn’t hold back his admiration for Gosling, both as an actor and a person.
“I think Ryan Gosling is the dude, man,” Nichols said. “He’s such a sweet guy. He’s a huge, huge movie star, and he does not behave like your typical egomaniac movie star. The guy is just so down-to-earth and loving.”
Nichols continued by praising Gosling’s latest work, referencing his performance in Project Hail Mary, which has already generated strong early buzz.
“I did see the new movie (Project Hail Mary) and [Ryan was] fantastic,” he shared. “He carried a 2.5-hour movie opposite a puppet, and every single moment was just captivating. He is such a good actor, and he’s such a good person.”
Beyond the compliments, Nichols also hinted that Gosling’s appreciation for DAYS might go beyond just childhood memories.
“As far as I know, I’ve never met him,” Nichols added, “but it seems like, seems like the videos I’ve seen lately, he’s all in.”
And then, what has fans especially intrigued is that Gosling responded positively to Hall’s invitation to visit the DAYS set. “He’s coming on down…he’s gonna pay us a visit,” Nichols enthused.
Gosling’s response has sparked speculation among viewers that the A-List actor could make a cameo appearance or at least stop by the set for a behind-the-scenes moment. While nothing has been officially confirmed, the idea of a major Hollywood star visiting Salem has certainly energized the fanbase.
The connection also highlights the lasting cultural impact of Marlena’s possession storyline, which aired in the 1990s and remains one of the most iconic arcs in soap opera history. For Gosling to remember it—and for Hall and Nichols to embrace that connection decades later—speaks to the enduring reach of daytime television.
For fans of DAYS, this unexpected Hollywood shoutout feels like validation of the show’s legacy. And with Nichols enthusiastically backing Gosling, the possibility of worlds colliding doesn’t seem so far-fetched.
Whether it leads to an on-screen appearance or simply remains a fun exchange between stars, one thing is clear: Salem still has a way of capturing hearts—even in Hollywood.
Batter’s Box
When Soap Hub chatted with Nichols about chairing team Hogey’s Home Runners for the upcoming PanCAN Purple Stride Walk, the actor spoke so lovingly and candidly about his friend, the late Drake Hogestyn. You won’t want to miss the full interview later this week. The team will be at the Santa Monica Pier on April 25, 2026, to honor Hogestyn and share PanCAN’s strong mission to advance progress against pancreatic cancer. To donate to Hogey’s Home Runners, click here. Those who donate $100 or more before April 5 will receive their PanCAN PurpleStride t-shirt before the event.
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