Craig Melvin just got the soap opera treatment from one of daytime television’s most iconic stars!
During a visit to Today, Days of our lives legend Deidre Hall stop by to celebrate her milestone of playing Dr. Marlena Evans for 50 years.
As she looks back on her decades-long run on the beloved NBC soap, Craig made it clear that there was a certain part of Deirdre‘s daytime television legacy that he wanted to experience for himself.
“Of all the storylines you’ve been a part of over the years, the one I’ve always enjoyed is your ability to slap,” Craig told Deirdre. “You’re a great slacker.”
He then told her that it would be “one of the greatest professional honors” of his life if she slapped him. Naturally, Deirdre was game.
“I would be privileged to slap you,” she said.
Before the big moment, Deirdre gave Craig a quick acting lesson so they could pull off the dramatic slap without actually hurting him or needing another take.
Was Deidre Hall’s slap staged?
Yes, the moment was staged as a classic soap opera-style TV slapstick, and Deirdre provided for Craig knew how to sell it.
“I’m going to pull my hand back and I’m going to get really close to your face and when you feel it happen, you’re going to crack your head,” she explained.
Craig followed through perfectly as he whipped his head around right at the tip, although the sound effect unfortunately missed the mark a bit as seen in the clip above.
Earlier this year, Ryan Gosling accepted an invitation from Deidre to visit Days of our lives set!
Sent to:Craig Melvin days of our lives Deidre Hall
