APPLETON, Wis. — Ryan Gosling, the acclaimed actor currently riding high with his latest blockbuster Project Hail Mary, has enthusiastically accepted an invitation from soap opera legend Deidre Hall to visit the set of the long-running NBC series Days of Our Lives. The exchange, which unfolded over social media and a recent podcast appearance, highlights Gosling's longstanding admiration for the grueling craft of daytime television performers.
The story began last week when Gosling appeared on Josh Horowitz's Happy Sad Confused podcast. There, the 43-year-old Canadian star took a moment to praise the unsung heroes of soap operas. "Soap opera actors in general — they do not get the love they deserve," Gosling said. "[They have to] memorize, the night before, like 10 pages of dialogue. They get one take, and it’s impossible scenarios — like when Marlena, Deidre Hall, gets possessed … by the Devil."
Gosling went on to recall his early impressions of Hall's performance as the iconic psychiatrist Marlena Evans. "Deidre Hall has to suddenly, after playing a normal person [be possessed] … What’s amazing is I remember thinking, like, ‘God, Deidre Hall’s a great actress ’cause she’s having to act possessed right now. That just seems like a lot to ask of her.'" His comments struck a chord in the soap community, where actors often toil in relative obscurity compared to their primetime counterparts.
Deidre Hall, who has portrayed Marlena Evans on Days of Our Lives since 1976—with brief hiatuses from 1987 to 1991 and 2009 to 2011—responded swiftly on Instagram. In a video post, the 76-year-old actress expressed her gratitude. “We’re just thrilled to be acknowledged and to be so well spoken of because we work really hard, as you acknowledged,” Hall said. She extended an open invitation: “come over and see what we do in our neck of the woods.” Adding a touch of humor referencing her character's infamous storylines, she quipped, “Nobody will be possessed. And if they are, I’ll keep an eye on you.”
Gosling, fresh off promoting Project Hail Mary—which has grossed over $300 million worldwide and become Amazon MGM Studios' highest-earning film to date—did not hesitate to reply. In a comment on Hall's post, he wrote, “Deidre Hall, are you kidding me? Yes. This is a very enthusiastic yes to a very cordial invitation to visit you on set. I will be there to thank you in person for being my OG acting inspiration.”
He elaborated on his influences, playfully subverting Hollywood expectations. “It wasn’t Marlon Brando in On the Waterfront. It wasn’t [Robert] De Niro in Taxi Driver. It was you.” Gosling assured her of his commitment, stating, “Any time, anywhere, I’ll be there.” Tying back to his current project, a sci-fi adaptation of Andy Weir's novel, he added a lighthearted nod to potential supernatural mishaps: “I’m not worried about the possession, I’ll say a Hail Mary before I get there. It’ll be fine and I’ll see you on set.”
The interaction has generated buzz in entertainment circles, with fans speculating about a possible cameo appearance by Gosling on the show. While no such plans have been confirmed by NBC or the production team, the visit alone could provide a rare glimpse into the world of daytime soaps for one of Hollywood's biggest stars. Days of Our Lives, which airs weekdays on NBC and streams on Peacock, has been a staple since its debut in 1965, known for its dramatic twists and enduring characters.
Hall's Marlena Evans is one of the most enduring figures in soap history, having weathered an array of outlandish plots. According to the show's lore, her storylines include two demonic possessions—in 1994 and again in 2021—surviving a plunge from a 30-story building, and even being brainwashed into believing she was a serial killer. These elements, while fantastical, underscore the versatility demanded of soap actors, a point Gosling emphasized in his podcast remarks.
Industry observers note that Gosling's shoutout comes at a time when soap operas are navigating challenges in the streaming era. Days of Our Lives moved to Peacock in 2022 after nearly 57 years on NBC's broadcast schedule, a shift that has helped maintain its audience but also sparked debates about the format's future. Hall herself has been vocal about the rigors of the job, often crediting the genre for honing her skills over decades.
Gosling's appreciation for soaps isn't new. The actor, who broke out in the late 1990s with roles in films like Remember the Titans and later earned Oscar nominations for La La Land and Barbie, has spoken before about drawing inspiration from television. His current success with Project Hail Mary, directed by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller and co-starring Sandra Hüll, has solidified his status as a box-office draw. The film, released in March 2026, has amassed $164 million domestically alone, according to box office reports.
While the set visit remains in the planning stages, sources close to the production say Hall is eager to host. “Deidre's been a pillar of the show for so long; having someone like Ryan come by would be a thrill for the cast and crew,” one insider told Deadline. No specific date has been announced, but Gosling's schedule, buoyed by the film's ongoing run, appears flexible.
The exchange also highlights a broader conversation about recognition for soap actors. Organizations like the Daytime Emmys have long celebrated the genre, with Hall earning multiple nominations over her career. Yet, as Gosling pointed out, the one-take pressure and rapid scripting often go underappreciated outside niche audiences.
In Appleton, where local theater enthusiasts follow Hollywood news closely, the story has sparked interest at community playhouses emulating soap-style improv. “It's refreshing to see a star like Gosling tip his hat to the roots of acting,” said local director Elena Vargas, who runs workshops inspired by daytime dramas. While not directly involved, such sentiments echo the national appreciation building around Hall's invitation.
Looking ahead, the visit could inspire more crossovers between film and TV worlds. With Project Hail Mary nearing $300 million globally—edging out competitors like Hoppers—Gosling's star power might draw new eyes to Days of Our Lives. For Hall, it's a validation of nearly 50 years on screen. As she told fans in her video, the hard work continues, possessions or not.
Neither NBC nor Gosling's representatives have commented further on logistics, but the enthusiasm from both parties suggests the meetup will happen soon. In an industry often divided by mediums, this bridge between blockbuster cinema and enduring soap saga feels like a win for performers everywhere.