Deidre Hall’s Life Beyond Salem: A Look at the Daytime Icon’s Santa Monica Routine

Deidre Hall, the veteran actress known for her portrayal of Dr. Marlena Evans on the long-running soap opera Days of Our Lives, maintains a grounded lifestyle in Santa Monica that contrasts sharply with the high-stakes drama of her onscreen persona. While her character has navigated decades of fictional crises—including demonic possession and hypnosis-induced villainy—Hall spends her time off-camera focused on gardening, local community engagement, and family traditions.

The Evolution of a Daytime Television Staple

Deidre Hall has been a fixture on Days of Our Lives for five decades, playing a role so iconic it has earned recognition from peers across the industry. In March, actor Ryan Gosling praised Hall’s work while promoting “Hail Mary,” referring to her as an “OG acting inspiration.” The show, which airs on the streaming platform Peacock, continues to center on the complex storylines of the residents of Salem. Despite the intensity of her professional commitments, Hall emphasizes that her private life in Santa Monica is defined by routine and a connection to her neighborhood.

Daily Rituals and Community Engagement

Hall’s Sunday schedule reflects a preference for local, walkable amenities near her Santa Monica home. Her day typically begins with a protein shake and a walk with her golden retriever, Riley. According to Hall, the dog is a local celebrity at the Farms Market, where staff keep dog biscuits ready for her arrival.

Her commitment to local conservation is evident in her gardening habits. Inspired by her identical twin sister, Hall has cultivated a butterfly garden to support monarch populations. She sources milkweed—the essential host plant for monarch larvae—from the Staghorn Garden on Wilshire Boulevard, noting that the nursery owner, Julie, shares her focus on monarch preservation. This interest has extended to artistic pursuits, as Hall now takes private watercolor lessons after discovering an interest in the medium at the Ten Women Gallery, a cooperative space run by local artists.

Dining and Family Traditions

For Hall, the neighborhood around Montana Avenue serves as both a social hub and a dining destination. She frequently visits:

• Courtyard Kitchen: A regular spot for lunch, where she favors chicken salad and waffles.
• La La Land: A popular morning destination for coffee and pastries.
• Rori’s Artisanal Creamery: A family-owned shop on Montana near Lincoln that uses grass-fed dairy.

Despite the popularity of local restaurants, Hall prioritizes cooking at home with her two sons, aged 31 and 33. The family maintains a weekly movie night, a tradition she describes as essential for staying connected. These evenings often involve shopping at the nearby Farms grocery store and preparing meals together, a practice she notes is a cornerstone of her life outside the studio.

Key Takeaways: Deidre Hall’s Routine

• Professional Longevity: Hall has portrayed Dr. Marlena Evans on Days of Our Lives for 50 years, with the show currently airing on Peacock.
• Conservation Efforts: She actively participates in monarch butterfly conservation by planting milkweed in her garden.
• Local Focus: Her routine is centered on Santa Monica’s Montana Avenue, including local businesses like the Ten Women Gallery and the Farms market.
• Family Life: She maintains a consistent weekly tradition of cooking and watching movies with her adult sons.

As Hall continues her work on Days of Our Lives, her life in Santa Monica remains a deliberate departure from the rapid pace of television production. Whether she is tending to her garden or walking Riley through the neighborhood, her focus remains on the community and personal habits that keep her grounded.