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In what can only be described as a shocking turn of events, longtime Days of our Lives star and soap icon Kristian Alfonso, who has played Hope William-Brady since 1983, has left the long running NBC soap opera.
The news was revealed in an exclusive report from Deadline. The actress revealed she will not return to the soap when the series, which has been been on production hiatus since March due to the COVID epidemic, resumes production in September. “I’ve already filmed my last episode several months ago,” said the actress in a statement.
Kristian Alfonso’s full statement below:
“Days of our Lives has been a vital part of both my personal and professional journey. I am forever grateful to NBC and the late Betty Corday, who took a chance on me many years ago and changed my life. I have built some lifelong friendships with my extraordinarily talented castmates. Days has one of the hardest working crews in all of television, many of whom have become part of my extended family. I feel blessed and honored to have been invited into people’s homes for over three decades. However, it is now time for me to write my next chapter. I will not be returning to Days when it resumes production in September. I’ve already filmed my last episode several months ago. Finally — to the incredibly loyal fans of Days — many of you have been with me on this journey from the beginning. I cannot thank you enough for your generosity, love and support. I could not have done it without you.”
Kristian Alfonso, star of NBC’s “Days of our Lives”
In addition to her work on DAYS, Alfonso starred for two years as Pilar Ortega on “Falcon Crest.” In addition to her busy schedule, Alfonso hosted “Love Stories,” a half-hour syndicated reality show which focused on relationships in the ‘90s. She also starred opposite Dolph Lundgren in the feature film “Joshua Tree.” Alfonso co-starred with Kate Jackson in the CBS movie of the week “Whatever Happened to Bobby Earl,” portraying, against type, an evil manipulative woman. Alfonso starred with Shannon Doherty and Judd Nelson in the USA Cable Channel’s suspense thriller “Blindfold.” One of Alfonso’s favorite roles was as the cunning Hollywood madam, Lauren Etheridge, on the immensely popular “Melrose Place” produced by Aaron Spelling.
The entire length of Alfonso’s DAYS run is from 1983-1987; a four month stint in 1990; May 1994 – 2020. To be a mainstay on a series as long as she has, and is currently the longest running contract cast member (not having been taken off contract or left the show in 26 years), is a major feat. For many, Kristian Alfonso is Days of our Lives. Though Hope’s focus has diminished in recent years, the character found new life after the departure of longtime co-star and on-screen husband Peter Reckell (Bo). Most recently, her character was the focal point of the series’ much hyped time-jump, which kicked off when Hope’s evil persona Princess Gina tried to murder one of Hope’s relatives.
Kristian’s contributions to soap history are numerous, and she will always be missed.
TV Source has reached out to reps for Days of our Lives for comment.
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