Ryan Gosling may be one of Hollywood’s most respected actors, but he’s also a fan of daytime drama.
In a recent appearance on the Happy Sad Confused podcast, Gosling praised Deidre Hall for her “incredible acting” on Days of our Lives—especially during Dr. Marlena Evans' infamous 1994 possession storyline.
Referencing the era’s supernatural TV boom, fueled by shows like The X-Files, Gosling marveled at Hall’s shift from grounded drama to full-on demonic performance.
“She was possessed by the Devil… it was an incredible acting class,” he said, noting how demanding the material was.
Gosling also gave credit to soap actors overall, pointing out their ability to memorize large amounts of dialogue and deliver scenes quickly, often in a single take.
“Soap opera actors do not get the love they deserve,” he added.
Marlena’s possession remains one of daytime television’s most iconic storylines, becoming a cultural phenomenon in the ’90s and even returning briefly in 2021.
Ryan Gosling: "Soap opera actors, in general, don't get the love they deserve." Ryan is playing my favorite song! Courtesy of Happy Sad Confused. #DAYS pic.twitter.com/7IUWxwI2ah
— The BUZZCast (@BuzzWorthyRadio) March 22, 2026
DAYTIME SOAP OPERAS
