'Days of Our Lives' Icon Deidre Hall Slaps Craig Melvin on 'Today' - Just Jared - Celebrity News and Gossip

Craig Melvin just got the soap opera treatment from one of daytime TV’s most iconic stars!

During a visit to Today, Days of Our Lives legend Deidre Hall stopped by to celebrate her milestone of playing Dr. Marlena Evans for 50 years.

While looking back on her decades-long run on the beloved NBC soap, Craig made it clear there was one specific part of Deidre‘s daytime TV legacy that he wanted to experience for himself.

“Of all of the storylines that you’ve been a part of over the years, what I’ve always enjoyed is your ability to slap,” Craig told Deidre. “You’re a great slapper.”

He then told her it would be “one of the greatest professional honors” of his life if she would slap him. Naturally, Deidre was game.

“I would be privileged to slap you,” she said.

Before the big moment, Deidre 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-style TV slap, and Deidre made sure Craig knew how to sell it.

“I’m going to draw my hand back and I’m going to come very close to your face, and when you feel that happen, you’re going to snap your head,” she explained.

Craig followed through perfectly, whipping his head around right on cue, though sadly the sound effect did miss the mark slightly as seen in the clip above.

Earlier this year, Ryan Gosling accepted an invitation from Deidre to visit the Days of Our Lives set!

Posted To:Craig Melvin days of our lives Deidre Hall