Linda Dano Is the New Vivian on DAYS OF OUR LIVES!

Soap veteran Linda Dano is joining the cast of DAYS OF OUR LIVES as the new Vivian! “Beloved soap diva Linda Dano will in 2021 be joining the cast of beloved long-running DAYS OF OUR LIVES as the new Vivian,” tweeted Robin Strasser, who has also played the role. “Linda has timeless energy, pizzazz, and marketing skills in addition to her acting sizzle.”

The character of Vivian Alamain was first introduced in 1992, played by Louise Sorel, though after a few months, Marj Dusay took over the role for a handful of episodes. Sorel left in 2000 but returned in 2009 for another stint, and after exiting in 2011, returned for another run from 2017-18. In the fall of 2019, Strasser, best known as ONE LIFE TO LIVE’s Dorian, stepped into Vivian’s shoes for a brief run. In June 2020, Sorel reclaimed her role for a month-long stint.

Dano is no stranger to soap fans, making her daytime debut as Gretel Cummings on ONE LIFE TO LIVE in 1978 and playing Cynthia Haines on AS THE WORLD TURNS from 1981-92. But she is best known for playing Felicia Gallant on NBC sudser ANOTHER WORLD from 1982-99 when the soap was canceled. During her run, she earned five Daytime Emmy Award nominations, taking home the trophy for Outstanding Lead Actress in 1993. In 1999, Dano reprised her role of Greta “Rae” Cummings on OLTL and crossed the character over to the other three soaps, ALL MY CHILDREN, GENERAL HOSPITAL, and PORT CHARLES in a one-of-a-kind storyline. She earned another Daytime Emmy Award nomination for that run, leaving OLTL in 2004. In 2005, she made a brief appearance on CBS’ GUIDING LIGHT as Lena Kendall.

Dano is reportedly already taping at the DAYS studio and should begin airing in early 2021, so stay tuned to watch the actress add yet another soap to her extensive resume!