Deidre Hall, well-known for her role as Dr. Marlena Evans on the popular soap opera “Days of our Lives,” has had a remarkable career spanning over four decades. But her blessings extend far beyond her success in the entertainment industry. Hall’s journey to motherhood has been a testament to hope and gratitude, as she overcame infertility and became a mother through surrogacy.
Hall has been married multiple times in her life, but it was her fourth marriage to TV producer Steve Sohmer that brought her the gift of motherhood. In 1991, a year after they tied the knot, their son David Atticus was born via a surrogate named Robin. Four years later, their son Tully Chapin was also born with the help of the same surrogate. Although Hall and Sohmer eventually divorced in 2006, their sons have brought immense joy to their lives.
“I have no intention of getting married again, but my happiness is not dependent on that,” Hall shared. While she cherishes her career, she believes there is more to life than romance. With her children grown up and thriving, she has much to be grateful for.
Having spent decades in the entertainment industry, Hall never takes her role on “Days of our Lives” for granted. She admits to feeling a sense of relief every time the show gets picked up for another year. “I still hold my breath for a moment when I pull up to the studio security gate, thinking, ‘Oh, it opened. I guess I get to come in today!’” she joked.
Reflecting on her past relationships, Hall chooses to see them in a positive light. “A friend of mine says, ‘You’ve got a bad picker,’ and I think that’s not entirely untrue. But when I look at the growth in my life, everything got me to where I am,” she explained. Each marriage played a role in shaping her journey, leading her from Florida to California and opening countless opportunities along the way.
Hall always had a deep desire to be a mother. However, after undergoing several fertility treatments, she had to accept that giving birth to her own children was not in the cards. Surrogacy became the path to fulfilling her dream of motherhood. In fact, their journey with surrogacy was made into a film, highlighting the challenges they faced.
Finding the perfect surrogate was a difficult process, but Hall eventually found Robin, who had her own children and inspired trust. “After watching Robin with her own children, we felt safe giving her ours. I had no fear that she would see that baby and want to keep him,” Hall said.
Although adoption was always an option for Hall, surrogacy became their first choice. It was a route that worked for them, bringing them the joy of parenthood. Hall expressed that her children have always understood their story, even from a young age. She shared a conversation she had with her son David, who wanted to discuss his birth. The openness and honesty surrounding their surrogacy journey have fostered a deep understanding within their family.
Being a mother has brought Hall immeasurable joy, regardless of the unconventional path she took. She is grateful for her family as well as her fulfilling career and life. “It doesn’t get any better, and I’m beyond grateful,” she expressed.
Deidre Hall’s story is a testament to resilience, hope, and the belief that there is more than one way to build a family. Her journey to motherhood serves as an inspiration for anyone facing similar challenges. As we celebrate her success as an actress, let us also celebrate the love and gratitude that fills her life.
