Days of our Lives fans are reeling from the latest buzz sweeping Salem and beyond. After more than two decades of unforgettable performances, rumors are swirling that Judi Evans—who has given life to not one, but two iconic characters on the NBC/Peacock soap—may have taken her final bow. Her absence on-screen has left viewers unsettled, sparking endless theories and debates across fan forums, social media feeds, and spoiler blogs. Is this truly the end of Evans’ journey in Salem, or just another classic soap misdirection meant to leave us clinging to the edge of our seats?

For those unfamiliar with Evans’ immense impact on Days, she has been more than just a supporting player. She has been a cornerstone of the series, a performer whose range, resilience, and emotional depth have carried storylines that fans still talk about years later. From Adrienne Johnson Kiriakis’ tragic death to Bonnie Lockhart’s chaotic, laugh-out-loud antics, Evans has displayed a versatility that few in daytime television can match. Her characters weren’t just roles—they became a heartbeat in the larger tapestry of Salem.

A Career That Defined an Era

Judi Evans first joined Days in 1986, bringing Adrienne Johnson to life. Adrienne was no ordinary soap heroine; she was a survivor, a woman scarred by a dark childhood who nonetheless found strength in love and family. Her romance with Justin Kiriakis remains one of the great supercouple stories in Salem history. The chemistry between Evans and Wally Kurth lit up the screen, capturing both the passion and the pain of two characters trying to build a life together against all odds.

Evans’ portrayal of Adrienne wasn’t just compelling drama—it was groundbreaking. The storyline exploring Adrienne’s abuse at the hands of her father was raw, emotional, and ahead of its time. Evans delivered a performance so powerful that it helped bring awareness to the real-life issue of domestic violence. Fans wept with her, rooted for her, and celebrated every victory Adrienne achieved.

But Days being Days, tragedy was never far behind. Adrienne’s storylines spanned triumphs, heartbreaks, and family entanglements until the character met a devastating end in a fiery car crash during the show’s controversial time jump in 2020. The scenes of her death, charged with unspoken regrets and emotional goodbyes, left viewers in pieces. Social media erupted in mourning, with hashtags like #SaveAdrienne and #DOOLHeartbreak trending as fans rallied for her return.

Enter Bonnie Lockhart – Evans Reinvents Herself

Just when it seemed like Evans’ time in Salem had ended, she reemerged in a role that couldn’t have been more different. Bonnie Lockhart, introduced years earlier, became Evans’ second signature character. Where Adrienne was resilient and grounded, Bonnie was loud, wild, and unapologetically outrageous. With bleach-blonde hair, a sharp tongue, and a knack for getting herself into trouble, Bonnie brought a chaotic energy to Salem that fans couldn’t resist.

Evans played Bonnie with such over-the-top brilliance that audiences couldn’t help but love her—even when she was scheming. From botched kidnappings to hilariously failed cons, Bonnie embodied the unpredictability that keeps daytime soaps addictive. Evans’ ability to switch between Adrienne’s heartbreaking vulnerability and Bonnie’s comedic absurdity highlighted her immense range as an actress.

Who could forget Bonnie’s near-death elevator fall during February sweeps earlier this year? Viewers held their breath as the cables snapped and the screen faded to black. When weeks went by without her return, speculation exploded. Was this Judi Evans’ exit storyline? Had Bonnie met her final end? The silence from the production team only deepened the suspense.

The Current Silence – Is Evans Really Gone?

As of late September 2025, there has been no official confirmation from NBC, Peacock, or the Days of our Lives writing team about Evans’ status. There’s been no farewell interview, no press release, and not even a cryptic post from Evans herself to hint at what’s happening behind the scenes. Her social media accounts remain active with snapshots of her personal life, but there’s been nothing to suggest whether she’ll step back into Bonnie’s shoes—or if she already quietly walked away.

This vacuum of information has sent fans into overdrive. Theories range from contract disputes in the wake of industry shifts, to creative burnout after decades of pouring herself into complex roles, to the possibility of Evans simply wanting more time for herself outside the spotlight.

And yet, longtime soap fans know better than to write anyone off completely. Days has a legendary history of bringing characters back from the dead, reviving storylines long thought finished, and surprising viewers when they least expect it. If Adrienne could return after multiple presumed exits, and if characters like Stefano DiMera could be resurrected time and again, who’s to say Bonnie Lockhart—or even Adrienne herself—won’t reappear in the future?

Evans’ Journey Beyond Salem

To truly understand Evans’ importance, it’s worth remembering that her roots go far deeper than Salem. Born into a circus family, Evans’ early life shaped the resilience and adaptability that have marked her acting career. She began on Guiding Light as Beth Raines, a role that earned her a Daytime Emmy Award at just 19 years old. From there, she transitioned into Days of our Lives, where she became a household name.

Even during breaks from Days, Evans continued to make an impact across daytime, including stints on Another World. But it was Salem that ultimately became her professional home, and it’s where fans feel her presence most deeply.

Evans’ personal journey has also been one of strength. She endured unimaginable tragedy with the loss of her son in 2019 and used that grief to fuel a new chapter as a grief counselor, helping others navigate their darkest moments. That real-life resilience only deepened the authenticity she brought to her performances.

What Evans Leaves Behind

If this is truly Judi Evans’ final curtain call on Days of our Lives, her departure marks the end of an era. Few actors in daytime history have managed to portray two such distinct characters with equal impact. Adrienne gave audiences stories of love, pain, and survival that felt achingly real. Bonnie, meanwhile, delivered laughter, chaos, and unpredictability—reminding fans why soaps can be both heartbreaking and hilariously fun.

Her absence leaves a noticeable gap in Salem. Without Adrienne, Justin’s world feels emptier. Without Bonnie, the Kiriakis mansion lacks its mischievous spark. Fans have already taken to X (formerly Twitter) with campaigns demanding her return, sharing favorite moments, and begging producers not to let Evans slip away.

Hope on the Horizon?

Still, in the unpredictable world of soaps, no goodbye is ever truly final. Whispers from industry insiders suggest negotiations may be underway for at least a recurring return. Could Bonnie be plotting her next outrageous scheme offscreen? Could Adrienne miraculously reappear in a twist that rewrites history once again?

Until official word arrives, fans can only speculate. But whether or not Evans returns, her legacy is secure. She has left an indelible mark on Days of our Lives and on daytime television as a whole.

Final Thoughts

Judi Evans’ possible departure is more than just casting news—it’s a seismic shift for Days of our Lives. For 20 years, she’s been a chameleon in Salem, giving us unforgettable performances that swung from tragic to hilarious, sometimes in the very same episode. If she truly has walked away, it will be a painful goodbye for fans who have grown up watching her transform hourglass time into timeless memories.

And yet, Days has always thrived on surprises. Today’s departure rumor could be tomorrow’s shocking comeback. As viewers, we hold onto that hope, because in Salem, anything is possible.

For now, we honor Judi Evans’ extraordinary run. Whether this is a goodbye or merely an intermission, her contribution to Days of our Lives is undeniable. She is, and always will be, part of Salem’s soul.