Days Of Our Lives Spoilers: Gloria Loring Reflects On Her Iconic Return As Liz Chandler!

Days of Our Lives spoilers and updates reveal Gloria Loring reflects on her life, her loves, and her role as Liz Chandler as she returns to reprise her iconic role. She returns to sing at Doug Williams’ (Bill Hayes) memorial service and to pay her respects-and have at least one argument with Marie Horton (Maree Cheatham)!

Days Of Our Lives Spoilers – Liz Chandler Returns To Salem After Nearly Four Decades

Almost 40 years after Gloria Loring first appeared on Days of Our Lives, her character, Liz Chandler, returned to Salem to honor the late Doug Williams and perform at his memorial service.

Loring’s Liz was on the show for six years, starting as the estranged wife of Tony DiMera (Thaao Penghlis).

She had a romance with Marlena’s ex-husband, Don Craig (Jed Allan), and later fell in love with Neil Curtis (Joseph Gallison).

While in Salem, she  befriended Doug, sang at his club, Doug’s Place, and recorded the hit song “Friends and Lovers,” the love theme for Shane and Kimberly Donovan (Charles Shaughnessy, Patsy Pease). “I left the show in September of 1986,” Loring recalls, having debuted in Salem in 1980; “So it’s been almost 40 years. Oh my goodness.”

DOOL Spoilers – Gloria Loring Was Surprised At The Invite

After such a lengthy absence, Loring “did not expect” to return to the soap opera. “However, I felt truly honored to come back to pay my respects and contribute in a small way to the tribute for Bill Hayes [ex-Doug],” she shares.

“They graciously invited me to Bill’s service, which turned out to be an incredibly moving experience. I was able to reconnect with some familiar faces and embrace a few people I hadn’t seen in years, and it was genuinely enjoyable. Then the call came about organizing this memorial for Doug, and they asked if I would like to participate.”

Days Of Our Lives Spoilers – Lots Of Changes, Few People She Knew

Loring quickly agreed and upon her return to the set, she realized that filming the show felt entirely different from what she had previously experienced. “Nothing felt familiar,” she remarked. “We’re in a brand-new studio, and the cast is almost entirely different—about 90% new faces-there were just a few familiar ones.

It was such a delight to see Suzanne Rogers (Maggie Kiriakis); she’s faced some challenges, so seeing her looking as beautiful and healthy as ever truly warmed my heart. And, of course, it was a blast to catch up with Deidre Hall (Marlena Evans) – I really enjoyed it.”

DOOL Spoilers – Many Production Changes Since She Last Appeared

There are many production changes from before, Loring shares, “In the past, we had a specific filming routine. We would block the scenes and then do a full run-through with the cameras-it would take an entire day to film one episode-now, however, the process feels much more fragmented. We do a walkthrough in the morning, usually around 7:30 or 8, and then there’s a long wait until we’re back on set, sometimes not until 2 in the afternoon. If I had been accustomed to this new method, it might have felt more natural, instead, it was a bit unsettling; nevertheless, everything turned out fine in the end. I did miss a couple of small entrances, which was frustrating, but thankfully, I remembered my lines!”

Days Of Our Lives Spoilers – Changes In The Work Experience In General

Loring talks about her experience as “very different.” She explains, “The feeling we had while working back then was unique for me- I was entering a completely new environment and a different way of doing things. It felt like, ‘What do I do, where do I go now, I kept getting lost on stage; there are so many rooms.

At NBC, we had a large warehouse where the sets were laid out on both sides, allowing you to walk down the middle and see everything-now, they’re arranged like puzzle pieces. You walk, turn right, and find another set, then around a corner and think, ‘Where am I?’ I had to ask people, ‘How do I get off the stage?’”

DOOL Spoilers – Reunion With Julie Williams

Loring’s visit to DAYS starts with a surprise reunion with Marlena when Liz unexpectedly arrives at her friend’s door. “It was great that this was the first scene,” Loring shares. “It felt like, ‘Hi, I’m here.’ It was very sweet and nice.” She also shares moments with Susan Seaforth Hayes (Julie Williams). “We had a little exchange, and I got to sing a song for Bill and Susan, honoring their characters, Doug and Julie,” Loring explains, mentioning the Irving Berlin song, “Always.” “This song was also sung at Bill’s funeral, so it was very meaningful to me and a lovely experience. I was really happy to do it.”

Days Of Our Lives Spoilers – Music Changes

During Loring’s time on DAYS, popular songs were often featured and were a key part of the show-however, due to rising licensing fees, this rarely happens now. Loring expresses frustration, saying, “It’s just ridiculous,” and notes that many shows can’t afford to use music; she appreciates that DAYS included “Always” in Doug’s tribute, calling it “such a loving thing.” Loring remembers, “Julie was right there listening,” and it was very emotional for everyone.

The song had a lot of meaning, especially since it was sung at Bill’s funeral, as music often brings back memories and significant moments in life. I really felt it when we were in that church filled with music and singing, it was amazing; there was so much love and respect, it was a wonderful experience.

DOOL Spoilers  – Rivals Reunited

One of the standout moments from Loring’s return to DAYS features a dynamic exchange between Liz and her long-time rival, Marie. Years ago, both characters were romantically linked to the same man, Neil Curtis.

“It was an absolute blast, as I got to be witty, and she was simply amazing,” Loring shares about her co-star Maree Cheatham (who plays Marie), noting the incredible energy during their showdown. “There was such intensity and focus, and she truly nailed it. Interestingly, I had never met her before, since she wasn’t portraying Marie when I was involved in that storyline.” (The role of Marie was originally played by the late Lanna Saunders from 1979 to 1985.)

Days Of Our Lives Spoilers – Offscreen, New Friend Found

Loring and Cheatham found themselves in the position of playing rivals on-screen, but they soon developed a genuine friendship behind the scenes. Loring recalls, “I mentioned that I’d really enjoy chatting with her more outside of filming.” They made plans to meet up, and Loring visited Cheatham’s home, which was adorned with stunning pottery and impressive collections.

Afterward, they went out for lunch and shared a delightful conversation. It was a truly lovely experience. It was wonderful for onscreen rivals to become fast friends offscreen.

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DOOL Spoilers – Gloria Loring Enjoyed Her Visit

Loring had a great time during her return to DAYS and is open to visiting Salem again; “If it were just for a day, I’d be up for it,” the actress shares. “I started supporting myself at 18, and after working for 54 years, I thought, ‘That’s enough;’ now I have six grandchildren, and I want to be there for them after school. I missed some Christmases with my son Brennan Thicke and Robin Thicke, my late ex-husband Alan Thicke’s kids, because I was busy with the show  and didn’t have time off. I remember not being with my family due to my commitments to the show. But I’d be willing to do a short project like this where I could come back and create some excitement.”

Days Of Our Lives Spoilers  – Many Happy Memories

Loring has many memories from her early days on DAYS, like the love triangles involving Liz, Don, Marlena, and Neil, as well as her character going to prison after accidentally shooting Marie. Liz also got shot several times- “I used to perform concerts on weekends, something I did long before and after my time on the show. I would tell people, ‘I played Liz Chandler on Days of Our Lives’ and they often asked, ‘Why did you leave?’

I’d reply, ‘Because they shot me every two years, whether I needed it or not,’” Loring laughs, adding that she cherishes Liz’s performances at Doug’s Place. “I always sang ‘You Were Always On My Mind-’ that was Liz’s song for Neil.”

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