Days of our Lives: Belle's Martha Madison shares on life and loss

On Days of our Lives, Martha Madison recently returned as Belle Brady. In a recent interview, she shared her thoughts on the Los Angeles fires and reminisced about her beloved costar and friend, Drake Hogestyn.

Martha Madison of Days of our Lives

On Days of our Lives, Martha Madison has recently returned to play Belle Brady, a character she began 20 years ago. She recently spoke with Woman’s World about the L.A. fires, the loss of Drake Hogestyn, and the days of her life.

When asked about the Southern Californian wildfires, Madison said, “I’m part of the collective shock. I think the whole city feels the same way. No matter where you are, it’s hard to believe this happened. It’s just tragic.” Madison shared that the Castaic fire was close to her house, and it got scary. “We were on pins and needles. And with that last one, I’ve just gotten so sick of the whole thing and just filled with rage. Bad things happening to such great people just seems so unfair. I want to punch somebody, so bad!”

Madison explained that before the fires, she was “feeling on top of the world.” She is in “the decade of fun, independence, power, and creativity!” The actress related those characteristics to her character on the show, Belle Black. On Days of our Lives, Belle is recently divorced from Shawn Brady (Brandon Beemer) and just became the latest D.A. of Salem.

“Not unlike me, the work really anchors Belle at this very uncertain time in her life. It also helps her express her power. She hasn’t been a particularly powerful character, so she’s a middle-aged woman who’s finding her power for the first time.” - Martha Madison (Belle)

Belle returned to Days of our Lives as they were beginning to lead into the real-life death of Drake Hogestyn, who played Belle’s father, John Black. “Losing him feels like more than losing a colleague… yet not quite like losing your own parent,” Madison shared in her interview. She added, “When you’re an actor playing family for 20 years, you’ve spent some of your most vulnerable moments together. Drake came to my wedding and was around when my daughter was born. We went through all these huge real-life moments and then on the show, though it’s fake and scripted, you’re mourning together, rescuing each other, and going through it all together.”

Trending

Madison noted that filming the scenes of John’s passing was hard, but the took comfort in the fact that they were all doing it together, “like a real family.” “Drake deserved nothing but the best, and to be able to honor him the way we did was really beautiful. I think he would be very proud,” Madison said.

Days of our Lives streams on Peacock.

×

Was this article helpful?

Thank You for feedback