Days of our Lives actress Martha Madison recently shared on social media that she’s finished taping scenes as Belle Brady Black. Now, the actress talks to Soap Hub about her on-screen exit and what’s next.
Martha Madison: For Whom The Belle Tolls
Earlier this month, a fan wished Madison a happy anniversary in honor of her 19-year mark at DAYS. The actress spoke about her status with the show in the past tense. She’s completed her scenes, and her final appearance as Belle will air in a few months.
“Sadly, I shot my last episode at the end of April,” Madison tells Soap Hub, “and I believe my last air date will be the second week of November.” Ironically, Belle had some exciting stuff to play earlier this year when she had a tryst with her ex-brother-in-law EJ (Dan Feuerriegel), which got fans excited. “Dan’s the man,” raves the actress. “He is so much fun to work with — friendly, funny, and truly passionate about his work. Any day working with Dan was a great day!”
Madison played out plenty of material the last few years, including Belle holding strong as she honored her mother Marlena’s (Deidre Hall) wishes that she not be kept alive on a respirator. “I’d have to say the right-to-die storyline was my favorite,” the actress responds. Madison’s peers agreed and honored her with a Daytime Emmy nomination in the category of Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series in 2019 for her work in the dramatic tale. “It was compelling and set the stage for many, many great performances from everyone involved.”
There were some laughs along the way, too. “I’d say my time working with John-Paul Lavoisier as Philip was the most fun I’ve ever had on the show,” Madison says. “Very few people can make me laugh the way JP can.”
Jan, Jan, Jan!
Regarding the Belle/Jan battles, Madison raves, “Heather [Lindell, Jan] is amazing! Whenever she’s there, it’s like she never left. She’s such a powerful actress and has so much fun with her scenes. People like her draw the best out of their scene partners. She’s also an amazing human and mom and friend, and professional with a thriving real estate career. She’s basically Wonder Woman!”
Martha Madison: What’s Next
In September, Madison heads to New York City to do a staged reading for a new film titled Benny Go Home, a hilarious rom-com written by Christie Perfetti Williams. “I’ll be playing the title character of Benny,” Madison says. “Beyond that, I’m slowly furnishing my house in L.A. and spending as much time with my husband and daughter as I can.”
A Big Thank You To DAYS Viewers
Madison can’t say goodbye without a big thanks to the loyal DAYS viewers who’ve watched her as Belle for two decades. “I mean, what can I possibly say that would be sufficient,” the actress says. “The fans have been such an important part of my journey. I’ve felt their love and support since my very first day on the show in 2004, and in fact, many have even become friends to me over the years.
“DAYS is on its way to 60 years, and that is entirely due to the loyalty and passion of the fans,” Madison concludes. “I feel so lucky to have been a part of this whole show and genre for so long and could never say enough thank-you’s to the fans who have cheered me on along the way.”