Salem is no stranger to dramatic comebacks, but few returns generate the kind of buzz sparked by the reappearance of Vivian Alamain. This week on Days of Our Lives,

the iconic villainess resurfaced once more — and with her came the unmistakable presence of Louise Sorel, the actress who first brought Vivian’s deliciously unhinged

energy to life back in 1992. For longtime viewers, it was a moment steeped in nostalgia, chaos, and the promise of unanswered questions still lingering in the air.

Sorel’s return, her first since April 2025, immediately reminded fans why Vivian Alamain remains one of the most unforgettable characters in daytime television history. Equal parts outrageous, theatrical, and strangely captivating, Vivian has always thrived on disruption — and her latest appearance proves she hasn’t lost her edge.

A Return That Felt Like Coming Home

For Louise Sorel, stepping back into Vivian’s stilettos was less about nerves and more about familiarity. Despite the years and the evolving landscape of daytime television, the environment at Days of Our Lives still felt welcoming and warm.

“It felt comfortable because it’s such a nice group of people,” Sorel shared. She praised the cast and crew for their dedication, noting the intense pressure under which the show operates daily. “Everybody there is working so hard… and they’re happy to be working. It’s a work atmosphere that’s very sweet.”

That sense of camaraderie is part of what has made Sorel’s repeated returns to Salem feel so organic. Even after decades away from her debut, Vivian remains a character she can slip into with ease — a testament to both Sorel’s craft and the enduring appeal of the role.

A Legacy She Never Expected to Last

Looking back, Sorel admits she never imagined she would still be playing Vivian Alamain more than 30 years after her first appearance. Soap operas, after all, are famously unpredictable.

“They kept firing me, so why would I imagine I’d still play the role?” she joked with characteristic candor. Yet, as she noted, that unpredictability is part of the genre’s DNA. “That’s the way soaps are — they drop you and then suddenly call you again.”

Indeed, Vivian’s history on Days reflects that cycle perfectly. Over the years, the role has been temporarily filled by other legendary actresses, including Robin Strasser and Linda Dano, during times when Sorel was unable to return.

Ownership, Absence, and the Reality of Change

Sorel openly acknowledges that it was difficult to see others inhabit a character she feels deeply connected to — but she also understands the circumstances that made those recasts necessary. Health concerns during the COVID-19 pandemic kept her from traveling, forcing the show to move forward without her.

“I feel ownership of the role and it’s hard for me to think of it not being mine,” she admitted honestly. “But, you know, things happen.”

That sense of ownership isn’t rooted in ego, but in longevity. Vivian Alamain isn’t just a job for Sorel — she’s a creative companion, a character who has evolved alongside her for decades.

Vivian and Ivan: A Partnership for the Ages

When Sorel reflects on her most cherished memories of playing Vivian, one relationship stands above the rest: Vivian and her devoted manservant, Ivan Marais, portrayed by Ivan G’vera. Their dynamic brought a unique blend of madness, humor, and theatrical flair to the show — something Sorel believes is essential to the soul of daytime drama.

“There was a certain energy and madness about it that I love,” she said. “Vivian and Ivan were a wonderful add-on to the show.”

Their over-the-top bond, often teetering between menace and absurdity, provided Days of Our Lives with moments of levity amid darker storylines. Sorel has long felt that writing them out marked the end of a particularly vibrant era.

The Wild Imagination Behind Vivian’s Chaos

Much of Vivian’s legendary eccentricity, Sorel credits to former head writer James E. Reilly, whose bold storytelling pushed the boundaries of soap opera logic — and embraced it fully.

“Jim was such a madman and wrote wonderfully wacky storylines,” she recalled with laughter. One infamous moment involved Vivian and Ivan dressed as fast food items — Vivian as a box of French fries, Ivan as a hamburger.

“What fun we had, even though I thought it was nuts,” Sorel said. Those moments, absurd as they were, helped cement Vivian as a character unafraid to go big — or go bizarre.

Vivian Under Investigation: A New Twist

In her latest arc, Vivian finds herself once again under suspicion, this time entangled in an investigation led by Rafe Hernandez and Eli Grant. The detectives track her down abroad, bringing Salem’s long reach right to her doorstep.

While Sorel describes working with Galen Gering and Lamon Archey as a pleasure, she hints that the storyline leaves far more questions than answers. Accusations fly, motives are scrutinized, and Vivian’s true intentions remain murky — exactly where she thrives.

Life Beyond Salem: Writing, Reflection, and Love

Away from the screen, Sorel has been channeling her creative energy into writing. In 2025, she self-published If There Were No Dogs, a deeply personal collection of reflections, poetry, and memories drawn from her life in theater, television, and travel.

A lifelong journaler and self-described “dog fanatic,” Sorel poured decades of experiences into the book, which has been met with enthusiastic responses from readers. The project also led her to an unexpected personal chapter: a romance with writer and editor Peter de Lissovoy, whom she met through literary circles while editing the book.

Their collaboration blossomed into love, proving that creativity continues to shape Sorel’s life in surprising ways.

Could Vivian Return Again?

Despite her passion for writing, Sorel makes it clear that acting — and Vivian — still hold a special place in her heart. When asked if she’d return to Days of Our Lives for a longer run, her answer was immediate and sincere.

“Sure, I’d love to,” she said. “I love that character.”

Unlike theater roles that fade when the curtain falls, Vivian Alamain has lingered — and Sorel admits she felt a sense of loss during the years she wasn’t playing her.

For fans, that admission is both comforting and tantalizing. Vivian’s latest return may not be the last. In Salem, after all, no goodbye is ever truly final — especially for a woman as unforgettable, outrageous, and dangerous as Vivian Alamain.