1980s Days of Our Lives audiences are more likely to appreciate Gloria Loring’s return to show much more than its new audiences. Gloria Loring originated and portrayed the Liz Chandler character for six years on Days of Our Lives. While it is unsurprising to have actors return to the show, Gloria Loring’s return is iconic for several reasons.
Not only did the actress originate the role, but no other actress has been recast to play Liz Chandler since 1986. As one of the longest-running scripted shows on television, Days’ showrunners preserved the character for decades. Gloria Loring is slated to return to Days of Our Lives after appearing on the show 38 years ago.
Who Was Liz Chandler on Days of Our Lives?
The late London-born television writer and producer Nina Laemmle created the Liz Chandler character, who was introduced into the show by executive producers Betty Corday and Al Rabin. Liz Chandler arrived in Salem in 1980 and was introduced as the daughter of Salem’s former governor, Kellam Chandler (Bill Joyce). Chandler was a singer (headlining cabaret act) at Doug’s Place, Salem’s nightclub owned by Doug Williams and Neil Curtis. Most of the character’s storylines centered on love, romance, and relationships.
Soon after she arrives in Salem, Liz Chandler has a brief affair with Don Craig (Jed Allan) before eventually falling in love with Neil Curtis (Joseph Gallison). However, when Chandler’s father disapproved of her relationship with Neil Curtis, she later married Don Craig. It came crashing down when Tony DiMera (Thaao Penghlis) returned to Salem and proved to Liz Chandler that they were still legally married. Then, Tony kidnaps Liz, forcing her to live with him. During her time on the show, Gloria Loring’s Liz Chandler gave birth to Noelle Curtis (Christina Maisano, Samantha Barrows).
Liz Chandler was later sent to prison for five years for shooting Marie Horton (Lanna Saunders). She was later released on parole. Towards the end of Gloria Loring’s time on Days of Our Lives, her character was shot by a police officer in the throat. Although she survived and recovered her voice, Liz Chandler eventually left Salem, but not without divorcing Neil Curtis.
What Gloria Loring Has Been Up To Since Days of Our Lives
Fame and success followed Gloria Loring immediately after she exited Days of Our Lives. However, most have been due to the character she played on the show. With her Liz Chandler character being a singer, Gloria Loring recorded a duet, “Friends and Lovers,” with singer Carl Anderson. The song was an instant hit for the actress. It reached number two on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1986.
Although Loring didn’t land another major role for the next decade after leaving Days of Our Lives, she guest-starred in several other TV shows. She appeared in an episode of Murder, She Wrote (1989), Freddy’s Nightmares, Saved by the Bell: The College Years (1993), and Beverly Hills, 90210 (1996). In 1997, Loring starred as Melissa Dixon in 3 episodes of Renegade.
Interestingly, Gloria Loring didn’t take on any acting after Renegade until 17 years later when she played Robin in the TV movie Correcting Christmas (2014). Gloria Loring also continued working as a singer, releasing her first Christmas album, You Make It Christmas, in 2003. She became a published author in October 2012 after releasing her spiritual autobiography Coincidence Is God’s Way of Remaining Anonymous.
Why Gloria Loring is Returning to Days of Our Lives
Days of Our Lives fans and audiences first heard of Gloria Loring’s return to the series on Alan Locher’s YouTube channel, The Locher Room. The news came when Locher was interviewing the legendary television actress Deidre Hall, who has portrayed Marlena Evans on Days of Our Lives since 1976. Commenting about Days of Our Lives, Deidre Hall stated, “Speaking of gems, we’re having a number of people coming back to the show in the next few weeks for episodes that we’re doing. And Gloria Loring is going to be coming back!”
With the recent news of several other iconic Days actors returning to the show, the reason for Gloria Loring’s return isn’t far-fetched. With Bill Hayes’ death on January 12, 2024, plans have been put in place for an on-screen memorial episode for the actor. It’s no rocket science, but it could be the reason for Gloria Loring’s return. Loring’s Liz Chandler shared the screen with Bill Hayes’ Doug Williams character.
Doug Williams was one of the owners of the nightclub lounge, Doug’s Place, where Liz Chandler performed. It’ll be interesting to watch Liz Chandler return to Salem and more exciting to see how her story arc will fit into the show. If you’re excited to see Gloria Loring return to Days of Our Lives’ Salem, read about Melissa Reeves return to Days of Our Lives as Jennifer Horton.
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