As Thaao Penghlis’ Prepares to Make His DOOL Return, Take a Walk Down Memory Lane for His Anniversary

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We can’t think of a better time to mark Thaao Penghlis’ Days of Our Lives anniversary than mere weeks after getting the news that he’d be returning to Salem despite our fears that he’d be gone forever.

The Aussie actor brought Tony DiMera to Salem 43 years ago today. His legendary father, Stefano, would soon follow, and then, shortly after that, Penghlis added Tony’s lookalike cousin turned brother André to the mix. Whether pulling double duty as both characters or playing each one off and on, it’s been a wild ride ever since.

Days Mashup of Thaao Penghlis as Tony and André DiMera on Days of Our Lives

Of course, there was a time when the audience thought Penghlis was playing Tony, but it turned out, Tony was actually being impersonated by André. If you’ll recall, Tony languished on a deserted island for twenty years while Andre wreaked havoc in his brother’s name. Most notably, by sending half of Salem to Melaswen Island.

His portrayal of Tony, André, and André/Tony has kept Penghlis in and out of Salem romancing Anna and plotting with — and against — the DiMeras over the course of four decades. He even managed to redeem both his alter egos. In case you forgot, Tony was far from an angel when he first arrived in Salem — just ask his first wife Liz — but he did manage to find a soft spot in the hearts of viewers as both DiMera brothers.

The characters are clearly in Penghlis’ heart as well, as just a few years ago, the actor was tweeting about new and old Days of Our Lives memories over the past few months. Just look at some of his tweets below.

Who remembers Quinn Redeker as the shady Alex Marshall? (You might also remember Redeker from The Young and the Restless as Rex Sterling.)

In our early years on DOOL with Quinn Redecker & Leann Hunley. We all resonated well together within the fun & drama that was Days of our Lives. It keeps on giving. #NBC #DAYS pic.twitter.com/o5qgK32rE0

— Thaao Penghlis (@ThaaoPenghlis) September 26, 2021

Though Tony’s romance with Anna has been one of the character’s main throughlines for much of his run on Days of Our Lives, Penghlis’ scenes opposite the late Joseph Mascolo’s Stefano were always a highlight. Not just for fans, but the actor as well.

This was the real slap I was talking about. It shocked me. Daddy was making a point about respect. Thanks Jan. #Days #NBC #SONY pic.twitter.com/mTekvHLuYZ

— Thaao Penghlis (@ThaaoPenghlis) September 21, 2021

While soaps couldn’t survive without adding new characters, Penghlis reminded his followers that vets are the backbone of the genre. And it was a delight to see so many of them cross over to Beyond Salem, as Penghlis’ Tony and Deidre Hall’s Marlena did.

Loved being with Deidre Hall this week. Vets make a difference in case some people have forgotten. We build a great foundation on Days that was years in the making. Walk through the door and speak truth. Next. #days ⁦@DeidreHall⁩ thank you. pic.twitter.com/6nXyb7O5wO

— Thaao Penghlis (@ThaaoPenghlis) September 19, 2018

And more recently, over on Instagram, Penghlis let us know how excited he was to be back where he belongs: In Salem. What have been your favorite Tony and André moments?