Deidre Hall Delivers Iconic Soap Opera Slap to Craig Melvin on Today Show

Deidre Hall brought daytime drama to the Today show when she paid a visit to celebrate five decades in the role that made her a soap opera icon.

The Days of Our Lives star sat down with Craig Melvin to reflect on her 50-year tenure as Dr. Marlena Evans on the NBC soap. During their conversation, the host expressed his admiration for one particular element of Hall's storied career on screen.

"Of all of the storylines that you've been a part of over the years, what I've always enjoyed is your ability to slap," Melvin said. "You're a great slapper."

Melvin then made his pitch, telling Hall it would be "one of the greatest professional honors" of his life if she would deliver one of her signature slaps. Hall readily agreed to the request.

"I would be privileged to slap you," she responded.

Before executing the on-air moment, Hall walked Melvin through the technical aspects of executing a convincing soap opera slap without causing actual injury. She demonstrated the proper technique, explaining that she would draw her hand back and move it close to his face, cueing him to snap his head in response to sell the dramatic effect.

Melvin executed the move flawlessly, whipping his head around on cue, though the accompanying sound effect came up slightly short in the final take.

The appearance comes after Ryan Gosling visited the Days of Our Lives set earlier this year at Hall's invitation.