Deidre Hall has spent decades captivating television audiences as Dr. Marlena Evans on Days of Our Lives, but her off-screen romantic life has drawn equal public curiosity. Over the years, the iconic daytime television star has been married four times. Each of her relationships unfolded under public scrutiny, reflecting different chapters of her personal growth, career milestones, and family aspirations.
While tabloid coverage often simplifies these unions into a list of names, examining her marital history reveals a complex personal journey. From marrying young in the 1960s to welcoming children later in life through surrogacy, her path diverges significantly from traditional relationship trajectories.
The Four Marriages of Deidre Hall
Deidre Hall's marital history spans four distinct unions across four decades. Each husband brought a different background into her world, ranging from acting and music to production and writing.
William Hudson (1966–1970)
Her first marriage took place when she was just eighteen years old, long before she became a household name on daytime television. She married actor William Hudson in 1966. The marriage lasted four years before ending in divorce in 1970. Because this union occurred early in her life and prior to her major television breakthrough, Hall has rarely discussed the specifics of this relationship in public interviews. Additional reporting by Bloomberg delves into similar perspectives on this issue.
Keith Barbour (1972–1977)
Following her divorce from Hudson, Hall married singer-songwriter Keith Barbour in 1972. Barbour was active in the entertainment space during the 1970s and 1980s. This marriage endured for roughly five years before the couple parted ways in 1977. Like her first marriage, this relationship was kept relatively private, and the pair did not have children together.
Michael Dubelko (1987–1989)
In 1987, Hall entered her third marriage with writer and producer Michael Dubelko. By this point, her career as Dr. Marlena Evans was firmly established, making her a prominent fixture in American pop culture. This marriage was brief, concluding with a divorce in 1989. The two kept details of their relationship and subsequent separation out of the media spotlight.
Steve Sohmer (1991–2006)
Hall's longest and most widely publicized marriage was to author and screenwriter Steve Sohmer. The couple wed on New Year's Eve in 1991. During this nineteen-year union, Hall experienced significant family milestones. She and Sohmer welcomed two sons, David Atticus Sohmer and Tully Chapin Sohmer, born via surrogacy.
The marriage ultimately ended in divorce in 2006. In statements released at the time, Hall emphasized her priority to protect her children's well-being and thanked the public for respecting their privacy during the transition.
Family Life and the Journey to Motherhood
Beyond her legal unions, a defining aspect of Hall's personal narrative is her path to raising a family. For years, she faced documented struggles with infertility while managing a demanding television schedule.
Her journey shifted when she decided to pursue surrogacy. The births of her sons in the 1990s brought profound changes to her daily life. In various retrospective interviews, she has often described motherhood as the most fulfilling role of her life, outranking her professional achievements. By sharing her experiences with surrogacy openly, she helped normalize reproductive conversations for a generation of women navigating similar challenges.
Perspectives on Modern Relationships
Having experienced four marriages and long periods of independence, Hall has frequently been asked for her perspective on romance and partnership. Rather than viewing her past divorces as failures, she has characterized them as chapters in a continuous personal evolution.
She has noted that public expectations of marriage often place undue pressure on individuals to maintain static relationships in dynamic lifetimes. Her approach emphasizes emotional honesty, clear communication, and the understanding that personal fulfillment doesn't strictly require a legal partner. Since her divorce from Sohmer in 2006, she has remained largely single, directing her energy toward her family, her work on Wikipedia, and personal creative projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many times has Deidre Hall been married?
Deidre Hall has been married four times: to William Hudson, Keith Barbour, Michael Dubelko, and Steve Sohmer.
Who was Deidre Hall's longest-serving husband?
Her longest marriage was to Steve Sohmer, lasting for fifteen years officially, from 1991 to 2006.
Does Deidre Hall have children?
Yes, she has two sons, David Atticus and Tully Chapin, who were born via surrogacy during her marriage to Steve Sohmer.
Is Deidre Hall currently married?
No, she has remained single since her divorce from Steve Sohmer was finalized in 2006, focusing instead on her acting career and family.
