If you’ve been a longtime fan of Days of Our Lives, you know that the show thrives on jaw-dropping twists. But nothing quite compares to the 2005 storyline where Sami Brady, portrayed by Alison Sweeney, disguised herself as a man named Stan—a plot that not only stunned viewers but also made soap opera history.
An Unforgettable Days of Our Lives Storyline
When Alison Sweeney took maternity leave in 2005, Days of Our Lives decided not to write off her character. Instead, they had the innovative idea to change the character’s appearance (and gender). Sami Brady would don a male disguise, complete with a new identity, a man named Stan. To bring this to life, actor Dan Wells was cast to play Stan, marking the first time a man portrayed a female character in disguise on a daytime soap. Wells dedicated himself to the role, studying Sweeney’s mannerisms to ensure a believable performance.
Sami Brady Disgused Herself as Stan and Made TV History
Fans may remember that Sami decided to disguise herself as Stan in order to get revenge on her enemies, especially baby daddy Lucas Horton (Bryan Dattilo) and his mother Kate Roberts (Lauren Koslow). It was so much fan to watch Stan pull off Sami’s schemes.
The decision to have a male actor portray a female character in disguise was groundbreaking for daytime television. It showcased Days of Our Lives‘ willingness to push boundaries and explore unconventional storytelling methods. The Stan storyline remains a testament to the show’s innovative spirit and its impact on the soap opera genre.
Of course, DOOL has become known for pushing the envelope when it comes to wild storylines that include dopplegangers, possession, and raising the dead. At the time of the Stan storyline, fans had a lot of opinions, including doubts about the wild plot twist. However, looking back it become one of the most talked-about moments of the decade on the beloved soap opera.
In the ever-evolving world of daytime dramas, the tale of Sami Brady becoming Stan stands out as a bold narrative choice that challenged norms and captivated audiences. Whether you loved it or questioned it, there’s no denying its place in soap opera history as well as its addition to the ever-growing Days of Our Lives lore.
Kendra Quinn 
Amanda Lynne 
