'Days of Our Lives' Plot, Cast News: Arianne Zucker Confirms Exit From Show in April
"Days of Our Lives" star Arianne Zucker is leaving the NBC soap soon. The actress herself confirmed that she will exit the show after its 20-year run when her contract expires in April.
News about Zucker's exit was first revealed by Soap Opera Digest, which quoted Zucker as saying, "Two years ago, I was contemplating making the shift. I know there are a thousand girls who would take my job in a second, for me, it is my time to go."
In 1998, Zucker started portraying Nicole in the series. In 2006, she took a two-year break from the show but returned to continue the adventures of the former gold digger.
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Last fall, Zucker found herself entangled in a political firestorm that put her in the international spotlight when a scandal involving U.S. President Donald Trump and former "Access Holywood" host Billy Bush surfaced. The leaked tape included audio of Trump talking to Bush about Zucker's legs when he made a cameo on "Days of Our Lives" in 2005.
In the audio clip, Trump told Bush that he wanted some "tic-tacs" just in case he starts kissing Zucker's legs. "You know, I am automatically attracted to beautiful. I just start kissing them. It's like a magnet. Just kiss. I don't even wait."
Trying to defend herself, Zucker posted a lengthy statement on social media, saying that amidst the scandal she's in, she chooses to stand tall with self-respect and use her voice to enrich, inspire and elevate people.
In part, she wrote, "How we treat one another, whether behind closed doors, locker rooms or face to face, should be done with kindness, dignity and respect. Unfortunately, there are too many people in power who abuse their position and disregard these simple principles and are rewarded for it."
In the wake of the scandal last year, the actress said in her interview with Today that she wanted to use the scandal for positivity. "I'm ready to use it in a proper way. I'm ready to use it for women to step forward and do good things in my life and for other people," she said.
