Entering the scene on April 17, 1985, a pivotal episode of Days of Our Lives unfolded the departure of beloved character Don Craig, portrayed by the talented Jed Allan. In a moment etched in soap opera history, Don leaves the town of Salem to mail a letter, a simple act that marks the end of Allan’s 14-year run on the show, which began back in 1971.
During his tenure on the soap opera, Don Craig was involved in numerous headline-grabbing storylines. His marriage to the iconic Marlena Evans, played by Deidre Hall, captivated audiences, especially the heart-wrenching aftermath of the loss of their infant son, D.J. This emotional arc remains a memorable part of the show’s legacy, cherished by fans and referenced to this day.
In his 2004 memoir, Please, Spell the Name Right, Allan reflected on his departure from the series, shedding light on the circumstances that led to his exit. He candidly wrote about the changes in the industry landscape, mentioning the prevalent “ageism” that influenced the decision-making at the time. The show began to shift its focus towards youth, beauty, and certain physical attributes, which ultimately impacted characters like Don Craig.
As newer, younger characters like Bo Brady, Hope Brady, Shane Donovan, Kim Brady, Steve Johnson, and Kayla Brady were introduced, Allan noticed a gradual reduction in his role on the show. With fewer scenes and less dialogue, he felt the effects of a changing tide. When his contract negotiation arrived, Allan found his episode guarantee significantly reduced, a move that signaled a clear path towards his exit from the series.
Choosing to depart on his own terms, Allan submitted his notice and left the show approximately a month later. The departure was met with surprise from the production team, who had not anticipated his decision. Reflecting on his final episode, Allan recalled the poignant scene where Don Craig walks out the door to mail a letter, never to return again, a moment forever etched in soap opera history.
Beyond his time on Days of Our Lives, Allan’s talents shone in various other roles, including his portrayal of C.C. Capwell on Santa Barbara and Rush Sanders on Beverly Hills, 90210. His diverse resume also included appearances on Port Charles and a brief stint on General Hospital. His final acting credit was on the web series The Bay from 2011 to 2012.
Sadly, Jed Allan passed away on March 9, 2019, leaving behind a rich legacy in the world of television and soap operas. His contributions to the industry and memorable performances continue to resonate with audiences, a testament to his enduring impact on the small screen.
Peace Nero is a writer and blogger who loves to explore different topics of self-development. She shares her personal experiences in order to help people discover their true purpose in life.