What role does Stephen Nichols play on Days of Our Lives? Character details explored

Stephen Nichols has captivated audiences for decades as Steve "Patch" Johnson on the iconic soap opera Days of Our Lives. The character was created by Sheri Anderson, Thom Racina, and Leah Laiman in 1985. Steve began as a rough-edged mercenary with a mysterious past.

Steve was initially a villain, but his complex character arc transformed him into one of the show's most beloved antiheroes. Over the years, he evolved from a hired thug to a dedicated family man and private investigator. Nichols' portrayal of Steve has earned him critical acclaim, including Emmy nominations and multiple Soap Opera Digest Awards.

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Stephen Nichols plays Steve Johnson on Days of Our Lives

Steve Johnson is one of Days of Our Lives' longest-running characters, played by Stephen Nichols since 1985. He was introduced as a gruff ex-Merchant Marine who had his eye removed in a knife fight with Bo Brady. He got mixed up in nefarious missions and rocky romances, notably his classic love affair with Kayla Brady.

Throughout the late 1980s, Steve struggled with being framed for crimes. He also rescued Kayla from kidnappers and discovered Jack Deveraux was his brother. Steve and Kayla had repeated separations and tragedies in the following years.

In 2006, Steve suffered from amnesia. He later regained his identity and reunited with Kayla. He was periodically controlled by external forces like the DiMeras and faced legal troubles and mental health battles. Through all this, he also learnt of the existence of a son, Tripp.

Steve’s later years involved joining the ISA, being implanted with Stefano DiMera’s essence via microchip, and ultimately reclaiming his life with Kayla. The couple married four times, navigating betrayals, medical emergencies, and family crises, yet continually found their way back to each other.

In an interview with Soaps.com on February 14, 2017, Nichols said the following about his on-screen marriage in Days of Our Lives,

"There is no way we can be torn apart again, at least not permanently. I don’t think we’ll ever get a divorce. [Evans chuckles.] I don’t know what I’d do. Stephen wouldn’t be happy and Patch would be just devastated!"

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The life and career of Stephen Nichols

Stephen Nichols (February 19, 1951) is an American actor who is best known for his portrayal of Steve "Patch" Johnson on Days of Our Lives. He has played the character intermittently since 1985. He has also been in the role of Stefan Cassadine on General Hospital (1996–2003) and Tucker McCall on The Young and the Restless (2009–2013).

Originally turning down an art scholarship, Nichols studied acting in Los Angeles after living in a Hollywood ashram. His stage work earned him multiple awards, and he has appeared in numerous TV shows and films, including Soapdish and Witchboard.

His performance as Patch earned him an Emmy nomination and five Soap Opera Digest Awards. Nichols is also a director and screenwriter, with credits including the short film Get the Dime. He has been married to Lisa Gordon since 1984 and has three children, who briefly appeared on Days of Our Lives.

As of 2025, he continues to portray Steve Johnson. In an interview with Swoon.com dated October 6, 2024, Mary Beth Evans said the following about the similarities between Nichols's on-screen and off-screen persona,

“That big heart lover thing, that is what Patch/Steve has, that the character [he played] on General Hospital didn’t, which is why I think those characters [Nichols’s Stefan and Evans’s Katherine] didn’t gel like these do."

She continued,

"It’s his soft, vulnerable side that makes this character, and he brought all of it. It was never written. He brought it, especially in those early days. There was so much damage. And so that’s what I’d say he has in common with [Steve]. You’re a sensitive guy.’’

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