Who plays Diana Colville on Days of Our Lives? Everything you need to know about the cast behind the character 

Diana Colville was a central character on Days of Our Lives from April 1987 to June 1989. She was originally portrayed by soap icon Genie Francis. In 2019, the role was revived for an older, more complex version of Diana, recast with veteran actress Judith Chapman. Before this role, Chapman had played Anjelica Deveraux on the show.

In the 1980s, Diana was an investigative journalist entangled in storylines involving John Black and his family's secrets. Over time, her character evolved into a scheming mother, haunted by a turbulent past. With a brief return in June 2024, Chapman’s Diana re-entered Salem from prison.

In an interview with Soap Opera Digest on June 23, 2024, Chapman said the following about her comeback,

“I was surprised to get that call, and then I was thrilled especially because I found out that my scenes would be with Greg [Rikaart], so Leo and Mommy are reunited! And when I read I read the script I went, ‘This is great stuff.’ ”

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Veteran soap actor Judith Chapman stars as Diana Colville on Days of Our Lives

Judith Chapman is a veteran American actress best known for her extensive work in daytime television. Born in Greenville, South Carolina, she is the daughter of U.S. Air Force Brigadier General Leland C. Shepard Jr. and sister to actress Patty Shepard.

She made her film debut at age 16 with Up the MacGregors! (1967) and later earned a theater degree from Stephens College before joining the Actors Studio in New York. Chapman's career spans several decades, with early roles on As the World Turns (1975–78), Ryan’s Hope (1983), and General Hospital (1984–86).

She also appeared on One Life to Live and initially joined Days of Our Lives as Anjelica Deveraux (1989–91). Her portrayal of Gloria Fisher on The Young and the Restless from 2005 cemented her as a fan favorite, and she reprised that role on The Bold and the Beautiful.

Chapman took on the role of Diana Colville on Days of Our Lives in 2019, returning in 2024, playing a more sinister version of the character. Outside of soaps, her credits include Murder, She Wrote, Silk Stalkings, 28 Days, and King Richard (2021).

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Who is Diana Colville on Days of Our Lives?

Diana Colville initially came to Salem in 1987. She met up with her college buddy, Mike Horton, while secretly looking for a computer disk containing information about a valuable mineral. She saved Carrie Brady from drowning and formed a bond with Carrie as well as Roman Brady (later discovered to be John Black).

Diana posed as Victor’s love interest but ultimately pursued a romance with Roman (John). Complications arose when Serena shot Roman, who then discovered she was Diana’s mother. Diana inherited the Colville fortune after her father was killed, becoming the target of schemes by Victor and Serena.

Victor tricked her into a marriage plot, but Roman (John) intervened. Diana's attempt to frame Victor for art theft backfired, damaging her relationship with Roman. After reconciling, they were engaged, but threats from the Torres family and hints that Marlena was alive strained their bond.

Their wedding was halted when Diana’s presumed-dead first husband, Cal Winters, resurfaced. He later revealed Diana had shot Roman during a struggle, an act she blocked from memory. Devastated, Diana fled Salem in 1989. She resurfaced in 2019 as Diana Cooper, mother of Leo Stark (Matthew Cooper).

Now manipulative and vindictive, she returned to Salem and blackmailed Leo. She lied that John was Leo’s father and attempted to kill Marlena with penicillin. Her lies unraveled, and she was imprisoned. In 2024, Diana appeared again, seen behind bars speaking to Leo, who was going through a journey of self-reflection.

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