User:Livelikemusic/Abigail Deveraux

Abigail Deveraux
Days of Our Lives character
Portrayed by	Ashley Benson (2004–2007) Kate Mansi (2011–2016, 2018–2020) Marci Miller (2016–2018, 2020) (and others)
Duration	1992–98 2000–07 2011–present
Classification	Past; regular
Created by	Sheri Anderson
Introduced by	Ken Corday and Tom Langan (1992, 2000) Ken Corday and Gary Tomlin (2011) Ken Corday, Albert Alarr and Greg Meng (2016)
In-universe information Other names Abigail DiMera Gabby Hernandez and Dr. Laura (alternate personalities) Family Horton Parents Jack Deveraux Jennifer Horton Siblings JJ Deveraux Spouse Chad DiMera (2016–18, 2019–present) Stefan DiMera (2018) Children Thomas DiMera Charlotte DiMera

Abigail Deveraux is a fictional character from Days of Our Lives, an American soap opera on the NBC network. Created by Sheri Anderson, and introduced by Ken Corday and Tom Langan, Abigail is introduced in 1992 as the eldest child and only daughter of supercouple Jack Deveraux and Jennifer Horton (Matthew Ashford, Melissa Reeves).

In 2004, the role was rapidly aged when Ashley Benson was cast in the role; in 2007, she exited and the role was written out. In 2011, the character returned, under the portrayal of Kate Mansi. For her portrayal, Mansi received praise from Glamour magazine and soap media alike. During this time, Abigail entered into several fan favorite relationships with Chad (first Casey Deidrick; later Billy Flynn) and EJ DiMera (James Scott), and Cameron Davis (first Schuyler Yancey; later Nathan Owens). In 2015, Abigail entered into a relationship with Ben Weston (Robert Scott Wilson), who would later become recognized as the "Necktie Killer," a storyline which would materialize due to Mansi's decision to exit the role, which resulted in Abigail escaping from a mental hospital. In 2016, Marci Miller was cast as Mansi's successor when Abigail returned to Salem after being presumed dead by friends and family. Critics praised Miller's chemistry with Flynn, and her portrayal of the role. In 2018, under head writer Ron Carlivati, the character entered into a storyline focused on Dissociative Identity Disorder — splitting into two alters: Gabby (based on Abigail's frenemy Gabi Hernandez, portrayed by Camila Banus) and Dr. Laura (based on Abigail's maternal grandmother, Laura Horton).

For playing Abigail, Mansi won the Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series in 2017. In 2018, Miller earned a nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series. In 2019, both Miller and Mansi earned nominations for their portrayals of Abigail — a first for a daytime role — in the categories of Outstanding Lead Actress and Outstanding Guest Performer in a Drama Series, respectively.

Casting

Actress Ashley Benson (left) was cast as Abigail in 2004 and departed the role in 2007. Kate Mansi (right) was cast as Benson's successor in the role of Abigail, from 2011 to 2016. Mansi reprised the role for several guest stints, from 2018 to 2020.

On October 31, 2004, it was announced that actress Ashley Benson had been cast in the role of Abigail, following the soap's decision to age the character, following Clare's dismissal. She first appeared on November 12, 2004, under recurring status. Less than one-year later, in July 2005, Benson was upped to a series regular. In May 2007, Benson exited the role of Abigail. In December 2010, it was announced that newcomer Kate Mansi had been recast in the role of Abigail, and would make her first appearance on February 16, 2011, due to the soap's advanced filming schedule.

On January 4, 2016, Michael Goldberg of Serial Scoop announced news of Mansi's departure, citing her decision to not renew her deal with the show. She will last appear in May, due to the show's advanced filming. Following the news of Mansi's exit, Kevin Mulcahy of We Love Soaps led discussion of a potential casting call, reported by Soap Opera Digest in November 2015 for the character of "Val", leading speculation that the casting call was an incognito plan to recast the character., which is also set to begin airing in May. Two days later, on January 6, Mansi issued an official statement via her Instagram social media, stating that she had "thoroughly enjoyed every single beautiful and messy moment of being Abigail" and that she would "always treasure our time together." She will last appear on June 24, 2016. Later that month, on January 13, Soap Opera Digest and other media outlets made reports that Days of Our Lives had re-issued their casting notice for "Val", adding increased speculation to the potential of the soap recasting the role of Abigail. In the new casting call, "Val" is newly described as a "24 to 28-years-old and a gorgeous young professional. Val has already experienced great love and great loss in her young life which has left her strong spirit with a fragility she passionately protects. She has a determination to live and love as fearlessly as she can in the wake of all she has been through." The soap also asked that those who previously submitted themselves for the initial casting call not resubmit themselves, and that the soap was seeking "very, very strong actors for the role".

In March 2016, the soap confirmed their intentions of recasting the role; another casting call was sent out, describing the role as someone who "comes from a loving home, despite her father lack of consistency in her life". The casting call further requested the actress-in-request be available to begin work at the end of April, following the soap's return from a one-month production shut down. On June 1, 2016, it was announced that newcomer Marci Miller had been cast in the role, and will make her debut in the fall. On her Instagram, Miller spoke about her casting, stating: "So grateful for your LOVE and PATIENCE as I take this very big, very scary, and very exciting step! Kate Mansi has laid a beautiful foundation that any actor in their right mind would be equally thrilled and terrified to step into! Rooting for her ALL THE WAY as she winds down in these next few weeks on DOOL. Truly a joy to get to be a part of this family. Much love XO" In the November 14, 2016, issue of Soap Opera Digest, it was confirmed that Miller would make her first appearance as Abigail on November 10, 2016.

In May 2018, Daytime Confidential published a report that Miller had quit the role of Abigail; they also suggested, in a separate report, that executives at the soap were attempting to reach a deal with Mansi to reprise the role. Soap Opera Digest later announced Miller's decision to quit the role, citing her decision to not renew with the soap; they further announced Mansi's return for a "short-term" period of time. Miller wrapped filming on May 25, 2018. In a statement, via her social media, Miller stated: "And just like that, 2 very meaningful years have come and gone. I have been loved so well today. I will miss this cast. I will miss these people. I will miss this place. I am both heavy and light at the same time. Much love to all, you have left just the sweetest impression on me. Xx" In an interview with Soap Opera Digest, Miller opened up about her decision to depart the role and that there was nothing the serial could've done to keep her. She stated, "I was excited about the idea of getting to try some other things. I mean, this is a beautiful job and it’s opened up a lot of opportunities for growth and learning. I got excited to be able to kind of try out all of these things that I learned in other parts of the industry."

Speaking on her return, Mansi told Soap Opera Digest: "I'm thrilled to be back at Days of Our Lives. I can't wait for everyone to see what we’ve been doing. I can't read the scripts fast enough." Miller made her last appearance on November 19, while Mansi returned during the final moments of the November 29, 2018, episode. On May 5, 3019, it was announced that Mansi would once again reprise the role of Abigail. In June 2020, Daytime Confidential reported that Miller would return to the role after a two-year absence. Two months later, TV Guide verified the reports, announcing Miller's return to the role. She returned during the September 4 episode.

Development

Mansi, on her favorite Abigail storylines (2015)

There are different ones for different reasons. My story line with Patrick Muldoon and Christie Clark with Crazy Abby was [special] because it was the first time I learned how to work as an actor. I learned how to rehearse and how to prepare. Christie and Patrick were like, "Let's roll up our sleeves and dig into this." I was very fortunate to be brought into a story line that really was the first time I got to learn. That was my favorite. We're still so, so close because of that story. I want her to come back all the time. I visit [Christie and her family] all the time in San Francisco, where they live. I see Patrick all the time, and we still talk.

Jessica Radloff, Glamour

Andre's murder and introduction of dissociative identity disorder (2018)

At the end of the February 16, 2018, episode, the character of "Gabby" was introduced as an alternate personality of Abigail's — based on that of Abigail's best friend, Gabi Hernandez (Camila Banus). In an interview with Soap Opera Digest, Miller admits to not expecting the newly-created personality or the opportunity of portraying more than one character on Days of Our Lives. She stated: "I was told maybe a month before it happened that I was going to maybe, kind of, take on some kind of Gabby role. I didn’t know what exactly that would entail, to what degree that was going to be a thing." Miller also admitted she originally believed the introduction of "Gabby" to be a multi-episode change, and not that of a completely new storyline, revealing, "I guess I thought for a few episodes I’d kind of take on this role, but it wound up being a whole storyline, so it was cool." Soon after, a second alter, Dr. Laura, was revealed as the "gatekeeper" of Abigail and her alters. While Dr. Laura acknowledges she is that of an alternate personality, Gabby believes herself to be the real Gabi Hernandez and not a piece of Abigail.

Speaking to Soap Central, Miller revealed she was told about the storyline in between takes on-set, or as she was leaving the set each day. She stated: "I found out I was going to be having another alter, and these were just little tidbits that would get whispered in my ear in between scenes or as I was walking out the door at the end of the day, so I didn't see it coming." She also admitted portraying Gabby is unlike any other role she's ever portrayed. She stated: "I don't usually get cast [for characters like these]. I look the way I look, and I have the essence that I have, so it's not very often that people look at me and say, 'Oh, we want to cast you as the super sensual, devious dark person.' I've always been the nice girl -- always! So, it's cool for me to get to show that I can do other things and I can have fun doing other things." In an interview with TV Insider, Miller divulged why she believed why the Gabby alter was manifested from the character of Gabi, revealing: "There are certain character traits that Abigail feels Gabi possesses like being no bullshit, very strong, powerful, unapologetic about who she is and what needs to be done. [...] In the moment that Abigail kills Andre, which is the reason for the break in the first place, those are the character traits that she needs just to survive."

Miller's return (2020)

In June 2020, it was announced that Miller would return to the role. The following month, in an interview with Digital Journal, she discussed her return, stating: "I am really looking forward into getting back on the show. I really love my job and I love what I do being an actor and a creative person, and connecting with people in that way. I am super excited." In the September 14, 2020, issue of Soap Opera Digest, Miller discussed her decision to return, revealing: "You never know how discombobulating it might be. That was one of the things I had to weigh in coming back, was whether or not it was fair to the fans for me to accept (the offer) because Kate hadn’t been there for a very long stint. For them to do this flip-flop thing was a little bit of a concern of mine."

Storylines

1992–1998, 2000–2004

The eldest child of supercouple Jack Deveraux and Jennifer Horton (Matthew Ashford, Melissa Reeves), Abby is born on October 19, 1992. She is born in the Horton cabin, with her own father delivering her. While her parents' car went off the road Jennifer goes into labor. She is named after Alice Horton's mother Abigail Johanna.

When Abby is eight months old, she comes down with aplastic anemia as the result of polluted well water. A bone marrow donation from Austin Reed (Austin Peck) saves her life. Her father then discovers that he is responsible for the toxic dumping which had happened years earlier, when his own father used him to sign papers. Jack is traumatized with guilt and leaves town because he thought Jennifer and Abby would be better off without him. Years later, he returns and the entire Deveraux family goes to live in Africa for a few years.

Abby's international upbringing also includes Ireland, where she and her mother live before returning to Salem in 2000. When her father returns to town, Abby hopes her estranged parents will reunite, but her mom has other ideas. Eventually her parents make their way back to each other and remarry. When Jack was hit on the head by the Salem Stalker, he was rendered brain dead. Jennifer made the heart-wrenching decision to turn off his life support. It was a decision that Abby couldn't forgive her for.

After Jack's death, Jennifer finds out she was pregnant. Months later, she starts receiving messages from Jack via her cell phone. This leads her to the island Melaswen where all the presumed dead victims of the Salem Stalker are. While on the island, Jennifer gives birth to Jack, Jr., Abby's brother. Jack, Jennifer and their newborn son are briefly reunited until Jack is presumed dead once again by drowning while trying to escape. In reality, he has been kidnapped again.

2004–2007

Months later, Jack makes his way back to Salem. The Deveraux family are finally reunited on Abby's 16th birthday. Abby begins spending a lot of time with her best friend Chelsea Benson, who starts dating Max Brady (Darin Brooks). Abby begins dating a guy named Josh. Jack gets trapped behind a door and has to watch them kissing.

Sadly, Jack becomes terminally ill shortly after his return but dies when his car crashes into a river and his body is never found. Jennifer and Frankie Brady begin seeing each other which upsets Abby, especially when she walks in on them making love in her parents' room. Abby even begins considering sleeping with Josh, even though she had always planned to wait until marriage. At a Pier Party with Chelsea and Max, Josh asks Abby to be exclusive and Abby tells Chelsea she is going to sleep with him first and then decide, but when things start to get hot, Abby gets a phone call and has to go. Little did both girls know that pictures of them kissing their boyfriends were taken by website owners and posted online which Frankie and Jennifer end up finding. Josh goes off screen later when Abby develops feelings for Max and his disappearance is never explained.

In 2006, during Jennifer's wedding to Frankie, Jack returns from being presumed dead with his presumed-dead amnesiac brother, Steve Johnson (Stephen Nichols). After receiving a successful experimental treatment for his illness, Jack is finally cured and able to return to his life. Jack, Jennifer and Jack, Jr. soon leave for London to run the Spectator newspaper office. Abigail remains in Salem at the university studying business.

Abby soon begins working as an assistant at Max's garage, helping with paperwork and generally keeping the garage in order. Abby soon develops a crush on Max and begins displaying jealous feelings towards Max's relationship with Mimi Lockhart (Farrah Fath). When Mimi leaves town, Max is available again. Max soon admits his crush on Abby, and the two start dating, but only briefly. Abby's aunt, Maggie Horton (Suzanne Rogers) and Jack, push her to not go out with Max. When Max tells Abby that he wants to stay friends and not pursue a relationship with her, she gets in a fight with him and leaves Salem to spend the summer with her family in London and doesn't return.

2011–present

In November 2016, Abigail returns to Salem. Upon learning of JJ's near-death shooting, Abigail decides to return to Salem. While at the DiMera mansion, she is approached by Andre, where they discuss why she went against his and Laura's wishes for her to not return to Salem. Abigail also discusses her intent to fake her own death, with the support and assistance of Andre, to protect Chad and Thomas.

When Abigail is confronted by Gabi about her deception, Abigail attacks Gabi, resulting in her being officially committed to Bayview Sanitarium. In the hopes of returning to Thomas and Charlotte, Abigail (Mansi) begins to impersonate Gabby in the hopes of Stefan getting her released from Bayview; proving successful, Stefan rescinds his request for Abigail to be committed.

Reception

In December 2015, Jessica Radloff of Glamour magazine praised Mansi's portrayal of Abigail, complimenting, "it's safe to say that as the sixth actress to portray Abigail Deveraux, she's the one who has undoubtedly made the character the fan favorite she is today." On January 27, 2016, Mansi earned a pre-nomination for the Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for the 43rd Daytime Emmy Awards, her first in the Lead Actress category.

On December 31, 2016, when announcing his "Best and Worst In Soaps", Michael Fairman of On-Air On-Soaps named Miller as "Best Newcomer Female". He stated: "Taking over the role of Abigail from dynamo Kate Mansi was no easy feat. But Miller has brought her own take to the role, very different than Mansi’s, and is soaring with it, and the fans have been taken with her, too!" In March 2018, Miller received her first Daytime Emmy Award nomination in the category of Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series. On March 20, 2019, Mansi and Miller both received nominations for their portrayals of Abigail in the categories of Outstanding Guest Performer and Outstanding Lead Actress, respectively.