Dear Abby

Marci Miller reflects on her last days on DAYS.

- Janet Di Lauro

After a two-year juggling act as Abigail Deveraux DiMera, Marci Miller bids adieu to Salem and DAYS on November 19. Here, she opens up about her last days on set and passing the torch to her predecessor, Kate Mansi.

Soap Opera Digest: What can you share about your decision to leave DAYS?

Marci Miller: It was so bittersweet. It’s always a hard decision to make, to leave something like that, because it’s comfortable and you love the people. You also get very connected to and protective of the character. At the same time, it felt very very right, and I knew it was what I was supposed to do. But what is right is not always what is easy. It would have been much easier for me to just stay.

Digest: Was it always your plan to leave after your initial contract expired?

Miller: I always imagined that I would stay for one contract and move on, but, at the same time, I was open to whatever made sense. It wasn’t as cut-and-dried for me, partially because I fell in love with everybody so much. But at the end of the day, from a professional standpoint and personal standpoint, it is what made sense for me. I knew that if I didn’t move on and try other things now, I might regret it later. I didn’t want to be in that position.

Digest: What was your last week on set like? Miller: It was so lovely. Every person was very intentional, and I was very intentional about the way I was walking in there and sitting in the makeup chair, knowing I was only going to do it for a handful of times more. I tried to spend as much time and pay as much attention to the people as I could.

Digest: Was there a special good-bye or party on your last day?