Belle Black is a fictional character from ''

Days of Our Lives ''Days of Our Lives'' (also stylized as ''Days of our Lives''; simply referred to as ''Days'' or ''DOOL'') is an American television soap opera that streams on the streaming service Peacock. The soap, which aired on the American television net ...

'', an American

soap opera A soap opera, or ''soap'' for short, is a typically long-running radio or television serial, frequently characterized by melodrama, ensemble casts, and sentimentality. The term "soap opera" originated from radio dramas originally being sponsored ...

on the

NBC The National Broadcasting Company (NBC) is an Television in the United States, American English-language Commercial broadcasting, commercial television network, broadcast television and radio network. The flagship property of the NBC Enterta ...

network. Created by the head writer

James E. Reilly James E. Reilly (July 29, 1948 – October 12, 2008) was an American soap opera writer. He was the head writer of NBC's ''Days of Our Lives'' and creator/head writer of ''Passions''. Reilly won a Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Drama Series ...

, she was born on October 21, 1993, as the only child of

supercouple A supercouple or super couple (also known as a power couple) is a popular and/or wealthy pairing that intrigues and fascinates the public in an intense or obsessive fashion. The term originated in the United States, and it was coined in the earl ...

John Black and Marlena Evans. She is also one-half of the supercouple

Shawn Brady and Belle Black Shawn-Douglas "Shawn" and Isabella "Belle" Brady are fictional characters on the American soap opera, '' Days of Our Lives''. Shawn-Douglas Brady has been played by Jason Cook (1999–2006, 2015) and Brandon Beemer (2006–2008, 2016–). Bell ...

. Belle was rapidly aged to a teen when

Kirsten Storms Kirsten Renee Storms (born April 8, 1984) is an American actress. She is best known for her roles as Zenon Kar in the '' Zenon'' trilogy, Emily in '' Johnny Tsunami'', and Bonnie Rockwaller in ''Kim Possible''. Storms played Isabella "Belle" Bl ...

was hired to portray the character from August 5, 1999, to July 16, 2004. Charity Rahmer briefly played the role from July 19 to August 9, 2004. Martha Madison appeared in the role from August 10, 2004, to March 21, 2008. In June 2015, Madison confirmed she would reprise the role of Belle in November, as part of the show's fiftieth anniversary celebration. In March 2016, it was revealed that Madison was among four actors who been let go from the soap, with Belle departing on September 12. However, on September 7, 2016, it was confirmed that Madison had been re-hired shortly following her firing and would remain on the soap indefinitely. Madison returned on January 24, 2017 and departed on February 20, 2017. In July 2017, it was announced that Madison would return to the series. Madison returned from December 4, 2017 to March 27, 2018. Madison then appeared from August 21 to November 8, 2018. Madison then aired from March 18 to July 9, 2019. In November 2019, it was announced that Madison would again reprise the role for the digital series, ''Last Blast Reunion''. It was then announced in May 2020 that the character would once again return during the summer. Later that year, Madison was upgraded to a regular again. Madison’s return aired on June 8, 2020.

Storylines

Belle is the daughter of John Black (

Drake Hogestyn Donald Drake Hogestyn () (born September 29, 1953) is an American actor best known for his long running role as John Black on the American soap opera '' Days of Our Lives''. Early life Hogestyn was born in Fort Wayne, Indiana, where he gradua ...

) and Dr. Marlena Evans (

Deidre Hall Deidre Ann Hall is an American actress. She is best known for her portrayal of Marlena Evans on NBC's daytime drama ''Days of Our Lives'', whom she has played for over 45 years. Hall has won many awards for her portrayal of Marlena, including ...

). Originally, she is believed to be the daughter of Marlena and her husband,

Roman Brady Roman Brady is a fictional character from the long-running NBC soap opera ''Days of Our Lives''. The role was originated in 1981 by Wayne Northrop, who played the role until 1984 and from 1991 to 1994, and is currently being portrayed by series ve ...

(

Wayne Northrop Wayne Alan Northrop (born April 12, 1947) is an American actor known for his parts in soap operas such as ''Dynasty'' and ''Days of Our Lives''. Career Northrop portrayed chauffeur Michael Culhane on ''Dynasty'' from the pilot episode, " Oil" (1 ...

). Belle, however, is the product of an affair between Marlena and John. Roman and Marlena's daughter,

Sami Brady Sami Brady is a fictional character from ''Days of Our Lives'', an American soap opera on the NBC network, portrayed by Alison Sweeney since 1993. The character is first seen as a newborn baby in the episode of October 16, 1984, in which mom Marle ...

(

Alison Sweeney Alison Ann Sweeney (born September 19, 1976) is an American actress, reality show host, director and author. Sweeney is best known for her portrayal of Samantha "Sami" Brady on the NBC soap opera ''Days of Our Lives'', a role she played under co ...

), becomes aware of the affair, and purposely changes the paternity test. After Belle is born, Sami kidnaps her and tries to give her up for adoption. John thwarts her, and rescues Belle. At Belle's christening, Marlena and John's affair is revealed, and Stefano DiMera (

Joseph Mascolo Joseph Peter Mascolo (March 13, 1929 – December 8, 2016) was an American musician and dramatic actor. During his long career, he acted in numerous motion pictures and television series. He played villain Stefano DiMera on NBC's soap opera ''D ...

) later reveals the truth of Belle's paternity through Sami's diary. As a teen at Salem High School, Belle begins an ill-fated relationship with bad boy

Philip Kiriakis Philip Kiriakis is a character from '' Days of Our Lives'', an American soap opera on the NBC network. Child actors portrayed the character of Philip until he was rapidly aged and returned under the portrayal of Brandon Tyler in October 1999. Ty ...

(

Jay Kenneth Johnson Jay Kenneth Johnson (born February 24, 1977) is an American actor from Springfield, Missouri. He began his career in 1999 when he was cast as Philip Kiriakis on the NBC soap opera '' Days of Our Lives''. Early life Johnson was born to parents ...

) but soon falls in love with

Shawn-Douglas Brady Shawn-Douglas Brady is a fictional character from ''Days of Our Lives'', an American soap opera on the NBC network. He is the son of supercouple Bo Brady and Hope Williams, and one half of the supercouple Shawn Brady and Belle Black. Jason Cook ...

( Jason Cook). Best friends with

Mimi Lockhart Mimi Lockhart is a fictional character from ''Days of Our Lives''. Mimi was portrayed by Doren Fein from August 17 to 19, 1999. She is most recognized by actress Farah Fath who played the role from September 16, 1999, to March 1, 2007. In May 20 ...

(

Farah Fath Farah LeeAllen Fath Galfond (born May 1, 1984) is an American actress. She portrayed Mimi Lockhart on the NBC soap opera ''Days of Our Lives'' from 1999 to 2007, and Gigi Morasco on the ABC Daytime soap opera ''One Life to Live'' from 2007 to 20 ...

), Belle's peers are shocked to see her burgeoning friendship with "Ghoul Girl"

Chloe Lane Chloe Lane is a fictional character from the American NBC soap opera '' Days of Our Lives'', portrayed by actress and singer Nadia Bjorlin. She was first introduced in November 1999, created by then-head writer Tom Langan. Bjorlin played Chloe ...

(

Nadia Bjorlin Nadia Alexandra Bjorlin (born August 2, 1980) is an American actress, singer, and model. Early life Bjorlin was born on August 2, 1980 in Newport, Rhode Island. She is the second eldest child of Swedish people, Swedish composer and conductor Ulf ...

). In 2001, Belle goes on a class trip to Puerto Rico. Belle, Shawn, and Philip embark on their own missing-jewel hunt in search of a ruby that belongs to Alice Horton. After a near-drowning, the teens are successful and Shawn is able to return the ruby to his great-grandmother. Once back in Salem, a troubled classmate,

Jan Spears A list of notable characters from the NBC soap opera ''Days of Our Lives'' that significantly impacted storylines and debuted between January 1, 1990, and the end of 1999. Stephanie Johnson Stephanie Johnson was created by head writer Richard ...

(Heather Lauren Olsen), confides to Shawn that she had been raped by the father of recent arrivals to Salem, siblings

Nicole Nicole may refer to: People * Nicole (name) * Nicole (American singer) (born 1958), a contestant in season 3 of the American ''The X Factor'' * Nicole (Chilean singer) (born 1977) * Nicole (German singer) (born 1964), winner of the 1982 Euro ...

(

Arianne Zucker Arianne Bethene Zucker (born June 3, 1974) is an American actress and model. She is known for playing Nicole Walker on the NBC daytime soap opera '' Days of Our Lives'' since 1998. Early life Zucker was born in Northridge, California, and raise ...

) and Brandon Walker (

Matt Cedeño Matt Cedeño (born November 14, 1973)"POP CULTURE". ''Soap Opera Digest''. August 5, 2013. p. 65. is an American actor and former male fashion model, known for his roles as Brandon Walker on the NBC daytime soap opera '' Days of Our Lives'' (199 ...

), and is now pregnant. Shawn agrees to claim paternity, thereby destroying his blossoming relationship with Belle. Despite her sense of loss, Belle is accepted to Columbia University, and makes it through her senior year as a class salutatorian. Moreover, after Jan's miscarriage and the truth of her rape comes out, Belle forgives Shawn and tentatively reunites with him at the "Last Blast" Dance. Later that summer, during meteor showers on the Fourth of July, Belle and Shawn rescue the faux-alien-Gemini-twins,

Rex Brady ''Days of Our Lives'' is an American soap opera broadcast on the NBC network. Created by Ted and Betty Corday, the series focuses on the residents of the fictional midwestern town of Salem, USA. It premiered on November 8, 1965. This is a list ...

and

Cassie Brady Cassie Brady is a fictional character from the NBC daytime soap opera, ''Days of Our Lives''. Cassie and her twin brother Rex first appeared in Salem after a Fourth of July meteor shower in 2002 and were believed to be aliens. They are later re ...

(

Alexis Thorpe Alexis Ann Thorpe (born April 19, 1980) is an American actress. She is best known for playing Rianna Miner on the soap opera ''The Young and the Restless'', from 2000 to 2002, and Cassie Brady on the soap opera '' Days of Our Lives'' from 2002 ...

), who as it turns out were the children of Roman and Kate Roberts (

Lauren Koslow Lauren Alice Koslow (born March 9, 1953) is an American actress, best known for her long-running portrayal of Kate Roberts on the NBC dramatic serial ''Days of Our Lives'', which she has played continuously since 1996. She previously appeared in ...

). Deciding not to move to

New York City New York, often called New York City or NYC, is the List of United States cities by population, most populous city in the United States. With a 2020 population of 8,804,190 distributed over , New York City is also the L ...

, Belle attends Salem University where she lives in the same campus dorm with Shawn, Rex and Cassie, while more economically challenged Mimi lives at home. Belle and Shawn commit to a future together, but suffer another setback during Victor and Nicole's New Year's Eve wedding when

Colin Murphy Colin Murphy may refer to: * Colin Murphy (comedian) (born 1968), Irish comedian * Colin Murphy (ice hockey) (born 1980), Canadian ice hockey player * Colin Murphy (footballer, born 1950) Colin Murphy (born 21 January 1950) is an English for ...

(

Justin Melvey Justin Melvey (born 7 May 1969) is an Australian actor who has appeared in a number of television series in Australia and the US. Career Melvey is best known to Australian audiences for his role as Harry Reynolds in the evening soap opera ''Ho ...

) is murdered. Though Shawn shot at Colin and missed, he still felt responsible. Meanwhile, Belle works as an intern at her father's company, Basic Black. Headed for success as a fashion designer, Basic Black opts to feature Belle's designs, but Belle becomes increasingly disturbed when some of Salem's most prominent citizens are murdered by the

Salem Stalker Salem may refer to: Places Canada Ontario * Bruce County ** Salem, Arran–Elderslie, Ontario, in the municipality of Arran–Elderslie ** Salem, South Bruce, Ontario, in the municipality of South Bruce * Salem, Dufferin County, Ontario, par ...

. The killer murders nine people before police uncovered the killer's identity, Belle's own mother Marlena. A devastated Belle lies to Shawn to provide an alibi for her mother. When

Alice Horton Alice Horton is a fictional character on the NBC soap opera ''Days of Our Lives'', portrayed by Frances Reid from the show's debut on November 8, 1965 until December 26, 2007. In her role as matriarch of the Horton family, Alice's storylines focus ...

(

Frances Reid Frances Reid (December 9, 1914 – February 3, 2010) was an American dramatic actress. Reid acted on television for nearly all of the second half of the 20th century. Her career continued into the early 2000s. Although she starred in ma ...

), Shawn's great grandmother is murdered, Shawn leaves town. Unbeknownst to Belle at the time, Jan Spears held Shawn captive in a cage; this allowed Belle to grow closer to Philip. Harboring a secret crush, Philip provides Belle with some much-needed solace and eventually persuades her to be with him. When Shawn returns, his personality undergoes a profound change. Philip and Belle agree to marry; Shawn only realizes his true feelings for Belle on the eve of her wedding to Philip. Belle also realizes the true extent of her feelings for Shawn, but fails to tell Philip before he ships out with his Marine unit. Shawn then attempts to rescue his former friend when Philip is taken hostage. Belle stays married given the extent of Philip's injuries. Later, Belle gives birth to Claire, who is really Shawn's daughter. Eventually, Claire's paternity is revealed, and Belle tells Phillip that she does not love him. Pregnant again, doctors tell Belle the baby would not survive. Philip makes the decision to terminate Belle's pregnancy after assuring her that he would not let the baby die. Utterly devastated, Belle leaves Philip and moves in with her parents. Ready to resume her relationship with Shawn, Belle begins to pressure Shawn to be a more responsible father. Shawn opts to respond by sleeping with former prostitute, Willow Stark. After Victor kidnaps Claire, a custody battle ensues, pitting Brady against Kiriakis. The conflict came to a head while at sea when Philip loses hold of Claire and the baby is swept overboard. Belle and Shawn eventually reunite with Claire; Shawn proposes marriage even as Belle and Philip grew closer. The passion-tossed triangle continues to undergo several more trials and predictable miscommunications when on November 23, 2007, Shawn and Belle marry even though Belle continued to have feelings for Philip. In March 2008, Shawn and Belle once again reconcile and decide to sail the world, strengthen their marriage, and bond as a family by taking Claire with them (as Bo and Hope did with Shawn), then together they are written off the daytime soap. Seven years later, Belle returns to Salem with Shawn and their teenage daughter Claire. In September 2016 Belle and Shawn move to Hong Kong leaving Claire in Salem with Marlena and John.

Storylines

References

See also