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Revision as of 17:33, 26 April 2008 edit62.63.61.34 (talk)No edit summary← Previous edit Latest revision as of 22:00, 2 January 2025 edit undoArjoccolenty (talk | contribs)Extended confirmed users8,588 edits EJ specifically said that Belle was now DIVORCED. Belle confirmed it but saying this was the first New Years she has spent as a single woman. They aren't going to show the whole divorce process so if that is what you want then good luck waiting. 
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{{More citations needed|date=November 2010}}
{{Infobox soap character {{Infobox soap character
| name = Belle Black Brady | name = Belle Black
| series = ] | series = Days of Our Lives
| portrayer = {{Plainlist |
| portrayer = Brianna and Chalice Fischette <br> Brianna and Brittany McConnell <br> Ashlyn and Kayley Messick <br> Chelsea Butler <br> ] (1999-2004) <br> ] (2004) <br> ] (2004-2008)
* Brianna and Chalice Fischette (1993–1995)
| first = 1993
* Brianna and Brittany McConnell (1995–1998)
| last = 2008
* Ashlyn and Kaylyn Messick (1998)
| cause = Left town
* Chelsea Butler (1998–1999)
* ] (1999–2004)
* Charity Rahmer (2004)
* ] (2004–present)
}}
| first = {{Start date|mf=yes|1993|10|21}}
| last =
| years = {{Flatlist|
* 1993–2008
* 2015–present
}}
| creator = ] | creator = ]
| introducer = {{Plainlist|
| image1 = Image:Belle Black.jpg
* ] and ] (1993)
* Ken Corday, ] and Greg Meng (2015)
* Ken Corday and Janet Spellman-Drucker (2024)
}}
| classification = ]
| image1 = Martha Madison as Belle Black.png
| imagesize1 = 220
| imagealt1 = A blonde woman in a red dress.
| caption1 = Martha Madison as Belle Black | caption1 = Martha Madison as Belle Black
| image2 = | image2 = Kirsten Storms as Belle Black.png
| caption2 = | imagesize2 = 200
| image3 = | imagealt2 =
| caption3 = | caption2 = Kirsten Storms as Belle Black
| nickname = IzzyB, Tink, Tinkerbell | image3 =
| alias = | caption3 =
| gender = Female | spinoffs = ''Last Blast Reunion'' (2019)
| born = Onscreen ], ] | alias = {{Plainlist |
* Belle Brady
| death =
* Belle Kiriakis
| age =
* Isabella Black<!--Belle is named after Brady's mom, Isabella, not Isabelle-->
| occupation =
* Isabella Brady<!--Belle is named after Brady's mom, Isabella, not Isabelle-->
| title =
* Isabella Kiriakis<!--Belle is named after Brady's mom, Isabella, not Isabelle-->
| residence =
}}
| parents = ] (father) <br> ] (mother)
| occupation = {{Plainlist|
| siblings = ] (maternal half-sister) <br> ] (maternal half-brother) <br> ] (paternal half-brother)<br>] (maternal half-brother, deceased)
* ] (2024–present)
| spouse = ] (married)<br>] (divorced)
* Legal aid
| romances = ] (dated/one night stand/lovers)<br>] (kissed)<br>] (lovers/affair)
* Nightclub owner
| children = ] (daughter, with Shawn)<br>Unnamed child (sex unknown, with ], miscarriage)
* ]
| grandchildren =
* ]
| grandparents = ] (paternal biological grandmother)<br>] (paternal biological grandfather)<br>Leopold Alamain (paternal adoptive grandfather, deceased)<br>Philomena Alamain (paternal adoptive grandmother, deceased)<br>Frank Evans (maternal grandfather)<br>Martha Evans (maternal grandmother)
* ]
| aunts/uncles = ] (paternal half-uncle)<br>Lawrence Alamain (paternal adoptive uncle)<br>Samantha Evans (maternal aunt, deceased)
}}
| cousins = Nicholas Alamain (paternal second-cousin)
| parents = ] <br>]
| relatives = ] (half-nephew, via Sami)<br>John Roman Roberts (half-nephew, via Sami)<br>Alice Caroline Horton (half-niece, via Sami)
| halfbrothers = {{Plainlist |
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
}}
| halfsisters = ]
| spouse = {{Plainlist |
* ] (2005–2007)
* ] (2007–2016, 2020–2024)
}}
| children = ]
| grandchildren =
| grandfathers = {{Plainlist |
* Timothy Robicheaux
* Leopold Alamain (adoptive)
* Frank Evans
}}
| grandmothers = {{Plainlist |
* Maude Robicheaux
* Philomena Alamain (adoptive)
* Martha Evans
}}
| aunts/uncles = {{Plainlist |
* ] (adoptive)
* ]
}}
| cousins = ] (adoptive)
| nieces = {{Plainlist |
* ]
* ]
* ] (legal)
*Rachel Black
*Mackenzie Horton
}}
| nephews = {{Plainlist |
* ]
* ]
* ]
}}
}} }}


'''Belle Black''' is a fictional character from '']'', an American ] on the ] network. Created by the head writer ], she was born on October 21, 1993, as the only child of ] ]. She is also one-half of the supercouple ]. Initially portrayed by several child actors between 1993 and 1999, Belle was ] to a teenager when ] took over the role from 1999 to 2004. Charity Rahmer briefly portrayed Belle for a month before being replaced by ], who played the character from August 2004 to March 2008, when Belle departed the show. Madison returned as Belle for the soap's 50th Anniversary Celebrations in 2015 but departed the following year. Belle then appeared for various stints of different lengths before rejoining the regular cast again in 2020. She departed again in 2023. Madison returned to the role when Belle returned to Salem in November 2024.
'''Isabella "Belle" Black-Brady''' (formerly '''Kiriakis''', birth name '''Brady''') born onscreen ], ] is a ] on the television drama '']''.


==Casting==
] most notably portrayed Belle from 1999-2004. Following Storms' departure, ] was briefly recast but didn't "click" with the show's producers and was quickly replaced with ] before Rahmer's first episode aired. Madison portrayed the character between 2004 and 2008.
Initially portrayed by several child actors between 1993 and 1999, Belle was ] to a teenager when ]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.soapoperadigest.com/soapstarstats/kirstenstormsbio/ |title=Kirsten Storms - Bio - General Hospital - Soap Opera Digest and Weekly |publisher=Soapoperadigest.com |access-date=2010-05-31}}</ref> 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. ]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.soapoperadigest.com/soapstarstats/marthamadison/ |title=Martha Madison Bio – Belle – Days of Our Lives – Photos |publisher=Soapoperadigest.com |date=2007-08-25 |access-date=2010-05-31| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100629022339/http://www.soapoperadigest.com/soapstarstats/marthamadison/| archive-date= 29 June 2010 <!--DASHBot-->| url-status=live}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite news |author1=SOD |title=MARTHA MADISON BACK TO DAYS |url=http://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/martha-madison-back-days |access-date=June 25, 2015 |work=] |agency=] |date=June 25, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150626144306/http://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/martha-madison-back-days |archive-date=June 26, 2015 |location=United States |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Fairman |first1=Michael |title=Martha Madison Returning To ''Days of Our Lives''! |url=http://michaelfairmansoaps.com/news/martha-madison-returning-to-days-of-our-lives/2015/06/25/ |work=] |access-date=June 25, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150626200113/http://michaelfairmansoaps.com/news/martha-madison-returning-to-days-of-our-lives/2015/06/25/ |archive-date=June 26, 2015 |location=United States |date=June 25, 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Belle returned on November 25 of that year.<ref>{{cite web |title=Five Things That Happened On November 25 In Soap History |url=https://www.soapoperadigest.com/photos/five-things-that-happened-on-november-25-in-soap-history3/ |website=] |date=25 November 2023 |access-date=28 November 2023 |page=4}}</ref> In March 2016, it was revealed that Madison was among four actors who have been let go from the soap, with Belle departing on September 12.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://daytimeconfidential.com/2016/03/21/days-of-our-lives-bloodbath-brandon-beemer-martha-madison-sal-stowers-marie-wilson-out|title=''Days of Our Lives'' BLOODBATH: Brandon Beemer, Martha Madison, Marie Wilson and Sal Stowers All OUT!|date=March 21, 2016|first=Jamey|last=Giddens|work=Daytime Confidential|publisher=Confidential Media (])|access-date=March 21, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|author1=SOD|title=BLOODBATH AT DAYS!|url=http://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/bloodbath-days|access-date=March 22, 2016|work=]|agency=]|date=March 21, 2016|location=United States}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Brandon Beemer, Martha Madison, Marie Wilson, Sal Stowers out at Days|url=http://soaps.sheknows.com/days-of-our-lives/news/47151/brandon-beemer-martha-madison-marie-wilson-sal-stowers-out-at-days|website=]|publisher=]|access-date=March 22, 2016|location=United States|date=March 22, 2016}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Cushman |first1=Dustin |title=Days' Martha Madison was rehired to play the character, soon after being let go several months ago |url=http://soaps.sheknows.com/days-of-our-lives/comings-and-goings/1185/days-brandon-beemer-martha-madison-marie-wilson-and-sal-stower-fired |website=] |publisher=] |access-date=September 7, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160911121134/http://soaps.sheknows.com/days-of-our-lives/comings-and-goings/1185/days-brandon-beemer-martha-madison-marie-wilson-and-sal-stower-fired |archive-date=September 11, 2016 |location=United States |date=September 7, 2016 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Madison returned on January 24, 2017 and departed on February 20, 2017.<ref name=DAYS012417>{{Cite episode |series=Days of Our Lives |series-link=Days of Our Lives|credits= ], ] and Greg Meng (]s); ] and Ryan Quan (]s); ] (]); ] (]) |network= ] |date= January 24, 2017 |season= 52 |number= 13009|language= en}}</ref><ref name=DAYS022017>{{Cite episode |series=Days of Our Lives |series-link=Days of Our Lives|credits= ], ] and Greg Meng (]s); ] and Ryan Quan (]s); ] (]); Edwin Klein (]) |network= ] |date= February 20, 2017 |season= 52 |number=13028|language= en}}</ref>


In July 2017, it was announced that Madison would return to the series.<ref name= "Madison, Beemer, New Ciara Holidays DAYS">{{cite web|author1=Soaps SheKnows|author-link1=Soaps.com|title=Martha Madison, Brandon Beemer set to return to Days for the holidays|url=http://soaps.sheknows.com/days-of-our-lives/comings-and-goings/1793/martha-madison-brandon-beemer-set-to-return-to-days-for-the-holidays|website=]|publisher=]|access-date=July 19, 2017|location=United States|date=July 19, 2017}}</ref> Madison returned from December 4, 2017 to March 27, 2018.<ref name=DAYS120417>{{Cite episode |series=Days of Our Lives |series-link=Days of Our Lives|credits= ], ] and Greg Meng (]s); ] (]); ] (]); Cydney Kelley (]) |network= ] |date= December 4, 2017 |season= 53 |number=13227|language= en}}</ref><ref name=DAYS032718>{{Cite episode |series=Days of Our Lives |series-link=Days of Our Lives|credits= ], ] and Greg Meng (]s); ] (]); ] (]); Joanna Cohen (]) |network= ] |date= March 27, 2018 |season= 53 |number=13287|language= en}}</ref> Madison then appeared from August 21 to November 8, 2018.<ref name=DAYS082118>{{Cite episode |series=Days of Our Lives |series-link=Days of Our Lives|credits= ], ] and Greg Meng (]s); ] (]); ] (]); Rebecca McCarty (]) |network= ] |date= August 21, 2018 |season= 53 |number=13409|language= en}}</ref><ref name=DAYS110818>{{Cite episode |series=Days of Our Lives |series-link=Days of Our Lives|credits= ], ] and Greg Meng (]s); ] (]); Albert Alarr (]); ] (]) |network= ] |date= November 8, 2018 |season= 54 |number=13465|language= en}}</ref> Madison then aired from March 18 to July 9, 2019.<ref name=DAYS031819>{{Cite episode |series=Days of Our Lives |series-link=Days of Our Lives|credits= ], ] and Greg Meng (]s); ] (]); ] (]); Rebecca McCarty (]) |network= ] |date= March 18, 2019 |season= 54 |number=13554|language= en}}</ref><ref name=DAYS070919>{{Cite episode |series=Days of Our Lives |series-link=Days of Our Lives|credits= ], ] and Greg Meng (]s); ] (]); ] (]); Rebecca McCarty (]) |network= ] |date= July 9, 2019 |season= 54 |number=13632|language= en}}</ref>
==Fictional character history==
Belle is John Black's daughter. Her mother is Marlena Evans, making her the half-sister of Samantha (Sami) Brady.
Originally, the residents of Salem believed that Belle was the daughter of ] and ]. In truth, Belle was the product of a one-night-affair between Marlena and ]. Belle's true parentage might never have been revealed if it weren't for her older sister ] who discovered the truth and kept the secret for several months. She even kidnapped Belle and tried to have her legally adopted. In the end, however, it was ] who revealed the truth after reading Sami's diary. Belle is the real child of Marlena Evans and John Black.


In November 2019, it was announced that Madison would again reprise the role for the digital series, ''Last Blast Reunion''.<ref>{{cite web |last=Stone |first=Natalie |title=''Days of Our Lives'' is Bringing Back Nine Beloved Characters in New Digital Series: Watch the Teaser! |url=https://people.com/tv/days-of-our-lives-digital-series-last-blast-reunion/ |website=] |publisher=] |access-date=November 21, 2019 |location=United States |language=en |date=November 20, 2019}}</ref> It was then announced in May 2020 that the character would once again return during the summer, with her return airing on June 8, 2020.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Young |first1=Candace |title=Martha Madison's Summer Return to Days of our Lives As Belle Black |url=https://soaps.sheknows.com/days-of-our-lives/comings-and-goings/566248/days-of-our-lives-martha-madison-return-belle-black/ |website=] |date=20 May 2020 |access-date=15 July 2023}}</ref> In August 2023, Madison announced she would again exit the role;<ref>{{cite web |last=Maloney |first=Michael |title=Martha Madison Reveals 'Lightbulb Moment' That Led to Her Leaving ''Days of Our Lives'' |url=https://www.tvinsider.com/1102295/days-of-our-lives-martha-madison-leaving-belle-exit-albert-alarr/ |website=] |access-date=August 16, 2023 |location=United States |date=August 16, 2023}}</ref> she exited on November 9.
During her formidable teen years at Salem High School, Belle started an ill-fated relationship with (at the time) bad boy ], but soon devoted all her attention to ], Best friends with ], she also added new girl ] to her circle of friends. All of her peers were shocked to see her spending time with "Ghoul Girl" Chloe, but eventually everyone accepted their friendship.


In April 2024, it was announced Madison would return to the role.<ref name="MFTV 1">{{cite web |last1=Fairman |first1=Michael |author1-link=Michael Fairman (journalist) |title=Matthew Ashford, Martha Madison, Victoria Konefal and Maree Cheatham Make Returns to ''Days of Our Lives'' |url=https://michaelfairmantv.com/matthew-ashford-martha-madison-victoria-konefal-maree-cheatham-return-days-of-our-lives/2024/04/11/ |website=] |publisher=The Michael Fairman Company |access-date=April 22, 2024 |location=United States |date=April 11, 2024}}</ref> Madison's return as Belle premiered on November 8 of the same year.
Belle joined her fellow teens on a trip to Puerto Rico, where they were supposed to study the environment. Instead, she, Shawn and Philip went on an adventure to find some missing jewels, including a ruby belonging to Alice Horton. Much to the dismay of the criminally-minded Paul, the teens were successful and Shawn was able to return the ruby to his great-grandmother.


==Storylines==
Once back in Salem, Jan continued to confide in Shawn her pregnancy as a result of her rape by Paul on the island. Shawn agreed to stand by her and say he was the father, even though this destroyed his relationship with Belle. She was devastated and couldn't believe someone she had trusted as much as Shawn could hurt her like this. However, she made it through her senior year at Salem High and when, at the end of the year, the truth about Jan and Shawn came out, Belle managed to forgive him and they were reunited at the Last Blast Dance. She forgave him, but was still tentative about their relationship. That same summer, during the Gemini meteor showers on the Fourth of July, Belle and Shawn got the surprise of their lives up at Lookout Point when an apparent alien space ship landed. They rescued the aliens and spent the rest of the summer looking after them and keeping them hidden from the rest of Salem. Shawn often wanted to turn them in, but Belle never gave up her strong desire to help her twin alien friends. The government though, with the help of Belle's father John, took Rex and Cassie, the "aliens" into custody and discovered they were really human.
Belle is the daughter of ] (]) and ] (]). Originally, she is believed to be the daughter of Marlena and her husband, ] (]). Belle, however, is the product of an affair between Marlena and John. Roman and Marlena's daughter, ] (]), becomes aware of the affair, and purposely changes the paternity test.<ref name="soapscafe2006">{{cite web |url=http://www.soapscafe.com/index.php/2006/03/09/character_bio_1 |title=Character Bio - Belle Black |publisher=Soapscafe.com |date=2006-03-09 |access-date=2010-05-31 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716100619/http://www.soapscafe.com/index.php/2006/03/09/character_bio_1 |archive-date=2011-07-16 }}</ref> After Belle is born, Sami kidnaps her and tries to sell her on the black market. John thwarts her, and rescues Belle. At Belle's christening, Marlena and John's affair is revealed, and ] (]) 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 ] (]) but soon falls in love with ] (]). Best friends with ] (]), Belle's peers are shocked to see her burgeoning friendship with "Ghoul Girl" ] (]). 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.<ref name="soapscafe2006"/> Once back in Salem, a troubled classmate, ] (Heather Lauren Olsen), confides to Shawn that she had been raped by the father of recent arrivals to Salem, siblings ] (]) and ] (]), 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, ] and ] (]), who as it turns out were the children of Roman and ] (]).


Deciding not to move to ], 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 ] (]) 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 ]. 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 ] (]), 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 started college at Salem University, where she lived in Hartley House, an on-campus dorm, with Shawn. Rex and Cassie also moved into the dorm, and Mimi lived at home while attending college. Belle still had to deal with Cassie's unstoppable attraction to Shawn, among other problems. Belle and Shawn did commit to their future together, though. They each wear purity rings, signifying this commitment.


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.
Shawn and Belle suffered another set-back after Victor and Nicole's New Year's Eve wedding at which Colin Murphy was murdered. Shawn had shot at Colin and missed, but he thought he was responsible. Shawn broke up with Belle to deal with it on his own. She didn't understand why, but they were finally reunited after Larry Welch (falsely) confessed to the crime. Meantime, Belle had started working as an intern for Basic Black. Her work ethic contrasted with Shawn's more easy-going approach to life, causing her eventually to break up with him. While they were separated, she went on a reality show, Love is Blind, with Cassie and Mimi. Belle won the game and her prize was a date with a blindfolded hunk. He turned out to be Philip Kiriakis, now stationed on a Marine base near Salem. But was he just a Marine? Turns out, he was a member of the ISA and Belle nearly got into trouble several times when she was with him.


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.
Belle's lingerie and swim wear designs were featured in a Basic Black fashion show with a very unhappy ending; Bo and Hope were attacked. They survived and so did her future as a fashion designer. When she became horribly distraught over the murders of the Salem Stalker -- even removing her purity ring and wanting to live for the moment -- her father and Shawn conspired to send her to Europe on Basic Black business. She returned for the holiday season and to her life with Shawn.


==Reception==
Of course, the Salem Stalker was still at work. Nine people in total were murdered before the killer -- Belle's own mother ] -- was finally caught. Belle was devastated and could not believe that her mother was guilty. She even lied to Shawn to provide an alibi for one of the murders, then lived to regret it. Shawn's own grandmother was the next to go and, overcome by guilt, he left town to clear his head. But Belle wasn't alone for long. Philip, who is harboring a secret crush on her, moved in to provide solace. Although she resisted, Belle eventually gave in to Philip's charms. It didn't help that when Shawn finally returned, his personality was completely changed. He expressed hatred for Belle and for Philip and hooked up with Jan. Philip and Belle became engaged and Shawn's feelings about them didn't change until the night of their wedding. He realized he was still in love with Belle and crashed the wedding -- literally. He drove his motorcycle through the stained glass window of the church, very nearly killing himself and his beloved in the process. And he didn't even stop the wedding. So Belle and Philip were married, but she knew she was still in love with Shawn. She wanted to tell Philip the truth, but he shipped out with his Marine unit and was taken hostage. It wasn't long before Shawn headed out to rescue Philip, knowing Belle wouldn't be with him as long as her husband was missing.
Charlie Mason from '']'' put Rahmer's portrayal of Belle on his list of the worst soap opera recasts, saying that she could not replace Storms as she had "become so well-loved by fans of the NBC soap that she seemed irreplaceable".<ref name="Recast">{{cite web |last1=Mason |first1=Charlie |title=15 Soap Opera Recasts That Never Should've Happened |url=https://soaps.sheknows.com/gallery/soap-opera-worst-recasts-all-time-photos/days-belle-recast-2/ |website=] |publisher=] |access-date=April 9, 2024 |date=July 4, 2023}}</ref> Mason also commented that Madison "made the role her own" when she stepped into the role.<ref name="Recast" />


==References==
Ignoring her feelings for Shawn, Belle stayed married to Philip because of the serious injuries he received in combat. Belle gave birth to a girl, Claire, who is actually Shawn's biological daughter, which was unknown to all for a long period. Recently, Claire's true paternity has become common knowledge. Because Belle is currently pregnant with another child by Shawn due to an in vitro mix-up, this creates serious problems for many. Belle has told Phillip that she does not love him the way she should, and loves Shawn, so Phillip left Salem and his family.
{{reflist}}

Belle was truly devastated when the baby she was carrying with Shawn, wasn't expected to survive. Philip, as Belle's husband, had to make the decision to either end Belle's pregnancy or let Belle die. Although he told Belle he wouldn't let the baby die, he chose to have the pregnancy terminated. Belle was utterly devastated and lashed out at Philip. She eventually forgave him, but the two decided to call it quits.

Belle stayed with her parents following her traumatic experience, she was about to get back together with Shawn, when a misunderstanding pushed them further apart. Belle began to push Shawn on being a responsible father for their daughter. The two argued on several occasions and things came to a head when Shawn started to sleep with former hooker, Willow Stark . After Victor had Claire kidnapped, Belle and Shawn bonded and decided to get back together. Though they have several problems in their way, particularly Willow and Victor who is helping Philip to take Claire from Shawn and Belle. She has lost temporary custody of Claire to Philip and Victor (who bribed everyone involved), and later discovered that Philip is planning to take Claire out of the country. Distraught Belle and Shawn kidnap Claire with the help of Max and Mimi.

Shawn and Belle finally found a place to hide out on the island Tinda Lau. They received help from a man, Duck and his daughter Gabby. They stayed on the island until Philip got there. Then, Shawn, Belle, and Claire got on a ship to get away from Philip. Then, Philip eventually got on that same ship with them. Shawn, Belle, Claire, and Philip jumped off of the ship on to a small boat. A typhoon came right up to them while the 4 of them were on this small boat. Philip was holding Claire and the typhoon came and took her away. They were all so mad. Then, Shawn, Belle, and Philip went back to Salem. Only one person believed Claire was still alive, Belle. Belle was in the hospital because for a little while they thought she was crazy. Then, after she got out of the hospital, Philip found this man who thinks he might have seen Claire. So, Belle and Philip met this guy named George at a restaurant and they showed him Claire's picture. He said he has seen her. He said she was in the arms of a lady with a hat and sunglasses on. She was wearing a back pack that said 'USADORABLE' on it. Mean while, Shawn was trying to figure out if he is the father of Willow's baby because Willow and the baby are now both dead. Philip and Belle look up "USADORABLE" on the internet. It is a pageant for babies to enter. The current one is in Chicago. Belle and Philip are going to Chicago and Shawn agrees to meet them there. When they get there they talk to a lady who says that Claire was in the pageant and she was at the hotel in Chicago they were in. The lady went to her office and called places. Whoever entered Claire in the pageant is making people think she is a boy, naming her Jeffrey Gray. Shawn, Belle, and Philip were recently reunited with Claire, and they took her back to Salem to raise her.

Shortly after returning home, afraid he would lose Belle because of the time she was spending with Philip and all the things Philip could give her, Shawn proposed.

Belle and Philip grow close. John got hit by a car and died. Belle and Sami decide to move in with Marlena to offer her comfort. Belle goes to the sanctuary and Philip arrives after Belle. Belle remembers when John was still alive. Philip tells Belle that he loves her and they kiss. Belle pushes Philip away just in time when Shawn walks into the church. Shawn and Belle leave and Belle tells him she can go home by herself. When Shawn leaves and Belle finds out her car doesn't start. Belle returns to the church and asks Philip help with her car. Belle and Philip go back to her place. Phillip says he will stay out of her life for good if she gives the word. Belle tells Philip that she can't bare the thought of never seeing him again and the two have sex. Belle tells Philip that Shawn can never find out about this and asks Philip to leave. Hope demands the truth from Belle about what happened with her and Philip in the room. Belle tells Hope the truth about her and Philip. Hope promises to keep it a secret for Shawn not Belle.

Belle confesses to Shawn that she was the one who wrote a letter to the police academy, not Phillip. When Shawn gets upset she admits she doesn't want to lose him like she did John. Shawn asks Belle to marry her on Thanksgiving Day and she agrees much to the shock of Hope and Bo who Hope had told Belle slept with Phillip. When Bo takes Shawn down stairs Hope admits she told Bo about Belle sleeping with Phillip. Belle panics not wanting Bo to tell Shawn. When father and son come back up Bo gives Belle his blessing to marry Shawn.

On ]], Shawn and Belle were married. Hope learned that Phillip and Belle have not stopped seeing each other by listening to a message on Belle's cell phone.

In March of 2008, Shawn and Belle reconciled and decided to do as Shawn's parents had once done and sail the world to strengthen their marriage.


== See also == == See also ==
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== External links ==
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{{Days of our Lives}} {{Days of Our Lives}}
{{Days of Our Lives characters}}


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Latest revision as of 22:00, 2 January 2025

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Find sources: "Belle Black" – news · newspapers · books · scholar · JSTOR (November 2010) (Learn how and when to remove this message)
Soap opera character
Belle Black
Days of Our Lives character
A blonde woman in a red dress.Martha Madison as Belle Black
Portrayed by
  • Brianna and Chalice Fischette (1993–1995)
  • Brianna and Brittany McConnell (1995–1998)
  • Ashlyn and Kaylyn Messick (1998)
  • Chelsea Butler (1998–1999)
  • Kirsten Storms (1999–2004)
  • Charity Rahmer (2004)
  • Martha Madison (2004–present)
Duration
  • 1993–2008
  • 2015–present
First appearanceOctober 21, 1993 (1993-10-21)
ClassificationPresent; regular
Created byJames E. Reilly
Introduced by
Spin-off
appearances		Last Blast Reunion (2019)

Kirsten Storms as Belle Black
In-universe information
Other names
  • Belle Brady
  • Belle Kiriakis
  • Isabella Black
  • Isabella Brady
  • Isabella Kiriakis
Occupation
ParentsJohn Black
Marlena Evans
Half-brothers
Half-sistersSami Brady
Spouse
ChildrenClaire Brady
Grandfathers
  • Timothy Robicheaux
  • Leopold Alamain (adoptive)
  • Frank Evans
Grandmothers
  • Maude Robicheaux
  • Philomena Alamain (adoptive)
  • Martha Evans
Aunts and uncles
Nephews
Nieces
First cousinsNicholas Alamain (adoptive)

Belle Black is a fictional character from Days of Our Lives, an American soap opera on the NBC network. Created by the head writer James E. Reilly, she was born on October 21, 1993, as the only child of supercouple John Black and Marlena Evans. She is also one-half of the supercouple Shawn Brady and Belle Black. Initially portrayed by several child actors between 1993 and 1999, Belle was rapidly aged to a teenager when Kirsten Storms took over the role from 1999 to 2004. Charity Rahmer briefly portrayed Belle for a month before being replaced by Martha Madison, who played the character from August 2004 to March 2008, when Belle departed the show. Madison returned as Belle for the soap's 50th Anniversary Celebrations in 2015 but departed the following year. Belle then appeared for various stints of different lengths before rejoining the regular cast again in 2020. She departed again in 2023. Madison returned to the role when Belle returned to Salem in November 2024.

Casting

Initially portrayed by several child actors between 1993 and 1999, Belle was rapidly aged to a teenager when Kirsten Storms 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. Belle returned on November 25 of that year. In March 2016, it was revealed that Madison was among four actors who have 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, with her return airing on June 8, 2020. In August 2023, Madison announced she would again exit the role; she exited on November 9.

In April 2024, it was announced Madison would return to the role. Madison's return as Belle premiered on November 8 of the same year.

Storylines

Belle is the daughter of John Black (Drake Hogestyn) and Dr. Marlena Evans (Deidre Hall). Originally, she is believed to be the daughter of Marlena and her husband, Roman Brady (Wayne Northrop). Belle, however, is the product of an affair between Marlena and John. Roman and Marlena's daughter, Sami Brady (Alison Sweeney), becomes aware of the affair, and purposely changes the paternity test. After Belle is born, Sami kidnaps her and tries to sell her on the black market. John thwarts her, and rescues Belle. At Belle's christening, Marlena and John's affair is revealed, and Stefano DiMera (Joseph Mascolo) 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 (Jay Kenneth Johnson) but soon falls in love with Shawn-Douglas Brady (Jason Cook). Best friends with Mimi Lockhart (Farah Fath), Belle's peers are shocked to see her burgeoning friendship with "Ghoul Girl" Chloe Lane (Nadia Bjorlin). 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 (Heather Lauren Olsen), confides to Shawn that she had been raped by the father of recent arrivals to Salem, siblings Nicole (Arianne Zucker) and Brandon Walker (Matt Cedeño), 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 and Cassie Brady (Alexis Thorpe), who as it turns out were the children of Roman and Kate Roberts (Lauren Koslow).

Deciding not to move to New York City, 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 (Justin Melvey) 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. 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 (Frances Reid), 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.

Reception

Charlie Mason from Soaps She Knows put Rahmer's portrayal of Belle on his list of the worst soap opera recasts, saying that she could not replace Storms as she had "become so well-loved by fans of the NBC soap that she seemed irreplaceable". Mason also commented that Madison "made the role her own" when she stepped into the role.

References

  1. "Kirsten Storms - Bio - General Hospital - Soap Opera Digest and Weekly". Soapoperadigest.com. Retrieved 2010-05-31.
  2. "Martha Madison Bio – Belle – Days of Our Lives – Photos". Soapoperadigest.com. 2007-08-25. Archived from the original on 29 June 2010. Retrieved 2010-05-31.
  3. SOD (June 25, 2015). "MARTHA MADISON BACK TO DAYS". Soap Opera Digest. United States. American Media, Inc. Archived from the original on June 26, 2015. Retrieved June 25, 2015.
  4. Fairman, Michael (June 25, 2015). "Martha Madison Returning To Days of Our Lives!". Michael Fairman On-Air On-Soaps. United States. Archived from the original on June 26, 2015. Retrieved June 25, 2015.
  5. "Five Things That Happened On November 25 In Soap History". Soap Opera Digest. 25 November 2023. p. 4. Retrieved 28 November 2023.
  6. Giddens, Jamey (March 21, 2016). "Days of Our Lives BLOODBATH: Brandon Beemer, Martha Madison, Marie Wilson and Sal Stowers All OUT!". Daytime Confidential. Confidential Media (SAY Media). Retrieved March 21, 2016.
  7. SOD (March 21, 2016). "BLOODBATH AT DAYS!". Soap Opera Digest. United States. American Media, Inc. Retrieved March 22, 2016.
  8. "Brandon Beemer, Martha Madison, Marie Wilson, Sal Stowers out at Days". Soaps.com. United States: SheKnows Media. March 22, 2016. Retrieved March 22, 2016.
  9. Cushman, Dustin (September 7, 2016). "Days' Martha Madison was rehired to play the character, soon after being let go several months ago". Soaps.com. United States: SheKnows Media. Archived from the original on September 11, 2016. Retrieved September 7, 2016.
  10. Ken Corday, Albert Alarr and Greg Meng (Executive producers); Dena Higley and Ryan Quan (Head writers); Grant A. Johnson (Director); Carolyn Culliton (Script writer) (January 24, 2017). Days of Our Lives. Season 52. Episode 13009. NBC.
  11. Ken Corday, Albert Alarr and Greg Meng (Executive producers); Dena Higley and Ryan Quan (Head writers); Grant A. Johnson (Director); Edwin Klein (Script writer) (February 20, 2017). Days of Our Lives. Season 52. Episode 13028. NBC.
  12. Soaps SheKnows (July 19, 2017). "Martha Madison, Brandon Beemer set to return to Days for the holidays". Soaps.com. United States: SheKnows Media. Retrieved July 19, 2017.
  13. Ken Corday, Albert Alarr and Greg Meng (Executive producers); Ron Carlivati (Head writer); Grant A. Johnson (Director); Cydney Kelley (Script writer) (December 4, 2017). Days of Our Lives. Season 53. Episode 13227. NBC.
  14. Ken Corday, Albert Alarr and Greg Meng (Executive producers); Ron Carlivati (Head writer); Steven Williford (Director); Joanna Cohen (Script writer) (March 27, 2018). Days of Our Lives. Season 53. Episode 13287. NBC.
  15. Ken Corday, Albert Alarr and Greg Meng (Executive producers); Ron Carlivati (Head writer); David Shaughnessy (Director); Rebecca McCarty (Script writer) (August 21, 2018). Days of Our Lives. Season 53. Episode 13409. NBC.
  16. Ken Corday, Albert Alarr and Greg Meng (Executive producers); Ron Carlivati (Head writer); Albert Alarr (Director); Carolyn Culliton (Script writer) (November 8, 2018). Days of Our Lives. Season 54. Episode 13465. NBC.
  17. Ken Corday, Albert Alarr and Greg Meng (Executive producers); Ron Carlivati (Head writer); Steven Williford (Director); Rebecca McCarty (Script writer) (March 18, 2019). Days of Our Lives. Season 54. Episode 13554. NBC.
  18. Ken Corday, Albert Alarr and Greg Meng (Executive producers); Ron Carlivati (Head writer); Steven Williford (Director); Rebecca McCarty (Script writer) (July 9, 2019). Days of Our Lives. Season 54. Episode 13632. NBC.
  19. Stone, Natalie (November 20, 2019). "Days of Our Lives is Bringing Back Nine Beloved Characters in New Digital Series: Watch the Teaser!". People. United States: Time Inc. Retrieved November 21, 2019.
  20. Young, Candace (20 May 2020). "Martha Madison's Summer Return to Days of our Lives As Belle Black". Soaps She Knows. Retrieved 15 July 2023.
  21. Maloney, Michael (August 16, 2023). "Martha Madison Reveals 'Lightbulb Moment' That Led to Her Leaving Days of Our Lives". TV Insider. United States. Retrieved August 16, 2023.
  22. Fairman, Michael (April 11, 2024). "Matthew Ashford, Martha Madison, Victoria Konefal and Maree Cheatham Make Returns to Days of Our Lives". Michael Fairman TV. United States: The Michael Fairman Company. Retrieved April 22, 2024.
  23. ^ "Character Bio - Belle Black". Soapscafe.com. 2006-03-09. Archived from the original on 2011-07-16. Retrieved 2010-05-31.
  24. ^ Mason, Charlie (July 4, 2023). "15 Soap Opera Recasts That Never Should've Happened [PHOTOS]". Soaps She Knows. SHE Media. Retrieved April 9, 2024.

See also

Days of Our Lives
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characters
Notable past
characters
Related information
Days of Our Lives characters
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Past characters
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