A huge change is coming to an NBC favorite. It’s been a staple of the network’s daytime lineup for decades. Days Of Our Lives has laid off two of its most enduring characters. Dr. Marlena Evans and John Black, otherwise known as actors Deirdre Hall and Drake Hogestyn will leave the show early next year, according to the New York Post. Their layoffs are part of budget cuts ordered to keep the show on the air in the face of declining ratings. Hall has been part of the cast since 1976. Hogestyn joined the show in 1984.