The official “Days of Our Lives” Instagram account recently took longtime viewers on a trip down memory lane with a Flashback Friday post featuring one of Salem’s most memorable couples. The soap shared a photo from Tony and Anna DiMera’s 1985 wedding, and it didn’t take long for fans to start reminiscing about the characters, the fashion and what some consider the “good old days” of the long-running soap. Some even argued that the storylines were simply better back then. Read on to see how soap fans reacted to the nostalgic throwback.
‘Days of Our Lives’ Looks Back at Tony and Anna’s 1985 Wedding
Longtime “Days of Our Lives” fans know that Tony and Anna’s 1985 ceremony wasn’t the couple’s only trip down the aisle.
The iconic pair has experienced the type of on-again, off-again romance that has become a staple of daytime television, with their relationship surviving plenty of drama over the decades.
Tony and Anna most recently tied the knot again in 2020, and surprisingly, the marriage has stuck. Six years later, the couple remains together, marking an unusually long stretch of marital stability for the pair.
For soap fans who watched the 1985 storyline unfold, the throwback brought back plenty of specific memories.
One longtime fan recalled that the ceremony was actually a surprise Tony planned for Anna at the penthouse, with Calliope Jones even making Anna’s wedding dress.
“It was a surprise wedding. Tony surprised Anna in the penthouse with a wedding. Calliope made Anna’s dress. Really lovely storyline,” the viewer remembered.
Longtime Fans Get Nostalgic for the ‘Good Old Days’
The wedding photo immediately transported many longtime viewers back to an earlier era of Salem.
“Best damn soap ever!” one fan declared.
Another remembered just how dedicated they were to keeping up with “Days of Our Lives” at the time, writing, “I taped this and then rushed home to watch it!”
For some viewers, seeing Tony and Anna as they appeared more than four decades ago was a reminder of just how much time has passed.
“Good God! Talk about a blast from the past! They were BOTH so young! And Tony’s hair is all dark!” one fan commented.
Another viewer couldn’t resist an appropriate play on the soap’s name, writing, “OMG!!! Those were the DAYS.”
Others remembered exactly where the storyline fell in their own history with the soap.
“I remember it well! The year I started watching!” one fan shared.
Some viewers also used the throwback as an opportunity to praise the storytelling from that era.
“When the stories were actually good and well written!” one fan commented.
Another longtime viewer reflected on just how long “Days of Our Lives” has been part of their life, writing, “Thank you for posting. Have been a lifetime fan of Days.”
One fan reminisced about Tony and Anna falling in love while also admitting the throwback made them miss other familiar Salem faces, including Calliope and Eugene Bradford, before declaring those years “the good old Days.”
Of course, no 1980s wedding throwback would be complete without a little debate over the fashion.
One viewer thought Anna looked beautiful but wasn’t nearly as complimentary about her bridal attire, writing, “She was absolutely gorgeous and the dress was so ugly. Even for the ’80s.”
Another fan had the opposite reaction to the era’s bridal fashion, commenting, “I love that the wedding dresses were unique in the ’80s.”
While opinions on the dress may have differed, fans largely agreed about the couple wearing it.
“The best days. Yes, she is gorgeous and he so handsome!” one viewer wrote.
Another fan agreed, remembering, “They had great stories and it never hurt that they were absolutely beautiful, both of them. What a gorgeous couple. And you know they still look darn good.”
Fans Want More Tony and Anna in Salem Today
Looking back at Tony and Anna’s history also left some viewers wishing the longtime couple had a bigger presence on “Days of Our Lives” today.
“We need to see more of them. Especially with all the stuff EJ has been doing!!!” one fan commented.
Another agreed, writing, “Love them. Wish they were on more.”
Others kept their requests simple, with one viewer declaring, “Loved Tony and Anna.”
The decades-old wedding photo ultimately served as more than just a reminder of one memorable Salem romance. For longtime viewers, it brought back memories of favorite storylines, beloved characters and an era of “Days of Our Lives” many still remember fondly.
After decades of breakups, reunions and multiple trips down the aisle, Tony and Anna appear to have finally found some lasting stability. However, judging by the reaction to their 1985 wedding throwback, plenty of longtime viewers still have a soft spot for classic Salem and some clearly believe those really were the “good old Days.”
