Photos Surface Showing Unrecognizable Iconic 90s TV Villain, Fans Defend Her

A beloved soap opera villainess was spotted out and about in Los Angeles this week, sending daytime TV fans into a flurry of excitement.

At 84, the iconic actress, best known for her unforgettable portrayal of the scheming, silk-clad Vivian Alamain on "Days of Our Lives," made a rare public appearance, flashing her signature sly smile in a cozy cardigan and black leggings.

Though she kept things casual, longtime viewers instantly recognized the woman who once buried rivals alive and delighted in every outrageous twist Salem could throw her way. Her portrayal of Vivian became one of "Days'" most devious and delicious performances, earning her a devoted fanbase and five Soap Opera Digest Awards.

Of course, soap aficionados had no trouble identifying her as Louise Sorel.

The photos were shared by Daily Mail, but after seeing the iconic actress, many of her fans came to her defense.

"Ohhh we will NOT talk trash about theee Louise Sorel!" one user wrote on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter.

"She looks FABULOUS!!" another fan said.

Though she’s kept a low profile in recent years, her rare public outing served as a reminder of the enduring impact she’s had on generations of viewers.

Born Louise Jacqueline Cohen in Los Angeles, Sorel’s Hollywood story was practically preordained.

With a film producer father and a concert pianist mother, she grew up immersed in the arts. She launched her stage career at just 15, later training at New York’s famed Neighborhood Playhouse before studying abroad at the Institut Français.

Her theater résumé includes Broadway productions like "Take Her," "She’s Mine and Man" and "Boy," along with acclaimed roles in "The Lion in Winter" and "The Sign in Sidney Brustein’s Window." On screen, she made her film debut in "The Party’s Over" and later appeared in fan favorites like "Plaza Suite," "Crimes of Passion," and "Airplane II: The Sequel."

But it was television where Sorel truly thrived.

With more than 50 primetime credits, she popped up in classics like "Star Trek," "Bonanza," "Charlie’s Angels," "The Incredible Hulk," "Knots Landing," and even "Sabrina the Teenage Witch."

She also held a principal role on "The Don Rickles Show," displaying a range that spanned both comedy and drama.

Before stepping into the shoes of Vivian Alamain, Sorel made waves as Augusta Wainwright on "Santa Barbara" and portrayed D.A. Judith Russell Sanders on "One Life to Live." She also briefly appeared as the eccentric Donatella Stewart on "Port Charles" and as Judge Kay Campobello on "All My Children."

In 2014, she joined the cast of the soap web series "Beacon Hill."

As one of daytime television’s most iconic villainesses, Louise Sorel has delivered countless unforgettable moments as Vivian Alamain on "Days of Our Lives." But when it comes to her personal favorites, it’s the comedic chaos that stands out the most, especially those shared with her longtime on-screen sidekick, Ivan G’Vera.

“I tend to want to do comedy,” Sorel admitted to Soap Opera Digest, reflecting on her time with G’Vera. “So I really enjoyed all that. I think it was Reilly who wrote something where Vivian flew out of a plane and landed in a tree with Ivan hanging onto her ankle or something. I don’t know what it had to do with the storyline, but I just loved that stuff!”

Though her most recent return to "Days" in 2024 may have leaned more dramatic than absurd, Sorel says the experience was still deeply fulfilling, and not just because of the material.

“I have to say, it’s the sweetest group in terms of makeup, actors, everybody, there,” she said. “They work so hard, and they’re all so responsible. That to me is the most important thing, because I grew up in the theater and that’s what you do, you are ready and prepared. Everyone is very professional, and it’s a very warm atmosphere, which is lovely to come back to.”

Whether on the stage, the big screen, or stirring up drama in Salem, Louise Sorel remains one of daytime television’s most dynamic forces, and fans are always ready for her next scene.