Before Kate Mansi and Marci Miller alternately began playing Abigail Deveraux, daughter of popular pair Jennifer Horton and Jack Deveraux, Ashley Benson played the role. Abigail’s life wasn’t quite as dramatic when Benson brought her to life between 2004 and 2007. Yes, like so many soap opera teens, Benson’s Abigail fell for a man she couldn’t have when she developed feelings for Max Brady (Darin Brooks), but when he rejected her, she left town with her parents to travel Europe and wasn’t seen again until 2011 when Mansi stepped into the character’s young adult shoes.
Since Benson left “Days of Our Lives” and Abigail behind, the character has led quite a life. She’s remained madly in love with Chad DiMera (first played by Casey Deidrick, now Billy Flynn) since 2011, but has had quite a few problems in between.
She was nearly burned in a bed by her serial killer fiancé, Ben Weston (Robert Scott Wilson), just after giving birth to Chad’s baby. Abby later tried to burn Ben in a bed and was placed in a mental institution when played by Mansi. When played by Miller, Abby developed split personalities, but then Mansi returned to the role so Abby could re-marry Chad. Miller is back playing Abby again as of this writing, but rumor has it she will be off the show by summer, leaving the door open for Benson to return if she ever decides to make a daytime comeback.
