Kristian Alfonso is an American actress, model, and former figure skater best known for her long-running role as Hope Williams Brady on the beloved NBC soap opera Days of Our Lives.
With a career spanning decades, Alfonso became one of the most recognizable and respected actresses in daytime television. Beyond acting, she also found success as a fashion entrepreneur and inspirational figure for women across generations.
Early Life and Background
Kristian-Joy Alfonso was born on September 5, 1963, in Brockton, Massachusetts. Of Italian-American descent, she grew up in a close-knit family and was an accomplished athlete from an early age.
Alfonso had Olympic ambitions and began competing in figure skating at a young age. By the time she was 13, she had already won a gold medal at the Junior Olympic Figure Skating Championships.
Tragically, her dreams of Olympic glory came to an end after a devastating tobogganing accident, which ended her skating career. Though heartbreaking, this turn of events would ultimately steer her into the world of modeling and acting.
Modeling Career and Transition to Acting
Following her accident, Kristian shifted her focus to modeling. By the age of 15, she had signed with the Ford Modeling Agency and quickly gained recognition.
Her stunning beauty and graceful presence led to over 30 magazine covers, including Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar, before she was even 18 years old.
Her modeling success opened the door to acting, and in 1981, she made her television debut opposite Rock Hudson in the TV movie The Starmaker. That same year, she auditioned for a role that would define her career—Hope Williams on Days of Our Lives.
Days of Our Lives and Soap Opera Stardom
Kristian Alfonso joined Days of Our Lives in 1983, quickly becoming one of the show’s most popular stars.
Her character, Hope Williams, became half of one of soap opera’s most iconic couples, “Bo and Hope,” alongside actor Peter Reckell. Their chemistry captivated viewers, making them a fan-favorite supercouple and a central part of the show’s storylines for decades.
Over the years, Alfonso’s portrayal of Hope evolved from a rebellious young woman to a strong, complex heroine. She played multiple versions of her character—including her evil alter ego Gina—and delivered emotional performances that earned her critical acclaim and fan devotion.
Although she left the show briefly in the late 1980s and again in the early 2000s, Kristian returned multiple times and remained a core cast member until her departure in 2020. Her decision to leave after 37 years marked the end of an era for the series.
Other Acting Roles and Appearances
In addition to her work on Days of Our Lives, Alfonso appeared in a variety of other television series and films. Her credits include roles in Falcon Crest, Full House, Baywatch, Melrose Place, and Murder, She Wrote.
She also starred in several Hallmark Channel movies and guest-starred on crime dramas such as MacGyver and Who’s the Boss?.
Entrepreneurial Pursuits
In the early 2000s, Kristian Alfonso launched her own jewelry line called Hope Faith Miracles, reflecting her personal values and passion for design.
The line became a success, offering inspirational and elegant pieces that were both stylish and meaningful. Her entrepreneurial spirit demonstrated that her creativity extended far beyond the screen.
Personal Life
Kristian Alfonso married Simon Macauley in 1987, with whom she had a son before divorcing in 1991. In 2001, she married Danny Daggenhurst, a businessman, and together they have raised a blended family. Alfonso is known for her devotion to her family, often crediting them as her greatest source of strength and inspiration.
