Arianne Bethene Zucker[2][1] (born June 3, 1974[3]) is an American actress and model. She is known for playing Nicole Walker on the NBC daytime soap opera Days of Our Lives since 1998.
Early life
Zucker was born in Northridge, California, and raised in Chatsworth.[2] Zucker's father is Christian, whereas her mother is Jewish.[4][5] Her mother, Barbara, is a lab technologist and her father, Barry, is a plumber.[2] She has an older brother, Todd.
Career
Arianne Zucker in 2008
Zucker began modeling at the age of sixteen when she was discovered by a scout from It Models. Starting in Los Angeles, her career took her to locations around the world, including France, Japan, Australia and New York. She attended Chatsworth High School, graduating in 1992. While there, she was a cheerleader during her sophomore and junior years. She later described her cheerleading experience:[6]
I was on junior varsity in 10th and 11th grade, and then I decided it wasn't for me. I was so tall and I wasn't one of "those girls". I made the team, but I didn't feel quite comfortable.
She appeared in several TV commercials, including national spots for Mazda and McDonald's. Settling in Los Angeles, she began studies as an actress at Los Angeles Pierce College. She was involved in several workshops that included her performances in Beth Henley's Crimes of the Heart and Neil Simon's The Last of the Red Hot Lovers.
She continued her studies at the Howard Fine Studio, where she has been a student for many years. In February 1998, she auditioned for and won the role of Nicole Walker on Days of Our Lives.[7] In March 2017, Zucker announced she would be leaving Days of Our Lives.[8] Zucker made a brief appearance on the show in 2018, and then returned again in 2019.[9]
In a February 2024 wrongful termination lawsuit filing, accusing producers/production of retaliating against her for a sexual harassment complaint she made against co-executive producer/director Albert Alarr (who was fired in August 2023 following an internal investigation), it was announced Zucker's deal with the soap was not renewed.[10][11][12]
Personal life
In 2002, Zucker married actor Kyle Lowder, who co-starred with her on Days of Our Lives as Brady Black. After five years of marriage, they separated briefly in August 2007, then reconciled in March 2008.[13] They have one child.[14][15] In March 2014, Zucker and Lowder confirmed they were divorced.[16] In 2014, Zucker began a relationship with former co-star and love interest on Days, Shawn Christian. The two became engaged in June 2021[17] and were married on August 17, 2024.[18]
In October 2016, Zucker made headlines because she appeared in the Donald Trump Access Hollywood tape. Zucker responded to the controversy by issuing a statement, "It's not about me".[19]
