Why Days Of Our Lives' Dr. Rolf Is Getting A Brand-New Face

"Days of Our Lives" has had many great villains over the years, but one of the most interesting has to be Dr. Wilhelm Rolf. The character was first introduced in Salem back in 1997 with actor William Utay in the role (via Soaps). 

Rolf was revealed as the right-hand man of the soap opera's most devious villain, Stefano DiMera (Joseph Mascolo). Over the years, Rolf proved to be essential to many of Stefano's plans as he carried out wild demands such as making Hattie Adams look exactly like Marlena Evans (Deidre Hall), genetically engineering the Gemini Twins, Rex and Cassie Brady, and brainwashing Hope Brady (Kristian Alfonso) and John Black (Drake Hogestyn), per Soap Central.

The doctor also helped Stefano, aka "The Phoenix," come back from the dead multiple times, and, when Stefano died for real, he found a way to allow him to live on. Rolf downloaded Stefano's essence onto a microchip that he implanted in Steve Johnson's brain (via Soaps in Depth). This programmed Steve to talk, act, and think like Stefano. However, that plan was eventually discovered, and the microchip was removed, sending Rolf to jail for his devilish deeds.

In recent years, "Days of Our Lives" fans have come to know Dr. Rolf as the man who can bring people back to life. The evil genius created a serum that if administered in enough time can resurrect someone who has passed away. Rolf's concoction has proven to work time and time again as he has saved many different characters such as Will Horton (Chandler Massey), Jack Deveraux (Matthew Ashford), and EJ DiMera (Dan Feuerriegel), per Nine.

Although Dr. Wilhelm Rolf has been off the canvas in Salem for some time, Stefano's trusted doctor will be returning soon. But, this time, Rolf will look a bit different.

According to Soaps, Rolf's return to "Days of Our Lives" may come with a big surprise, as the character is known for being a part of some of the most shocking plot twists in the show's history. However, Rolf will have a new face when viewers see him next. The role has been recast with actor Richard Wharton. Fans of daytime television may remember Wharton from his small roles on "The Young and the Restless." 

Wharton will step into the shoes of Rolf, and Soap Dirt suggests that Rolf may be back in the mix to help resurrect the newly murdered Abigail Deveraux DiMera (Marci Miller). However, Rolf could possibly offer knowledge about how to find Abigail's killer as well. 

It will be interesting to see what the new-look Rolf has in store for Salem — and if his appearance will bring new light to Abby's murder mystery.