Laura Horton is a fictional character from the NBC soap opera, Days of Our Lives, a long-running serial drama about working class life in the fictional, United States town of Salem. Created by writer Peggy Phillips, the role was originated by actress Floy Dean on June 30, 1966 till October 21, 1966. Susan Flannery stepped into the role from November 22, 1966 to May 27, 1975. Susan Oliver briefly stepped into the role from October 10, 1975, to June 9, 1976, followed by Rosemary Forsyth from August 24, 1976, to March 25, 1980. Jaime Lyn Bauer assumed the role on November 12, 1993, and remained until July 7, 1999. Laura briefly returned to Salem in 2003 for her daughter, Jennifer Horton's, wedding to Jack Deveraux. Laura's storylines focus on family troubles. She is a member of the series' Horton family. Laura's marriage to Mickey Horton was a big part of the characters' history. She was also married to another Horton, Bill. Many of Laura's storylines have also revolved around her mental health issues. Bauer's last episode aired on July 7, 1999, but she returned on May 26 to 27, 2003; and again from June 15 to 28, 2010; and April 10 and 11, 2013; and in February 2021 for several episodes. In March 2016, it was revealed that Bauer would be returning to the show for at least three episodes airing in September. Bauer returned on September 2. She also returned on May 30, 2018, for one episode. In February 2021, Baur returned to the role for a limited-guest run. The same month, Cady McClain briefly portrayed the role in newly-created flashbacks. Bauer exited on February 10, after the character was killed off.