Farah Fath plays Mimi Lockhart on 'Days of Our Lives'.

When Farah Fath began playing Mimi Lockhart on Days of Our Lives, she was only 15 years old. Now, seven years later, Farah has grown up on the set of Days and into an adult in front of her fans' eyes.

For Farah, winning the part of Mimi was pretty overwhelming. "I had been watching the show since I was a little girl," Farah says. "I mean, I was just this little girl from Kentucky with a big dream. I was really lucky. I went in there, and I couldn't act. But I got the part. I firmly believe that if you're destined to have a part, you're destined to get that part."

Modesty aside, producers must have seen something in Farah, because they have kept her on the show and in the front-burner, teen-angst story lines since she began. As Farah puts it: "As I've grown up, my character has grown up. I think about those early days, and I was so wide-eyed. I try to keep Mimi exciting and fun to watch."

Roller-coaster love life

Also fun to watch, but probably not too much fun for Mimi, is her roller-coaster love life with various Brady men. First, there was Rex, whom she lied to about her abortion. Then there was Shawn, whom she lied to about the parentage of Claire. Now, there's Max. So far, so good. However, will Mimi find a way to sabotage her happiness in this relationship, too? For now, Mimi and Max are having fun, but who knows where it might lead?

"Mimi has always been attracted to the Brady family," Farah explains. "Growing up in Salem, the Bradys were always up on a pedestal, with their deep history and popularity. But that's not the main thing that draws Mimi to them. First and foremost, the Bradys are good people."

One of the good things about working on a family-oriented soap is the great friends that you make. "Jason (Cook, ex-Shawn Brady) and Kyle (Brandt, ex-Philip Kiriakis) are my best friends. Jason and I had been really good friends for six years, and then we found out they were going to pair up Mimi with Shawn, and we were so excited. We had always wanted to explore a Mimi/Shawn relationship. We had fun, even though it didn't last too long. I liked the idea of turning a great friendship into a marriage; it's more realistic. Many people watching could relate to that"

Unexplored realms

And now, as many of Farah's best friends have left the show to pursue other acting opportunities, Farah is hearing the call of 'unexplored realms' as well. Farah confirmed that when her contract is up in February 2007, she will be leaving Salem.

"I want to go through pilot season. I've never done that before. Not as many new shows are being produced, and it's harder to get the job, but it's something I really want to do and am fortunate enough to be in a position where I can give it a try."

So, what will happen to Mimi when Farah leaves? "They are going to write Mimi off for a while and then bring her back. Whether it's me or not, it all depends." And while her fans wish her luck in all her acting pursuits, there will always be a little part in them that hopes to see Farah's smiling face in Salem again one day.