We Love Soaps

1970: A World Apart and The Best of Everything premiered on ABC.
Another World spinoff Somerset premiered on NBC.
Dark Shadows' Maggie found a mysterious note.

"All true histories contain instruction; though, in some, the treasure may be hard to find, and when found, so trivial in quantity that the dry, shrivelled kernel scarcely compensates for the trouble of cracking the nut."
― Anne Brontë in "Agnes Grey"

"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.

On this date in...

1970: Daytime soap opera A World Apart premiered on ABC. The show was created by Katherine L. Phillips, Irna Phillips' daughter, and combined Irna's own life story with examples of the generation gap. Susan Sarandon and Matthew Cowles were siblings Patrice and Chris Kahlman, adopted children of soap opera writer Better Kahlman (played by Elizabeth Lawrence and later Augusta Dabney) who had never married. A well-written family drama in the World Turns vein, it also featured Susan Sullivan, James Noble, Kathleen Maguire, Stephen Elliott, Tom Ligon and William Price. Set in Chicago, and taped in New York, its directors included Tom Donovan and Walter Gorman. Donovan also produced. It was cancelled June 25, 1971.

1970: Daytime soap opera The Best of Everything premiered on ABC. James Lipton adapted it from the Rona Jaffe novel about the woes of working girls in New York, set mainly at Key Publishing Company. The main characters were Linda Warren (Patty McCormack), April Morrison (Julie Mannix), Kim Jordan (Katherine Glass) and Barbara Lamont (Rochelle Oliver). They were tormented by their ruthless editor, Amanda Key (Gale Sondergaard), and counseled by the warm and loving Violet Jordan (Geraldine Fitzgerald). The series lasted less than six months, with the finale airing on September 25, 1970.

1970: On Another World, Russ Matthews was upset when the expensive crib his wife, Rachel (Robin Strasser), ordered arrived. She tried to gain sympathy with tears but it didn't work.

1970:Another World: Somerset premiered on NBC. This spin-off featured Another World regulars Jordan Charney (as attorney Sam Lucas), Ann Wedgeworth (Lahoma Lucas) and Carol Roux (Melissa Matthews) whose characters relocated to Somerset, fifty miles away from Bay City. Robert Cenedella was head writer of the two shows at the same time, but in 1971 the new show became simply Somerset and the characters ceased to intervisit between shows. Produced by Lyle B. Hill, its cast over the years included Paul Sparer, Georgann Johnson, Edward Kemmer, Joel Crothers, Gloria Hoye, Michael Lipton and Jobeth Williams. After numerous cast reshufflings, writer changes and drastic storyline upheavals, this account of small-town tragedies ended on December 31, 1976.

1970: On Dark Shadows, Maggie (Kathryn Leigh Scott) noticed that someone has slipped a piece of paper underneath the door at Collinwood, which read, "You are not wanted here, now or never." The letter is signed by Angelique.

1981: President Ronald Reagan was shot as he left the Washington Hilton Hotel after speaking at the AFL-CIO Building Trades Conference. East Coast soap fans remember this happened during As the World Turns, One Life to Live and Another World.

1984: On General Hospital, Holly Sutton (Emma Samms) attended the Avalon spa opening. Meanwhile, Blackie Parrish (John Stamos) sat in a jail cell after being arrested for stealing a song.

1987:Another World debuted the "Another World (You Take Me Away To)" song in the opening and end credits. Crystal Gayle and Gary Morris sang the song on the previous Friday's episode, after she survived the Sin Stalker. The clip below features the opening and closing from the July 21, 1987.

1992: On All My Children, Derek Frye (William Christian) and Mimi Reed (Shari Headley) reviewed the possible suspects in the murder of Will Cortlandt case.

1997: British soap opera Family Affairs premiered.

2001: On As the World Turns, Carly Tenney (Maura West) had it out with Julia Lindsey (Annie Parisse) at the mental hospital.

2001: On Guiding Light, Edmund Winslow (David Andrew Macdonald) declared himself the leader of San Cristobel after revealing that election fraud was happening.

2004: On All My Children, Bianca Montgomery (Eden Riegel), heartbroken over Miranda's "death", lashed out at Erica over her previous comments over Bianca's pregnancy.

Thanks to Enrique for sending in the item above.

2006: Legendary General Hospital producer Gloria Monty died at age 84. Before taking over GH, Monty was a director for Bright Promise, The Secret Storm and The First Hundred Years. Read more about Monty here, here and here.

Celebrating a birthday today are:
Justin Deas (ex-Scott, Steamboat; ex-Buzz, Guiding Light; ex-Keith, Santa Barbara; ex-Tom, As the World Turns; ex-Bucky, Ryan's Hope; ex-Marco, One Life to Live) - 70
Albert Alarr (Producer, Days of our Lives) - 62
Michael Lehmann (Director, True Blood) - 61
Ian Ziering (ex-Erich, The Doctors; ex-Cam, Guiding Light; ex-Steve, Beverly Hills, 90210) - 54
Juliet Landau (ex-Drusilla, Buffy the Vampire Slayer; ex-Drusilla, Angel) - 53
Gerald McCullouch (ex-Geoffrey, Hustling; ex-Dan, Beverly Hills, 90210) - 51
Céline Dion (Herself, All My Children) - 50
Mark Consuelos (ex-Mateo, All My Children) - 47
Jason Dohring (ex-Mr. Carpenter, Ringer) - 36
Helena Mattsson (ex-Cassandra, Nikita, ex-Irina, Desperate Housewives) - 34
Quincy Morris (Creator, In Between Men)
Cassie Scerbo (ex-Lauren, Make It or Break It) - 28

EDITOR'S NOTE: If you would like to submit a soap history entry for this date or a future date, email editor@welovesoaps.com.

1963: The Doctors premiered on NBC, while General Hospital
made its debut on ABC.

"All true histories contain instruction; though, in some, the treasure may be hard to find, and when found, so trivial in quantity that the dry, shrivelled kernel scarcely compensates for the trouble of cracking the nut."
― Anne Brontë in "Agnes Grey"

"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.

On this date in...

1963: NBC premiered a new daytime drama, The Doctors, created by the Orin Tovrov. The Doctors did not start as a serial; it began as a "half-hour anthology series of medical dramas, set in the large metropolitan Hope Memorial Hospital, and with the four principals alternating daily in the lead role, according to NBC's original announcement. The roles were Dr. William Scott (played by Jock Gaynor), Dr. Jerry Chandler (portrayed by Richard Roat), Dr. Elizabeth Hayes (played by Margot Moser) and Rev. Samuel Shafer, a hospital chaplain (played by Fred J. Scollay).

Later in the first season, Herb Kenwith and Paul Lammers became the directors. After nine months, The Doctors shifted to a continuing story line, and by 1965, James Pritchett was portraying Dr. Matt Powers, chief of staff at Hope Hospital, and Elizabeth Hubbard was playing Dr. Althea Davis, chief of the Outpatient Clinic. Pritchett did a single performance during The Doctors' one-story-a-week phase, on June 20, 1963. "I played a corporation president running away and having a broken back that brought me to the hospital." He returned to The Doctors on July 9, 1963 as Dr. Matt Powers when the serial was still was still a one-story-a-week show.

The Doctors would remain on the air until December 31, 1982. Repeats from 1971 are currently airing on Retro TV.

1963:General Hospital, created by Frank and Doris Hursley, premiered on ABC. Read a flashback article recapping the first 12 years of stories here. Original cast members John Beradino (Dr. Steve Hardy) and Emily McLaughlin (Nurse Jessie Brewer) remained with the show for decades. GH was scheduled in the 1 p.m. ET timeslot which was a half hour that CBS gave to local affiliates (a break between The Guiding Light and top-rated As the World Turns).

In the very first episode, Angie Costello was distraught about the damage to her face from the accident; Peggy was frustrated when hospital business ruined a night out on the town with her fiancé, Steve Hardy (Beradino); and the tension continued to grow in Jessie (McLaughlin) and Phil’s marriage.

1963:Ben Jerrod, Attorney at Law premiered on NBC and was the first serial to be aired regularly in color. According to The Soap Box's John Genovese, "Its historical significance ends there, because it was yanked the following June 28. A Roy Winsor Production, it starred Michael M. Ryan (now John Randolph on Another World) in the title role of an attorney whose lover jilted him, causing him to take a long look at his life and shed his high-paying position to become a small-town lawyer in a community called Indian Hill. Addison Richards co-starred as his superior, John P. Abbott. Written by William Kendall Clarke, it had great possibilities but fell prey to mismanagement on the West Coast."

1971: Michael Zaslow debuted as Roger Thorpe in The Guiding Light.

1971: On Love of Life, Bruce Sterling dreamed Vanessa was about to remarry Matt Corby.

1976: On Another World, Rachel (Victoria Wyndham) told Iris (Beverlee McKinsey) no one intended to tell Mac the real reason she married Robert.

1977: On Ryan's Hope, Delia (Ilene Kristen) miscarried Patrick's (Malcolm Groome's) child and concealed it from him. Delia contacted the clinic at Riverside Hospital and spoke with Alicia Nieves (Ana Alicia). The two women became friends and Alicia was unwillingly drawn into Dee's deception.

Thanks to Scott for sending in the item above.

1980: On Guiding Light, Roger Thorpe (Michael Zaslow) fell to his death in Santo Domingo, slipping from the hands of his mortal enemy, Dr. Ed Bauer (Mart Hulswit). Guiding Light shot the scenes on location in Santo Domingo along with P&G sister soap, As the World Turns, which taped newly created flashbacks of Barbara and James.

1985: On Santa Barbara, while investigating the murder of Channing Capwell Jr., Detective Cruz Castillo (A Martinez) discovered that Channing's secret lover "Lindsay Smith," had actually been a man and not a woman, as presumed. And after Lindsay (Joel Bailey) explained his past affair with Channing, Cruz correctly surmised that there was far more to the story than the man was admitting.

Thanks to FoxCrane for sending in the item above.

1988: On Santa Barbara, Eden Capwell (Marcy Walker) married Cruz Castillo (A Martinez).

1993:General Hospital debuted its "Faces of the Heart" theme and opening.

2009: CBS canceledGuiding Light. The show, which premiered on radio on January 25, 1937, would air its final episode on September 18, 2009.

2010: Actor John Forsythe, who played Blake Carrington in Dynasty, died at age 92.

Celebrating a birthday today are:
Jane Powell (ex-Rebecca, Loving; ex-Lisa, As the World Turns) - 89
Don Hastings (ex-Bob, As the World Turns; ex-Jack, The Edge of Night) - 84
Ali MacGraw (ex-Lady Ashley, Dynasty) - 79
Denise Nickerson (ex-Amy, Dark Shadows) - 61
Jennifer Runyon (ex-Sally, Another World) - 58
Traci Lind (ex-Pru, Ryan's Hope) - 52
Jessica Collins (ex-Avery, The Young and the Restless; ex-Dinah Lee, Loving) - 47
Bryan Buffington (ex-Bill, Guiding Light) - 38
Randy Orton (WWE) - 38
Matt Lanter (ex-Liam, 90210) - 34
Josh Zuckerman (ex-Max, 90210; ex-Eddie, Desperate Housewivees) - 33
Jendra Jarnagin (Cinematographer, In Between Men)

EDITOR'S NOTE: If you would like to submit a soap history entry for this date or a future date, email editor@welovesoaps.com.

1951: A daytime version of Hawkins Falls premiered.
1956: As the World Turns and The Edge of Night premiered
on CBS. 1971: ABC aired the final episode of Dark Shadows.

Don MacLaughlin and Helen Wagner pose
for a photo in March 1956 as CBS prepared
to launch ABC.

1956: Procter & Gamble's As the World Turns, the first 30-minute daytime soap opera, premiered on CBS. The show starred Don MacLaughlin and Helen Wagner as Chris and Nancy Hughes, roles they would both play until their real-life deaths (Wagner had some time off in the early 1980s). Wagner said the first line in ATWT history, "Good morning, dear." Other original cast members included Rosemary Prinz, Ruth Warrick, Les Damon, Wendy Drew, William Lee and Hal Studer.. Read creator Irna Phillips' original story bible for the fictional Oakdale-based soap (As the World Turns) here.

ATWT became the top-rated daytime soap for much of the first two decades and ran more more than 54 years. CBS aired the final episode on September 17, 2010. The final line was, fittingly, "Goodnight."

EON original cast members John Larkin
and Don Hastings shoot a scene in 1959.

1956: Another 30-minute P&G soap, The Edge of Night, premiered on CBS. Irving Vendig created the mystery serial set in the fictional Midwestern city of Monticello. Original cast members included John Larkin as Mike Karr, Teal Ames as Sarah Lane, and Don Hastings as Jack Lane. Hastings would move to sister-soap ATWT in 1960.

The Edge of Night moved to ABC in December 1975, when CBS expanded ATWT to one hour. The show ended its run on December 28, 1984.

1968: On The Doctors, Dr. Althea Davis (Elizabeth Hubbard) tried to discuss medical treatment with patient Lila Anderson (Kathleen Maguire), but was refused. "I care very much", said Althea. "I know that I can help you."

Thanks to Scott for sending in the item above.

1971: ABC aired the final episode of gothic soap opera Dark Shadows, which had premiered in 1966. The show, created by Dan Curtis, became a cult favorite among young viewers. Watch the final scene below:

Dallas cast members celebrate at a
party thrown for them in May 1978

1978: Primetime soap opera Dallas premiered on CBS. The show began as a five-part miniseries, and returned in the fall in the regular lineup. The show aired until 1991. In the very first episode, Bobby Ewing (Patrick Duffy) had married Pam Barnes (Victoria Principal), much to the chagrin of their families.

Cast that appeared in the first episode included Jim Davis, Barbara Bel Geddes, Larry Hagman, Linda Gray, Steve Kanaly, Ken Kercheval and Charlene Tilton. Watch the first and last scene below:

1979: On Guiding Light, Ross Marler (Jerry verDorn) asked Roger Thorpe (Michael Zaslow) about his relationship with Rita Bauer.

Thanks to Jennifer for sending in the item above.

1985: Julianne Moore debuted as Frannie Hughes in As the World Turns.

1990: On Another World, Sharly (Anna Holbrook) asked Grant (Dack Rambo) to spend the night with her.

1999: Former daytime director Robert Myhrum (Ryan's Hope; The Secret Storm; Love of Life) died at age 72.

2002: Former daytime soap writer Henry Slesar (The Edge of Night; Somerset; Capitol; Search for Tomorrow) died at age 74.

2009: On Guiding Light, Reva Shayne (Kim Zimmer) gave birth to a baby boy, Colin.

2010: On As the World Turns, Bob and Kim Hughes learned their original wedding minister was in jail, and weren't actually officially married 25 years earlier.

Celebrating a birthday today are:
Amelia Marshall (ex-Liz, Passions; ex-Belinda, All My Children; ex-Gilly, Guiding Light) - 60
Christopher Meloni (ex-Roman, True Blood; ex-Chris, Oz) - 57
Clark Gregg (ex-Michael, The West Wing) - 56
Billy Dean (One Life to Live) - 56
Renée Estevez (ex-Nancy, The West Wing) - 51
Brian Ceponis (ex-James, Breaking Point) - 46
Roselyn Sanchez (ex-Pilar, As the World Turns) - 45
Adam Rodriguez (ex-Bobby, Ugly Betty) - 43
Aiden Turner (Brad, If Loving You Is Wrong; ex-Aidan, All My Children; ex-Iris, Crossroads; ex-EastEnders; ex-Undressed) - 41
Jaime Ray Newman (ex-Kristina, General Hospital) - 40
Bethany Joy Lenz (ex-Haley, One Tree Hill; ex-Michelle, Guiding Light) - 37
Ashley Peldon (ex-Marah, Guiding Light) - 34
Shawn Roberts (ex-Dean, Degrassi: The Next Generation) - 34
Jesse Plemons (ex-Landry, Friday Night Lights) - 30
Amy Castle (ex-Viki, Passions; ex-Tara, General Hospital) - 28

EDITOR'S NOTE: If you would like to submit a soap history entry for this date or a future date, email editor@welovesoaps.com.

1956: Edge of Night's Jack was impacted by a kiss.
1972: Return to Peyton Place premiered on NBC.
1984: Edge of Night's Raven reflected on her past.
2013: General Hospital's Helena was shot by Luke.

The cast of Return to Peyton Place

1972: Daytime soap opera Return to Peyton Place, a spin-off of primetime hit Peyton Place, premiered on NBC. The original cast included Bettye Ackerman, Warren Stevens, Katherine Glass, Lawrence P. Casey and Ron Russell. The show ran until January 4, 1974, and was replaced in the NBC daytime lineup by another soap, How to Survive a Marriage.

1973: On The Doctors, Dr. Althea Davis (Elizabeth Hubbard) was distraught over her missing daughter, Penny.

1974: Mary Frann debuted as Amanda Howard in Days of our Lives, a role she would play until 1979.

1975: Cory Publishing was mentioned for the first time on Another World.

1978: Syndicated soap opera High Hopes premiered. The show revolved around Dr. Neal Chapman (Bruce Gray), a family counselor who dealt with the case histories of his patients with stories told in arcs with a beginning, middle and end.

1984: On The Edge of Night, Raven Whitney (Sharon Gabet) told her son, Jamey, that she was a reckless soul, and felt responsible for her ex-husband's (Kevin) death. "You sure had a lot of husbands," Jamey replied. "Yeah, I sure did," said Raven.

1985: On Dynasty, Sammy Jo (Heather Locklear) met her real father, Daniel Reece (Rock Hudson).

1986: On Knots Landing, Greg (William Devane) asked Laura to marry him.

1986: Michael Reagan, adopted son of President Ronald Reagan and Falcon Crest star Jane Wyman, made a guest appearance on Capitol as a state party chairman.

1987: On Another World, the Sin Stalker attacked Quinn Harding (Petronia Paley).

1991: On Guiding Light, Justin Marler left Springfield.

Thanks to Jennifer for sending in the item above.

1998: On The Young and the Restless, Nikki (Melody Thomas Scott) "slipped away" and started to walk into the white light, dying from the gunshot wounds inflicted by Veronica Landers. But just as her now-dead husband, Joshua, held out his hand to welcome her, she was called back to life ... by Victor.

Thanks to FoxCrane for sending in the item above.

2013: On General Hospital, Luke Spencer (Anthony Geary) shot Helena Cassadine (Constance Towers).

2014: On Days of our Lives, Sonny Kiriakis (Freddie Smith) married Will Horton (Guy Wilson).

Thanks to Mindy for sending in the item above.

Celebrating a birthday today are:

Eric Braeden

Eric Braeden (Victor, The Young and the Restless) - 77
Billy Hayes (ex-Len, Capitol) - 71
Luke Reilly (ex-Claude/Richard, One Life to Live; ex-Cal, As the World Turns) - 69
Gregg Marx (ex-Tom, As the World Turns; ex-David, Days of our Lives) - 63
Alec Baldwin (ex-Billy, The Doctors; ex-Joshua, Knots Landing) - 60
Mark Dobies (ex-Daniel, One Life to Live; ex-Noah, Guiding Light) - 59
Laura Bryan Birn (ex-Lynne, The Young and the Restless) - 53
Michael Malone (ex-Val, All My Children) - 50
Jennie Garth (ex-Kelly, 90210; ex-Kelly, Beverly Hills, 90210) - 46
Chrissie Fit (ex-Mercedes, General Hospital) - 34

EDITOR'S NOTE: If you would like to submit a soap history entry for this date or a future date, email editor@welovesoaps.com.

Generations included Martin Luther King Jr.
in its opening sequence.

1968: Just after 6 p.m., Martin Luther King Jr. was fatally shot while standing on the balcony outside his second-story room at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tennessee. The civil rights leader was in Memphis to support a sanitation workers' strike and was on his way to dinner when a bullet struck him in the jaw and severed his spinal cord. King was pronounced dead after his arrival at a Memphis hospital. He was 39 years old.

The Peyton Place episode scheduled for 9:30 p.m. ET that night was preempted.

21 years later, in 1989, Generations became the first daytime soap opera to premiere with an African-American core family. The show's opening sequence included a shot of Dr. King.

1975: On Another World, Dennis (Mike Hammett) and Iris (Beverlee McKinsey) came over for the first dinner with Mac (Douglass Watson) and Rachel (Victoria Wydham) at the Cory mansion.

1980: On The Edge of Night, Logan (Joe Lambie) and Raven (Sharon Gabet) had it out over Jamey.

1986: Bill Hayes returned to Days of our Lives as Doug Williams after a two year absence.

1988: Britain's ITV aired the final episode of the original version of Crossroads, after a 24 year run. Hazel Adair and Peter Ling created the show in 1964. A new version of the soap debuted in 2001 but only lasted two years.

1988: On As the World Turns, Frannie (Julianne Moore) returned to Oakdale to tell Kim (Kathryn Hays) and Bob (Don Hastings) that Andy might have a drinking problem.

1995: On All My Children, Dimitri (Michael Nader) welcomed Erica (Susan Lucci) home while Kendall (Sarah Michelle Gellar) secretly watched.

1995: On One Life to Live, Dorian (Robin Strasser) was surprised to see Kelly (Gina Tognoni) all grown up.

2001: On Guiding Light, Phillip knocked Dax over the head to help Cassie escape.

Edward Mallory passed away in 2007. He played
Bill Horton on Days, many of those years opposite
Susan Flannery's Laura.

2007: Longtime Days of our Lives star Edward Mallory (Bill Horton) died at age 76. Mallory had previously worked with DAYS creator Ted Corday on his NBC daytime soap Morning Star. Mallory was married to former Days star Susanne Zenor (Margo).

2007: On The Bold and the Beautiful, Stephanie (Susan Flannery) told Felicia that Taylor and Nick were planning on having a baby together.

2007: On The Young and the Restless, while working on a location shoot, Phyllis (Michelle Stafford) and Sharon (Sharon Case) began to argue and struggle over a cell phone. When Drucilla (Victoria Rowell) tried to intervene, both she and Sharon lost their footing and went over a cliff. With the character of Drucilla presumed dead, this episode marked Rowell's final appearance on Y&R in the role she'd begun playing in the Spring of 1990.

Thanks to FoxCrane for sending in the item above.

2008: On Guiding Light, emotions ran high at the funeral service for Gus Aitoro.

Celebrating a birthday today are:
Craig T. Nelson (ex-Zeek, Parenthood) - 74
Luke Halpin (ex-Pete, Young Doctor Malone) - 71
Derek Thompson (Charlie, Casualty) - 70
Christine Lahti (ex-Grace, Jack & Bobby) - 68
Phil Morris (ex-Tyrone, The Young and the Restless) - 59
Lorraine Toussaint (ex-Dr. Watkins, The Young and the Restless; ex-Bird, Friday Night Lights; ex-Yoga, Ugly Betty; ex-Vera, One Life to Live) - 58
Nancy McKeon (ex-Girl at Sally's Party, Another World; The Secret Storm) - 52

EDITOR'S NOTE: If you would like to submit a soap history entry for this date or a future date, email editor@welovesoaps.com.

1966: Peyton Place's David had parting words for Rodney.
1993: Days of our Lives' Jack and Billie were arrested.
1996: Sarah Brown debuted as Carly on General Hospital.
1999: Guiding Light's Danny welcomed his sister home.

1966: Peyton Place's Steven prepared for his weddding.
1981: Another World's Sandy took care of Mac after an explosion.
1986: Santa Barbara's Kelly confessed to Nick before their wedding.
1989: Days of our Lives' Steve and Kayla became Gideon and Emily.

Brenda Benet

1982:Days of our Lives star Brenda Benet (Lee Dumonde) took her own life by a self-inflicted gunshot wound at age 36. Benet's Days of our Lives co-stars Bill and Susan Hayes reflected on Benet in our 2010 interview. Read it here. Read a newspaper article about Benet's suicide here.

1986: On Santa Barbara, Kelly (Robin Wright) told Nick that she slept with Dylan, who canceled their wedding. Elsewhere, Madeline Laurent (Terry Davis, in her final appearance) was deemed to be brain dead.

1986: On Knots Landing, Abby (Donna Mills) feared Olivia (Tonya Crowe) would commit suicide.

1989: On Days of our Lives, staying at the mansion Nick gave them, Steve (Stephen Nichols) and Kayla (Mary Beth Evans) found the Civil War-era diary of southern belle Emily, and they began reading the love story between her and Union officer Gideon.

1997: On Sunset Beach, Paula Stevens (Laura Harring) took samples of Elaine's (Leigh Taylor-Young) hair to be tested against hair found at the murder scene.

2009: On General Hospital, Jason (Steve Burton) ran into Robin (Kimberly McCullough), who was dealing with postpartum depression. Later, Patrick (Jason Thompson) found them in an embrace.

Celebrating a birthday today are:
Stephen Bolster (ex-Ted, Another World; ex-Martin, As the World Turns; ex-Ken, Guiding Light; ex-Paul, Another World; ex-Bill, Search for Tomorrow; ex-Roger, One Life to Live; ex-Jerry, The Secret Storm; ex-Bart, The Doctors; ex-Mark, As the World Turns; ex-Jody, Young Doctor Malone) - 85
Patricia Mauceri (ex-Carlotta, One Life to Live; ex-Andrea, As the World Turns; ex-Angie, Another World) - 68
Alexandra Neil (ex-Paige, One Life to Live; ex-Ruby, Texas; ex-Dawn, As the World Turns; ex-Emily, Another World; ex-Rose, Guiding Light) - 63
Teri Ann Linn (ex-Kristen, The Bold and the Beautiful; ex-Kimberly, Dallas) - 57
Russell Crowe (ex-Kenny, Neighbours) - 54
Kevin Alejandro (Sebastian, Arrow; ex-Jesus, True Blood; ex-Dominic, The Young and the Restless) - 42
Matthew McKelligon (Jeremy, EastSiders)
Morgan Farris (ex-Jennifer, Friday Night Lights) - 28
Cristine Prosperi (Imogen, Degrassi) - 25

EDITOR'S NOTE: If you would like to submit a soap history entry for this date or a future date, email editor@welovesoaps.com.

1968: Dark Shadows' Barnabas had a strong reaction to light.
1983: Guiding Light's Nola wanted things to be perfect with Quint.
1985: Another World's Sally and Catlin were married.
2004: Days of our Lives' Bonnie enjoyed a Blue County performance.

1967: Dark Shadows' Jason asked patience from Willie.
1979: Guiding Light's Rita had a nightmare about Roger.
1985: As the World Turns' Bob and Kim were married.
1994: Another World's Carl planned on proposing to Rachel.

1999: NBC canceled Another World.

"We've known for quite some time that NBC's decision could go either way," said Mickey Dwyer-Dobbin, executive in charge of production at Procter & Gamble Productions, which owned the show. "Although we certainly wish the outcome were different, it is a sad comment on the television industry as a whole that a soap, especially one with so much history, has to be canceled to make room for a new one. The loss of the show is a loss for the industry."

2004: On All My Children, Bianca Montgomery (Eden Riegel) kidnapped Bess.

2010: Actor Peter Haskell died at age 75. His soap roles included C.J. in Rituals, Hollis in Ryan's Hope and Lloyd on Search for Tomorrow.

2012: Actress Linda Cook died at age 63. The actress played memorable roles on a number of soaps including The Edge of Night, Ryan's Hope, Loving, All My Children and As the World Turns.

Celebrating a birthday today are:
Ellen Falcon (Former Director, Santa Barbara) - 73
Ed O'Neill (ex-Lenny, Another World; ex-All My Children) - 72
Wayne Northrop (ex-Roman/Alex, Days of our Lives; ex-Rex, Port Charles; ex-Michael, Dynasty) - 71
Dan Lauria (ex-Gus, One Life to Live) - 71
Maia Danziger (ex-Judy, All My Children; ex-Katy, The Doctors; ex-Glenda, Another World) - 68
Elissa Leeds (ex-Steffi, General Hospital; ex-Hope, Another World; ex-Hope, The Guiding Light; ex-Lisa, The Edge of Night; ex-Rachel, How to Survive a Marriage; ex-Brooke, All My Children) - 59
Alicia Coppola (ex-Lorna, Another World) - 50
Shannen Doherty (ex-Brenda, Beverly Hills, 90210) - 47
NiCole Robinson (ex-Margaret, The West Wing) - 46
Christina Moore (ex-Tracy, 90210) - 45
Sarah Jane Morris (ex-Paula, Undressed; ex-Julia, Brothers & Sisters) - 41
Claire Danes (Carrie, Homeland; ex-Angela, My So-Called Life) - 39
Jennifer Morrison (Emma, Once Upon A Time) - 39
Jamie Misiak (Nurse, Anacostia)

EDITOR'S NOTE: If you would like to submit a soap history entry for this date or a future date, email editor@welovesoaps.com.

Producers/Directors Tom and Michael D'Angora are celebrating two years of "The Marvelous Wonderettes" by welcoming Emmy Award-winning soap star Kristen Alderson to the show. Beginning April 18th, Alderson will take over the role of Cindy Lou, the prettiest girl at Springfield High who knows she will be named Prom Queen and acts out against her best friend Betty Jean when things don’t go her way. Among the toe tapping hits Kristen will sing lead on are "Leader of the Pack,""Allegheny Moon,""Son of a Preacher Man," and "Maybe."

"I am beyond excited to be joining the extremely talented cast of 'The Marvelous Wonderettes,'" says Alderson. "I've always had a huge passion for theater and I'm so grateful that I get to be on stage again!"

Alderson is best known for her Emmy Award winning fifteen-year portrayal of Starr Manning on the ABC daytime dramas One Life to Live and General Hospital. She also originated the role of Kiki Jerome on General Hospital. No stranger to musicals, Alderson played the role of Molly in the first Broadway revival of "Annie." Her vocals were featured numerous times throughout the years on both One Life to Live and General Hospital. Aldersonproudly appeared in several of the ABC Daytime salutes BCEFA concerts, helping to raise over one million dollars for Broadway Cares Equity fights AIDS, and she is featured on the albums One Life Many Voices and A Holiday Affair.

"The Marvelous Wonderettes" takes a cotton-candied colored musical trip down memory lane to the 1958 Springfield High School prom where we meet “The Wonderettes,” four girls with hopes and dreams as big as their crinoline skirts! We experience their lives and loves from prom night to their 10 year reunion as told through more than 20 chart topping hits of the era!

The current cast includes Meg Lanzarone, Michelle Dowdy, Brie Cassil, and Amy Hilner Larsen.

Created, written, and originally directed by Roger Bean, the previous New York production played at the West Side Theatre from September 2008 to January 2010. As a regional favorite, countless productions have run all over the world, as well as two sequels: "The Marvelous Wonderettes: Caps & Gowns" and "Winter Wonderettes."

Tom and Michael D’Angora are currently the producers of the long running hits "NEWSical the Musical,""Addy & Uno" and "Naked Boys Singing," which will continue to run in rep at The Kirk Theatre with The Marvelous Wonderettes. The show is directed by Michael and Tom D’Angora, and a creative team that includes "The Marvelous Wonderettes" original costume designer, Tony nominee Bobby Pearce (Broadway’s "Taboo"), and Alex Ringler (who has appeared on Broadway in the revivals of "West Side Story" and "A Chorus Line") as choreographer. Benjamin Rauhala serves as music director. Rounding out the company are Billy Davis (sets), Lois Catanzaro (lights), Jen Bullock and Marty Thomas (wigs), Brendan McCann (props), and Krystal Roccaro (stage manager).

"The Marvelous Wonderettes" began previews Wednesday March 23, 2016 and opened Thursday April 28, 2016. The show plays Wednesdays at 2:30 p.m. and 8:15 p.m., Thursdays at 8:15 p.m., and Sundays at 3:00 p.m.. Tickets can be purchased at The Theatre Row box office or through Telecharge.com. For groups contact 212-889-4300 or 800-331-0472. The Kirk at Theatre Row is located at 410 W 42nd St off of 9th Ave.

Vanessa Baden Kelly accepted the award for Best Drama Series on behalf of Giants at the 9th Annual Indie Series Awards.

The winners of the 9th Annual ISAs were revealed on Wednesday, April 4 at The Colony Theatre in Burbank in a ceremony hosted by soap opera star Patrika Darbo. The ISAs celebrate the best in independently produced entertainment created for the Web.

RELATED:
- 9th Annual Indie Series Awards: Complete List of Winners

1979: Guiding Light's Diane uncovered revealing information.
1981: Another World's Mac didn't care about Sandy's past.
1987: Diana Colville (Genie Francis) arrived on Days of our Lives.
1992: All My Children's Janet found a Lamaze coach.

Y&R's Nikki and Victor

1983: On Ryan's Hope, Leigh (Felicity LaFortune) and Maeve (Helen Gallagher) talked about Mary.

1984: On The Young and the Restless, Nikki Reed Foster Bancroft (Melody Thomas) married Victor Newman (Eric Braeden). The episode was the highest rated in Y&R's history, and many actors from the past returned.

It was the final time the characters of Derek Thurston (Joe Ladue) and Chris Brooks Foster (Trish Stewart) would appear on the show.

On the same day Victor and Nikki were married, Patty and Jack Abbott's divorce became finalized.

1984: On The Edge of Night, Jamey Swift revealed to to his step-father, Sky Whitney (Larkin Malloy), that his mother, Raven, went to the movies with him and his father, Logan, a few days earlier.

1987: Genie Francis debuted as Diana Colville on Days of our Lives. Francis was one of the popular soap actors (Jane Elliot, Judi Evans, Robert S. Woods) that "made the switch" to the NBC soap around that time.

1987: On Santa Barbara, the rapist attacked Caroline Wilson (Lenore Kasdorf), while Eden Capwell (Marcy Walker) prepared for her trip to Utah.

1990: On Days of our Lives, Isabella Toscano (Stacy Greason) told Roman Brady (Drake Hogestyn) she never wanted to see him again.

1990: On General Hospital, Faison (Anders Hove) blackmailed Sean (John Reilly). Meanwhile, Anna (Finola Hughes) found Robin (Kimberly McCullough) and Casey (Bradley Lockerman) in the catacombs.

1992: On All My Children, Janet Green (Kate Collins) asked Trevor Dillon (James Kiberd) to be her Lamaze coach.

2005: Agim Kaba last ended a three-year run as Aaron Snyder on As the World Turns. Kaba would later return to the role two years later.

Thanks to Enrique for sending in the item above.

2007: On Passions, the jury returned a guilty verdict for both Miguel Lopez-Fitzgerald (Adrian Bellini) and Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald (Galen Gering).

2012: Actor Jonathan Frid died at age 87. He was best known for his portrayal of Barnabas Collins in Dark Shadows.

Celebrating a birthday today are:
Tony Dow (ex-Chet, Never Too Young; ex-Ross, General Hospital) - 72
Ron Perlman (ex-Bernie, Ryan's Hope) - 67
Peabo Bryson (Guest Star & Theme Singer, One Life to Live; Guest Star, All My Children) - 66
Erick Avari (ex-Omar, Days of our Lives) - 65
Saundra Santiago (ex-Carlotta, One Life to Live; ex-Carmen, Guiding Light) - 60
Caroline Rhea (ex-Noleta, Sordid Lives) - 53
Kelli Giddish (Sophia, The Good Wife; ex-Di, All My Children) - 37
Fernanda Espíndola (Francesa, Bloomers)

EDITOR'S NOTE: If you would like to submit a soap history entry for this date or a future date, email editor@welovesoaps.com.

>1969: Dark Shadows' Quentin was shocked to see Laura.
1983: Kristian Alfonso debuted as Hope on Days of our Lives.
2009: Guiding Light's Olivia poured her heart out at Gus's grave.
2011: ABC canceled All My Children and One Life to Live.

2011:ABC canceled All My Children and One Life to Live. Brian Frons, President, Daytime, Disney ABC/Television Group, said in a statement that day: "We are taking this bold step to expand our business because viewers are looking for different types of programming these days. They are telling us there is room for informative, authentic and fun shows that are relatable, offer a wide variety of opinions and focus on 'real life' takeaways."Frons was fired from ABC on December 2, 2011, before The Revolution premiered to dead-on-arrival ratings. The Revolution was canceled on April 10, 2012. All My Children and One Life to Livereturned April 29, 2013 for one season each on The OnLineNetwork.

2013: Actor John S. Ragin, who played Dr. Grant Jameson on Santa Barbara and Admiral Lovell in Emerald Point, N.A.S., died at age 83.

Celebrating a birthday today are:
John Clarke (ex-Mickey, Days of our Lives) - 87
Patricia Bruder (ex-Ellen, As the World Turns) - 78
Randy Powell (ex-Tyler, Days of our Lives; ex-Alan, Dallas) - 68
Robert Carlyle (Rumplestiltskin/Mr. Gold, Once Upon A Time) - 57
Catherine Dent (ex-Janice, One Life to Live) - 53
Sarah Michelle Gellar (ex-Bridget/Siobhan, Ringer; ex-Kendall, All My Children; ex-Sydney, Swans Crossing; ex-Buffy, Buffy The Vampire Slayer) - 41
Paul O'Brien (ex-Jack, Home and Away) - 37
Claire Coffee (ex-Nadine, General Hospital) - 37
Nick Choksi (ex-Vimal, One Life to Live) - 37
Christian Alexander (ex-Thayer, The Lying Game; ex-Keifer, General Hospital) - 28
Nick Krause (ex-Adam, Hollywood Heights; ex-Landry, GCB) - 26
Graham Phillips (Zach, The Good Wife) - 25
Skyler Samuels (ex-Andie, The Gates; ex-Chloe, The Nine Lives of Chloe King) - 24

EDITOR'S NOTE: If you would like to submit a soap history entry for this date or a future date, email editor@welovesoaps.com.

What's coming up on CBS soap opera The Bold and the Beautiful during the week of April 16-20, 2018? Check out the day-to-day spoilers below to find out.

Monday, April 16
Steffy reminds a heartbroken Liam how much she loves and supports him; Ridge and Brooke consider the possible reasons why Bill cleared Ridge's name.

Tuesday, April 17
Bill is torn when Steffy arrives asking for a considerable favor; Hope is taken aback when Liam firmly asks her to leave so he can sort out his feelings alone.

Wednesday, April 18
Bill makes a distinct promise that he may not be able to keep; Liam shows his gratitude to Steffy for her unwavering faith in him.

Thursday, April 19
While discussing the upcoming Hope for the Future line, Maya becomes a confidant for Hope; Liam rethinks his relationship with Bill after his father admits his part in their rift.

Friday, April 20
Hope takes a big step and encourages Liam to set himself free from Steffy and Bill; Katie tells Brooke about the newest development in her on-again, off-again relationship with Wyatt.

What's coming up on CBS soap opera The Young and the Restless during the week of April 16-20, 2018? Check out the day-to-day spoilers below to find out.

Monday, April 16
Victor points the finger at J.T., while a secret pact is made.

Tuesday, April 17
Neil returns to Genoa City, Hilary is determined to reunite with Devon, and a secret is buried.

Wednesday, April 18
Jack's fate is decided, Paul searches for J.T., and Ashley prepares for battle.

Thursday, April 19
Nick vows to protect Victoria, Neil challenges Devon, and Nikki makes a power move.

Friday, April 20
Jack confronts Victor, Phyllis gives Sharon a warning, and Kyle plays with fire.

1976: Mary made her Channel R News debut on Ryan's Hope.
1981: Another World's Mac was furious with Rachel.
1993: Bryan Dattilo debuted as Lucas on Days of our Lives.
2009: As the World Turns' Noah was kidnapped.

What will happen on Days of our Lives during the week of April 16-20, 2018? Check out the day-to-day spoilers below to find out.

Monday, April 16
Chad and Rafe work to prove Gabi's not guilty; Abigail gets closer to the truth while trapped in her subconscious; thinking he's speaking with Abigail, John grills Gabby about Marlena's whereabouts; Marlena warns Stefan he's making a big mistake.

Tuesday, April 17
Ciara, Claire, Eve and Brady anxiously wait for the winner of the Bella contest to be revealed; Vivian realizes someone may be on to her plan; Chloe has a tense confrontation with Kate; Paul shares his suspicions about Leo with Will.

Wednesday, April 18
Brady pleads his case to Eve; Chloe makes a decision about the job offer in Mexico; Paul questions Leo about his ties to Vivian; Ciara reconnects with someone from her past.

Thursday, April 19
Gabby and Stefan make plans to leave Salem; Kate spies the "mystery woman" at the mansion; Hope reluctantly works with Rafe in order to help Gabi; Lani opens up to JJ about her medical situation.

Friday, April 20
Kate is stunned when she discovers the mystery woman is Abigail; Chad gets the shock of his life; Rafe and Hope zero in on the mystery woman; Paul helps John try to track down Marlena.

What's happening on General Hospital during the week of April 16-20, 2018? Check out the day-to-day spoilers below to find out.

Monday, April 16
Carly is confronted; Anna refuses to write Henrik off; Nelle messes with Ava's head; Jason moves with caution; Griffin questions Finn; Kiki expresses her doubts.

Tuesday, April 17
Dante remains supportive; Lulu gets an idea for a story; Spinelli gets himself in a bit of a bind; Alexis has a surprise; Kim makes her intentions clear.

Wednesday, April 18
Anna strikes out, but pushes on; Maxie ambushes Nina; Elizabeth offers words of encouragement; Kiki runs into Molly; Jordan gets a lead.

Thursday, April 19
Chase catches Sonny off guard; Kim encourages Julian to support his family; Griffin is unsuccessful; Liz sympathizes with Franco's possible triggers; Joss is overwhelmed.

Friday, April 20
Griffin comforts Ava; Carly is at her wit's end; Sonny receives a welcome phone call; Lulu updates Peter; Jason sees the truth.

Today in Soap Opera History (March 30)

Today in Soap Opera History (March 31)

Today in Soap Opera History (April 1)

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Today in Soap Opera History (April 3)

Today in Soap Opera History (April 4)

Today in Soap Opera History (April 5)

Today in Soap Opera History (April 6)

Today in Soap Opera History (April 7)

Today in Soap Opera History (April 8)

Today in Soap Opera History (April 12)

Kristen Alderson Joining Off Broadway's 'The Marvelous Wonderettes'

Giants Wins Best Drama Series at 9th Annual Indie Series Awards

Today in Soap Opera History (April 13)

Today in Soap Opera History (April 14)

'The Bold and the Beautiful' Spoilers (April 16-20, 2018)

'The Young and the Restless' Spoilers (April 16-20, 2018)

Today in Soap Opera History (April 15)

'Days of our Lives' Spoilers (April 16-20, 2018)

'General Hospital' Spoilers (April 16-20, 2018)