50 Greatest Soap Opera Actresses: Honorable Mention

Now that the countdown of the 50 Greatest Soap Opera Actresses has concluded, We Love Soaps would like to pay tribute to another set of wonderful actresses. These ladies received multiple votes from our panel and just missed the countdown. For us, it's more about honoring their work that has touched so many lives more than a specific ranking. The list is sorted by the decade and the date the actress started on soaps. Join us in paying tribute to these fine talents and if your favorite has been mentioned, please share your memories/videos/photos in the comments section.

THE 1950s
NAME: Peggy McCay
SOAP ROLES: Caroline Brady, DAYS OF OUR LIVES (1983, 1985-2003; 2004-present); Iris Fairchild, GENERAL HOSPITAL (1967-1970); Susan Garrett, THE YOUNG MARRIEDS (1964-1966); Vanessa Dale, LOVE OF LIFE (1951-1955)

NAME: Ruth Warrick
SOAP ROLES: Phoebe Tyler Wallingford, ALL MY CHILDREN (1970-2004); Hannah Cord, PEYTON PLACE (1965-1967); Edith Hughes, AS THE WORLD TURNS (1956-1960); Janet Johnson, GUIDING LIGHT (1953-1954)

NAME: Frances Reid
SOAP ROLES: Alice Horton, DAYS OF OUR LIVES (1965-2007); Rose Pollock, THE EDGE OF NIGHT (1964); Grace Baker, AS THE WORLD TURNS (1959-1962); Portia Manning, PORTIA FACES LIFE (1954)

NAME: Kathleen Widdoes
SOAP ROLES: Emma Snyder, AS THE WORLD TURNS (1985-present); Una MacCurtain, RYAN'S HOPE (1983); Rose Perrini, ANOTHER WORLD (1978-1980); Jill Malone, YOUNG DOCTOR MALONE (1958-1960)

NAME: Audrey Peters
SOAP ROLES: Sarah Shayne, GUIDING LIGHT (1989-2006); Lorraine Taylor, SEARCH FOR TOMORROW (1985); Judge Connors, LOVING (1983); Vanessa Dale, LOVE OF LIFE (1959-1980)

Michael Muhney on the 50 Greatest Actresses

Actor Michael Muhney (Adam, THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS) has worked with a number of the women in the 50 Greatest Soap Actresses list. We asked him for a brief comment on each of them.

Jeanne Cooper: Jeanne is a load of fun and can spar with anyone. Nothing intimidates that woman, and that's why I love her. She's also quite complimentary of my acting so she has charmed her way into my heart.

Kale Browne on the 50 Greatest Actresses

Actor Kale Browne (ex-Michael, ANOTHER WORLD; ex-Sam, ONE LIFE TO LIVE) has worked with a number of the women in the 50 Greatest Soap Actresses list. We asked him to comment on each of them.

Erika Slezak: Doesn't get any better than working with Erika. A terrific human being, always on top of her game and always tells the truth. A no-BS babe.

Martha Byrne on the 50 Greatest Actresses

GOTHAM producer/star Martha Byrne (ex-Lily, AS THE WORLD TURNS) worked closely with three of the talented ladies who appeared on the 50 Greatest Soap Actresses list. We asked her to comment on each of them.

Elizabeth Hubbard: There are so many stories about working with Elizabeth that are worth mentioning, I could write a book about her influence and talent. When you do a scene with Liz, you never do the same scene twice. Liz is the ultimate acting partner who always makes you listen. I've seen actors run with her during a scene and others run away. The actors that embraced her gift of play became better actors for doing so. In my many years of playing her daughter, Liz never once "phoned it in." Every script had character thoughts and rewrites scribbled on it at 7am during our first rehearsal. When fans talk to me about Liz and tell me their fondest memories, the moments they speak of were always the ones that came from Liz herself. Everyone loves Lucinda because of the woman behind the creation. Liz is probably the most fascinating person I know. I've begged her to write a book about her many adventures outside of acting, all of which are fascinating. There are so many layers to Liz the public is unaware of and I have been fortunate to have her in my life. I love her, truly, for so many reasons. My life has been enriched in so many ways for knowing her.

Sandra Robinson on the 50 Greatest Actresses

Actress Sandra Robinson (ex-Amanda, ANOTHER WORLD) worked closely with three legendary ladies who appeared on the 50 Greatest Soap Actresses list. We asked her to comment on each of them.

Linda Dano: Linda always seems to have a grasp on the best things in life, no matter what her circumstances. She lives full out and fearless and as a young bumbling actor on my first soap job, I was in awe of this quality. I seek to live every day like Linda Dano, with full appreciation of what is, and celebrating every opportunity that comes my way. The most charismatic thing about Linda is her ability to make you feel like you are a close friend, even if you have never met!

Robert Newman on the 50 Greatest Actresses

Actor Robert Newman (ex-Josh, GUIDING LIGHT) has worked with a number of the women in the 50 Greatest Soap Actresses list. We asked him to comment on each of them.

Kim Zimmer: Kim is one of the craziest, toughest broads on the planet. This also happens to make her one of the finest actors one could ever hope to work with. She is always honest in her work. Nothing is phoned in. Nothing is manufactured. She is the real deal 24/7. She will fight and argue and scratch and claw in rehearsal, but when that red light goes on, she is 100% committed to whatever the story is at that moment. She is a force to be reckoned with. When you’re on camera with Kim, you’d better bring you’re "A" game. She will. Every time.

Daniel Hugh Kelly on the 50 Greatest Actresses

Actor Daniel Hugh Kelly (ex-Frank, RYAN'S HOPE) has worked with a number of the women in the 50 Greatest Soap Actresses list. We asked him to comment on each of them.

Helen Gallagher: Another extremely gifted and beautiful woman, both inside and out, who's level of joy and patience (especially with me) was matched only by her love, generosity and dedication to her art, her show and, especially, her fellow cast mates. An absolute bundle of professional NYC energy, simultaneously wise and embracing, an iconic Broadway chorus line dancer with all the discipline and formidable talent that requires, Helen was not only the best actress and singer I have ever worked with, but she also had the best body...by far. And my God, what an infectious laugh!

50 Greatest Soap Opera Actresses: The Complete List

Late in 2009, We Love Soaps pulled together a panel of 14 soap opera journalists and critics to come up with a list of the 50 Greatest Soap Actresses of All Time list. Below is the complete list from 1 to 50 which includes actresses from a 70 year span dating back to radio soap operas. On Wednesday, look for the equally impressive honorable mention list of actresses that appeared on multiple panelist's list.

NAME: Susan Flannery
RANK: 1
SOAP ROLES: Stephanie Forrester, THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL (1987-present); Leslie Stewart, DALLAS (1981); Laura Horton, DAYS OF OUR LIVES (1966-1975)

NAME: Kim Zimmer
RANK: 2
SOAP ROLES: Reva Shayne, GUIDING LIGHT (1983-1990, 1995-2009); Joan, MODELS INC (1994-1995); Jodie DeWitt Walker, SANTA BARBARA (1992-1993); Echo DiSavoy, ONE LIFE TO LIVE (1983); Nola Dancy Aldrich, THE DOCTORS (1979-1982); Bonnie Harmon, ONE LIVE TO LIVE (1978)

NAME: Erika Slezak
RANK: 3
SOAP ROLES: Victoria Lord, ONE LIFE TO LIVE (1971-present)



NAME: Beverlee McKinsey
RANK: 4
SOAP ROLES: Myrna Slaughter, GENERAL HOSPITAL (1994) Alexandra Spaulding (1984-1992); Iris Cory, TEXAS (1980-1981) Iris Cory, ANOTHER WORLD (1972-1980); Emma Frame Ordway, ANOTHER WORLD (1972); Julie Richards, LOVE IS A SMANY SPLENDORED THING (1970-1971)

NAME: Robin Strasser
RANK: 5
SOAP ROLES: Dorian Lord, ONE LIFE TO LIVE (1979-1987, 1993-2000, 2003-present); PASSIONS (Hecuba, 2000-01; 2002), Dianne Kirkwood, KNOTS LANDING (1990); Christina Karras Martin (1976-1979); Rachel Davis, SOMERSET (1970); Rachel Davis, ANOTHER WORLD (1967-1971, 1972)

NAME: Judith Light
RANK: 6
SOAP ROLES: Claire Meade, UGLY BETTY (2006-present); Karen Wolek, ONE LIFE TO LIVE (1977-1983)


NAME: Jeanne Cooper
RANK: 7
SOAP ROLES: Katherine Chancellor, THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS (1973-present); Wedding Guest, GUIDING LIGHT (2009); Katherine Chancellor, THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL (2005)

NAME: Crystal Chappell
RANK: 8
SOAP ROLES: Carly Manning, DAYS OF OUR LIVES (1990-1993, 2009-present); Gina Brogno, VENICE (2009-present); Olivia Spencer, GUIDING LIGHT (1999-2009); Maggie Carpenter, ONE LIFE TO LIVE (1995-1997); Jane, SANTA BARBARA (1990); Janie, ALL MY CHILDREN (1989)

NAME: Sarah Brown
RANK: 9
SOAP ROLES: Sandy Sommers, THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL (2009-present); Claudia Zacchara, GENERAL HOSPITAL (2008-2009); Julisa Larrabee, AS THE WORLD TURNS (2004-2005); Carly Benson Corinthos, GENERAL HOSPITAL (1996-2001)

NAME: Helen Gallagher
RANK: 10
SOAP ROLES: Maude Boylan, ONE LIFE TO LIVE (1997-1998); Nurse Harris, ALL MY CHILDREN (1994); Hannah Tuttle, ANOTHER WORLD (1989); Maeve Ryan, RYAN'S HOPE (1975-1989)

50 Greatest Soap Actresses: #1 Susan Flannery

NAME: Susan Flannery
RANK: 1
SOAP ROLES: Stephanie Forrester, THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL (1987-present); Leslie Stewart, DALLAS (1981); Laura Horton, DAYS OF OUR LIVES (1966-1975)

AWARDS:
2009 Daytime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series
2006 Daytime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series
2005 Daytime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series
2003 Daytime Emmy win for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series
2002 Daytime Emmy win for Daytime Emmy Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series
2001 Daytime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series
2001 Soap Opera Digest Award nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress
2000 Daytime Emmy win for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series
2000 Soap Opera Digest Award nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress
1998 DGA Award nomination for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Daytime Serials
1996 Soap Opera Digest Award nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actress
1996 DGA Award nomination for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Serials - Daytime
1994 Soap Opera Digest Award nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress
1993 Soap Opera Digest Award nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress
1991 Soap Opera Digest Award nomination for Outstanding Villainess: Daytime
1989 Soap Opera Digest Award nomination for Outstanding Villainess: Daytime
1977 Primetime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series
1975 Daytime Emmy win for Outstanding Actress in a Daytime Drama Series
1975 Golden Globe win for Most Promising Newcomer - Female

COMMENTS FROM THE PANEL:
Damon L. Jacobs: Susan Flannery is simply the epitome of grace, dignity, and "bold" passion that makes entertainment so meaningful.  She infuses intellectual depth and emotional gravity into every scene she appears.  Whether she is breathing life into rape survivor Dr. Laura on DAYS,  doomed secretary Lorrie in The Towering Inferno, scheming P.R. agent Leslie on DALLAS, or the fierce fashion CEO Stephanie on B&B, she can always present a pensive portrayal tempered with a glint of sadness.  Stephanie can be ranting angrily to her children on B&B yet you always can connect with the saddened abused girl inside.  Lorrie can joke about meeting her maker in a fire yet you see the fear behind her calm exterior.  Leslie can be seducing J.R. Ewing but you can sense her loneliness within.  It is these very internal disparities that have made Ms. Flannery's talents infinitely fascinating and compelling for audiences to watch for the past 43 years, and have placed her in the well deserved position of topping this list.

50 Greatest Soap Actresses: #2 Kim Zimmer

NAME: Kim Zimmer
RANK: 2
SOAP ROLES: Reva Shayne, GUIDING LIGHT (1983-1990, 1995-2009); Joan, MODELS INC (1994-1995); Jodie DeWitt Walker, SANTA BARBARA (1992-1993); Echo DiSavoy, ONE LIFE TO LIVE (1983); Nola Dancy Aldrich, THE DOCTORS (1979-1982); Bonnie Harmon, ONE LIVE TO LIVE (1978)

AWARDS:
2007 Daytime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series
2006 Daytime Emmy win for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series
2005 Daytime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series
2004 Daytime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series
2003 Daytime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series
2003 Soap Opera Digest Award nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress
2000 Soap Opera Digest Award win for Outstanding Lead Actress
1999 Daytime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series
1999 Soap Opera Digest Award nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress
1998 Daytime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series
1998 Soap Opera Digest Award nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress
1993 Soap Opera Digest Award nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress
1992 Soap Opera Digest Award nomination for Best Death Scene: Daytime
1990 Daytime Emmy win for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series
1990 Soap Opera Digest Award nomination for Outstanding Heroine: Daytime
1990 Soap Opera Digest Award nomination for Outstanding Super Couple: Daytime
1989 Soap Opera Digest Award nomination for Outstanding Actress in a Leading Role: Daytime
1988 Soap Opera Digest Award win for Outstanding Actress in a Leading Role: Daytime
1987 Daytime Emmy win for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series
1986 Daytime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series
1986 Soap Opera Digest Award nomination for Favorite Daytime Super Couple on a Daytime Serial
1986 Soap Opera Digest Award nomination for Outstanding Actress in a Leading Role
1985 Daytime Emmy win for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series

COMMENTS FROM THE PANEL:
Mimi Torchin: Is there anyone who can deliver the dramatic goods like Kim? Like a speeding locomotive, her power as an actress is able to leap tall buildings in a single bound! Okay, that metaphor is a little mixed, but Zimmer is indeed a Superwoman. In a genre created to worship and showcase divas, she has often out diva=ed them all! Reva may be gone, but Zimmer will never be forgotten.

50 Greatest Soap Actresses: #3 Erika Slezak

NAME: Erika Slezak
RANK: 3
SOAP ROLES: Victoria Lord, ONE LIFE TO LIVE (1971-present)

AWARDS:
2005 Daytime Emmy win for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series
2005 Soap Opera Digest Award nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress
2001 Soap Opera Digest Award nomination for Favorite Couple
2000 Soap Opera Digest Award win for Favorite Couple
1996 Daytime Emmy win for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series
1995 Daytime Emmy win for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series
1992 Daytime Emmy win for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series
1990 Soap Opera Digest Award nomination for Outstanding Heroine: Daytime
1989 Soap Opera Digest Award nomination for Favorite Super Couple: Daytime
1989 Soap Opera Digest Award nomination for Outstanding Actress in a Leading Role: Daytime
1988 Daytime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series
1988 Soap Opera Digest Award nomination for Outstanding Heroine: Daytime
1986 Daytime Emmy win for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series
1986 Soap Opera Digest Award nomination for Outstanding Actress in a Leading Role on a Daytime Serial
1984 Daytime Emmy win for Outstanding Actress in a Daytime Drama Series
1983 Daytime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Actress in a Daytime Drama Series

COMMENTS FROM THE PANEL:
Alan Carter: Viki, Niki, little Tommy...hasn't she played everything but a tuna sandwich? She could probably do that, too...if asked.

50 Greatest Soap Actresses: #4 Beverlee McKinsey

NAME: Beverlee McKinsey
RANK: 4
SOAP ROLES: Myrna Slaughter, GENERAL HOSPITAL (1994) Alexandra Spaulding (1984-1992); Iris Cory, TEXAS (1980-1981) Iris Cory, ANOTHER WORLD (1972-1980); Emma Frame Ordway, ANOTHER WORLD (1972); Julie Richards, LOVE IS A SMANY SPLENDORED THING (1970-1971)

AWARDS:
1993 Soap Opera Digest Award nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress
1992 Soap Opera Digest Award nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress: Daytime
1991 Soap Opera Digest Award nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress: Daytime
1986 Soap Opera Digest Award nomination for Outstanding Actress in a Supporting Role on a Daytime Serial
1980 Daytime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Actress in a Daytime Drama Series
1979 Daytime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Actress in a Daytime Drama Series
1978 Daytime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Actress in a Daytime Drama Series
1978 Soapy Award win for Favorite Villainess
1977 Daytime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Actress in a Daytime Drama Series
1977 Soapy Award win for Favorite Villainess

COMMENTS FROM THE PANEL:
Mimi Torchin: Beverlee wasn't only a ballsy actress with a phenomenal range, she was a mercurial star who was famously press shy and didn't care much for all the fuss and bother. But when she did speak, we hung on her every word. And she was very funny. I loved that about her. My favorite memory of Beverlee was a conversation I had with her about the all the new "criticism" that was suddenly a part of soap journalism and the new opportunity for fans to voice opinions on the Internet, which had just begun to show its power. She sighed and said wistfully, "It was so much nicer when everyone just liked us.

50 Greatest Soap Actresses: #5 Robin Strasser

NAME: Robin Strasser
RANK: 5
SOAP ROLES: Dorian Lord, ONE LIFE TO LIVE (1979-1987, 1993-2000, 2003-present); PASSIONS (Hecuba, 2000-01; 2002), Dianne Kirkwood, KNOTS LANDING (1990); Christina Karras Martin (1976-1979); Rachel Davis, SOMERSET (1970); Rachel Davis, ANOTHER WORLD (1967-1971, 1972)

AWARDS:
2005 Soap Opera Digest Award nomination for Favorite Couple
2001 Soap Opera Digest Award win Outstanding Female Scene Stealer
1996 Soap Opera Digest Award win for Outstanding Lead Actress
1995 Soap Opera Digest Award nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress
1994 Soap Opera Digest Award nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actress
1988 Soap Opera Digest Award nomination for Outstanding Actress in a Leading Role: Daytime
1986 Soap Opera Digest Award nomination for Outstanding Actress in a Supporting Role on a Daytime Serial
1986 Soap Opera Digest Award nomination for Outstanding Contribution by an Actor/Actress to the Form of Continuing Drama who is currently on a Daytime Serial
1985 Daytime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series
1983 Daytime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Actress in a Daytime Drama Series
1982 Daytime Emmy nomination win Outstanding Actress in a Daytime Drama Series
1981 Daytime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Actress in a Daytime Drama Series

COMMENTS FROM THE PANEL:
Damon L. Jacobs:   It is much a testament to Strasser's hard work and commitment that her indelible fingerprints remain on ONE LIFE TO LIVE, and in our own lives.  She has generously and abundantly dug from her own psyche in order to bring forth life her vivid, complicated, and resilient portrayal of Dorian.  In my mind, there is no greater feat of a true artist than to use her talent to transform, inspire, and change the world around her. Robin Strasser has been doing this on daytime television for over 40 years now.  And believe me, she isn't anywhere close to being done!

50 Greatest Soap Actresses: #6 Judith Light

NAME: Judith Light
RANK: 6
SOAP ROLES: Claire Meade, UGLY BETTY (2006-present); Karen Wolek, ONE LIFE TO LIVE (1977-1983)

AWARDS:
2008 Screen Actors Guild Award nomination for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series
2008 TV Land Award nomination for Mad Ad Man (or Woman) of the Year
2007 Primetime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series
2007 Prism Award win for Performance in a Comedy Series
2007 TV Land Award nomination for The "She Works Hard for the Money" Award (Favorite Working Mom)
1998 GLAAD Meida Award Vision Award recipient
1981 Daytime Emmy win for Outstanding Actress in a Daytime Drama Series
1980 Daytime Emmy win for Outstanding Actress in a Daytime Drama Series
1980 Soap Award win for Outstanding Actress
1979 Soap Award win for Outstanding Actress

COMMENTS FROM THE PANEL:
Mimi Torchin: No one who ever saw Judith's work as the long-suffering Karen Wolek is likely to forget it, especially her Llanview-shaking admission on the witness stand that she was a prostitute. Daytime's rafters shook. Light went on to prime time and film fame, but this Emmy-winning actress never shunned her daytime roots, always acknowledging where she began with pride and grace. Judith's outspokenness and her support of AID's research and gay rights before it was fashionable shows that she isn't only a brilliant actress, but she's also a woman of substance.

50 Greatest Soap Actresses: #7 Jeanne Cooper

NAME: Jeanne Cooper
RANK: 7
SOAP ROLES: Katherine Chancellor, THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS (1973-present); Wedding Guest, GUIDING LIGHT (2009); Katherine Chancellor, THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL (2005)

AWARDS:
2009 Daytime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series
2009 AFTRA Media and Entertainment Excellence Awards (AMEE) Award
2008 Daytime Emmy win for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series
2007 Daytime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series
2005 Daytime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series
2004 Daytime Emmy Lifetime Achievement Award
2003 Awarded Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
2000 Daytime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series
1999 Daytime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series
1992 Daytime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series
1991 Daytime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series
1990 Daytime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series
1990 Soap Opera Digest Award nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress: Daytime
1989 Daytime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series
1989 Soap Opera Digest Award win for Outstanding Actress in a Leading Role: Daytime
1989 Soap Opera Digest Award win for Editor's Choice
1988 Soap Opera Digest Award nomination for Outstanding Actress in a Leading Role: Daytime
1987 Primetime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Guest Performer in a Drama Series
1986 Soap Opera Digest Award nomination for Outstanding Actress in a Supporting Role on a Daytime Serial
1962 Primetime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Performance in a Supporting Role by an Actress

COMMENTS FROM THE PANEL:
Alan Carter: From light comedy to heavy drama, not to mention bringing in her own personal travails into a storyline...what hasn't Jeanne Cooper done?

50 Greatest Soap Actresses: #8 Crystal Chappell

NAME: Crystal Chappell
RANK: 8
SOAP ROLES: Carly Manning, DAYS OF OUR LIVES (1990-1993, 2009-present); Gina Brogno, VENICE (2009-present); Olivia Spencer, GUIDING LIGHT (1999-2009); Maggie Carpenter, ONE LIFE TO LIVE (1995-1997); Jane, SANTA BARBARA (1990); Janie, ALL MY CHILDREN (1989)

AWARDS:
2008 Daytime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series
2007 Daytime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series
2006 Daytime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series
2005 Daytime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series
2002 Daytime Emmy win for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series
1993 Soap Opera Digest Award win for Hottest Female Star

COMMENTS FROM THE PANEL:
Claire Labine: (wrote for Chappell at GL and OLTL) What a peach. What a peach! I think we succeeded in making that character [Olivia] more complex instead of just a bad girl with fangs. I loved her, and I loved the way Crystal played her. What an actress.

50 Greatest Soap Actresses: #9 Sarah Brown

NAME: Sarah Brown
RANK: 9
SOAP ROLES: Sandy Sommers, THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL (2009-present); Claudia Zacchara, GENERAL HOSPITAL (2008-2009); Julisa Larrabee, AS THE WORLD TURNS (2004-2005); Carly Benson Corinthos, GENERAL HOSPITAL (1996-2001)

AWARDS:
2001 Soap Opera Digest Award nomination for Favorite Couple
2000 Daytime Emmy win for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series
2000 Soap Opera Digest Award win for Favorite Actress
1999 Daytime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Younger Actress in a Drama Series
1998 Daytime Emmy win for Outstanding Younger Actress in a Drama Series
1998 Soap Opera Digest Award win for Outstanding Younger Leading Actress
1997 Daytime Emmy win for Outstanding Younger Actress in a Drama Series

COMMENTS FROM THE PANEL:
Jonathan Reiner: Brown burst onto the scene in blaze of raw, intense energy. Truly, one of the great finds of the '90s.

50 Greatest Soap Actresses: #10 Helen Gallagher

NAME: Helen Gallagher
RANK: 10
SOAP ROLES: Maude Boylan, ONE LIFE TO LIVE (1997-1998); Nurse Harris, ALL MY CHILDREN (1994); Hannah Tuttle, ANOTHER WORLD (1989); Maeve Ryan, RYAN'S HOPE (1975-1989)

AWARDS:
1988 Daytime Emmy win for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series
1986 Soap Opera Digest Award nomination for Outstanding Actress in a Supporting Role on a Daytime Serial
1981 Daytime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Actress in a Daytime Drama Series
1979 Daytime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Actress in a Daytime Drama Series
1977 Daytime Emmy win for Outstanding Actress in a Daytime Drama Series
1976 Daytime Emmy win for Outstanding Actress in a Daytime Drama Series
1971 Tony Award win for Best Actress (Musical)
1966 Tony Award nomination for 1966 Best Supporting or Featured Actress (Musical)
1952 Tony Award win for Best Supporting or Featured Actress (Musical)

COMMENTS FROM THE PANEL:
Lynn Liccardo: She inhabited the character of Maeve Ryan so completely that viewers forgot that were watching a Tony-winning musical actress – even when she was sitting at the bar singing "Danny Boy."

50 Greatest Soap Actresses: #11 Debbi Morgan

NAME: Debbi Morgan
RANK: 11
SOAP ROLES: Angie Baxter Hubbard, ALL MY CHILDREN (1982-1990, 2008-present); Jennifer Tartaro, THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL (2006-2007); Ellen Burgess, PORT CHARLES (1997-1998); Angie Hubbard, THE CITY (1995-1997); Angie Hubbard, LOVING (1993-1995); Chantal Marshall, GENERATIONS (1990-1991)

AWARDS:
2009 Daytime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series
2009 Gracie Allen Award win for Outstanding Female Lead - Daytime Drama
2009 Image Award win for Outstanding Actress in a Daytime Drama Series
2002 Image Award win for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series
1998 CFCA Award win for Best Supporting Actress
1998 Image Award nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture
1998 Golden Satellite Award nomination for Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture - Drama
1998 Independent Spirit Award win for Best Supporting Female
1996 Image Award nomination for Outstanding Actress in a Daytime Drama Series
1990 Soap Opera Digest Award nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress: Daytime
1989 Daytime Emmy win for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series
1986 Daytime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Ingenue in a Drama Series
1990 Soap Opera Digest Award nomination for Outstanding Young Leading Actress on a Daytime Serial

COMMENTS FROM THE PANEL:
Connie Passalacqua Hayman (Marlena De Lacroix): The young girl and the woman -- what an extraordinary actress! We watched her Angie grow up from a teenager. Lorraine Broderick should make her the heart of the new AMC!

50 Greatest Soap Actresses: #12 Jane Elliot

NAME: Jane Elliot
RANK: 12
SOAP ROLES: Tracy Quartermaine, GENERAL HOSPITAL (1978-1980, 1989-1993, 1996, 2003-present); Tracy Quartermaine, THE CITY (1996-1997); Anjelica Deveraux, DAYS OF OUR LIVES (1987-1989), Cynthia Preston, ALL MY CHILDREN (1984-1986), Carrie Marler, GUIDING LIGHT (1981-1982); Judy, KNOTS LANDING, (1980-1981); Madge Sinclair, A NEW DAY IN EDEN (1982); Linda Skerba, A FLAME IN THE WIND (1965)

AWARDS:
2005 Soap Opera Digest Award nomination for Favorite Villainess
1993 Daytime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series
1993 Soap Opera Digest Award nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actress
1992 Soap Opera Digest Award win for Outstanding Supporting Actress: Daytime
1991 Soap Opera Digest Award nomination for Outstanding Villainess: Daytime
1990 Soap Opera Digest Award win for Outstanding Villainess: Daytime
1989 Daytime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series
1986 Soap Opera Digest Award nomination for Outstanding Villainess in a Daytime Serial
1981 Daytime Emmy win for Outstanding Actress in a Supporting Role in a Daytime Drama Series

COMMENTS FROM THE PANEL:
Connie Passalacqua Hayman (Marlena De Lacroix): A hoot and a delight for thirty years of GH. Does anyone remember her shattering performance as Carrie Marler's dual personalities in the Doug Marland-written years of GUIDING LIGHT?