Today in Soap Opera History (February 23)

1965: Peyton Place's Elliot learned he was a grandfather.
1971: Dark Shadows' Gabriel stabbed Kendrick.
1989: Another World's original Donna Love returned.
2004: All My Children's Bianca remembered killing Michael.

"History speaks to artists. It changes the artist's thinking and is constantly reshaping it into d ifferent and unexpected images."
― Anselm Kiefer

"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...

1962: On The Edge of Night, Louise (Mary K. Wells) learned about Phil's (Ray MacDonnell) car crash, unaware that he had been replaced by a double, John Lambert (Ray MacDonnell).

1965: On As the World Turns, Chris (Don MacLaughlin) told Pa (Santos Ortega) about a rare disease that Dan had contracted, for which the prognosis did not look good. Chris explained that he felt Ellen (Patricia Bruder) should be told the truth about Dan, given what may happen to her son. When the news was revealed to Ellen, she was very upset and asked to go the hospital to see Dan. She found that he was in the same room in which she gave birth to him. While waiting to see Dan, Ellen thought back to the time at which he was known as "Jimmy." She found that Dan had been mumbling the word "mom" over and over again in his sleep, and she believed that this might be a good sign. She decided to keep vigil by his bed.

Today in Soap Opera History (February 3)

1950: Charita Bauer debuted as Guiding Light's new Bert.
1977: Ryan's Hope's Delia told Pat she was pregnant with his baby.
1986: Days of our Lives' Bo confessed to treason.
1987: Santa Barbara's Richard left a bomb with Cruz.

"History speaks to artists. It changes the artist's thinking and is constantly reshaping it into d ifferent and unexpected images."
― Anselm Kiefer

"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...

1950: Charita Bauer assumed the role of Bert Bauer on The Guiding Light radio program (Ann Shepard was the original radio Bert). She would continue to play the character as the show premiered on television two years later and until December 1984, just before her death. More on Charita Bauer here.

1967: On Another World, Lenore (Judith Barcroft) declined to consider it when Helen suggested she and Bill wait until to marry so Bill can get over his butterflies.

1975: On The Doctors, once he found out how disappointed Toni Ferra (Anna Stuart) was about waiting to meet his mother, Dr. Alan Stewart (Gil Gerard) agreed to go to Hawaii for their honeymoon.

Today in Soap Opera History (December 11)

1968: Susan Seaforth debuted on Days of our Lives as Julie.
1979: ATWT's Lisa faced off with Hester at The Willows.
1995: Another World's Donna sang to a suspicious Matt.
1998: Brooke's Bedroom made its debut on B&B.

"History speaks to artists. It changes the artist's thinking and is constantly reshaping it into different and unexpected images."
― Anselm Kiefer

"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...

1957: On The Edge of Night, Peter Dalton (Stephen Elliott) won the election by a landslide.

1968: Susan Seaforth (Hayes) debuted as Julie Olson in Days of our Lives. She has been nominated for four Daytime Emmy Awards for her work on the soap. Check out our 2010 in-depth interview with Mrs. Hayes and her husband and Days co-star, Bill Hayes.

Today in Soap Opera History (February 23)

1965: Peyton Place's Elliot learned he was a grandfather.
1971: Dark Shadows' Gabriel stabbed Kendrick.
1989: Another World's original Donna Love returned.
2004: All My Children's Bianca remembered killing Michael.

"Whoever wishes to foresee the future must consult the past; for human events ever resemble those of preceding times. This arises from the fact that they are produced by men who ever have been, and ever shall be, animated by the same passions, and thus they necessarily have the same results."
― Machiavelli

"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...

1962: On The Edge of Night, Louise (Mary K. Wells) learned about Phil's (Ray MacDonnell) car crash, unaware that he had been replaced by a double, John Lambert (Ray MacDonnell).

1965: On As the World Turns, Chris (Don MacLaughlin) told Pa (Santos Ortega) about a rare disease that Dan had contracted, for which the prognosis did not look good. Chris explained that he felt Ellen (Patricia Bruder) should be told the truth about Dan, given what may happen to her son. When the news was revealed to Ellen, she was very upset and asked to go the hospital to see Dan. She found that he was in the same room in which she gave birth to him. While waiting to see Dan, Ellen thought back to the time at which he was known as "Jimmy." She found that Dan had been mumbling the word "mom" over and over again in his sleep, and she believed that this might be a good sign. She decided to keep vigil by his bed.

Today in Soap Opera History (February 3)

1950: Charita Bauer debuted as Guiding Light's new Bert.
1977: Ryan's Hope's Delia told Pat she was pregnant with his baby.
1986: Days of our Lives' Bo confessed to treason.
1987: Santa Barbara's Richard left a bomb with Cruz.

"Whoever wishes to foresee the future must consult the past; for human events ever resemble those of preceding times. This arises from the fact that they are produced by men who ever have been, and ever shall be, animated by the same passions, and thus they necessarily have the same results."
― Machiavelli

"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...

1950: Charita Bauer assumed the role of Bert Bauer on The Guiding Light radio program (Ann Shepard was the original radio Bert). She would continue to play the character as the show premiered on television two years later and until December 1984, just before her death. More on Charita Bauer here.

1967: On Another World, Lenore (Judith Barcroft) declined to consider it when Helen suggested she and Bill wait until to marry so Bill can get over his butterflies.

1975: On The Doctors, once he found out how disappointed Toni Ferra (Anna Stuart) was about waiting to meet his mother, Dr. Alan Stewart (Gil Gerard) agreed to go to Hawaii for their honeymoon.

Today in Soap Opera History (December 11)

1968: Susan Seaforth debuted on Days of our Lives as Julie.
1979: ATWT's Lisa faced off with Hester at The Willows.
1995: Another World's Donna sang to a suspicious Matt.
1998: Brooke's Bedroom made it's debut on B&B.

"History is a vast early warning system."
― Norman Cousins

"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...

1957: On The Edge of Night, Peter Dalton (Stephen Elliott) won the election by a landslide.

1968: Susan Seaforth (Hayes) debuted as Julie Olson in Days of our Lives. She has been nominated for four Daytime Emmy Awards for her work on the soap. Check out our 2010 in-depth interview with Mrs. Hayes and her husband and Days co-star, Bill Hayes.

Today in Soap Opera History (February 23)

1965: Peyton Place's Elliot learned he was a grandfather.
1971: Dark Shadows' Gabriel stabbed Kendrick.
1989: Another World's original Donna Love returned.
2004: All My Children's Bianca remembered killing Michael.

"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...

1962: On The Edge of Night, Louise (Mary K. Wells) learned about Phil's (Ray MacDonnell) car crash, unaware that he had been replaced by a double, John Lambert (Ray MacDonnell).

1965: On As the World Turns, Chris (Don MacLaughlin) told Pa (Santos Ortega) about a rare disease that Dan had contracted, for which the prognosis did not look good. Chris explained that he felt Ellen (Patricia Bruder) should be told the truth about Dan, given what may happen to her son. When the news was revealed to Ellen, she was very upset and asked to go the hospital to see Dan. She found that he was in the same room in which she gave birth to him. While waiting to see Dan, Ellen thought back to the time at which he was known as "Jimmy." She found that Dan had been mumbling the word "mom" over and over again in his sleep, and she believed that this might be a good sign. She decided to keep vigil by his bed.

Today in Soap Opera History (December 11)

1968: Susan Seaforth debuted on Days of our Lives as Julie.
1979: ATWT's Lisa faced off with Hester at The Willows.
1995: Another World's Donna sang to a suspicious Matt.
1998: Brooke's Bedroom made it's debut on B&B.

"More and more, I tend to read history. I often find it more up to date than the daily newspapers."
― Joe Murray

"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...

1957: On The Edge of Night, Peter Dalton (Stephen Elliott) won the election by a landslide.

1968: Susan Seaforth (Hayes) debuted as Julie Olson in Days of our Lives. She has been nominated for four Daytime Emmy Awards for her work on the soap. Check out our 2010 in-depth interview with Mrs. Hayes and her husband and Days co-star, Bill Hayes.

Today in Soap Opera History (February 23)

1965: Peyton Place's Elliot learned he was a grandfather.
1971: Dark Shadows' Gabriel stabbed Kendrick.
1989: Another World's original Donna Love returned.
2004: All My Children's Bianca remembered killing Michael.

"The present contains nothing more than the past, and what is found in the effect is already in the cause."
― Henri Louis Bergson

"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...

1962: On The Edge of Night, Louise (Mary K. Wells) learned about Phil's (Ray MacDonnell) car crash, unaware that he had been replaced by a double, John Lambert (Ray MacDonnell).

1965: On As the World Turns, Chris (Don MacLaughlin) told Pa (Santos Ortega) about a rare disease that Dan had contracted, for which the prognosis did not look good. Chris explained that he felt Ellen (Patricia Bruder) should be told the truth about Dan, given what may happen to her son. When the news was revealed to Ellen, she was very upset and asked to go the hospital to see Dan. She found that he was in the same room in which she gave birth to him. While waiting to see Dan, Ellen thought back to the time at which he was known as "Jimmy." She found that Dan had been mumbling the word "mom" over and over again in his sleep, and she believed that this might be a good sign. She decided to keep vigil by his bed.

Today in Soap Opera History (December 11)

1968: Susan Seaforth debuted on Days of our Lives as Julie.
1979: ATWT's Lisa faced off with Hester at The Willows.
1995: Another World's Donna sang to a suspicious Matt.
1998: Brooke's Bedroom made it's debut on B&B.

"The present contains nothing more than the past, and what is found in the effect is already in the cause."
― Henri Louis Bergson

"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...

1957: On The Edge of Night, Peter Dalton (Stephen Elliott) won the election by a landslide.

1968: Susan Seaforth (Hayes) debuted as Julie Olson in Days of our Lives. She has been nominated for four Daytime Emmy Awards for her work on the soap. Check out our 2010 in-depth interview with Mrs. Hayes and her husband and Days co-star, Bill Hayes.

'Another World' Stars Anna Stuart and Alice Barrett Mitchell Join Upcoming Janet Iacobuzio and Nelson Aspen Series

Anna Stuart (left) and Alice Barrett Mitchell (right) with Nelson Aspen.

Two more loved and missed sirens of the soap world are joining the cast of the new series coming from Janet Iacobuzio and Nelson Aspen: Alice Barrett Mitchell and Anna Stuart.

"I never got to work with these talented ladies during my stint at Another World, so we're making up for lost time," says Nelson. "I actually first fell for Anna when she was a temporary recast as Vanessa Chamberlain on Guiding Light, so that's how long I've been a fan!"

Janet agrees, "It's a dream come true to work with Anna and Alice again [after Another World]. What pros!" Alice just filmed an episode of Donny Deutsch's upcoming comedy series, Donny. Anna is practically a newlywed after marrying award winning actor James Cromwell in 2014.

They join an impressive cast of Daytime vets for this project, including Colleen Zenk, Anna Holbrook, Ryan Brown, David Forsyth, Marcia McCabe, Stephen Schnetzer and Denise Pence. Watch this space for all the latest news on this exciting venture.

Check out more pictures of Nelson with Anna and Alice below:

Today in Soap Opera History (February 23)

1965: Peyton Place's Elliot learned he was a grandfather.
1971: Dark Shadows' Gabriel stabbed Kendrick.
1989: Another World's original Donna Love returned.
2004: All My Children's Bianca remembered killing Michael.

"Mankind are so much the same, in all times and places, that history informs us of nothing new or strange in this particular. Its chief use is only to discover the constant and universal principles of human nature."
― David Hume

"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...

1962: On The Edge of Night, Louise (Mary K. Wells) learned about Phil's (Ray MacDonnell) car crash, unaware that he had been replaced by a double, John Lambert (Ray MacDonnell).

1965: On As the World Turns, Chris (Don MacLaughlin) told Pa (Santos Ortega) about a rare disease that Dan had contracted, for which the prognosis did not look good. Chris explained that he felt Ellen (Patricia Bruder) should be told the truth about Dan, given what may happen to her son. When the news was revealed to Ellen, she was very upset and asked to go the hospital to see Dan. She found that he was in the same room in which she gave birth to him. While waiting to see Dan, Ellen thought back to the time at which he was known as "Jimmy." She found that Dan had been mumbling the word "mom" over and over again in his sleep, and she believed that this might be a good sign. She decided to keep vigil by his bed.

Today in Soap Opera History (December 11)

1968: Susan Seaforth debuted on Days of our Lives as Julie.
1979: ATWT's Lisa faced off with Hester at The Willows.
1995: Another World's Donna sang to a suspicious Matt.
1998: Brooke's Bedroom made it's debut on B&B.

"Most of us spend too much time on the last twenty-four hours and too little on the last six thousand years."
― Will Durant

"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...

1957: On The Edge of Night, Peter Dalton (Stephen Elliott) won the election by a landslide.

1968: Susan Seaforth (Hayes) debuted as Julie Olson in Days of our Lives. She has been nominated for four Daytime Emmy Awards for her work on the soap. Check out our 2010 in-depth interview with Mrs. Hayes and her husband and Days co-star, Bill Hayes.

Today in Soap Opera History (February 23)

1971: DARK SHADOWS' Gabriel stabbed Kendrick.

"There is no present or future, only the past happening over and over again - now."
- Eugene O'Neill

"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...

1962: On THE EDGE OF NIGHT, Louise (Mary K. Wells) learned about Phil's (Ray MacDonnell) car crash, unaware that he had been replaced by a double, John Lambert (Ray MacDonnell).

1965: On AS THE WORLD TURNS, Chris (Don MacLaughlin) told Pa (Santos Ortega) about a rare disease that Dan had contracted, for which the prognosis did not look good. Chris explained that he felt Ellen  (Patricia Bruder) should be told the truth about Dan, given what may happen to her son. When the news was revealed to Ellen, she was very upset and asked to go the hospital to see Dan. She found that he was in the same room in which she gave birth to him. While waiting to see Dan, Ellen thought back to the time at which he was known as "Jimmy." She found that Dan had been mumbling the word "mom" over and over again in his sleep, and she believed that this might be a good sign. She decided to keep vigil by his bed.

Today in Soap Opera History (December 11)

1968: Susan Seaforth debuted on DAYS as Julie. 1979: ATWT's
Lisa faced off with Hester at The Willows. 1995: AW's Donna
sang to a suspicious Matt. 1998: Brooke's Bedroom made
it's debut on B&B.

"That is the supreme value of history. The study of it is the best guarantee against repeating it."
- John Buchan, 1st Baron Tweedsmuir

"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...

1957: On THE EDGE OF NIGHT, Peter Dalton (Stephen Elliott) won the election by a landslide.

1968: Susan Seaforth Hayes debuted as Julie Olson in DAYS OF OUR LIVES.

Today in Soap Opera History (February 23)

On this date in...

1962: On THE EDGE OF NIGHT, Louise learned about Phil's car crash, unaware that he had been replaced by a double, John Lambert.

1970: On ANOTHER WORLD, Rachel (Robin Strasser) conned Pat into giving her the $50 she needed to put a down payment on a new apartment.

1989: Anna Stuart returned to ANOTHER WORLD as Donna Love Hudson.

Today in Soap Opera History (December 11)

On this date in...

1957: On THE EDGE OF NIGHT, Peter Dalton (Stephen Elliott) won the election by a landslide.

1968: Susan Seaforth Hayes aired for the first time as Julie Olson in DAYS OF OUR LIVES

Paul Keenan

1974: On ANOTHER WORLD, Iris (Beverlee McKinsey) informed Louise (Anne Meacham) Liz was moving in with them.

1979: On ANOTHER WORLD, Eileen Simpson Perrini (Vicky Dawson) died.

1984: Actor Richard McMurray died at age 68.  He played Dr. Mel Bailey in DAYS OF OUR LIVES in the late 1960s and 1970s.

1986: Actor Paul Keenan (Todd Chandler, DAYS OF OUR LIVES; Tony Driscoll, DYNASTY) died at age 31 due to complications from the AIDS virus. Check out our recent World AIDS Day tributes here.

1991: On THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS, Paul (Doug Davidson) was upset when he woke up in bed with Lauren (Tracey E. Bregman).  Watch below:

Today in Soap Opera History (December 11)

On this date in...

1957: On THE EDGE OF NIGHT, Peter Dalton won the election in a landslide victory.

1986: Actor Paul Keenan (Todd Chandler, DAYS OF OUR LIVES; Tony Driscoll, DYNASTY) died at age 31 due to complications from the AIDS virus. Check out our recent World AIDS Day tributes here.

1995: On ANOTHER WORLD, Donna (Anna Stuart) sang "Someone Like You" to Matt.



2003: Heather Tom debuted as Kelly Cramer on ONE LIFE TO LIVE.

2008: On AS THE WORLD TURNS, Jack holds Carly in his arms after his bachelor party.



2009: ALL MY CHILDREN taped for the final time in New York City.

Celebrating a birthday today are:
Rita Moreno (ex-Sister Peter Marie, OZ) - 80
Patrick Tovatt (ex-Cal, AS THE WORLD TURNS; ex-Zane, ANOTHER WORLD; ex-Matt, SEARCH FOR TOMORROW; ex-Chuck, GUIDING LIGHT; ex-Richard, RYAN'S HOPE) - 71
Donna Mills (ex-Abby, KNOTS LANDING; ex-Sherry, MELROSE PLACE; ex-Laura, LOVE IS A MANY SPLENDORED THING; ex-Rocket, THE SECRET STORM) - 71
Jermaine Jackson (Himself, AS THE WORLD TURNS) - 57
Max Martini (Frank, REVENGE) - 42

EDITOR'S NOTE: If you would like to submit a piece of soap opera history for this daily column, please email it to editor@welovesoaps.com.

Anna Stuart: The We Love Soaps Interview, Part Five

In Parts One and Two,  Three, and Four of our interview with Anna Stuart, the beloved legend shared her personal insights and professional anecdotes about working on daytime for nearly 40 years on THE DOCTORS, GENERAL HOSPITAL, and ANOTHER WORLD.  In this final part, Anna Stuart discusses her experiences working on ALL MY CHILDREN, GOTHAM, thoughts about the future of soaps on the internet.

We Love Soaps: Tell me about your work on ALL MY CHILDREN.
Anna Stuart: That was a totally different experience from what I had before.

We Love Soaps: What was it like?
Anna Stuart: [Pause] I was a well established player coming into a well established company, which meant I was very much of an outsider.  And the fact that I wasn’t on contract...they didn’t want to interview me.  The P.R. person at that time wouldn’t even speak to me.  He would walk right past me and welcome the next person with great big smiles, it’s like I didn’t exist.  It was just a very different environment.  There were egos there.  We didn’t have a lot of egos out in Brooklyn [on ANOTHER WORLD] and if you did you paid.  That’s just not the way we worked out there.  We were actors out in Brooklyn, we weren’t about the ego thing.   It was a very different set.  But I love my crew guys, they are the ones you want to be friendly with.  They are the ones who, after all, are the bottom line.  If a crew guy actually likes what you are doing there on that set, or likes the way you look, you’re in.  They’ll be honest with you.  Again, I found my way.  I found the people I liked the most, that I resonated with the most, and I had fun.  You find the good corners and nestle in them.

Anna Stuart: The We Love Soaps Interview, Part Four

In Parts One and Two, and Three, the beloved and talented legend discussed her beginning years in daytime, her personal values, and how she came to embody Donna Love on ANOTHER WORLD.  In Part Four, we discuss more about the downfall of ANOTHER WORLD, and how she coped with change and challenges following it's cancellation.  

We Love Soaps: One story I really enjoyed had to do with Donna’s relationship with Matt Cory [Matt Crane].
Anna Stuart: [Laughs], Oh yeah.

We Love Soaps: What was it like to learn you were going to this story?
Anna Stuart: They were really hesitant to let me start that story.  They wanted to do it, but they didn’t want to offend me. Part of it was dealing with menopause, not feeling I was womanly enough, thinking when I got older how young he would still be.  I said to them, “I want to do this, I want to embrace this.  Whatever women see in us, I want them to see that it’s okay, and that it doesn’t have to be the end of your life to go through menopause.  And you don’t ever have to feel like you’re not womanly or desirable.” As for the young man thing, that’s subjective.  I personally am not drawn to younger men, I’ve always gone the other way, if anything.  But women who go with younger men I think are just as brave as anything.  It’s an interesting relationship when younger men like older women.  It’s all about the heart. 

We Love Soaps: I thought was another example of Donna matching to the beat of her own drum.
Anna Stuart: But she was worried.  I had a wonderful scene where I just fell apart looking at myself.  I looked okay at the time but thinking I was not going to look okay in 20-30 years, and he was still going to be a handsome young man.