Today in Soap Opera History (June 5)

1979: Ryan's Hope's Delia threated Johnny.
1980: Y&R's Leslie wanted to remember a secret from her past.
1991: As the World Turns' Ellen found out her husband had died.
1996: All My Children's Julia was visited by her Fairy Godmother.

"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...

1950: On radio soap opera The Guiding Light, Ted White (James Monk) told his wife, Meta (Jone Allison), he didn't think she made an effort to understand his son, Chuckie. You can read the entire script for the episode here.

1964: On Another World, Alice Matthews (Jacqueline Courtney) decided to attend the Institute of Art.

1968: On The Doctors, Ed Stark's (Conrad Roberts) parents, Paul (P. Jay Sidney) and Hope (Clarice Taylor), told him that he had become a stranger to them.

1979: On Ryan's Hope, Delia Reid Ryan (Randall Edwards) threatened to tell her former mother-in-law, Maeve, the truth about her loan to save the bar if Maeve's husband, Johnny (Bernard Barrow), didn't fire Kevin MacGuinness (Malachy McCourt).

Bill & Susan Hayes to Receive Lifetime Achievement Awards at Daytime Emmys

The National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS) today proudly announced that Bill Hayes and Susan Seaforth Hayes, stars of television, film and stage and Sid and Marty Krofft, two legendary television producers, will be honored with Lifetime Achievement Awards this year during the Daytime Emmy® Awards. The Krofft Brothers will be celebrated at the 45th Daytime Creative Arts Emmy Awards which will take place on Friday, April 27th, 2018, while Bill Hayes and Susan Seaforth Hayes will be celebrated on Sunday, April 29th, 2018 at the 45th Daytime Emmy Awards. Both presentations will take place at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium in Southern California.

“I’ve been star-struck by the dynamic duo of Bill Hayes and Susan Seaforth Hayes for decades,” said David Michaels, SVP, Daytime Emmy Awards, NATAS. “The scope of their work across the television, film and stage landscape is amazing. Their continuing roles of almost 50 years on Days of our Lives, where they also met and married, is a Daytime story like no other! Sid and Marty Krofft, our Daytime Creative Arts honorees, are masters of children’s television programming and have been part of my family viewing since the creation of H.R. Pufnstuf, Sigmund & the Sea Monsters and Land Of The Lost. Their terrific variety programs such as Donny & Marie on ABC and Barbara Mandrell & the Mandrell Sisters on NBC have only solidified the breadth of their talent across the television spectrum.”

While there are many other deserving soap opera stars that have dedicated many decades to the genre, it is nice the Daytime Emmys are finally honoring daytime actors again, for the first time in several years. Let's hope this starts a trend.

Watch 'Days of our Lives' Legend Bill Hayes on 'The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon'

Legendary Days of our Lives actor Bill Hayes made an impromptu appearance earlier this week on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.

During a commercial break, Fallon was speaking to the audience when Hayes's grandson pointed out that next to him was an audience member that had been a guest on the show three times, with former hosts Jack Paar and Johnny Carson.

Fallon then brought Hayes on stage and interviewed him before returning live on the air to introduce Sheryl Crow.

Watch it happen in the video below, which is sure to make you smile.

Today in Soap Opera History (June 5)

1979: Ryan's Hope's Delia threated Johnny. 1980: The Young
and the Restless' Leslie wanted to remember a secret from her
past. 1991: As the World Turns' Ellen found out her husband
had died. 1996: All My Children's Julia was visited by
her Fairy Godmother.

"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...

1950: On radio soap opera The Guiding Light, Ted White (James Monk) told his wife, Meta (Jone Allison), he didn't think she made an effort to understand his son, Chuckie. You can read the entire script for the episode here.

1964: On Another World, Alice Matthews (Jacqueline Courtney) decided to attend the Institute of Art.

1968: On The Doctors, Ed Stark's (Conrad Roberts) parents, Paul (P. Jay Sidney) and Hope (Clarice Taylor), told him that he had become a stranger to them.

1979: On Ryan's Hope, Delia Reid Ryan (Randall Edwards) threatened to tell her former mother-in-law, Maeve, the truth about her loan to save the bar if Maeve's husband, Johnny (Bernard Barrow), didn't fire Kevin MacGuinness (Malachy McCourt).

NEWS: British Soap Awards, Rob Mallard, Bill Hayes, 'In Our Lifetime,' Main Kuch Bhi Kar Sakti Hoon'

Emmerdale's depiction of Ashley Tinsley's dementia helped the soap
win six British Soap Awards.

Below is a round-up of recent soap opera news.

* Emmerdale was named Best British Soap and picked up five other trophies at Saturday night's British Soap Awards.

* Coronation Street's Rob Mallard (who plays Daniel) thanked boyfriend Daniel Brocklebank (Billy) in his Best Newcomer speech: "Even though this is fantastic, Dan you're still the best thing I've taken home!”"

* An Indian soap opera that is shattering social taboos - from domestic violence and acid attacks to menstruation and child marriage - has become one of the most watched series in the world, attracting over 400 million viewers, according to Main Kuch Bhi Kar Sakti Hoon producers.

* On the new documentary about the life of Days of our Lives star Bill Hayes (Doug), wife Susan Seaforth Hayes (Julie) says, "I think it allows the viewer of his biography to see who Bill Hayes is, and meet the man I fell in love with and that his co-worker fell in love with that perhaps they don’t know."

* Religious differences reared their ugly head during Friday’s funeral for an Indonesian soap opera actress Yana Zein, who died on Thursday at the age of 44. Her Russian mother, Swetlana Zein, wanted a Christian funeral for Yana, whom she claimed was a Christian. But just before the coffin was closed, Yana’s father, Nurzaman, who is divorced from Swetlana, came to the funeral home and stopped the rites, arguing that Yana was a Muslim and thus Muslim rites should be performed for her.

* Drugs. Alcohol. Sabotage. Backstabbing. Inappropriate relationships. It’s exactly the type of drama you’d expect from a daytime television show. Except in this case, the show is on YouTube, the resident Queen Bee is a 14-year-old girl, and her kingdom is a private school. The show? “In Our Lifetime” — a 30-minute drama, In Our Lifetime, produced in Atlanta.

Documentary 'World by the Tail: The Bill Hayes Story' Now Streaming

Legendary singer, actor and dancer Bill Hayes has been entertaining viewers since the 1940s. Best remembered as the handsome crooner on Your Show of Shows and the heartthrob Doug Williams on NBC daytime soap opera Days of our Lives, Bill has led a fascinating life. He's been leading man to legendary actresses over the years. Shirley Jones, Florence Henderson and the great Carol Lawrence are just some of the memorable moments in Bills life. And don’t forget, it was Bill Hayes’s version of "The Ballad of Davy Crockett" that topped the Billboard charts and garnished the Best Record of the Year from Dick Clark. The new documentary World by the Tail: The Bill Hayes Story takes a look at his fascinating life.

Narrated by Bill himself along with his friends, Carl Reiner, Mel Brooks and the cast of Days of our Lives, viewers get a glimpse of what it’s really like for a seasoned entertainer and all the ups and downs that go along with it. Born during the great depression, Bill always loved to sing. Taking his ill brother’s place for an audition of Roger and Hammerstein’s "Carousel," Bill found himself thrown into the world of entertainment. Realizing his talent, Producer Max Liebman chose Bill to be the singing star of Your Show of Shows. Along with Sid Caesar and Imagine Coca, Your Show of Shows was the biggest thing on TV to-date. This role led Bill to Broadway where he starred in Rogers and Hammerstein’s Me and Juliet. Being a great the great talent that Bill is, Gower Champion hired him to star in the national tour of Bye Bye Birdie. Causing a strain on his marriage, ultimately leading to his divorce in the late '60s, Bill took his children west to start a life in Hollywood. Quickly Bill was snatched up by Days of our Lives, where he met his new glamorous wife Susan Seaforth. The two revolutionized daytime soaps ultimately leading to the cover of Time Magazine.

At 91 years old, Bill Hayes is still going strong. When he isn’t telling stories about his 19 great grandchildren, you can find him leading a tap dancing class, or singing with his church choir. You can still catch him from time to time on Days of our Lives as Doug Williams. Bill loves entertaining but if you ask him what life is all about, he will tell you family.

Check out the trailer for World by the Tail: The Bill Hayes Story below.

Today in Soap Opera History (June 5)

1979: Ryan's Hope's Delia threated Johnny. 1980: The Young
and the Restless' Leslie wanted to remember a secret from her
past. 1991: As the World Turns' Ellen found out her husband
had died. 1996: All My Children's Julia was visited by
her Fairy Godmother.

"If you don't know history, then you don't know anything. You are a leaf that doesn't know it is part of a tree."
― Michael Crichton

"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: On radio soap opera The Guiding Light, Ted White (James Monk) told his wife, Meta (Jone Allison), he didn't think she made an effort to understand his son, Chuckie. You can read the entire script for the episode here.

1964: On Another World, Alice Matthews (Jacqueline Courtney) decided to attend the Institute of Art.

1968: On The Doctors, Ed Stark's (Conrad Roberts) parents, Paul (P. Jay Sidney) and Hope (Clarice Taylor), told him that he had become a stranger to them.

1979: On Ryan's Hope, Delia Reid Ryan (Randall Edwards) threatened to tell her former mother-in-law, Maeve, the truth about her loan to save the bar if Maeve's husband, Johnny (Bernard Barrow), didn't fire Kevin MacGuinness (Malachy McCourt).

'Days of our Lives' Stars Make a Difference in Detroit (Video)

Nadia Bjorlin, Bryan Dattilo and James Reynolds on a recent trip to Detroit.

On their trip to Detroit years ago, cast and crew from NBC soap opera Days of our Lives visited Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries Genesis House, a local women's shelter. Inspired by what they saw, they promised to be back someday. While promoting the show's 50th anniversary book last week, co-executive producer Greg Meng, and actors James Reynolds (Abe), Bryan Dattilo (Lucas), Nadia Bjorlin (Chloe), Bill Hayes (Doug Hayes) and Susan Seaforth Hayes (Julie) returned to the Motor City.

"We connected here about five years ago, and we've been back a time or two since, and we were so inspired by the strength and the courage of these women, we left here so inspired," said Meng. "Anytime we're near Detroit, we want to come here."

The team also stopped by VA Hospital, a treat for Reynolds, a veteran of the Marine Corps who served in the Vietnam War.

"I love the VA, I love what they do," Reynolds said. "I love the embracing of the veterans. Days of our Lives has been incredibly supportive of that."

The Hayes visited the Detroit Institute of Arts Museum, a personal favorite.

Watch highlights from the Days visit to Detroit below in a segment from WDIV.

'Days of our Lives' Artifacts Donated to Smithsonian's National Museum of American History (Photos/Audio)

Diedre Hall, Greg Meng, Susan Seaforth-Hayes and ceremony host Tippi
Hedren with items from Days of our Lives. Photo Credit: Lisa England

On Wednesday, November 4, 2015, The Smithsonian's National Museum of American History added artifacts that reflect the contributions of daytime television programming to the national entertainment collection in a ceremony that continues an ongoing partnership with the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS).

The donation from NBC soap opera Days of our Lives, which is marking 50 years on the air, included show scripts, original art and other memorabilia, including sets of Horton family Christmas ornaments and a pledge of the iconic hourglass that opens each episode. Actresses Deidre Hall (Dr. Marlena Evans) and Susan Seaforth Hayes (Julie Williams) and Executive Producer Greg Meng, who wrote a book about the show's 50th anniversary, presented the objects.

The ceremony continued a collecting initiative established in 2013 between the National Museum of American History and NATAS to help the museum tell the story of daytime television.

“Since its advent in the 1940s, television has become integral to American culture,” said John Gray, director of the museum. “By adding the contributions of daytime television to our collections, we are recognizing television's influence on everyday life and capacity to explore national values such as democracy, opportunity and innovation.”

FLASHBACK: Mother Daughter Relationships - An "Imitation of Life" on Daytime TV (Part 2)

On Love of Life, Meg Hart (Tudi Wiggins) had an affair with
business associate Rick Latimer (Jerry Lacy).  When Rick fell
in love with Meg's daughter (then, Deborah Courtney), it was the
start of a long-running storyline that nearly ended in tragedy.

Mother Daughter Relationships: An "Imitation of Life" on Daytime TV

The Soap Box
Vol. IV No. 1 January 1979

(continued from Part 1)

Certainly, Jill and Erica contradict the proverb from Ezekiel XVI:44, "As the mother, so is the daughter." One might have expected daughters like these from a mother like Meg Hart on Love of Life.

Meg had an affair with a business associate, Rick Latimer. When Rick fell in love with her daughter, Cal, it was the start of a long-running storyline that nearly ended in tragedy. Meg tried to undercut Cal and Rick's relationship, playing both sides against the middle. When that failed, she plotted a phony suicide attempt for their wedding day; her plan nearly backfired. Although Meg didn't die, she did succeed in forcing a postponement of her daughter's wedding. After the marriage took place, she continued to come on to Rick, and had nearly succeeded in separating them permanently before they reconciled and moved to Quebec.

Today in Soap Opera History (June 5)

1979: Ryan's Hope's Delia threated Johnny. 1980: The Young
and the Restless' Leslie wanted to remember a secret from her
past. 1991: As the World Turns' Ellen found out her husband
had died. 1996: All My Children's Julia was visited by
her Fairy Godmother.

"History never looks like history when you are living through it."
― John W. Gardner

"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: On radio soap opera The Guiding Light, Ted (James Monk) told Meta (Jone Allison) he didn't think she made an effort to understand Chuckie. You can read the entire script for the episode here.

1964: On Another World, Alice (Jacqueline Courtney) decided to attend the Institute of Art.

1968: On The Doctors, Ed Stark's (Conrad Roberts) parents, Paul (P. Jay Sidney) and Hope (Clarice Taylor), told him that he had become a stranger to them.

1979: On Ryan's Hope, Delia (Randall Edwards) threatened to tell Maeve the truth about her loan to save the bar if Johnny (Bernard Barrow) didn't fire Kevin.

Today in Soap Opera History (June 5)

1979: Ryan's Hope's Delia threated Johnny. 1980: The Young
and the Restless' Leslie wanted to remember a secret from her
past. 1991: As the World Turns' Ellen found out her husband
had died. 1996: All My Children's Julia received a surprise
visit.

"History is a gallery of pictures in which there are few originals and many copies."
- Alexis de Tocqueville

"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: On radio soap opera The Guiding Light, Ted (James Monk) told Meta (Jone Allison) he didn't think she made an effort to understand Chuckie. You can read the entire script for the episode here.

1964: On Another World, Alice (Jacqueline Courtney) decided to attend the Institute of Art.

1979: On Ryan's Hope, Delia (Randall Edwards) threatened to tell Maeve the truth about her loan to save the bar if Johnny (Bernard Barrow) didn't fire Kevin.

'Day of DAYS' Fan Event Returns To Universal CityWalk With The Stars Of DAYS OF OUR LIVES On November 9

The stars of NBC's daytime drama DAYS OF OUR LIVES will meet fans face-to-face at the "Day of DAYS" fan event on Saturday, November 9 from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. at Universal CityWalk in Los Angeles.

This complimentary event for devoted DAYS OF OUR LIVES viewers will offer fans the chance to meet and greet Salem’s favorite cast members during autograph signings, a Q&A session, a trivia challenge and much more.

Cast Stars Attending Include Alison Sweeney, Deidre Hall, Bill Hayes, Susan Hayes, Shawn Christian, Eric Martsolf, Chrishell Stause, Jen Lilley, Bryan Dattilo, Camila Banus, Mary Beth Evans, John Aniston, Blake Berris, Freddie Smith, Ari Zucker, Greg Vaughan, Galen Gering, James Reynolds, Lauren Koslow, Peggy McCay, Suzanne Rogers, Kate Mansi and more.

Check out the schedule for the day below:

Today in Soap Opera History (June 5)

On this date in...

1950: On radio soap opera THE GUIDING LIGHT, Ted (James Monk) told Meta (Jone Allison) he didn't think she made an effort to understand Chuckie. You can read the entire script for the episode here.

1964: On ANOTHER WORLD, Alice (Jacqueline Courtney) decided to attend the Institute of Art.

1980: On THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS, Leslie (Victoria Mallory) asked Lorie (Jaime Lyn Bauer) to help her unlock the past.

INTERVIEW: Kristian Alfonso Reflects On Her DAYS OF OUR LIVES 30th Anniversary

Kristian Alfonso

Kristian Alfonso made her debut as Hope Williams in DAYS OF OUR LIVES 30 years ago this month. Over the past three decades we have loved her performances in DAYS, as well as primetime soaps FALCON CREST and MELROSE PLACE. She's also hosted shows, and starred in films, but DAYS has always been "home." We Love Soaps spoke with Alfonso about her long career, DAYS OF OUR LIVES and where she sees the character of Hope today. Read our new interview below:

WE LOVE SOAPS: It is wonderful to speak with you just a few days shy of the 30th anniversary of your DAYS OF OUR LIVES debut.
KRISTIAN ALFONSO: It's shocking. I can't get my head around it. It's just like yesterday.

WE LOVE SOAPS: In honor of this milestone, can you tell our readers the story of how you first came to DAYS. I understand you had auditioned to play Hope a couple of years earlier, and then returned in 1983 when you started on the show.

CLASSIC CLIP: HOLLYWOOD SQUARES Soap Star Week 1979

1979 DAYS OF OUR LIVES stars Richard Guthrie and
Tracey Bregman (now Lauren on THE YOUNG AND
THE RESTLESS).

In early December 1979 NBC's HOLLYWOOD SQUARES are a Soap Stars special week featuring many of the stars of the day (a few of which are still starring in daytime today).

The panel consisted of the following pairs:
* Nancy Pinkerton & Franc Luz (THE DOCTORS)
* Susan Keith & Paul Stevens (ANOTHER WORLD)
* Richard Guthrie & Tracey Bregman (DAYS OF OUR LIVES)
* Dennis Cooney & Kelly Wood (AS THE WORLD TURNS)
* Sherry Mathis & Rod Arrants (SEARCH FOR TOMORROW)
* Brenda Dickson & Bob Colbert (THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS)
* Bill & Susan Hayes (DAYS OF OUR LIVES)
* Quinn Redeker & Brenda Benet (DAYS OF OUR LIVES)
* Wayland & Madame (center square)

Watch the December 4, 1979 episode of HOLLYWOOD SQUARES below:

50 Greatest Soap Couples: The Complete List

COUPLE: Luke Spencer & Laura Webber
SHOW: GENERAL HOSPITAL
RANK: 1
PLAYED BY:
Luke: Anthony Geary
Laura: Genie Francis
YEARS: 1978-1982, 1983, 1984, 1993–2002, 2006, 2008

DAYS OF OUR LIVES Celebrates Spirit Day

Spirit Day is the annual day in October when millions of Americans wear purple to speak out against bullying and to show their support for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) youth. DAYS OF OUR LIVES celebrated Spirit Day on Friday, October 19, with actors wearing purple and posing for pictures on the set including Bill Hayes, Kristian Alfonso, Freddie Smith, Kate Mansi, Blake Berris, Eric Martsolf and Nadia Bjorlin (pictured above). Check out more photos below which include Deidre Hall, Eileen Davidson, Shawn Christian and Camila Banus:

NEWS ROUNDUP: DAYS OF OUR LIVES 12,000th Episode To Air Jan. 11, 2013! Plus, Florencia Lozano, Lane Davies, Greg Rikaart, Darcy Rose Byrnes

DAYS OF OUR LIVES to air 12,000th episode on January 11, 2003
The cast and crew of NBC's Days of Our Lives gathered on Friday, Sept. 28 to celebrate a remarkable TV milestone — the filming of the soap's 12,000th episode. Days icons Deidre Hall (Marlena) and Drake Hogestyn (John), seen here, were among those on hand, along with executive producer Ken Corday whose late dad, Ted Corday, was a cocreator of the show. Episode 12,000 will air on January 11, 2013.

Anthony Geary: 'When I'm threatened or uncomfortable, [Luke Spencer] takes over'
"I can flip into 'Luke Spencer,' and I'm sure any of us can flip into our 'characters' at a moment's notice. I know how he feels, and when I'm threatened or uncomfortable, he takes over."

ONE LIFE TO LIVE alum Florencia Lozano: 'Tea was a blast to play'
"Tea was a blast to play. People always ask me, "Was she good or was she bad?" And I say "She did some questionable things because of her damaged heart." Who can't relate to that? I loved how psychotically driven she was by work and by ambition and by her loyalty to the people she loved. That was really fun to play. She was complex, and we don't get to see complex women often enough."

CLASSIC CLIP: Bill & Susan Hayes On THE MIKE DOUGLAS SHOW

Legendary Bill and Susan Seaforth Hayes were guests on THE MIKE DOUGLAS SHOW on October 25, 1975. Watch their appearance below which includes a classic Doug and Julie DAYS OF OUR LIVES clip as well.