CLASSIC GL PHOTOS OF THE DAY: The 1980s

The We Love Soaps photo tribute to GUIDING LIGHT continues with a look at some characters featured prominently in the 1980s. This is in no way meant to be a complete retrospective but a look at a few of the images that made the decade such a good one for the show. In the photo above, the early '80s were filled with tales from the younger set which included Kristen Vigard (Morgan), Kevin Bacon (Tim), John Wesley Shipp (Kelly), Marsha Clark (Hillary), Tom Nielsen (Floyd), Lisa Brown (Nola) and Denise Pence (Katie).

CLASSIC GL PHOTOS OF THE DAY: Random Collection

When I was coming up with categories for the classic photos there were several that didn't fit into the groupings I created so I'm posting some of them here now. In the photo above are Janet Grey's Eve and Lenore Kasdorf's Rita. I loved the Stapleton sisters when I was a kid.

CLASSIC GL PHOTOS OF THE DAY: Radio Days

The We Love Soaps photo tribute to GUIDING LIGHT continues with a look at some of the radio stars that helped launch the legendary soap. Pictured above is Arthur Peterson who played Reverend Rutledge.

CLASSIC GL PHOTOS OF THE DAY: Alan Spaulding

The We Love Soaps classic photo tribute to GUIDING LIGHT continues with a look at the original Alan Spaulding, played by the late Christopher Bernau who died in 1989. Bernau debuted on GUIDING LIGHT in 1977 and instantly became the center of many stories, the impact of which is still be played out today (with Ron Raines in the role). When Bernau became too ill to work in the late 1980s, Daniel Pilon subbed until he could return. After Bernau's death, Pilon continued in the role. In the photo above, Bernau is pictured with Elvera Roussel who played Hope Bauer Spaulding.

CLASSIC GL PHOTOS OF THE DAY: The 1970s

The We Love Soaps photo tribute to GUIDING LIGHT continues with a look at some the highlights from the 1970s. In the photo above, Mart Hulswit's Ed and Lenore Kasdorf's Rita made one of the most memorable pairings in the show's history (and my personal favorite of all of Ed's relationships).

CLASSIC GL PHOTOS OF THE DAY: The Promos

The We Love Soaps photo tribute to GUIDING LIGHT continues with a look at some classic promotional images. Pictured above are Theo Goetz (Papa) and Charita Bauer (Bert).

CLASSIC GL PHOTOS OF THE DAY: Bauer Family

The Bauer family has been at the core of GUIDING LIGHT since the radio days and the legacy was felt strongly at this summer's annual Bauer Barbecue when Rick spoke about his grandmother, Bert. The lives of the Bert and Bill's children, Mike and Ed, entertained fans for decades. Their grandchildren Hope, Rick (Freddie) and Michelle carried on the next generation as did great grandson, Alan-Michael. Charita Bauer, who played Bert, died in 1985, which was a huge blow to the show.

Pictured above are Barbara Rodell (Leslie), Don Stewart (Mike), Mart Hulswit (Ed), Theo Getz (Papa) and Charita Bauer (Bert).

CLASSIC GL PHOTOS OF THE DAY: Ed Bauer

Peter Simon has played the character of Ed Bauer on GUIDING LIGHT off and on since 1981 and will be playing the character as the show ends its run on September 18. But two other actors had memorable runs on the soap and are featured in today's "Classic GL Photos of the Day" feature that we will run until the finale. Mart Hulswit played Ed from 1969 to 1981. You'll notice a young Maureen Garrett and the sublime Barbara Berjer in the photo on the left. Robert Gentry had two runs as Ed, one in the late '60s and one in the '90s.

Thanks to Rob Wargo for the photos.