Today in Soap Opera History (October 19)

1979: EON's Deborah began receiving mysterious phone calls.
1984: Days' twins Eric and Sami were born.
1992: Days' Abigail was born.
2006: GL's Olivia told Gus about her rape.

"The best prophet of the future is the past."
― Lord Byron

"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...

1965: On General Hospital, Bill (Curtis Taylor) made his feelings clear about Dr. Steve Hardy (John Beradino).

1965: On A Time For Us, Dave (Terrence Logan) listened to Steve's (Tom Fielding) confession.

1965: On The Young Marrieds, Ann (Susan Brown) made an effort to charm Mandy (Marla Palmer).

1970: On Another World, Rachel (Robin Strasser) gave Russ (Sam Groom) a signed legal document relinquishing any claim to the trust fund for Jamie.

1979: On The Edge of Night, Deborah Saxon (Frances Fisher) began receiving mysterious phone calls.

1979: On As the World Turns, things continued to be mysterious at The Willows for Lisa (Eileen Fulton) as she anticipated Tom's arrival.

Today in Soap Opera History (October 18)

1988: GH's Julian shared a hotel room with college sweetheart
Cheryl.  1999: Shawn & Belle met on Days. 2002: OLTL's
Natalie & Jessica found out they were both Viki's daughters.
2002: GL's Alexandra held an Ex-Wives Club board meeting.

"The best prophet of the future is the past."
― Lord Byron

"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...

1968: On The Doctors, Dr. Maggie Powers (Lydia Bruce) made up an excuse get Dr. Althea Davis (Elizabeth Hubbard) over to her place on Friday night for a surprise bridal shower.

1972: On The Doctors, Dr. Althea Davis explained to Dr. Matt Powers that Dr. Nick Bellini kicked her out when she showed up at his place to pour her heart out.

Today in Soap Opera History (October 2)

1946: TV's first network soap opera premiered on DuMont.
1963: Hope Bauer was born on The Guiding Light.
1987: Chase Gioberti was presumed dead on Falcon Crest.
2009: Crystal Chappell returned to Days of our Lives as Carly.

"The best prophet of the future is the past."
― Lord Byron

"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...

1944: Procter & Gamble soap opera Rosemary premiered on NBC Radio. The show was created by Elaine Carrington and ran until July 1, 1955, switched from NBC to CBS on March 26, 1945.

1946: David P. Lewis' Faraway Hill premiered on the DuMont Network as the very first television soap opera broadcast on a network. The show lasted until December 18. The plot revolved around a widowed New Yorker, Karen St. John (played by Flora Campbell), who moved to a small town to be near relatives. NBC and DuMont were the only two networks in operation at that point.

Today in Soap Opera History (September 23)

1978: Gary and Valene Ewing returned to Dallas.
1984: Primetime soap Paper Dolls premiered on ABC.
1986: One Life to Live's Jessica Buchanan was born.
2011: All My Children aired for the final time on ABC.

"The best prophet of the future is the past."
― Lord Byron

"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...

1942: On radio soap opera Clara, Lu & Em, Clara (Fran Allison) was sick.

1969: On The Doctors, Mike Powers (Peter Burnell) picked up Julie Forrest (Ginger Gerlach) at the train station, and brought her to his parent's home. Julie told Matt (James Pritchett) and Maggie (Lydia Bruce) about her upbringing.

1975: On Ryan's Hope, Jillian Coleridge (Nancy Addision) encountered Delia Reid Ryan (Ilene Kristen) at Frank's campaign headquarters and refused to give in to Delia's demand that she give up on the campaign.

Today in Soap Opera History (September 22)

1972: Search for Tomorrow's Jo and Tony were married.
1977: Days of our Lives' Marlena was locked in a sanitarium.
1997: General Hospital's Brenda was left at the altar.
1998: Y&R's Drucilla surprised Neil and Victoria.

"The best prophet of the future is the past."
― Lord Byron

"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...

1955: On British radio soap opera The Archers, Grace died in the Brookfield stables.

1972: On Search for Tomorrow, Joanne Tate (Mary Stuart) married Dr. Tony Vincente (Anthony George).

Thanks to Susan for sending in the item above.

1977: On Days of our Lives, Marlena Evans (Deidre Hall) was trapped in the sanitarium, mistaken for her twin sister, Samantha.

Today in Soap Opera History (October 19)

1979: EON's Deborah began receiving mysterious phone calls.
1984: Days' twins Eric and Sami were born.
1992: Days' Abigail was born.
2006: GL's Olivia told Gus about her rape.

"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...

1965: On General Hospital, Bill (Curtis Taylor) made his feelings clear about Dr. Steve Hardy (John Beradino).

1965: On A Time For Us, Dave (Terrence Logan) listened to Steve's (Tom Fielding) confession.

1965: On The Young Marrieds, Ann (Susan Brown) made an effort to charm Mandy (Marla Palmer).

1970: On Another World, Rachel (Robin Strasser) gave Russ (Sam Groom) a signed legal document relinquishing any claim to the trust fund for Jamie.

1979: On The Edge of Night, Deborah Saxon (Frances Fisher) began receiving mysterious phone calls.

1979: On As the World Turns, things continued to be mysterious at The Willows for Lisa (Eileen Fulton) as she anticipated Tom's arrival.

Today in Soap Opera History (October 18)

1988: GH's Julian shared a hotel room with college sweetheart
Cheryl.  1999: Shawn & Belle met on Days. 2002: OLTL's
Natalie & Jessica found out they were both Viki's daughters.
2002: GL's Alexandra held an Ex-Wives Club board meeting.

"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...

1968: On The Doctors, Dr. Maggie Powers (Lydia Bruce) made up an excuse get Dr. Althea Davis (Elizabeth Hubbard) over to her place on Friday night for a surprise bridal shower.

1972: On The Doctors, Dr. Althea Davis explained to Dr. Matt Powers that Dr. Nick Bellini kicked her out when she showed up at his place to pour her heart out.

Today in Soap Opera History (October 2)

1946: TV's first network soap opera premiered on DuMont.
1963: Hope Bauer was born on The Guiding Light.
1987: Chase Gioberti was presumed dead on Falcon Crest.
2009: Crystal Chappell returned to Days of our Lives as Carly.

"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...

1944: Procter & Gamble soap opera Rosemary premiered on NBC Radio. The show was created by Elaine Carrington and ran until July 1, 1955, switched from NBC to CBS on March 26, 1945.

1946: David P. Lewis' Faraway Hill premiered on the DuMont Network as the very first television soap opera broadcast on a network. The show lasted until December 18. The plot revolved around a widowed New Yorker, Karen St. John (played by Flora Campbell), who moved to a small town to be near relatives. NBC and DuMont were the only two networks in operation at that point.

Today in Soap Opera History (September 23)

1978: Gary and Valene Ewing returned to Dallas.
1984: Primetime soap Paper Dolls premiered on ABC.
1986: One Life to Live's Jessica Buchanan was born.
2011: All My Children aired for the final time on ABC.

"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...

1942: On radio soap opera Clara, Lu & Em, Clara (Fran Allison) was sick.

1969: On The Doctors, Mike Powers (Peter Burnell) picked up Julie Forrest (Ginger Gerlach) at the train station, and brought her to his parent's home. Julie told Matt (James Pritchett) and Maggie (Lydia Bruce) about her upbringing.

1975: On Ryan's Hope, Jillian Coleridge (Nancy Addision) encountered Delia Reid Ryan (Ilene Kristen) at Frank's campaign headquarters and refused to give in to Delia's demand that she give up on the campaign.

Today in Soap Opera History (September 22)

1972: Search for Tomorrow's Jo and Tony were married.
1977: Days of our Lives' Marlena was locked in a sanitarium.
1997: General Hospital's Brenda was left at the altar.
1998: Y&R's Drucilla surprised Neil and Victoria.

"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...

1955: On British radio soap opera The Archers, Grace died in the Brookfield stables.

1972: On Search for Tomorrow, Joanne Tate (Mary Stuart) married Dr. Tony Vincente (Anthony George).

Thanks to Susan for sending in the item above.

1977: On Days of our Lives, Marlena Evans (Deidre Hall) was trapped in the sanitarium, mistaken for her twin sister, Samantha.

Today in Soap Opera History (October 19)

1979: EON's Deborah began receiving mysterious phone calls.
1984: Days' twins Eric and Sami were born. 1992: Days'
Abigail was born. 2006: GL's Olivia told Gus about her rape.

"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...

1965: On General Hospital, Bill (Curtis Taylor) made his feelings clear about Dr. Steve Hardy (John Beradino).

1965: On A Time For Us, Dave (Terrence Logan) listened to Steve's (Tom Fielding) confession.

1965: On The Young Marrieds, Ann (Susan Brown) made an effort to charm Mandy (Marla Palmer).

1970: On Another World, Rachel (Robin Strasser) gave Russ (Sam Groom) a signed legal document relinquishing any claim to the trust fund for Jamie.

1979: On The Edge of Night, Deborah Saxon (Frances Fisher) began receiving mysterious phone calls.

1979: On As the World Turns, things continued to be mysterious at The Willows for Lisa (Eileen Fulton) as she anticipated Tom's arrival.

Today in Soap Opera History (October 18)

1988: GH's Julian shared a hotel room with college sweetheart
Cheryl.  1999: Shawn & Belle met on Days. 2002: OLTL's
Natalie & Jessica found out they were both Viki's daughters.
2002: GL's Alexandra held an Ex-Wives Club board meeting.

"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...

1968: On The Doctors, Maggie Powers (Lydia Bruce) made up an excuse get Althea Davis (Elizabeth Hubbard) over to her place on Friday night for a surprise bridal shower.

1971: On The Doctors, Carolee's mother offered her support while Steve was in jail.

Today in Soap Opera History (October 2)

1946: TV's first network soap opera premiered on DuMont.
1963: Hope Bauer was born on The Guiding Light.
1987: Chase Gioberti was presumed dead on Falcon Crest.
2009: Crystal Chappell returned to Days of our Lives as Carly.

"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...

1944: Procter & Gamble soap opera Rosemary premiered on NBC Radio. The show was created by Elaine Carrington and ran until July 1, 1955, switched from NBC to CBS on March 26, 1945.

1946: David P. Lewis' Faraway Hill premiered on the DuMont Network as the very first television soap opera broadcast on a network. The show lasted until December 18. The plot revolved around a widowed New Yorker, Karen St. John (played by Flora Campbell), who moved to a small town to be near relatives. NBC and DuMont were the only two networks in operation at that point.

Today in Soap Opera History (September 22)

1972: Search for Tomorrow's Jo and Tony were married.
1977: Days of our Lives' Marlena was locked in a sanitarium.
1997: General Hospital's Brenda was left at the altar.
1998: Y&R's Drucilla surprised Neil and Victoria.

"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...

1955: On British radio soap opera The Archers, Grace died in the Brookfield stables.

1972: On Search for Tomorrow, Joanne Tate (Mary Stuart) married Dr. Tony Vincente (Anthony George).

Thanks to Susan for sending in the item above.

1977: On Days of our Lives, Marlena Evans (Deidre Hall) was trapped in the sanitarium, mistaken for her twin sister, Samantha.

Today in Soap Opera History (October 19)

1979: EON's Deborah began receiving mysterious phone calls.
1984: Days' twins Eric and Sami were born. 1992: Days'
Abigail was born. 2006: GL's Olivia told Gus about her rape.

"History, despite its wrenching pain, cannot be unlived, but if faced with courage, need not be lived again."
― Maya Angelou

"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...

1965: On General Hospital, Bill (Curtis Taylor) made his feelings clear about Dr. Steve Hardy (John Beradino).

1965: On A Time For Us, Dave (Terrence Logan) listened to Steve's (Tom Fielding) confession.

1965: On The Young Marrieds, Ann (Susan Brown) made an effort to charm Mandy (Marla Palmer).

1970: On Another World, Rachel (Robin Strasser) gave Russ (Sam Groom) a signed legal document relinquishing any claim to the trust fund for Jamie.

1979: On The Edge of Night, Deborah Saxon (Frances Fisher) began receiving mysterious phone calls.

1979: On As the World Turns, things continued to be mysterious at The Willows for Lisa (Eileen Fulton) as she anticipated Tom's arrival.

Today in Soap Opera History (October 18)

1988: GH's Julian shared a hotel room with college sweetheart
Cheryl.  1999: Shawn & Belle met on Days. 2002: OLTL's
Natalie & Jessica found out they were both Viki's daughters.
2002: GL's Alexandra held an Ex-Wives Club board meeting.

"History, despite its wrenching pain, cannot be unlived, but if faced with courage, need not be lived again."
― Maya Angelou

"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...

1968: On The Doctors, Maggie Powers (Lydia Bruce) made up an excuse get Althea Davis (Elizabeth Hubbard) over to her place on Friday night for a surprise bridal shower.

1973: On Another World, Iris Carrington (Beverlee McKinsey) was unhappy to learn Eliot (James Douglas) had enrolled Dennis (Mike Hammett) in Bay City Junior High, but pleased after Louise (Anne Meacham) told her the Eliot admitted he loved Iris on the latest secret tapes they had recorded.

1979: On As the World Turns, Betsy Stewart's (Suzanne Davidson) friend Lois (Diane Franklin) introduced her to Kirk Simmons. Marcia saw Doug and Annie kissing.

'Days of our Lives' 50th Anniversary: A Look Back at the Villains (Video)

Joseph Mascolo as Stephano DiMera

NBC.com is celebrating the 50th anniversary of Days of our Lives with a weekly look back at the show using various themes. This week, they focus on villains.

The new clip looks back at some of the highlights from the show's most memorable baddies over the years including Stefano DiMera (played by Joseph Mascolo), Ernesto Toscano (Charles Cioffi), Vivian Alamain (Louise Sorel), Ava Vitali (Tamara Braun) and Kristen DiMera (Eileen Davidson).

Watch the video below which includes Carly Manning (Crystal Chappell) being buried alive, EJ DiMera (James Scott) firing shots in Stefano's direction, and Hope Brady's (Kristian Alfonso) memorable 1990 "death" scene.

Today in Soap Opera History (October 2)

1946: TV's first network soap opera premiered on DuMont.
1963: Hope Bauer was born on The Guiding Light.
1987: Chase Gioberti was presumed dead on Falcon Crest.
2009: Crystal Chappell returned to Days of our Lives as Carly.

"History, despite its wrenching pain, cannot be unlived, but if faced with courage, need not be lived again."
― Maya Angelou

"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...

1944: Procter & Gamble soap opera Rosemary premiered on NBC Radio. The show was created by Elaine Carrington and ran until July 1, 1955, switched from NBC to CBS on March 26, 1945.

1946: David P. Lewis' Faraway Hill premiered on the DuMont Network as the very first television soap opera broadcast on a network. The show lasted until December 18. The plot revolved around a widowed New Yorker, Karen St. John (played by Flora Campbell), who moved to a small town to be near relatives. NBC and DuMont were the only two networks in operation at that point.

Today in Soap Opera History (September 22)

1972: Search for Tomorrow's Jo and Tony were married.
1977: Days of our Lives' Marlena was locked in a sanitarium.
1997: General Hospital's Brenda was left at the altar.
1998: Y&R's Drucilla surprised Neil and Victoria.

"History, despite its wrenching pain, cannot be unlived, but if faced with courage, need not be lived again."
― Maya Angelou

"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...

1955: On British radio soap opera The Archers, Grace died in the Brookfield stables.

1972: On Search for Tomorrow, Joanne Tate (Mary Stuart) married Dr. Tony Vincente (Anthony George).

Thanks to Susan for sending in the item above.

1977: On Days of our Lives, Marlena Evans (Deidre Hall) was trapped in the sanitarium, mistaken for her twin sister, Samantha.

Trailer Released for Crystal Chappell-Jessica Leccia Alzheimer's Film 'A Million Happy Nows'

Jessica Leccia (left) and Crystal Chappell star in A Million Happy Nows.

A trailer has been released for A Million Happy Nows, an upcoming film starring Guiding Light  alums Crystal Chappell and Jessica Leccia, and produced by Perfect Features and Open Book Productions.

A Million Happy Nows is the story of Lainey Allen (Chappell), a veteran actress tired of being sidelined for younger talent on the soap she has starred in for twenty years. Coupled with finding it harder to retain her lines, she decides not to renew her contract, and she and her publicist and partner, Eva Morales (Leccia), move to their weekend house overlooking the ocean on the Central California coast. The move highlights some small changes in Lainey's personality – mild depression that Eva puts down to leaving the show. But when Lainey starts to forget more than can be attributed to stress, Eva insists on a visit to the doctor.

The film chronicles Lainey and Eva’s changing relationship as they struggle to deal with the diagnosis of Lainey's Early Onset Alzheimer's, the prospect of an indomitable woman’s future of dependence and her single support system – the woman who was once in awe of her, became everything to her, and will now look after her.

Crystal Chappell and Jessica Leccia reunite for the first time in a feature, following their pairing as Olivia and Natalia in CBS-TV's Guiding Light and in Open Book Production's Venice the Series and The Grove.

Watch the trailer for A Million Happy Nows below: