Richard Coogan Dead at 99

Actor Richard Coogan died on Wednesday, March 12 in Los Angeles. He was 99.

He played "Captain Video" in CAPTAIN VIDEO AND HIS VIDEO RANGERS, which aired on the DuMont Television Network from 1949-55. The show was set in the distant future and revolved around a band of heroes fighting for truth and justice. It was broadcast live five to six days a week, usually starting at 7 p.m. ET, and was beloved by adults and children alike. Coogan starred as "Captain Vide"o until December 1950, when, unhappy with the show’s shoestring budget, he quit and was replaced by Al Hodge. AS THE WORLD TURNS legend played "The Video Ranger" during the entire run of the series.

A native of Short Hills, N.J., Coogan worked as an announcer and news anchor on radio before making his Broadway debut in 1945 in the comedy "Alice in Arms." He also appeared with Kirk Douglas in "Spring Again" and with Geraldine Page in "The Rainmaker," and while starring in CAPTAIN VIDEO, he also appeared opposite Mae West on stage in "Diamond Lil," taking a cab to get from one job to another.

LOVE OF LIFE stars Jean McBride, Peggy McCay and
Richard Coogan.

Coogan starred as "Paul Raven" on the CBS daytime soap opera LOVE OF LIVE opposite Peggy McCay, and later Bonnie Bartlett as "Vanessa".

"She's a very conscientious actress, very serious," Coogan said in an Archive of American Television interview about McCay. "I was more inclined to laugh about something that would embarrass her."

Coogan was fired from LOVE OF LIFE over his contract demand for a laundry budget. After producer Roy Winsor denied his request, Coogan began shooting his scenes with a frayed collar in protest.

Happy 57th Anniversary, AS THE WORLD TURNS! (Rare Classic Scenes)

AS THE WORLD TURNS premiered 57 years ago today on April 2, 1956. To celebrate the occasion, We Love Soaps presents four rare classic scenes featuring some of the most beloved characters in the show's history. Check them out below:

THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS Classic Photo Of The Day (Singin', Swingin' and All That Jazz)

In honor of the upcoming 40th anniversary of THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS (YR40), We Love Soaps will be posting a "Classic Photo of the Day" for the rest of the month. Today's photo is from the CBS Daytime special "After Hours."

Back in 1977, CBS aired a series of "After Hours" specials in the afternoon to showcase its daytime talent. On December 6, "Singin', Swingin' and All That Jazz" aired, and featured three stars from Y&R along with two actors from AS THE WORLD TURNS. Y&R's Victoria Mallory (Leslie), John McCook (Lance) and Beau Kazer (Brock) were joined by ATWT's Don Hastings and Keith Charles.

McCook is returning to Y&R next week but will be playing his longtime B&B character, Eric Forrester.

THE EDGE OF NIGHT Ended 28 Years Ago Today

ABC aired the final episode of THE EDGE OF NIGHT 28 years ago today (December 28, 1984). There were discussions about continuing the show in syndication but it never panned out and the beloved P&G soap became television history. Below are some of our favorite EDGE OF NIGHT articles, features, photos and interviews from over the years:

- CLASSIC CLIPS: Daytime Soap Opera Finales
- CLASSIC PHOTO: ATWT/EDGE Celebrate 1,000!

CLASSIC CLIP: Dr. Bob Hughes Reads 'Twas The Night Before Christmas On AS THE WORLD TURNS

On the December 25, 1995 episode of AS THE WORLD TURNS, Dr. Bob Hughes (Don Hastings) read "'Twas The Night Before Christmas" to the family and friends that were gathered at Tom and Margo's house. Can you identify all the children? They certainly grew up fast. Watch it below:

EXCLUSIVE: SoapClassics Releases 10-Episode AS THE WORLD TURNS DVD "The Wedding of Bob & Kim"

SoapClassics has released a brand new AS THE WORLD TURNS DVD, "The Wedding of Bob & Kim." This collection features 10 consecutive episodes from April 1985 leading up to Bob (Don Hastings) and Kim's (Kathryn Hays) wedding at the Oakdale Botanical Garden (which was really the Brooklyn Botanical Garden).  Bob and Kim were recently named to the We Love Soaps' 50 Greatest Soap Couples of All-Time list.  

Among the Hughes family highlights in this collection: Nancy's (Helen Wagner) recent return from Arizona; Penny (Rosemary Prinz) and Don (Conard Fowkes) surprising Bob on the morning of the wedding; and the debut of Julianne Moore as Frannie.

But there are many other stories and characters featured including Craig's (Scott Bryce) relationship with Lucinda (Elizabeth Hubbard) and reunion with Sierra (Finn Carter); John (Larry Bryggman) and Lisa (Eileen Fulton) dealing with their ex's getting married; the younger set (featuring Marisa Tomei and Christian LeBlanc); and a very early appearance of Hal Munson (Benjamin Hendrickson).

Fans have been wanting to see a story play out over consecutive episodes and this new DVD set makes it easy to jump right into the story and follow along.   Below is a list of the 10 episodes appearing on the DVD:

50 Greatest Soap Couples: #31 Bob & Kim From AS THE WORLD TURNS

COUPLE: Bob Hughes & Kim Reynolds
SHOW: AS THE WORLD TURNS
RANK: 31
PLAYED BY:
Bob: Don Hastings
Kim: Kathryn Hays
YEARS: 1972-2010

STORY:
Nancy Hughes wanted her son Bob to reunite with Lisa (Eileen Fulton) in 1972 but the popular doctor ended up dating Jennifer Ryan (Gillian Spencer) instead.  Jennifer's sister, Kim, was a former lounger singer who dated John but was enamored with Bob.  When Bob attended a medical conference in Florida he was shocked to see Kim there performing "Can't Help Lovin' Dat Man" (with Bobby Short on piano) which immediately made him smitted.  Kim had plotted to be there while Bob thought it was just a coincidence.  The two of them made love but when they returned to Oakdale Jennifer revealed she was pregnant.  Bob and Jennifer decided to be together for the sake of the baby  unaware that Bob had also impregnated Kim!  John Dixon (Larry Bryggman) used the opportunity to convince Kim to elope with him to Las Vegas.  Kim would later develop complications during a snowstorm that required surgery.  When she awoke John told her she had lost the baby.

EXCLUSIVE: SoapClassics Releases Special Commemorative Edition AS THE WORLD TURNS DVD: Farewell To Oakdale

SoapClassics has released a special commemorative edition AS THE WORLD TURNS DVD today, "Farewell To Oakdale."

The set features the final ten episodes of the series, and a replica of an actual Director’s shooting script from the program's final week.

As the writers brought the show to a close, John Dixon returned and reunited with Lucinda, Reid tragically died, Chris received another chance at life, Carly and Jack married for the final time, Henry and Barbara were together and happy, and Bob retired from the hospital.

William Roache, Who Replaced Don Hastings As Longest Running Soap Star, Admits To Sex With 1,000 Women; Meets With Canadian Prime Minister

CORONATION STREET star William Roache, 79, is ready to face some grilling about his sex life when he steps onstage in Toronto Saturday with his one-man show, now that’s making headlines back in Britain with the shocking admission he’s had sex with 1,000 women.

“He expects it to be a topic across Canada,” said show promoter Andrew Stuckless, adding Roache, who spent yesterday playing tourist at Niagara Falls, will answer all questions.

In a recent taping of Piers Morgan’s British TV show LIFE STORIES, Roache admitted he’d slept with “more than 100” women. When Morgan asked if the number was really closer to 1,000, Roache replied, “Well, I’m not denying it.”

CLASSIC CLIP: Bob & Kim in AS THE WORLD TURNS

Bob and Kim sang to each other ("And I Love You So") at their wedding reception in 1985. Watch the clip below:

CLASSIC CLIP: Bob & Kim in AS THE WORLD TURNS

Bob and Kim nearly were destroyed by his affair with Susan, but tried to work out their problems in therapy. Watch the clip below:

CLASSIC CLIP: Bob & Kim in AS THE WORLD TURNS

Julianne Moore returned to AS THE WORLD TURNS in 2010 as Kim and Bob celebrated their 25th anniversary. Watch the clip below:

CLASSIC CLIP: Don Hastings & Kathryn Hays Honored For AS THE WORLD TURNS

Don Hastings and Kathryn Hays were honored for their work on AS THE WORLD TURNS with a special Editor's Award at the 1998 Soap Opera Digest Awards. Presenters Jon and Kelley Hensley called them the "foundation" of AS THE WORLD TURNS. Watch the clip below:

NEWS: William Roache To Be Honored in New York, And Meet ATWT's Don Hastings

William Roache to be honored in New York next month for Guinness World Records
The 78-year-old British actor - who has played Ken Barlow for almost 50 years after appearing in Corrie's first episode in December 1960 - will officially become the longest-serving actor in a TV soap on November 22. Bill is set to overtake the current title holder, Don Hastings from American soap As The World Turns, who he will meet at the New York ceremony in November.

Roache first appeared as Ken on December 9, 1960. Hastings played Bob Hughes in AS THE WORLD TURNS show since October 1960 without a break, but ATWT ended in September after 13,858 episodes, so Roache is now set to take the title and has already been entered into the Guinness Book of World Records. Roache told CORONATION STREET's 50th anniversary magazine: "Guinness World Records have been in touch and want to fly me over to New York for some sort of ceremony with Don Hastings."

Basic-cable shows are multiplying—and changing the way TV is made. Can the major networks learn from them?
As the media landscape changes and viewers flock to shows they like wherever they air, series on basic cable are still a junior circuit compared with the networks, but their universe keeps expanding, attracting better talent and growing in vibrancy. Once the province of reruns and sports, basic-cable networks will spend an estimated $23 billion on 1,462 original programs (including reality shows and specials), compared with $14 billion on 863 shows in 2005, research firm SNL Kagan reports.

The End of the World: Thoughts on ATWT's Final Episode

As the World Turns has been a constant in my life since birth. My mother passed it on to her children and then it was picked up by my nieces and nephews. On holidays when we all get together it was on the television and we talk about what was happening. It's hard to believe that after 54 years this television institution is ending. Such a monumental occasion in TV history would surely warrant weeks of wrap up, flashbacks, sentimental moments and many former characters returning, right?

The past few months and weeks haven't felt like the ending of a beloved show. It's been mostly business as usual - fast-paced stories, short-term plots full of new characters, bad pacing, mini-arcs introduced and wrapped up in one episode, and some fun and brilliant moments mixed in here and there. As an eternal optimist, perhaps I expected too much from the final episode. Guiding Light's finale wasn't perfect a year ago, but the weeks leading it up to it felt like one big goodbye. Springfield felt like a real community. As ATWT leaves the air, Oakdale does not, and did not today.

WLS Interview Archive: Don Hastings

With only three episodes left of AS THE WORLD TURNS (sniff) we wanted to take the opportunity to revisit our recent interview with the legendary Don Hastings. Although most know him as the respected pillar "Dr. Bob Hughes" on AS THE WORLD TURNS, many are not aware of how Mr. Hastings was a pioneer embarking in a brand new entertainment called television back when other actors had their fears and trepidations about an unfamiliar new medium (sound familiar?). Please enjoy this interview from January 2010 as we explore his past as a child star in theater and radio, his reflections on Bob Hughes, and insights into facing unemployment for the first time in 61 years. You don't want to miss this one!

Part One -  The acclaimed and beloved actor shared his past as a child actor in theater, radio, and a new entertainment medium called television.
Part Two - Hastings discusses starting on AS THE WORLD TURNS, as well as acting and writing under Irna Phillips.
Part Three  Hastings shares insights into being a soap writer, and what it takes to make a daytime soap successful.   
Part Four  Hastings offers his thoughts about submitting his work for Emmy consideration, and where his reactions to the cancellation of the show he has been on for 49 years.   
Part Five - Hastings shares insights into keeping Dr. Bob interesting for nearly 50 years, as well as what the future holds for Mr. Hastings himself. Could this pioneer of radio and television take his craft to the internet next?

CBS's "World" stops turning this week, but yours doesn't have to! Damon L. Jacobs is a Licensed Marriage Family Therapist specializing in Grief/Loss work and is now taking new clients in New York City at Mental Health Counseling & Marriage And Family Therapy Of New York. He is also the author of "Absolutely Should-less: The Secret to Living the Stress-Free Life You Deserve."

CLASSIC ATWT Photo of the Day: Don Hastings

Simply stated, Don Hastings is the history of American television personified in one man. He started his television career back in 1948 (!) as one of the stars of CAPTAIN VIDEO (along with Nat Polen, who played Dr. Cassen on ATWT for many years), and continued on that series until 1955.

He wasn't idle for long, as he was an original cast member of ATWT's sister show THE EDGE OF NIGHT, as Jack Lane, staying in the role until late 1960, when he joined AS THE WORLD TURNS as a slightly aged Bob Hughes.

Married to Lisa, Sandy, Jennifer, Miranda and, finally, Kim, Bob has been the eternal hero of ATWT. Although his screentime has been diminished in recent years, he still commands the screen when given a good script.

RELATED:
- WLS Interview Archive: Don Hastings

50 Greatest Soap Actors: #11 Don Hastings

NAME: Don Hastings
RANK: 11
SOAP ROLES: Bob Hughes, AS THE WORLD TURNS (1960-present); Bob Hughes, OUR PRIVATE WORLD (1965); Jack Lane, THE EDGE OF NIGHT (1956-1960); THE ROAD OF LIFE; HILLTOP HOUSE; PORTIA FACES LIFE

AWARDS:
2004 Daytime Emmy Lifetime Achievement Award
1998 Soap Opera Digest Award Editor's Award win
1992 Soap Opera Digest Award nomination for Outstanding Lead Actor: Daytime

COMMENTS FROM THE PANEL:
Damon L. Jacobs:  It has become common in soap circles to heap tons of praise and awards on the bad-boy-turned-good.  But it is far too easy to ignore the integrity, strength, and skill required to play the good guy.  Don Hastings mastered this art portraying the upstanding, kind, and dignified Bob Hughes for most of the past 50 years.  The "melting ice cream" scene last summer, in which Bob appear disoriented, confused, and terrified, was only a sample of what this brilliant thespian is capable of.  His calming and reassuring presence will be sorely missed after September 2010.

WLS Interview Archive: Don Hastings

April 2nd is not only the anniversary of the first airing of AS THE WORLD TURNS, but yesterday was also the birthday of the beloved and honored Don Hastings.  Although most know him as the respected pillar "Dr. Bob Hughes" on AS THE WORLD TURNS, many are not aware of how Mr. Hastings was a pioneer embarking in a brand new entertainment called television back when other actors had their fears and trepidations about an unfamiliar new medium (sound familiar?). Please enjoy this interview from January 2010 as we explore his past as a child star in theater and radio, his reflections on Bob Hughes, and insights into facing unemployment for the first time in 61 years. You don't want to miss this one!

Part One -  The acclaimed and beloved actor shared his past as a child actor in theater, radio, and a new entertainment medium called television.
Part Two - Hastings discusses starting on AS THE WORLD TURNS, as well as acting and writing under Irna Phillips.
Part Three  Hastings shares insights into being a soap writer, and what it takes to make a daytime soap successful.   
Part Four  Hastings offers his thoughts about submitting his work for Emmy consideration, and where his reactions to the cancellation of the show he has been on for 49 years.   
Part Five - Hastings shares insights into keeping Dr. Bob interesting for nearly 50 years, as well as what the future holds for Mr. Hastings himself. Could this pioneer of radio and television take his craft to the internet next?

Don Hastings: The We Love Soaps Interview, Part One

I had the extreme honor of speaking with the profoundly gifted and intelligent Don Hastings recently. Although most know him as the honorable pillar "Dr. Bob Hughes" on AS THE WORLD TURNS, many are not aware of how Mr. Hastings was a pioneer embarking in a brand new entertainment called television back when other actors had their fears and trepidations about an unfamiliar new medium (sound familiar?). Please enjoy this interview as we explore his past as a child star in theater and radio, his reflections on Bob Hughes, and insights into facing unemployment for the first time in 61 years. You don't want to miss this one!

We Love Soaps: Mr. Hastings, it is such an honor and a privilege to speak with you. Let’s start by going back. I know you were born here in Brooklyn and you started singing professionally as a child, is that correct?
Don Hastings: I did some singing on the radio. I started when I was about six years old on the Blue Network at NBC. They had two networks in those days, the blue and the red. The blue became ABC. There was a show called, “Coast to Coast On A Bus,” that my brother [Bob Hastings] proceeded me on. When I went into visit him one time they asked me if I did anything, to which I said, “Not really.” I guess somebody said, “He can sing a little,” so I started singing a little. And then there was a little acting involved.