Today in Soap Opera History (May 19)

1967: Dark Shadows' Maggie disappeared from the hospital.
1980: Edge of Night's "Kirk" (aka Draper) was hit by a car.
1992: Days of our Lives' Brady was born.
1994: General Hospital's Tony listened to B.J.'s heart in Maxie.

"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...

1964: On Another World, Janet (Liza Chapman) learned that her father, Will, had a cardiac condition for the past five years which he kept secret from his family. Note: Will had just died when Another World premiered.

1967: On Dark Shadows, Maggie (Kathryn Leigh Scott) disappeared from Collinsport Hospital.

Victoria Rowell & Doug Davidson Remember Kristoff St. John on Steve Harvey Show

Longtime The Young and the Restless fan favorites Victoria Rowell (Drucilla) and Doug Davidson (Paul) joined talk-show host Steve Harvey on Tuesday to discuss the legacy of Kristoff St. John (Neil) and the hole his death left in the soap opera, and the world.

"His departing this earth comes to me in waves," Rowell told Harvey. "I have moments of reprieve and then I'm in disbelief because it seems impossible that such a big spirit would be gone."

She also addressed his fans directly, telling them, "Kristoff absolutely loved you," and noted how "Kristoff was the kind of person that if he was running through the airport, people would follow him right into the bathroom because they just thought they had it like that with him ... It was just beautiful to watch him interface with his fans."

Davidson said his most enduring memory of his friend was that "he was just so full of love ... In any circumstance, if you were having trouble dealing with anything, he was always very supportive and would be there for you."

Watch the segments below.

Doug Davidson Returning to 'The Young and the Restless' as Paul Williams

Eric Braeden (Victor Newman) revealed on Twitter that his long-time The Young and the Restless co-star, Doug Davidson has returned to the show by posting a photo of the men together at the CBS studio, tweeting, "He's Back!!" Davidson was on set Friday taping, and that episode will air on March 25.

Davidson, who originated the role of Paul Williams in 1978, was taken off contract a year ago January. His absence has especially felt in recent months as the character of Rey (Jordi Vilasuso) is front and center as the face of the Genoa City Police Department.

"NONE of any of this would happen without all of your undying loyalty, support and kindness," Davidson tweeted. "All of you are the reason Paul is back on the canvas. THANK YOU SO MUCH. @EBraeden has been incredible the entire time. A huge thanks to him as well!"

Eric Braeden on Firing Doug Davidson from 'The Young and the Restless': "It's STUPID!!"

Emmy-winning The Young and the Restless actor Eric Braeden (Victor Newman) has weighed in again on the firing of the show's longest-running cast member, Emmy winner Doug Davidson (Paul Williams).

"The treatment of DOUGIE DAVIDSON, the OLDEST member of our cast, was and is outrageous!!" Breaden tweeted on Thursday. "It's STUPID!! If you want ratings you don’t get rid of A DEMONSTRABLY popular actor!!"

Braeden also spoke out back in September when the news first broke that Davidson was no long on contract at Y&R.

"I normally don’t express my opinions reg the casting on Y&R!" Braeden posted. "hat’s the privilege of those who produce the show! However, this is a time when I have to make an exception! I’m still on vacation Opens a New Window. , hence my comment comes a little late: to let DOUGIE DAVIDSON GO is an egregiousmistake. My plea to management: we have lost some all time fan Opens a New Window. favorites! D DAVIDSON has been with the show for, i think, 39 years, and people have loved him!"

We Love Soaps Interview Archive: Doug Davidson (2009)

Doug Davidson has starred on The Young and the Restless as Paul Williams since 1978. We Love Soaps spoke to Davidson in 2009 about his long tenure on Y&R, his stint as host on the primetime Price is Right, the future of daytime, and much more.

In case you missed it, here's our three-part interview:

Part One - Davidson talked about his background and early years on The Young and the Restless.

Part Two - Davidson discussed the controversial "was it rape?" storyline with Christine and the recent twist in Paul's storyline with Nikki.

Part Three - Davidson shared his thought on the future of daytime, web soaps, almost hosting the daytime version of The Price is Right, and revealed some wonderful advice he received from his TV mother.

Doug Davidson Was Taken Off Contract at 'The Young and the Restless', Now The Future of Paul Williams Is Uncertain

The Young and the Restless star Doug Davidson confirmed on Wednesday that he has no scheduled dates to return the CBS soap opera. The news was not entirely unexpected in the wildly inconsistent era of Y&R run by executive producer and head writer Mal Young which has, at times, been a mess.

There was speculation of Davidson's exit on Tuesday when some Y&R fans read that he had apparently been fired. A fan took to Twitter to see if the news were true, asking, "They haven’t let you go, have they?" Davidson responded, "It seems so."

He continued to thank his fans on Twitter and hinted at the fact that the show let him go because they were "going in another direction."

Davidson confirmed the news on Soaps.com saying: “My contract was not renewed in January, I went on recurring, but just until they had new people in place. I have only 2 shows that haven’t aired and no dates. So, as far as I know, I am gone.”

Davidson first appeared on The Young and the Restless in 1978 as Paul would later become Detective Paul Williams. His role on the classic soap would earn him five Daytime Emmy Award nomination with a win in 2013 for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series.

Former Y&R actor Stephen Nichols, who played Tucker McCall, did not mince words in his reaction to the show's latest casting decision.

"This is an absolute travesty," Nichols tweeted. "What is going on over there? This man has not only acted his ass off at #YR for 40 years but is a man of the utmost integrity. I am saddened by this news. Much love, Doug!"

There is no word yet on when the two remaining episodes will air.

Today in Soap Opera History (June 29)

1966: Dark Shadows' Victoria noticed her letter had moved.
1987: As the World Turns' Margo and Hal shared a kiss.
1994: Days of our Lives' Salem said goodbye to Dr. Tom Horton.
2012: The Young and the Restless' Paul shot his son, Ricky.

"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...

1915: Future soap opera legend Ruth Warrick was born. Her daytime roles included Phoebe on All My Children, ex-Hannah in Peyton Place, Janet on The Guiding Light and Edie in As the World Turns).

1943: Radio soap opera Lonely Women, created by Irna Phillips, debuted on NBC Radio.

1952: CBS aired the final episode of Procter & Gamble soap opera The First Hundred Years, a tale of married life against the backdrop of New York City. James Lydon and Anne Sargent starred as newlyweds Chris and Connie Thayer. Read more here in the Complete, Concise Yearly History of TV Soap Operas.

1956: The Guiding Light aired for the final time on CBS Radio. The show first premiered on the radio (on NBC) in 1937. In 1952, Guiding Light began airing on television, in addition to the radio broadcasts. The series remained on CBS-TV until September 2009.

1956: On the final episode of long-running radio soap opera Young Widder Brown, Dr. Anthony Loring (Ned Weaver) stopped Ellen Brown (Wendy Drew) just before she left Simpsonville for Chicago. He proposed marriage and she accepted.

Today in Soap Opera History (June 29)

1966: Dark Shadows' Victoria noticed her letter had moved.
1987: As the World Turns' Margo and Hal shared a kiss.
1994: Days of our Lives' Salem said goodbye to Dr. Tom Horton.
2012: The Young and the Restless' Paul shot his son, Ricky.

"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...

1915: Future soap opera legend Ruth Warrick was born. Her daytime roles included Phoebe on All My Children, ex-Hannah in Peyton Place, Janet on The Guiding Light and Edie in As the World Turns).

1943: Radio soap opera Lonely Women, created by Irna Phillips, debuted on NBC Radio.

1952: CBS aired the final episode of Procter & Gamble soap opera The First Hundred Years, a tale of married life against the backdrop of New York City. James Lydon and Anne Sargent starred as newlyweds Chris and Connie Thayer. Read more here in the Complete, Concise Yearly History of TV Soap Operas.

1956: The Guiding Light aired for the final time on CBS Radio. The show first premiered on the radio (on NBC) in 1937. In 1952, Guiding Light began airing on television, in addition to the radio broadcasts. The series remained on CBS-TV until September 2009.

1956: On the final episode of long-running radio soap opera Young Widder Brown, Dr. Anthony Loring (Ned Weaver) stopped Ellen Brown (Wendy Drew) just before she left Simpsonville for Chicago. He proposed marriage and she accepted.

Today in Soap Opera History (May 19)

1967: Dark Shadows' Maggie disappeared from the hospital.
1980: Edge of Night's "Kirk" (aka Draper) was hit by a car.
1992: Days of our Lives' Brady was born. 1994: General
Hospital's Tony listened to B.J.'s heart in Maxie.

"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...

1964: On Another World, Janet (Liza Chapman) learned that her father, Will, had a cardiac condition for the past five years which he kept secret from his family. Note: Will had just died when Another World premiered.

1967: On Dark Shadows, Maggie (Kathryn Leigh Scott) disappeared from Collinsport Hospital.

Today in Soap Opera History (June 29)

1966: Dark Shadows' Victoria noticed her letter had moved.
1987: As the World Turns' Margo and Hal shared a kiss.
1994: Days of our Lives' Salem said goodbye to Dr. Tom Horton.
2012: The Young and the Restless' Paul shot his son, Ricky.

"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...

1915: Future soap opera legend Ruth Warrick was born. Her daytime roles included Phoebe on All My Children, ex-Hannah in Peyton Place, Janet on The Guiding Light and Edie in As the World Turns).

1943: Radio soap opera Lonely Women, created by Irna Phillips, debuted on NBC Radio.

1956: The Guiding Light aired for the final time on CBS Radio. The show first premiered on the radio (on NBC) in 1937. In 1952, Guiding Light began airing on television, in addition to the radio broadcasts. The series remained on CBS-TV until September 2009.

1956: On the final episode of long-running radio soap opera Young Widder Brown, Dr. Anthony Loring (Ned Weaver) stopped Ellen Brown (Wendy Drew) just before she left Simpsonville for Chicago. He proposed marriage and she accepted.

Today in Soap Opera History (May 19)

1967: Dark Shadows' Maggie disappeared from the hospital.
1980: Edge of Night's "Kirk" (aka Draper) was hit by a car.
1992: Days of our Lives' Brady was born. 1994: General
Hospital's Tony listened to B.J.'s heart in Maxie.

"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...

1964: On Another World, Janet (Liza Chapman) learned that her father, Will, had a cardiac condition for the past five years which he kept secret from his family. Note: Will had just died when Another World premiered.

1967: On Dark Shadows, Maggie (Kathryn Leigh Scott) disappeared from Collinsport Hospital.

Today in Soap Opera History (June 29)

1966: Dark Shadows' Victoria noticed her letter had moved.
1987: As the World Turns' Margo and Hal shared a kiss.
1994: Days of our Lives' Salem said goodbye to Dr. Tom Horton.
2012: The Young and the Restless' Paul shot his son, Ricky.

"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...

1915: Future soap opera legend Ruth Warrick was born. Her daytime roles included Phoebe on All My Children, ex-Hannah in Peyton Place, Janet on The Guiding Light and Edie in As the World Turns).

1943: Radio soap opera Lonely Women, created by Irna Phillips, debuted on NBC Radio.

1956: The Guiding Light aired for the final time on CBS Radio. The show first premiered on the radio (on NBC) in 1937. In 1952, Guiding Light began airing on television, in addition to the radio broadcasts. The series remained on CBS-TV until September 2009.

1956: On the final episode of long-running radio soap opera Young Widder Brown, Dr. Anthony Loring (Ned Weaver) stopped Ellen Brown (Wendy Drew) just before she left Simpsonville for Chicago. He proposed marriage and she accepted.

Today in Soap Opera History (May 19)

1967: Dark Shadows' Maggie disappeared from the hospital.
1980: Edge of Night's "Kirk" (aka Draper) was hit by a car.
1992: Days of our Lives' Brady was born. 1994: General
Hospital's Tony listened to B.J.'s heart in Maxie.

"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...

1964: On Another World, Janet (Liza Chapman) learned that her father, Will, had a cardiac condition for the past five years which he kept secret from his family. Note: Will had just died when Another World premiered.

1967: On Dark Shadows, Maggie (Kathryn Leigh Scott) disappeared from Collinsport Hospital.

'The Young and the Restless' Spoilers (August 11-15, 2014)

Will Hilary leave Neil to be with Devon? Photo Credit: CBS

Check out day-to-day spoilers and a sneak peek video below to find out what's happening on The Young and the Restless during the week of August 11th.

[SPOILER ALERT]

Monday, August 11
Jack (Peter Bergman) travels to Georgia to tell Phyllis (Gina Tognoni) goodbye; Hilary (Mishael Morgan) looks for Neil (Kristoff St. John); Austin (Matthew Atkinson) makes plans for Summer (Hunter King).

'The Young and the Restless' Spoilers (August 4-8, 2014)

Billy taunts Stitch with the truth about his past. Photo Credit: CBS

Check out day-to-day spoilers and a sneak peek video below to find out what's happening on The Young and the Restless during the week of August 4th.

[SPOILER ALERT]

Monday, August 4
The Newmans learn the verdict in the case between Nikki (Melody Thomas Scott) and Ian (Ray Wise); Gloria (Judith Chapman) schemes to rescue Kevin (Greg Rikaart); Billy (Burgess Jenkins) threatens to expose Stitch's (Sean Carrigan) lies to the world.

Today in Soap Opera History (May 19)

1967: Dark Shadows' Maggie disappeared from the hospital.
1980: Edge of Night's "Kirk" (aka Draper) was hit by a car.
1992: Days of our Lives' Brady was born. 1994: General
Hospital's Tony listened to B.J.'s heart in Maxie.

"The whole past is the procession of the present."
- Thomas Carlyle

"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...

1964: On Another World, Janet (Liza Chapman) learned that her father, Will, had a cardiac condition for the past five years which he kept secret from his family. Note: Another World began just after Will's death.

1967: On Dark Shadows, Maggie (Kathryn Leigh Scott) disappeared from Collinsport Hospital.

The State of THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS Survey Results: Favorite & Least Favorite Characters, and Fan Response To Killing Delia

It's all in the name: we really do love soaps - but sometimes, as any die-hard soap fan knows, it has to be tough love. The type of love, for instance, that makes a friend say, "Though I support you 100% it's time you take responsibility for your own actions." But we digress.

Of course, every series takes a wrong turn now and then. As fans, it's important that we offer feedback, and help the show get back on the right track. Which is why we launched our most recent survey on THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS.

As you will see below, there's one thing we all pretty much agree on: gratuitous young child roadkill and recycled Franken-baby storylines aren't our cup of tea, and they're not your thing either (even with Halloween just around the corner). Maybe The Powers That Be will actually listen, before some of us start tuning out, and yet another beloved soap (the top rated daytime soap!) enters that well-worn death spiral of lower ratings - cutbacks - lower ratings - cutbacks - lower ratings...

Today in Soap Opera History (June 29)

On this date in...

1915: Future soap opera legend Ruth Warrick (ex-Phoebe, ALL MY CHILDREN; ex-Hannah, PEYTON PLACE; ex-Janet, GUIDING LIGHT; ex-Edie, AS THE WORLD TURNS) was born.

1943: Radio soap opera LONELY WOMEN, created by Irna Phillips, debuted on NBC Radio.

1956: THE GUIDING LIGHT aired for the final time on CBS Radio. The show remained on CBS-TV until September 2009.

1956: On the final episode of long-running radio soap opera YOUNG WIDDER BROWN, Dr. Anthony Loring (Ned Weaver) stopped Ellen Brown (Wendy Drew) just before she left Simpsonville for Chicago. He proposed marriage and she accepted.

Today in Soap Opera History (May 19)

On this date in...

1964: On ANOTHER WORLD, Janet (Liza Chapman) learned that Will had a cardiac condition for the past five years which he kept secret from his family.

Doug Davidson

1967: On DARK SHADOWS, Maggie (Kathryn Leigh Scott) disappeared from Collinsport Hospital.

1976: At the 3rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards, winners included ANOTHER WORLD (Drama Series), Larry Haines and Helen Gallagher.

1978: Doug Davidson made his first appearance on THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS in the role of Paul Williams. Happy 35th Anniversary, Doug! He is now the longest-running cast member at Y&R. Check out a video retrospective of Davdison's work at Y&R below made by a fan:

MARIE To Celebrate The 40th Anniversary Of THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS On April 1

On a special episode of Hallmark Channel's MARIE on Monday, April 1, Marie Osmond celebrates 40 years of THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS.

Marie is first joined by two actors who once played a tumultuous couple on the show, Melody Thomas Scott (Nikki) and Peter Bergman (Jack). Melody talks about her journey working on the set for 34 years and her character's diagnosis of multiple sclerosis, while Peter discusses his path to joining Y&R.