Today in Soap Opera History (November 17)

1981: Luke and Laura were married on General Hospital.

"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...

1971: On The Doctors, Dr. Althea Davis (Elizabeth Hubbard) warned Dr. Maggie Powers (Lydia Bruce) to keep her eyes wide open when it came to Dr. Karen Werner.

1979: On The Edge of Night, Steve Guthrie (Denny Albee) confessed to Deborah Saxon (Frances Fisher) he still loved her.

Peter Donat Dead at 90

Peter Donat, who played roles in both daytime and primetime soap operas, died on September 7 at his home in California. He was 90.

His wife, Maria, confirmed the news to The New York Times, citing the cause of death as complications with diabetes.

Born Pierre Collingwood Donat on January 20, 1928, in Kentville, Nova Scotia, Donat's primtime television credits included Flamingo Road (as Elmo Tyson), Dallas (Dr. Miles Pearson) and Hill Street Blues (as Schuster). Donat played William Mulder, father of David Duchovny’s Fox Mulder, on six episodes of The X-Files opposite Rebecca Toolan as Teena Mulder.

On the big screen, he appeared in The Godfather Part II, War of the Roses, The Game, and Tucker: The Man and His Dream.

Donat's soap opera roles included Stephen Markley in The Brighter Day (1958), Bert Stanton on As the World Turns (1959) and Vince Conway in Moment of Truth (1965).

He also performed through organizations like the American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco, where he would get to know director Francis Ford Coppola, and the Stratford Festival in Canada.

In addition to Maria, Donat is survived by sons Caleb, Christopher, and Lucas; stepdaughters Barbara Park Shapiro and Marina Park Sutton; stepson Malcolm Park; 11 grandchildren; and brother Richard.

Today in Soap Opera History (September 2)

1964: Another World's Pat had TV's first abortion.
1985: Santa Barbara's C.C. collapsed before signing divorce papers.
1989: Guiding Light's Rick proposed to Meredith.
1997: Another World's Kirkland faced an oncoming car.

"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...

1964: On Another World, Pat Matthews (Susan Trustman) had an abortion. This was the first abortion story told in television history. Irna Phillips and William J. Bell were the writers.

We Love Soaps received a message from Ms. Trustman earlier this year: "Yes, I am, indeed, alive and well and live in Los Angeles with my husband, film and TV producer, Jerry Leider. I retired from acting long ago and am now an artist specializing in portraits and still life painting in oil. If you would like to see some of my work my website is susanleiderart.com.

1970: On Dark Shadows, David Collins (David Henesy) and Hallie Stokes (Kathy Cody) made a doll and realized that someone would live with them in the dollhouse.

1980: On Another World, Mary Evers (Donna Parsons) told Miranda Bishop (Judith McConnell) she found a tape in the tea canister and Miranda assumed it belonged to Mac Cory (Douglass Watson). Later, Miranda told Mac about the tape. He said it wasn't his, and they agreed she would listen to it to find out who it belonged to, unaware it was a recording of Mitch Blake's (William Gray Espy) confessions about working with Janice Frame to poison Mac.

Today in Soap Opera History (November 17)

1981: Luke and Laura were married on General Hospital.

"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...

1971: On The Doctors, Dr. Althea Davis (Elizabeth Hubbard) warned Dr. Maggie Powers (Lydia Bruce) to keep her eyes wide open when it came to Dr. Karen Werner.

1979: On The Edge of Night, Steve Guthrie (Denny Albee) confessed to Deborah Saxon (Frances Fisher) he still loved her.

Today in Soap Opera History (September 2)

1964: Another World's Pat had an abortion. 1985: C.C.
collapsed before he could sign his divorce papers on Santa 
Barbara. 1989: Guiding Light's Rick proposed to Meredith.
1997: Another World's Kirkland faced off with a car.

"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, Pat Matthews (Susan Trustman) had an abortion. This was the first abortion story told in television history. Irna Phillips and William J. Bell were the writers.

1970: On Dark Shadows, David Collins (David Henesy) and Hallie Stokes (Kathy Cody) made a doll and realized that someone would live with them in the dollhouse.

1980: On Another World, Mary Evers (Donna Parsons) told Miranda Bishop (Judith McConnell) she found a tape in the tea canister and Miranda assumed it belonged to Mac Cory (Douglass Watson). Later, Miranda told Mac about the tape. He said it wasn't his, and they agreed she would listen to it to find out who it belonged to, unaware it was a recording of Mitch Blake's (William Gray Espy) confessions about working with Janice Frame to poison Mac.

Today in Soap Opera History (November 17)

1981: Luke and Laura were married on General Hospital.

"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...

1971: On The Doctors, Dr. Althea Davis (Elizabeth Hubbard) warned Dr. Maggie Powers (Lydia Bruce) to keep her eyes wide open when it came to Dr. Karen Werner.

Today in Soap Opera History (September 2)

1964: Another World's Pat had an abortion. 1985: C.C.
collapsed before he could sign his divorce papers on Santa 
Barbara. 1989: Guiding Light's Rick proposed to Meredith.
1997: Another World's Kirkland faced off with a car.

"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...

1964: On Another World, Pat Matthews (Susan Trustman) had an abortion. This was the first abortion story told in television history. Irna Phillips and William J. Bell were the writers.

1970: On Dark Shadows, David Collins (David Henesy) and Hallie Stokes (Kathy Cody) made a doll and realized that someone would live with them in the dollhouse.

1980: On Another World, Mary Evers (Donna Parsons) told Miranda Bishop (Judith McConnell) she found a tape in the tea canister and Miranda assumed it belonged to Mac Cory (Douglass Watson). Later, Miranda told Mac about the tape. He said it wasn't his, and they agreed she would listen to it to find out who it belonged to, unaware it was a recording of Mitch Blake's (William Gray Espy) confessions about working with Janice Frame to poison Mac.

Today in Soap Opera History (November 17)

1981: Luke and Laura were married on General Hospital.

"The present contains nothing more than the past, and what is found in the effect is already in the cause."
― Henri Louis Bergson

"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...

1969: On The Doctors, Dr. Althea Davis (Virginia Vestoff) received a visit from her mother.

1979: On The Edge of Night, Steve Guthrie (Denny Albee) confessed to Deborah Saxon (Frances Fisher) he still loved her.

Today in Soap Opera History (September 2)

1964: Another World's Pat had an abortion. 1985: C.C.
collapsed before he could sign his divorce papers on Santa 
Barbara. 1989: Guiding Light's Rick proposed to Meredith.
1997: Another World's Kirkland faced off with a car.

"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...

1964: On Another World, Pat Matthews (Susan Trustman) had an abortion. This was the first abortion story told in television history. Irna Phillips and William J. Bell were the writers.

1970: On Dark Shadows, David Collins (David Henesy) and Hallie Stokes (Kathy Cody) made a doll and realized that someone would live with them in the dollhouse.

1980: On Another World, Mary Evers (Donna Parsons) told Miranda Bishop (Judith McConnell) she found a tape in the tea canister and Miranda assumed it belonged to Mac Cory (Douglass Watson). Later, Miranda told Mac about the tape. He said it wasn't his, and they agreed she would listen to it to find out who it belonged to, unaware it was a recording of Mitch Blake's (William Gray Espy) confessions about working with Janice Frame to poison Mac.



1980: On Texas, Billy Joe Wright (John McCafferty) tried to force himself on Elena Dekker (Caryn Richman).

1985: On Santa Barbara, C.C. Capwell's (Charles Bateman) aneurysm burst and he fell into a coma while Gina (Linda Gibboney) moved their divorce papers further and further out of his reach so he couldn't sign them.

Today in Soap Opera History (September 2)

1964: Another World's Pat had an abortion. 1985: C.C.
collapsed before he could sign his divorce papers on Santa 
Barbara. 1989: Guiding Light's Rick made a proposal.
1997: Another World's Kirkland faced off with a car.

"To believe what has not occurred in history will not occur at all, is to argue disbelief in the dignity of man."
- Mahatma Gandhi

"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, Pat Matthews (Susan Trustman) had an abortion. This was the first abortion story told in television history.  Irna Phillips and William J. Bell were the writers.

1969: On Dark Shadows, Amanda moved into Collinwood.

1985: On Santa Barbara, CC's (Charles Bateman) aneurysm burst and he fell into a coma while Gina (Linda Gibboney) moved their divorce papers further and further out of his reach so he couldn't sign them.

Michael Filerman Dead at 75

Michael Filerman, an executive at Lorimar Productions who helped develop the TV dramas DALLAS, KNOTS LANDING AND FALCON CREST before moving on to produce Broadway plays, died January 25 in Los Angeles. He was 75.

A Chicago native born May 4, 1938, Filerman earned a degree in communication arts from the University of Illinois in 1960.

While serving in the Army Reserve, he met Fred Silverman, who soon began making his mark as a television executive. Silverman offered Filerman a job at Chicago's WGN-TV as a general programming executive in 1962, then brought him to CBS in New York as director of the network's daytime TV programs in 1967.

Carmen Zapata Dead at 86

Carmen Zapata as Carmen Castillo on SANTA BARBARA.

TV, film and stage actress Carmen Zapata died Sunday at her home in Van Nuys. She was 86.

Los Angeles' Bilingual Foundation of the Arts, which she co-founded in 1973, said Zapata had been suffering from a heart condition, KABC-TV reported Monday.

Zapata appeared on dozens of other TV shows during her six-decade career, including FALCON CREST, L.A. LAW, BONANZA, MEDICAL CENTER, THE ROOKIES, CHICO AND THE MAN, MARRIED … WITH CHILDREN, and DR. QUINN, MEDICINE WOMAN.

Today in Soap Opera History (September 2)

1964: ANOTHER WORLD's Pat had an abortion. 1985: C.C.
collapsed before he could sign his divorce papers on SANTA
BARBARA. 1989: GUIDING LIGHT's Rick made a proposal.
1997: AW's Kirkland was in the wrong place at the wrong time.

"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...

1964: On ANOTHER WORLD, Pat Matthews (Susan Trustman) had an abortion. This was the first abortion story told in television history.  Irna Phillips and William J. Bell were the writers.

1969: On DARK SHADOWS, Amanda moved into Collinwood.

1985: On SANTA BARBARA, CC's (Charles Bateman) aneurysm burst and he fell into a coma while Gina (Linda Gibboney) moved their divorce papers further and further out of his reach so he couldn't sign them.

PHOTOS: The Women of Primetime Soaps

On International Women's Day, check out a few photos below of some of our favorite ladies of primetime soap operas. Can you name them all?


   PEYTON PLACE

Today in Soap Opera History (February 3)

On this date in...

1950: Charita Bauer assumed the role of Bert Bauer on THE GUIDING LIGHT radio program (Ann Shepard was the original radio Bert). She would continue to play the character as the show premiered on television two years later and until December 1984, just before her death. More on Charita Bauer here.

1967: On ANOTHER WORLD, Lenore (Judith Barcroft) declined to consider it when Helen suggested she and Bill wait until to marry so Bill can get over his butterflies.

1992: On GUIDING LIGHT, Fletcher saved Vanessa before Jack Kiley could rape her.

1992: On THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS, Victor reminisced about Nikki, and a tearful Drucilla returns to ask Madame Chauvin for help.

Today in Soap Opera History (January 4)

On this date in...

1972: On THE EDGE OF NIGHT, a despondent Cookie begged Alexandra to appear.

1979: On DAYS OF OUR LIVES, the hospital held a variety show to raise money.

Today in Soap Opera History (September 2)

On this date in...

1964: On ANOTHER WORLD, Pat had an abortion.

1969: On DARK SHADOWS, Amanda moved into Collinwood.

1985: On SANTA BARBARA, CC's (then Charles Bateman) aneurysm burst and he fell into a coma while Gina (then Linda Gibboney) moved their divorce papers further and further out of his reach so he couldn't sign them.  Watch below:

William Windom Dead at 88

William Windom & Steve Kanaly in DALLAS

William Windom, actor in numerous television, stage and film productions, died on Thursday at his home in Woodacre, California, north of San Francisco. He was 88.

His soap appearances included roles in FLAMINGO ROAD, THE YELLOW ROSE and DALLAS, where he played Amos Krebbs, Ray's alleged father (see photo).

The steadfast Windom, a native of New York City, began his acting career there in 1946 (as a member of the American Repertory Theatre) where he remained through 1961. He appeared in 18 Broadway plays and five off-Broadway productions, including "Henry VIII", Twelfth Night," Androcles and the Lion," "Time Remembered," "Candie," "The World of Susie Wong," and "Come Blow Your Horn."

Lee Rich Dead at 93

Lee Rich, a former advertising executive who became a top television and film producer, has died at age 93.

Rich, co-founder and former president of Lorimar Productions, died Thursday of lung cancer at his home in Los Angeles, a Warner Bros. spokesman confirmed.

Rich's TV credits included working as executive producer of primetime soap operas DALLAS, KNOTS LANDING, FALCON CREST, KING'S CROSSING and FLAMINGO ROAD, as well as longtime CBS favorite THE WALTONS.

Today in Soap Opera History (February 3)

On this date in...

1950: Charita Bauer assumed the role of Bert Bauer on THE GUIDING LIGHT radio program (Ann Shepard was the original radio Bert). She would continue to play the character as the show premiered on television two years later and until December 1984, just before her death. More on Charita Bauer here.

1967: On ANOTHER WORLD, Lenore (Judith Barcroft) declined to consider it when Helen suggested she and Bill wait until to marry so Bill can get over his butterflies.

1992: On GUIDING LIGHT, Fletcher saved Vanessa before Jack Kiley could rape her.

1992: On THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS, Victor reminisced about Nikki, and a tearful Drucilla returns to ask Madame Chauvin for help.