Today in Soap Opera History (September 15)

1964: Primetime soap opera Peyton Place premiered on ABC.
1988: Santa Barbara's Eden Capwell was raped.
2009: Guiding Light's Alan Spaulding died.
2010: As the World Turns' Carly and Jack married one last time.

"History speaks to artists. It changes the artist's thinking and is constantly reshaping it into different 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: Primetime soap opera Peyton Place premiered on ABC. Based upon the 1956 novel of the same name by Grace Metalious, the series was preceded by a 1957 film adaptation. Peyton Place ran for 514 total episodes with the series finale airing on June 2, 1969.

In the first episode, Dr. Michael Rossi (Ed Nelson) arrived from New York City to set up practice in town. Newspaper editor Matthew Swain (Warner Anderson) told him people usually tried to get away from towns like Peyton Place, not move to them. Matthew's cousin Allison MacKenzie (Mia Farrow), a close friend of classmate Norman Harrington (Christopher Connelly), fell in love with his older brother, Rodney (Ryan O'Neal) as they shared their first kiss. At the end of the episode, Allison's mother, Constance (Dorothy Malone), made it clear she disapproved of her daughter's relationship with Rodney.

Today in Soap Opera History (September 15)

1964: Primetime soap opera Peyton Place premiered on ABC.
1988: Santa Barbara's Eden Capwell was raped.
2009: Guiding Light's Alan Spaulding died.
2010: As the World Turns' Carly and Jack married one last time.

"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: Primetime soap opera Peyton Place premiered on ABC. Based upon the 1956 novel of the same name by Grace Metalious, the series was preceded by a 1957 film adaptation. Peyton Place ran for 514 total episodes with the series finale airing on June 2, 1969.

In the first episode, Dr. Michael Rossi (Ed Nelson) arrived from New York City to set up practice in town. Newspaper editor Matthew Swain (Warner Anderson) told him people usually tried to get away from towns like Peyton Place, not move to them. Matthew's cousin Allison MacKenzie (Mia Farrow), a close friend of classmate Norman Harrington (Christopher Connelly), fell in love with his older brother, Rodney (Ryan O'Neal) as they shared their first kiss. At the end of the episode, Allison's mother, Constance (Dorothy Malone), made it clear she disapproved of her daughter's relationship with Rodney.

Grant Aleksander Returns to Off-Broadway in NYC's Longest Running Murder Mystery 'Perfect Crime'

Emmy nominated actor Grant Aleksander, best known for portrayal of Phillip Spaulding on Guilding Light is replacing two other daytime drama leading me, Robert Newman (Guiding Light) and Richard Shoberg (All My Children), in Off Broadway's longest running play, "Perfect Crime." Aleksander is returning to the role of Detective Asher (a role he took on this spring) and begins performances tonight at The Theater Center.

Grant Aleksander is a four-time Emmy nominated actor who is best known for his work as Phillip Spaulding on CBS soap opera Guiding Light. His other daytime roles include Alec McIntyre on All My Children and D.J. Phillips on Capitol.

Aleksander's other television credits also include the pilot Dark Mansions, produced by Aaron Spelling, and guest spots on Life on Mars, Who’s the Boss?, Hardcastle and Mccormick and The Fall Guy. His film credits include Fields of Freedom, Big Bad Swim and Tough Guys. He recently starred in the web series Tainted Dreams, which is currently airing on Amazon Prime Video. A stage actor at heart, Aleksander was last seen as Dirk in "Mary, Mary" at the Cape May Stage. His other theatrical credits include "Night at the Sullivan Theater in New York City, "Mrs. Warren’s Profession" at the Lenfest Center in Virginia, "Wilson" at the Phil Bosakowski Theater in New York City. He also played Brick in "Cat of a Hot Tin Roof," opposite his wife at the Baltimore Actors Theater.

'Guiding Light' Cast Reunites for 'Breathing Under Dirt' Staged Reading

From left to right: Tina Sloan, Michael O'eary, Beth Chamberlin, Grant Aleksander and Yvonna Kopacz Wright. Photo Credit: Sue Coflin/Max Photos

On May 12, cast members from iconic soap opera Guiding Light reunited for a stage reading of "Breathing Under Dirt," an award-winning play by Michael O'Leary, at The Ward Museum in Salisbury, Maryland.

Joining Leary (who played Rick Bauer on Guiding Light) were former soap co-stars Grant Aleksander (Phillip Spaulding), Tina Sloan (Lillian Raines), Beth Chamberlin (Beth Raines) and Yvonna Kopacz Wright (Mel Boudreau Bauer).

"Breathing Under Dirt," set in the 1950s, explores the expression of forgiveness and reconciliation while we still have life.

Check out more photos below.

Today in Soap Opera History (September 15)

1964: Primetime soap opera Peyton Place premiered on ABC.
1988: Santa Barbara's Eden Capwell was raped.
2009: Guiding Light's Alan Spaulding died.
2010: As the World Turns' Carly and Jack married one last time.

"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: Primetime soap opera Peyton Place premiered on ABC. Based upon the 1956 novel of the same name by Grace Metalious, the series was preceded by a 1957 film adaptation. Peyton Place ran for 514 total episodes with the series finale airing on June 2, 1969.

In the first episode, Dr. Michael Rossi (Ed Nelson) arrived from New York City to set up practice in town. Newspaper editor Matthew Swain (Warner Anderson) told him people usually tried to get away from towns like Peyton Place, not move to them. Matthew's cousin Allison MacKenzie (Mia Farrow), a close friend of classmate Norman Harrington (Christopher Connelly), fell in love with his older brother, Rodney (Ryan O'Neal) as they shared their first kiss. At the end of the episode, Allison's mother, Constance (Dorothy Malone), made it clear she disapproved of her daughter's relationship with Rodney.

'Tainted Dreams' is Now Streaming on Amazon Video

Actor Larkin Malloy, who passed away in September, plays Henry Steinman
in Tainted Dreams.

Soap with a soap Tainted Dreams began streaming on Amazon Video today. The show is ad-free for Amazon Prime members, while non-subscribers can watch with short promotional breaks.

Created by Sonia Blangiardo, Tainted Dreams follows the lives of the cast and crew of fictional soap opera Painted Dreams. The show features an all-star cast which includes Alicia Minshew (All My Children), Terri Ivens (All My Children), Grant Aleksander (Guiding Light), Kelley Menighan Hensley (As the World Turns), Walt Willey (All My Children), Bobbie Eakes (All My Children), Natalia Livingston (General Hospital), Marnie Schulenburg (As the World Turns), Michael Lowry (All My Children), Austin Peck (Days of our Lives), Colleen Zenk (As the World Turns), the late great Larkin Malloy (The Edge of Night), Nathan Purdee (The Young and the Restless), Tonja Walker (One Life to Live), James DePaiva (One Life to Live), Ilene Kristen (Ryan's Hope), Dina Manzo (Real Housewives of New Jersey), Anthony Wilkinson ("My Big Gay Italian Wedding" and the new "My Big Gay Italian Funeral"), Lisa Marie Varon (Impact Wrestling) and “Mr. PEC-Tacular” Jessie Godderz (Impact Wrestling, Big Brother).

Watch the Tainted Dreams trailer below.

'Tainted Dreams' Coming to Amazon on December 26, Watch a Sneak Peek!

Longtime As the World Turns star Colleen Zenk plays Sofia DiGiacomo in
Tainted Dreams.

Sonia Blangiardo's much-anticipated indie web series Tainted Dreams will finally be available to stream beginning December 26, for free on Amazon Video (ad-free for Prime members; with short promotional breaks for non-subscribers).

Tainted Dreams follows the lives of the cast and crew of fictional soap opera Painted Dreams. The show features an all-star cast which includes Alicia Minshew (All My Children), Terri Ivens (All My Children), Grant Aleksander (Guiding Light), Kelley Menighan Hensley (As the World Turns), Walt Willey (All My Children), Bobbie Eakes (All My Children), Natalia Livingston (General Hospital), Marnie Schulenburg (As the World Turns), Michael Lowry (All My Children), Austin Peck (Days of our Lives), Colleen Zenk (As the World Turns), the late great Larkin Malloy (The Edge of Night), Nathan Purdee (The Young and the Restless), Tonja Walker (One Life to Live), James DePaiva (One Life to Live), Ilene Kristen (Ryan's Hope), Dina Manzo (Real Housewives of New Jersey), Anthony Wilkinson ("My Big Gay Italian Wedding" and the new "My Big Gay Italian Funeral"), Lisa Marie Varon (Impact Wrestling) and “Mr. PEC-Tacular” Jessie Godderz (Impact Wrestling, Big Brother).

Watch a sneak peek video below.

'As the World Turns' and 'Guiding Light' Stars Confirmed for 'The Talk' Special on October 12

Colleen Zenk

The Talk celebrates CBS Daytime past and present on Wednesday, October 12, with actors from The Young and the Restless, The Bold and the Beautiful, As the World Turns and Guiding Light appearing.

Confirmed so far are Guiding Light's Kim Zimmer (Reva Shayne), Robert Newman (Joshua Lewis), Grant Aleksander (Phillip Spaulding) and Beth Chamberlin (Beth Raines); As the World Turns' Colleen Zenk (Barbara Ryan), Elizabeth Hubbard (Lucinda Walsh), Martha Byrne (Lily Snyder) and Ellen Dolan (Margo Hughes); The Young and the Restless' Christel Khalil (Lily Ashby), Christian LeBlanc (Michael Baldwin), Melody Thomas Scott (Nikki Newman) and Jason Thompson (Billy Abbott); and The Bold and the Beautiful's Katherine Kelly Lang (Brooke Logan), Don Diamont (Bill Spencer), Scott Clifton (Liam Spencer) and Jacqueline MacInnes Wood (Steffy Forrester Spencer).

CBS Daytime is commemorating 30 years at #1 with a variety of celebrations throughout the year, and wants its audience to join the fun. From special programming to can’t-miss events, many opportunities are planned for fans to experience even more of the series they love. Also, viewers can explore classic video moments, photo galleries and promotions on each show’s website and CBS Daytime’s social media platforms.

Today in Soap Opera History (September 15)

1964: Primetime soap opera Peyton Place premiered on ABC.
1988: Santa Barbara's Eden Capwell was raped.
2009: Guiding Light's Alan Spaulding died.
2010: As the World Turns' Carly and Jack married one last time.

"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...

1964: Primetime soap opera Peyton Place premiered on ABC. Based upon the 1956 novel of the same name by Grace Metalious, the series was preceded by a 1957 film adaptation. Peyton Place ran for 514 total episodes with the series finale airing on June 2, 1969.

In the first episode, Dr. Michael Rossi (Ed Nelson) arrived from New York City to set up practice in town. Newspaper editor Matthew Swain (Warner Anderson) told him people usually tried to get away from towns like Peyton Place, not move to them. Matthew's cousin Allison MacKenzie (Mia Farrow), a close friend of classmate Norman Harrington (Christopher Connelly), fell in love with his older brother, Rodney (Ryan O'Neal) as they shared their first kiss. At the end of the episode, Allison's mother, Constance (Dorothy Malone), made it clear she disapproved of her daughter's relationship with Rodney.

PHOTOS: 'Guiding Light' Stars Reunite For 'Breathing Under Dirt' Premiere

Cynthia Watros, Michael O'Leary, Grant Aleksander and Tina Sloan stared in "Breathing Under Dirt" at the Ella Fitzgerald Performing Arts Center. Photo Credit: Sue Coflin/Max Photos

Guiding Light stars reunited over the weekend for the premiere of Michael O'Leary's "Breathing Under Dirt." The Lower Shore Performing Arts Company teamed up with the Guiding Light alum to present the new play at the Ella Fitzgerald Performing Arts Center on Saturday and Sunday.

In addition to O'Leary (Rick Bauer on GL), the cast featured Guiding Light actors Cynthia Watros (Annie Dutton), Grant Aleksander (Phillip Spauling) and Tina Sloan (Lillian Raines).

Check out more "Breathing Under Dirt" photos below.

'Guiding Light' Stars Reunite For New Project

The Lower Shore Performing Arts Company teams up with Guiding Light alum Michael O’Leary (ex-Rick) to present his original play Breathing Under Dirt, at the Ella Fitzgerald Performing Arts Center on August 13 and 14, 2016.  The Ella Fitzgerald Performing Arts Center is on the campus of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, located in Princess Anne, Maryland.

The cast features Emmy Winning and Nominated Guiding Light actors- Cynthia Watros (ex-Annie), Grant Aleksander (ex-Phillip) and Tina Sloan (ex-Lillian).

O’Leary will also lead an Actor’s Workshop on August 14. In addition to the show, there is an exclusive Meet and Greet opportunity after each performance.

Tickets are $40 and $75. The $75 ticket includes an exclusive Meet and Greet opportunity with the cast after the performance for autographs and photographs.

To purchase tickets, call (443) 614-0830 or (757) 894-0833 or visit www.lowershorepac.com.

'Guiding Light' Stars Beth Chamberlin and Tina Sloan Reunite for Michael O'Leary Play, Directed by Grant Aleksander

Longtime Guiding Light actor Michael O'Leary (Dr. Rick Bauer) will be reuniting with a a few beloved former co-stars in his new one act play, "Breathing Under Dirt," next month. "Breathing Under Dirt" will premiere at the Manhattan Repertory Theater in mid-March.

The One Act festival production will feature Leary, along with Beth Chamberlin (Beth Raines) and Tina Sloan (Lillian Raines) in lead roles. Sloan and Chamberlin play mother and daughter once again in the period piece, set in the 1950s, with a relationship full of resentment.

The play will be directed another veteran Guiding Light star, Grant Aleksander (Phillip Spaulding).

"Breathing Under Dirt" is about reaching forgiveness and reconciliation while we still have life. A heart can be healed when we accept the limitations of ourselves and others

Location:
Manhattan Repertory Theater
303 West 42nd Street
New York, NY 10036

Performance Schedule:
March 16, 17, 18 and 19. 6-9 p.m. Finals for the competition will be March 31 and April 1 at 6:30 p.m. and 9 p.m.

Tickets:
Tickets can be reserved at mrtreserve@gmail.com and are $20.00 dollars. You pay at the door. The house is small (around 48 seats) so tickets are limited.

Today in Soap Opera History (September 15)

1964: Primetime soap opera Peyton Place premiered on ABC.
1988: Santa Barbara's Eden Capwell was raped.
2009: Guiding Light's Alan Spaulding died.
2010: As the World Turns' Carly and Jack married one last time.

"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: Primetime soap opera Peyton Place premiered on ABC. Based upon the 1956 novel of the same name by Grace Metalious, the series was preceded by a 1957 film adaptation. Peyton Place ran for 514 total episodes with the series finale airing on June 2, 1969.

In the first episode, Dr. Michael Rossi (Ed Nelson) arrived from New York City to set up practice in town. Newspaper editor Matthew Swain (Warner Anderson) told him people usually tried to get away from towns like Peyton Place, not move to them. Matthew's cousin Allison MacKenzie (Mia Farrow), a close friend of classmate Norman Harrington (Christopher Connelly), fell in love with his older brother, Rodney (Ryan O'Neal) as they shared their first kiss. At the end of the episode, Allison's mother, Constance (Dorothy Malone), made it clear she disapproved of her daughter's relationship with Rodney.

'Guiding Light' Alum Grant Aleksander Stars in "Mary, Mary" Starting Tonight on the Cape May Stage

Longtime Guiding Light star Grant Aleksander will appear at Cape May Stage in a production of "Mary, Mary" starting tonight, and running through July 24. The show is directed by former Days of our Lives producer, Roy Steinberg. The cast includes Bill Tatum, Sam Perwin, Katharine McLeod and Natasha Edwards

On July 10, catch a post-show discussion with the cast and crew.

For tickets and more information, visit capemaystage.org.

Aleksander played Phillip Spaulding on Guiding Light on an off from December 1982 until the show went off the air in September 2009.  He also played roles on Capitol and All My Children.

RELATED:
- 50 Greatest Soap Actors: #12 Grant Aleksander
- Grant Aleksander Graduates From Washington and Lee University

Today in Soap Opera History (September 15)

Peyton Place premiered on ABC 50 years ago today.

"Prepare for the unknown by studying how others in the past have coped with the unforeseeable and the unpredictable."
George S. Patton

"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: Primetime soap opera Peyton Place premiered on ABC. Based upon the 1956 novel of the same name by Grace Metalious, the series was preceded by a 1957 film adaptation. Peyton Place ran for 514 total episodes with the series finale airing on June 2, 1969.

In the first episode, Dr. Michael Rossi (Ed Nelson) arrived from New York City to set up practice in town. Newspaper editor Matthew Swain (Warner Anderson) told him people usually tried to get away from towns like Peyton Place, not move to them. Matthew's cousin Allison MacKenzie (Mia Farrow), a close friend of classmate Norman Harrington (Christopher Connelly), fell in love with his older brother, Rodney (Ryan O'Neal) as they shared their first kiss. At the end of the episode, Allison's mother, Constance (Dorothy Malone), made it clear she disapproved of her daughter's relationship with Rodney.

TAINTED DREAMS: Watch The First Three Episodes

Sonia Blangiardo's much-anticipated indie web series TAINTED DREAMS follows the lives of the cast and crew of fictional soap PAINTED DREAMS. The show features an all-star cast which includes Alicia Minshew (ALL MY CHILDREN), Terri Ivens (ALL MY CHILDREN), Grant Aleksander (GUIDING LIGHT), Kelley Menighan Hensley (AS THE WORLD TURNS), Walt Willey (ALL MY CHILDREN), Bobbie Eakes (ALL MY CHILDREN), Natalia Livingston (GENERAL HOSPITAL), Marnie Schulenburg (AS THE WORLD TURNS), Michael Lowry (ALL MY CHILDREN), Austin Peck (DAYS OF OUR LIVES), Colleen Zenk (AS THE WORLD TURNS), Larkin Malloy (THE EDGE OF NIGHT), Nathan Purdee (THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS), Tonja Walker (ONE LIFE TO LIVE), James DePaiva (ONE LIFE TO LIVE), Ilene Kristen (RYAN'S HOPE), Dina Manzo (DINA'S PARTY and REAL HOUSEWIVES OF NEW JERSEY), Anthony Wilkinson ("My Big Gay Italian Wedding" and the new "My Big Gay Italian Funeral), Lisa Marie Varon (IMPACT WRESTLING) and “Mr. PEC-Tacular” Jessie Godderz (IMPACT WRESTLING and Big Brother).

The wait for the series is now over! TAINTED DREAMS released its first three episodes today via TV Guide Magazine. Watch them below:

Today in Soap Opera History (September 15)

"History cannot give us a program for the future, but it can give us a fuller understanding of ourselves, and of our common humanity, so that we can better face the future."
― Robert Penn Warren

"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: Primetime soap opera PEYTON PLACE premiered on ABC. It ran until June 2, 1969 producing 514 total episodes.

1981: On ANOTHER WORLD, Jamie (Richard Bekins) consulted with Brian on a quick divorce from Cecile (Nancy Frangione).

Grant Aleksander Joins TAINTED DREAMS

Grant Aleksander, who played GUIDING LIGHT's Phillip Spaulding on and off from 1982 to 2009, will play another deeply conflicted, complex character, Adam Clark, in TAINTED DREAMS.

"In a bit of art imitating life, Grant has been focusing behind the scenes honing his directing skills, and we are thrilled he has agreed to step back in front of the camera to play the executive producer of TAINTED DREAMS' fictionalized soap PAINTED DREAMS," said Sonia Blangiardo, creator of New York Brand Productions first dramedy.

Today in Soap Opera History (September 15)

On this date in...

1964: Primetime soap opera PEYTON PLACE premiered on ABC. It ran until June 2, 1969 producing 514 total episodes.

1966: On ANOTHER WORLD, Dr. Bolton treated Missy for appendicitis.

1999: Jacob Young aired for the final time as Rick Forrester on THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL.

CLASSIC CLIPS: Phillip & Beth in GUIDING LIGHT 1983-1984

Phillip Spaulding and Beth Raines met in 1983 on GUIDING LIGHT. Their prom was one of the most memorable moments in the show's history, they declared their love the day Phillip found out Alan wasn't his biological father, and went on the run to New York City. Watch the clips below: