Today in Soap Opera History (September 1)

1966: Burke investigated Malloy's disappearance on Dark 
Shadows. 1980: The Edge of Night's Nadine was on to Raven.
1981: Heather defended herself to Burt on General Hospital.
1988: As the World Turns' Synder Pond was the place to be.

"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...

1966: On Dark Shadows, Joe (Joel Crothers) told Carolyn (Nancy Barrett) about David's crystal ball's prediction. Burke (Mitchell Ryan) investigated Bill Malloys's disappearance, certain that he had incriminating evidence against Roger and Sam (David Ford). Sam believed everyone in the entire town was headed towards death.

James Rebhorn Obituary: His Life, According to Jim

Actor James Rebhorn died on Friday, March 21, at home with his family. He wrote his own story about his life and it was published today on the St. Paul Lutheran Church website. Read it below:

His Life, According to Jim
James Robert Rebhorn was born on Sept. 1, 1948, in Philadelphia, PA. His mother, Ardell Frances Rebhorn, nee Hoch, loved him very much and supported all his dreams. She taught him the value of good manners and courtesy, and that hospitality is no small thing. His father, James Harry Rebhorn, was no less devoted to him. From him, Jim learned that there is no excuse for poor craftsmanship. A job well done rarely takes more or less time than a job poorly done. They gave him his faith and wisely encouraged him to stay in touch with God.

He is survived by his sister, Janice Barbara Galbraith, of Myrtle Beach, SC. She was his friend, his confidant, and, more often than either of them would like to admit, his bridge over troubled waters. He is also survived by his wife, Rebecca Fulton Linn, and his two daughters, Emma Rebecca Rebhorn and Hannah Linn Rebhorn. They anchored his life and gave him the freedom to live it. Without them, always at the center of his being, his life would have been little more than a vapor. Rebecca loved him with all his flaws, and in her the concept of ceaseless love could find no better example.

James Rebhorn Dead at 65

Actor James Rebhorn has died. Reports say that he died in his home on Friday at the age of 65.

Actress Frances Fisher tweeted the news very early Sunday morning: "Shocked and saddened to hear of James Rebhorn's passing. Jim was a consummate actor with whom I had the pleasure to work when we were young."

Rebhorn's daytime soap opera roles included Tom Carroll in THE DOCTORS, John Brady on TEXAS, Bradley Raines in GUIDING LIGHT, Al Miller on SEARCH FOR TOMORROW, and Henry Lange in AS THE WORLD TURNS (as well as Angus Oliver in the show's final weeks).

Today in Soap Opera History (September 1)

1966: Burke wanted to know what happened to Bill on DARK
SHADOWS. 1980: Nadine was on to Raven on EDGE OF NIGHT.
1988: The Synder Pond was busy on ATWT. 2006: Alexis had a
request for Sam on GH.

"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...

1966: On DARK SHADOWS, Burke (Mitchell Ryan) investigated Bill's disappearance, certain that he had incriminating evidence against Roger and Sam (David Ford).

PREVIEW: THE GOOD WIFE With Guest Stars Tamara Tunie, James Rebhorn, T.R. Knight & Susan Misner

THE GOOD WIFE returns on Sunday, January 6 at 9 p.m. ET/PT on CBS.

On "Boom De Ya Da," Will’s latest case – which could net the firm millions – hangs in the balance as Alicia navigates Louis Canning’s attempts to delay a deposition crucial to Will’s argument.

Meanwhile, Will and Diane make a stand against Clarke, and an old foe complicates things for Eli

Michael J. Fox returns as Louis Canning and T.R. Knight guest stars as Jordan Karahalios, a political advisor who joins Eli on Peter’s campaign. Also guest starring are Susan Misner, James Rebhorn and Tamara Tunie.

Watch a sneak peek video below:

Today in Soap Opera History (September 1)

On this date in...

1975: On ANOTHER WORLD, Alice's adoption of Sally was approved.

1988: On GUIDING LIGHT, Reva butted heads with Alexandra.  Watch the episode below: