Today in Soap Opera History (November 23)

1963: The original Doctor Who premiered.
1970: Dark Shadows' Daphne and Quentin held a seance on.
1984: Days' Stefano shot Roman, who fell off a cliff.
1988: General Hospital's Cheryl was delirious.

"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...

1963: The original Doctor Who series premiered on the BBC. The show depicts the adventures of the Doctor, a Time Lord—a time-travelling humanoid alien. He explores the universe in his TARDIS, a sentient time-travelling space ship.

1964: On Another World, Pat Matthews (Susan Trustman) sent a letter to the Baxter family which said she did not kill Tom.

1966: On Dark Shadows, while holding Victoria (Alexandra Moltke) captive in his cottage, Matthew (Thayer David) confessed to the murder of Bill Malloy.

Today in Soap Opera History (November 23)

1963: The original Doctor Who premiered.
1970: Dark Shadows' Daphne and Quentin held a seance on.
1984: Days' Stefano shot Roman, who fell off a cliff.
1988: General Hospital's Cheryl was delirious.

"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...

1963: The original Doctor Who series premiered on the BBC. The show depicts the adventures of the Doctor, a Time Lord—a time-travelling humanoid alien. He explores the universe in his TARDIS, a sentient time-travelling space ship.

1964: On Another World, Pat Matthews (Susan Trustman) sent a letter to the Baxter family which said she did not kill Tom.

1966: On Dark Shadows, while holding Victoria (Alexandra Moltke) captive in his cottage, Matthew (Thayer David) confessed to the murder of Bill Malloy.

Today in Soap Opera History (November 23)

1963: The original Doctor Who premiered.
1970: Dark Shadows' Daphne and Quentin held a seance on.
1984: Days' Stefano shot Roman, who fell off a cliff.
1988: General Hospital's Cheryl was delirious.

"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...

1963: The original Doctor Who series premiered on the BBC. The show depicts the adventures of the Doctor, a Time Lord—a time-travelling humanoid alien. He explores the universe in his TARDIS, a sentient time-travelling space ship.

Today in Soap Opera History (November 23)

1963: The original Doctor Who premiered.
1970: Dark Shadows' Daphne and Quentin held a seance on.
1984: Days' Stefano shot Roman, who fell off a cliff.
1988: General Hospital's Cheryl was delirious.

"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...

1963: The original Doctor Who series premiered on the BBC. The show depicts the adventures of the Doctor, a Time Lord—a time-travelling humanoid alien. He explores the universe in his TARDIS, a sentient time-travelling space ship.

Today in Soap Opera History (November 23)

1963: Doctor Who premiered. 1970: Daphne and Quentin
had a seance on Dark Shadows. 1984: Days' Stefano
shot Roman, who fell off a cliff. 1988: GH's Cheryl was delirious.

"Most of us spend too much time on the last twenty-four hours and too little on the last six thousand years."
― Will Durant

"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...

1963: The original Doctor Who series premiered on the BBC. The show depicts the adventures of the Doctor, a Time Lord—a time-travelling humanoid alien. He explores the universe in his TARDIS, a sentient time-travelling space ship.

Today in Soap Opera History (November 23)

1963: DOCTOR WHO premiered. 1970: Daphne and Quentin
had a seance on DARK SHADOWS. 1984: DAYS' Stefano
shot Roman, who fell off a cliff. 1988: GH's Cheryl was delirious.

"History is a relentless master. It has no present, only the past rushing into the future. To try to hold fast is to be swept aside."
- John F. Kennedy

"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...

1963: The original DOCTOR WHO series premiered on the BBC.  Global broadcasters have agreed to simulcast a 3D special honoring DOCTOR WHO's 50th anniversary to avoid plot leaks or spoilers. The special will air on Saturday, November 23 at 7 p.m. on BBC1, 2 p.m. ET, 11 a.m. PT.

PHOTOS: 10th Annual Daytime Stars and Strikes Charity Event

The 10th Annual Daytime Stars and Strikes event to benefit The American Cancer Society was held on Sunday, October 13th at Bowlmor Lanes in new York, hosted by Jerry verDorn and Elizabeth Keifer (pictured above).

Check out photos of the event below featuring stars from daytime and web soaps past and present including ONE LIFE TO LIVE, GUIDING LIGHT, AS THE WORLD TURNS, GENERAL HOSPITAL, DAYS OF OUR LIVES, THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS and ALL MY CHILDREN.

NEWS: THE LYING GAME Canceled, VERONICA MARS Book Series, Jerry verDorn, Cory Monteith, Jill Larson, Julie Hesmondhalgh, Daisy Lewis, Tracey Bregman

THE LYING GAME canceled
LYING GAME star Alexandra Chando tweeted the news: "To our awesome #lyinggame fans, thank you for these two amazing seasons. Unfortunately, Abc Family has decided not to bring us back for a third season. We so wanted to do 10 more for you guys! Thanks for your support and keep up with the cast to see what's next for us! Xx"

Cory Monteith Was Invaluable To GLEE. Where Does the Show Go Now?
Regardless of the cause, Cory Monteith’s death is a tragic one. He was young and talented — a gifted drummer, an awkward-as-hell dancer, and a reliable nailer of power ballads. And he was Finn Hudson, GLEE's main testament to the life-changing power of music, arguably the show’s primary message.

The loss of Finn alters the show’s landscape permanently and irrevocably. While Ryan Murphy hasn’t said much publicly about what this year holds, he negotiated a two-season renewal for GLEE last spring, and consensus is that he wouldn’t have been able to do so without some sort of master plan (or at the very least, a general sense) of how this next chunk of story plays out.

GLEE works as escapist television, and it almost always flounders when it tries to be something bigger. Season four’s misbegotten school shooting, prostate cancer, teen molestation, and eating disorder storylines – all either insensitively handled or dropped without explanation – are undeniable proof of that.

Inside Cory Monteith's Last Days: Glee Star Partied at The Roxy; See Recent Twitpic
Before his tragic death, Cory Monteith enjoyed his final days with friends.

More tests needed for cause of Monteith's death
Vancouver police Sgt. Randy Fincham said there's nothing to indicate the death was due to illicit drug use.

INTERVIEW: Jerry verDorn Has "High Hopes" For The New 'One Life to Live'

Jerry verDorn

When One Life to Live returns on April 29, two-time Emmy winner Jerry verDorn will once again be playing Clint Buchanan, a role he took over in 2005, after 26 years starring on Guiding Light. We Love Soaps spoke with verDorn about the return of One Life to Live in a brand new interview from the set in Stamford, Connecticut. Read it below:

We Love Soaps TV: I spent last year working as editorial director for Soap Classics, and part of my job was watching old reel-to-reel tapes of Guiding Light. I saw a lot of early Ross Marler. Did you ever think your old soap episodes would come back in some form?

INTERVIEW: Robert S. Woods On Coming Out of "Retirement" For The New 'One Life to Live'

ONE LIFE TO LIVE's Robert S. Woods
- Photo: Sue Coflin/Max Photos

When ONE LIFE TO LIVE returns on April 29, Emmy winner Robert S. Woods will once again be playing Bo Buchanan, a role he originated in 1979. We Love Soaps spoke with Woods about the return of ONE LIFE TO LIVE, his work on THE GROVE, coming out of "retirement' and more in a brand new interview from the set in Stamford, Connecticut. Read it below:

WE LOVE SOAPS: Before we get to ONE LIFE TO LIVE, I have to say I loved you in THE GROVE!
ROBERT S. WOODS: Did you see that? It was a pilot and Crystal [Chappell] is shopping it around.

WE LOVE SOAPS: You were voted our Indie Series Actor of the Week that week.
ROBERT S. WOODS: Wow! It was fun.

Jerry ver Dorn To Welcome Back Rally Fans: 'You Were The Talk Of The Building'

Jerry ver Dorn poses with fans - Photo: Sue Coflin/Max Photos

ONE LIFE TO LIVE star Jerry ver Dorn (Clint) posted a message on his official website to express heartfelt thank yous to fans who attended the Welcome Back Rally on Monday, March 18. ONE LIFE TO LIVE taped its first new episode since 2011 that day.

From ver Dorn:

Hello everybody. Now that I have recovered from week one of the "re-boot" or the "re-launch" (why don't we just call it what we used to call it: One Life to Live.) I must pass along some heartfelt thank yous. I (and the whole studio) were quite touched by the fans who showed up at the building's entrance with signs and a great deal of enthusiasm to welcome back OLTL. It was a cold and blustery day and Stamford is not just around the corner for any of you so we salute you and thank you. You were the talk of the building and I'm grateful that several actors had a big enough break in their day to go out and say hi. Well done.

RELATED:
- PHOTOS: Welcome Back Rally For ONE LIFE TO LIVE & ALL MY CHILDREN
- WATCH: ONE LIFE TO LIVE & ALL MY CHILDREN "Save The Date" Trailer
- Erika Slezak: 'The Scripts Are Really Good'
- Kassie DePaiva: 'I Feel So Much More Freedom'

PHOTOS: Welcome Back Rally For ONE LIFE TO LIVE & ALL MY CHILDREN

Fans rally to welcome back ALL MY CHILDREN and ONE LIFE TO LIVE - Photo: Sue Coflin/Max Photos

Soap Fans United (SFU) and GLOBE magazine editor Jeff Rodack co-sponsored a "welcome back" rally on Monday in front of the Connecticut Film Center, the new home of ONE LIFE TO LIVE and ALL MY CHILDREN. It was ONE LIFE TO LIVE's first day back in production with Erika Slezak (Victoria Lord), Kassie DePaiva (Blair Cramer), Melissa Archer (Natalie Buchanan Banks), Laura Harrier (Destiny Evans), Jerry Ver Dorn (Clint Buchanan), Robert Gorrie (Matthew Buchanan), Kelley Missal (Dani), Andrew Trischitta (Jack) and Corbin Bleu (Jeffrey King) were among the stars who greeted fans.

Check out some photos below:

Jerry VerDorn Signs On For Prospect Park's ONE LIFE TO LIVE

Emmy-winning actor Jerry VerDorn has signed on to Prospect Park's upcoming ONE LIFE TO LIVE revival to reprise his role as Clint Buchanan. VerDorn posted the announcement on his Facebook page.

Hello Everybody. One Life Lives. And good things come to those who wait. Or so it is said. About an hour ago I agreed to be part of the OLTL revival and I’m thrilled to be involved in entertainment history as the show we love moves to other formats. The fans consistent drum beat of support played a large part in Prospect Park never giving up trying to find a solution. And today they announced it to the world. With the cherry-on-the-top-news that Agnes Nixon has been hired as a consultant! For those who doubted, I don’t blame you as this has never been done before. For those who never lost hope and never stopped writing and calling, well, good things come to those who wait. Congratulations to you all. Welcome back to Llanview. Love, jerry verDorn.

Prospect Park confirmed earlier on Monday a February production start for both ONE LIFE TO LIVE and ALL MY CHILDREN.

Today in Soap Opera History (November 23)

On this date in...

1963: The original DOCTOR WHO series premiered on the BBC.

1964: On ANOTHER WORLD, Pat (Susan Trustman) sent a letter to the Baxter family which said she did not kill Tom.

1984: On DAYS OF OUR LIVES, Andre  (Thaao Penghlis) presumably died when he fell into quicksand following a fight with Tony (Thaao Penghlis).

Jennifer Richards Trial: New GUIDING LIGHT DVD On Sale Now

A new 10-episode GUIDING LIGHT DVD was released today at Amazon.com, "The Jennifer Richards Trial." Featuring two weeks of episodes from January 1981, this explosive trial was pre-empted during a critical moment thanks to a news interruption about the release of the Iranian hostages.

This was Jennifer's (Geraldine Court) second trial for the murder of Lucille Wexler.

Most of the cast from that era are featured in this collection including Court, Kathleen Cullen, Stephen Yates, Tom O’Rourke, Don Stewart, Lezlie Dalton, Christopher Bernau, Elvera Roussel, Stefan Schnabel, Charita Bauer, Mart Hulswit, John Wesley Shipp, Lenore Kasdorf and many more.

50 Greatest Soap Couples: #34 Clint & Viki From ONE LIFE TO LIVE

COUPLE: Clint Buchanan & Victoria Lord Riley
SHOW: ONE LIFE TO LIVE
RANK: 34
PLAYED BY:
Clint: Clint Ritchie, Jerry verDorn
Viki: Erika Slezak
YEARS: 1979-2012

STORY:
Upon learning he was dying, Viki's husband, Joe Riley, hired Clint to become editor of their newspaper, The Banner.   Viki and Clint clashed following Joe's death but as time went on the two began to warm up to each other.  Eventually they fell in love and were finally married in 1982.  They would divorce and re-marry again in the '80s as a string of complications continued to cause conflict as they faced interference from people like Mitch Laurence (as well as Viki's other personalities), not to mention Viki going to heaven, time traveling, the Old West and so much more.  By the end of the series on ABC in 2012, verDorn was playing Clint, who proposed to Viki on the final episode.

Today in Soap Opera History (November 23)

On this date in...

1963: The original DOCTOR WHO series premiered.

1993: On THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS, the Abbotts were concerned about John, and Paul was worried about April.

Catching Up With ONE LIFE TO LIVE's Jerry verDorn, Part One

WE LOVE SOAPS TV had the great honor to catch up with Jerry verDorn recently on the set ONE LIFE TO LIVE.  We discussed Clint's new focus in Llanview, the highs and lows of coming into the show as a recast, as well as the ending of GUIDING LIGHT.  Was Ross Marler truly absent at the end of the show? Find out below!

WE LOVE SOAPS TV: Jerry it is so nice to meet you.  I have admired your work on GUIDING LIGHT and ONE LIFE TO LIVE.  You have been on our screens consistently now for 31 years,  playing two very different characters.
Jerry verDorn: Oddly enough, Ross Marler, who I played [on GUIDING LIGHT], was more of a stretch.  People had a hard time imagining me as anyone else.  But I’m essentially a North Dakota cowboy who was asked to play this Kennedy-esque person.  And that was fine, I got into it.  I wore a lot of suspenders and a lot of suits.  I gave a lot of speeches during a lot of trials, memorized a lot of words.  But when I got the role of Clint I thought, “He can breathe, he can relax.” Plus, I’ve been wearing the most comfortable cowboy boots in the world the last five years.  It’s been a wonderful change.