Today in Soap Opera History (August 5)

1935: Backstage Wife premiered.
1985: Days of our Lives' Tony and Anna were married.
1994: All My Children's Erica found her mother, Mona, dead.
2002: Passions' Timmy died.

"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...

1935: Radio soap opera Backstage Wife premiered on the Mutual Broadcasting System (MBS). The show moved to NBC Blue in 1936, NBC in 1938 and CBS in 1955, where it ran until January 2, 1959. Created by Frank and Anne Hummert, each episode opened with the announcer (Pierre Andre, Roger Krupp, Stuart V. Dawson) explaining:

Now, we present once again, Backstage Wife, the story of Mary Noble, a little Iowa girl who married one of America's most handsome actors, Larry Noble, matinee idol of a million other women — the story of what it means to be the wife of a famous star.

Vivian Fridell had the title role from 1935 until the early 1940s. It was then taken over by Claire Niesen, who continued as Mary Noble until the end of the series. Mary's husband, Larry Noble, was portrayed by Ken Griffin, then James Meighan and finally, Guy Sorel. The music was supplied by organist Chet Kingsbury.

According to "The A to Z of American Radio Soap Operas," this was one of the Hummert's favorite themes - taking a girl from Podunk and wedding her above her social class. The opening was later shorted to:

And now, Backstage Wife, the story of Mary Noble, and what it means to be the wife of a famous star.

1965: On Peyton Place, Vincent Markham (Leslie Nielsen) and his twin brother, Kenneth, were reunited at Doctor's Hospital.

Today in Soap Opera History (July 16)

1981: Alexandra Neil first appeared on Texas as Ruby.
1987: Days of our Lives' Charlotte Ross debuted as Eve.
2001: One Life to Live's Melissa Archer debuted as Natalie.
2004: Kirsten Storms made her last appearance as Belle on Days.

"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...

1934: Musical radio soap opera Dreams Come True premiered on the NBC Red network. The show aired three times a week and revolved around vocalist Barry McKinley. Dreams Come True was sponsored by Procter & Gamble's Camay soap.

1953: On radio soap opera Hilltop House, Julie Erickson (Jan Miner) thought it was too soon to judge Gladys' performance. The episode was written by Addy Richton and Lynn Stone.

Today in Soap Opera History (August 5)

1935: Backstage Wife premiered.
1985: Days of our Lives' Tony and Anna were married.
1994: All My Children's Erica found her mother, Mona, dead.
2002: Passions' Timmy died.

"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...

1935: Radio soap opera Backstage Wife premiered on the Mutual Broadcasting System (MBS). The show moved to NBC Blue in 1936, NBC in 1938 and CBS in 1955, where it ran until January 2, 1959. Created by Frank and Anne Hummert, each episode opened with the announcer (Pierre Andre, Roger Krupp, Stuart V. Dawson) explaining:

Now, we present once again, Backstage Wife, the story of Mary Noble, a little Iowa girl who married one of America's most handsome actors, Larry Noble, matinee idol of a million other women — the story of what it means to be the wife of a famous star.

Vivian Fridell had the title role from 1935 until the early 1940s. It was then taken over by Claire Niesen, who continued as Mary Noble until the end of the series. Mary's husband, Larry Noble, was portrayed by Ken Griffin, then James Meighan and finally, Guy Sorel. The music was supplied by organist Chet Kingsbury.

According to "The A to Z of American Radio Soap Operas," this was one of the Hummert's favorite themes - taking a girl from Podunk and wedding her above her social class. The opening was later shorted to:

And now, Backstage Wife, the story of Mary Noble, and what it means to be the wife of a famous star.

1965: On Peyton Place, Vincent Markham (Leslie Nielsen) and his twin brother, Kenneth, were reunited at Doctor's Hospital.

Today in Soap Opera History (July 16)

1981: Alexandra Neil first appeared on Texas as Ruby.
1987: Days of our Lives' Charlotte Ross debuted as Eve.
2001: One Life to Live's Melissa Archer debuted as Natalie.
2004: Kirsten Storms made her last appearance as Belle on Days.

"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...

1934: Musical radio soap opera Dreams Come True premiered on the NBC Red network. The show aired three times a week and revolved around vocalist Barry McKinley. Dreams Come True was sponsored by Procter & Gamble's Camay soap.

1953: On radio soap opera Hilltop House, Julie Erickson (Jan Miner) thought it was too soon to judge Gladys' performance. The episode was written by Addy Richton and Lynn Stone.

Today in Soap Opera History (August 5)

1935: Backstage Wife premiered.
1985: Days of our Lives' Tony and Anna were married.
1994: All My Children's Erica found her mother, Mona, dead.
2002: Passions' Timmy died.

"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...

1935: Radio soap opera Backstage Wife premiered on the Mutual Broadcasting System (MBS). The show moved to NBC Blue in 1936, NBC in 1938 and CBS in 1955, where it ran until January 2, 1959. Created by Frank and Anne Hummert, each episode opened with the announcer (Pierre Andre, Roger Krupp, Stuart V. Dawson) explaining:

Now, we present once again, Backstage Wife, the story of Mary Noble, a little Iowa girl who married one of America's most handsome actors, Larry Noble, matinee idol of a million other women — the story of what it means to be the wife of a famous star.

Vivian Fridell had the title role from 1935 until the early 1940s. It was then taken over by Claire Niesen, who continued as Mary Noble until the end of the series. Mary's husband, Larry Noble, was portrayed by Ken Griffin, then James Meighan and finally, Guy Sorel. The music was supplied by organist Chet Kingsbury.

According to "The A to Z of American Radio Soap Operas," this was one of the Hummert's favorite themes - taking a girl from Podunk and wedding her above her social class. The opening was later shorted to:

And now, Backstage Wife, the story of Mary Noble, and what it means to be the wife of a famous star.

1965: On Peyton Place, Vincent Markham (Leslie Nielsen) and his twin brother, Kenneth, were reunited at Doctor's Hospital.

Today in Soap Opera History (July 16)

1981: Alexandra Neil first appeared on Texas as Ruby.
1987: Days of our Lives' Charlotte Ross debuted as Eve.
2001: One Life to Live's Melissa Archer debuted as Natalie.
2004: Kirsten Storms last aired as Belle on Days.

"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...

1934: Musical radio soap opera Dreams Come True premiered on the NBC Red network. The show aired three times a week and revolved around vocalist Barry McKinley. Dreams Come True was sponsored by Procter & Gamble's Camay soap.

1953: On radio soap opera Hilltop House, Julie Erickson (Jan Miner) thought it was too soon to judge Gladys' performance. The episode was written by Addy Richton and Lynn Stone.

Kirsten Storms Leaving 'General Hospital' Again, Expected to Be Back at Some Point

After not looking well on GH in recent months, Kirsten Storms has
taken another leave from the soap.

Kirsten Storms joined the cast of ABC soap opera General Hospital as Maxie Jones in 2005. Since then, the actress has taken a leave absence multiple times for various reasons. It was recently revealed that Storms will be exiting the show again for personal reasons.

In 2011, Storms left the role after being diagnoses with endometriosis, and was temporarily recast with Jen Lilley for nearly a year.

Storms returned to GH in 2012, leaving again in 2014 to take a few months off for maternity leave to give birth to her daughter, Harper.

In May 2016, GH unexpectedly recast the character of Maxie with Molly Burnett.

“I am taking a little break from work due to some skin issues I’ve been having,” Storms explained Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. “My doctors say my breakouts are due to stress, but shouldn’t take too long to get under control. I can say that I’m on the better end of it now. However, it was becoming too difficult for GH to cover up. And we all know in this business, appearance is important.”

Last week, it was revealed Storms would once again be taking time away from GH for personal reasons. A rep for GH confirmed it would not affect her status with the soap, and her job would be waiting upon her return.

Today in Soap Opera History (August 5)

1935: Backstage Wife premiered. 1985: Days of our Lives'
Tony and Anna were married. 1994: All My Children's Erica
found her mother, Mona, dead. 2002: Passions' Timmy died
on the same day the actor who played him passed away.

"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...

1935: Radio soap opera Backstage Wife premiered on the Mutual Broadcasting System (MBS). The show moved to NBC Blue in 1936, NBC in 1938 and CBS in 1955, where it ran until January 2, 1959. Created by Frank and Anne Hummert, each episode opened with the announcer (Pierre Andre, Roger Krupp, Stuart V. Dawson) explaining:

Now, we present once again, Backstage Wife, the story of Mary Noble, a little Iowa girl who married one of America's most handsome actors, Larry Noble, matinee idol of a million other women — the story of what it means to be the wife of a famous star.

Vivian Fridell had the title role from 1935 until the early 1940s. It was then taken over by Claire Niesen, who continued as Mary Noble until the end of the series. Mary's husband, Larry Noble, was portrayed by Ken Griffin, then James Meighan and finally, Guy Sorel. The music was supplied by organist Chet Kingsbury.

According to "The A to Z of American Radio Soap Operas," this was one of the Hummert's favorite themes - taking a girl from Podunk and wedding her above her social class. The opening was later shorted to:

And now, Backstage Wife, the story of Mary Noble, and what it means to be the wife of a famous star.

1965: On Peyton Place, Vincent Markham (Leslie Nielsen) and his twin brother, Kenneth, were reunited at Doctor's Hospital.

Today in Soap Opera History (July 16)

1981: Alexandra Neil first appeared on Texas as Ruby.
1987: Days of our Lives' Charlotte Ross debuted as Eve.
2001: One Life to Live's Melissa Archer debuted as Natalie.
2004: Kirsten Storms said goodbye to Days of our Lives.

"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...

1934: Musical radio soap opera Dreams Come True premiered on the NBC Red network. The show aired three times a week and revolved around vocalist Barry McKinley. Dreams Come True was sponsored by Procter & Gamble's Camay soap.

1953: On radio soap opera Hilltop House, Julie (Grace Matthews) thought it was too soon to judge Gladys' performance.

'General Hospital' Spoilers (June 6-10, 2016)

"Maxie, you need to hear me out for both our sakes," says Nathan.

Check out the day-to-day spoilers and a sneak peek video below to find out what's happening on ABC soap opera General Hospital during the week of June 6-10, 2016.

[SPOILER ALERT]

Monday, June 6
Lucas and Brad make new plans; Maxie is stunned by what she learns from Nathan; Franco offers to help Liz catch Hayden.

'General Hospital' Stars Kirsten Storms & Brandon Barash Getting a Divorce

Kirsten Storms and Brandon Barash

Two General Hospital actors who were married in real life are calling it quits. Kirsten Storms and Brandon Barash have decided to divorce, Soap Opera Digest reports.

Storms and Barash, who play Maxie and Johnny on the show, respectively, have been married since 2013 and have a 2-year-old daughter, Harper.

"We are splitting due to the cliché irreconcilable differences, but we’re splitting amicably,” Barash told the publication. "We have every intention of remaining a family through this and successfully co-parenting our kid and retaining a friendship in the efforts of raising her in a healthy environment."

The cast of the long-running ABC show has, of course, dealt with divorce before. Last month, Kristina Wagner opened up on Oprah: Where Are They Now? about how her own decision to get divorced affected her life.

"The divorce was the best thing that could have happened to me, and for my children as well," she explained at the time. "I don't think I was being a very good mother at the time, either. I wasn't making good choices."

RELATED:
- 'General Hospital' Star Laura Wright Ending 20-Year Marriage

'General Hospital' Spoilers (April 18-22, 2016)

"If I'm wrong now and I'm just fooling myself with you, with us, then spare
me the pain," Nathan tells Maxie.

Check out the day-to-day spoilers and a sneak peek video below to find out what's happening on ABC soap opera General Hospital during the week of April 18-22, 2016.

[SPOILER ALERT]

Monday, April 18
Julian (William deVry) has a plan that involves help from his wife; Anna (Finola Hughes) and Paul's (Richard Burgi) day of reckoning arrives; Kristina (Lexi Ainsworth) opens up to Sam (Kelly Monaco).

'General Hospital' Spoilers (April 11-15, 2016)

Laura searches for answers about her inheritance from Helena.

Check out the day-to-day spoilers and a sneak peek video below to find out what's happening on ABC soap opera General Hospital during the week of April 11-15, 2016.

[SPOILER ALERT]

Monday, April 11
Anna (Finola Hughes) catches on to Paul's (Richard Burgi) plan; Jason (Billy Miller) and Sam (Kelly Monaco) make Nikolas (Tyler Christopher) an offer he can't refuse; Maxie (Kirsten Storms) looks for answers on the internet.

'General Hospital' Spoilers (April 4-8, 2016)

"This is a lot for me to take in," Maxie tells Nathan, who explains
his relationship with Claudette.

Check out the day-to-day spoilers and a sneak peek video below to find out what's happening on ABC soap opera General Hospital during the week of April 4-8, 2016.

[SPOILER ALERT]

Monday, April 4
Sam (Kelly Monaco) and Jason (Billy Miller) theorize about Hayden's (Rebecca Budig) shooting; Curtis (Donnell Turner) offers to help Nikolas (Tyler Christopher); Nina (Michelle Stafford) gets bad news.

'General Hospital' Spoilers (March 14-18, 2016)

Lulu and Laura listen as Scott tells them they are in for some big surprises.

Check out the day-to-day spoilers and a sneak peek video below to find out what's happening on ABC soap opera General Hospital during the week of March 14-18, 2016.

[SPOILER ALERT]

Monday, March 14
Helena (Constance Towers) sends enduring words and emblematic gifts to everyone from her grave; Anna (Finola Hughes) discovers Griffin's (Matt Cohen) real identity and his reason for spying on her; Dante (Dominic Zamprogna) learns the truth about "Claudette."

'General Hospital' Spoilers (March 7-11, 2016)

Helena has lasting words and symbolic gifts for all from her grave.

Check out the day-to-day spoilers and a sneak peek video below to find out what's happening on ABC soap opera General Hospital during the week of March 7-11, 2016.

[SPOILER ALERT]

Monday, March 7
Sonny (Maurice Benard) and Carly (Laura Wright) take a long, hard look at the direction of their relationship; Lulu's (Emme Rylan) declaration gives Dante (Dominic Zamprogna) new hope; Baxter (Tom Parker) covers when Sam (Kelly Monaco) starts asking too many probing questions about Hayden (Rebecca Budig); Griffin (Matt Cohen) is stumped by Tracy's (Jane Elliot) test results.

'General Hospital' Spoilers (February 29-March 4, 2016)

"Who is Claudette?" Maxie wants to know.

Check out the day-to-day spoilers and a sneak peek video below to find out what's happening on ABC soap opera General Hospital during the week of February 29-March 4, 2016.

[SPOILER ALERT]

Monday, February 29
Elizabeth (Rebecca Herbst) has second thoughts about her living arrangements; Anna (Finola Hughes) comes to a sad and unfortunate realization; after Maxie (Kirsten Storms) overhears Nathan (Ryan Paevey) mumble “Claudette”, he claims she was his childhood French poodle.

Watch the 'Winterthorne' Finale, 'General Hospital's' Kirsten Storms Guest Stars

Kirsten Storms as Selene Winterthorne.

In the Winterthorne finale, General Hospital's Kirsten Storms guest stars as Miranda's (Martha Madison) younger sister, Selene, who arrives with an offer.

"You might ruin your dress if you spill anymore Mommy issues," Miranda tells Selene as they negotiate a deal that leads to a very dramatic moment.

Without giving too much away before viewers have had a chance to watch, let's just say that not everyone makes it out the episode alive.

Watch the exciting Winterthorne finale below:

Today in Soap Opera History (August 5)

1935: Backstage Wife premiered. 1985: Days of our Lives'
Tony and Anna were married. 1994: All My Children's Erica
found her mother, Mona, dead. 2002: Passions' Timmy died
on the same day the actor who played him passed away.

"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...

1935: Radio soap opera Backstage Wife premiered on the Mutual Broadcasting System (MBS). The show moved to NBC Blue in 1936, NBC in 1938 and CBS in 1955, where it ran until January 2, 1959. Created by Frank and Anne Hummert, each episode opened with the announcer (Pierre Andre, Roger Krupp, Stuart V. Dawson) explaining:

Now, we present once again, Backstage Wife, the story of Mary Noble, a little Iowa girl who married one of America's most handsome actors, Larry Noble, matinee idol of a million other women — the story of what it means to be the wife of a famous star.

Vivian Fridell had the title role from 1935 until the early 1940s. It was then taken over by Claire Niesen, who continued as Mary Noble until the end of the series. Mary's husband, Larry Noble, was portrayed by Ken Griffin, then James Meighan and finally, Guy Sorel. The music was supplied by organist Chet Kingsbury.

According to "The A to Z of American Radio Soap Operas," this was one of the Hummert's favorite themes - taking a girl from Podunk and wedding her above her social class. The opening was later shorted to:

And now, Backstage Wife, the story of Mary Noble, and what it means to be the wife of a famous star.

1965: On Peyton Place, Vincent Markham (Leslie Nielsen) and his twin brother, Kenneth, were reunited at Doctor's Hospital.

'Winterthorne' Premieres One Month From Today, Show Releases New Extended Trailer

"You are going to regret the day you ever betrayed my family," Miranda
Winterthorne (Martha Madison) tells Dominic Delacort (Kevin Spirtas) in
a powerful scene from the show's new extended trailer.

We are now just one month away from the premiere of Michael Caruso's delicious new candy drama Winterthorne. To celebrate the milestone, the show has released a new trailer, which offers viewers an extended look at the upcoming family saga about Miranda Winterthorne and her rise to power to control her family's multi-million dollar candy business.

Martha Madison, who is returning to Days of Our Lives in November as Belle Black, stars as Miranda.

The cast includes Caruso (DeVanity), John-Paul Lavoisier (One Life to Live, soon to be Philip Kiriakis on Days), Linda Gray (Dallas), Kathleen Gati (General Hospital), Kirsten Storms (General Hospital), Gordon Thomson (Dynasty, Santa Barbara), Kevin Spirtas (Days of our Lives), Ron Hanks (Golden California) and Josh Thrower (90210, The Young and The Restless).

Watch the new Winterthorne extended trailer below: