1977: ABC's serialized comedy series Soap premiered.
1979: The Edge of Night's Raven clashed with Elliot.
1985: Days of our Lives' Marlena & Richard made love.
1985: GH's Anna told Robert that Robin was his daughter.
"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...
1969: Susan Lucci and Helmet Huber were married. Lucci joined All My Children for its debut a few months later playing ambitious teenager Erica Kane. The Hubers are celebrating their 46th anniversary today.
1971: On The Doctors, Dr. Althea Davis (Elizabeth Hubbard) visited her mother, who was recovering from a stroke.
1984: Guiding Light's H.B. questioned Reva's feelings.
1987: Y&R's Brenda Dickson aired for the final time as Jill.
2001: Spyder Games premiered on MTV.
2010: Liz Foster died on The Young and the Restless.
"History speaks to artists. It changes the artist's thinking and is constantly reshaping it into d ifferent 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...
1963: On Ben Jerrod, Agnes (Jeanne Baird) was rebuffed when she sought information.
Thanks to Jeff for sending in the item above.
1965: On General Hospital, Eddie Weeks (Doug Lambert) and Angie Costello (Jana Taylor) started down a path leading to tragedy.
Thanks to Jeff for sending in the item above.
1965: On The Young Marrieds, Walter Reynolds (Michael T. Mikler) received cautious advice from his lawyer.
1969: Peyton Place series finale aired on ABC.
1988: Days of our Lives' Kim had to say goodbye to Shane.
1995: One Life to Live's Bo and Nora were married.
1997: Port Charles' Scott was desperate to find Serena.
"History speaks to artists. It changes the artist's thinking and is constantly reshaping it into d ifferent 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...
1969: The 514th and final episode of primetime soap opera Peyton Place aired on ABC.
Norman and Rita arrived at Dr. Rossi's hearing, planning to give an honest testimony about the events surrounding Fred Russell's death. Attempting to determine probable cause, the lawyers questioned Sergeant Walker, who spoke to Rossi's state of mind on the night that Russell suffered his fatal injury, and Walker stated that he seemed "professionally concerned" but calm. When he was dismissed, he talked to Lew, and told him that there is a warrant out for his arrest for a hit-and-run. He asked him to behave honorably and turn himself in after Rossi's trial concludes. Marsha Russell next took the stand and explained that Fred tried to rape her shortly before his death. When asked about his final moments in the hospital, she was reluctant to reveal his dying words, but finally admitted that he accused Rossi of injuring him. Norman then talked about breaking up a fight between Russell and Rossi, after which Rossi expressed the desire to "clobber" him. Rita explained that Rossi's behavior was "controlled" and, despite the fight, he did not seem likely to seek further violence.
1968: Dark Shadows' Professor Stokes explained the Dream Curse.
1987: ATWT's Craig and Sierra enjoyed their new baby.
1987: Knots Landing's Peter Hollister was murdered.
1992: Another World's Carl shocked Bay City with his return.
"History speaks to artists. It changes the artist's thinking and is constantly reshaping it into d ifferent 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...
1968: On The Doctors, Karen (Laryssa Lauret) rushed to talk with Matt (James Pritchett) after Steve told her about the hostage situation with Ralph Anderson. Maggie (Bethel Leslie) wasn't phased when she walked in on Karen's conversation with Matt. "For once, I'm not concerned about Karen Werner's continental charms," Maggie told Matt.
1968: On Dark Shadows, Professor Stokes (Thayer David) and Julia (Grayson Hall) talked about the Dream Curse. He told her that the person who was object of the curse would die at the end of the dream.
1970: On Another World, Rachel (Robin Strasser) phoned Russ (Sam Groom) and lied that everything went wonderfully with her father.
1953: Search for Tomorrow's Jo tried to help a mystery patient.
1979: Ryan's Hope's Rae wanted to make Frank jealous.
1989: Daytime soap opera Generations premiered on NBC.
2001: Passions aired a Jerry Springer parody.
"History speaks to artists. It changes the artist's thinking and is constantly reshaping it into d ifferent 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...
1939: Primetime radio soap opera Those We Love was canceled and taken off the air by NBC's Blue Network. It was the story of the Marshall family of Westbridge, Connecticut, and featured Universal starlet Nan Grey. It was canceled so abruptly the story was left in limbo which outraged fans. They responded with a flood of vitriolic mail to NBC, to Ponds Cream, and to such trade journals as Radio Guide. Some suggested boycotting the sponsor; interest was aroused by a "code of rights," to force networks and sponsors to keep faith with the audience; some listeners proposed to appeal to the Federal Communications Commission.
1977: Delia left a suicide note for Pat on Ryan's Hope.
1984: All My Children's Erica and Adam were married.
1984: Knots Landing's Abby and Val mourned Gary.
2006: Passions' Miguel returned just as Kay accepted Fox's proposal.
"History speaks to artists. It changes the artist's thinking and is constantly reshaping it into d ifferent 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...
1966: On Another World, Bill Matthews (Joseph Gallison) begged social worker Ann Fuller (Olga Bellin) to tell him the real reason Missy Palmer didn't want to marry him.
1977: On Ryan's Hope, after writing a suicide note and taking Jack's pills, Delia Reid Ryan (Ilene Kristen) fantasized about Pat (Malcolm Groome) just before collapsing onto the floor.
1975: Ryan's Hope's Pat comforted Delia with a song.
1985: Santa Barbara's Lionel fell off a train and had his ID stolen.
2008: Days of our Lives' EJ found John in Stefano's basement.
2014: Guy Wilson made his first appearance as Will 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...
1937:Clara, Lu & Em actress Isobel Carothers died suddenly at age 37. Clara, Lu, and Em was radio's first network daytime soap opera, beginning June 16, 1930 over WGN-AM Chicago, Illinois. It moved to the Blue Network in 1931 and later NBC.
The show began as a Northwestern University sorority sketch by Louise Starkey (Clara), Isobel Carothers (Lu) and Helen King (Em). Their friends suggested they go on the radio, so the trio approached WGN and did their first shows for no pay.
1951: Radio soap opera The Archers premiered. It continues to run to this day.
1968: Dark Shadows' Jeremiah tried to bury Angelique alive.
1981: Knots Landing's Diana and Karen "Put on a Happy Face".
1982: Miss Ellie received tragic news on Dallas.
"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...
1951: British radio soap opera The Archers premiered. The show was created by Godfrey Baseley, and originally billed as "an everyday story of country folk."
The opening line was by Dan Archer who said: "And a happy New Year to all!" His wife Doris responded with: "A very happy New Year, Dan." During the episode, Dan’s son Philip shared a kiss with a nearby farmer’s daughter, Grace, as he drove her home from a party and they discussed his job interview for the next day. The episode ended with Philip being angry at brother Jack for not returning his car, which made him late for his job interview.
The Archers is not only the world's longest-running radio soap opera but became the world's longest-running "active" soap opera in any format with the cancellation of Guiding Light in 2009.
1968: On Dark Shadows, Angelique (Lara Parker) woke up just as Jeremiah (Tim Gordon) started to bury her alive.
1971: On The Doctors, Mike Powers recalled the mistakes he made in 1970 and decided his New Year's resolution was to never be young again. Maggie encouraged Mike to find a new romance, while Matt hoped his relationship with Mike would improve in the new year.
1973: On Another World, Gil (Dolph Sweet) reminded Lenore (Susan Sullivan) that Wayne Addison's murder, for which she was acquitted, was never solved
1976: On Ryan's Hope, Jack (Michael Levin) told Sister Mary Joel (Sylvia Sidney) that he felt he would hurt Mary in the long run.
Note: In 1988, Sister Mary Joel (played by Rosemary Prinz) was revealed to be Jack's biological mother.
1981: On Another World, Amanda returned alone from her walk outside with Rachel and told Mac that Rachel was "gone." Mac, Jamie and Brian then heard car tires screeching outside.
1981: On Knots Landing, Diana (Claudia Lonow) had difficulty with her new boyfriend as felt pressured to sleep with him. Meanwhile, Karen (Michele Lee), Diana, Val (Joan Van Ark) and Ginger (Kim Lankford) performed in an ERA benefit. Val asked Gary (Ted Shackelford) to help, but he was too preoccupied helping Earl Trent (Paul Rudd). Diana needed Karen's support but she was too busy rehearsing. In frustration, Diana pulled out of the benefit. Meanwhile, with Laura (Constance McCashin) preoccupied with work, Richard (John Pleshette) spent his time with Abby (Donna Mills) and they ended up in the hot tub. Karen and Diana later made up and sang "Put on a Happy Face" at the show.
1982: On General Hospital, the residents of Port Charles felt the after effects of New Year's Eve the next morning.
1982: On Dallas, Donna’s success as an author irritated Ray (Steve Kanaly). Photographer Roger Larson encouraged Lucy (Charlene Tilton) to resume modeling. Sue Ellen and John Ross moved into a Dallas townhouse. At the Ewing barbecue, Sue Ellen and Cliff got reacquainted and Miss Ellie (Barbara Bel Geddes) learned Jock was presumed dead after a helicopter crash in South America.
1982: On Falcon Crest, Julia's (Abby Dalton) husband, Tony, who deserted her and Lance twelve years earlier, suddenly reappeared.
Robert Desiderio and Judith Light
1985: Former One Life to Live co-stars Robert Desiderio and Judith Light were married.
1991: Actor Ted Demers, who briefly played Dan Wolek on One Life to Live, passed away at age 42. He died after a hypoglycemic seizure due to the Type 1 diabetes he suffered throughout his life.
2002: Actress Meg Wyllie passed away at age 84. She played Doris Roach on General Hospital in 1975, the nurse who was involved with switching Lesley's baby (Laura) years earlier. In 1994, she subbed for Anna Lee in the role of Lila Quartermaine.
2007: On Days of our Lives, passion ignited between Nick Fallon (Blake Berris) and Billie Reed (Julie Pinson).
2010: On EastEnders, an angered Zainab Masood (Nina Wadia) confronted her business partner, Christian Clarke (John Partridge), about how he was ruining her son Syed's wedding day with his "reckless infatuation." But when Zainab went one step too far and referred to Christian's feelings as "his perverted obsession," he snapped, leaving the mother of the groom with a shocking revelation of his own. A horrified Zainab would then confront Syed (Marc Elliott) over Christian's claims, resulting in his emotional confession that he's gay and loves Christian.
Thanks to FoxCrane for sending in the item above.
Celebrating a birthday today are: Sheila Mercier (ex-Annie, Emmerdale) - 100 Morris Chestnut (ex-Luke, American Horror Story) - 50 Neil Billingsley (ex-Danny, Search for Tomorrow) - 49 Alexia Robinson (ex-Alex, The Young and the Restless; ex-Claudia, Rituals; ex-Meg, General Hospital) - 49 Kimberly Page (ex-Kimberly, WCW) - 48 Nina Bott (Julia, Verbotene Liebe; ex-Celine, Alles was zählt) - 40 Eden Riegel (ex-Bianca, All My Children; ex-Heather, The Young and the Restless) - 38 Colin Morgan (ex-Merlin, Merlin) - 33
Former As the World Turns actor Michael David Morrison, the original Caleb Snyder, was born on this day in 1960. He died on February 18, 1993, at age 33.
EDITOR'S NOTE: If you would like to submit a soap history entry for this date or a future date, email editor@welovesoaps.com.
1979: Primetime soap opera Knots Landing premiered on CBS.
2002: Days of our Lives' Chloe learned Craig was her father.
2004: All My Children's Bianca was reunited with baby Miranda.
"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...
1963: On The Edge of Night, Emory Warren (William Berger) came closer to realizing his murderous plan.
1971: On The Doctors, Dr. Althea Davis (Elizabeth Hubbard) filled Dr. Maggie Powers (Lydia Bruce) about her time with her mother during the holidays.
1958: Irna Phillips appeared on To Tell the Truth.
1975: Serena shot her husband on The Edge of Night.
1999: Guiding Light's Drew disrupted Michelle's trial.
2009: General Hospital featured karaoke night at Jake's.
"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...
1942: On Clara, Lu and Em Lu (Dorothy Day) and Em (Harriet Allyn) discussed Christmas presents.
1958: On CBS primetime panel game show To Tell the Truth, panelists Kitty Carlisle, Hy Gardner, Polly Bergen, Jackie Cooper tried to guess which of three women was the real Irna Phillips, Phillips was the creator and writer for As the World Turns at the time, and had written more than 25,000 scripts for radio series, including The Guiding Light.
World AIDS Day takes place on December 1st each year. It's an opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV, to show support for people living with HIV, and to commemorate those who have died from an AIDS-related illness. Founded in 1988, World AIDS Day was the first ever global health day. Globally, there are an estimated 36.7 million people who have the virus. Despite the virus only being identified in 1984, more than 35 million people have died of HIV or AIDS, making it one of the most destructive pandemics in history.
Today, scientific advances have been made in HIV treatment, there are laws to protect people living with HIV and we understand so much more about the condition. World AIDS Day is important because it reminds the public and government that HIV has not gone away – there is still a vital need to raise money, increase awareness, fight prejudice and improve education.
Every year on World AIDS Day, We Love Soaps remembers the talented artists from the world of soap operas who lost their lives due to complications from the AIDS virus. Below is an alphabetical list.
1978: Anthony Geary debuted as Luke Spencer on General Hospital.
1978: Rita Stapleton and Ed Bauer were married on Guiding Light.
1980: Donna Mills debuted as Abby Fairgate on Knots Landing.
2012: Edward Quartermaine passed away 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...
1929: Radio serial The Rise of the Goldbergs premiered on the NBC Blue network.
1944: The Frank and Anne Hummert soap opera The Strange Romance of Evelyn Winters premiered on CBS Radio.
1964: On General Hospital, Steve Hardy asked Audrey March to marry him.
1964: On Another World, Pat Matthews (Susan Trustman) at in her jail cell wondering if she was there because she had aborted her baby.
1976: Search for Tomorrow's Eunice died after Jennifer shot her.
1978: Dallas' Sue Ellen told J.R. she was pregnant.
1981: Sid Fairgate died on Knots Landing.
2009: James Franco debuted 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...
1957: On The Edge of Night, Mike Karr (John Larkin) Mike convinced DA Thompson to withhold the Harper's involvement with Clayton Pike, so that Mary and Roger Harper could make peace first.
1974: On Another World, Alice Matthews Frame (Jacqueline Courtney) agreed to see Rachel (Victoria Wyndham) after Rachel arrived at the Matthews' home insisting theythey talk.
1976: On Search for Tomorrow, Eunice Wyatt (Ann Williams) died from wounds inflicted when Jennifer Pace (Morgan Fairchild) shot her (see clip below).
1982: GH's Luke and Robert searched for Holly in Canada.
1988: GL's Rusty shot Will and tried to save Mindy.
1995: Loving's Gwyneth was revealed as the Corinth Killer.
2009: As the World Turns' Brad Snyder 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...
1967: On Dark Shadows, Julia (Grayson Hall) felt guilty about telling Barnabas (Jonathan Frid) to bite Vicky. She instead offered to sacrifice herself to restore Barnabas's appearance. Though touched, he declined, noting that he needed her to continue as his doctor. In the meantime, Carolyn (Nancy Barrett) decided -- over David's (David Henesy) protests -- to go to the Old House and investigate his claims. She snuck into the seemingly deserted basement and discovered the coffin but found it empty. Her relief quickly turned to horror as she came face-to-face with her worst nightmare.
1930: Irna Phillips' soap opera Painted Dreams premiered.
1987: General Hospital's Duke and Anna were married.
1994: All My Children's Edmund faced the press.
1998: The Young and the Restless' Sharon was hit by a 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...
1930: The soap opera was born! Irna Phillips’ radio soap Painted Dreams premiered on WGN Radio in Chicago. The show is widely recognized by broadcast historians as the very first soap opera. The show ran on WGN and later CBS Radio until July 1943.
1977: ABC's serialized comedy series Soap premiered.
1979: The Edge of Night's Raven clashed with Elliot.
1985: Days of our Lives' Marlena & Richard made love.
1985: GH's Anna told Robert that Robin was his daughter.
"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...
1969: Susan Lucci and Helmet Huber were married. Lucci joined All My Children for its debut a few months later playing ambitious teenager Erica Kane. The Hubers are celebrating their 46th anniversary today.
1971: On The Doctors, Dr. Althea Davis (Elizabeth Hubbard) visited her mother, who was recovering from a stroke.
Emmy winner Donna Mills will be making a return visit this month to General Hospital as Madeline Reeves, according to Entertainment Weekly.
Mills, who played the role of Nina's mother from 2014-15, will be making her first GH appearance since September 2015, when her character was sent to prison for the murder of Silas Clay.
Mills is best known for her portrayal of Abby Fairgate Ewing on primetime serial Knots Landing. In daytime, she previously starred as Laura Donnelly in Love Is a Many Splendored Thing.
1984: Guiding Light's H.B. questioned Reva's feelings.
1987: Y&R's Brenda Dickson aired for the final time as Jill.
2001: Spyder Games premiered on MTV.
2010: Liz Foster died on The Young and the Restless.
"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...
1963: On Ben Jerrod, Agnes (Jeanne Baird) was rebuffed when she sought information.
Thanks to Jeff for sending in the item above.
1965: On General Hospital, Eddie Weeks (Doug Lambert) and Angie Costello (Jana Taylor) started down a path leading to tragedy.
Thanks to Jeff for sending in the item above.
1965: On The Young Marrieds, Walter Reynolds (Michael T. Mikler) received cautious advice from his lawyer.
1980: Douglass Watson & Judith Light won Daytime Emmys.
1984: Elizabeth Taylor surprised Carol Burnett on All My Children.
1984: Days' Bo & Hope reunited after he kidnapped her.
1997: OLTL's Dorian was not pleased with Todd's parrot.
"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...
1940: On radio soap opera Young Widder Brown, Ellen (Florence Freeman) was romanced by Dr. Anthony Loring (Ned Weaver).
1968: On Dark Shadows, Carolyn (Nancy Barrett) began to experience the dream curse, but woke herself up to keep from having it. Later, Carolyn had the dream in which she saw a tombstone with her name ("Carolyn Collins Stoddard") and the following dates, Born: December 8, 1948, Died: July 15, 1968.
1973: On The Doctors, Dr. Matt Powers (James Pritchett) informed Mona Aldrich (Meg Mundy) that she needed to take more tests to find out what was wrong with her.
1969: Peyton Place series finale aired on ABC.
1988: Days of our Lives' Kim had to say goodbye to Shane.
1995: One Life to Live's Bo and Nora were married.
1997: Port Charles' Scott was desperate to find Serena.
"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...
1969: The 514th and final episode of primetime soap opera Peyton Place aired on ABC.
Norman and Rita arrived at Dr. Rossi's hearing, planning to give an honest testimony about the events surrounding Fred Russell's death. Attempting to determine probable cause, the lawyers questioned Sergeant Walker, who spoke to Rossi's state of mind on the night that Russell suffered his fatal injury, and Walker stated that he seemed "professionally concerned" but calm. When he was dismissed, he talked to Lew, and told him that there is a warrant out for his arrest for a hit-and-run. He asked him to behave honorably and turn himself in after Rossi's trial concludes. Marsha Russell next took the stand and explained that Fred tried to rape her shortly before his death. When asked about his final moments in the hospital, she was reluctant to reveal his dying words, but finally admitted that he accused Rossi of injuring him. Norman then talked about breaking up a fight between Russell and Rossi, after which Rossi expressed the desire to "clobber" him. Rita explained that Rossi's behavior was "controlled" and, despite the fight, he did not seem likely to seek further violence.
