Today in Soap Opera History (September 11)

1975: Ryan's Hope's Jack visited Sister Mary Joel.
1984: Santa Barbara's Jade ran into David Hasselhoff.
1986: Another World's Reginald had a fire started to stop a story.
2003: The Young and the Restless' John punched Victor.

"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...

1941: On radio soap opera Life Can Be Beautiful, "Chichi" Conrad (Alice Reinheart) coped with heartbreaking news.

1967: CBS aired the first color broadcast of The Secret Storm.

1972: The Edge of Night began airing at 2:30 p.m. ET, moving from its usual 3:30 p.m. timeslot where it had been performing well in the ratings. CBS and Procter & Gamble made the decision to move the show to create blocks of P&G soaps that would not compete against each other on CBS and NBC. Edge of Night's ratings took a nose dive, and was eventually moved to ABC on December 1, 1975, to make room for the As the World Turns expansion to one hour. We Love Soaps included this timeslot change on the 25 Biggest Blunders in Daytime Soap Opera History list back in 2011.

1975: On Ryan's Hope, Jack Fenelli (Michael Levin) took Mary Ryan (Kate Mulgrew) to see Sister Mary Joel (Sylvia Sidney), who told Jack she needed his help.

Today in Soap Opera History (July 30)

On the same day (and time slot), Guiding Light's Reva Shayne declared herself "The Slut of Springfield" and Santa Barbara premiered.

"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...

1957: NBC Radio aired the final episode of Hilltop House. The show had run on and off since November 1, 1937.

1968: On Dark Shadows, after trying and failing to kill Barnabas (Jonathan Frid), Cassandra (Lara Parker) continued to age rapidly, thanks to Nicholas.

1973: On The Doctors, Dr. Mike Powers (Peter Burnell) assured Penny Davis (Julia Duffy) that she did not cause any of his troubles.

Today in Soap Opera History (July 8)

1966: Dark Shadows' Burke gave Carolyn false info on his return.
1991: Another World's Cass saved Kathleen, then took her on a caper.
1992: Aaron Spelling primetime soap Melrose Place premiered.
2002: Days of our Lives' Gemini Twins were rescued.

"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 Girl Alone premiered. Betty Winkler starred as Patricia Rogers. The cast included future Days of our Lives patriarch Macdonald Carey.

1949: The radio version of The Brighter Day, which premiered on October 11, 1948, aired on NBC for the final time. The show moved to CBS Radio the following Monday.

1957: On The Edge of Night, Liz slapped Clayton and threatened to send him back to jail.

1966: On Dark Shadows, Carolyn (Nancy Barrett) visited (Mitchell Ryan) Burke Devlin's hotel suite in an attempt to learn what happened between him and Roger (Louis Edmonds). Later, Carolyn invited the family enemy into the mansion, re-introducing Devlin to her aunt, Elizabeth.

Today in Soap Opera History (July 7)

"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...

1947: On Lora Lawton, Lora (Jan Miner) continued to worry about Peter. The Frank and Anne Hummert radio soap opera ran from 1943 to 1950 on NBC.

1954: On Portia Faces Life, Portia (Frances Reid) was busy taking non-stop phone calls.

Today in Soap Opera History (July 6)

1978: Ryan's Hope's Siobhan arrived in New York.
1987: Another World's Vicky found trouble in Vegas.
1987: Bold and Beautiful's Stephanie wanted another chance.
2004: Guiding Light's Dinah phoned home.

"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...

1965: On Another World, Pat (Susan Trustman) was worried she was the cause of Lee's (Gaye Huston) illness.

1965: On Peyton Place, Rodney (Ryan O'Neal) and Allison (Mia Farrow) played hide-and-seek- with Kim/

Today in Soap Opera History (July 3)

1967: The widows called Dark Shadows' Elizabeth.  1987: Guiding
Light's Lacey & Cam left the Bauer Barbecue via hot air balloon.
2008: Cyndi Lauper visited As the World Turns' Oakdale.
2013: Theresa returned to Days of our Lives' Salem.

"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...

1939: Radio soap opera The Man I Married premiered on NBC Radio. Van Heflin starred as Adam Waring.

1967: On Dark Shadows, Elizabeth (Joan Bennett) heard the voices of the widows calling to her.

Today in Soap Opera History (June 26)

1978: Days of our Lives' Steve arrived in Salem.
1983: Loving premiered in primetime on ABC.
1992: Guiding Light's Bridget had bad news for Roger.
2007: Passions' blackmailer wanted Theresa murdered.

"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...

1939: NBC Blue aired the final episode of short-lived radio soap opera Orphans of Divorce. Margaret Anglin starred as Nora Kelly Worthington.

1946: On radio soap Rosemary, Rosemary (Betty Winkler) stopped at a drug store to use the telephone to call Dr. Jim (Bill Adams) about Bill's memory return.

1963: On Ben Jerrod, Ben (Michael Ryan) cross-examined the witness.

Thanks to Jeff for sending in the item above.

1968: On Another World, Sam (Jordan Charney) was suspicious of his niece, the social climbimg Rachel (Robin Strasser). He smiled when she said they could be friends now that they were traveling in the same high-class circles (Rachel married Russ earlier in 1968 on January 3). Sam moved to Somerset in 1970 with his wife, Lahoma.

Today in Soap Opera History (April 10)

1957: As the World Turns' Edith considered leaving Oakdale.
1985: Finola Hughes debuted as Anna Devane on General Hospital.
1987: Jack Deveraux first appeared on Days of our Lives.
2008: All My Children's Jesse remembered his late friend Jenny.

"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...

1957: On As the World Turns, Chris (Don MacLaughlin) and Pa (Santos Ortega) discussed John Hughes, who ran away from the Hughes farm 18 years earlier. Meanwhile, Edith (Ruth Warrick) didn't want to rehash the past with Jim.  Later, Pa encouraged Edith to make up with Penny before Chris returned.

Today in Soap Opera History (March 27)

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.

Luke Perry Dead at 52

Actor Luke Perry passsed away on Monday at St. Joseph's Hospital in Burbank, California, after suffering a massive stroke. He was 52.

Perry was taken to the hospital on Wednesday, February 27, after he had a stroke at his home in the Sherman Oaks neighborhood of Los Angeles. His rep told Us at the time that the Beverly Hills, 90210 alum was "under observation at the hospital."

A spokesman for the Los Angeles Fire Department told Us that paramedics responded at approximately 9:40 a.m. after a 911 call. Perry was transported via ambulance to the hospital.

The Riverdale star’s 90210 castmates sent messages of support after news of his condition broke. Shannen Doherty, who played his character Dylan McKay’s love interest Brenda Walsh, shared a throwback photo of herself and Perry hugging via Instagram. “My friend. Holding you tight and giving you my strength,” she wrote on Thursday, February 28. “You got this.”

Today in Soap Opera History (February 28)

Two legendary actresses died on this day in history:
Charita Bauer (1985) and Mary Stuart (2002).

"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 Dark Shadows, Reverend Trask (Jerry Lacy) returned to his room with Victoria's belongings. Suddenly he heard chains rattling outside his room and called out, "Who is it?" He opened the door, but no one was there. He heard a woman's scream and ran back into his room and bolted the door, but he continued to hear the chains. Then Barnabas' voice called out to him, and again he shouted, "Who are you?" The voice told him that he was not going to hurt any more innocent victims. He would never live to see the hanging. Trask saw a skull instead of his face when he looked in the mirror and then blood dripped down the mirror from behind the frame. The voice shouted that she would live and he would die. Next he saw a floating hand with Barnabas' ring on it. The hand appeared and was about to grab Trask around the throat, but then vanished. The voice told him he would not die tonight or the next but very soon, "You are going to die!"

Today in Soap Opera History (February 15)

1967: Peyton Place's Allison famously cut her hair.
1980: AMC's Palmer toasted Nina on her 19th birthday.
1985: Santa Barbara's Kelly blew up a car.
2010: AMC's Greenlee revealed herself to be alive at her wedding.

"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...

1952: On Search for Tomorrow, Jim and Sam received photos of Keith kissing another woman. Louise told Joanne (Mary Stuart) that Irene (Bess Johnson) planned to destroy Joanne's reputation by leaking information of her affairs and shady business activities. Irene told Jim that she wanted to initiate divorce proceedings between Keith and Joanne, without either of them knowing.

1966: On Peyton Place, Mia Farrow shocked the nation, as well as the show's cast and crew when her charactter, Allison Mackenzie, cut her hair after emotional conversation with Russ Gehring (David Canary).

Today in Soap Opera History (January 19)

1967: Roger burned David's painting on Dark Shadows.
1981: Guiding Light's Alan showed up at Jennifer's trial.
2009: GL's Olivia kissed Natalia.
2010: As the World Turns' Reid had no time for Luke.

"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...

1956: Actor Charles Dingle died at age 68. He played Conrad Overton in Irna Phillips' daytime soap opera The Road of Life.

1967: On Dark Shadows, the ghost of Josette duPres materialized in David Collins' room and magically completed David's painting so that it now depicted him and his mother surrounded by a wall of flames. Later, Roger Collins (Louis Edmonds) threw the painting into the fire. As it began to burn, screaming erupted from the canvas.

Today in Soap Opera History (December 26)

1986: In the series finale of Search for Tomorrow, Stu asked, "What is it, Jo? What is it you're searching for?"
Jo's reply: "Tomorrow. And I can't wait."

"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...

1941: After being canceled by the network, NBC Radio aired what was intended to be the final episode of radio soap opera The Guiding Light. The network received 75,000 protest letters and the show returned 11 weeks later on March 16, 1942, running for four and a half more years on NBC Radio before being canceled again. CBS Radio picked up the show in 1947 and the series ran on radio and television (starting in 1952) until September 18, 2009.

Note: There are conflicting sources about whether this was truly The Guiding Light's first time leaving the air. Some suggest it was also off for a time during its second season (October-December 1939).

1952: The final episode of Big Sister aired on CBS Radio.

1966: On Another World, Sam Groom debuted as Russ Matthews. Russ returned to Bay City to do his internship at Memorial Hospital.

1966: On Search for Tomorrow, Eunice (Ann Williams), Stu (Larry Haines), Marge (Melba Rae), Bob (Carl Low) and Patti (Gretchen Walther) were gathered at Jo's house for Christmas.  Mary Stuart (Jo) played guitar as the girls sang "Bring a Torch, Jeanette, Isabella." Later, Jo sang "O Jesus, So Sweet."

Today in Soap Opera History (November 16)

1981: Texas' Justin learned Ashley wasn't pregnant.
1981: General Hospital's Rick walked Laura down the aisle.
1995: Days of our Lives' Sami gave birth to Will.
1995: One Life to Live's Todd left for Ireland.

"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: On Another World, Ken Baxter (William Prince) agreed to give up his relationship with Janet Matthews (Liza Chapman) and make his marriage to Laura (Augusta Dabney) work, following the murder of their son, Tom.

1966: On Dark Shadows, a mysterious person tried to enter Victoria Winters' (Alexandra Moltke) room, but her screams scared the intruder away.

Today in Soap Opera History (November 10)

1981: Helena arrived in Port Charles on GH.
1986: AW's Cass and Kathleen were married.
1986: GL's Maeve interrupted Reva & Kyle's wedding.
1995: The end of Loving.

"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: On Another World, Mary Matthews expressed concern to her husband, Jim, over the relationship between Tom Baxter and their daughter Pat (Susan Trustman), a relationship that Mary sensed was falling apart. Pat arrived home looking exhausted, and Mary told Jim she thought Pat had been overworking herself since her recent recovery from illness. Laura Baxter, already distraught over Ken's request for a divorce, was further stricken when Ken returned home to inform her that Tom had been killed. Later, Sergeant Adams arrived at the Matthews house to question Pat about Tom's shooting.

1965: On Days of our Lives, Ben and Addie Olson tried to understand the acting out of their daughter, Julie.

Today in Soap Opera History (November 1)

1985: General Hospital's Robin found out about her parents.
1989: Meg lost her baby on As the World Turns.
2005: Y&R's Katherine had vital info for B&B's Stephanie.
2010: One Life to Live's Cramer women reunited.

"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...

1965: On As the World Turns, the Cassens and the Hughes learned that Ellen Lowell (Patricia Bruder) had agreed to marry David Stewart (Henderson Forsythe). When Ellen told Claire (Barbara Berjer), Doug (Nat Polen), and Judge Lowell (William Johnston) about her engagement, they were shocked because they had been certain that she would marry Don Hughes (Peter Brandon). Doug even confronted David, accusing him of taking advantage of Ellen's love for her son, Dan. The Hughes also had been certain that Donald would marry Ellen, until he shared the news of the broken engagement at Grandpa Hughes's (Santos Ortega) birthday celebration. Ultimately, Ellen and David were the only ones who seemed pleased with the turn of events.

1974: On Another World, Lenore Moore (Susan Sullivan) told Steve Frame (George Reinholt) she was convinced that his wife, Alice (Jacqueline Courtney), still loved him.

Today in Soap Opera History (October 27)

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.

Today in Soap Opera History (October 11)

1984: Ryan's Hope's Johnny & Maeve Ryan faced bad news.
1985: General Hospital's Anna set up a "game" with Robin.
1988: Days of our Lives' Eve was a cover girl.  2000: All My
Children's Leo & Greelee were stuck in an elevator.

"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...

1972: On Another World, Peggy (Micki Grant) was too tired to get into an argument with Linda (Vera Moore) over Ray and Zack (Terry Alexander).

1979: On As the World Turns, Nancy (Helen Wagner) told Bob (Don Hastings) she was worried about Penny, while Sheila kissed Tom (Tom Tammi).

Today in Soap Opera History (October 4)

1985: General Hospital's Frisco broke Felicia's heart.
1990: Beverly Hills, 90210 premiered on FOX.
2001: Chuck Pratt's primetime soap Titans premiered on NBC.
2010: Camila Banus debuted as Gabi on Days of our Lives.

"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, Barnabas (Jonathan Frid) took Burke and Dr. Woodard down to the basement to show them the coffin, but it was not there.

1976: On Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman, Mary (Louise Lasser) recuperated at Fernwood Psychiatric Hospital after her nervous breakdown during her guest appearance on "The David Susskind Show." Mary received flowers from Susskind, and praise for pioneering new developments in nationally televised dementia. Meanwhile, Charlie recuperated from his operation after a recent shooting, and Loretta made an eerie discovery about one of his wounds. Later, Mary tried to pass herself off as a sane person by watching television, but she made an awesome, empowering discovery about the psychiatric ward's television set instead.

1979: On As the World Turns, despite Tom's (Tom Tammi) objections, Lisa (Eileen Fulton) left Oakdale with Bennett Hadley (Doug Higgins).