Today in Soap Opera History (January 29)

1973: The Doctors' Carolee received more bad news.
1976: Ryan's Hope's Faith taped a note to her captor's back.
1985: Santa Barbara's Carnation Killer murdered Veronica.
2008: Billy Magnussen debuted as Casey on As the World Turns.

"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...

1945: Procter & Gamble bought Spic and Span for $1.9 million. It would later become one of the sponsors for P&G soaps for decades (most notably Search for Tomorrow).

1965: Actor John Larkin died at age 52. He starred as the original Mike Karr in The Edge of Night, and was the first Frank Dana on The Road of Life. He was also the voice of Perry Mason in the radio version of the show.

1973: On The Doctors, Dr. Steve Aldrich (David O'Brien) admitted he lied to Carolee Simpson (Carolee Campbell) out of fear she might not be able to handle the thought that Cathy Ryker might never return their baby. Later, on the phone with Billy's school, Carolee learned he was also missing.

Today in Soap Opera History (January 29)

1973: The Doctors' Carolee received more bad news.
1976: Ryan's Hope's Faith taped a note to her captor's back.
1985: Santa Barbara's Carnation Killer murdered Veronica.
2008: Billy Magnussen debuted as Casey on As the World Turns.

"Whoever wishes to foresee the future must consult the past; for human events ever resemble those of preceding times. This arises from the fact that they are produced by men who ever have been, and ever shall be, animated by the same passions, and thus they necessarily have the same results."
― Machiavelli

"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...

1945: Procter & Gamble bought Spic and Span for $1.9 million. It would later become one of the sponsors for P&G soaps for decades (most notably Search for Tomorrow).

1965: Actor John Larkin died at age 52. He starred as the original Mike Karr in The Edge of Night, and was the first Frank Dana on The Road of Life. He was also the voice of Perry Mason in the radio version of the show.

1973: On The Doctors, Dr. Steve Aldrich (David O'Brien) admitted he lied to Carolee Simpson (Carolee Campbell) out of fear she might not be able to handle the thought that Cathy Ryker might never return their baby. Later, on the phone with Billy's school, Carolee learned he was also missing.

Today in Soap Opera History (January 29)

1973: The Doctors' Carolee received more bad news.
1976: Ryan's Hope's Faith taped a note to her captor's back.
1985: Santa Barbara's Carnation Killer murdered Veronica.
2008: Billy Magnussen debuted as Casey on As the World Turns.

"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...

1945: Procter & Gamble bought Spic and Span for $1.9 million. It would later become one of the sponsors for P&G soaps for decades (most notably Search for Tomorrow).

1965: Actor John Larkin died at age 52. He starred as the original Mike Karr in The Edge of Night, and was the first Frank Dana on The Road of Life. He was also the voice of Perry Mason in the radio version of the show.

1973: On The Doctors, Dr. Steve Aldrich (David O'Brien) admitted he lied to Carolee Simpson (Carolee Campbell) out of fear she might not be able to handle the thought that Cathy Ryker might never return their baby. Later, on the phone with Billy's school, Carolee learned he was also missing.

Today in Soap Opera History (January 29)

1976: Ryan's Hope's Faith taped a note to her captor's back.
1982: Dallas' J.R. Ewing did not want his father's will to be read.
1985: Santa Barbara's Carnation Killer murdered Veronica.
2008: Billy Magnussen debuted as Casey on As the World Turns.

"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...

1945: Procter & Gamble bought Spic and Span for $1.9 million. It would later become one of the sponsors for P&G soaps for decades (most notably Search for Tomorrow).

1965: Actor John Larkin died at age 52. He starred as the original Mike Karr in The Edge of Night, and was the first Frank Dana on The Road of Life. He was also the voice of Perry Mason in the radio version of the show.

1968: On The Doctors, a hospitalized Polly Merriweather (Betty Walker) talked to Dr. John Rice (Terry Kiser) about the nieces she was hoping would visit.

1976: On Ryan's Hope, Faith made Kenneth angry when she told him it was Pat that she wanted and loved. Later, Faith managed to attach as S.O.S. note to Kenneth's back which was discovered by a neurology patient.

Today in Soap Opera History (January 29)

1976: Ryan's Hope's Faith taped a note to her captor's back.
1982: Dallas' J.R. Ewing did not want his father's will to be read.
1985: Santa Barbara's Carnation Killer murdered Veronica.
2008: Billy Magnussen debuted as Casey on As the World Turns.

"A page of history is worth a pound of logic."
― Oliver Wendell Holmes

"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...

1945: Procter & Gamble bought Spic and Span for $1.9 million. It would later become one of the sponsors for P&G soaps for decades (most notably Search for Tomorrow).

1965: Actor John Larkin died at age 52. He starred as the original Mike Karr in The Edge of Night, and was the first Frank Dana on The Road of Life. He was also the voice of Perry Mason in the radio version of the show.

1968: On The Doctors, a hospitalized Polly Merriweather (Betty Walker) talked to Dr. John Rice (Terry Kiser) about the nieces she was hoping would visit.

1976: On Ryan's Hope, Faith made Kenneth angry when she told him it was Pat that she wanted and loved. Later, Faith managed to attach as S.O.S. note to Kenneth's back which was discovered by a neurology patient.

Today in Soap Opera History (January 29)

1982: J.R. Ewing did not want his father's will to be read. 1985: SANTA
BARBARA's Carnation Killer murdered Veronica. 1992: AMC's Hayley
wanted her freedom. 2008: Billy Magnussen debuted on ATWT.

"Maybe if people started to listen, history would stop repeating itself."
- Lily Tomlin

"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...

1945: Procter & Gamble bought Spic and Span for $1.9 million. It would later become one of the sponsors for P&G soaps for decades (most notably SEARCH FOR TOMORROW).

Today in Soap Opera History (February 3)

On this date in...

1950: Charita Bauer assumed the role of Bert Bauer on THE GUIDING LIGHT radio program (Ann Shepard was the original radio Bert). She would continue to play the character as the show premiered on television two years later and until December 1984, just before her death. More on Charita Bauer here.

1967: On ANOTHER WORLD, Lenore (Judith Barcroft) declined to consider it when Helen suggested she and Bill wait until to marry so Bill can get over his butterflies.

1992: On GUIDING LIGHT, Fletcher saved Vanessa before Jack Kiley could rape her.

1992: On THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS, Victor reminisced about Nikki, and a tearful Drucilla returns to ask Madame Chauvin for help.

Today in Soap Opera History (January 29)

On this date in...

1945: Procter & Gamble bought Spic and Span for $1.9 million. It would later become one of the sponsors for P&G soaps for decades (most notably SEARCH FOR TOMORROW).

1965: Actor John Larkin died at age 52. He starred as the original Mike Karr in THE EDGE OF NIGHT (pictured here celebrating the show's 1,000th episode) and was the first Frank Dana on THE ROAD OF LIFE. He was also the voice of Perry Mason in the radio version of the show.

1980: On AS THE WORLD TURNS, Dee (Jacqueline Schultz) and Ian (Peter Simon) danced the night away. Watch it below:

Today in Soap Opera History (February 3)

On this date in...

1950: Charita Bauer assumed the role of Bert Bauer on THE GUIDING LIGHT radio program (Ann Shepard was the original radio Bert). She would continue to play the character as the show premiered on television two years later and until December 1984, just before her death. More on Charita Bauer here.

1967: On ANOTHER WORLD, Lenore (Judith Barcroft) declined to consider it when Helen suggested she and Bill wait until to marry so Bill can get over his butterflies.

1992: On GUIDING LIGHT, Fletcher saved Vanessa before Jack Kiley could rape her.

1992: On THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS, Victor reminisced about Nikki, and a tearful Drucilla returns to ask Madame Chauvin for help.

Today in Soap Opera History (January 29)

On this date in...

1918: Future DYNASTY star John Forsythe was born. He died April 2010 at age 92.

1945: Procter & Gamble bought Spic and Span for $1.9 million. It would later become one of the sponsors for P&G soaps for decades (most notably SEARCH FOR TOMORROW).

1965: Actor John Larkin died at age 52. He starred as the original Mike Karr on THE EDGE OF NIGHT and was the original Frank Dana on THE ROAD OF LIFE. He was the voice of Perry Mason on the radio version of the show. He's pictured celebrating EDGE's 1,000th episode.

1980: On THE EDGE OF NIGHT, Draper discovered Margo's bludgeoned body.

1982: Robert Alda aired for the final time as Stuart Whyland on DAYS OF OUR LIVES.

1984: Future soap star Mary Beth Evans guest starred on KNIGHT RIDER.

1985: On SANTA BARBARA, Peter strangles Veronica. He leaves a white carnation behind, of course.

World AIDS Day Tribute: Dack Rambo (1955-1992) -- 'Another World,' 'Dallas,' 'All My Children,' 'Paper Dolls,' 'Never Too Young'

On World AIDS Day we pay tribute to some of the actors from the soap opera community who lost their lives to the disease.

Dack Rambo (who was born Norman Jay Rambo) was born in Delano, Calif., on November 13, 1941. He died of complications from AIDS on March 21, 1994 in his home town at age 52.

Dack appeared in number of primetime television shows over the years from Gunsmoke to The Guns of Will Sonnett. He also appeared in nighttime soaps with roles as Wesley Harper on Paper Dolls and Jack Ewing on Dallas.

Actress Eve Brent Dead At Age 80

Actress Eve Brent, who played Jane in two of the original Tarzan films passed away on August 27 at age 80.

Brent, who acted in films and television for more than 60 years, had guest appearance in several primetime soaps including PAPER DOLLS, KNOTS LANDING and TWIN PEAKS. She also appeared on the daytime soap opera SANTA BARBARA as Mrs. Carmody.

She has a role in the film Hit List due out next year.

Today's Soap World Birthdays

Blythe Danner (ex-Hillary, TATTINGERS) - 68
Brenda Dickson (ex-Jill, THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS) - 62
Morgan Fairchild (ex-Jennifer, SEARCH FOR TOMORROW; ex-Jenna, DALLAS; ex-Constance, FLAMINGO ROAD; ex-Racine, PAPER DOLLS; ex-Jordan, FALCON CREST; ex-Sydney, THE CITY; ex-Sophia, FASHION HOUSE) - 61
Thomas Calabro (ex-Michael, MELROSE PLACE; ex-Ken, GREEK) - 52
Isla Fisher (ex-Shannon, HOME AND AWAY) - 35
Maitland Ward (ex-Jessica, THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL) - 34

50 Greatest Soap Actors: #30 Roscoe Born

NAME: Roscoe Born
RANK: 30
SOAP ROLES: Mitch Laurence, ONE LIFE TO LIVE (1985-1986, 1987, 2002-2003, 2009-present); Trent, DAYS OF OUR LIVES (2008); Warden, PASSIONS (2007); Tom, THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS (2005); Peter Vreeland, GUIDING LIGHT (2001); Greg Lauritz, AS THE WORLD TURNS (1999); Jim, ALL MY CHILDREN (1997); Nick Rivers, THE CITY (1995-1997); Kyle McDeere, FAMILY PASSIONS (1993); Quinn Armitage, SANTA BARBARA (1990-1991); Robert Barr, SANTA BARBARA (1989-91); Mark Bailey, PAPER DOLLS (1984); Joe Novak, RYAN’S HOPE (1981-1983, 1988)

AWARDS:
1991 Soap Opera Digest Award nomination for Outstanding Hero: Daytime
1990 Daytime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series

COMMENTS FROM THE PANEL:
Alan Carter: Wherever he goes, whatever he does....the man is fascinating.

Today's Soap World Birthdays

Brenda Dickson (ex-Jill, THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS) - 61
Morgan Fairchild (ex-Jennifer, SEARCH FOR TOMORROW; ex-Jenna, DALLAS; ex-Constance, FLAMINGO ROAD; ex-Racine, PAPER DOLLS; ex-Jordan, FALCON CREST; ex-Sydney, THE CITY; ex-Sophia, FASHION HOUSE) - 60
Maitland Ward (ex-Jessica, THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL) - 33

Today's Soap World Birthdays

John Forsythe (ex-Blake, DYNASTY/THE COLBYS) - 92
Katharine Ross (ex-Frankie, THE COLBYS) - 70
Tom Selleck (ex-Jed, THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS) - 65
Marc Singer (ex-Chet, THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS; ex-Matt, DALLAS; ex-Wesley, PAPER DOLLS) - 62
Matthew Ashford (ex-Jack, DAYS OF OUR LIVES; ex-Tom, GENERAL HOSPITAL; ex-Cagney, SEARCH FOR TOMORROW; ex-Stephen, ONE LIFE TO LIVE) - 50
Heidi Mueller (ex-Kay, PASSIONS) - 28
Drew Tyler Bell (Thomas, THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL) - 24

Today's Soap Star Birthdays

Brenda Dickson (ex-Jill, THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS) - 60
Morgan Fairchild (ex-Jennifer, SEARCH FOR TOMORROW; ex-Jenna, DALLAS; ex-Constance, FLAMINGO ROAD; ex-Racine, PAPER DOLLS; ex-Jordan, FALCON CREST; ex-Sydney, THE CITY; ex-Sophia, FASHION HOUSE) - 59
Maitland Ward (ex-Jessica, THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL) - 32

Today's Soap Star Birthdays

John Forsythe (ex-Blake, DYNASTY) - 91
Katharine Ross (ex-Frankie, THE COLBYS) - 69
Tom Selleck (ex-Jed, THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS) - 64
Marc Singer (ex-Chet, THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS; ex-Matt, DALLAS; ex-Wesley, PAPER DOLLS) - 61
Matthew Ashford (ex-Jack, DAYS OF OUR LIVES; ex-Tom, GENERAL HOSPITAL; ex-Cagney, SEARCH FOR TOMORROW; ex-Stephen, ONE LIFE TO LIVE) - 49
Heidi Mueller (ex-Kay, PASSIONS) - 27
Drew Tyler Bell (Thomas, THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL) - 23