Today in Soap Opera History (November 3)

1979: Edge of Night's Bobbie was hired to be the Whitneys' maid.
1986: Another World's Nicole Love returned to Bay City.
1992: Guiding Light's Ross had an Election Day dream.
2005: Laura Wright ended her run as Guiding Light's Cassie.

"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, after a run-in with Carolyn Stoddard, Dr. Julia Hoffman (Grayson Hall) was convinced that Barnabas Collins (Jonathan Frid) was planning to kill her.

1970: On Another World, Walter (Val Dufour) was thrilled when Lenore (Judith Barcroft) told him she was pregnant.

1977: On Guiding Light, a hateful Georgene Granger (Delphi Harrington) was in town swearing vengeance against Rita Stapleton (Lenore Kasdorf) for the death of her husband, Malcolm Granger.

Peggy McCay Dead at 90

Peggy McCay, who played Caroline Brady on Days of our Lives for over 30 years, died on October 7 of natural causes. She was 90.

Her Days co-star and close friend Deidre Hall made the announcement on Facebook, writing: "Our dearest Peggy McCay has left us. She was a friend, an activist and a real scrapper!!
I remember meeting her at the bedside of a dear, very ill friend. I backed her up as she ferociously took on doctors and nurses to make sure he had the very best care. She fought that hard for all her causes. Passionate and tireless. And how she loved being 'Caroline'!!"

McCay studied with Lew Strasberg in New York and later assisted in setting up his west coast acting studio, which was attended by such luminaries as Marilyn Monroe, James Dean and Paul Newman.

From 1951 to 1955 McCay starred on CBS soap opera Love of Life as Vanessa Dale, whose battles with sister Meg were the center of the show's early years. Her later daytime roles included Susan Garret on The Young Marrieds and Iris Fairchild on General Hospital.

Today in Soap Opera History (November 3)

1979: Edge of Night's Bobbie was hired to be the Whitneys' maid.
1986: Another World's Nicole Love returned to Bay City.
1992: Guiding Light's Ross had an Election Day dream.
2005: Laura Wright ended her run as Guiding Light's Cassie.

"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...

1967: On Dark Shadows, after a run-in with Carolyn Stoddard, Dr. Julia Hoffman (Grayson Hall) was convinced that Barnabas Collins (Jonathan Frid) was planning to kill her.

1970: On Another World, Walter (Val Dufour) was thrilled when Lenore (Judith Barcroft) told him she was pregnant.

1977: On Guiding Light, a hateful Georgene Granger (Delphi Harrington) was in town swearing vengeance against Rita Stapleton (Lenore Kasdorf) for the death of her husband, Malcolm Granger.

Today in Soap Opera History (November 3)

1979: Edge of Night's Bobbie was hired to be the Whitneys' maid.
1986: Another World's Nicole Love returned to Bay City.
1992: Guiding Light's Ross had an Election Day dream.
2005: Laura Wright ended her run as Guiding Light's Cassie.

"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...

1967: On Dark Shadows, after a run-in with Carolyn Stoddard, Dr. Julia Hoffman (Grayson Hall) was convinced that Barnabas Collins (Jonathan Frid) was planning to kill her.

1970: On Another World, Walter (Val Dufour) was thrilled when Lenore (Judith Barcroft) told him she was pregnant.

1977: On Guiding Light, a hateful Georgene Granger (Delphi Harrington) was in town swearing vengeance against Rita Stapleton (Lenore Kasdorf) for the death of her husband, Malcolm Granger.

Today in Soap Opera History (November 3)

1979: Edge of Night's Bobbie was hired to be the Whitneys' maid.
1986: Another World's Nicole Love returned to Bay City.
1992: Guiding Light's Ross had an Election Day dream.
2005: Laura Wright ended her run as Guiding Light's Cassie.

"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...

1967: On Dark Shadows, after a run-in with Carolyn Stoddard, Dr. Julia Hoffman (Grayson Hall) was convinced that Barnabas Collins (Jonathan Frid) was planning to kill her.

1970: On Another World, Walter (Val Dufour) was thrilled when Lenore (Judith Barcroft) told him she was pregnant.

1977: On Guiding Light, a hateful Georgene Granger (Delphi Harrington) was in town swearing vengeance against Rita Stapleton (Lenore Kasdorf) for the death of her husband, Malcolm Granger.

Peggy McCay Continues to Shine on 'Days of our Lives' and It's Time She Received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Daytime Emmys

Caroline (Peggy McCay) and Shawn (Frank Parker) Brady.

Sixty-four years ago this month, daytime soap opera Love of Life premiered on CBS, starring Peggy McCay as Vanessa Dale Sterling. McCay later appeared in other daily dramas, including The Young Marrieds and General Hospital, before originating the role of Caroline Brady on Days of our Lives in February 1983, a character she has played for the past 30 years.

McCay was nominated for a Daytime Emmy Award earlier this year for her brilliant work during the Will and Sonny wedding episode, and continues to amaze as Caroline struggles with a neurodegenerative disease similar to Alzheimer's.

On Wednesday's episode, Julie (Susan Seaforth Hayes) called Kayla (Mary Beth Evans) worried about the condition Caroline was in.

"It's not my time," Caroline told her late husband, Shawn, who appeared to her in a mirror at the old mansion. "My kids, they need me, they need me."

When Kayla arrived with Victor (John Aniston), Caroline broke her heart when she didn't recognize her daughter. All the actors involved in that sequence did a masterful job, including McCay.

There are many beloved performers from the past who have been overlooked for the Lifetime Achievement award by NATAS and the Daytime Emmys, and it's time to correct that, starting with McCay, who is still performing at the top of her game sixty-four years after her first daytime role.

Watch Thursday's episode of Days below:

50 Years of 'Days of our Lives': The Hortons and The Bradys (Video)

Macdonald Carey and Frances Reid as Dr. Tom and Alice Horton.

NBC has posted a special Days of our Lives 50th anniversary video that looks back at Tom (Macdonald Carey) and Alice Horton (Frances Reid), and Shawn (Frank Parker) and Caroline Brady (Peggy McCay).

Watch the two-minute clip below:

Today in Soap Opera History (November 3)

1967: Julia was certain Barnabas wanted her dead on Dark 
Shadows. 1980: EON's Cliff survived the Clown Puppet.
1983: Knots Landing's Gary and Val slept together.
1992: GL's Ross had a wacky election dream.

"History cannot give us a program for the future, but it can give us a fuller understanding of ourselves, and of our common humanity, so that we can better face the future."
― Robert Penn Warren

"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, after a run-in with Carolyn, Julia (Grayson Hall) was more certain than ever that Barnabas (Jonathan Frid) was planning to kill her.



1970: On Another World, Walter (Val Dufour) was thrilled when Lenore (Judith Barcroft) told him she was pregnant.

1977: On Guiding Light, a hateful Georgene Granger (Delphi Harrington) was in town swearing vengeance against Rita Stapleton (Lenore Kasdorf) for the death of her husband, Malcolm Granger.

Deidre Hall Reports 'Days of our Lives' Co-Star Peggy McCay Hospitalized After Falling on Set

Days of our Lives actress Deidre Hall (Dr. Marlena Evans) announced on her Facebook page that 83-year-old co-star Peggy McCay (Caroline Brady) has been hospitalized after an accident on set.

"Darling Peggy McCay took a fall on set Monday and was hospitalized," she reported. "I'm happy to say, she is recovering and in good spirits. Please send thoughts her way."

McCay has been nominated for three Daytime Emmy Awards for her work on Days. She also has three Primetime Emmy nods, winning in 1991 for The Trials of Rosie O'Neill.

Richard Coogan Dead at 99

Actor Richard Coogan died on Wednesday, March 12 in Los Angeles. He was 99.

He played "Captain Video" in CAPTAIN VIDEO AND HIS VIDEO RANGERS, which aired on the DuMont Television Network from 1949-55. The show was set in the distant future and revolved around a band of heroes fighting for truth and justice. It was broadcast live five to six days a week, usually starting at 7 p.m. ET, and was beloved by adults and children alike. Coogan starred as "Captain Vide"o until December 1950, when, unhappy with the show’s shoestring budget, he quit and was replaced by Al Hodge. AS THE WORLD TURNS legend played "The Video Ranger" during the entire run of the series.

A native of Short Hills, N.J., Coogan worked as an announcer and news anchor on radio before making his Broadway debut in 1945 in the comedy "Alice in Arms." He also appeared with Kirk Douglas in "Spring Again" and with Geraldine Page in "The Rainmaker," and while starring in CAPTAIN VIDEO, he also appeared opposite Mae West on stage in "Diamond Lil," taking a cab to get from one job to another.

LOVE OF LIFE stars Jean McBride, Peggy McCay and
Richard Coogan.

Coogan starred as "Paul Raven" on the CBS daytime soap opera LOVE OF LIVE opposite Peggy McCay, and later Bonnie Bartlett as "Vanessa".

"She's a very conscientious actress, very serious," Coogan said in an Archive of American Television interview about McCay. "I was more inclined to laugh about something that would embarrass her."

Coogan was fired from LOVE OF LIFE over his contract demand for a laundry budget. After producer Roy Winsor denied his request, Coogan began shooting his scenes with a frayed collar in protest.

Today in Soap Opera History (November 3)

1967: Julia was certain Barnabas wanted her dead on DARK
SHADOWS. 1980: EON's Cliff survive the Clown Puppet.
1983: KNOT LANDING's Gary and Val slept together.
1992: 

"History is a vast early warning system."
― J. 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...

1967: On DARK SHADOWS, after a run-in with Carolyn, Julia (Grayson Hall) was more certain than ever that Barnabas (Jonathan Frid) was planning to kill her.

1970: On ANOTHER WORLD, Walter (Val Dufour) was thrilled when Lenore (Judith Barcroft) told him she was pregnant.

1977: On GUIDING LIGHT, a hateful Georgene Granger (Delphi Harrington) was in town swearing vengeance against Rita Stapleton (Lenore Kasdorf) for the death of her husband, Malcolm Granger.

'Day of DAYS' Fan Event Returns To Universal CityWalk With The Stars Of DAYS OF OUR LIVES On November 9

The stars of NBC's daytime drama DAYS OF OUR LIVES will meet fans face-to-face at the "Day of DAYS" fan event on Saturday, November 9 from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. at Universal CityWalk in Los Angeles.

This complimentary event for devoted DAYS OF OUR LIVES viewers will offer fans the chance to meet and greet Salem’s favorite cast members during autograph signings, a Q&A session, a trivia challenge and much more.

Cast Stars Attending Include Alison Sweeney, Deidre Hall, Bill Hayes, Susan Hayes, Shawn Christian, Eric Martsolf, Chrishell Stause, Jen Lilley, Bryan Dattilo, Camila Banus, Mary Beth Evans, John Aniston, Blake Berris, Freddie Smith, Ari Zucker, Greg Vaughan, Galen Gering, James Reynolds, Lauren Koslow, Peggy McCay, Suzanne Rogers, Kate Mansi and more.

Check out the schedule for the day below:

Cast of DAYS OF OUR LIVES To Appear on Bravo's TOP CHEF MASTERS, Wednesday, August 7 (Photos)

(L-R) Galen Gering, Arianne Zucker, Shawn Christian, Camila Banus,
Drake Hogestyn, Deidre Hall, Curtis Stone, Peggy McCay, James Reynolds,
Gain Simmons, Lesley Bargar Suter, Bryan Dattilo, Ruth Reichl

On the Wednesday, August 7th episode of Bravo’s TOP CHEF MASTERS, the cast of DAYS OF OUR LIVES will be on hand to judge the Chefs in a special challenge. The challenge is dramatic - as the Chefs are tasked with making a meal that represents one of the three basic staples of a soap opera – Sex, Greed and Murder. Will the Chefs nail their roles? Guest stars include: Galen Gering, Arianne Zucker, Shawn Christian, Camila Banus, Drake Hogestyn, Deidre Hall, Peggy McCay, James Reynolds and Bryan Dattilo.

Top Chef Masters airs Wednesdays at 10 p.m. ET/PT on Bravo.

Check out more photos below.

GENERAL HOSPITAL Classic Photo Of The Day (1969)

In honor of GENERAL HOSPITAL's upcoming 50th anniversary (GH50), We Love Soaps will be posting a "Classic Photo of the Day" for the rest of the month. Today's photo is from a backstage party circa 1969, with John Beradino, Peggy McCay, Elizabeth MacRae, Julie Adams, Sharon DeBord, Rachel Ames, Peter Hansen, Kim Hamilton (as Tracy Adams, GH's first black doctor) and Lucille Wall. Can anyone identify any of the other actors?

Thanks to Rob Wargo for the photo.

PHOTOS: DAYS OF OUR LIVES at Universal Oralando

The stars of NBC's daytime drama DAYS OF OUR LIVES met fans face-to-face at Universal Orlando Resort in Florida on Saturday, February 23. The event for loyal DAYS viewers offered fans the chance to meet and greet many of their favorite cast members during autograph signings, a Q&A session and much more.

The DAYS OF OUR LIVES stars included John Aniston, Camila Banus, Shawn Christian, Casey Deidrick, Galen Gering, Kate Mansi, Eric Martsolf, Peggy McCay, James Scott and Arianne Zucker.

Check out more photos below:

DAYS OF OUR LIVES Alzheimer's Awareness PSA

DAYS OF OUR LIVES actress, Peggy McCay, helps create awareness for Alzheimer's disease in a new Public Service Annoucement. Her character, Caroline Brady, has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's - a disease that more than 5 million Americans are living with today. McCay's co-star, Mary Beth Evans (Kayla), also appears in the PSA. Watch it below:

Today in Soap Opera History (November 3)

On this date in...

1959: Actor Timothy Patrick Murphy (Mickey Trotter, DALLAS; Spencer Langley, SEARCH FOR TOMORROW) was born. He died in 1988 at age 29 due to complications from the AIDS virus.

1970: On ANOTHER WORLD, Lenore (Judith Barcroft) found out she was pregnant.

1980: On THE EDGE OF NIGHT, Cliff (Ernie Pysher) survived the Clown Puppet attack.

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Peggy McCay on Alzheimer's, New Writers, Michael Landon, Andy Griffith, Dynamic Duos & More

Peggy McCay

Emmy and Obie Award-winning actress Peggy McCay began her storied career more than sixty years ago.  Her first continuing television role was in the CBS daytime soap opera Love of Life where she played Vanessa Dale.  After starring in The Young Marrieds, General Hospital and numerous primetime series and films, she joined the cast of Days of our Lives in 1983.  Nearly thirty years later she is still playing the fiery Caroline Brady.

We caught up with Ms. McCay today to find out more about her connection to Andy Griffith, Caroline's Alzheimer's storyline, and to celebrate pieces of soap history from early in her career.

WE LOVE SOAPS: Ms. McCay, how are you?
PEGGY McCAY: I'm fine, Kevin. How are you?

WE LOVE SOAPS: Great! Actually, really great. This is exciting - an honor really.
PEGGY McCAY: Thank you!

WE LOVE SOAPS: Let's start this off with a bang. What are you able to preview for us about Caroline's storyline coming up?

Watch DAYS OF OUR LIVES Star Peggy McCay Rap

Actress Peggy McCay, best known as Caroline Brady on DAYS OF OUR LIVES, was the main attraction Saturday at the Proverbs 12:10 Animal rescue fundraiser at the Loew's Vanderbilt Hotel. Not only did she provide musical entertainment at "Dog Days of Our Lives," performing a rap song about her daytime soap character's on screen escapades, she also answered questions from fans.

"Who's the better kisser, Andy Griffith or Victor from DAYS OF OUR LIVES," Proverbs board member Debbie Matthews asked her.

"Andy Griffith," McCay replied, getting a laugh from the audience of about 100 gathered for the fundraiser.

Watch a video of the "Caroline Brady Rap" below courtesy of my hometown newspaper The Tennessean:

WE LOVE SOAPS TV 3.18 Mary Beth Evans & Peggy McCay

On Episode 3.18, John Carrozza and Doug Prinzivalli (executive producers of PRETTY The Series) travel to the Day of DAYS event at Universal Studios CityWalk and speak with Mary Beth Evans and Peggy McCay about holiday traditions, the collaborative spirit of web series and more.

Evans recently crossed her character on indie soap THE BAY (Sara Garrett) onto PRETTY acting opposite Genie Francis.

Watch our latest episode below and let us know what you think.