Today in Soap Opera History (August 25)

1966: Days of our Lives' Julie wanted to stay in Salem.
1975: Susan Harney debuted as Alice on Another World
1987: As the World Turns' Holden opened up to Lily.
2009: General Hospital's Jason and Sam made love.

"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...

1966: On Days of our Lives, Julie Olson (Charla Doherty) told her grandmother, Alice Horton (Frances Reid), that she didn't want to live in Europe.

1971: On The Doctors, Karen tried to convince Matt she wasn't as boring as he thought.

Today in Soap Opera History (July 28)

1975: Another World's Iris took a bottle of pills.
1995: Days' Sami fainted at Austin and Carrie's wedding.
1997: An ultrasound couldn't find a heartbeat on Port Charles.
2010: As the World Turns' Barbara had a clown vision of James.

"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: On The Doctors, Dr. Matt Powers (James Pritchett) clashed with his son, Mike (Peter Burnell), over Mike's recent behavior. Later, Mike apologized and asked Matt for advice in dealing with his feelings for Nancy Bennet (Nancy Donohue).

1975: On Another World, Iris (Beverlee McKinsey) downed a bottle of sleeping pills. After taking the pills Iris said to herself, "Daddy... oh, Daddy... everything is going to be all right now... Daddy."

1975: On Ryan's Hope, Bob Reid (Earl Hindman) told the police captain that Frank said the word "push" when he woke up. Bob was convinced Frank's fall was not an accident.

Today in Soap Opera History (June 22)

1967: Dark Shadows' Elizabeth confessed to murder.
1981: General Hospital's Luke was drugged.
1987: Jess Walton debuted as Jill on The Young and the Restless.
1993: All My Children's Erica married Dimitri.

"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: The final episode of radio soap opera Young Widder Brown aired on NBC Radio, completing a 22-year run. The show's epigraph: "Again we present the moving human drama of a woman's heart and a mother's love -- Young Widder Brown. In the little town of Simpsonville, attractive Ellen Brown, with two children to support, faces the question of what she owes to them and what she owes to herself. Here's the story of life and love as we all know it."

1966: On The Guiding Light, Bert Bauer (Charita Bauer) confronted Maggie about her affair with Bill.

Today in Soap Opera History (June 17)

1986: Another World's Cass heard Cecile plotting against Kathleen.
1997: Port Charles' Lucy was grabbed while looking for Serena.
2002: As the World Turns' Jack punched Craig.
2013: All My Children's David found Cassandra.

"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...

1932: CBS Radio soap opera Judy and Jane aired for the final time. Four months later, it was picked up by NBC Radio. After it was canceled from radio for good in 1935, it continued to be distributed through transcription for 12 more years.

1950: Hawkins Falls premiered on NBC. The show first aired as a comedy-drama in primetime before becoming a five-days-a-week daytime soap opera on April 2, 1951.

1963: On Ben Jerrod, Janet Donelli (Regina Gleason) faced the jury.

Thanks to Jeff for sending in the item above.

1966: On The Guiding Light, Bill Bauer (Ed Bryce) was caught drinking by a colleague.

Today in Soap Opera History (June 1)

1981: Another Life premiered on CBN.
1984: Days of our Lives' Howie walked down the aisle as Hope.
1997: Port Charles premiered on ABC.
2007: As the World Turns' Noah arrived in Oakdale.

"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...

1964: On Another World, Russ (Joey Trent) admitted to Jim (Leon Janney) that he did not feel smart enough to succeed in school.

1966: On Morning Star, Hank Stover (Warren Remmerling), Bill Riley (Edward Mallory) and Katy Elliott (Elizabeth Perry) turned to Eric Manning (Ron Jackson) for assistance.

Today in Soap Opera History (May 23)

1980: General Hospital's Tracy ignored Edward's plea for help.
1985: Bo & Hope were married on Days of our Lives.
1986: Days' Caroline told Bo that Victor Kiriakis was his father and Mary Beth Evans debuted as Kayla Brady. 

"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...

1967: NBC daytime drama Another World was broadcast live for the final time.

1980: On General Hospital, Tracy (Jane Elliot) refused to help her father, Edward (David Lewis), when he had a heart attack.

Today in Soap Opera History (April 20)

1970: Days of our Lives' Julie married Scott.
1978: Ryan's Hope's Faith prepared to married Tom.
1981: Dynasty's first season ended with the return of Alexis.
1987: Days of our Lives' Bo & Hope left Salem.

"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...

1942: The Second Mrs. Burton premiered on the Blue Network. The radio soap opera had previously aired on CBS Radio, and would return to CBS four months later.

1970: On Days of our Lives, Julie (Susan Seaforth) finally settled the score with former best friend Susan Martin (Denise Alexander) by marrying the man Susan loved, Scott Banning (Mike Farrell).

Thanks to Scott for sending in the item above.

1978: On Ryan's Hope, Pat (Malcolm Groome) arrived in the middle of Faith's (Karen Morris) wedding to Tom Desmond (Thomas MacGreevy).

Today in Soap Opera History (March 21)

1979: Guiding Light's Jackie wanted Alan to keep her secret.
1980: J.R. Ewing was shot on the third season finale of Dallas.
2005: Amelia Heinle debuted as Victoria on Young and the Restless.
2011: Jake Spencer died on General Hospital.

"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, Irene wanted to visit her son, Keith Barron (John Sylvester White), who was in critical condition at the hospital. But her husband, Victor (Cliff Hall), felt that Irene had better not see Keith just yet. Meanwhile, Joanne (Mary Stuart) learned that another blood transfusion would be necessary in order to stabilize Keith. When Victor finally updated Irene on Keith's condition, she felt bitter because Jo had the power to make all of the medical decisions for Keith.

1955: On Valiant Lady, Mickey (James Kirkwood Jr.) read the letters Bonnie write to him that had never been mailed.

Jed Allan Dead at 84

Jed Allan, known for his roles on soap operas Days of our Lives and Santa Barbara, died Saturday in Palm Desert, CA. He was 84.

His son Rick Brown wrote on Facebook, "so sorry to post the very sad news of my father's passing tonight. He died peacefully and was surrounded by his family and loved so much by us and so many others."

Allan spent many years working on daytime dramas, starting with the role of Ace Hubbard on Love of Life in 1964. He then played Paul Britton on The Secret storm from 1964-1965. He joined Days of our Lives in 1971 as attorney Don Craig, and played the role until April 17, 1985.

"My fondest memory is of the time when Marlena and I got together when she first came on the show," Allan said of his Days experience. "We had a great rapport and great comedy sense. Those five years were quite wonderful, and stand out as one of those better times in my career."

Deidre Hall, who still plays Dr. Marlena Evans, poignantly shared her thoughts on Allan's passing.

Today in Soap Opera History (March 1)

1954: A daytime TV version of One Man's Family premiered on NBC.
1984: Knots Landing's Cathy screamed as Gary was "murdered".
1988: General Hospital's State Commissioner of Police arrived in Port Charles.
1996: Another World used its popular "You Take Me Away To (Another World)" theme song for the last time.

"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...

1954: Daytime soap opera One Man's Family premiered on NBC-TV. The series began as a popular radio serial in 1932, created by Carlton E. Morse. The first TV version (November 4, 1949 - June 21, 1952) aired in primetime once a week for a half-hour, using the original 1932 storylines. The Daytime TV version of One Man's Family ran until April 1, 1955. The series continued on the radio until April 24, 1959.

1976: On Ryan's Hope, Roger (Ron Hale) insisted that Ed (Frank Latimore) call the police, believing Seneca (John Gabriel) was guilty of homicide in Nell's death.

Today in Soap Opera History (February 12)

1968: Dark Shadows' Victoria arrived in the year 1795.
1986: Days of our Lives' Bo had a Britta flashback.
1993: General Hospital's Dominique fainted before her wedding.
1998: Port Charles' Serena bit Rex.

"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...

1965: On Another World, Pat Matthews (Susan Trustman) was found not guilty of murdering Tom Baxter (Nicholas Pryor) by reason of temporary insanity.

1968: On Dark Shadows, in the wake of a seance gone awry, Victoria Winters awoke in the year 1795, a time where each of the Collins ancestors resembled a present-day member of the Collins family, though the names and relationships had changed. A despondent Barnabas (Jonathan Frid) told Ben about Josette's death and questioned how he could face eternity without her. He vowed to end Angelique's curse -- that everyone Barnabas loved would die -- by admitting to his father Joshua and mother Naomi what he had become and letting them decide his fate. Going to Jeremiah's grave, Barnabas told his brother's spirit that he forgave him for marrying Josette and bemoaned their deaths. Cousin Millicent saw Barnabas in the cemetery and mistakenly thought he was back from England. Millicent told a shocked Joshua and Naomi that she wanted Barnabas to kill Lt. Nathan Forbes in a duel, finally admitting that Nathan deceived her about his marital status. As the episode ended, Joshua told Naomi that Abigail would represent the Collins family and testify against the imprisoned Vicky at her witchcraft trial. Naomi promised a fight.

Today in Soap Opera History (February 10)

1998: As the World Turns' Jack and Carly grew closer.
2006: General Hospital's Tony Jones died.
2009: Guiding Light's Phillip rescued Coop from a burning car.
2011: Oprah reunited Susan Lucci with Erica Kane's husbands.

"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...

1897: Dame Judith Anderson was born. Anderson moved to New York from Australia in 1918 and was a hit on Broadway before moving to Hollywood to make films. In 1984 she joined the original cast of Santa Barbara as Minx Lockridge. She died in 1992 at age 94.

1966: On Another World, Mike Bauer (Gary Pillar) told Emily that he found he had a lot in common with John, since both had wives that died when their daughters were young.

1977: Actress Virginia Payne, who played popular radio soap opera character Ma Perkins, died at age 67. Payne, who was only 23 when Ma Perkins first went on the air, played the title role for the show's entire 27-year run.

Today in Soap Opera History (January 28)

1980: ATWT's Barbara told Tom about the son she gave away (Paul).
1980: The Edge of Night's Margo needed surgery to survive.
1994: All My Children's Brooke had a nightmare.
2004: Original cast member John Clarke ended his run on Days of our Lives.

"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 Peyton Place, Michael (Ed Nelson) told Constance (Dorothy Malone) that Elliot belonged in the past. "Michael, he's here now," Connie told him in an effort to make him see it wasn't that easy. "So am I," Mike replied.

Today in Soap Opera History (January 26)

1968: The Doctors' Steve and Carolee bantered before intern night.
1990: GH's Frisco & Felicia were married for the second time.
2006: Days of our Lives' Tony was covered in blood.
2007: All My Children's Dixie ate poisoned pancakes.

"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...

1967: Jordan Charney debuted on Another World as Sam Lucas, Ada's brother. Sam married Lahoma Vane (Ann Wedgeworth) in 1969 and the two of them moved to Another World spin-off Somerset in 1970.

1968: On The Doctors, Nurse Carolee Simpson (Carolee Campbell) and newly arrived Dr. Steve Aldrich (David O'Brien) bantered about Steve's evening plans with his fellow interns. The byplay between the two characters was the beginning of a soap superstar couple whose storyline would include marriage, children (his, hers & theirs), and every possible configuration of domestic drama. The couple was still together at the show's cancellation in 1982.

Today in Soap Opera History (January 25)

The Guiding Light premiered on NBC Radio on January 25, 1937.  Pictured above, the cast in 1937 at the NBC studio in Chicago.

"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: Irna Phillips' The Guiding Light premiered on NBC Radio. The show ran on radio (NBC then CBS) until 1956. In 1952, the series transitioned to CBS-TV, airing both on TV and radio until 1956. The show ran on TV until September 18, 2009, making it the longest running scripted series in broadcast history (18,262 episodes on TV and radio).

Today in Soap Opera History (January 22)

1980: ATWT''s Jay tried to calm Carol outside the Wade Bookstore fire.
1986: Dynasty's Krystle battled her look-a-like.
1986: General Hospital's Frisco worked on the Brownstone murder.
1993: Alison Sweeney debuted as Sami Brady on Days of our Lives.

"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...

1958: On The Edge of Night, Toni Fescina was kidnapped by one of Sgt. Fitzsimmons' (Frank Sutton) goons.

1975: On The Doctors, Dr. Karen Werner (Laryssa Lauret) fantasized about living with Erich (Keith Blanchard) in Germany.

Today in Soap Opera History (December 4)

1950: The First Hundred Years premiered.
1981: Falcon Crest premiered.
2000: Port Charles kicked off the "Fate" arc.
2009: Venice 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...

1933: After its August 14 debut on local station WLW in Cincinnati, radio soap opera Ma Perkins graduated to the NBC Red network in the 3 p.m. ET timeslot. The show was produced by Frank and Anne Hummert, the prolific team responsible for numerous radio dramas including Just Plain Bill, Backstage Wife and Young Widder Brown.

Today in Soap Opera History (November 28)

1979: Brian and Paige were married on The Edge of Night.
1983: Kim Zimmer debuted as Reva Shayne on Guiding Light.
1995: General Hospital's Sonny said goodbye to Stone.
1996: GH's Edward had a Thanksgiving nightmare.

"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...

1966: On Dark Shadows, Matthew (Thayer David) had just begun to strangle Victoria (Alexandra Moltke) when Liz (Joan Bennett) burst into the cottage.

1975: The final CBS episode of The Edge of Night aired. The network also aired the last half-hour episode of As the World Turns, which expanded to an hour the following Monday. The Edge of Night moved to ABC on Monday with a 90-minute premiere. The second half hour of ATWT would not maintain the ratings of the first half hour and eventually the show dropped from the top of the Nielsen ratings.

1979: On The Edge of Night, Brian Madison (Stephen McNaughton) and Paige Madison (Margaret Colin) were married.

Today in Soap Opera History (November 27)

1970: The Hortons gathered for Thanksgiving on Days of our Lives.
1989: Peter Bergman debuted as Jack Abbott on The Young and
the Restless.  1997: General Hospital's Quartermaines were robbed
on Thanksgiving, thanks to Tracy.  1997: The Port Charles
interns made sure Ellen and Jake had a Thanksgiving meal.

"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, Bill Matthews (Joseph Gallison) and Missy Palmer (Carol Roux) shared a kiss on the bridge.

1970: On Days of our Lives, the Hortons celebrated Thanksgiving. "Bless this food, and give us the courage and strength to live to the fullest of all the Days of our Lives that lie ahead of us," said patriarch Tom Horton (Macdonald Carey).

Today in Soap Opera History (November 7)

1972: Jingles the clown scared Andrea on Somerset.
1986: Robert S. Woods debuted as Paul on Days of our Lives.
1986: James Stenbeck returned from the dead with, "Hello, Barbara"
1995: All My Children's Julia found a surprise in her closet.

"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, Roger (Allen Nourse) worried about Mary.

1972: On Somerset, Andrea Moore (Harriet Hall) was terrified when she was woken up in her bedroom by Jingles the Clown. When Carter Matson (Jay Gregory) ran into the room after hearing her screams, he didn't see anything and told Andrea that Jingles was not real.