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 (September 1)

1976: Ryan's Hope's Jack was annoyed with Little John.
1981: The Edge of Night's Nadine called out her daughter, Raven.
1981: General Hospital's Heather defended herself to Burt.
2004: As the World Turns' Barbara was determined to get her son.

"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, Joe Haskell (Joel Crothers) told Carolyn Stoddard (Nancy Barrett) about David Collins' crystal ball's prediction. Burke Devline (Mitchell Ryan) investigated Bill Malloys' disappearance, certain that he had incriminating evidence against Roger Collins and Sam Evans (David Ford). Sam believed everyone in the entire town was headed towards death.

Today in Soap Opera History (August 31)

1960: Grace was still bitter on The Secret Storm. 1989: Josie
moved in with the Matthews family on Another World.
1994: Erica was in a neckbrace on All My Children.
2010: Oakdale said goodbye to Nancy Hughes on ATWT.

"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...

1948: Radio soap opera The Guiding Light, still almost four years away from making its way to television, introduced the character of Friedrich "Papa" Bauer. Theodore von Eltz originated the role and was replaced by Theo Goetz a year later. Goetz would remain with the show until his death in 1972.

1960: On The Secret Storm, Myra Lake Ames (June Graham) visited Grace Harris Tyrell (Marjorie Gateson), who had something to say about everyone.

1966: On Days of our Lives, Susan (Denise Alexander) already regretted her month-old marriage to David Martin (Clive Clerk), who was still in love with Julie (Charla Doherty). Julie turned to her grandfather Tom Horton (Macdonald Carey) and asked him to help her stay in Salem rather than live with her parents, Ben and Addie, in Europe.

Today in Soap Opera History (August 29)

1966: Mia Farrow left Peyton Place.
1979: Calvin had a big day on Edge of Night.
1985: Ryan's Hope's D.J. celebrated her 16th birthday.
2006: Sami and Austin's wedding began.

"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, Bill Malloy (Frank Schofield) set up a meeting with Roger Collins (Louis Edmonds), Burke (Mitchell Ryan) and Sam Evans (David Ford) to settle the manslaughter case once and for all.

1966: Mia Farrow aired for the final time as Allison Mackenzie in Peyton Place.

Today in Soap Opera History (August 28)

1986: Another World's "Marissa" made her way to Bay City.
1991: Santa Barbara's Dash and Katrina grew closer.
1998: All My Children's Junior was locked in a cage.
2009: One Life to Live's Fish didn't remember his night with Stacy.

"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: On Another World, Liz (Audra Lindley) was happy to hear that Bill (Joseph Gallison) suspected Madge of Danny's murder.

1967: Australian Broadcasting Corporation soap Bellbird premiered. It remained on the air until December 1977.

1968: On Dark Shadows, Julia (Grayson Hall) protected Tom Jennings (Don Briscoe) from a gun-toting Barnabas (Jonathan Frid). After Tom vanished, Barnabas went to the window to look for him. When he turned around Julia had escaped.

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 (August 24)

1979: General Hospital's Laura wanted a job at the disco.
1987: Lizzie demanded answers on Ryan's Hope.
1989: As the World Turns' Shannon lost her baby.
2007: One Life to Live's John arrive to arrest Lindsay.

"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...

1970: Murial Williams returned to Another World as Lenore's (Judith Barcroft) mother, Helen Moore. Williams remained with the show until April 8, 1976.

1976: Rosemary Forsyth debuted as Laura Horton on Days of our Lives.

1977: On Another World, Mac (Douglass Watson) listened in through the intercom as Dave (David Ackroyd) told Pat (Beverly Penberthy) he had always been in love with Rachel. Mac shut off the intercom before Dave told her that Rachel still loved Mac. Dave left Bay City to live in Boston on the next episode.

1978: On All My Children, Tara Martin Brent (Nancy Frangione) told Chuck Tyler (Richard Van Vleet) that she hadn't heard from Philip.

Today in Soap Opera History (August 21)

1975: Mary and Jack shared their first kiss on Ryan's Hope.
1979: The identity of Edge of Night's "Tobias" was revealed.
1979: Guiding Light's Alan bonded with hope on a deserted island.
1995: One Life to Live's Max told hospitalized Luna to hold on.

"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 Another World, Pat Randolph (Beverly Penberthy) introduced Rachel Davis (Robin Strasser) to her Aunt Liz Matthews (Audra Lindley).

1975: On Ryan's Hope, Mary Ryan (Kate Mulgrew) declined when Bob Reid (Earl Hindman) asked her out, but accepted an invitation from Jack Fenelli (Michael Levin) to join him for coffee. Later, Jack and Mary shared their first kiss.

Today in Soap Opera History (August 13)

1982: Days of our Lives' Jessica and Joshua were married.
1984: A Martinez debuted as Cruz on Santa Barbara.
1993: Maurice Benard debuted as Sonny on General Hospital.
2001: Bold and the Beautiful's Tony told Kristen he was HIV+.

"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...

1968: On Dark Shadows, Adam (Robert Rodan) vowed to kill Victoria, the woman Barnabas loved, unless Barnabas (Jonathan Frid) made someone for him to love.

1980: On The Edge of Night, April (Terry Davis) confronted Emily (Margo McKenna) with the fact that "Kirk Michaels" was dead.

Today in Soap Opera History (August 10)

1979: The Edge of Night's Steve saved Paige's life.
1981: General Hospital's Mikkos hosted a dinner party.
1984: Santa Barbara's Joe broke into the Capwell estate.
2004: Martha Madison debuted as Belle 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...

1945: On radio soap opera Portia Faces Life, Kathie was shocked to see Portia's late husband, Walter (Bartlett Robinson), alive and well!

1967: On Dark Shadows, Maggie (Kathryn Leigh Scott) returned to the Blue Whale Café -- and ran into her former tormentor, Barnabas Collins (Jonathan Frid).

1972: On Another World, Pat Randolph (Beverly Penberthy) brought her twins, Michael (Tom Ruger) and Marianne (Loriann Ruger), over for a visit with their grandpa Jim.

1976: On Ryan's Hope, Maeve (Helen Gallagher) and Johnny (Bernard Barrow) decided to ask Delia and LJ to stay with them.

Today in Soap Opera History (August 7)

2008: The final episode of Passions aired on DirecTV's The 101.

"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...

1950: On The Guiding Light, during breakfast Bill Bauer (Lyle Sudrow) told his sister, Meta White (Jone Allison), that he and Bert were interested in buying a house in Beverly Hills. Later, Meta received a long-distance phone call from her husband, Ted.

Today in Soap Opera History (August 2)

1984: As part of an effort to counter-program ABC's Olympic coverage, As the World Turns featured guest stars Phyllis Diller, Whitney Houston and Jermaine Jackson.

"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: On Another World, Ada (Constance Ford) pleaded with Rachel (Robin Strasser) to understand that her salary at Pierre's was all they had, but Rachel threatened to leave the hospital despite the health risk if she lost her pricey private room. Rachel railed at Ada for lying to her that her father was dead. "Everybody lies when they have to," Rachel said. "I know I do."

1968: On Dark Shadows, a distraught Adam (Robert Rodan) stabbed himself.

1968: On Peyton Place, Steven Cord (James Douglas) and Betty Anderson (Barbara Parkins) reconciled.

1971: On The Doctors, Dr. Dan Allison asked his wife, Carolee, to promise she would stay with him, telling her it was the only thing that would give him the strength to fight his heart condition.

Today in Soap Opera History (July 31)

1984: Charles Shaughnessy debuted as Shane Donovan on Days.
1990: Another World's Frankie and Cass married.
2003: Guiding Light's Ben Reade died.
2008: Molly Burnett made her first appearance as Melanie 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...

1967: On Another World, Pat (Susan Trustman) admitted to Mary (Virginia Dwyer) that she had kissed Mike Bauer (Gary Pillar) in the park before he left Bay City.

1967: On Dark Shadows, Julia hypnotized Maggie, who then forgot everything that happened while she was missing.

1979: On Another World, Elena (Christina Pickles) was devastated that her May-December love affair had ended and told Rachel (Victoria Wyndham) she was going to France.

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 26)

The cast of Young Widder Brown.
"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...

1938: Young Widder Brown premiered on NBC Radio. The popular Frank and Anne Hummert radio soap opera told the story of young Ellen Brown, a 30 year old mother, who struggled to raise her children without the small town mentality that came with living in Simpsonville. The show ran for nearly 18 years, until June 22, 1956.

1972: On As the World Turns, Tom Hughes (Peter Galman) and Carol Deming (Rita McLaughlin) were married. The wedding was shot on location at the Riverdale Presbyterian Church in Riverdale, New York.

1976: One Life to Live and General Hospital each expanded to 45-minute episodes each weekday. Up until this point, One Life to Live had aired right after General Hospital, but would air before GH  for the remainder of its run on ABC (January 13, 2012).

1976: On Another World, Mac Cory (Douglass Watson) accused his wife, Rachel (Victoria Wyndham), of neglecting her son, Jamie Frame (Bobby Doran).

1985: On Santa Barbara, Barnaby "Brick" Wallace (Richard Eden) and Amy Perkins (Kerry Sherman) held a crossbow on Jerry Lee (Joel Crothers) and Jack Lee (also Joel Crothers), with both men claiming to be Jack. Julia Wainwright arrived and kissed them both to figure out who was the real Jack. Later, Jerry and Jack battled in a sword duel.

Today in Soap Opera History (July 19)

1966: Dark Shadows' Roger crashed due to a missing bleeder valve.
1985: John Aniston debuted as Victor on Days of our Lives.
1990: General Hospital's Wendy was murdered.
2010: Scott Clifton debuted as Liam on Bold and the Beautiful.

"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...

1940: The first episode of radio soap opera The Carters of Elm Street, written by Mona Kent, aired on the Mutual Network.

Today in Soap Opera History (July 14)

1986: Another World's Cecile faced the guillotine.
1986: Santa Barbara's Mary died after a "C" fell on her.
1989: Guiding Light's Reva was rowed to her wedding.
2008: The Bold and the Beautiful's Bridget and Nick married.

"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, John Randolph (Michael M. Ryan) persuaded his daughter, Lee (Gaye Huston), that going home after her battle with virus pneumonia would be alright.

1966: On Dark Shadows, Victoria Winters (Alexandra Moltke) met Carolyn Stoddard's (Nancy Barrett) boyfriend, Joe Haskell (Joel Crothers), who works at the Collins Cannery.

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 4)

2000: Days of our Lives' ghoul girl revealed herself.
2001: Guiding Light's Meta read the Declaration of Independence.
2002: One Life to Live featured "Babes Behind Bars."
2003: As the World Turns' Jack learned he was Sage's father.

"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...

1955: Backstage Wife switched networks, moving from CBS Radio to NBC Radio.

1965: Actress turned news anchor Lisa Howard committed suicide with an overdose of pills at her East Hamptom home at age 35. Howard played Trudy Bauer on The Guiding Light before she broke into journalism in 1960 by scoring the first major interview with Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev at the United Nations. She was hired by ABC news as a reporter and subsequently became the anchor for ABC's noontime news broadcast, The NewsHour with Lisa Howard.

1973: On The Doctors, Penny Davis (Julia Duffy) told Dr. Mike Powers (Peter Burnell) that she accidentally left her tape recorder recording when she ran out of the house.

Today in Soap Opera History (June 16)

1930: Clara, Lu & Em premiered.
1989: Another World's Rachel said goodbye to Mac.
1992: One Life to Live's Asa married Blair.
2006: Days of our Lives' EJ and Sami danced the tango.

"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...

1930: Clara, Lu and Em, radio's first network daytime soap opera, premiered on WGN-AM in Chicago. It continued through the 1930s and early 1940s on the NBC Blue Network and CBS, finally airing as a syndicated series in 1945.