Today in Soap Opera History (April 14)

>1969: Dark Shadows' Quentin was shocked to see Laura.
1983: Kristian Alfonso debuted as Hope on Days of our Lives.
2009: Guiding Light's Olivia poured her heart out at Gus's grave.
2011: ABC canceled All My Children and One Life to Live.

"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: On Backstage Wife, Mary went to a portrait sitting at Ken Page's studio. Ken's sister Sandra arrived while Mary was in the dressing room very upset with Ken because he did not want her to see Mary's friend, Peter Dillon. At the theater, Larry talked with Katharine Monroe and told her that Mary had made many sacrifices for his career. An explosion was heard from one of Page's tenements.

Today in Soap Opera History (March 11)

1985: Santa Barbara's Mason interrupted C.C. and Gina's wedding.
1993: All My Children's Kendall Hart arrived in Pine Valley.
1994: All My Children's Maria and Edmund were married.
2013: Dallas' Ewing family mourned at J.R.'s funeral.

"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...

1966: On Another World, at the dance, Dr. Joe Bernardi (Joe Bennett) encouraged Lee Randolph (Gaye Huston) to see the man underneath the doctor, then discouraged her from speaking to Dr. Farmer about John. He wouldn't let her use his medical opinion to invalidate Pat's unease over Mike visiting John with business. After Mike Bauer (Gary Pillar) left, John laughed and said Pat should be delighted if Lee were interested in both Mike and Joe, since one was a lawyer and the other a doctor. Mike tensed up when Emily mentioned Lee, then revealed Pat had sort of posted an "off limits" sign tonight on Lee. After a heap of friendly praise from Lee, Joe took her hand and made her close her eyes as he explained his true feelings. Embarrassed, Lee considered him just a friend, then denied that she had given "serious looks" at Mike.

Marie married Craig in Days of our Lives'
first wedding.

1966: On Days of our Lives, Marie Horton (Maree Cheatham) married airplane pilot Craig Merritt (David McLean), the father of her former fiancé, who abandoned her. This was the first wedding ever on Days.

Thanks to Scott for sending in the item above.

1968: On Peyton Place, Jill Smith (Joyce Jillson) and Joe Rossi (Michael Christian) were married.

1970: On Another World, Missy Palmer Matthews (Carol Roux) told a devastated Liz Nancy Wickwire) that Bill drowned after his sailboat capsized during a storm.

1980: On The Edge of Night, Sam Dwyer released Draper (Tony Craig) during the train fire believing him to be innocent.

Today in Soap Opera History (April 14)

>1969: Dark Shadows' Quentin was shocked to see Laura.
1983: Kristian Alfonso debuted as Hope on Days of our Lives.
2009: Guiding Light's Olivia poured her heart out at Gus's grave.
2011: ABC canceled All My Children and One Life to Live.

"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...

1939: On Backstage Wife, Mary went to a portrait sitting at Ken Page's studio. Ken's sister Sandra arrived while Mary was in the dressing room very upset with Ken because he did not want her to see Mary's friend, Peter Dillon. At the theater, Larry talked with Katharine Monroe and told her that Mary had made many sacrifices for his career. An explosion was heard from one of Page's tenements.

Today in Soap Opera History (March 11)

1985: Santa Barbara's Mason interrupted C.C. and Gina's wedding.
1993: All My Children's Kendall Hart arrived in Pine Valley.
1994: All My Children's Maria and Edmund were married.
2013: Dallas' Ewing family mourned at J.R.'s funeral.

"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...

1966: On Another World, at the dance, Dr. Joe Bernardi (Joe Bennett) encouraged Lee Randolph (Gaye Huston) to see the man underneath the doctor, then discouraged her from speaking to Dr. Farmer about John. He wouldn't let her use his medical opinion to invalidate Pat's unease over Mike visiting John with business. After Mike Bauer (Gary Pillar) left, John laughed and said Pat should be delighted if Lee were interested in both Mike and Joe, since one was a lawyer and the other a doctor. Mike tensed up when Emily mentioned Lee, then revealed Pat had sort of posted an "off limits" sign tonight on Lee. After a heap of friendly praise from Lee, Joe took her hand and made her close her eyes as he explained his true feelings. Embarrassed, Lee considered him just a friend, then denied that she had given "serious looks" at Mike.

Marie married Craig in Days of our Lives'
first wedding.

1966: On Days of our Lives, Marie Horton (Maree Cheatham) married airplane pilot Craig Merritt (David McLean), the father of her former fiancé, who abandoned her. This was the first wedding ever on Days.

Thanks to Scott for sending in the item above.

1968: On Peyton Place, Jill Smith (Joyce Jillson) and Joe Rossi (Michael Christian) were married.

1970: On Another World, Missy Palmer Matthews (Carol Roux) told a devastated Liz Nancy Wickwire) that Bill drowned after his sailboat capsized during a storm.

1980: On The Edge of Night, Sam Dwyer released Draper (Tony Craig) during the train fire believing him to be innocent.

Today in Soap Opera History (April 14)

1969: Dark Shadows' Quentin was shocked to see Laura.
1983: Kristian Alfonso debuted as Hope on Days of our Lives.
2009: Guiding Light's Olivia poured her heart out at Gus's grave.
2011: ABC canceled All My Children and One Life to Live.

"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...

1939: On Backstage Wife, Mary went to a portrait sitting at Ken Page's studio. Ken's sister Sandra arrived while Mary was in the dressing room very upset with Ken because he did not want her to see Mary's friend, Peter Dillon. At the theater, Larry talked with Katharine Monroe and told her that Mary had made many sacrifices for his career. An explosion was heard from one of Page's tenements.

Today in Soap Opera History (March 11)

1985: Santa Barbara's Mason interrupted C.C. and Gina's wedding.
1993: All My Children's Kendall Hart arrived in Pine Valley.
1994: All My Children's Maria and Edmund were married.
2013: Dallas' Ewing family mourned at J.R.'s funeral.

"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...

1966: On Another World, at the dance, Dr. Joe Bernardi (Joe Bennett) encouraged Lee Randolph (Gaye Huston) to see the man underneath the doctor, then discouraged her from speaking to Dr. Farmer about John. He wouldn't let her use his medical opinion to invalidate Pat's unease over Mike visiting John with business. After Mike Bauer (Gary Pillar) left, John laughed and said Pat should be delighted if Lee were interested in both Mike and Joe, since one was a lawyer and the other a doctor. Mike tensed up when Emily mentioned Lee, then revealed Pat had sort of posted an "off limits" sign tonight on Lee. After a heap of friendly praise from Lee, Joe took her hand and made her close her eyes as he explained his true feelings. Embarrassed, Lee considered him just a friend, then denied that she had given "serious looks" at Mike.

Marie married Craig in Days of our Lives'
first wedding.

1966: On Days of our Lives, Marie Horton (Maree Cheatham) married airplane pilot Craig Merritt (David McLean), the father of her former fiancé, who abandoned her. This was the first wedding ever on Days.

Thanks to Scott for sending in the item above.

1968: On Peyton Place, Jill Smith (Joyce Jillson) and Joe Rossi (Michael Christian) were married.

1970: On Another World, Missy Palmer Matthews (Carol Roux) told a devastated Liz Nancy Wickwire) that Bill drowned after his sailboat capsized during a storm.

1980: On The Edge of Night, Sam Dwyer released Draper (Tony Craig) during the train fire believing him to be innocent.

Today in Soap Opera History (April 14)

1969: Dark Shadows' Quentin was shocked to see Laura.
1983: Kristian Alfonso debuted as Hope on Days of our Lives.
2009: Guiding Light's Olivia poured her heart out at Gus's grave.
2011: ABC canceled All My Children and One Life to Live.

"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...

1939: On Backstage Wife, Mary went to a portrait sitting at Ken Page's studio. Ken's sister Sandra arrived while Mary was in the dressing room very upset with Ken because he did not want her to see Mary's friend, Peter Dillon. At the theater, Larry talked with Katharine Monroe and told her that Mary had made many sacrifices for his career. An explosion was heard from one of Page's tenements.

Today in Soap Opera History (March 11)

1985: Santa Barbara's Mason interrupted C.C. and Gina's wedding.
1993: All My Children's Kendall Hart arrived in Pine Valley.
1994: All My Children's Maria and Edmund were married.
2013: Dallas' Ewing family mourned at J.R.'s funeral.

"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...

1966: On Another World, at the dance, Dr. Joe Bernardi (Joe Bennett) encouraged Lee Randolph (Gaye Huston) to see the man underneath the doctor, then discouraged her from speaking to Dr. Farmer about John. He wouldn't let her use his medical opinion to invalidate Pat's unease over Mike visiting John with business. After Mike Bauer (Gary Pillar) left, John laughed and said Pat should be delighted if Lee were interested in both Mike and Joe, since one was a lawyer and the other a doctor. Mike tensed up when Emily mentioned Lee, then revealed Pat had sort of posted an "off limits" sign tonight on Lee. After a heap of friendly praise from Lee, Joe took her hand and made her close her eyes as he explained his true feelings. Embarrassed, Lee considered him just a friend, then denied that she had given "serious looks" at Mike.

Marie married Craig in Days of our Lives'
first wedding.

1966: On Days of our Lives, Marie Horton (Maree Cheatham) married airplane pilot Craig Merritt (David McLean), the father of her former fiancé, who abandoned her. This was the first wedding ever on Days.

Thanks to Scott for sending in the item above.

1968: On Peyton Place, Jill Smith (Joyce Jillson) and Joe Rossi (Michael Christian) were married.

1970: On Another World, Missy Palmer Matthews (Carol Roux) told a devastated Liz Nancy Wickwire) that Bill drowned after his sailboat capsized during a storm.

1980: On The Edge of Night, Sam Dwyer released Draper (Tony Craig) during the train fire believing him to be innocent.

NEWS: Jason Cook, Ray Wise, Alicia Leigh Willis, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Grant Show, Emilie De Ravin

Jason Cook in Dark Awakening.

Days of our Lives star Jason Cook discusses new horror film, Dark Awakening
"Being a horror fan, my favorite horror film is The Shining by Stanley Kubrick," Cooks reveals. "Jack Nicholson in that film...it's a very famous performance. He plays two sides, he goes crazy sort of like the Jekyll and Hyde story, and that's what attracted me to do this film. It's a very scary story about a man who was in an accident when he was young. When he was a child, he was the worst child ever. It's about a man who relapses and gets in touch with his evil side as an adult."

As for his November return to Days of of our Lives as Shawn Douglas Brady, Cook says, "I just did the 50th anniversary, so I returned for about 2 months. 50 years is a long time to be on television."

Grant Show joins ABC's The Family
The Ryan's Hope alum and Devious Maids star will play the governor of Maine on the Joan Allen drama about a politician’s young son who comes back after being presumed dead.

EastEnders' producers promise a "climactic" Christmas for Bobby Beale
[SPOILER ALERT] Dominic Treadwell-Collins has revealed that this year's Christmas episodes will focus on the Beales and the climax of the Lucy storyline.

"As we build towards a climactic, gut-wrenching Christmas for the Beales, Bobby will be going in a different direction," he told The Sun. "It becomes: 'Is Bobby evil? Have Jane and Ian done the wrong thing in covering it up? Is there something more tortured about Bobby?' It's going to get bigger than the golf club and the brick."

One Life to Live alum Laurence Fishburne to play Nelson Mandela in BET's Madiba miniseries
The six-hour miniseries will be based on two of the South African icon’s books and will focus on Mandela during the early 1960s political activist period of his life, before he was sent to prison. Madiba will be produced by Mandela’s grandson, Kweku Mandela.

CBS is remaking MacGyver
CBS is remaking the ABC Richard Dean Anderson series with the help of Henry Winkler and director James Wan. MacGyver, which debuted 30 years ago this week, is the latest ‘80s TV action-adventure TV show to be rebooted. Just last week, it was announced that The A-Team would be remade, and a new Hart to Hart is on the way as well.

CBS renews Zoo
After being this summer’s most-watched broadcast drama, CBS has picked up a second season of the TV drama based on James Patterson novel. Season 2 will air next summer.

All My Children and Buffy alum Sarah Michelle Gellar will play a villain on Star Wars Rebels
Gellar is joining husband Freddie Prinze Jr. on the Disney XD series, not as a princess but as a crafty villain called the Seventh Sister Inquisitor.

ABC Family cancels Chasing Life after twp seasons
Created by Susanna Fogel and Joni Lefkowitz, the cancer-themed coming-of-age drama that debuted in June 2014 starred Italia Ricci, who tweeted confirmation of the show’s cancellation on Friday.

Quantico receives a big boost from delayed viewing
The ABC drama premiere's total viewership has soared from about 7 million to 12 million thanks to DVR and streaming viewers. That puts it at No. 2 among freshman shows, behind Blindspot.

Once Upon a Time's Emilie De Ravin is pregnant
The former Lost star announced that she’s expecting with her boyfriend on Twitter.

Homeland continues its renaissance in Season 5
"This is the second season that the show has been Brody-less, and it continues to enjoy its freedom,” says Richard Lawson. "Carrie is a great invention of a character, and setting her loose in new systems has yielded compelling results. Homeland is sleeker, leaner as a straight-up spy show, rather than tangling with all the emotional operatics the Carrie/Brody pas de deux necessitated. Carrie works best as a lone Jeanne d’Arc, a solitary Cassandra, propelled by her feverish visions into the dark.”

Alicia Leigh Willis stars in Dangerous Company.

General Hospital alum Alicia Leigh Willis desribes her character in the TV movie Dangerous Company
“My character owns a multi-million dollar clothing company and she is on top of everything,” Willis teases of the film, which next airs on Saturday at 6 p.m. ET/PT on LMN. “She’s got her ‘you-know-what’ together, always has, but slowly she starts to slip in terms of losing her memory. Her mother passed away from Alzheimer’s and she is diagnosed as having early-onset dementia, and slowly her world starts to fall apart. But, there are twists and turns ahead for her that you won’t believe! It was a heavy role, but very rewarding. Rick Ravanello, who plays my husband in the film, is just amazing! We had a great time working together.”

The Young and the Restless star Ray Wise on "Chelsea 2.0"
“[The writers] wrote all the great lines for me,” he said of his recent episodes. “I have some great speeches, some outrageous stuff. The lines that they write for me are gold.”

That includes one of the most head-scratching moments, in which Ian Ward is shown working away at his computer as he performs an ominous tune. (Lyrics include: “Chelsea 2.0, be careful what you sow: misery and woe.”)

It was one of the funnier moments amidst all the drama, threats and romance this season. And it’s in part because of Wise’s comfortability on set and the freedom he’s given to pursue his character’s oddball nature.

“[The producers played a little piece of classical music to try to get me into the right rhythm, tone and atmosphere, and then it just came out of my head,” he said of the genius little ditty. “It all seemed to jive. It was one of those inspirational moments.”

Marc Baylis returning to Coronation Street
[SPOILER ALERT] After spending over a year behind bars for the murder of Michelle Keegan's character Tina McIntyre, Rob Donovan is back and sending out visiting orders for a number of the soap's biggest characters.

NEWS: 'Hollyoaks' in Crisis? Plus, Terri Conn, Matt Bomer, Karla Mosley, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Stephanie Davis, Belinda Owusu, 'Degrassi'

Morgan Theresa Peck

Terri Conn and Austin Peck welcome baby girl
Terri Conn and Austin Peck (ex-Katie and Brad, As the World Turns) welcomed their second daughter together, Morgan Theresa Peck, on July 18. The couple's first girl, Keira, was born in 2012, and they both have children (her daughter Julia, and his sons Roman and Aidan) from previous marriages.

Stephanie Davis fired from British soap Hollyoaks
British actress Stephanie Davis has been fired from UK soap opera Hollyoaks after turning up for work drunk, her spokesperson has confirmed. Davis, who played Sinead O'Connor, was sacked with "immediate effect" by bosses at the Channel 4 network last week. Fans of the show were left shocked, and rumors about her departure swirled until her spokesperson confirmed on Friday that it was due to alcohol.

The statement reads, "Stephanie's contract was terminated following warnings for lateness, attendance and after a final incident in which she turned up to set unfit to work because of alcohol consumption."

Hollyoaks in crisis: Drunk actors, feuding stars and plunging ratings - is Channel 4 soap facing axe?
With the well-publicized sacking of Stephanie Davis coming shortly before it was revealed the Channel 4 soap's stalwart Helen Pearson has been banned from driving after being caught over the limit, the show is seemingly in crisis.

Falling ratings, more behind-the-scenes drama than on any other soap, and with outlandish sensationalist plots that would be more at home on a US soap, the show is clearly struggling.

Karla Mosley

You Should Really Be Watching The Bold and the Beautiful's Transgender Storyline
Maya's story is handled with sensitivity without (too much) sensationalism. If they still give out Daytime Emmys, throw all of them at Karla Mosley. Mosley — who is not transgender, which we could obviously quibble with but that's perhaps missing the bigger picture — said playing Maya has been "incredibly exciting" but admitted to misgivings.

“I was excited, and nervous at first,” Mosley told Janet Mock on So POPular. “Soaps don’t have a great history in handling transgender characters. Twenty years ago, the headlines were ‘So and So is A Man.’”

Instead, we get to go through the entire coming out process with Maya, from accepting her own truth to coming out to Rick, her family and eventually the world.

Magic Mike XXL star and Guiding Light alum Matt Bomer schools reporter on gay stereotypes
"I don’t know. I mean, why would I ever try to boil down an entire community into a yes-or-no question? Would you feel comfortable if I said ‘Are women harder or easier to please?’… One of the things, I think, you learn from this movie is that everybody is different and it’s all about communication and a dialogue between individuals. Get rid of the labels, get rid of the shame, get rid of the stigmas and just be your most authentic self."

20 Things You May Not Know About Clueless
Sarah Michelle Gellar was offered the role of Amber, but had to turn it down when her soap opera All My Children refused to allow her time away.

Belinda Owusu making another visit to EastEnders as Libby Fox
Owusu will be making a brief come back to the soap for two episodes in 2015, however it's been hinted that her reappearance will be something more significant than just a visit to Albert Square.

"It’s great to be back again! I'm always excited to see how Libby has grown and be back with the Fox family!" she said.

Netflix's Degrassi: Next Class will cover issues affecting a new generation, including a focus on social-media hazards like sexting and cyber-bullying
Linda Schuyler, executive producer of Degrassi at Toronto-based Epitome, said the company had planned the show’s reboot before approaching Nick and other distribution partners about the new concept. “The audience we’re speaking to now, some of them weren’t even born when we started ‘Next Generation’ in 2001,” she said. “That was talking to the millennials. Now we’re talking to this new Generation Z.”

Degrassi: Next Class will cover many of the serious, real-life aspects of teen life the show has become known for, ranging from homophobia to racism and substance abuse to violence. In addition, the show’s plotlines will examine how social-media services like Instagram, Snapchat, Twitter and others are affecting teenagers.

“If you’re reading about it in the news, it’s on Degrassi,” said Schuyler, who is married to Stohn. “These kids are trying to figure out dating protocols and safety protocols.”

Today in Soap Opera History (April 14)

1969: Dark Shadows' Quentin was shocked to see Laura.
1983: Kristian Alfonso debuted as Hope on Days of our Lives.
2009: Guiding Light's Olivia poured her heart out at Gus's grave.
2011: ABC canceled All My Children and One Life to Live.

"Mankind are so much the same, in all times and places, that history informs us of nothing new or strange in this particular. Its chief use is only to discover the constant and universal principles of human nature."
― David Hume

"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: On Backstage Wife, Mary went to a portrait sitting at Ken Page's studio. Ken's sister Sandra arrived while Mary was in the dressing room very upset with Ken because he did not want her to see Mary's friend, Peter Dillon. At the theater, Larry talked with Katharine Monroe and told her that Mary had made many sacrifices for his career. An explosion was heard from one of Page's tenements.

Today in Soap Opera History (March 11)

1985: Santa Barbara's Mason interrupted C.C. and Gina's wedding.
1993: All My Children's Kendall Hart arrived in Pine Valley.
1994: All My Children's Maria and Edmund were married.
2013: Dallas' Ewing family mourned at J.R.'s funeral.

"Mankind are so much the same, in all times and places, that history informs us of nothing new or strange in this particular. Its chief use is only to discover the constant and universal principles of human nature."
― David Hume

"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 Another World, at the dance, Dr. Joe Bernardi (Joe Bennett) encouraged Lee Randolph (Gaye Huston) to see the man underneath the doctor, then discouraged her from speaking to Dr. Farmer about John. He wouldn't let her use his medical opinion to invalidate Pat's unease over Mike visiting John with business. After Mike Bauer (Gary Pillar) left, John laughed and said Pat should be delighted if Lee were interested in both Mike and Joe, since one was a lawyer and the other a doctor. Mike tensed up when Emily mentioned Lee, then revealed Pat had sort of posted an "off limits" sign tonight on Lee. After a heap of friendly praise from Lee, Joe took her hand and made her close her eyes as he explained his true feelings. Embarrassed, Lee considered him just a friend, then denied that she had given "serious looks" at Mike.

Marie married Craig in Days of our Lives'
first wedding.

1966: On Days of our Lives, Marie Horton (Maree Cheatham) married airplane pilot Craig Merritt (David McLean), the father of her former fiancé, who abandoned her. This was the first wedding ever on Days.

Thanks to Scott for sending in the item above.

1968: On Peyton Place, Jill Smith (Joyce Jillson) and Joe Rossi (Michael Christian) were married.

1970: On Another World, Missy Palmer Matthews (Carol Roux) told a devastated Liz Nancy Wickwire) that Bill drowned after his sailboat capsized during a storm.

1980: On The Edge of Night, Sam Dwyer released Draper (Tony Craig) during the train fire believing him to be innocent.

Today in Soap Opera History (April 14)

1969: DS' Quentin was shocked to see Laura. 1983: Kristian
Alfonso debuted as Hope. 2009: GL's Olivia poured her heart
out at Gus's grave. 2011: ABC canceled AMC & OLTL.

"There is no present or future, only the past happening over and over again - now."
- Eugene O'Neill

"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: On BACKSTAGE WIFE, Mary went to a portrait sitting at Ken Page's studio. Ken's sister Sandra arrived while Mary was in the dressing room very upset with Ken because he did not want her to see Mary's friend, Peter Dillon. At the theater, Larry talked with Katharine Monroe and told her that Mary had made many sacrifices for his career. An explosion was heard from one of Page's tenements.

Today in Soap Opera History (March 11)

1985: Santa Barbara's Mason interrupted C.C. and Gina's wedding.
1993: All My Children's Kendall Hart arrived in Pine Valley.
1994: All My Children's Maria and Edmund were married.
2013: Dallas' Ewing family mourned at J.R.'s funeral.

"There is no present or future, only the past happening over and over again - now."
- Eugene O'Neill

"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 PEYTON PLACE, Jill Smith (Joyce Jillson) and Joe Rossi (Michael Christian) were married.

1970: On ANOTHER WORLD, Missy Palmer Matthews (Carol Roux) told a devastated Liz Nancy Wickwire) that Bill drowned after his sailboat capsized during a storm.

1980: On THE EDGE OF NIGHT, Sam Dwyer released Draper (Tony Craig) during the train fire believing him to be innocent.

Today in Soap Opera History (April 14)

On this date in...

1955: On HAWKINS FALLS, Millie visited Gary in the hospital and returned his wallet. Although Gary wanted to get to know Millie better, Millie was reluctant to begin a relationship with him. Meanwhile, Lona suspected that something was wrong with her husband's health and attempted to get him to go to bed early. Mr. Kratz talked to Dr. Corey (Maurice Copeland) about making adjustments in life.

1958: CBS daytime soap opera LOVE OF LIFE expanded from 15 to 30 minutes after seven years on the air.

NEWS ROUNDUP: Jeff Kwatinetz Believes "Timing Is Right" For Online TV; Jack Wagner On Possible GH Return; New Sarah Michelle Gellar Comedy; Larry Hagman's Posthumous TV Appearance

Prospect Park's Jeff Kwatinetz believes the timing is right for return of ALL MY CHILDREN and ONE LIFE TO LIVE
“I know it’s been a long journey, but the timing is actually fortuitous as TV viewing is evolving rapidly in our direction,” Kwatinetz said in an interview. “The adoption of online TV in the last year has begun to move exponentially as viewers start to realize the immense advantages digital distribution affords. But all of that is unmatched compared to the relentless fan support. Since they didn’t give up, either did we.”

Jack Wagner on possible GENERAL HOSPITAL return: 'They Have Called'
Wagner (ex-Frisco), who Digest revealed to be atop GH's wish list for vets to bring back to celebrate the show's 50th anniversary in April, confirmed to the Huffington Post that he has been contacted by execs. "I have nothing to say about it," he offered. "They have called, but there's nothing in ink or anything like that. I know it would be pretty special to work with Kristina [Wagner, Felicia], my ex-wife, again so we'll see what happens. I know it's around the corner here and if I go back, it would only be for a very short story arc. But I might do it just to honor that show and what it's meant to my career and the fans and to Kristina's career."

Sarah Michelle Gellar, Jon Hamm, Nathan Fillion Among Animation Domination Guest Voices This Fall

ANIMATION DOMINATION kicks off this fall with an all-star lineup of guest voices on returning animated series THE SIMPSONS, BOB’S BURGERS, FAMILY GUY and AMERICAN DAD premiering Sunday, Sept. 30 (8:00-10:00 p.m. ET/PT), and THE CLEVELAND SHOW premiering the following week on Sunday, Oct. 7 (7:30-8:00 p.m. ET/PT) on FOX.

THE CLEVELAND SHOW (7:30-8:00 p.m. ET/PT)

This fall, CLEVELAND (Mike Henry) discovers a secret hip-hop society led by rap superstar Kanye West, who reprises his role as “Kenny West” in the season premiere episode.

NEWS ROUNDUP: How to Avoid Spoilers on Twitter, Sarah Michelle Gellar Having A Boy, Big Hats on TV

How to Avoid Spoilers on Twitter
Twitter is horribly ruthless when it comes to spoiling movies and TV shows. To prevent an unwelcome spoiler, you have to basically abstain from Twitter when a show like BREAKING BAD comes on or when a big movie like The Dark Knight Rises comes out. But that's not the only way! Here's how to make your Twitter spoiler-free.

It’ll Be a Boy for Sarah Michelle and Freddie Prinze Jr.
“They are thrilled that Charlotte will have a little brother,” a source close to the couple tells PEOPLE.

NEWS ROUNDUP: Everyone Back To GLEE, Auto Hop, Betty White Roasted, Connie & Hayden Talk NASHVILLE

Are all McKinley High seniors not named Rachel, Kurt, or Finn off GLEE? Series boss Ryan Murphy says absolutely not.
"A lot of people have been writing Dianna's off the show, Amber's off the show — they're not off the show," Murphy told Vulture. "I think Amber was talking about that bittersweet feeling of, 'I'll never be in the choir room with that exact group of people.' At least that's what she told me ... When I read that [tweet,] I said, 'I think people will misconstrue that.' She's excited about where her character is going. They all are. I wanted to do the right thing by all of them."

NEWS ROUNDUP: Soap Operas Change The World, AMI Creates Celebrity Magazine Group, Sarah Michelle Gellar Pregnant

Radio soap TARU  led to the opening of several schools

BBC News: How soap operas changed the world
Soap operas aren't often celebrated for contributing to the good of society. Whether it's the materialism of DALLAS or the idle gossip of NEIGHBOURS, they are better known for being shallow and addictive than for bringing about social change.

But around the world the genre has succeeded in providing "educational entertainment" - a blend of public service messages and melodrama that has enraptured millions of viewers.

Editorial Shakeup: James Heidenry named editor in chief of 'Star'