Today in Soap Opera History (August 15)

1984: Guiding Light's Springfield celebrated Founders Day.
1985: GH's Anna & Robert plotted to get the Aztec jewels.
1986: Another World's Felicia spoke at Zane's funeral.
1991: Days of our Lives' "Roman" reunited with Marlena.

"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...

1977: On Guiding Light, Eve Stapleton (Janet Grey) was released from Cedars Hospital.

1979: On The Edge of Night, Elliott couldn't (Lee Godart) resist Raven (Sharon Gabet) even though he was aghast she left the baby alone.

Today in Soap Opera History (July 17)

1981: Another World's Zachary confessed to murder.
1984: All My Children's Ross told Palmer about his father.
1989: Guiding Light's Josh and Reva finally tied the knot.
2003: One Life to Live's Natalie and Christian dreamed about getting 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...

1939: CBS Radio soap opera Woman of Courage premiered. Selena Royle starred as Martha Jackson, whose small-town life allegedly proved that "if ye have faith, nothing shall be impossible." The series, written by Carl Buss, ran until July 10, 1942.

1946: On syndicated radio soap opera Hearts in Harmony, Steve Parker and his fiancee Penny took a drive through the countryside around Rossville just a few days before their wedding.  Meanwhile, Jed told Johnny the FBI may be investigating Parker Industries. Hearts in Harmony premiered in 1941, and was sponsored by the Kroger grocery store chain.

Today in Soap Opera History (May 21)

1984: Guiding Light's Nola gave birth.
1986: Dynasty's Alexis took over Blake's possessions and he was not happy.
1999: Another World's Alli faced a ticking time bomb.
1999: Susan Lucci finally won her for Daytime Emmy Award.

"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, Jim (Leon Janney) convinced Russ (Joey Trent) to attend summer school.

1971: The first episode of Upstairs Downstairs was re-recorded in color after the original recording, which was in black and white, was lost.

Today in Soap Opera History (December 23)

1981: Rick and Lesley were married on General Hospital.
1987: Guiding Light's Amanda returned to Springfield.
1988: Sister Mary Joel made a decision about her future on Ryan's Hope.
2002: Y&R's Brittany was advised by a homeless woman named Sylvia.

"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...

1963: On The Edge of Night, Winston Grimsley (Walter Greaza) told Phil Capice (Ray MacDonnell) his complicated plan which would likely keep the Warrens from leaving town. Emory (Bill Berger) and Lyn (Gillian Spencer) Warren discussed their soon-to-be monetary situation and why they both had to be in superior physical and mental condition for their plan to work. Lyn was worried that Emory would leave her shortly after the baby was born, but Emory assured her that he was not going anywhere.

'All My Children' Reunion Coming to 'Live with Kelly and Ryan' for Halloween

All My Children stars Susan Lucci and Kelly Ripa played Erica and
Hayley in a sketch during a 2016 episode of Live with Kelly.

On Monday's episode of Live with Kelly and Ryan, host and former All My Children star Kelly Ripa revealed that there will be a Pine Valley reunion on the talk show next week.

Ripa played Hayley Vaughan on All My Children from 1990 to 2002, and reprised the role in 2010 during the show's final season on ABC. Among the former All My Children stars set to appear on the October 31st episode are Eva La Rue (Dr. Maria Santos) and Susan Lucci (Eric Kane). Lucci's iconic character will be reunited with Jackson Montgomery, this time played by Ripa's co-host Ryan Seacrest.

Ripa and Lucci has played "All My Children" before on Live with Kelly and Ryan. Check out a clip below from Lucci's 2016 appearance, which also features guest co-host Andy Cohen.

Today in Soap Opera History (October 6)

1986: Capitol's Clarissa found a voodoo doll in her bed.
1994: GH's Bobbie & Tony mourned BJ on her birthday.
2010: The "Train Crash" episode of Emmerdale.
2011: One Life to Live's Cord & Tina revisited the past.

"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...

1966: On Dark Shadows, Burke Devlin (Mitchell Ryan) told Carolyn (Nancy Barrett) that Roger Collins (Louis Edmonds) may have kept the expensive fountain pen for himself on the night Bill Malloy died.

Today in Soap Opera History (August 15)

1984: Guiding Light's Springfield celebrated Founders Day.
1985: GH's Anna & Robert plotted to get the Aztec jewels.
1986: Another World's Felicia spoke at Zane's funeral.
1991: Days of our Lives' "Roman" reunited with Marlena.

"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...

1977: On Guiding Light, Eve Stapleton (Janet Grey) was released from Cedars Hospital.

1979: On The Edge of Night, Elliott couldn't (Lee Godart) resist Raven (Sharon Gabet) even though he was aghast she left the baby alone.

Today in Soap Opera History (July 17)

1981: Another World's Zachary confessed to murder.
1984: All My Children's Ross told Palmer about his father.
1989: Guiding Light's Josh and Reva tied the knot.
2003: OLTL's Natalie and Christian dreamed about getting married

"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: CBS Radio soap opera Woman of Courage premiered. Selena Royle starred as Martha Jackson, whose small-town life allegedly proved that "if ye have faith, nothing shall be impossible." The series, written by Carl Buss, ran until July 10, 1942.

1946: On syndicated radio soap opera Hearts in Harmony, Steve Parker and his fiancee Penny took a drive through the countryside around Rossville just a few days before their wedding.  Meanwhile, Jed told Johnny the FBI may be investigating Parker Industries. Hearts in Harmony premiered in 1941, and was sponsored by the Kroger grocery store chain.

Today in Soap Opera History (May 21)

1984: Guiding Light's Nola gave birth. 1986: Dynasty's Alexis
took over Blake's possessions and he was not happy.
1999: Another World's Alli faced a ticking time bomb.
1999: Susan Lucci finally won her for Daytime Emmy Award.

"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...

1964: On Another World, Jim (Leon Janney) convinced Russ (Joey Trent) to attend summer school.

1971: The first episode of Upstairs Downstairs was re-recorded in color after the original recording, which was in black and white, was lost.

Today in Soap Opera History (December 23)

1981: GH's Rick and Lesley were married. 1987: GL's Amanda
returned to Springfield. 1988: RH's Sister Mary Joel made
a decision about her future.  2002: Y&R's Brittany was
advised by a homeless woman named Sylvia.

"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...

1963: On The Edge of Night, Winston Grimsley (Walter Greaza) told Phil Capice (Ray MacDonnell) his complicated plan which would likely keep the Warrens from leaving town. Emory (Bill Berger) and Lyn (Gillian Spencer) Warren discussed their soon-to-be monetary situation and why they both had to be in superior physical and mental condition for their plan to work. Lyn was worried that Emory would leave her shortly after the baby was born, but Emory assured her that he was not going anywhere.

Today in Soap Opera History (October 6)

1986: Capitol's Clarissa found a voodoo doll in her bed.
1994: GH's Bobbie & Tony mourned BJ on her birthday.
2010: The "Train Crash" episode of Emmerdale.
2011: One Life to Live's Cord & Tina revisited the past.

"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...

1966: On Dark Shadows, Burke Devlin (Mitchell Ryan) told Carolyn (Nancy Barrett) that Roger Collins (Louis Edmonds) may have kept the expensive fountain pen for himself on the night Bill Malloy died.

Mark LaMura Dead at 68

Emmy Award nominated actor Mark LaMura, who was best knownfor his long run as Mark Dalton on All My Children, passed away on Monday after a nearly two-year battle with lung cancer. He was 68.

LaMura joined the cast of All My Children in 1977 as Erica Kane's brotehr, and played role until 1989. He returned for special guest appearances in 1994, 1995 and 2005.

Susan Lucci, who played Erica on All My Children, posted her thoughts on Instagram.

"How can this be? I just received the shocking and deeply saddening news that wonderful Mark LaMura has passed away!" Lucci wrote. "Mark played my brother Mark on All My Children--he was such a talented and accomplished actor/ a bright and charming presence in all our AMC lives--and a really great guy. Mark was loved and he will be missed! RIP, my friend.🙏❤️🙏"

LaMura went on to makes appearances on As the World Turns (as Vic Robinson) and One Life to Live (as Douglas Kline).

LaMura earned an M.F.A. in Acting from Kent State's School of Theatre and Dance in 2000.

Today in Soap Opera History (August 15)

1984: Guiding Light's Springfield celebrated Founders Day.
1985: GH's Anna & Robert plotted to get the Aztec jewels.
1986: Another World's Felicia spoke at Zane's funeral.
1991: Days of our Lives' "Roman" reunited with Marlena.

"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...

1977: On Guiding Light, Eve Stapleton (Janet Grey) was released from Cedars Hospital. She would later go blind.

1979: On The Edge of Night, Elliott couldn't (Lee Godart) resist Raven (Sharon Gabet) even though he was aghast she left the baby alone.

Today in Soap Opera History (July 17)

1981: Another World's Zachary confessed to murder.
1984: All My Children's Ross told Palmer about his father.
1989: Guiding Light's Josh and Reva tied the knot.
2003: OLTL's Natalie and Christian dreamed about getting married

"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...

1939: CBS Radio soap opera Woman of Courage premiered. Selena Royle starred as Martha Jackson, whose small-town life allegedly proved that "if ye have faith, nothing shall be impossible." The series, written by Carl Buss, ran until July 10, 1942.

1946: On syndicated radio soap opera Hearts in Harmony, Steve Parker and his fiancee Penny took a drive through the countryside around Rossville just a few days before their wedding.  Meanwhile, Jed told Johnny the FBI may be investigating Parker Industries. Hearts in Harmony premiered in 1941, and was sponsored by the Kroger grocery store chain.

Today in Soap Opera History (May 21)

1984: Guiding Light's Nola gave birth. 1986: Dynasty's Alexis
took over Blake's possessions and he was not happy.
1999: Another World's Alli faced a ticking time bomb.
1999: Susan Lucci finally won her for Daytime Emmy Award.

"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...

1964: On Another World, Jim (Leon Janney) convinced Russ (Joey Trent) to attend summer school.

1971: The first episode of Upstairs Downstairs was re-recorded in color after the original recording, which was in black and white, was lost.

Susan Lucci Featured in New Progressive Ad Campaign

All My Children legend Susan Lucci is once again bringing the drama, this time for a new national advertising campaign for Progressive insurance, titled "The Turns We Take."

The four-part soap-opera-esque series includes three 30-second spots with Lucci, each with alternate endings. In the ad, a fur coat-wearing woman storms into a lavish room and tells a cardigan-clad gentleman that she's leaving him. "You haven't noticed me in two years!" she cries. "I was in a coma," he laments. Longtime Progressive spokeswoman Flo pops into the frame to helpfully mention that the insurer's Snapshot reward program for good drivers is a great way to show appreciation.

Right on cue, Lucci descends a grand staircase with a heart-stopping declaration. In one spot, she, too, wakes from a coma! In another, she realizes she can walk again! In all three, she's dismissed by the dude. "Go back to your room, Susan Lucci," he snarls. In addition to the four initial TV spots, Progressive will run 15-second promo clips on social media.

The new campaign, which debuted May 1, is in keeping with Progressive's continued strategy of what Chief Marketing Officer Jeff Charney has dubbed "memory lane marketing." The new spots should appeal to consumers who remember watching Lucci in her 41-year run as Erica Kane, and cut through the clutter of the competition by tapping into that emotional beat.

"We created the world's shortest soap opera -- complete with everything that makes a good soap opera, like captured emotion and cliffhangers," said Charney. "With today's generation, short bursts of content is what they're used to seeing."

Watch the alternative endings featuring Lucci below.

Casting Director Joan D'Incecco Has Passed Away

Joan D'Incecco

Legendary ABC daytime casting director Joan D'Incecco passed away on Friday, December 16.

D'Incecco graduated from Marquette University with a Ph.B. and received her M.S. from the University of Wisconsin, and served as a casting director for many television shows including Kojak, Car 54, Where are You? and The Patty Duke Show.

She later became casting director for ABC soap operas All My Children and One Life to Life, working over 20 years for the network.

She was best known for casting Susan Lucci as Erica Kane on All My Children. When she received her Emmy for the role in 1999, Lucci thanked D'Incecco, calling her "the legendary casting director, who saw me as more than just an ethnic type and saw that I could play Erica Kane."

Lucci spoke to NorthJersey.com last week about D'Incecco.

"At the time I was told I could not work in television because I was too ethnic looking -- I had dark eyes and an olive complexion -- but Joan was able to look past that and was very warm and encouraging," Lucci said, adding that D'Incecco made good on her promise to call her back in six months. At the second meeting, with Mrs. D'Incecco, show creator Agnes Nixon and other producers in attendance, Lucci won the part of Erica Kane.

Today in Soap Opera History (December 23)

1981: GH's Rick and Lesley were married. 1987: GL's Amanda
returned to Springfield. 1988: RH's Sister Mary Joel made
a decision about her future.  2002: Y&R's Brittany was
advised by a homeless woman named Sylvia.

"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...

1963: On The Edge of Night, Winston Grimsley (Walter Greaza) told Phil Capice (Ray MacDonnell) his complicated plan which would likely keep the Warrens from leaving town. Emory (Bill Berger) and Lyn (Gillian Spencer) Warren discussed their soon-to-be monetary situation and why they both had to be in superior physical and mental condition for their plan to work. Lyn was worried that Emory would leave her shortly after the baby was born, but Emory assured her that he was not going anywhere.

Today in Soap Opera History (October 6)

1986: Capitol's Clarissa found a voodoo doll in her bed.
1994: General Hospital's Bobbie &Tony mourned BJ on her
birthday. 2010: Emmerdale aired the "Train Crash" episode.
2011: One Life to Live's Cord & Tina revisited the past.

"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...

1966: On Dark Shadows, Burke Devlin (Mitchell Ryan) told Carolyn (Nancy Barrett) that Roger Collins (Louis Edmonds) may have kept the expensive fountain pen for himself on the night Bill Malloy died.

Lifetime Cancels 'Devious Maids' After Four Seasons

Susan Lucci gave viewers many laughs as Genevieve Delatour.

All My Children's Erica Kane was the role of a lifetime for Daytime Emmy-winning actress Susan Lucci, but she proved that she can shine just as bright in primetime with her hilarious performance as Genevieve Delatour in Lifetime's Devious Maids. Sadly, the network has announced it is canceling the series after four seasons.

The comedy-drama hailed from Desperate Housewives executive producer Marc Cherry. He originally developed the show for ABC, but Lifetime picked up the ABC Studios-produced drama to series after the network passed in 2012. Former The Young and the Restless star Eva Longoria also exec produced the show, and had directed on the series.

Lucci, Ana Ortiz, Dania Ramirez, Roselyn Sanchez, Judy Reyes, Rebecca Wisocky, Tom Irwin and Grant Show starred in the hourlong series for all four seasons.

The cancellation also comes after a major rebranding for the A+E-owned cable network. Earlier this year, Lifetime launched a new on-air look promoting female empowerment and tied to the word "fempire." The campaign is built around younger and edgier programming in the same vein as brilliant drama UnREAL.