Today in Soap Opera History (April 13)

1979: Guiding Light's Diane uncovered revealing information.
1981: Another World's Mac didn't care about Sandy's past.
1987: Diana Colville (Genie Francis) arrived on Days of our Lives.
1992: All My Children's Janet found a Lamaze coach.

"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 radio soap opera Backstage Wife, Mary (Vivian Fridell) received a call from a gossip columnist who questioned her about her separation from Larry. Katharine Monroe criticized Peter Dillon for being interested in Sandra Page, and Dillon exited enraged. Mary and Larry discussed their separation.

1955: On Hawkins Falls, Lona (Bernadine Flynn) worried about her husband's health and later convinced Millie to visit Gary Minden at the hospital; Millie described what she wanted from a relationship; Mitch debated with Virgil about the layout for a candy ad; and Mitch informed Dr. Corey that he had been turned down for additional life insurance. Dr. Corey admitted that he needed to change his lifestyle for the sake of his health, but he refused to do it and insisted that Lona not be informed about his health problem.

Today in Soap Opera History (September 29)

1969: Bright Promise premiered on NBC.
1978: The final episode of For Richer, For Poorer aired on NBC.
1986: Another World's Marley and Jake were married.
1989: Terry Lester debuted as Mason Capwell on Santa Barbara.

"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...

1947: Radio soap opera Claudia premiered. Due in large part to the success of the two Claudia movies, the D'Arcy advertising agency decided to bring the characters to radio in a five-a-week quarter-hour serial on behalf of its client, Coca-Cola. Kathryn Bard was cast as Claudia and Paul Crabtree as David, with Joe King announcing.

1969: Bright Promise premiered on NBC at 3:30 p.m. ET. NBC and Bing Crosby Productions in Hollywood came up with this daytime vehicle for Dana Andrews, created by Frank and Doris Hursley (creators of General Hospital) and directed originally by Gloria Monty (The Secret Storm, General Hospital). Andrews played Tom Boswell, president of Bancroft College, with support from Coleen Gray, Ivor Francis, Richard Eastham, Susan Brown and Paul Lukather. After Andrews left and the show changed format, the ratings rose but not enough, and the show ended on March 31, 1972

Today in Soap Opera History (April 13)

1979: Guiding Light's Diane uncovered revealing information.
1981: Another World's Mac didn't care about Sandy's past.
1987: Diana Colville (Genie Francis) arrived on Days of our Lives.
1992: All My Children's Janet found a Lamaze coach.

"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 radio soap opera Backstage Wife, Mary (Vivian Fridell) received a call from a gossip columnist who questioned her about her separation from Larry. Katharine Monroe criticized Peter Dillon for being interested in Sandra Page, and Dillon exited enraged. Mary and Larry discussed their separation.

1955: On Hawkins Falls, Lona (Bernadine Flynn) worried about her husband's health and later convinced Millie to visit Gary Minden at the hospital; Millie described what she wanted from a relationship; Mitch debated with Virgil about the layout for a candy ad; and Mitch informed Dr. Corey that he had been turned down for additional life insurance. Dr. Corey admitted that he needed to change his lifestyle for the sake of his health, but he refused to do it and insisted that Lona not be informed about his health problem.

Today in Soap Opera History (September 29)

1969: Bright Promise premiered on NBC.
1978: The final episode of For Richer, For Poorer aired on NBC.
1986: Another World's Marley and Jake were married.
1989: Terry Lester debuted as Mason Capwell on Santa Barbara.

"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...

1947: Radio soap opera Claudia premiered. Due in large part to the success of the two Claudia movies, the D'Arcy advertising agency decided to bring the characters to radio in a five-a-week quarter-hour serial on behalf of its client, Coca-Cola. Kathryn Bard was cast as Claudia and Paul Crabtree as David, with Joe King announcing.

1969: Bright Promise premiered on NBC at 3:30 p.m. ET. NBC and Bing Crosby Productions in Hollywood came up with this daytime vehicle for Dana Andrews, created by Frank and Doris Hursley (creators of General Hospital) and directed originally by Gloria Monty (The Secret Storm, General Hospital). Andrews played Tom Boswell, president of Bancroft College, with support from Coleen Gray, Ivor Francis, Richard Eastham, Susan Brown and Paul Lukather. After Andrews left and the show changed format, the ratings rose but not enough, and the show ended on March 31, 1972

Today in Soap Opera History (April 13)

1979: Guiding Light's Diane uncovered revealing information.
1981: Another World's Mac didn't care about Sandy's past.
1987: Diana Colville (Genie Francis) arrived on Days of our Lives.
1992: All My Children's Janet found a Lamaze coach.

"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 radio soap opera Backstage Wife, Mary (Vivian Fridell) received a call from a gossip columnist who questioned her about her separation from Larry. Katharine Monroe criticized Peter Dillon for being interested in Sandra Page, and Dillon exited enraged. Mary and Larry discussed their separation.

1955: On Hawkins Falls, Lona (Bernadine Flynn) worried about her husband's health and later convinced Millie to visit Gary Minden at the hospital; Millie described what she wanted from a relationship; Mitch debated with Virgil about the layout for a candy ad; and Mitch informed Dr. Corey that he had been turned down for additional life insurance. Dr. Corey admitted that he needed to change his lifestyle for the sake of his health, but he refused to do it and insisted that Lona not be informed about his health problem.

Today in Soap Opera History (September 29)

1969: Bright Promise premiered on NBC.
1978: The final episode of For Richer, For Poorer aired on NBC.
1986: Another World's Marley and Jake were married.
1989: Terry Lester debuted as Mason Capwell on Santa Barbara.

"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...

1947: Radio soap opera Claudia premiered. Due in large part to the success of the two Claudia movies, the D'Arcy advertising agency decided to bring the characters to radio in a five-a-week quarter-hour serial on behalf of its client, Coca-Cola. Kathryn Bard was cast as Claudia and Paul Crabtree as David, with Joe King announcing.

1969: Bright Promise premiered on NBC at 3:30 p.m. ET. NBC and Bing Crosby Productions in Hollywood came up with this daytime vehicle for Dana Andrews, created by Frank and Doris Hursley (creators of General Hospital) and directed originally by Gloria Monty (The Secret Storm, General Hospital). Andrews played Tom Boswell, president of Bancroft College, with support from Coleen Gray, Ivor Francis, Richard Eastham, Susan Brown and Paul Lukather. After Andrews left and the show changed format, the ratings rose but not enough, and the show ended on March 31, 1972

Today in Soap Opera History (April 13)

1979: Guiding Light's Diane uncovered revealing information.
1981: Another World's Mac didn't care about Sandy's past.
1987: Diana Colville (Genie Francis) arrived on Days of our Lives.
1992: All My Children's Janet found a Lamaze coach.

"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 radio soap opera Backstage Wife, Mary (Vivian Fridell) received a call from a gossip columnist who questioned her about her separation from Larry. Katharine Monroe criticized Peter Dillon for being interested in Sandra Page, and Dillon exited enraged. Mary and Larry discussed their separation.

1955: On Hawkins Falls, Lona (Bernadine Flynn) worried about her husband's health and later convinced Millie to visit Gary Minden at the hospital; Millie described what she wanted from a relationship; Mitch debated with Virgil about the layout for a candy ad; and Mitch informed Dr. Corey that he had been turned down for additional life insurance. Dr. Corey admitted that he needed to change his lifestyle for the sake of his health, but he refused to do it and insisted that Lona not be informed about his health problem.

Today in Soap Opera History (September 29)

1969: Bright Promise premiered on NBC.
1978: The final episode of For Richer, For Poorer aired on NBC.
1986: Another World's Marley and Jake were married.
1989: Terry Lester debuted as Mason Capwell on Santa Barbara.

"History, despite its wrenching pain, cannot be unlived, but if faced with courage, need not be lived again."
― Maya Angelou

"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.

On this date in...

1947: Radio soap opera Claudia premiered. Due in large part to the success of the two Claudia movies, the D'Arcy advertising agency decided to bring the characters to radio in a five-a-week quarter-hour serial on behalf of its client, Coca-Cola. Kathryn Bard was cast as Claudia and Paul Crabtree as David, with Joe King announcing.

1969: Bright Promise premiered on NBC at 3:30 p.m. ET. NBC and Bing Crosby Productions in Hollywood came up with this daytime vehicle for Dana Andrews, created by Frank and Doris Hursley (creators of General Hospital) and directed originally by Gloria Monty (The Secret Storm, General Hospital). Andrews played Tom Boswell, president of Bancroft College, with support from Coleen Gray, Ivor Francis, Richard Eastham, Susan Brown and Paul Lukather. After Andrews left and the show changed format, the ratings rose but not enough, and the show ended on March 31, 1972

Today in Soap Opera History (April 13)

1979: Guiding Light's Diane uncovered revealing information.
1981: Another World's Mac didn't care about Sandy's past.
1987: Diana Colville (Genie Francis) arrived on Days of our Lives.
1992: All My Children's Janet found a Lamaze coach.

"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 radio soap opera Backstage Wife, Mary (Vivian Fridell) received a call from a gossip columnist who questioned her about her separation from Larry. Katharine Monroe criticized Peter Dillon for being interested in Sandra Page, and Dillon exited enraged. Mary and Larry discussed their separation.

1955: On Hawkins Falls, Lona (Bernadine Flynn) worried about her husband's health and later convinced Millie to visit Gary Minden at the hospital; Millie described what she wanted from a relationship; Mitch debated with Virgil about the layout for a candy ad; and Mitch informed Dr. Corey that he had been turned down for additional life insurance. Dr. Corey admitted that he needed to change his lifestyle for the sake of his health, but he refused to do it and insisted that Lona not be informed about his health problem.

Today in Soap Opera History (September 29)

1969: Bright Promise premiered. 1978: For Richer, For 
Poorer ended.  1989: Terry Lester debuted on Santa 
Barbara. 1995: Another World's Vicky hoped Ryan
would survive being shot.

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

"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.

On this date in...

1947: Radio soap opera Claudia premiered. Due in large part to the success of the two Claudia movies, the D'Arcy advertising agency decided to bring the characters to radio in a five-a-week quarter-hour serial on behalf of its client, Coca-Cola. Kathryn Bard was cast as Claudia and Paul Crabtree as David, with Joe King announcing.

1969: Daytime soap opera Bright Promise premiered on NBC. The daytime soap opera ran at 3:30 p.m. ET until March 31, 1972. The show revolved around students and faculty at the fictional Bancroft College and was created by Frank and Doris Hursley. The show starred Dana Andrews, and Anthony Geary would later join the cast. Bright Promise actress Gail Kobe would become the executive producer of its replacement show, Return to Peyton Place.

Today in Soap Opera History (April 13)

"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...

Bernadine Flynn

1939: On radio soap opera BACKSTAGE WIFE, Mary (Vivian Fridell) received a call from a gossip columnist who questioned her about her separation from Larry. Katharine Monroe criticized Peter Dillon for being interested in Sandra Page, and Dillon exited enraged. Mary and Larry discussed their separation.

1955: On HAWKINS FALLS, Lona (Bernadine Flynn) worried about her husband's health and later convinced Millie to visit Gary Minden at the hospital; Millie described what she wanted from a relationship; Mitch debated with Virgil about the layout for a candy ad; and Mitch informed Dr. Corey that he had been turned down for additional life insurance. Dr. Corey admitted that he needed to change his lifestyle for the sake of his health, but he refused to do it and insisted that Lona not be informed about his health problem.

Today in Soap Opera History (September 29)

1969: BRIGHT PROMISE premiered. 1978: FOR RICHER, FOR
POORER ended its run.  1989: Terry Lester debuted on SANTA
BARBARA. 1995: ANOTHER WORLD's Vicky hoped Ryan
would recover.

"In history, a great volume is unrolled for our instruction, drawing the materials of future wisdom from the past errors and infirmities of mankind."
― Edmund Burke

"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: Radio soap opera CLAUDIA premiered. Due in large part to the success of the two Claudia movies, the D'Arcy advertising agency decided to bring the characters to radio in a five-a-week quarter-hour serial on behalf of its client, Coca-Cola. Kathryn Bard was cast as Claudia and Paul Crabtree as David, with Joe King announcing.

1969: BRIGHT PROMISE premiered on NBC. The daytime soap opera ran at 3:30 p.m. ET until March 31, 1972. The show revolved around students and faculty at the fictional Bancroft College and was created by Frank and Doris Hursley. The show starred Dana Andrews, and Anthony Geary would later join the cast. BRIGHT PROMISE actress Gail Kobe would become the executive producer of its replacement show, RETURN TO PEYTON PLACE.

Today in Soap Opera History (April 13)

On this date in...

Bernadine Flynn

1939: On radio soap opera BACKSTAGE WIFE, Mary (Vivian Fridell) received a call from a gossip columnist who questioned her about her separation from Larry. Katharine Monroe criticized Peter Dillon for being interested in Sandra Page, and Dillon exited enraged. Mary and Larry discussed their separation.

1955: On HAWKINS FALLS, Lona (Bernadine Flynn) worried about her husband's health and later convinced Millie to visit Gary Minden at the hospital; Millie described what she wanted from a relationship; Mitch debated with Virgil about the layout for a candy ad; and Mitch informed Dr. Corey that he had been turned down for additional life insurance. Dr. Corey admitted that he needed to change his lifestyle for the sake of his health, but he refused to do it and insisted that Lona not be informed about his health problem.

THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS Classic Photo Of The Day (10th Anniversary)

In honor of the upcoming 40th anniversary of THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS (YR40), We Love Soaps will be posting a "Classic Photo of the Day" for the rest of the month. Today's photo is from the show's 10th anniversary in 1983 with the men of Y&R surrounding original cast member Julianna McCarthy (Liz Foster): Terry Lester (Jack Abbott), Jay Kerr (Brian Forbes), Christopher Holder (Kevin Bancroft), Steven Ford (Andy Richards), John Denos (Joe Blair) and Michael Damian (Danny Romalotti).

Thanks to Rob Wargo for the photo.

Today in Soap Opera History (September 29)

On this date in...

1947: Radio soap opera CLAUDIA premiered.  Due in large part to the success of the two Claudia movies, the D'Arcy advertising agency decided to bring the characters to radio in a five-a-week quarter-hour serial on behalf of its client, Coca-Cola. Kathryn Bard was cast as Claudia and Paul Crabtree as David, with Joe King announcing.

1969: BRIGHT PROMISE premiered on NBC. The daytime soap opera ran at 3:30 p.m. ET until March 31, 1972. The show revolved around students and faculty at the fictional Bancroft College and was created by Frank and Doris Hursley. The show starred Dana Andrews, and Anthony Geary would later join the cast. BRIGHT PROMISE actress Gail Kobe would become the executive producer of its replacement show, RETURN TO PEYTON PLACE.

50 Greatest Soap Couples: #32 Mason & Julia From SANTA BARBARA

COUPLE: Mason Capwell & Julia Wainwright
SHOW: SANTA BARBARA
RANK: 32
PLAYED BY:
Mason: Lane Davies, Terry Lester, Gordon Thomson
Julia: Nancy Lee Grahn
YEARS: 1986-1993

STORY:
Julia came to Santa Barbara to help her blind sister, Augusta (Louise Sorel).  When she met Mason he mistook her for a prostitute.  Both Mason and Julia were unlucky in love so Julia decided to have a baby asking Mason to be the father.  Mason agreed and during the process of making that happen they eventually fell in love (although neither would admit it).  Julia did become pregnant, and Mason proposed to Tori (Kristen Meadows).   Julia and Mason, both sharp-minded lawyers who fought as well as they made love, eventually admitted their feelings and came together.

Today in Soap Opera History (April 13)

On this date in...

1939: On radio soap opera BACKSTAGE WIFE, Mary received a call from a gossip columnist who questioned her about her separation from Larry. Katharine Monroe criticized Peter Dillon for being interested in Sandra Page, and Dillon exited enraged. Mary and Larry discussed their separation.

1950: Terry Lester (Jack, THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS; Mason, SANTA BARBARA; Royce, AS THE WORLD TURNS) was born. He died in 2003 at age 53.

1955: On HAWKINS FALLS, Lona worried about her husband's health and later convinced Millie to visit Gary Minden at the hospital; Millie described what she wanted from a relationship; Mitch debated with Virgil about the layout for a candy ad; and Mitch informed Dr. Corey that he had been turned down for additional life insurance. Dr. Corey admitted that he needed to change his lifestyle for the sake of his health, but he refused to do it and insisted that Lona not be informed about his health problem.

1973: On THE EDGE OF NIGHT, Adam explained to Liz that Jessup wanted her dead.

CLASSIC CLIPS: Terry Lester

Terry Lester came in at #25 on the 50 Greatest Soap Actors of All Time list. Here are some classic clips of Lester's work on THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS, SANTA BARBARA and AS THE WORLD TURNS.

AIRPORT 75: It's not a soap but no Lester retrospective would be complete without his appearance in the classic film.
1982: Jack comes home to find an upset Patty (Lilibet Stern).

1984: Jack and Lindsey have dinner.
1984: Patty (Andrea Evans) and Jack are getting a divorce.

1984: Patty shoots Jack.
1986: Jack gets a gun.

1987: Jack wants to put his feelings for Victor aside to help Nikki.
1987: Jack wants Nikki to fight for her life.

1990: Mason storms into Derek's suite to talk with Julia.
1990: Mason and Julia go on a vacation.

1991: A Mason and Julia fantasy.
1991: Not in English but in the same SANTA BARBARA episode Terry Lester went down and when Mason got back up he was played by Gordon Thompson.

1993: Michael pays an unwanted visit to Royce.
1993: Neal is dead.

1993: Royce doesn't want to tell Lucinda about Neal.
1994: Royce meets Samantha.

50 Greatest Soap Actors: #25 Terry Lester

NAME: Terry Lester
RANK: 25
SOAP ROLES: Royce Keller, AS THE WORLD TURNS (1992-1994); Mason Capwell, SANTA BARBARA (1989-1990); Jack Abbott, THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS (1980-1989); Rudy Millington, DALLAS (1979)

AWARDS:
1988 Soap Opera Digest Award nomination for Outstanding Actor in a Leading Role: Daytime
1987 Daytime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series
1986 Daytime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series
1986 Soap Opera Digest Award nomination for Outstanding Actor in a Leading Role on a Daytime Serial
1986 Soap Opera Digest Award nomination for Outstanding Villain on a Daytime Serial
1985 Daytime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series
1984 Daytime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Actor in a Daytime Drama Series

FLASHBACK: Lauralee Bell Responds to Terry Lester's Claims 1989

YOUNG AND RESTLESS LAURALEE BELL CONFRONTS ACTOR'S SILVER-SPOON

By Lynda Hirsch
Daily News of Los Angeles (CA)
October 22, 1989

For two months, YOUNG AND RESTLESS actress Lauralee Bell (Cricket) has read interviews with former cast member Terry Lester (Jack, now Mason on SANTA BARBARA) that quoted Lester's discontent with the amount of air time Bell has been given, alluding to her limited acting experience and the fact that her father, Bill Bell, produces the show and is the head writer.

For the past two months, Bell has refused opportunities to write an open letter in fan magazines and to give interviews. She has even declined to answer questions about it.